Gentlemen

Your Application to me by Messrs [Samuel] Dyre, [John] Jepson, and [John] Malbone engaged my utmost Attention; and I embraced the Opportunity of taking the Advice of a Committee of the Honble the Continental Congress, now sitting here, upon the important subject of it. They unanimously gave their Opinion that the Inhabitants of Newport should supply the Ships of War with Beer and fresh Provisions as usual provided Wallace complies with the Terms he hath offered; and that the Troops should be removed out of the Town. They are also unanimously of Opinion that the Troops ought to remain on the Island. I have written to this Effect to General Hopkins; and have also submitted to him to remove the Troops at a greater Distance from the Town if he shall think the Service will not suffer by it.

I am also to inform you that an Express arrived Yesterday at Head Quarters from Portsmouth, advising that on Tuesday last [October 17] a Naval Force supposed to be the Fleet from Boston consisting of one 64, One 20, Two 18 with a Bomb-Ketch or Two and a large Transport or Two full of Men appeared off Falmouth Casco-bay and demanded of the Inhabitants that they should deliver up their Arms & give Hostages for their future good Behavior. Upon Condition of this Delivery of Part of them the same Evening he gave them to the next Day to consider of the Proposal. They accordingly delivered him 8 Muskets. He showed the Committee his Orders which were positive to destroy the Town, and also the Town of Portsmouth, in Case they should refuse to comply with the Terms offered. A very heavy Cannonading was heard the next Day at Falmouth. I give you this Information that you may consider what Probability there is of your being treated in a similar Manner. I am, Gentlemen, &c.