Sir, ー

Messrs. S. Dyre, J. Jepson, and J. Malbone, have waited upon me with a Memorial from the Town Council of Newport, setting forth the deep distresses of that town, and pressing in the strongest terms for the removal of the troops. I laid the application before the Committee of the Continental Congress, now sitting here, who unanimously gave their advice that the inhabitants should supply Wallace with beer and fresh provisions for the use of the ships, as usual, upon his complying with the terms offered on his part; and that the troops should be kept out of the town of Newport. They were, also, unanimously of opinion that the troops should remain on the island. I accordingly recommend to you to keep the troops out of the town so long as Wallace shall keep his promise, and make no attempt upon it. As the inhabitants are under the greatest anxiety, I submit it to your judgment whether or no't it will be consistent with the service and prudent to remove the troops to a further distance from the town. If it can be done with safety, I recommend it in order to quiet the minds of the people.

An express came to General Washington, yesterday, from Portsmouth, with advice that a naval force from Boston had appeared off Falmouth, Casco Bay, and demanded of the inhabitants the surrender of their arms and hostages for their future good behaviour. He offered, upon their delivering up part of their arins the same evening, to allow them to the next day to consider of the demands. They accordingly delivered him eight muskets. The next day a very heavy firing was heard upon Falmouth. The commander of the fleet showed his orders to the committee; which were to destroy the town, and Portsmouth, in case they should refuse to comply with the demand. To me it appears highly probable that Newport and the other sea-port towns, may soon expect a similar treatment.