Sr Yours of this Day is Jest handed me by Mr [Samuel] Brownd, and thank you for the Intelligence, tho had Repeeted Advice theirof by Land from Each Side of the Bay, the Committee havg tacon up about 40 prissoners of the Sailers brot here by the Severi! Priveteers and beleave their is as many more Yet about Street, our Jail is Very Full, and Sendg them in the Countery may Not Answer as their will be but Fue or no men their to take care of them, I havg Called in all the men in this Countey to the Defence of the state, abut 500 men have March'd for Newport, before I recd Yours, had Got Printed & Dispersd a Grait Number of the Inclosed hand Bills, So that Should the enemey Delay their attack on this part of the State a Fue Days I hope to Give them a Very handsome Reception am sr [&c.]

Ps please to Let Me know as Soone as May be, What Number of the above Prissoners Shall be Sent onbord your Ships —
To Esek Hopkins Esqr
Commander of the Continental
Navy, onbord the Warrin Near
Pawtuxett