[Extract]

As to News I dont think of any thing I can tell You that will be so to You, unless it be that we have an American Fleet, at Philadelphia that is to be ready for Sea by Monday next; consisting of One Ship of 36 Guns, One of 30 Guns, two large Brigs of 16 Guns each, and one of Ten Guns, this Fleet tho not sufficient to meet the Enemy's large Ships, will nevertheless prevent the Depredations which they may hereafter attempt to committ and oblige their small Ships & Sloops of Warr as well as their Tenders to keep within a narrower Compass. This Colony I am told have determined to put'two more Vessels of Warr into Commission, one a large Brigt of 140 Tons to mount 16 Guns they have purchased this Week; and they are looking out for another and intend to have them both equipt as soon as possible, which aded to the two already in Commission, I am in Hopes will be a great Protection to our own Co[a]sts.