Sir

The Letter accompanying this, was wrote before your favour of the 19 p Express came to hand. ー Under my present Instructions, and more especially in my present situation, I could not justifye the Sending a Regiment from these Lines to you, Unless there was an apparent design of Landing a body of Ministerial Troops on Rhode Island; At present I do not think this is to be apprehended, as a Deserter out of Boston since my last, is particular in declaring that only four Companies amounting to little more than 100 men Imbarked, as was said for Hallifax; agreing with others that Invalids & the officers of the 18 & 59 Regimts who are going Home to recruit, had saild for England ー

The Intention of my last containing the Information as It was received, was only designed to put you upon your guard, not that I expected a visit was Intended you ー If any small body of Troops move from hence, Southerly, I have no expectation of their Stopping short of Virginia, unless It should be on a pillaging party ー To conclude Sir, when I inform you that I have been Obliged to call in 5,000 Militia to supply the deficiency of the Connecticut Regiments & those absent upon Furlow, you will do me the justice to beleive, that not a want of Inclination but of Ability prevents me from complying with your request; Unless as is before Observed, I had some Obvious reasons to beleive the visit of more men than we are well assured are Imbarked was Intended for your Governmt Sir I am with very great esteem & regard ー Sir &c.