Sir/

We received your Letter of the 9th Inst. and have now to inform you, that the two State Galleys, Captains Price [John Rice] and [Richard] Eyres are preparing and will be ready by Wednesday next to proceed and act in conjunction with the Continental Galleys.²

Have taken an opportunity of A conference with the Commodore on the subject, and we are of opinion that we shall run a very great risque of the Fleet down the Cape May Channel, unless we can procure an equal force with the Enimy for it often happens that A Vessel taking the first of A Southerly breeze, from Sea will push up so fast as to overhawle any Vessels that may be miles up higher, before they feel the Wind, by which means the Enimees Ships may cut off our retreat, and in the interim, while our fleet is blockd up in that Channel the Enimy may send to New York to procure such Vessels as may suit their purpose and the consequence be a total loss of the Fleet.

And we wou'd further inform you that we have taken the enormous expence attending the Navy Service by means of employing a great number of Chevaux de Frise Pilots immediately, the annual expence whereof is £2160. — and their rations equal to their wages who are not in our opinion of any use at this time that we recommend to your consideration wether they ought to be continued. We apprehend there is no necessity of a greater number, than for One to be appointed for each of the Fire Ships, the State Brigt and Schooner and they can do all the duty that is necessary. — By order of the Board.