[Head of Elk, December 13, 1776]
Mr Auchinlick
In absence of Capt. Cook I would recommend to you to consider the necessity of immediately sending off all the Defence's hands that lays in your power. I will assist your officer that you shall think proper to send wlth them. Please to show this to Mr Purviance and consult him on the occasion th,at he may send word of to the Council of Safety. I shall make the best of my way 't,o Philadelphia. I am yours &c.
Jas Nicholson
1. Correspondence of Council of Safety, Md. Arch.