I cannot see any valuable purpose that would be answer’d by an attack upon New York, which we could not keep after we had gain’d it, without a superiority by Water.

Was the Commissary able to supply us with Bread for such a March, I would advise against moveing the greatest part of this Army to the Eastward in the present situation of affairs, but would recommend it to your Excellency to waite a few Days before any Capital Step is taken—& in the mean time to put two or three Brigades in motion for the Eastward. with much respect I am Your Excellencys Most Obedt Servt