[Extract]

The great Scarcity of fresh Provisions in their Army has led me to take every Precaution to prevent a Supply. For this Purpose, I have ordered all the Cattle & Sheep to be driven from the low Grounds & Farms within their Reach. A Detachment from Genl [John] Thomas's Camp on Wednesday Night [July 12] went over to Long Island and brought from thence 20 Cattle, and a Number of Sheep, with about 15 Labourers, who had been put on by a Mr Ray Thomas to cut the Hay &c  By some Accident they Omitted burning the Hay, and returnd the next Day at Noon to complete it; which they effected amidst the Firing of the Shipping with the Loss of one Man killed & another wounded.

Last Evening also a Party of the Connecticut Men strolled down on the Marsh at Roxbury, and fired upon a Centry which drew on a heavy Fire from the Enemies Lines, and floating Batteries, but attended with no other Effect than the Loss of one Killed by a Shot from the Enemies Lines. In the mean Time we are on both Sides continuing our Works, but there has been no other Movement than what I have noticed above.