(Copy)

Sir I've just time to acquaint you that this morning Osborne fell in with a sailing Boat belonging to the St John Schooner, by which find she and the Troops have quitted their Station, this gives me much concern, having flattered myself, should have had it in my power to have given you a very good account of your troublesome rebellious Neighbours, but this precipitate retreat has dash'd my most sanguine hope, and being disappointed of the Lady William Schooner's accompanying me, and missing the St John find it out of my power to do any thing on this Coast for the benefit of the King's service, have therefore sent Osborne with your Letter to Cockspur, and shall proceed directly for New York ー I am Sir With gratitude and great respect [&c.]

[Endorsed] (Copy) Captain Bishop's letter to Governor Tonyn No 1ー
In Govr Tonyn's (No 3 private) of 26 August 1776.