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Yesterday I arrived in this Port, with his Majesty' s ship under my command, from New-London, on a cruise, of which I had the honour to acquaint you the 8th instant. Since my absence from this place I find the inhabitants (they say here of Providence) have seized upon the King' s Cannon that was upon Fort Island, consisting of six 24-pounders, eighteen 18-pounders, fourteen 6-pounders, and six 4-pounders, (the latter they say formerly belonged to a Province Sloop they had here,) and conveyed them to Providence. A procedure so extraordinary caused me to wait upon the Governour to inquire of him, for your information, why such a step had been taken? He very frankly told me they had done it to prevent their falling into the hands of the King, or any of his servants, and that they meant to make use of them to defend themselves against any power that shall offer to molest them. I then mentioned, if, in the course of carrying on the King' s service here, I should ask assistance, whether I might expect any from, him, or any others in the Government? He answered, as to himself he had no power, and in respect to any other part of the Government, I should meet with nothing but opposition and difficulty. So much from Governour Wanton. Then I endeavoured to get the best information,
Extract of a Letter from Captain Wallace to Vice Admiral Garves
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of what they were at, from other quarters, and enclosed I send it to you; among some of their votes you will find they intend to procure Powder and Ball, and Military Stores of all kinds, whenever they can get them.