. . . Great numbers of people seen all day about Howland's ferry, and many Sloops and small craft are continually coming there from the adjacent rivers. A Schooner which lay for some days a little above the ferry, is now in Quaket gut,¹ and they appear to be loading her with something in Casks. Many Carts covered with Red painted Cloth, like the Hessian Ammunition Carts, have been seen about Howland's ferry lately.²

The Rebels have four or five pieces of Cannon mounted in their Fort above the ferry.

It appears by the answers to the letters sent to Bristol, that the flag of truce Sloop³ which was lately sent up to Providence is detained there and the officer and men made prisoners, in consequence of the Officer's having been detected in taking a sketch of the River, with the Soundings, &c. &c.⁴ The Rebels are in posession of the Sketch. It is probable this affair will make some noise, and occasion a good deal of trouble. The imprudent conduct of a young Officer is frequently productive of great difficuties to those who Command.

The uncommon movements among the Rebels, and the numbers of people who have been seen of late about Howland's ferry, strongly indicate some enterprize, and make it prudent for us to be on our guard.