Gentlemen,

This informs you of a method I have considered of to defend this City against any Vessels that may come up this River with an intent to do it damage; whether my proposals may be of any advantage, I will not presume to say, I leave that to your superior knowledge, And to whose Province it alone belongs; However, as an American, I think it my duty to contribute to promote the American cause as far as my abilities extends against its Enemies.

First.

The narrowness of the River and the rapid tide, Is a great advantage to the Steering fire Vessels on board the Enemy, By which means they may be burnt or Terrified in such a manner as to occasion them to quit the River. There is nothing can be thought of that will be of so much Service as fire Vessels rightly mannaged.

Secondly.

The method of fitting them for that purpose should be consulted by those who have a knowledge of fire works, which is to be filled with such Combustables as to make a furious, Instantaneous flame, And also to have some solider fuel, which when fired, will continue the Fire furiously.

Thirdly.

This should be done in such manner, that the fire Vessel should not be turned a Drift, which I think may be Effected by an Iron fixed on the stem of the fire Vessel, with a sharp point ragged, and to give the fire Vessel such way through the water as to be sufficient to peirce or enter the side of the Ship so far as not to draw, and to have it made to break short off by the force of the Tide, and then with a Chain, one end fas(to the part in the Ship, and the other end fast in the eye-bolt fixed in a proper place in the fire Vessel, will bring her up alongside with a force, that will drive sharp points ragged into the Ship, and the fire Vessel will be fast fore and aft, in such a manner as the Enemy will be at a loss to find out, as all this may be fixed under water where they cannot see, which will put the Enemy in Great confusion; (Lett the Ships be Large or small they will all burn.) I shall employ my thoughts on what may be of further Advantage if this is worth your notice; and experiment of the above Scheme may be seen and properly demonstrated for a small expence. I am, Gentlemen, your most humble Servant,

There is other ways of making use of fire masheins, but what I have now given an account of will be the least suspected of any, and is most likely to answer the purpose.

Directed.

To the worthy members of the Committee of Safety in Philadelphia, and any other part of the English America.