Providence March 9th 1777 ー
Sir
I receiv'd a Request from General [Joseph] Spencer to Stop any Intelligence from going to Newport by Water ー these are therefore to direct that the Sloop Providence immediately go down and Anchor in some convenient place this Side of Conimicutt point, and Stop all Boats or other Craft from passing without General Spencer's Order for it as late as this day ー it will be best to make her Men up to _about forty ー You may go in her yourself or send Mr [Jonathan] Pitcher 2 to execute the above Orders ー The Sloop will be as ready there as ever, to Act in Concert with the Fire Ship ー Sir [&c.]
E H ー
1. Hopkins Letter Book, 70, RIHS.
2. First Lieutenant of Continental frigate Providence.
