Head Quarters, March 12, 1778.
Sir: I have received your Letter of the 9th. inst. and congratulate you on the success which crowned your gallantry and address, in the late Attack upon the Enemy's Ships. 4 Altho circumstances have prevented you from reaping the full benefit of your conquest, there is ample consolation in the degree of Glory which you have acquired. You will be pleased to accept of my sincere thanks for the good things which you have been so polite as to send me, with my wishes that suitable Success may always attend your Bravery. I am, etc.
[Note:Barry had captured two British armed ships and a schooner, loaded with forage, entrenching tools, etc. From the cargoes he sent Washington a cheese and a jar of pickled oysters. ]
P.S. As the Intrenching Tools are of great value, you will be so good as to reserve them, and take particular care of them. 5
[Note:ln the writing of John Laurens. ]