Gentlemenー
The vast Importance of preventing the Ministerial Army takeing the Benefit of the Stock on Long Island & Availing themselves of the Advantage of that Post, Assisting such of the Inhabitants to remove with their Effects who are disposed for it, and prevent their Total Seduction, I Apprehend are Matters of more Consequence to the Common cause than we can easily Imagine, to dislodge that Army from Long Island and Destroy the two Ships & Tenders in the Sound which at present prevent Supplies that way by Water to Our Army, might at one blow in a great Measure Relieve Our Bleeding Country from its Impending Dangerー
How far it wou'd be Practicable or what Measures are proper to take at this Alarming Crisis is Matter of Serious Concern with Us ー Its Supposed here that in Case an Attempt Shou'd be made to Collect a Force at the East end of Long Island to Remove Stock &c That a Number of Whale Boats wou'd be Absolutely Necessary to Troops Stores Supplies &c as they might Avoid all the Vessels of Forte the Enemy cou'd send to Obstruct us ー I am Informed that a large Number of Whale Boats that belong to the Continent are at and near Boston and might be used for that Important purpose we have but very few with us. I am Also Informed that a Regt is Ordered from you to Providence to replace the Continental Battallion removed from the State of Rhode Island, & Whether your Regiment cou'd not come in the Whale Boats to Providence Carrying them A Cross the Land at Buzzards Bay, is I apprehend Worthy of your Consideration, and to be exeallcuted without Delay We are Equipping what Naval Force we have with Possible Expedition, we are Exerting Ourselves & desirous to Unite Our Whole Strength with the Other States in Our Common Cause ー I dont doubt of your Utmost Attention and Most Vigorous Exertions therein. Must Intreat your Answer to this & such other Measures as you Judge may be Beneficialー
I have Communicated to Governor Cooke on the Subject I am with great Truth and Esteem Gentlemen [&c.]
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