Head Quarters [Paramus, N.J.], 13th July 1778.
I have barely time my dearest friend and Father to say that my heart overflows with gratitude at the repeated proofs of your tender love—and must defer answering your kind letters of the 6th and 10th 1 'till my return from Count D'Estaing's Fleet, where the General2 has thought proper to send me with dispatches—I must immediately prepare for my Journey and Voyage—I could wish that Monsr. Le Comte were furnished with a proper number of intelligent Coast pilots—that as many pilot boats Schooners and other small swift sailing Vessels were employed under the conduct of judicious Semean to reconnoitre the Enemys fleet whenever it appears at Sea—and give the french Admiral the earliest account of their Strength, &ca—as well as keep him constantly advised afterwards of all their motions—
The movement of our Army across the North River, to make demonstration near N. York, may have a happy effect in preventing the English Admiral3 from making his Fleet so strong as he otherwise would—God protect you my dear Father
John Laurens
L, ScU, South Caroliniana Library. Addressed: “(Private)/The honble/Henry Laurens Esqr/President of Congress/Philadelphia.” Docketed: “John Laurens/13 July 1778/Recd. 15th-." Laurens was an aide-de-camp to Gen. George Washington.
1. The letter of 10 July has not been found; the letter of 6 July 1778 can be found in the Laurens Papers 13: 548–52.
2. That is, George Washington.
3. Vice Adm. Viscount Howe.