[Extract]
Sir

. . . The  Want of Confidence between the Commodore and Col^o. Smith is very great. I shall do every Thing in my Power to cause that mutual Support between the Land and Water Forces, which appears very essential for the Security of Fort Mif­flin....The Enemy are in Possession of Billings Port: Some of their Shipping lay above that Place, about Two Miles below Fort Mifflin. In this Situation it is impossi­ble for the Commodore to drag for the Cannon &c. as mentioned in your Orders of the 31^st ult^o. .... ¹ I am [&c.]