[Extract]

The attempt on long Island, the taking off all the stock & afterwards returning to Burn the Buildings (which you will have in the Papers) was certainly a Bold, Intrepid Maneuvre & as such astonished our Enemies. the Barges full of Armed Men were afraid to Attack our Whaleboats. at a proper distance & the Armed Vessels, either agitated with Fear or destitute of Judgment did it without Execution. . . . I am Just Told that our Boats have this day been to the Light-House & Burnt it in spite of the Fireing from a Man of War & a number of Boats. I hear it was Executed by 300 Rhode Islanders. I dont learn that they suffered any loss . . . it is said they are more afraid of our Whale Boats than we are of their Men of War. A few armed Vessels I am abundantly convinced would produce great Consequences . . . Capt [John] Darby who we sent with the acct of the Battle of the 19th of April returned two days ago He was there 8 days & came away before [Thomas] Gages Packet arrived. He says Trade & the stocks were amazingly affected in that short time. Ld. Dartmouth sent three times for him. he refused to go, & when he threatened him he decamped got on Board and came without either Entering or clearing. I shall Enclose you a Letter Brot by him from SherrifT [William] Lee & one of the latest papers. by the Letter I fancy Genl Gage is to Expect no other reinforcement this fall. . . .