Sir,

Your favour of the 11th instant, came duly to hand, and I should have sailed for Haerlem, without loss of time, had I not received the following important intelligence from Gen. Washington, viz.

Aug. 23, 1775. ー Yesterday I received advice from Boston, that a number of transports have sailed on a second expedition, for fresh provisions: As they may pursue the same course, only advancing further, we think Montaug [Montauk] point, on Long Island, a very probable place of their landing; I have therefore thought best to give you the earliest intelligence; but I do not mean to confine your attention or vigilance to that place; you will please to extend your views as far as the mischief may be probably extended. ー Thus far the intelligence. I will further inform you, that the King's Fisher, last Wednesday [August 23] went up the Sound, with several small cutters, reconnoitring the north side of the island; and Thursday there followed past this place two top-sail vessels, which I apprehend to be transports, as they fired two signal guns when they went thro' the Race. ー I would therefore recommend it to the provincial Congress, to keep a good guard upon Queen's County, as I imagine their design is to get stock from Huntington, Lloyd's Neck, or Flushing; and as we hope to secure all the stock upon this part of the island, you may expect the Boston fleet will proceed farther up Sound.

I am Sir [&c.]