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Sir, I have received your two Letters of to Day and shall be glad you would send me a Return of the Number of Men you have on Board the Symmetry and the Scows, they shall either be returned to you, or as many Marines sent on Board your Ships.
The Movements of the Rebels Boats Occasion much Talk and Speculation; and many think they might be shut up in some of the Islands on which they frequently land, and give Time for Boats and Troops to be got ready to attack them on Shore, and that the Lively might have taken the whole when they last attacked the Light House. of this you will be best informed, as you will have enquired into it and know the Orders given the Ships; Major [Thomas] Musgrave informs that near One Hundred Whale Boats were seen this Morning at or near Thompson's Island: Some Fisherman Report they were seen passing the Light House, and some suppose they mean coming down the Mystick way, which is unguarded. Others think they are looking out for the Transports, which the Rebels told us this Morning had got a great Number of Sheep and Cattle from Islands in the Sound, Captain Folger, who came to the Lines this Day, informed of a Number of Rebel Cruizers about Nantucket.
I am with great Regard and Esteem Sir &ca