Sir,

The Flux that has raged so much amongst the Troops having required such Quantities of Rice to be consumed in the Hospitals, that we have but little remaining, and as it is an Article that will be greatly wanted, I should be very glad you would give Orders to the Officer Commanding the St Lawrence² (now going to St Augustine) to use every means he can to procure a Cargo of Rice, either at South Carolina or Georgia, or by any other means he may have in his Power, and to order it to this Port as soon as possible.

General Howe Complains that the Sloop sent to Guard the Mystick was Suddenly removed, by which that Avenue is left exposed to the Rebels, and desires some Vessel may be sent thither.

I would likewise inform you that I have Intelligence which I depend upon, of the Rebels fitting out Cruizers to Intercept our Supplys, and to Seize our Dispatches from Europe. They are Anxious to know what will be determined upon at home, and what Orders will be given in Consequence of the Events that have happened, as they mean to form their own Conduct accordingly. I hear of a Brig fitted at Middletown in Connecticut Just ready to Sail, quite new, and to carry Fourteen Guns.

News is come from New-York of the making Prisoner of Governor [William] Tryon. I should imagine if the Ferrys between that City and New Jersey, as also Long Island, were narrowly watched that means could be fallen upon to seize many Rebels of Consequence, passing to and from the City. The Delegates from the Eastward might it's said have been Seized with ease as well as Washington and Lee.

I am with Regard and Esteem, Sir &ca