Sir

I would give you a relation of Capn, [John] Linsey, proceeding at the Islands since your going from here. On Sunday [May 28] he recd a reinforcement by a Schooner from Boston, & proceeded from thence to the West End of the Island where they took off about Two Hundred Sheep; chiefly from Tuckers Island which belonged to John Wing  from there they came down to the cove & ordered the Sheep there to be yarded which was accordingly done, but it being near Night they concluded to leave them in the Yard until morning. They really insulted abused & threatned the People for their backwardness in assisting them. In the Night word was brought off to Falmouth of the above proceedings (by [Elisha] Nye who immediately went back to take care of his Family) on which a Number of men well equipt immediately went on the Island; before there arrival at the cove the Sheep were turned out of the Yard into the Woods. The People from the Ship had been on Shore & on finding the Sheep were gone were stil more enraged & took all the arms they could find, 6 Calves, & the Hoggs and carried them off. When the People from Falmouth got to the cove (which was before Day) they Placed themselves in the Bushes & lay undiscovered. In the morning the Boat came on Shore with the Doctor Boatswain &c; whom they might have taken had they not expected the Capn. ashore soon, however the Boat soon went back without going to the House & both Vessels immediately weighed Anchor & went Dow:n to Homes' Hole where they lay last Night at Anchor. Capn [Barachiah] Bassett is now on the Island with about 50 Men, & will Tarry to Guard the Stock until we have the advice of the congress what method is best to take. By the best account there is not less than Four Thousand Sheep & between Two & three Hundred Homed cattle & a Number of Horses in the Island of Naushaun & Perhaps nigh as many on the other Islands. It is generally Judged That Fifty or Sixty Men Placed on the Island at Tarpaulin Cove would Guard the above Stock. It is certainly impracticable to bring it off & it must most certainly either be destroyed where it is or fall into the Hands of our Enemies. Which is best the Congress must Judge. Their Determination we should be Glad of as soon as Possible for we fear the men now there will be impatient to come off unless they are put under Pay. Capn Bassett is perhaps the best officer that can be placed there His Courage & Conduct have been heretofore well approved, & he is moreover well acquainted with the Ground on the Island which must certainly be of great advantage. There went a Number of men from This Town Some of whom are (we conclude now on the Island)  We hope the Congress will let us have there advice & Determination as Soon as Possible and Pray that in all their Determinations they will be Councelled by the Supream Councellor & are Sir [&c.]

To Coll Nathel Freeman to be communicated to the Congress