Freetown 23d March 1775
Per Mr. Phillips
Honoble. sr Since my Wrigting the Lines on the 21th. by Mr. Philips maney Insults and Thretts are and have ben made a gainst those Soldiers Which have Taken out arms and train and Exersize in the Kings name, and on monday next the Captns. muster at the South part of the Town, when we have Grate Reason to fear that thousends of the Rebels will attack me: and Take our Lives or the Kings arms or perhaps both ー I Sr ask the favour of one of his Majestys Tenders, or Sum other Vessel of force might be at or Near Bowerses in order if any of our People Should be obligd. to Retreat they may be taken on bard, which nothing but the Last Extremity will oblige them to quit the Ground
I am your obedient Humbe. Servent
Sign'd Thos Gilbert
1. Newport Mercury, April 24, 1775; "The following we have received as an authentic copy of a letter lately discovered."