John Jay to Robert Morris, 23 August 1777
Kingston 23 Aug t 1777
Dear Sir
M r . Deane in a Letter of the 28 May last, 1 after recommending an attack on the Greenland Fishery & Hudsons Bay Trade, desired me to communicate the following Plan to Congress viz t . –To send three Frigates loaded with Tobacco to Nantz or Bordeaux, equipped in the best Manner and on their arrival hide the chief of their Guns and appear as Cruzers. Intelligence may be had every week what the Station of the British Fleet is, and how the Coast is defended, and a sudden Blow may be struck which will alarm & shake Great Britain to the Center– This Plan will appear bold & extravagant–so much the more likely to succeed as it will be unexpected, & the plundering and burning of Liverpool & Glascow would be a most glorious Revenge. And believe me it is very easily effected– I dare put my Life on the Issue of it, if left to my Management, and I can get good Men to execute.–
This was a favourite Plan of M r . Dean before he left Philadelphia, and I confess I wish the Experiment may be tryed. The greatest Difficulty I fear would be to get the Frigates well manned &c. safe to France– I am Sir very sincerely Yours &c.
John Jay