To George Washington from Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 18 August 1781

I send to your excellency according to your orders the few general observations I have done after our Recon[noitring] of the island of new york, although the news we had yesterday makes me afraid that they are now inutile. now other plans must probably be done, but is it not advantageous to pursue the preparations for the attack of new york, to deceive our army if so the ennemy. I am much afraid that we shall do nothing at all this Campagne for want of secrecy. if the ennemy perceive that we give up the idea of attaking new york they will Reinforce port[s]mouth virginia may be before we Can be there. I have the honour to be [Dr] general with the greatest Respect and attacht your most obedient humble servant