[Extract]

D^r. Sir

. . . the enemy have drawn themselves down upon the Peninsula of Gloucester—the Ships are drawn up to cover the troops—there is but one road that leads down to the point, on each side the ground is swampy, & full of thick underbrush, that it makes the approaches impracticable almost—these difficulties might have been surmounted, but we could reap no advantage from it—the Shipping being so posted as to cover the troops and this country is so intersected with creeks, that approaches are rendered extremely difficult, and retreats very dangerous.—I should not have halted the troops, but all the Gen^l. Officers were against making an attack, the enemy being so securely situated.—and so effectually covered by their Shipping. . . .

. . . From the best observations I am able to make & from the best intelligence I can obtain it is uncertain whether any of the enemy have crossed the river, the boats are constantly going but I believe they are transporting stock—there is as many men in the returning boats, as there goes over.—By tomorrow it will be reducd to a certainty—I believe the enemy have removed the great Chiveaux de frize—there went up 60 Sail of Vessels this morning. If the obstructions are removed in the river it accounts for the enemies evacuating Carpenters & Province Islands as they are no longer necessary—the prisoners say the enemy are going into Winter quarters as soon as they get up the river. . . . I am [&c.]