[Extract]

I learn the Nancy Brigantine an Ordnance Transport ー having on Board 4000 Stand of Arms complete 100,000 Flints, a Thirteen Inch Mortar with other Stores in Proportion, was taken in the Bay last week by the Rebels Privateers, and affords an Instance for this Necessity.² The Circumstance is rather unfortunate to us, as they are now furnished with all the Requisites for setting the Town on Fire, having got a large Quantity of round Carcasses and other Stores, with which they could not have been otherwise Supplied. The particular manner whereby she was taken is not ascertained, but so many Artifices have been practised upon Strangers, under the Appearance of Friendship, false Pilots, &ca that those coming out with Stores of any Kind cannot be put too much upon their Guard.

And I submit to your Lordship the Necessity there may be of supplying the Loss of Arms Flints, &ca suffered on this Occasion.

The Admiral has informed me that, by a Letter received this Day from Captain Wallace, of the Rose Ship of War, stationed at Rhode Island, the Rebels give out they are to fortify the Heights above the Town of Newport; also that they are fitting out an armed Ship at Philadelphia to carry 36 Guns, and two or three more of a less Force, with a Design of Cruising to the Southward, and to take Lord Dunmore in their way.