[Extract]

Sr Your favor, in Committee of the 12th Instant, is now before us: In answer to which we say, That General Washington had laid the affair of the Flour ship before the Congress, some days before your favor came to hand; but nothing has been concluded. We urged that the ship and her cargo belonged to the Colony, as she was taken by our men in Provincial pay; and not be Continental forces: that we had suffered and were still suffering many losses by the taking of our ships inward and outward bound ー And that before the taking of this Flour ship. As soon as this matter is settled shall inform you.

We are greatly rejoiced to hear that the Batteries are in such Readyness, as we have expected to hear that Portsmouth was cannonaded. Capt. George Hastines (who built a ship at Kennebeck last year and loaded with masts at Portsmouth) is now here, in a Transport from Boston, bound to New York, with Capts. Duncan, Chamble & Lieut. Simes, and a number of men, who were imployed to Inlist Scotchmen in the Back parts of New York to reinforce the ministerial Army. They are all close Prisoners, except Capt. Hastins. A quantity of goods &c. is saved out of the Ship.

I saw Capt. Hastings yesterday, and as I was acquainted with him, he ventured to inform me that when he sailed from Boston, 4th Instant, Capt. Mowatt (Scotchman) with three armed Transports, were almost Ready to go round to Portsmouth, for the purpose of burning the Town; therefore, for God's sake, be you ready.

You mention Powder; there is a secret Committee for Procuring that article, of which Mr. Langdon is one; every Precausion is taking for ample supplies, but as the whole Continent is to be supplied, as well as the two armies, it makes it uncertain when can send you any. We beg leave here to suggest that the greatest attention should be paid to the use of powder; that no Cannon be fired unless Drove to the last extremity . . .

. . . Committee has been appointed to collect the Depredations committed by the sons of Tyranny, thro' the Continent wch you'll hear from.  We are [&c.]

P.S. Inclosed is Resolution of Congress respecting Powder.