Gov. [Samuel] Ward yesterday wrote a letter to Messrs. Malbones received today: advising the Merchants to get their Vessels to sea or out of New England with all speed: and recommending to the people at Newport to remove themselves and Effects speedily, as there was certain Danger of Immediate Seizure, in Consequence of Measures adopting by the Assembly. This has thrown the Town into great Consternation and Panic: and many are all day putting up their effects and preparing for removal. To heighten the Terror, the Men o' War give out that if Newport takes part with Providence and New England they will lay the Town in ashes. This day came here Mrs. Gordon from Roxbury removing to Philadelphia for safety ー Mr. Gordon tarrying behind and determining to share the fate of War. There may 30 or 40 families remove, but they must leave 1500 behind.
