[Extract]
To the Honb^le Mess^rs. Franklin, Lee & Adams
N^o. 15
Honble gentlemen

Since ours of Oct^r. the 31^st. the Enemy have by repeated efforts at last overcome our defences on the Delaware below Philadelphia, and we hear they have got some vessels up to the city. But we incline to think they will yet be interrupted much in their operations on the river by the cheveaux de Frize and the cold weather. . . . The manoevres about New York exhibit proof of apprehension for the safety of that place, because the enemy have evacuated and destroyed their post at Fort Independence above Kingsbridge, and have drawn in all their outposts, to concentre their strength, and secure, if they can their hold of the city of New York. We hope before the opening of next campaign to put Hudson's river into a state inaccessible to the enemy's Ships of war and thereby to render their enterprizes on that quater extremely difficult and dangerous to them. . . . The great Superiority of the enemy's Fleet renders it impossible to send those products¹ in any quantity to sea with a tollerable prospect of safety. Thus we are prevented from sending you the four thousand hogsheads of Tobacco which you have contracted for, & which Congress have directed to be sent; although several thousands have for some time been purchased up for payment of our debts in France. The good Intentions of our friends in that country are almost entirely frustrated by the exertion of the whole power of the enemies by Sea to prevent our from sending to, or receiving from Europe any thing whatever. A War in Europe whould greatly and immediately change the scene. The maritime force of France and Spain with the American cruizers would quickly lessen the power of Great Britain in the western Ocean, and make room for the reciprical benefits of commerce between us and our friends. . . .

As the marine Committee have already sent some and will order some more of the Continental Ships of War to France under your directions, permit us to suggest an expedition which appears likely to benefit us and distress the enemy. We are informed that two or three well manned Frigates dispatched early in February so as to arrive at the Island of Mauritius in June (being provided with letters of credence and for such refreshments or aid of stores &c as may be necessary from the Minister to the french Governor of that Island) may go from thence to cruize on the Coast of Coromandel, twenty days sail from the Island of Mauritius, where they will be in the way to intercept the China ships, besides distressing the internal trade of India. The prizes may be sold at Mauritius and bills of exchange be remitted to you in Paris. We would observe that in passing to Mauritius our Vessels had better call at Goree than at the Cape, to avoid the vigilance and apprehension of the British Cruizers. Another beneficial attempt may be conducted along the Coast of Africa. The french and dutch settlements, and perhaps the portuguese will purchase the prizes and give bills on Europe. We think your plan of getting one of the new constructed Ships of war equal to one of 64 guns, built for the use of these states in Europe is a very good one, and may be employed to very beneficial purposes. The heavy iron Cannon which you propose to send will be welcome for fortifications and for Vessels; and here they cost abundantly more than you can furnish them for from Europe. besides the delay in getting them which frequently distresses us greatly, and surely your determination to supply us with materials wanted here for shipbuilding is very wise, since it is by marine force that the most destructive wound may be given to our enemies.

We are directed to point out proper ports into which the stores mentioned in the resolve of Congress of November 10^th. may be imported. We are obliged to own that the port of Charlestown, South Carolina and those to the Eastward of Rhode Island are the only safe ones. We wish the number of Manufactures in lead and Sulphur had been limited in that same resolve; but we place full confidence in your discretion. . . .

	Signed		R. H. Lee
			J. Lovell