It being of great importance to the future safety of Philadelphia, and to the Public good that the defences on the River Delaware should not fall into the enemies hands, or their fleet be suffered to get up to the City, orders are this day sent to the Commander of the Continental armed Vessels to be subordinate to your Command in defending the River.

   We have no doubt but that your joint and vigourous efforts will be employed to defend the passage of the River to the last extreamity and if at last it must be given up, it is expected that you will assist in removing the Troops from Fort Mifflin to a place of safety. Your knowledge of the River will best enable you to determine where it may be necessary to sink vessels or other obstructions in Order to supply the vacancies between the Cheveaux de frize already sunk, and to prevent the enemy from bringing many Vessels to bear against the Fort. Such Vessels as are necessary for the above purpose you are hereby authorized to take and supply.