Camp at Cambridge Augt 9, 1775
(Copy)
Gentlemen I am directed by his Excellency Genl Washington to acknowledge the Receipt of your Favour last evening p Express, & to thank you for your Zeal & Activity in forwarding the Intelligence
As every early Notice had been given of the Sailing of this Fleet & the very Island mentioned which it has Plundered: The General cannot help being some what surprized, that effective Measures had not been taken to remove the Stock. which would not only have sent them back with shame and disappointment, but have encreased their Distress at Boston for fresh Provisions, which was very great before this supply.
The remedy proposed in your Letter would be extreamly difficult in our helpless Condition at Sea, The convoy & immediate relief, to be obtained from Boston would make it a very harzardous Enterprizeー
I am Gentlemen [&c.]
Jos. Reed Secretaryー
On the Service of the United Colonies G. Washington
To Messrs Chris. Leffingwall & William Hubbard of the Comtee Norwich
1. Nicholas Cooke Papers, II, 16, RIHS. A draft in the Washington Papers, LC mistakenly addresses the Committee at New London.
