I received your Excellency’s letter dated the 11th last evening. I believe without a doubt that another embarkation is in great forwardness and that in every point it will be more respectable than that of the last under General Phillips. I have enclosed a letter from Capt. Scudder commanding at Elizth Town, which is in a great measure confirmed by my private intelligence from the city. How they can spare such a number of men from New York consistently with their own safety is to me very mysterious and what I cannot reconcile with my idea of their strength & numbers. The opinion seems to prevail, that they are intended to act on the Delaware river and in Pennsylvania, rather than in the Cheseapeake or to the southward; of the three I must confess, the first appears to me most probable—it is indeed possible that something of more consequence that we are aware of is now upon the carpet.

Admiral Arbuthnot I am informed is returned to Gradiner’s bay, also that Arnold has returned with at least a part of his troops, certain it is that upward of twenty sail of transports were seen going up to the city on Thursday, which were said and supposed to be Arnold.

The refugees are all ordered to be embodied, their Officers are nominated and a Colonel Conolly is appointed to command them, and it is generally said they are going to Quebec. An officer told my informant that all those refugees who would not enlist would be immediately impressed and put on board the ships.

I enclose for your Excellency’s perusal,[   ] Gazette extraordinary, from whence it appears that Great Britain has brought upon herself a war with Portugal as well as with the United States. I am your Excellencys Most Obedient Hbe servant