(Copy)

Sir  I think every Intelligence however trifling, relating to the King's Service, proper for your Information, which is an Apology for the following, ー Last Night I was sitting at Mr. [George] Romes, with some Gentlemen of the Town of Newport, when a Man came into the House and said there was a Mob raising with an Intent to tarr and feather the Captain of the Man of War, and the Man of the House; ー I thought it best to be on my Guard and order my Pinnace and Cutter Mann'd and Armm'd to attend Me, determin'd to defend Myself like an Officer and an Englishman; About half an Hour after, We had Intelligence the Mob was up, and had broke the Custom-House Windows and entered two or three other Gentlemens Houses and done some damage; I waited six Hours expecting their Attack with about Eighteen of our People, but in all probability they got Intelligence, 'twas likely they would earn their Triumph dearer than they chose, they did not attack Us; As I did not mean to be alarmed at trifles or idle Reports, this Morning I wrote a Letter to the Governor (and inclosed is the Copy) and sent it by the Lieutenant; he has returned no written Answer, but told the Lieutenant he was well assured they did mean to insult Me, that he would be glad to give any Assistance, but was afraid of an Attack Himself from the People of Providence, seem'd to think the Town was not safe for the King's Subjects; such Sir is the Situation of the King's Ship here, the Officers, Boats, and Men likely to be seized upon whenever they see a convenient Opportunity: ー I sent Mr [William] Lewis the Purser with a Packet dated the 12th. Inst. which I suppose You have received. I am, Sir, [&c.]