Sir

Last night & the Night before I had the honor of writing to you, and acquainted Your Excellency with the Situation we were in, and what we could learn of that of the Rebels and the French.¹ I hope one or other of those Accounts You have received. This morning I had the pleasure of Your Excellency's Letter of the 29^th.- and an hour afterwards arrived a Naval Officer from Lord Howe with Dispatches.² Since I wrote Yesterday, Two Armed Brigs have arrived in the Seconnet along side the French Frigates, full of men; the Officers could not tell whether they were Rebels or French, Soldiers or Sailors. The Brigs continue with the Frigates, but the Men are either put on board the Frigates or landed; Yesterday and today a great number of small Vessels & Two Ships supposed to be rebel Frigates, went up the Narraganset Passage from Sea towards Providence, supposed to be full of Men, but they were at too great a distance to discover any thing particular. About two Hundred French Marines were seen today ashore on Conanicut, and a number of Men about the Dumplins. It is thought to be a working party. We shall make the Signal You desire on the high ground near the place You desire. and if in my power will execute the rest You recommend. If the French Fleet comes into the Harbour, the Seconnet passage will be open. We are making a Redoubt to secure the Gorge from Brenton's Neck, shou'd a landing be made there. In my last I told you that the People I had made Prisoners acquainted me that the Rebels would be ready by Wednesday or thursday at farthest. That three different landings were intended: From Bristol, from the Seconnet, and from the Fleet & Shore at the South End or in the Harbour. We are preparing against every event.³ All the Cattle and Teams are drove in.⁴ The Out Posts will continue till the last moment, & have Orders not to retreat till the Fleet enter the Harbour or a landing is attempted. We will make our Front as strong as we can. Should they raise Batteries against us, it will take time; if they make a sudden Attack, I hope we shall defend ourselves well. The Troops are healthy and in good Spirits, shall have all the Encouragement I can give them to maintain their Ground to the last. We have secured most of our provisions & Ammunition; and I don't know that any thing is wanting. Three Frigates are gone to the North End of the Island.⁵ I don't think the French will venture after them least they may want their Assistance when absent. I have the honour to be [&c.]