Spy System 1777: Clark to Washington, October 6, 1777, 10 o'clock at night

Octr 6th 1777 10 oClock P.M

My dear General

I wrote you by Express at 5 this Evening which I hope you have reced-A Gent. an intimate acquaintance this moment arrived from Philadelphia (his name I must conceal for particular reasons) which place he left at 11 oClock this Day-& confirms what I wrote you & further Ads-Gen. Knyphausen is wounded in the hand-Genl D[e]peisters son an A.D.C. is killed as also Cols. Abercrombie, Bird, Walcot, & many others of the first character-my informant also says he was at German Town saw about 50 killed-but some one came up & told him & Company who were with him-that they cou'd not be permitted to go on the field of action as 'twas too disagreeable a sight-he says the Enemy suffered prodigiously-he heard many Officers say that you had completely surprised them notwithstanding a deserter gave notice of Your design-he says the Enemy have got possession of red Bank & Billingsport are fortifying & transporting their heavy Cannon consisting of 12 & 18 pounders-that they have got up the lower tier of the Chevaux de frize-Provisions are scarce with them-Gen. Howe has ordered the Inhabitants to patrole every Night through the City-Mr Chews House shot to pieces-my friend says hes never saw such shocking sights-all the Troops were in action except a few Guards-he ads if the Troops had arrived at the middle Ferry earlier 'twou'd have prevented the Enemy's reinforcement from the City joining the main body. People go & come as usual into the City from this County-If a few Troops were sent down the Schuylkill it wou'd prevent-I am further informed the number of prisoners taken amounts to about 400-the Enemy's Waggons are constantly going towards Chester-This information you may depend on. I am Your Excellencies Most Obedt Very humble Servt

Jno. Clark Junr

The Enemy were cannonading our Fort when he came away.