Providence June 4^th 1778. In Compliance with a Resolution of the General Assembly of this State, passed at this last Session, I take the liberty of making to you some Representations upon the neglected Situation of the Ports in this State, and of soliciting, through you, the Attention of Government to this subject. You will know that, nearly all the Navigation of this State, belongs to the Harbours in the Narragannsett Bay, and that the greater part of that Navigation is owned in the Towns of Newport and Providence. The latter, with the Ports of Bristol, Warren and other smaller Ports, are protected in a great Measure, from a naval Armament by their Situation and Distance (from twenty to Thirty five Miles) from the Sea. Providence, which is at the head of the Navigation, derives still greater Security from the narrowness of the Bay, the Shallows, and [undecipherable] of the channel. But the point to which I wish more particularly to call your Attention, is the Harbour of Newport. From its local Situation at the Entrance of the Bay, no Enemy could effect any permanent Establishment in the State, without first seizing that important Post. To do this with a very small naval force, in [undecipherable] at present an enterprise [undecipherable] much especially [undecipherable] and too small to consider, could not want a Frigate, [undecipherable] — Well on which is a fort and a Block-ho[use], is not provided with either Troops or Artillery. [undecipherable] —tion. Only Conanicut and Brenton Neck, which were prized in the British, have been neglected since the War. The Harbour itself presents easy access for an Enemy, even without a Pilot, and when once in, a Fleet may ride in Safety in many Places in the Bay, out of the Reach of the Forts. The importance of the excellent Harbour to any foreign Nation with whom the U.S. may be at War, will be a powerful inducement [underline: to them] to attack, and to us to defend it. It is unquestionably as fine a Harbour, as any in the U.S. and is the only one for a great Extent of Coast which is accessible in a North west wind. In the winter when that wind is prevalent and prevents all Vessels bound to Philadelphia and New York from making those Ports, they can make a safe Harbour in Newport. Thus many Vessels, which but for this harbour would be driven off the Coast — foundered at sea, are preserved — The Depth of water, the Spaciousness of the Bay, the Salubrity of the [undecipherable] climate, added to its central Situation as it respects the New England States, and the ease with which the Town may be defended against a land force, will no doubt render it the Point of Attack by any foreign power which may attempt a Descent on the eastern or middle States. The town of Newport situate on an Island, is of course easily defended by any power which commands the Sea. A mere land Army can never with safety make an Attack on th[undecipherable]. If descent, the Supplies to their Troops may be interrupted or delayed, and in the event [undecipherable] may be cut off. The Advantages derivable to an Enemy in seizing Newport from its central Position — [undecipherable] the inestimable [undecipherable] of the population — [undecipherable] under the Command of General Sullivan — in [undecipherable] 1778. The enemy could not have maintained any — [undecipherable] the neighboring continent with twice the number of Corps which garrisoned Newport. There is no Station or [undecipherable] in the U.S. so easily defended against a more brave enemy as [undecipherable: Choole?] Island. These Considerations will induce the Government to take every Step in their power to prevent an acquisition of this Port by an Enemy. In such an unfortunate Event, the State with the neighboring Shores of [undecipherable] Connecticut and [undecipherable: above?] New York, will be exposed to their [undecipherable] descents and Excursions, and though they may think proper to occupy it with comparatively a small force, it may be out of our power to repel them. This harbour affording them all the Conveniences I have before [undecipherable], would become the Rendezvous of their Ships, a safe Deposit in their Stores, and a Retreat for repairing their [undecipherable] even this Enemy should not meditate any extensive conquest in the Country, the Possession of a Sea Port would become [undecipherable] if they chose [undecipherable: mainly?] to wage a Naval War. The Fortification of Newport, so as to place it beyond the reach of a Coup de main, is [undecipherable] within very [undecipherable] no expense. It is with pleasure the Citizens of the States have been informed, that a considerable Sum has been appropriated to this Object. Whether Prudence will dictate further [undecipherable] Expenditures, Congress must decide. Your Opinion and [undecipherable] recommendation will undoubtedly have their proper Weight, and the Subject falls within your Department. I request that I may receive your further Attention. I would take the [undecipherable] of mentioning the [undecipherable: Topick?] and [undecipherable] of General [undecipherable], [undecipherable] and Col. [undecipherable] as affording much information [undecipherable] to the military geography of the Bay and Island.