I had proceeded thus far yesterday afternoon on my return to New York, and had taken my seat in the cars for Stonington, when an express from Governor King, who was at Newport, overtook me, to request that I would not leave the State; too late, however, for me then to stop here, as the cars were just moving off.  On getting to Stonington I there found Governor King, who had crossed over from Newport to intercept me, and at his solicitation I at once returned with him last night in an extra car to this place.  Not then having a moment’s time to write you, as the steamboat left immediately on the arrival of the cars at Stonington, I sent my adjutant on in the boat with directions to report to you the fact and the cause of my return.

I had written thus far when the governor called on me, and has informed me that four citizens of this State, who had gone to Chepachet to ascertain the exact state of affairs there, were arrested as spies, bound, and sent last night to Woonsocket, where two hours ago they were still in confinement.  Martial law has been declared in Chepachet and Woonsocket, and no one allowed to enter or depart without permission.  I yesterday afternoon wrote to the Secretary of War (as I had been directed), in great haste, however, to send by the mail, to inform him of the sudden change in the aspect of affairs here; in which letter I stated that I should be at Governors Island this morning.  As I, of course, then did not contemplate to the contrary, I beg you will do me the favor to acquaint him with the cause of my return.

I can only add that the citizens of this place are in a state of intense anxiety and excitement.  I remain here to-day at the special request of several who have just left me.  To-morrow I shall return to Newport to await any communication from you.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. BANKHEAD,
  Colonel Second Regiment Artillery.

PROVIDENCE, R.I., June 27, 1842.

SIR:[123] As there was no mail yesterday from this, I could make no report to the Major-General Commanding of the military movements in this quarter up to that time.  Since my last letter to you most of the volunteers and other military companies called out by the governor have assembled here to the amount of about 2,000 men.  The force of the insurgents under the immediate direction of Mr. Dorr, and concentrated at Chepachet, is estimated at from 800 to 1,000 men armed with muskets, about 1,500 without arms, and 10 or 12 cannon mounted.

[Footnote 123:  Addressed to Brigadier-General R. Jones, Adjutant-General United States Army.]

It seems to be impossible to avoid a conflict between the contending parties without the interposition of a strong regular force.

The State force here can defend this city, and it might successfully attack the insurgent force at Chepachet; but there would be danger in leaving the city without adequate means of protection to it, as there is doubtless a large number within the city with concealed arms ready to commence hostilities.