[Extract]

. . . Albany & all the Country round it is famous for Slays & Sleds, and we have no doubt but General Schuyler cou'd with ease collect a sufficient Number to carry 1000, or 1500 Men across the Lakes, with such Stores Provisions & Artillery as may be necessary, the quantity of these need not be very considerable because the Movement in Slays will be very rapid & the Sole object of this expedition shou'd be to burn all the Enemies Vessells in the Lake which we apprehend may be effected with ease & when once done, let them return. the Surprize of the Enemy will prevent their following We hope this matter may deserve attention & if the plan beadopted Some Sea officers might be found here that wou'd be usefull Congress will excuse us for troubling them with our thoughts, we shoud do it were we with them.

We have the pleasure to inform you of the safe arrival of the Sloop Sachem Capt James Robison from Martinico, but the letters are not yet come up, so that we know not what stores or advices she brings, You shall be informed soon as possible, the Men of War have been chasing her about the Coast for ten days past, but she slipt in at last & we believe is got into Morris's River from whence we shall order up her Cargo in Waggons.

You have herein the Copy of Capt Jones's Acc[ount] of his last expedition in the Alfred,² he is a fine Fellow and shou'd be constantly kept employed, If the Congress please I will propose to him one or two expeditions & leave him to take his Choice of them . . .

[Endorsed] R. Morris & Letter from Comee of Congress at Philada 16 Jany 1777 read 20th