Sir.

Since we have had cannon mounted and colours hoisted on this fortification, we thought it necessary for every vessel passing by in the daytime, instead of sending their boat on shore, to hale them to lower the peak of their mainsail, as a token of their being friendly. We are now to acquaint you, that one Captain Robert North, passing by on this day, was hailed to lower his peak, which he refused to do. On being threatened with a shot, he replied, that was what he wanted; on this we sent an armed boat on board of him to bring him too, in order to Enquire his reason for refusing to do the same which he that instant saw another sloop to do; on our boats boarding of him, he told the people therein that he had a brace of pistols, and if that damned rascal (Capt. Bayard) did not produce an order to him from the Provincial Congress for the request we made, he would blow his brains out, with many more unfriendly expressions. We beg, sir, you will lay the above before the Honourable Provincial Congress, and if our conduct herein meet with their approbation, you'll will please to signify the same unto us.

We are, with respect, sir, [&c.]