[Long Island] 10th Novr 1776. Everything is ready for the Embarkation of the 3rd and 5th Brigades, and part of their heavy baggage is on board. The destination remains a secret.
It is not supposed we are going to Rhode Island, as the passage there at this season is rather dangerous and tedious, occasioned by the prevalence of the Northerly w;.nds, particularly off the end of Long Island, which makes it difficult to beat up so far. The transports and Frigates indeed, might go through Hellgate and the Sound, but none of the two decked ships can go that way, nor the Grand Duke of Russia transport of 672 Tons, and as they must go by Sandy hook and the back of Long Island, and the fleet wd by this means be separated. In the opinion of many the chief expedition is intended for the Delaware, and the other up The North River to attack Fort Constitution, or to proceed farther up to hasten the retreat of the Army opposed to General Carleton.