... It is probable that the Enemy will undertake to carry this place by Storm, and I should not fear them if we could fix the floating Chain described in the Figure;¹ it would cover the Front Which is likely to be attacked, and by delivering us from our uneasiness for this Side, would enable us to post the men destined to it's defence, at the Wall of Masonry which is ten feet high and is not out of the reach of an Escalade, notwithstanding the Ditches, Pits and Stakes &ca—with which we have endeavour'd to surround it—

The Commodore,² Master of the incomparable Chain in question, proposes to stretch it by means of Buoys, between our Island and Province Island,³ I believe this obstacle to the communication between the Enemys Fleet and Army will be of little consequence. and if he would spare us the Chain, the Enemy would pay dear for their Hardiness if they dared attack us. Colonel Smith wrote this morning to ask this favour but I am afraid that public Interest will suffer by private misunderstandings.­ I am interrupted by the Bombs and Balls which fall thick—