Letter from Governor Trumbull to the New-York Convention

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The following Letter from Governour Trumbull was received and read;

"Lebanon, July 17, 1776.

"SIR: I have received credible information that there has lately been intercepted and taken several provision vessels bound to or from your Colony through the Sound; that there are three or four men-of-war, frigates, and cullers, cruising off Block-Island, and that it is scarcely possible for any vessel bound to sea to escape them. I have kept out the armed sloop the Spy, Captain Niles, cruising off Block Island, to give notice of danger to vessels passing that way, and merely for the publick service have been obliged to give him orders to stop any provision vessels bound to sea when danger is apparent. In consequence whereof, he has detained a ship laden with wheat and flour from New-York, which, if she had proceeded, must undoubtedly have fallen into the hands of the enemy, and of which I understand the Captain is fully persuaded. I trust you will think that nothing but the common good would have induced me to have taken this step, and that you will readily approve the measure when you consider the reason and motives of my conduct therein. Whenever there is a fair prospect of the ship' s sailing with safety and avoiding the enemy, no objection arises to her or any other vessel' s sailing, if within the rules of the Continental Congress. I have acquainted the Congress and General Washington with my proceedings, and furnished them with a number of affidavits supporting the above information. The General, I dare say, will show you them, if desired.

"I am, with great truth and regard, sir, your obedient, humble servant,

JONATHAN THUMBULL.

"Hon˙ President Woodhull."