By &c. &c.
Whereas I have thought fit to Station the Pearl between Chester and Reedy Island for the purpose of protecting the Navigation of the River; You are hereby directed to proceed thither in the said Ship with all possible dispatch, and Use your best endeavors to take or destroy the Rebel Armed Boats that infest the Mouths of the Creeks in that part of the River; and also to afford Assistance and protection to His Majesty's well effected Subjects going up and down the River, with proper Passes, to Supply the Town of Philadelphia with Provisions.
When any Transports or other Vessels may be coming up the River without Convoy, and not of sufficient Force to protect themselves from the Enemy's Gun-Boats, You are to take them under your protection and escort them within sight of the Experiment at Billingsport, Sir James Wallace being directed to take Charge of such Vessels from the Pearl, as you are likewise to do from Captn. Phipps1 of the Camilla, who is stationed below You from Reedy Island to the Shoals of the Bay.
And whereas a Body of Troops under Colonel Mawhood2 are embarked in Transports, and a number of small Vessels have been sent down the River, Conducted by Captn. Watt3 of the Delaware, for the purpose of making Descents on the Enemy's Shore to procure Forage for the Army, You are as much as possible to keep the Enemy's Gun-Boats and Armed Craft from Wilmington and other places from molesting the Fleet, and in case of Application from Captn. Watt, you are to be particular in rendering them every Assistance and protection that may be in your power.
You are to endeavour to gain Intelligence of the Motions of the Enemy; and to acquaint me of your proceedings by every favourable opportunity.—
Given &ca. [on board the Roebuck at Philadelphia] 10th. March 1778.