Onboard the Warren 5 miles below Providence December 10th. 1776 —
Gentlemen
Three days ago the English Fleet of about 54 Sail of Transports and 16 Sail Men of War arrived in this Bay, and two days ago they landed I believe about four thousand Troops, and took possession of the Island of Rhode Island without Opposition. The Inhabitants of the Town of Newport favour'd their Operation I believe too much — the Militia are come in, in Order to prevent their further Operations. I thought it best to come up the River after the Fleet was within about two leagues of us with the Warren, Providence, Columbus, Brigantine Hampden, and Sloop Providence — The Inhabitants are in daily expectation of an Attack on the Town of Providence. I have got the Ships in the best posture of defence we can make them without they were full Mannd which they are not more than half — We lay where the Ships can't come up that draw much more Water than we do — If we get the Ships mann'd Shall take some favourable Opportunity and attempt getting to Sea with some of the Ships — but at present think we are of more Service here than at Sea without we were mann'd — I am Gentlemen [&c.]
E H
To the hon. John Hancock Esqr Presidt of the Marine Committee at Philada
1. Hopkins Letter Book, RIHS.