Dear Sir

I have sent you four Men who will engage to bring two or three Pieces of Cannon down the Rapids in a Batteau at Night. This is of great Consequence, and while you are bombarding the Fort at St Johns we may do the like at Chamblee. A small Guard might be sent to Mr Hazens [Moses Hazen] in Case they should be attacked by Batteaus from St Johns. Col. Allen crossed over from Lingale the Day before yesterday to attack the Town with a Party of his Men & Canadians. Genl Prescott hearing of his coming engaged a Number of People from the suburbs at a Half Joha a Man to go out agt Allen. They met near a League from Town where a smart Engagement insued, which lasted upwards of two Hours. They had two Field Pieces, and our Party after a long Engagement were obliged to retire, tho the Enemy by all Accounts came off second best. I have sent of[f] Mr Ohara [Henry O'Hara] Express to Longale to learn the true State of this Battle. The Canadians that have returned to me from the Battle agree in general that Mr Allen is either dead or taken Prisoner. This, if true, is a Blow upon us. Tomorrow we propose to have a Consultation at Longale. Our greatest Misfortune is the Want of Ammunition Mr Allen should never have attempted to attack the Town without my Knowledge, or acquainting me of his Design, as I had it in my Power to furnish him with a Number of Men. This Retreat of our Men may be a Hurt to us and weaken our Party. I have just sent down the River for a Reinforcement, and will keep them ready against the Arrival of your Cannon. I could wish to make a bold Push agt the Town, tho Nothing can be done without Cannon. I hope your Batteries are ready to play against St Johns by this Time. If you write to the Congress soon, you will be kind enough to recommend me to them as your Goodness may direct you. When-ever my Country calls upon me to its Assistance, I shall be always ready to do my Duty. I could wish this Province was already united to the others, and can't expect much Peace till that takes Place. I am with greatest Esteem yours &c