Morris Town [N.J.] 16 July 1778
Dear Sir
I did myself the honour this morning to acquaint your Excellency that I had been yesterday to the Southward to forward pilots to the hook1 to conduct the fleet under the Command of his Excellency Count d'Estaing to New York—As each ship ought at least to have one, I am persuaded that it will conduce to the Service to secure some to the Northward least we should be disappointed in the requisite Complement in these parts. I therefore take the Liberty to mention to your Excellency the names of some that have been recommended to me at Peeks kill & Kings ferry, to wit
Their political Characters (a matter of the last3 Importance) I know not—I have the honour to be [&c.]
Wil: Livingston
L, DLC, George Washington Papers, Series 4. Addressed after close: “His Excellency/General Washington." Docketed: "from/Govr. Livingston/respectg Pilots."
1. Letter not found. The "hook” was Sandy Hook, N.J.
2. Washington had already sent a letter to Dobbs requesting his assistance. Washington to Dobbs, 15 July 1778, DLC, George Washington Papers, Series 4. Dobbs replied on 16 July that he was bedridden with a fever and could not serve, but informed Washington that he had sent an express to summon two other pilots, Martin Johnson and James Howlet, in whom Washington could "repose a Confidence." Dobbs to Washington, 16 July 1778, DLC, George Washington Papers, Series 4. Dobbs recovered his health quickly, however, and on 18 July Washington wrote d'Estaing a letter of introduction for Dobbs, who had stopped at the Continental army's camp at Haverstraw, N.Y., en route to joining the French fleet. Washington to d'Estaing, 18 July 1778, DLC, George Washington Papers, Series 4. The French fleet had sailed, however, before Dobbs reached it. Washington to d'Estaing, 26 July 1778, below.
3. By “last,” Livingston meant "utmost."
