Sir

Your favour of the 5th Instant came safe to hand in which you Inform me, that the Alfred & Hampden are ready & the two New Frigates you expect will be ready in about a week, I hope no attention or diligence will be wanting to have them prepared by that time, and shall Indeavour that there be no delay as to ours, tho am Necessitated to Apply to you or your State to furnish a quantity of Shot for our Ship We have the Round, but double headed, Chain Sliding and Stan Shot we have none. hope you can Supply what will be wanting for the present. we have sent to our furnace for them but fear it will be impossible to have them ready at New London by the time they may be wanted for the present Expedition but may be ready to be replaced if Necessary very soon after; the size of the Cannon for which we shall want them are Nine pounders. I understand the Columbus is now in Port, if so, cannot she join your Squadron? for no force ought to be Omitted which human foresight can devise to render our Success as sure as may be at this Critical time with our Army As this expedition if Success full may much disconcert [illegible] the Enemyー

Since my last to you there has been two more frigates up sound as far as against Say brook, but Suppose now returnd towards Block Island how far they or either of them may be the Object of your attention shall Submitt, no doubt there ought to be a Spy upon them out from Newport or New London or both to Watch and give Intelligence of their Motions, and if they or either of them may be decoyed in, so as to fall in your way, and the force from New London to join you at an Appointed time or Signal given, perhaps you may first give a good Account of them before you proceed up the Sound which by the way is the Main Object. I have Employed Capt [Nathaniel] Shaw [Jr.] the barer hereof to Conferr with you on the Subject and Acquaint you from time to time with every Occurrence, & see that every preparation is made on our part and give every necessary Intelligence & Assistance as it will be difficult for me to do by letter & at this Distance where I may be detaind with the Assembly for a fortnight or three Weeks. The Expedition on Long Island set forward by Genll Washington will be Conducted by Coll McIntosh & Livingston & Richmond if he joins themー

I have Requested Coll Livingstone as soon as he Arrives on Long Island to employe trusty spies along on the south side. to Watch the Motion of the Enemies Ships from New York & give speedy Intelligence if there is Any Appearance of their Coming round the Island that you May have the earliest Notice if any such matter should happen, we hear that your ships are now Manned from Coll Richmonds Regiment. if any failure on that Account tho hope Number of Volunteers may be found at Rhodisland & New London, but if still wanting there may possibly be a Complement thrown Aboard from Genll Washingtons Army upon a sudden Occasion & for so short a time as they might be wanted, if timely Notice is sent forward to Genll Washington of their being wanted. I understand there is a 24 gun Ship got thro Hell Gate & joined the two frigates tho now one lyes at Huntington a Considerable Distance I shall Indeavour to gain every Intelligence in my power & acquaint you with any alteration or reinforcement which may happen there I am, with Esteem & Regard Sir [&c.]

P S ー Shall yield you my assistance of Excuse to Congress ー the good of the Service is their Object ー as I Am Sure 'tis your's Sir