D Sir

A considerable fleet of french men of War, chiefly Ships of the line, has just arrived at Sandy Hook, under the command of Admiral Count D'Estaing. As the Admiral is a stranger, and is come for the purpose of co-operating with us against the Enemy, it is absolutely necessary that he should be attended by some Gentlemen of intelligence and who possess an accurate knowledge of the Coast and harbours. His Excellency General Washington from the information he has received is persuaded you answer this description in every part; and I am directed by him to request you in his name, if circumstances will permit, to go on board the Admiral as early as possible. Your services may be the most important and interesting and such as will may not only be give you a just claim to the thanks and notice of your country but to a liberal notice * His Excellency would have written to you himself upon the subject, but he was under the necessity of leaving Head Q^rs. early this morning, to visit the posts above on the River. This Letter, shewn to the Admiral Count D'Estaing will be, I trust, a sufficient introduction of you. I am D^r Sir [&c.] 

Head Qrs: Haverstraw Bay July 16: 1778–

*If you can remain with the fleet during their operations in this Quarter it will be infinitely desireable; but if you can not, it will still be of importance for you to see the Count D'Estaing as you may inform him several points of which he may wish to know.