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.

172 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [ET. 49.
be pleased to authorize and enjoin the commanding
officer of the ships in York River, to concert measures
with me for the purpose above mentioned. In this case
an additional ship may be necessary to remain at the
mouth of the river. The Experiment and two frigates,
if your Excellency thinks proper, would be best calculated for the station above.
If, upon mature examination of the passage, it should
appear too great a risk for the ships, I would at least
solicit your Excellency, that the vessels may advance
higher up the river, and take a more menacing position
with respect to the enemy on our right. But I must
confess, that I am so well satisfied by experience, of
the little effect of land batteries on vessels passing
them with a leading breeze, that, unless the two channels near York should be found impracticable by obstructions, I should have the greatest confidence in the
success of this important service.
Your Excellency's approbation of this measure would
supersede the necessity of a defence against fire-ships.
But the nature of the river besides renders it physically impossible to form any obstructions of the kind
proposed. I entreat your Excellency to accept the
sentiments of respectful attachment, with which I have
the honor to be, &c.*
* The attempt to pass up York River was declined by Count de
Grasse, not because he thought the works at York and Gloucester would
present serious obstacles, but because he believed his large vessels would
not be secure in that station. The enemy had a great number of boats
and small craft, and with these they could easily bring fire-ships in the
night, from which his vessels would be exposed to imminent danger,
confined in the narrow channel of a river; especially as he had not in
his whole fleet a sufficient number of row-boats and light craft for defence in such a situation, even if they could all be transported up the
river in safety. This objection he deemed insuperable, and the project
was laid aside. It was revived again, however, a few days afterwards.
The passage and the river above York were reconnoitred by a French
officer, and, upon his representation, Count de Grasse agreed to send