General Godfrey to Massachusetts Board of War

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Tiverton, in the State of Rhode-Island, December 23, 1776.

SIR: Your letter of the 17th is come to hand, wherein I am informed of your care in ordering provisions and warlike stores for the supply of the Massachusetts forces now near the State of Rhode-Island. The latter has been distributed by Major Thompson, as per his receipts received. The former, I am informed, is at Providence, which is distant from my encampment, As to the number of Militia round Rhode-Island, belonging to this State, I suppose about one thousand, as I cannot receive a just return. The report now prevailing is, the enemy in Newport consists of four or five thousand, chiefly Hessians, and now employed in carting straw on board their vessels and taking accounts of the sugars upon the island, for what purpose is uncertain. The embarrassment for a dismission of the Militia is very great. Hope I shall soon receive orders for that purpose.

In great haste, I am your Honour' s most humble servant,

GEORGE GODFREY.

To Samuel Ph' ps Savage, Esq˙, President Board of War.