[Extract]

[Rhode Island] 30^th Oct^r Last night was perfectly still and altho there was some rain, it was a favorable night for the Rebels to make their long intended attack.

A Deserter came in this morning in a small boat from Howland's ferry. The in­formation he gives is, that we were certainly to have been attacked the night of the 19^th. That 11,000 men were actually assembled that night for the purpose, and that three separate attacks were to have been made; one by Howlands ferry of 3,000 men; another below Fogland, for which 7,000 men were prepared; and the third of 1,000 men, who were to come from Seconnet point,¹ and land as near the town as possible. That the attack at Howland's was to commence three hours before the others, in order to draw our attention and force that way. That their artillery, consisting of Eighteen 3 and 4 prs (4 of which were brass) were embarked in Scows with the Artillery Com­panies, and were to have been towed over with the different attacks. That the people assembled with the greatest readiness, and had the most Sanguine hopes of success, as our deserters had all along informed them that we had not above  2,500 men on the Island. That the attempt was laid aside for that night in consequence of our hav­ing discovered their boats in motion, and the wind being rather too high and unfa­vorable. That they were assembled again the night of the 23^rd, and were to have made one grand attack at Howland's Neck, (all the boats having been previously brought back to Quaket pond²) but Gen^l Spencer finding he could not muster above 4,000 men, and a deserter who went over to them that day having informed him that our strength was much greater than they imagined, and  that we were well prepared for an attack at Howland's, thought that number insufficient, and therefore gave over the design and dismissed them. That some of them were again assembled the night of the 25^th, but as great numbers of the Militia had by that time left the Army and gone to their respective homes, they found their strength quite unequal to the Enterprize, and they were again dismissed. He says they have now given up the intention of mak­ing any attack upon us, and that part of the troops returned home four days ago. The Boston Artillery, consisting of two Companies, with four Brass 4 prs, marched yester­day. Others are going this day, and that only 1,000 men are to remain to guard the Coast from Howland's ferry to Seconnet point. He says, that during the time they have been assembled they have suffered greatly from the weather, and want of many arti­cles: numbers of them having been under the necessity of lying out under the Walls and hedges, as the houses and barns were not capable of containing them. That they are in general badly clothed, every article of that nature being extremely scarce and dear. Shoes cost 6 Dollars a pair. Worsted Stockings 4 Dollars, and other articles in proportion. They have not had any Rum given them since they have been assembled. Some people who had Rum there sold it at 3s/ a Gill....

Soon after day light this morning, we saw a number of boats full of men put off from Howland's ferry. They rowed round the N. point of the Island, crossed Mount Hope bay, and went towards Kikemuit River. In the course of the day above 60 boats of different sizes, and several small Sloops, all full of men, went up that way. Many cov­ered Carts were also seen going up the Boston road, each of them escorted by 8 or 10 men. It is now evident that the Rebels have given up their intention of attacking this Island, and that their troops are dispersing and returning to their respective homes....