[Camp at Haverstraw Bay, 17 July 1778]
Sir
I had the honor of receiving, the night of the 14th. instant, your very obliging and interesting letter of the 13th: dated off Sandy Hook, with a duplicate of another dated the 8th: at Sea.1
The arrival of a Fleet, belonging to his Most Christian Majesty, on our coast, is an event that makes me truly happy, and permit me to observe, that the pleasure I feel upon the occasion is greatly increased, by the command being placed in a Gentleman of such distinguished talents, experience and reputation, as the Count D'Estaing. I am fully persuaded, that every possible exer<tion> will be made by you, to accomplish the important purposes of your destination, and you may have the firm reliance, that my most strenuous efforts shall accompa<ny> you in any measure, which may be found eligible.
I esteem myself highly honored by the desi<re> you express, with a frankness which must always be pleasing, of possessing a place in my Friendship; at the same time allow me to assure you, that I shall consider myself peculiarly happy if I can but improve the prepossessions, you are pleased to entertain in my favor, into a cordial and lasting Amity.
On the first notice of your arrival, and pre<vious> to the receipt of your letter, I wrote to you by Lieu<tenant> Colonel Laurens, one of my Aids de Camp, whom I charged to explain to you,2 such further particulars, as were not contained in my letter, which might be necessary for your information; and to whom it was my wish you should confide your situation and views, so far as may be proper for my direction, in any measure of concert or co-operations, which may be thought advancive of the common cause.3
M. De Chouin,4 who arrived this day at my quarters, has given me a very full and Satisfactory explanation on this head, and in return, I have freely communicated to him my Ideas of every matter interesting to our mutual operations. These, I doubt not, he will convey to you with that perspicuity and intelligence, which he possesses in a manner that amply justifies the confidence you have reposed in him. You would have heard from me sooner in answer to your letter, but I have been waiting for M. Chouins arrival, to acquaint me with your circumstance and intentions, and, at the same time, have been employed in collecting information with respect to several particulars, the knowledge of which was essential to the formation of our plans.
The difficulty of doing justice by letter, to matters of such variety and importance as those, which now engage our deliberation, has induced me to send Lieut. Colo. Hamilton5 another of my Aids to you, in whom I place intire confidence. He will be able to make you perfectly acquainted with my sentiments, and to satisfy any inquiries you may think proper to propose; and I would wish you to consider the information he delivers as coming from myself.
Colo. Hamilton is accompanied by Lieut. Colo. Fleury, a Gentleman of your nation, who has distinguished himself by his zeal and gallantry in the present War with England.6 He has also with him four Captains of Vessels, whom, I hope you will find very useful, from their knowledge of the Coast and Harbours, and two persons who have acted a considerable time in the capacity of pilots, and in whose skill, expertness and fidelity, from the recommendations I have had, I believe you may place great dependence. I am still endeavouring to provide others of this description, who shall be dispatched to you, as fast as they can be found. With the most ardent desire for your Success, and with the greatest Respect and Esteem, I have the [&c.]