[Extract]

. . . This morning we expected the approach of the Enemy & yet continue to look for their movemt My private Opinion is, which last night I de­livered to his Excellency, — That if Mr Howe do not come on very Soon, his intention is to ReEmbark on the Delaware Cross Over& Land where he may think most convenient on the Jersey Shore, march up to the Sevardefrize [chevaux de frise], & the Ships of force by Water, from these I presume he will not again Seperate at any great distance but Cooperate as far as may be, & by these in the Sequel expect to Bumbard the City. From this Conjecture, the two following inferences are natural, we Shou'd either attack him in his Camp, or if he move press hard upon his Rear — and this before the Shipping get round. The former requires better intelligence than any our good General has yet received. The 2d is that the Jersey Militia Shou'd immediately finish the Labour at Billings-port — or rather take post on their own Shore. This I shall mention to the General but wish Congress wou'd anticipate his letters by immediately writing to Governor Livingston if that is not already done. . . .