[Extract]

. . . they continue building Row Boats some of them I have seen whose dimensions are 64 feet in length & 14 beam, they have order'd 52, of which there are several now afloat with one 24 pounder in the Stern Sheets, Swivels on the Sides & Musquets for the Rowers; when a competent number is compleated they intend making an Attack on His Majts sloop Nautilus which arrived in this River last week, of this Intention I apprised Capt [George] Vandeput of the Asia by Letter of this date, & one Doctr Drommond of the Customs found means to give Capt [John] Collins timely Intelligence . . . Some 14 Tons of Gunpowder have been landed in this River, & this morning I have seen it sent away in six Waggons (escorted by two Companies of Light Infantry) to the Rebel Army before Boston.