[Extract]

On my return from Camp, lodged last Saturday night [December 9] at Tower Hill. On Sunday morning, at break of day, we were alarmed with the cry of Fire, upon which we found that five houses were in flames upon the Island of Conanicutt. The country was alarmed as soon as possible. Fifty Provincials were upon the Island. I immediately repaired to Narragansett Ferry, where I found a number of people collected. Out of a hundred, thirty-six volunteered, who put themselves under my command, embarked on board of a Sloop. Capt. Wallace, just as we embarked, set fire to two houses. We imagined he designed to burn every house on the Island.

I appointed Mr. Jonathan Hazard and Capt. Tew, to act as officers. We were told that the enemy had landed a number of field pieces. I observed to the people at the Ferry, that even if they had, they were not so terrible as some people imagined; that it was a shame to afford no relief to the distressed inhabitants, and that the party on the Island might be entirely cut to pieces, for the want of our assistance; and that it would be a noble prize to take Capt. Wallace prisoner. The Colo of the Militia and several other officers I urged hard to step on board the Sloop, but they tho't the attempt too hazardous, and chose to keep themselves out of danger. We arrived time enough to save one house.

Capt. Wallace landed with 75 marines, 125 seamen and 20 women. They plundered and burnt 15 houses; took off 50 head of cattle, 30 sheep and 40 hogs. Besides, a number of barns full of hay, and several cribs full of corn were likewise committed to the flames. He landed at three o'clock in the morning, with five tenders; surprized the guard; took two of them prisoners, and several women and children and sundry of the inhabitants. Eight Indians, that were under the command of Lt. Smith, made themselves a raft of rails and pushed off for the Main, but were taken up by Major Dyer, who arrived with a number of men from North Kingstown, about an hour after we landed. Capt. Wallace, seeing a collection of people at Narragansett, and a number embarking on board the Sloop, tho't it most prudent to take himself off, and not to wait our arrival....

I most heartily congratulate you upon Capt. Saltonstall's being appointed second in command in the American Navy. I dare say he will do honor to his Country....

N.B. The women and children and inhabitants were set at liberty the next day by Capt. Wallace. No person wounded, except Martin on the Island. Four marines wounded by the Provincials.