Sir

This Evening About Sunset came to Anchor off the West End of this Island Eleven Sail of British Ships Armed four of which are Frigates from 28 to 32 Guns the Others from 40 to 60 Gun Ships they Anchored so Nigh I could distinctly Count their Guns there are Likewise three Ships those I suppose that are stationed here a Cruizing to the Eastward I saw them to day at 12 oClo at About 8 or 10 Leagues Distance bearing About ENE. All of which are bound into Rhode Island with out Doubt. J will not presume to dictate what may be done on this Occasion but that they will be with you to morrow is my sincere Opinion. God grant you Wisdom and Fortitude — I have not yet had any Oppertunity to Exchange my Prisoners nor put them on board a British Ship Am tired of Staying here. I now J?espair of an Oppertunity of Exchange — Am Yours [&c.]

[Endorsed] A True Copy — Recd Dcbr 3d 2 oClo P M —