son have entered into, to the State
of Maryland, from whence you will no doubt receive remittance, as soon
as the British ships of war now in the Chesapeake Bay will permit. It
is a singular misfortune to us, and very injurious to the commerce of
France, that we have not two or three line of battle ships, which,
with our frigates and armed vessels, would keep open our navigation in
despite of Great Britain, but at present one heavy ship affords
protection to two or three frigates, that would otherwise be easily
removed, and they place themselves so as to shut up the entrance into
our principal trading States.

Prior to the Declaration of Independence, as it was not certain how
soon our quarrel with Great Britain might be at an end, our armies
were enlisted for short periods, and General Howe, having received
information of the time, when the troops would have it in their power
to go home, seized that opportunity for marching through the Jerseys;
but his career was stopped at the Delaware, and he has since paid
severely for that visit.

Since the 24th of December, the enemy have lost more than two thousand
men in killed and made prisoners, they have been glad to recall their
troops from Rhode Island to defend New York from the attack of an
army under General Heath, and their whole force in the Jerseys is now
collected on the Brunswick Heights, where they are nearly surrounded
by General Washington's army, and greatly distressed for forage, fuel,
and other necessaries.

We enclose you the late newspapers for your perusal, and remain, sir,
your most obedient humble servants.

B. HARRISON,
R. H. LEE.

* * * * *

THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE TO THE COMMISSIONERS.

Baltimore, 2d February, 1777.

Gentlemen,

You will receive enclosed copies of our letters of the 21st and 30th
of December, and of the resolves of Congress accompanying them. It
concerns us not less than we are sure it will you, that you should
have heard so seldom from us, but the vigilance of the British
cruisers has prevented our most earnest solicitude for this purpose.
The manner, in which they now conduct their business, proves the
necessity of the request made by Congress for the loan or sale of a
few capital ships. The entrance into the Delawar