The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

PART II.1 THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 441
armed vessels, which they can get together for the
purpose, at some convenient place for interrupting their
passage that way. If the whole or any considerable
part of the Cork fleet could be taken, or destroyed, it
would be a fatal blow to the British army, which it
is supposed at this time has but a very small stock
of provisions on hand. Should the project I have now
suggested appear to you eligible, I beg the favor of you
to transmit copies of it, and of the enclosed extracts,
to the neighbouring States, and to endeavour to engage
their concurrence. From the nature of the river, even
small armed boats may be useful, as the frigates cannot
protect the transports. I have the honor to be, with
the greatest respect and esteem, &c.
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