Imirimis, I Answer, That I did not know y® sliipps to bee Enemies before the 29^^ of July at fine o'clock in y« Euening, but aboute fine Moneths before heareing of an Enemys fifleete that was bound for Verginia, and from thence to tliis place ; Gouernor Louelace being then at M^ Pells at Anliookes Neck I imediately sent notice to him of the same who imediately came and seeing noe Enemy slited my care and said this is one of Manning's Larrums, wch news I thought would haue caused liim forthwith to prepare y^ ffort, and procure such necessaryes as would haue beene Conuenient and were wanting to w*'* stand an Enemy, He haueing rece'd into his Custody y« Contribucon money that was gatliered for that Intent. Notwithstanding tlie s^ newes the money soe receiued he did not make any preparacon in the ifort, onely sent for tlie Soldiers from Albany and other places, and upon the first of May mustered them and they did amoimt to neare 130 listed men. And upon the 29'^ of May did mak another muster and then w*ii Volunteers and Souldiers we did amount to 330 After w^h said muster the Gouernor dis- • chargeing some and dismissing others sent back all that came from Albany Avth Capt Salsbury and just before tie Enemyes ©omeing heare takes his Jurney for Conetticot and leaues me in the ffort w'^ out any order to repaire the saine for to make defence against an Enemy ; But I heareing Newes of the shipps being upon the coaste did send notice w^^^ all expedicon to y« Gouernor at Connetticott and did to ye Eest of my Indeauor send out my Warrts for aide to come to y« ffort and likewise caused the drums to beate up for Vollunteers and of all those that before proffered their seruice but few came w«h was discom-agem' to tlie whole Garrison I likewise caused a Smith forthw^h to repaire 100 fyrelooks ready upon the works for sucli aS should come in ;