The object of the intended expedition (in which You will command) is the reduction of the refugee Post on Long Island called Fort Slongo. I should recommend to You to land Your troops at least two miles to the East or westward of the Fort, to avoid any Guards which may be advanced on the bank next to the sound. The Guides will point out the most proper place for this purpose—when You advance near the Fort, if You should find the Garrison alarmed, & under arms—I Cannot advise You to attempt a storm, as the strength of the works seem not to warrant the risque—In this case it may not be amiss to endeavour to draw out the Troops by some proper Maneuvre. If You find the Garrison pretty much off their guard, from the draught of the works herewith given You, I should suppose You had better make two attacks at the same time—The one directly against the sally Port or Gate, & the other against the hutts within the Abattis—If you succeed in the former, You will effectually cut off the Garrison from entering the Fort, and by the latter measure they will be prevented from escaping—However if from a more accurate survey & enquiry, You should judge any other mode of attack more likely to ensure success, You will be at liberty to adopt it. You must by all means endeavour to accomplish Your business so as to be ready to reembark Your Troops on or before day break, to avoid being cutt off in the sound by any of the Enemies armed boats or Guard Ships. Wishing You success I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt Servt

Prisoners

Captains		2
Lieutenants		1
Rank & File		18

Ordnance

Three pounder Brass		1	brought off
Four Poudr double fortifd Iron		2	Destroy’d
Cases of shot for three poundrs		10
Do   Do   four pounders		32
Blank cartridges three poundrs		24
Musquett Cartridges		480

A considerable quantity of english goods & Cloathing were taken in the Fort & brought off.

Two of the Enemy were killed within their works & two mortally wounded & left.

I am happy in having occasion to congratulate you on the success of an enterprize against fort Slongo, on Long Island. After making many attempts to embark, and being prevented by bad weather, last evening at eight o’clock I ordered fifty men from captain Richards’s company of the Connecticut line, and fifty more from captain Edgar’s dismounted dragoons to embark at this place. The smallness of the garrison at Slongo, and the difficulty of procuring boats, making it unnecessary to employ but a part of my detachment on this service, at the request of major Trescott, he was honored with the command. Having obtained several very accurate draughts of this post, and even the places where the sentinels stood, I made every disposition for the attack previous to the embarkation of the troops. I have enclosed a copy of my orders to major Trescott, which he has most faithfully executed, and his return of prisoners, &c. &c.

It becomes necessary for me to observe, that for the execution of this service, captain Edgar’s dismounted dragoons were ordered to surprize the garrison and carry the works, while captain Richards with his company were to surround the fort, and prevent the garrison from escaping. Lieutenant Rogers of the 2d regiment light dragoons with ten chosen men, was appointed to lead the attack against the fort, followed by major Trescott and captain Edgar, with the remainder of the dismounted dragoons, the rear of which was brought up by cornet Pike—Captain Richards and ensign Pinto were disposed of as above observed, to surround the garrison. The attack commenced at three o’clock this morning, and was conducted with great good order; but notwithstanding the greatest exertions of captain Richards and his officers, some of the garrison jumped over the works and escaped. Major Trescott speaks highly of all the officers and soldiers under his command, as well as of the boat-men employed on this service. It was fortunate for major Vanalstine who commanded the garrison, that he was absent at New York.

It gives me peculiar satisfaction that I have occasion to report not a man killed of our detachment, and but one wounded. After the troops have refreshed themselves, I shall forward the prisoners, together with the standard of the garrison to head-quarters. The plunder that was brought off from the garrison, I presume may be divided among the troops and boatmen who were on the expedition. The piece of brass artillery I shall annex to my command for the present.

Some of our baggage being left at Fairfield, and other reasons of a private nature, which I shall soon communicate, have induced me to march the detachment to Fairfield, from whence I shall write you again to morrow. I am, my dear General, With every sentiment of esteem, Your most obedient servant