Dear Sir

The Night before last we got all our troops ready for embarcation, but the Wind prevented the execution; in bringing down the Boats from Quatuck [Nannaquaket] Pond, to the South'ard of Fogland Ferry, where we were to embark, the Enemy fired upon us as we passed the Ferry-Point, by which we had one Man killed, & another wounded. Yesterday in the Afternoon, & this Morning, the enemy appear as 'tho' they intended to evacuate the North end of the Isl^d,¹ but the rain prevents our making such discoveries as we could wish. If they are moving off, as I believe they are, as soon as the weather permits, I think we shall go on to Howland's Ferry, & one other place, & beat up their Quarters. I forgot to mention, that the Night before last, we sent a Small Party on to the Isl^d, who bro^t off a few Friends to us, & intercepted two Light-Horse­ men, which they bro^t off, with their Saddles &c, all excepting their Horses.

Last Night an Express arrived from Gov^r Cooke to Gen^l Spencer, with the great news of Gen^l Burgoyne & his whole Army, about 4500, having Surrendered to Gen^l Gates. The Brittish & Hessian Officers to be allow'd to wear side-arms; but no terms for the Tories.

I hope that our Court will never more join in such an important enterprize, un­less they have better assurances of every thing being realy prepared against the given day. We ought to have been in the plan & preparation. 'Tho' I don't expect to be Saved by our wisdom in the present, or any future expedition, yet I think that we ought to have Somthing to do with Planing & preparing, as well as executing. If the Weather permits, 'tis likely that Providence will give us Success; I am Sure that we Shall have very little reason to boast of our Wisdom—but I must not indulge further. I am [&c.]