Eagle [off Sandy Hook, N.J.] Monday 13 [July 1778] 11 AM
Dr Sir
I shall be obliged to you to furnish me with a couple of 8 Inch Howitz, with Artillery Men Ammunition &ca., to place on the point of the Hook.1 Your Engineer is not yet (that I have heard of) arrived.2 The Wind being Easterly, furnishes our Adversaries with a favorable opportunity to make their attempt; But they have not yet taken the steps preparatory to that operation. They may do the needful in the Night. and the present Wind compelling us to change the Disposition of my Ships (which I must do as often as the Wind changes from the NE to the SSW) the Howitz will be, I think, particularly useful in our present Circumstances. Some tools will be necessary amongst the other requisites for making a bed & Breast Work for the Howitz. But a skillfull Engineer to direct our undertakings will be a Treasure to your most faithful Sert
Howe
PS. We wish to borrow a few Light Infantry of which Duncan3 writes No time should be lost in the dispatch of the Howitz &c., if our request is consistent—
L, MiU-C, Sir Henry Clinton Papers. Addressed at foot: “Sr H: Clinton." Addressed on cover: "His Excellency/The Commdr in Chief/&c &c &c/With dispatch/Howe."
1. Sandy Hook.
2. Clinton sent Lt. Col. Charles O'Hara, Coldstream Guards, to supervise the detachment sent to build and man the battery at Sandy Hook.
3. Capt. Henry Duncan, First Captain of the squadron.