I have this instant received a Letter from Colo. Dayton, (an officer of intelligence in the American army, near Elizabeth town) which contain the inclosed paragraph.

His informant must, I conceive, have magnified the enemy’s force, both in ships of the line, and in the strength of the detachment—nor do I conceive that the fleet could have sailed on the 8th, as he mentions, on account of the wind & weather—Still less am I disposed to believe, that New port is the object of this armament—but as intelligence through another channel pointed to that Epoch for the sailing of the Fleet, I have not delayed a moment in giving the information, as I received it—& shall thank your Excellency for handing it to the Admiral. With great esteem and respect, and much personal attachment. I have the honor to be yr Excellency’s most Obt & Hble Serv.