[Extract]
My Dear Sir,

Matters remain here much as when I wrote you last, except som alarms caused by a report that a very large fleet appeared off Cape Ann on the 31st ulto — the time agreed very well with the accounts we previously had of the fleet's sailing from N.Y. as we supposed the Town was the enemy's object, all hands were preparing to go thither, when on a sudden the fleet vanished in a fogg and we have heard nothing of it since, but it's still a matter of great speculation where this invincible Armada is bound. It is reported as General Washington's opinion that Virginia is the object but those who have not the most favorable opinion of that climate think they know better than to go there, that this only a finesse and that they will return immedi­ately and push up Hudson's river — others will have it that they are cer­tainly coming this way. The last opinion I endeavor to support, not because I realize it, but because I would have every body in readiness if that should be the case. The enemy's ships are so thick on the coast that it's almost impossible to escape them; one of them chased a ship on shore a few days ago within 6 or 7 miles of this she proved to be a West India man which had been taken by a Connecticut privateer, but unfortunately for the captors the tide was rising and the enemy soon took her off with them. . . .