[Charleston] June the 10th, 1776, 8 o'clock.
Sir, As the Commodore's ship has passed the bar, and as it is absolutely necessary for your, and the common safety, that the bridge of retreat should be finished this night; I would have you by all means to lay aside all thoughts of the expedition against Long-Island; unless you receive assurances from your scouts, that you may strike an important stroke. Yours,
Charles Lee, Major-General.
1. Moultrie's Memoirs, I, 153-54.