I have this moment received by Express a Letter from Captain [James] Wallace of his Majesty's Ship Rose, at Rhode Island, a Copy of which, and of the Minutes of their General Assembly mentioned therein with the Newport Mercury, I transmit for your Information;² At present it appears to me of infinite consequence to guard the passages by Sea to the Town of Providence, where the Inhabitants of the Colony of Rhode Island, by legislative Authority, are forming their public Magazine of Arms and Ammunition. If upon further considering the subject I shall think it expedient for the Kings Service to do so, I must order two or three Schooners more to be taken up, which shall be hired or purchased as they can be got, and upon the best and cheapest Terms for the Crown, which I trust will meet their Lordships approbation.

This Letter goes in the Charming Nancy Transport whom the General has ordered to England on his Majesty's Service, and whom at my request his Excellency detained several days; I flattered myself by that means with having the pleasure to acquaint you with the arrival of the Somerset. I am &c.