This will inform you, the Enemys Fleet saild from the Hook this 23d inst in Consequence of which Genl Sullivan's & Lord Stirlings Divisions cross'd the North River by Genl Washington's Order, for Philadelphia this morning — But I must Confess I expect them back again.

The Enemy's Conduct is exceedingly Embarrassing to us. —They have for two weeks past been Collecting all the Seamen that have any knowledge of the Southern Coast, from this we supposed their Design was on that Quarter — but last Evening, we took a Mr Williams at the White Plains from New York who was sent by Genl Howe with a Letter to Genl Burgoyne at Fort Edward— acknowledging the Rect of his Letter of the 14th May, & advising he (Howe) was all ready for Sailing, & should make an Attack on Boston, (in which Burgoyne is to Co-operate from the Northwd) & flatters himself he shall not meet with. much difficulty — as he supposes the Rebel Army was now Collected, & at such a Distance from that place, that an easy Conquest may be made.

The Letter referr'd to, was sent off to Genl Washington 12 OClock last night (about 28 Miles distce) an Express came in from him this morning 3OClk with Orders for the two Divisions before mention'd to join him — This Express met the one sent off with Howes Letter, 10 Miles on his way­ how far this intelligence will operate with Genl Washington, I am not able to say — but taking all Circumstances together (which are too many to Enumerate) all the Genl Officers on this side the North River are fully of the Opinion Boston is their mark—

Should Genl Washington favour this Opinion, he will be on with his whole Army, except my Brigade, which is now Embark'd & waiting for a wind, for Albany & one Brigade which will be left at this Post. —

It's one of the first Principles in War to deceive, — Howe has taken great pains to do this in many Circumstances — His Expedition he keeps as a profound secret — at the same time Offers great Encouragemts for Pilots to the Southward, gives Prisoners an opportunity to Escape with a Design that this may be known to Genl Washington — then sends a Fleet of Ships abt 30 Sail thro' the sound— at the same time sends 4 Arm'd ships & Row GaHies up the North River as if they design'd to stop the Troops crossing from the West to the East side of the River — then lyes still 10 days — sends out Williams with the Letter before mention'd & the next day sails from the Hook, with his whole Fleet Consisting of 170 Sail — These Manoeuvres are design'd to Baffle deceive us. — I wish the Effect may not prove it— If his Object was Philadelphia, would he not have procur'd Pilots in a more private Manner, on the other hand if Boston would he have sent Mr Williams, a young Gentleman of York, who is a Staunch friend to America — as appears by his being Confined in the Provost Guard two weeks (& other favourable Circumstances) before he was engag'd on this Errand— taken out, & the next day sent off by Major Sherriff — & sent in such a way, & by such a Road, that he could not but have fallen into our hands. However he like an honest man made inquiry for our Guards & deliver'd himself up— He recd 6 half Joe's & was recommended to Genl Burgoyne for a further Reward — from his coming out in this open way, we suppose it was design'd he should fall into our 'hands, & that we should not pay any Attention to it — at the same time sent off one Taylor — of middling Stature, Dark Com­ plexion, short brown hair — Blue Camblet Coat, with white Lappels who we expect wili get thro' — as he has been employ'd in that way for several Months past with success, having return'd from that Quarter, but a day or two before Mr Williams Left York.—

I conceiv'd it my Duty to give the earliest intelligence — The wisdom of the Assembly will take such Measures as to them shall seem most Advisable for the safety of the State.—