An Alarm after I was got to Bed with an Account that two Ships had passed the Forts below & anchored in the Bay 12 Miles below us ー The Men ordered to guard the River & the Women to retire back. ー At Naick a Detachmt of Colo. Hay's Regiment Fired upon a Barge in her Approach to the Shore. I suspect they are sent up to receive Fugitives and Provisions, but the Vigilance & Heat of the Inhabit[ant]s will probably disappoint them unless they are strongly handed ー The Committee resolve to write as I hear to General Washington for Aid. If he orders up Whale Boats to follow the Barges they can do little.