N^o. 14.
Dear Sir

Nothing could give more pain than to hear by Col^o Fleury¹ that your Excellency was displeased at our Landing the Troops on Rhode Island before the day prefix’d, I couldn’t possibly have been ready if there was this appearance of an oposition on the part of the Enemy before the day agreed on, if then but some Inhabitants and Deserters from the Island informed General Green² yesterday morning at day Break that the Enemy had abandoned this part of the Island and retired within their works at Newport upon which he sent a small party to Examine the ground and Regiment to Support them. Upon their notifying us that the report was true, we thought it Essential to throw over troops to take possession of their works least they should suddenly return & reoccupy them. Immediately upon the determination, I detach’d Col^o. Fleury to your Exc^y to inform you of our determination and to direct troops to Land in front of our right. I had not the most distant Intention of marching on towards the Enemy or risking an Action with them without the assistance of you & your Troops, but the possessing the works on the North End of the Island appeared of Such importance that we thought not a moment should be Lost; when therefore your Excellency is acquainted with the principles upon which we acted, I flatter my self you will approve the measures. The arrival of the British fleet was as unexpected as miraculous and Surprising. It seems at present to interfere with all our plans, as the Troops in that fleet when Landed will encrease the Enemy’s numbers, perhaps four thousand men and will deprive your Excellency of an opportunity of assisting us with four thousand of your own good Troops, the difference in action must be at least eight thousand against us. under the Circumstances I Sollicit your Excellency as my brave & worthy Colleague, in support of the common cause, to give me your advise respecting what ought to be done under the present circumstances & to give me Intelligence respecting the British fleet which Lays off the harbour and of the measure you mean to pursue respecting them. you need give your Self no uneasiness about the three frigates in the East Channel,³ as I can practically secure them from any attempts of the Enemy, as to the part of the fleet with you, if found inferior to the British Squadron I can Easily upon being notifyed point out a place where it can be conducted to Lay in Security under cover of batteries which I can Immediately erect for the purpose and which with the assistance of your own fire, will be Sufficient against every attempts, Even of the whole British Navy. I am anxious to Know your Excellency’s determination & also to receive your best advice upon the measures we are to adopt. I have the honor to be [&c.]