[Extract]
Sir

I This morning received information, which I beleive is not to be doubted, that on Saturday last, A large fleet consisting of a Hundred Sail, left New York & stood out to sea. Whither they are destined, or what they had on Board remains to be known. If possessing Hudson's River, should not be Genl Howe's first object I should suppose his operations will be against Philadelphia, and that this Fleet, if they have troops on Board, are bound into Delaware Bay . . . .

In the course of this week 18 Transports have arrived at York with Troops, supposed to be foreign ー from their Uniform Whether they are immedeately from Germany or those who were in Canada, is a matter of conject[ure] Some have immagined the Latter would be called to reinforce General Howe . . . .