Sir, 

I beg leave to refer Your Excellency to the contents of a letter which I had the honor of writing to you last Evening by Barry.¹

The present Cover will convey to Your Excellency two Acts of Congress of this date.

1. Empowering Your Excellency to call in the Aid of such Militia as shall appear to be necessary from the four Eastern States, from New York & New Jersey for carrying on operations in concert with Count d'Estaing.

2. Intimating the desire of Congress that Your Excellency Co-operate with Vice Admiral Count d'Estaing in the Execution of such offensive operations as against the Enemy as shall appear to be necessary.²

Congress have directed me to propose for Your Excellencys consideration an attack by Vice Admiral Count d'Estaing upon the British Ships of War & Transports in the harbor of Rhode Island, by which possession of a safe Port may be gained & the retreat of British forces on that Island be cut off, as an alternative to a hazardous or ineligible attempt upon the British Squadron within Sandy Hook. I have the honor to be [&c.]

President of Congress

Sometime ago I informed Your Excellency that Congress had adopted the Stile of “North America” to these States—this day that Resolution was reconsidered & reduced to the former mode of "America."³

Congress Resolved on the 9^th. Inst that the Committee appointed to arrange the Army do repair without delay to Head Quarters for that purpose as Your Excellency will perceive by the Inclosed Certified Order.⁴