Bristol of[f] Charles-Town Bar
5th June 1776
Sir
When I had the Honor of Waiting on You Yesterday, I wanted to come to a Determination relative to the Landing on the North-End of Long-Island, and for that Purpose brought to in a proper Station for such Transports to come to an Anchor as might be judged proper, and 'tho You did seem to have an inclination to Land There, I was far from thinking it a determined Point; as You expressed a Wish that the Fleet shou'd get over Charles-Town-Bar, and then come to a Resolution.
I am now fully informed; and shou'd the Wind prove favourable to Morrow Morning, the Frigates will go over the Bar, and make such Attacks, as may be ncessary to Possess Themselves of the Harbour, as far to the Northward as Cumins's Point, which must be done to clear the Way for the Transports.
The St Lawrence is now endeavouring to Beat to Windward, She shall have Orders to join the Ranger, and I think with You, that the South End of Long-Island, as near in as possible will be a proper Place for the Friendship Armed-Ship ー I have the Honor to be Sir [&c.]
P:S: I submit it to You whether You may not think it proper to send an Engineer in One of the Frigates to make Observations. The Solebay will be nearest Sulivans Island ー
We have but Three Pilots that I can find as Yet, Who will undertake to carry the Frigates over the Bar and They differ so much from Themselves at Times that much Dependance cannot be placed on Them, nor can I get information, how many can Anchor within the Bar, or whether shou'd there be Batteries, the Ships can get near enough to Them. I have laid down Buoys to shew the Channel and Hope when the Frigates can get Over, that we shall receive such Intelligence, that You may safely ground Your future Operations on ー