Sir,

General [Nathaniel] Heard, Genl [Daniel] Roberdeau have considered with me the Plan proposed for Attacking the Posts on Staten Island ー Two things we entirely agree in ー Namely that the Number of Troops proposed are by no means equal to the undetaking ー We cannot rationally suppose the Enemies Force on the Island to be less than 10,000 ー where they are cheifly posted we have no intelligence to be depended on ー Several out guards postd along the Shores of the Island are in our View ー but these we can only regard as necssary to the Security of their main body; who may speedily come to the assistance of any one Post ー The Craft necessary to convey a sufficient body for a successfull attack on the Enemy is not so far as I can find to be collected along the Shores here ー It is true there are many small Vessels ー but the greater Number ill constructed for making a Descent ー It is therefor our Opinion that before any grand Effort is made, a Number of flat bottomd Boats be constructed for the Purpose as well as those we have put in the best repair ー We have Carpenters enough in the Troops here; Tools, Nails & other Materals may be had ー and we wait your orders to set about this part of the Service ー

In Raritan River are Craft of differant Sizes calculated to transport Raway River ー

Genl Heard will be able to inform your Excellency what Craft may be ready in Thompsons Creek ー Elizabeth Town ー and Newark  I have the honour to be [&c.]

[P.S.] No Troops have joind since last return