This Colony, the last fall, not confiding entirely in the precarious supply of powder that might be expected from the merchants, imported a considerable quantity, though not so large as was ordered. The supplying the inhabitants, who were in a manner utterly destitute, the Army near Boston, and our armed vessels, have so exhausted this stock, that the powder now left, which is all in this place, is greatly insufficient to resist even a short attack upon it. Our situation is the same with respect to lead, so that at present none of either article can be spared from the Colony.

By a vessel which arrived here on the 30th ultimo, from Cape François, we are informed that the Captain of the vessel sent from this port to the Cape for a quantity of warlike stores, in which the Committee of Safety for the Colony of the Massachusetts had interested themselves, had executed his commission, and was to sail with a large quantity in a day or two, so that she may be hourly expected. This Colony, about four weeks ago, despatched a suitable vessel, with money to purchase fifteen tons of powder and other warlike stores, which may also soon be expected. Of these vessels, we have the highest reason to think the enemy have gained intelligence, the ships-of-war upon this station having, for several days past, cruised continually off Block Island, and from thence to Montauk Point, and up the sound. This hath made us think it absolutely necessary to send the smallest of our armed sloops to cruise without the ships-of-war, and endeavour, at all hazards, to speak with the vessels expected with powder, and order them to another port. She will sail this day. The other armed sloop by her being within the river, prevents the cutters and barges from committing depredations, so that she cannot be spared; nor, indeed, is a vessel of her force required for the enterprise you mention. We have in tills harbour a very fine sailing packet that would answer the purpose extremely well, which might be equipped with swivels, manned with about twenty men, and be ready to sail in less than two days. But as I do not think it prudent that her sole dependance should be upon getting powder at Bermuda, it will be necessary to send a sum of money to purchase a quantity at some other port, in case of a disappointment at Bermuda. In the present state of the Colony I do not think it probable that a sufficient sum can be procured here for that purpose before the sitting of the General Court of the Massachusetts-Bay to advance part of the sum necessary. I believe we may be able to supply one half the sum here.

Colonel Porter hath been at Bedford and along the Eastern shore, but can hear nothing of Harris. He is now bound as far as New-London, to endeavour to meet with him, but is greatly apprehensive that he is fallen into the hands of the enemy.

We have information that several ships-of-war and transports were the day before yesterday at New-London; and that the country round were all arming and mustering. We also hear that they have taken some stock off the east end of Long-Island.

Sensible of the great scarcity of lead in the country, I some time ago wrote to the Congress of the Massachusetts-Bay, and to our Delegates at the Continental Congress, recommending that a part of the large quantity of lead at Ticonderoga should be immediately brought down, and still think the measure necessary.

I shall immediately give orders to the Committee of Safety to purchase, for the use of the Colony, all the tow-cloth that can be bad.

If the powder supposed to be at Bermuda be private property, it must be immediately paid for. If not, I imagine it will be settled with our other disputes. This is a matter that ought to be known and provided for.

Upon further consideration, I am very doubtful whether a vessel can be immediately provided with men here, and therefore am of opinion that twenty-five or thirty sailors had better be draughted from the Army, and held in readiness to embark immediately upon the arrival of Harris.

This letter waits upon you by my son, whom I beg leave to recommend to your favourable notice.

I am, with very great esteem, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

NICHO. COOKE.

GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Lebanon, August 8, 1775.

SIR: I received your favour of the 4th instant; observe the contents. The new levies will come into camp in a short space, save that, on the present emergency, so large a fleet appearing on our coasts, I have ordered Colonel Webb to leave one Captain, with his Company, at New-Haven for the present, in addition to one quarter part of the trained soldiers of five of our Regiments lying on the sea-coasts and sound, to be officered, equipped, and in readiness to march at a minute’s warning.

Yesterday letters were sent to our Commissaries to buy up all the tow-cloth in this Government, for the purpose you mention. The pattern will be sent from one to another, that suitable persons may be employed to make up the same, to be forwarded as directed.

It gave me pain to read your next paragraph, not having it in my power to afford further assistance, although it is hoped for and expected every day. But I have now the relief and pleasure to congratulate you on the supplies coming to you, and going to Ticonderoga and Crown Point.

I am, with great esteem and regard, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,

JONATHAN TRUMBULL.

General Washington.

GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL SCHUYLER.

Lebanon, August 8, 1775.

SIR: At nine last evening received your favour of 31st July last, enclosing letters to General Washington and Major-General Lee. Will forward them directly. Am alarmed at the delay in forwarding provisions. This morning, at seven o’clock, received your other of the 3d instant. Am encouraged to hope the obstacle relative to provisions will soon be removed. Tents for Colonel Hinman’s Regiment I expect will be soon sent from New-York. For your information have enclosed copies of my correspondence with the Provincial Congress at New-York, with one paragraph of mine to the Delegates from this Colony at the honourable Congress, forwarded yesterday to Philadelphia.

On Wednesday, the 26th of July last, the Rose, Swan, and Kingfisher, ships-of-war, with a small tender, came to anchor before New-London. They chased a brigantine of Mr. Shaw’s, outward bound, laden with cattle. She put about, and by the aid of a number of long-boats, got to Mr. Shaw’s wharf, and landed the cattle about ten minutes before one of the King’s barges came to her. The tender went the next clay to the harbour’s mouth, landed suddenly, broke off the nutts, and plugged up with files three or four cannon. Same day a number of the officers went upon Winthrop’s Neck, viewed the ground and gun carriages there. At night, about ten or eleven o’clock. three or four barges paddled silently up, with design, us is supposed, to take off or destroy the carriages; but happily our people were too quick for them, had drawn and were drawing them away.

On Friday the ships weighed anchor, and we hear are returned to Newport.

On Sunday morning, at sunrise, appeared at New-London a fleet of ten sail at anchor, half way between Fisher’s Island and the Light-House, viz: three men-of-war, five other ships, a brigantine, and schooner. They hove up anchor about six o’clock, and beat eastward on the first of the ebb for Fisher’s Island Sound. It afterwards appeared there were fourteen sail. It is probable they have taken the stock off that Island. These are likely the same ships that lately sailed from Boston, which some feared were designed for Quebeck. From all my intelligence, cannot think that any ships or soldiers are gone from thence to Quebeck, or that any forces will arrive there very speedily from any quarter. It is my opinion the Ministry will not abandon their nefarious and hostile measures, nor is any speedy reconciliation to be expected. The dissolution of Parliament last fall, and their subsequent conduct, forbid such expectations.

Enclosed is a pamphlet containing the petition of West-India Planters and Merchants, with the evidence delivered thereon, and summed up by Mr. Glover.

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