The fleet for New York, sailed under Convoy of the Fowey.¹

Our whole attention is now given to the encrease of our means of defence in case of the appearance of The French Fleet, which it is generally expected will make an attempt on this Island very soon; for as they were too late to intercept the fleet in coming down the Delaware, and will probably find it impracticable to force an entrance over the bar of Sandy hook, this station seems likely to be the next object of consequence, and one in which the Rebels may co-operate with them. We are therefore completing the Batteries on Brenton's-point, Goat Island, The Dumplins,² and Fox-hill, as well as those at the North end of the town, as fast as possible. The Provisions and stores which are on board ships in the harbour, and in Storehouses on the Wharfs, are removing with the utmost expedition to the upper part of the town; and every other measure taking to repel the attacks of the Enemy's fleet, and the Rebel troops. 

The Frigates in the Bay and harbour³ have received instructions, upon the appearance of the French fleet, to make the best of their way to some convenient part of the shore on the W. side of the Island,⁴ where they are to land their Guns, Stores, Provisions, &c., and defend them as long as they can; and in the last extremity to burn them, to prevent them from falling into the hands of the Enemy. The Kingsfisher,⁵ and The Alarm,⁶ and Spitfire⁷ Gallies, stationed in the Seconnet,⁸ are to run under our battery at Fogland.