doi:10.7916/q10s-r654Document, 1779 May 17correspondencetextUnited States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783Jay, John, 1745-1829Acknowledges receipt of 15 May with its enclosures. According to the prevailingopinion in New York, the object of the fleet mentioned in General Johnson'sletter may be to facilitate the desertion of the Convention troops, to dividethem, or perhaps to delay reinforcements from going southward from Virginia.Washington asks that the arms destined for his troops be hurried to them so that they will be able to act as circumstances demand. If American frigates could be collected, they might strike at the British ships which remain in New Yorkharbor. Dft., in hand of Alexander Hamilton.