Sir/.

Recd yours 3rd currt pr ² Express, with the Copy of Adjutant Stclle's Letter ³ inclosed, and you may be assured every effort, will be made to repel the enemy. To that purpose, large reinforcements, will be immediately sent; several regiments are now in Motion — I doubt not your Zeal on this Occasion; and that nothing will be omitted on your part, for the public Safety.

The Stock for the present may be removed to the middle of the Island & to such places as may in case of Necessity, admit of being readily drove to the Ferries — the Flat bottom'd boats will be also held in readiness to carry them off, or other Purposes — as circumstances may require —

The Cannon at the North Battery I believe it will be best should remain there the rest agreable to the Order of Assembly should be removed to and secured on the Heights upon the [place] near the Ferries as the whole defence & safety of Newport depends upon commanding that important pass —

You will attend to the Conduct of persons supposed to be disaffected — and conduct at present towards them as prudence shall suggest. I am [&c.]

[Endorsed] Letter Govr Cooke [to] Col Jno Cooke Decr. 4. 1776 Copy