If it be considered that the season when this work was undertaken was very far advanced, I think that we are in as forward a situation as can be wished for, and I make no doubt but the work begun will in three weeks time be of sufficient strength to stand the brunt of as large a ship of rank as can come here, and two or three small fry.

Heavy cannon, such as of 18, 24 and 32 lb. seem to be all that is wanted. I think on Saturday next [October 21] to be able to mount from 12 to 18 cannon, 8 of which at least might be heavy ones. We are in a miserable timber country, even fascines are with more difficulty got than stones; of the last we have such plenty that in four days 150 perches of wall has been properly laid by 12 masons. We want more workmen, especially masons, and our [men] require a regulation prescribed to them, which it seems impossible to bring them under, until they be properly officered and distributed, each division having its proper department allotted.

It is not only the difficulty of getting timber, but we have fully experienced that the part of the work which is done in timber advances slower than the stone, by a degree beyond all comparison.

A battery at Moore's house seems, at present, to me entirely useless. I will examine further into this article.

The point on the west side above Verplanck's point, is too easy of access, and in the vicinity of many ill disposed people; besides this, it can be of little use. But at Pooploop's kill, opposite to Anthony's nose, it is a very important pass; the river narrow, commanded a great ways up and down, full of counter currents, and subject to almost constant fall winds; nor is there any anchorage at all, except close under the works to be erected. It is a very easy matter to establish posts for intelligence with the upper country and Connecticut; for the last I intend to go in person, in about two or three weeks time. With those in the Jerseys I am not so perfectly acquainted, but if the country people are well affected, I know the roads admit of the most expeditious intelligence, and of our receiving the readiest assistance.

I understand that it will be an easy matter to obstruct the navigation of the river, so as to confine it to 12 or 14 feet; and in that case it remains large enough for our use, and without new inventions and constructions the enemy can then do us very little hurt.

[Endorsed] Highlands, October 16th, 1775. We have considered the above remarks and fully concur in opinion with the engineer.

Samuel Bayard, William Bedlow.