To BRIGADIER GENERAL JAMES POTTER Head Quarters, Valley Forge, December 21, 1777. Dear Sir: Major Clark has wrote to me several times about some provision that a Mr. Trumbull was sending into Philadelphia by his permission as a cover to procure intelligence. This provision was siezed by Colo. Ranking and has been since detained by him. I desire you will give orders to have it delivered, for unless we now and then make use of such means to get admittance into the City we cannot expect to obtain intelligence. I think it of the greatest consequence to have what Hay remains upon the Islands above the mouth of Derby Creek destroyed, especially if what you heard of the former Magazine of Hay being spoiled is true. At any rate, as we cannot remove it, I think it should be done as speedily as possible, as we shall probably oblige them to come out into the Country to forage, which will perhaps give us an opportunity of cutting off a party. The mode I leave intirely to Colo. Morgan and yourself. I am informed that there are parties cutting wood every day on this side the Schuylkill. I do not doubt but they might easily be drove in, but I think destroying the Hay ought to be first attended to. I am &ca. 54