[(Copy)] Providence 8^th Decem^r 1788. I conceive it my duty to inform you that on the Morning of the 5^th Inst. I discovered the Magazine (containing the Powder & [strikethrough: ball] and ammunition in this Town.) had been break open by some daring Villains, an examination from Happy to find only three Casks, containing containing one hundred pounds, one half — the remainder was very modest indeed after having the temerity to make forcible Entry into the Magazine by digging out two Tier of Brick near the Window of the Surred they thereat which hole they must have been there, a very deft — the Tricks that Leaves the Shelter after they have taking that powder they bowed they boated the Shutting & Replaced the Brick again as low order. No Efforts to recover the Thing — I had the most immediate Alarmed & have secured the Matter with a had Seal on the Brick & Lime mixed over the Whole which will Render it tolerable. I Shall to be opened should I happen to attend the February in his Stay in effect Shared by double Doors of Stone-Locks — I have taken the Necessary Steps for informing the Towns having communicated the matter to the first Keeper in the Town that Station Renders who will inform any threats any System of Defensive character of the army for Sale — I have ordered this notice to a public Advertisement so that would most Probably Suit The Villains now on their Guard — at the last Annual Meeting of the Rhode Island Society of Cincinnatti — Towns Affairs was admitted as member for whom Diplomas are wanted; Should you have any on hand Signed by the Assistant General, I Request you will be so good as to forward [strikethrough: him] same with the price, by the first Safe Conveyance for which I will be accountable — I have the Honor to be with Sentiments of Esteem S^r y^r Obed. Humb^l Serv^t Jerv^t. Olney — [(Copy) Letter to the Secretary at War. Decem^r 8. 1788.] From^e the Maj^r Gen^l Knox — Secretary at War —