Soon after it was known that the enemies privateers were in our River, a subscription was proposed to raise a sum of money, either by way of gift, or of advance to the government, in expectation of being repay’d by the assembly when they should next meet, in order to fit out immediately one or more armed vessels, to clear the bay and coast, and protect our trade: But it seems to be at a stand at present; the little thanks and great censure those met with, who generously equipp’d the Warren for the same purpose last year, together with the consideration of the last message from the assembly, having very much discouraged it. All foreign trade is now at a stand, and the port as much shut up, as if the river was frozen. ’Tis tho’t the damage already done by the enemy is many times greater than the expence that might have been sufficient, with God’s blessing, to prevent it. But that which would have been easy for All to bear, is really too hard for a Few.