New York May 14, 1776
Sir
His Excellency received yours of the 13th Instt and It is his desire that you take every possible means in your power to prevent the Intercourse & communication with the Ships of War & to hurry the fitting of the other Boats ー As to dislodging the people at the Light House, he does not mean to advise an attempt unless you are morally certain that It will be attended with Success ー A Miscarriage wou'd damp the Spirits of the men at the first set out, be held disgracefull, and the Experiment is such case be considered as a departure from the plan & design you went on I am &c
R H
1. Washington Papers, LC.
