Mr President,

I would beg leave to offer my oppinion on a few particulars which Occur, to be necessary for our present safety.

First, That the floating Chevaux du freese's be brought and moored at their proper place, fit for sinking.

Secondly, The boom which at present is in a useless state, to be fix'd to the Piers as intended for service.

Thirdly, As the distance between the Eastmost piere and the west part of the Sunk Chevaux du freeze, admitt large Ships to pass with ease, whether it ought not to be properly secured, as the Chevaux du freese's for that purpose are floating along side the Fort Wharfe.

Fourthly, Having observed a Large Brigg under the care of Mich. Dorsey, to pass through the East Channell with safety, whether it might not be proper to move the Chevaux du freese's prepared at Gloster, to prevent the passing of any vessels at so great a distance from the Fort, which vessels are seldom, if ever, examined by the fleet, and might, through the means of subtile persons, pass Troops to the City undiscover'd, till too late.

Fifthly, As the 18 P'rs on board the province Ship are too long to be work'd to any degree of advantage for action, if it would not be Expedient imediately to change them for Cannon, more suitable, and the present Cannon on Board to be mounted at Billingsport, to form a defence for, and with the Chevaux du freese's, and to send the six Gunns w'ch lays useless [on] Mr. Morriss's Wharfe, to suitable places here I have to mount them on, untill they are wanted for other Service. I remain, Sir, [&c.]

Directed to the Hon'ble Council of Safety, Philadelphia