I had the honour to receive your favour of the 3rd Instant by the post, and have given orders for the removal of the Brass Ordnance as soon as possable[.] I mentioned in my last a further examination of Bates or rather [Betty], he was examined by the Commissoners of Conspirecy (myself & Colo. Hamilton were present) and assured if he made any capatal descoveries, it would Influence us to Interpose to save his life, he affirmed that very considerable preparations were making at St johns for an early movement, a large number of boats were building, & large quantities of provisions was constantly ariving at that post, that the general conversation was, that they were going to erect the B. Standard at Vermont & protect their friends in that quarter—Small parties of the Enemy are constantly lurking about our posts on the Mowhawk R. last monday the Indians burnt a building & killed a lad on Tuesday they took one soldier prisoner killed & scalped a nother with one of the Inhabitants, The 2nd Regt who garrison that Quarter are Divided into so many parts they are not strong at either post, I hope to git through the small pox in the 2nd Regt in about 10 days which will put those posts on a better footing, but then if 200 Indians or enemy should appear they would not be able to make a salley on them without evacuating some of the posts. I will take it as a favour [o]f one of the Ades will transmit the Inclosed to the proper places. I have the Honour to Remain your Honors most obident Humble Servant

Your Honors letter of this date I have Just receiv’d—The [   ] Brig. and three gun boats which came up last night, return’d down the river this day by the Block house about 12. oClock, they Salluted that post with a few shot as they pas’d by, they had in return a few flashes of clear powder.

The wind blew so exceeding hard when they came up [   ] and its being so verry dark that they were close upon the boat before it was possable to [answer] them—and verry prudently they let her pass them before they fir’d an Allarm, and as the vessel and Gun boat were under heavy saile—they got three miles above us [   ]and took off two of my men who was burning cole under the side of the mountain, before my boat could git up to give me the occation of the Allarm—I beleive they have likewise taken two more who was trying to catch some fish at Tallars point in a small pedauger piragua altho I order’d them not to be on the water in the night—They went with their boats up to [Hainstraw], where my boat fell in with them as she was going to Kings Ferry—I have found out by a deserter that left them at [Hainstraw], that their whole business was to supprise me and take or destroye my boats, but my fireing an Allarm immediately preventd their puting (or attempting) to put it in execution.

As they pased by Phillips I had a number of men on the west shore who haild the boats and asked them why they did not take Capt. Pray to York with them, they gave for answer that they intended to Try again and then they woud have him—I shall endavour to Keep so good a Look out as to prevent it again for I patrole the Shore for five miles I Keep them Continually agoing above and below me at the same time. We want about one thousand [Mesquet] Cartridges in the reserve for the block house, & Some candles is Verey much wanted—boath for the Garrison and Warter Guard—The Commisy wrote me Some time ago I might have a Box of Candles if I would give my own private Order & receipt f[o]r them—If I cannot have them on the publics account rather then be with out Candles for the Guards I would pay for them my Self.

I could not git any nails for the Order your Honor gave but have got cole burnt, and am going to Let a nailer to work on them to Morrow.

Shall have the boat done Since.

When the gun boats pass’d Dobbs Ferry they were verry close to the east Shore—there was a great number of small Arms[   ] upon them, they return’d the fire with a great number of Swivels. I have The Honor to be with every Sentiment of respect and Esteam Your Honors most Obedient and Verey Humble Serveant

There’s a quantity of damaged provisions at this Post, belonging to the Continent, should be very glad there might be a committee appointed to inspect it; after which Mr Sands will dispose of it, to the best advantage, and stand accountable to the Public for what ever sum it may fetch. I am sir Your Obt Hume servt