Sir,

The designs of our Enemies are calculated to puzzle & distract us in our defence, at one time making a feint towards Philadelphia by Land, then by Water, giving out at the same time they design for Boston, — Their real Plan at present is impenetrable, but negatively a Lodgment upon the Banks of the Delaware is by no means their Object, probably they design a Junc­tion upon the North River, possibly they may attempt to penetrate the Country upon the Newport Side, or probably they design farther Eastward. — The Considerations make it highly Expedient in the Judgment of Govern­ment to keep a vigilant observation of their Motions, & to sound the Alarm upon their first approach Wherefore upon the recent Intelligence from Genl Washington we desire you to fix out such Boat or Boats as you may think proper for discovering their Appearance upon our Coasts. — The look out at the Vineyard is judicious, a Boat off from Nantucket might be Advan­tageous, & if not too dangerous a Boat in Block Island Channel might answer an important purpose, but we leave the Conduct of this Matter in a Measure to your discretion desiring you to let us hear from you as often as necessary by Express