Fine weather, but very hot. Wind W.N.W.

Four French line of Battle ships were in the Narraganset passage last night.¹ The remainder of The French fleet without continue in the usual position. Two Officers of the 54^th Regiment who were bathing this morning opposite the French frigates in the Seconnet,² had three Cannon shot fired at them from one of them. We thought this an Action very inconsistent with French politeness. 

Many movements of boats on the Rebel shores to day; but particularly from the several parts of Mount-Hope bay, towards Howland's ferry, where the Rebels appear to be assembling in considerable numbers. 

Several small Privateers plying about on the W. side of the Island. They landed about 20 men under a Lieutenant at Stoddard's about 1 o'clock, and plundered his house and Potter's, taking almost every thing they could lay their hands on, and beating and ill-treating the Women. Some of them told Stoddard they only waited for the arrival of the remainder of the Militia, to attack the Island. As soon as some small parties of ours were sent out, they retreated on board their vessels. 

The Kingsfisher having left a boat on the E. shore of the Island when the French frigates came into the Seconnet, nine men of Brown's Provincial Regiment³ deserted in her this day, and went on board the Frigates. 

We are using every means in our power to obstruct the approach of the Enemy by Sea and land, in case they attack us; and it is fortunate, that, by their remaining so long inactive against the Island, they have given us time to do so. Several large Transports have been sunk off the North Battery and Goat-Island; so that no line of Battle ship can bring up nearer to them than 800 yards. Trees have been felled at Greenend, and Abbattis are forming round all our Redoubts, and from Greenend, quite round to Tomini hill. Two small Redoubts with Cannon in them, have been constructed on the high ground at the entrance of Brenton's Neck, that in case a body of men should be landed from the Fleet, the access to the town on that side may be rendered more difficult. 

Everything in front of our Redoubts which can afford any cover to the Enemy in their approaches, is clearing away.... 

The Crews of the burnt Frigates have been formed into a Corps under the Command of their own Officers, and detachments therefrom have been stationed at the different Batteries. 

Lieu^t D'Auvergne⁴ of The Navy is appointed Major of Brigade to the Corps of Seamen.