Eagle At Sandy Hook [N.J.]
July the 11th. 1778.
Number 68.
Sir,
The Day after the Date of my Letter No. 671 sent by this Conveyance, I received Advice, forwarded from the Cruizers stationed to the Southward, that the Toulon Squadron arrived on the Coast of Virginia the 5th. Instant: Appearing by it's Motions then and upon the 6th:, to be designed for Chesepeak Bay. The French Ships were however attended by the maidstone,2 on their Course to the Northward; And in the Morning of the 8th;, they anchored at the Entrance of the Delaware.
The3 further Instructions herewith enclosed were dispatched for Vice Admiral Byron to Halifax,4 upon the first Knowledge that the French Squadron was advanced to the Delaware. And I shall soon have the Ships here in Readiness to take Advantage of any Opportunity favorable for the purpose of the Vice Admiral's Appointment; But I have not yet heard of his Arrival on the American Coast.
Receiving Notice this Morning that the French Squadron was advancing towards this Port, I deferred closing my Letter, to advise the Lords Commissioners that the Squadron, consisting of fifteen Sail, anchored this Evening without the Hook; Seeming to meditate an Attack on this Port. I have the Satisfaction to think, if prosecuted, that it will not prove to the Discredit of His Majesty's Arms.
The Grantham Packet attempts putting to Sea with this Dispatch through the Sound, by Rhode Island, whilst the Attention of the Enemy may be engaged off of this Port. I am, with great Consideration, Sir, [&c.]