Gentlemen

I have not been favoured with a Letter from you since you wrote by the Express belonging to Newport. ー You will see by the inclosed Papers the State of the Negotiations with [James] Wallace at the Time Col. West's Letter was written. ² I have since recommended it to him to permit the Boats with Necessaries for the Town to pass as usual, as otherwsie great Obstructions must be given to their Supplies. Notwithstanding the Measures taken by the Genl Assembly the Inhabitants of that Town seem to have no Idea of removing. And I am compelled to say that some of the Persons who at present are at the Head of their Affairs are I fear and always have been inimical to the common Cause. And to me it appears clearly that some of the principal of them have Views of restraining the People until a Force shall arrive sufficient to enable them to declare their hostile Intentions.

Our Cruisers took Two more of the Enemys Ships last Week. I have not yet had an Account of their Cargoes nor from whence they are.

I must recommend to your closest Attention the Application of the Colony to Congress for Assistance. ³ A considerable Part of the Regiment ordered at last Session have inlisted.

I have the Pleasure to inform you that the Manufacture of Saltpetre increases very fast in New England; and that we have the greatest Prospect of a large Quantity being made as soon as the Weather opens. I hope the Congress have taken some Measures for the Importation of Sulphur; as by the best Intelligence I can get there is not above Twenty Tons upon the Continent. I am with great Esteem and Regard [&c.]

Hon'ble S. Hopkins & S. Ward Esqrs