Sir: ' I have this moment received your favor of yesterday by Express, and shall take every necessary step to send you all the reinforcement I possibly can, and that without delay. General [Nathanael] Greene was to have march'd to day with five Regiments for Norwich, by way of Providence; I have ordered him to hasten his march. General [John] Sullivan with Six Regiments, set off last Friday Evening for Norwich; I have sent an Express after him, Ordering him to file off his Brigade for Providence. If the alarm should prove false, I must request the favor of you to send an Express to meet General Sullivan and order him to continue his route. I am unacquainted with the Situation of Rhode Island and cannot tell how far it may be supported, but should think it advisable immediately to take the Stock from that and the neighbouring Islands, to prevent the Enemy from getting a supply of fresh provisions, which perhaps is their object. I make no doubt, you will take every necessary precaution to stop their progress, and you may depend upon being supported, as far as is in my power.

If it should be certain, that the Ministerial Army intend to effect a landing upon Rhode Island, I shall soon be with you; In the mean time I beg you will send me constant and particular Accounts of all occurrences, that you may think worth communicating. I am Sir etc.

P.S. upon second Consideration, I must request you at all events to send an Express immediately to Genl. Sullivan, whether the Alarm should prove true or false. 2