Governer Cook Sir

I am very Sorry that Matters have Bin Such that I Could not writ to you.Be fore I arived at Newpot the fifth Day of this Instant when I found Colonel [John] Cook upon a Retreat and I thought it Best not to Countermand the order Bout to asist with all Posable Des patch we have got of [f] a grate quanty of Stock also Chife of the Bagage and war Like Stores But obliged to Leve about fifteen heave Canno[n] have take of[f] all the troops I Came of[fl in the Last Boat But one the Enemy Got Down to the farry Befour I Got half over and fired upon the Last Boat But killed no men I am Crediably informed they Landed about Eight thousan men we have got a Consideable number of men at Brister [Bristol] and Brister ferry But it has Bin out of my power to git a Return of how maney

Sir I shall right to you a gain Soon and as Cant t[e ]II the movement of [the] Enmey how it may Be for the futer. Cant So well tell what number of men I Shall want at this place I Can writ[e] But Short I have not Had But verey Littel rest Sence I Lef provide[nce] Governer [William] Bradford has wrote what stores we want these from you[r] [&c.]

Dated at Bristol this 7 day [December] 1776