Sir, 

I had the honor last night of receiving your favour of the 3d instant.¹ I most sincerely sympathize with you in the regret you feel at the obstacles and difficulties you have heretofore encountered. Your case has certainly been a case of peculiar hardship; but you justly have the consolation, which arises from a reflection, that no exertions possible have been wanting in you, to insure success, the most ample, and most adequate to your wishes and to the important expectations from your command. The disappointments you have experienced proceed from circumstances, which no human foresight or activity can controul. None can desire more ardently, than I do, that the future may compensate for the past; and that your efforts may be crowned with the full success they deserve. 

I have just received a letter from Brigadier General Maxwell, who is stationed in the Jersies near Staten Island, dated yesterday at nine oClock in the forenoon. Inclosed are extracts from it, which contain very interesting information. The terms made use of are so positive and express, that it is natural to conclude the intelligence is well founded.² Its importance induces me to lose no time in communicating it. 

What may be the real design of this movement can only be the subject of conjecture. Unless the fleet should have received advice of reinforcement on the coast, which it is gone to join, with intention to bend their united force against you, it can scarcely be supposed, that Lord Howe will be hardy enough to make any serious attempt with his present inferiority of strength.—If he should, it can only be accounted for, on the principle of desperation stimulated by a hope of finding you divided, in your operations against Rhode Island. This, however, is not a very probable supposition—It is more likely he may hope, by making demonstrations towards you, to divert your attention from Rhode Island, and afford an opportunity to withdraw their troops and frustrate the expedition we are carrying on.—I shall not trouble you with any further conjectures as I am persuaded, you will be able to form a better Judgment, than I can, of his intentions, and of the conduct it will be proper to persue in consequence[.] 

In order to aid in removing the inconveniences you sustain in the article of water and relieve the sufferings of the brave officers and men under your command, whose patience and perseverance cannot be too highly commended, I have written to Governor Trumball of the State of Connecticut, regarding his endeavours to collect vessels and load them with water at New London for the use of your fleet[.]³ I shall be happy if this application is productive of the desired effect.

I send you a New York paper of the 5^th. which is not unworthy of attention.⁴

Allow me to assure you of the warm respect and regard with which I have the honor to be [&c.]