Commodore Sir Peter Parker

When You did me the Honor to call on board the Sovereign Yesterday You will be pleased to recollect That I then proposed to You that the Ranger & St Lawrance Schooner might be sent over the Bar of Spencer's Inlet for the purpose you now mention, and as it is my intention (which I likewise communicated to you Yesterday) to take possession of the North End of Long Island, I could rather wish that those seven Transports of small draft might proceed there if they can be anchored in safety ー But my ignorance in Sea matters renders it particularly necessary in this, as it has done upon every former occasion, to submit all proposals which relate to the Movement of the Fleet to Your Consideration.

I have much to lament that my exceeding bad state of health at Sea would make it very inconvenient for me at this time to remove on board the Bristol, which Obliges me to decline the Honor of Your polite invitation, and until the Harbour is sounded, and the Transports anchored in safety within it, I do not apprehend that any Plan of Consequence can be adopted, but in the mean time I will give directions that the Sovereign may be Anchored as near as the Bristol as possible.

The Delegate is ready to receive Your Commands relative to the Sounding the Bar ー but instead of the Soldiers which are now on board of her (whom I request may be sent on board the Sovereign) I could wish that some Seamen may be sent on board to Navigate her. I have the Honor to be &c.

P S. I submit to You, Sir Whether it may not be adviseable to send the Friendship or such other Armed Vessel of small draft to lay as near the Southward of Long Island as possible to answer the double purpose of annoying the Rebel Vessels laying in the Creek between Sulivan's & Long Island, & covering the landing of the Troops on the South End of Long Island, if that should be thought Necessary.