Letter from William Howe, Philadelphia, to John Robinson, 1777 December 13: manuscript signed.

Concerning political and financial matters in New York and Philadelphia; saying "On leaving New York last July I found it necessary to appoint a Superintendent, and several subordinate Officers, to regulate the Imports to that Place, to provide for the Wants of His Majesty's Subjects in allegiance, and to guard against such Commodities, as might be useful to the Rebels, being conveyed into the Country - In making these appointments a Preference was given to Andrew Elliot Esq're Collector of the Port, and to such Officers of the Customs as he could recommend for their activity and Integrity. Since my arrival at this Place, I have found it equally necessary to make an arrangement as Similar as Circumstances will admit to those at New York, regulating the Landing and Sale of Goods imported, and for establishing a Police, under the Direction of the most respectable Citizens, who have distinguished themselves by their Sufferings and attachment to Government. My Proclamations, Instructions, and most material Correspondence relative to these new Institutions, are forwarded for their Lordship's Information, that the Motives upon which they have been formed may be particularly known."