548 Journal and Correspondence

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can in the frontier Garrisons, I have also wrote to Gen^l Gates
desiring him to hold all the Continental troops under his
command ready to march this way, should the Count D'
Estaing, upon settling a plan of operations determine upon an
attempt against New York. But there is a possibility that he
may, upon being made acquainted with the numbers and
situation of the enemy prefer an attack upon Rhode Island, I
have desired Gen^l Gates to be looking towards and preparing
for such an event, I had, upon the first report of the Counts
standing towards this Coast, stationed Major Lee in Monmouth
with a letter for him, to be carried on board upon his first
appearance in which, I informed him of the enemys force by
Sea & Land, their position at that time, and pointed out to
him the measures which I thought it would be most advanta-
gious for him to pursue upon his arrival I am preparing fresh
letters for him, in which, I shall inform him fully of all posterior
Events, and the measures I am taking for a cooperation. I am
also engaging and sending down proper pilots to him.
I have taken the liberty to countermand the march of Col
Clarke with the two Regiments of North Carolina, upon a
presumption, that from the favorable aspect of affairs to the
Southward, I shall stand justifiable for such a measure
I observe by a Resolve of Congress lately transmitted to
me, that three of the Continental Frigates were ordered to
South Carolina. I do not know the views of Congress in
making this disposition but should they have no particular
object in contemplation I would venture to recommend their
being ordered to join the Counts Fleet, which in my opinion
woud be much benefitted by an additional number of Frigates,
especially for the Navigation of the North River and the Sound.
I think it would be also well, should the Marine Committee be
directed to turn their attention to the transportation of Flour
from the Delaware and Chesapeak by Water, Should we
obtain the command of the Sea, Vessels may, without the least
danger, be introduced into the Hook, thence to Amboy, from
whence their Cargoes may be easily conveyed in Boats to
Newark Bay, or should some of them run round into the
Sound, it would be equally, nay more convenient Should we
operate to the Eastward, measures of this kind will be indis-
pensibly necessary, as the length and difficulty of Land Carri-
age will render the support of any considerable Body of Men
almost impossible.
The Wheat of Maryland being in more forwardness for
grinding than any other, I could wish that Governor Johnson
may be requested to push the purchases within that State.
The Commissary General gives the fullest encouragement on