Sir:

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your very acceptable favour of ordnance and warlike stores from the Cabot. We are mounting them with all despatch possible, under the inspection of Mr. John Collins, who assures us that within four days he will have them all mounted. We have almost completed the fortification on the Point, where we can mount thirteen guns. To-morrow we go on Fort-Island, in order to put the old fort in a posture of defence; which, together with another on Brenton's Point, we think will well secure the harbour: all of which works we shall pursue with the utmost vigour till completed. We are informed you have sixteen more heavy guns for us. As they are without carriages, it may be necessary to send them along soon. B~fore this can come to hand, you must have heard of the confusion we h-ave lately been in, occasioned by the wild conduct and insanity of our late commander, (Colonel [HenryJ Babcock) who is now under an arrest at Providence, and, we judge, must be discharged from the service: in consequence of which, the command, at present, devolves upon me ー a heavy task. I have the honour to be, Sir [& c.] William Richmond.