[Extract]
Sir

... With respect to the views of the Navy Board for securing the Frigates¹—The situation of the Army would not admit of a compliance with them, supposing they would answer the end. I have therefore written to the Board, in the most pressing terms to have the Frigates scutled in such way, that they may be raised when it shall be necessary, and that in the mean time, they may not be liable to injury from float­ing ice.² I see no measure so likely to secure [th]em to us and against the Enemy's attempts. I have been extrememly fearful, they would have possessed and employed them with the Delaware³ & their Batteries on the rear of the Gallies and the Fort,⁴ while the Ships below attacked in Front. I need not point out the probable conse­quences of such an Event—they are too obvious.

The Resolves⁵ which you request to be communicated to the Army, shall be pub­lished in General orders—The Letters for Commodore Hazlewood &c have been put in a proper channel of Conveyance....⁶

... I have nothing very interesting to communicate. The Enemy have lost One of their New floating Batteries. It sunk in a little time after it was launched. There has been a Canonade to day—it still continues. I do not know the occasion, but imag­ine, it is between the Ships and Gallies. I have the Honor to be [&c.]