Westerly 2nd December 1776 —
May it please your Excelency
I this moment with Certainty Discover Ten Sail of topsail Vessels Standing to the Northward and Eastward which I dout Not is the British fleet that General lees Adecamp Refers to in his Letter to your Excelency of the 21st of Last month, in all probability, if the wind Stands they Will Be in the Harbour of Newport before Sunset. I therefore think it my duty to Acquant your Excelency of it Immediately Your [&c.]
Jos: Stanton Junr
PS While I am Writing I See Sundry Sail more J S
1. Letters to the Governor, vol. 8, 1776, R.I. Arch.
