Sir

I am honoured with your Letter of this Date, ² and wish You a good Passage to the Camp, and from Thence to New York. I am sorry the Master of the Sovereign was detained last Night on Board the Bristol. Captain [John] Drummond has undertaken to inform You of the Circumstances, and make the Officers Apology ー I am glad the Transports are Watered, and all our People embarked, the Marines were attacked last Night, 'tho without Effect, and I must own that from the Activity and Vigilance the Rebels have shewn ever since our Arrival, I did expect that They wou'd be on the Watch to take every Advantage ー I am obliged to You for the offer of Captain [Thomas] Montcriefs assistance; the Bristol is ready to go over the Bar, as soon as the Weather will permit, ー shou'd a very Dark Night happen, and Captain Montcrief will undertake it, I will send a Boat with Him, and proper People who understand the nature of Sounding; 'Tho I cannot expect much information, because, They cannot go within where the Ships were anchored, without being seen from the Fort, and consequently woud be in manifest Danger ー I have the Honor to be Sir [&c.]