Dear Sir

Your laudable Ardor will soon I hope have a more ample field, for the display of its urgency, than the late movement of the Gallies & floating Battery's will yet afford­—

I do not conjecture for what reason they have changed their Possitions unless to be in readiness for any design they suspect is carrying on against fort Island—

A multitude of untoward incidents have lately intervened to retard our prepa­rations for the next measure proposed—In the meantime I wish every such Idea to be untalked of and am asured of your discretion upon the Point—.

Having explained myself so far I must leave you at liberty to divert the Enemy's attention as Circumstances may require,  but I do not forsee that any advantage will be derived by drawing their fire upon the Ships if that is your view, And whilst it can be so conveniently done, think it should be avoided—

It may be eligable to drop a buoy or two the preceeding night, to direct the plac­ing of the Ships, when their service is required against fort Island, and for engaging the attention of the force at red bank: And for the same reason we should give as lit­tle suspicion as possible, that we then propose advancing the boats for such purpose; & not prematurely send them forward in any way that may put the Enemy more upon their Guard. I am [&c.]