Gentlemen,

I have just received a Letter by Express from Mr President Hancock with Orders to dispatch our armed Vessels to intercept Two Brig's from England to Quebec. Our large Vessel is upon a Voyage to Bermuda and the small One is unfit for the Service. I have given Information of this to Genl Washington & Gov. Trumbull that they may not make any Reliance upon our assisting in this important Expedition. ー I have strongly recommended to the latter to employ their Colony Brig which is fitted and mounts 14 Carriage Guns in this Enterprize. I am not without Hopes however that the large Sloop will return in a Day or Two; in which Case I shall have her immediately cleaned and dispatch her. I am Gent. [&c.]

P.S. A great Number of Guns have been fired down the River this Morning. It is feared they are fired upon Newport. S. Hopkins & S. Ward Esqrs