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Sir, A Vessel from Captain Parker at [New] York arrived here in her way to Boston, by which opportunity I acknowledge the receipt of Letters and Orders of the 1st Instant, His Majesty's Vessels here, are Employed Cruizing about the Bay and sometimes making Descent[s] harrassing the Rebels as much as possible, they have abandoned the Island of Prudence to Us, and I expect the Island of Connanicut every day, what Hay and Stock they can't take away with them they burn and destroy they are making New levies, New Laws, every one who does not take a Test to join them, they disposses of their Houses, and send them Prisoners into the back Country, some that have escaped on board His Majesty's Ship, acquaint me that several of the Inhabitants are exceedingly tired of the War, wishes for Troops to arrive, that they may join them, it seems their Policy, to Distress the Country and the People in Order to leave them no alternative but entering into the Rebellion. We have found the Transport so necessary for our Wounded Men, that I could not conveniently send her, they are near recovered, and I flatter myself I shall soon send her loaded. I beg leave to observe, by the Weekly Return we run short of some Articles of Provisions, not to be got here, Indeed Fresh Beef and Greens &ca Market stuff is all we do get. In some former Letters I mentioned to Admiral Graves the situation of the Towns about here, and my reasons for not destroying them, it would be a great satisfaction to know your sentiments upon that head, it has been my Opinion some time, that a small additional Land Force tack'd to the Squadron would secure this Post, and oblige them to keep a greater Number of Men to guard the Coast along the Sound, harrass, and do them great Injury and oblige them to give up all the Islands to Us. ー [Charles] Lee has been sometime at [New] York ー Hopkins is Sailed with the Philadelphia Fleet. ー The Continental Congress has Voted themselves perpetual, so says report, our Intelligence is not much to be depended upon they keep so strict a look out. ー Inclosed is the State and.Condition of His Majesty's Ships. ー I have the honor to be [&c.]