Bristol in Five Fathom Hole 25th June 1776.
Sir
Mr Whitworth has given me a very unfavourable Account of Your Situation, and I see many Difficulties for You to Surmount. The Experiment is off the Bar, and I have ordered Her to be Lightened, and to come over as soon as possible; She may be of great Service, in the Course of Our Operations Here, but as I think we shall succeed on the intended Attack without Her assistance, I shall not delay a Moment, in putting Our Determination to begin, the instant the Wind &c will suffer Us, into Execution ー
As I am not Master of the extent of Your Plan, or informed of the InYou have any Intentions, (Now you have telligence You have had, and the Observations You have made, or whether drawn the Rebels Attention to One Point) to make an Attempt during Our Attack, to Land on the Main, and March at the Back of Them, and try to take Possession of Mount Pleasant, (which seemed to be Your wish when I had last the Pleasure of seeing You) I cannot Say; and if I were Master of the same Lights You have had I shou'd not offer an Opinion in Matters; where I am confident You must be the best Judge.
I have acquainted You, that in the Arrangement I have made for the Attack of the Batteries, I Hope to Enfilade Their Works from the Ships stationed to the Westward, and to Cut of[f] the retreat of many of the Rebels; This may be of some Use, shou'd You have formed a Scheme on Mount Pleasant; I intend also shou'd I Silence the Batterys, and find it enclosed, (so that it may be defended from within) to Land Seamen and Marines under the Guns, to get in through the Embrasures; Shou'd this happen, We may keep Possession, 'till You send as many Troops, as You may think proper, Who may Enter the Fort the same Way; and I submit it to You; supposing the Palace not to be enclosed, whether a sufficient Number of Troops, may not get by this means at the Back of the Rebels.
I am sure You will excuse me, and not think I mean to Dictate, or Point out any Scheme on You, I only mention this, because it appears obvious to me, from the Observations We have had the Opportunity of making of the Beach under the Batteries ー
If We shou'd be so Fortunate as to take Possession of the Fort, You willSee the Union Hoisted ー. I have enclosed some Signals that I have appointed relative to the Landing the Seamen and Marines of the Squadron, that You may know what I am about; ー
I shall make some of the Signals, When the Battery is Silenced, 'tho I shou'd not mean to Land, and Row to the westward agreeable to Your Desire signified to me by Lieutenant Caulfield ー Success attend You, and beleive me to be with true Regard Sir [&c.]
Major General Clinton &c &c &c