May it please your Honours

I beg Leave to represent the Scituation of this County¹ and to ask for some Directions of my Superiours in Office, as my Scituation requires me to do—

The Scituation of this County is such that from Chatham to Bedford² we have British Shipping, who have Stopt all passing by Water, and are so bold that they Anchor frequently In Woods's hole, Quicks Hole and off Highannos;³ and take every thing that Passes, and am Informed they are Striping the Islands of the Stock,⁴ which will be a publick loss, and a benefit to our Enemies, and as there is been a Company of Soldiers stationed at Nashawn⁵ whose time is up and they are dispersed, I think (with Submission) it Absolutely Necessary to have that Island Gaurded especially as there is a Number of Cannon belonging to the Publick there, that must fall into the Enemies hands and give them Possession, which must Intirely Stopt the Navigation of the Sound⁶ and Dartmouth Bay, Which had we the possession of the Island would in a very great measure be S[topped]

I have Ordered a Party of Militia on the Island till further Orders from the Councell;⁷ promising to do all in my power, that they shall be paid for their time; what the Court shall think proper, the men will not tarry but a few Dayes—

I think our Scituation is such in this County, that we want at present as much Gaurding as any place; when the Enemy are within Shott of many of our houses; and as there is a requisition for Seventy militia to march to Providence and Leave their own property Exposed they think hard, and Causes much Uneasiness—If your honours could Order those Men to do duty here where the most Danger is, till further Orders of Court, I should think it for the Publick safety—

I am far from saying a word that this Brigade should not do their proportion to the Generall and Rightious Opposition we are Ingaged in, and as I am knowing to the Amazing drein of men for the navy Department, I am sure there is not a County in this State so Scarce of men—Add to which we are Constantly in danger from a Sett of vile Internall Enemies amongst ourselves—But all I ask is to gaurd the publick and do duty where most wanted—I send this by express and Wait your honours Orders with Chearfullness and all due Obedience—

your honours humble Servant

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