Bristol in Five Fathom Hole
20th [June]
Sir
By your Letter of the 18th instt to Brigadier General [John] Vaughan which He has communicated to me, I find, that as There is no Ford from Long-Island to Sulivans-Island all the Generals concur with You in Opinion that the Troops cannot take the Share You expected in the intended Attack.
I shall be ready to begin, when I know your Determination; You have fifteen Flat Bottomed Boats remaining on Board of which Six Hundred Men may be embarked, and during the Course of Our Firing perhaps an Opportunity may be found to make a Descent near the Fortification, this Attempt will be unexpected and may probably succeed; however, You are the best dge of this Matter, and I know You have taken such uncommon Pains in Reconnoitring and Endeavouring to gain Intelligence that I am sure We shall have the best Support that can be given.
If You can be prepared I will begin my Attack about 12 O'Clock to Morrow, or put it off 'til between 12 and One the Day following, and shall therefore be Happy to Hear from You, by the Return of the officer who has the Honor to Deliver This, and may if Weather permits, bring me your Answer this Evening ー I beg leave [illegible] refer You to General Vaughan for what has passed between Us on this Occasion; He knows my Sentiments, and how far my Opinion goes towards the Practicability of Landing &c. have the Honor to be Sir [&c.]