Copy of a Letter from Lieut Grant

Sir

I have the honour to acquaint your Excellency that His Majesty's Schooner under my Command is arrived off this Bar in three Days passage from New Providence, and that on Sunday last [March 3] an Armament consisting of eight Sail of North American Vessels Vizt. two Ships two Brigs three Sloops and one Schooner arrived at that place and landed Troops supposed to the Number of four or five hundred Men and that day got immediate possession of Fort Montagu &ca and sent a Message to the Governor and Council, that they were come to take the Powder and destroy the King's Schooner. I have brought off the Powder in a Sloop Chambers Master who I parted Company with last night, and expect him to appear in sight every Minute ー I have on board the Schooner 43 Barrels of Do ー I was much hurried all that day and left the People at [New] Providence in great confusion ー I wish the powder to be got out with all convenient Speed. ー And I doubt not but you may expect a Visit from some of the Rebel Vessels as I imagine they are in pursuit of me.ー

I cannot be more explicit at present as the Boat is waiting. We are in some distress having come away incomplete in the Schooners Repairs, Stores and Provisions - I beg leave to observe to your Excellency that the [New] Providence People don't act with that vigour I expected - (Meaning some of the common people only) I have the honor to be [&ca.]

[Endorsed] In Govr Tonyn's (No 5) of 8th March 1776