Portsmouth, Jany 10t[h,] 1776
Sir,
Yesterday came to Town, from London last from Pool in England, (via Casco Bay) four masters of Vessels belongg to this Port, from whom I have collected all the News Papers I Possibly cou'd, with Sundry packages & Letters, and as I have it in Direction from your Excellency to forward any letters that arrive here I take the readiest method of the[s]e reaching your Excellency, by dispatching my Young man ー
The news papers are much, defaced previous to there coming to my hand, the anxiety of Americans, occation'd a frequent Perusal, which I hope may appologize for there present state
The Captains Intend setg out for Head Quarters in a day or two, who have Verbal Informations to your Excellency from some Gentlemen of Note in London ー
In the Interim I have to inform your Excellency that a number of Transports sail'd on or about the time these Gentlemen left England, (say the 6t[h] Novr) with Stores for Boston, without Convoy, Three of which were large Ships formerly in The service of the [East] India Compy [&] are defenceless ー I sincerely wish some of the American Arm'd vessels may conduct them safe to other Ports than there first destination ー I am with much respect Your Excellencys [&c.]