Newtown [Square, Pa.]
Decr 22d 1777-2 oClock P.M.

sir

I have just returned from Springfield, having met one of my Spies on the Road, he informs me Genl Sr Wm Howe, Sr Wm Erskine & a number of other Generals are with the party at Derby, refreshing the Troops-they have a very formidable Body with them-my Spy was taken by their advanced Guard one Mile this side Derby, on the Springfield Road-& carried to the Generals at Derby-they've made great many fires-one of their Guides assured my Spy they were only forageing, & meant to proceed towards Chester, I now observe a considerable smoke towards Providence Meeting House-Intelligence from another says they've 200 Waggons with them-I shall order my Spy to return & bring me further information-wou'd to God! I had only a few good Light Dragoons-I will now take a tour in their front-no Waggons had passed Derby before my Spy came away. I am in haste with the greatest Attachment your Excellency's Obedt

Jno: Clark Jun.