Sir, ー

Capt. Whipple returned here from his voyage to Bermuda, on Friday last [October 20]. He had received authentic intelligence of the arrival of the packet at New York before the first time limited for his cruise was expired, and immediately sailed for Bermuda. He had light flattering winds for several days, and when near the island met with a violent gale, which drove him three or four degrees to the southward, which occasioned his having a long passage. He put in at the west end of the island where the inhabitants, taking him to be an armed vessel belonging to the King, were thrown into the utmost confusion, and the women and children fled into the country. But upon showing them his commission and instructions, were satisfied and treated him with great cordiality and friendship. They informed him that upon the powder being removed, the Governor had given General Gage an account of the part they had taken in the transaction, who had dispatched a sloop-of-war and a transport of 600 tone, to take all the provisions sent to the island. They then lay at Georgetown, and treated the islanders as rebels. Capt. Whipple had five of the King's Council on board his sloop, who all assured him that the inhabitants were friends to the American cause, and heartily disposed to serve it. As the assistance they gave in the removal of the powder hath made them obnoxious to the enemy, and reduced them to a disagreeable situation, I think they ought to be treated with every mark of friendship. I submit to your Excellency the propriety of your representing their case to the Continental Congress, and recommending them to favour. ー We are fitting out Capt. Whipple for a cruise to the eastward with all possible expedition, which I hope will prove more fortunate than his last. I am, with acknowledgement for the polite treatment received from you at Cambridge, and with great respect, Sir, [&c.]

P.S. I enclose your address to the inhabitants of Bermuda.