Col^o. Laurens will suggest to his Excellency Count de Estaign the advantages which would more than probably result from a French Ship of sufficient force getting into the Sound, as far up as the lyons tongue, or somewhere thereabouts²—A Measure of this kind would clear that channel of the British armd Ves^ls., which now infest it, and cover the Passage, & landing of a party of Men which might be sent to long Island for the purposes of removing the Cattle out of the way of the enemy, destroying their Horses &c^a—& would afford supplies of Fresh Provisions to the Fleet,—vegetables & other comforts.

The Vessels belonging to the Harbours of Connecticut, would presently take off the fat Cattle & other stock, if the British Cruizers were driven from the communication between the Island and the Main

How far the enterprize upon Rhode Island is compatible with a watch of the Fleet in the Harbour of New York is left to the Admirals superior judgment—But, as an embarkation of the Army at that place cannot happen without notice being had of it, nor an evacuation of the harbour after it is begun in less than 48 hours, it is submitted whether a capitol strike might not be aimed at that Fleet upon its departure from the hook.

The enterprize upon Rhode Island might be followed by an attempt upon Hallifax; which, if fortunate, would be a deadly stroke to G. Britain; as it is the only Dock on the Continent in which Ships of large Force can Careen and moreover abounds in Naval & Military Stores of all kinds