to despatch on this errand with such assistance as may be
requisite. Harris is to go along, as the conductor of the
enterprise, that we may avail ourselves of his knowledge of the
island; but without any command. I am very sensible, that at first
view the project may appear hazardous; and its success must depend
on the concurrence of many circumstances; but we are in a
situation, which requires us to run all risks. No danger is to be
considered, when put in competition with the magnitude of the
cause, and the absolute necessity we are under of increasing our
stock. Enterprises, which appear chimerical, often prove successful
from that very circumstance. Common sense and prudence will suggest
vigilance and care, where the danger is plain and obvious; but
where little danger is apprehended, the more the enemy will be
unprepared; and consequently there is the fairest prospect of
success.

Mr. Brown has been mentioned to me as a very proper person to be
consulted upon this occasion. You will judge of the propriety of
communicating it to him in part or the whole, and as soon as
possible favor me with your sentiments, and the steps you may have
taken to forward it. If no immediate and safe opportunity offers,
you will please to do it by express. Should it be inconvenient to
part with one of the armed vessels, perhaps some other might be
fitted out, or you could devise some other mode of executing this
plan; so that, in case of a disappointment, the vessel might
proceed to some other island to purchase.

I am, Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
G. Washington.

This plan was approved by the Governor and Committee of Rhode Island,
and Captain Abraham Whipple agreed to engage in the affair, provided
General Washington would give him a certificate under his own hand, that
in case the Bermudians would assist the undertaking, he would recommend
to the Continental Congress to permit the exportation of provisions to
those islands from the colonies.

General Washington accordingly sent the following address to the
Bermudians.[A]

[Footnote A: Writings of George Washington, by J. Sparks, vol. iii.,
page 77.]

TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE ISLAND OF BERMUDA.

Camp at Cambridge, 6 September, 1775.
Gentlemen:

In the great conflict, which agitates this continent, I cannot