Commodore
Sir Peter Parker Knt
When we agreed to make our attempt on Sullivan's Island, it seemed to be our intentions first to consider the object and probability of Success on the Spot; as no information had been obtained that could make it adviseable without ー in this Attack I ever understood the Navy were to bear a considerable part, but by your late arrangement you have marked out for them little more than reducing any insignificant Batteries that may be found on Light house or Cummins's Point ー I have ever been of the same opininon with regard to the Consequence of Sullivans Island, and if it is taken the Fleet must give their great assistance ー I cannot think of landing on the North side of that Island as you propose without in the first place being assured their is no Surff, that armed Vessels can approach near enough to cover my landing and retreat, and that such Naval force as can be brought into action may be ready at their Stations to co-operate, without which I am free to own any attempt I should make might justly be called rash and absurd.
This being the case I must beg leave to repeat (submitting it at the same time to you) that the sooner the Frigates can get over the Bar the better, the Transports following as they can ー and should you approve of sending two or three Vessels to sound the Channel and examine the shore, from them we shall receive information of consequence. I am &c
PS. Since writing the above I have recollected, and beg leave to submit to you, whether the Vessels sent to reconnoîter the North end of Sullivans Island after performing that Service proceed to examine the Coast of Long Island from whence a passage may be found to Sullivan's Island ー