Saturday Night, 20th Decr 1777
8 oClock P.M.

sir

I wrote you last Night, & informed you that I expected a Spy from the City every hour1-he has this moment come to me, & brings intelligence that near 1000 of the Enemy, crossed over to Jersey yesterday with six feild pieces from 4 to 6 pounders, with design to let the Country people have the benefit of the Market, the Militia hitherto having prevented-this Day, about 30 Waggons escorted by 100 Hessians, went a forageing towards Derby & returned loaded with Hay & Rye straw without interruption, I was reconnoitring & got notice of it, but 'twas too late to inform you, had there been any Troops in this quarter I cou'd have caught them easily-they are busy intrenching at the other side Schuylkill as mentioned in my last-& they intend to make another forageing excursion haul all the Wood they've cut, over the River, & then pull up or destroy the Bridge & remain quiet in winter quarters for the remainder of the Season-this you may Rely on, My Boy has just return'd & I'm distress'd to get this deliver'd you as my Horse is tir'd-If Morgans Corps was stationed here or near this, I'd venture to keep them usefully employed-but without some Troops sufficient to check the Enemy 'tis in vain for me to get information for e'er it reaches you, the opportunity's are lost-I send you a paper of this Date with a little news & am much fatigued-I am your affectionate and obedt

Jno: Clark Junr

P.S. Mr Lewis has lent me a Horse-(if Baron Arndt wou'd return his Mare he wou'd be much obliged & begs me to remind your Excellency) to carry this to you