Letter from J. Waters to Governour Trumbull

v5:788

New-London, April 1, 1776.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR: We have just received intelligence that twenty-one vessels were yesterday seen off Newport, Rhode-Island; that several had come up. The particulars your Honour will receive from Colonel Saltonstall. I have thought it my duty to acquaint you with the state of the fortresses; that upon Groton is carried up in part, and shall be completed with all possible despatch; that upon Shaw' s Neck is not so far forward as I could wish. I have improved every moment since your Honour' s departure to get it forward, and shall, if possible, complete a battery, which may contain a few cannon, (if we have them,) this week.

I could most ardently wish, upon this pressing necessity, to have more hands employed, which would much expedite the work; but in this case your Honour will be pleased to be mindful of working materials; and as they cannot be immediately ready, will be pleased to direct how I shall obtain them. You will be pleased to be explicit in any orders you may send me. I shall endeavour punctually to obey them.

I am your Honour' s most obedient humble servant,

JOSI˙ WATERS, JUN..

To the Honourable Jonathan Trumbull, in Lebanon.