[Extract]

By several authenticated Accounts lately received, Twelve Thousand or upwards of German Troops are on their passage from England, said to be bound for Boston, But as the place they are design'd for is not certainly known it is of great importance that each Colony be prepared to oppose them. Therefore you are required immediately to give Orders to all the Captains under your command to direct their several Companies to hold themselves in readiness to march on the shortest notice... You are to give Orders to your several Companies to muster and march as many men as can possibly be raised out of them properly Officer'd by Field Officers Captains & Subalterns according to the number of Men, to the place where said Troops are Landed to assist in repelling them....

[Endorsed] Recd May 10th 1776 7 o'clock P.M. P Mr Richd Champney