[Extract]

By a Letter from General Washington I was informed that Three Ships of War and Nine Transports sailed from Boston the beginning of last Week. As the Enemy are greatly distressed for Want of fresh Provisions I conjectured this Fleet was designed to supply them; and immediately sent a Quantity of Powder, Ball and Flints to Block Island to enable the Inhabitants to defend themselves, and gave them Assurances of further Aid if necessary. As this Fleet hath not been heard of on our Coasts I imagine they are destined to the Eastward.

Two of the Men of War were cruizing esterd day and the Day before, in the River and came up above Kinnimicut Point. As it is possible for them to come near enough to fire upon the Town our Attention is strongly turned to the erecting of a Fortification below. I some Time since forwarded to you a Plan of the River, and should be glad to know the Sentiments of the Congress upon that Subject, and whether the erecting a Fortification, which would not be a very expensive one will be considered as a Continental Expence, as I am clearly of Opinion it ought to be.