1st Delaware Regiment

Letter from JOHN HASLET TO CAESAR RODNEY:

Sir Lewes 6th July 1776— I did myself the favor to write you by Mr. Bell, how much I was embar rassed by the Order of Congress directing two Companies to Cape May; hope to receive your Answer by this days Post Last thursday Evening Arrived here Genl. Dagworthy, Jones & a Band of Patriots from Broad-Creek, who depose & say, that an Open Correspondence is carried on for the purposes of trade with Lord Dunmore, that he daily recruits his shattered Bands among them, that the tories seem rather Irritated than reformed, a copy of their Depositions is inclosed by the Council to the Presidt. on their Request I have ordered down one Company of the Delawares, & on my request they ordered down their Fragment of Independants, a Copy of my Orders to the officers, who commands the Detachment is inclosed to you; & hope (from the Patriotism of the Council for Kent,) my sending their arms so much farther will be pardoned, as 'tis still within the Government. I wou'd fondly hope my Tardiness in obeying the Cape May Order, will not be supposed to Originate in any other Principle, than mentioned in my last to you. for God's sake, let us have Arms. May we not have those saved by Capt. Barry from the Brig? will it not be in your power to engaged for us Rifles to complete One Company, now Pennsylvania is supplied.

I congratulate You, Sir, on the Important Day, which restores to Every American his Brithright: a Day which Every Freeman will record with Gratitude, & the Millions of Posterity read with rapture. Ens. Wilson arrived here last night, a fine Feast at Dover anticipated & announced the Declaration of Congress, Even the Barrister himself laid aside his Airs of Reserve, mighty happy.

I must beg pardon for having taken up so much of your time with Small Matters. & am with great Esteem & Respect yr

JOHN HASLET