Sir 

. . . I have the satisfaction to assure Your Excellency that from the first moment we were apprized of the arrival of Count d'Estaings squadron on this coast, Congress have vigorously pursued every measure for facilitating and effectuating the Vice Admirals operations against the Enemy. We were not unmindful of the great utility of Advice Boats-but alass! such are not be built in so short a time as we can write the name, and you will know Sir the Enemy while they had possession of this river stretched an unsparing firebrand over all our navigation which they could reach and could not carry off, consequently they have left us very little and none of the sorts which you allude to.¹ I have great hopes that Count d'Estaing will find means for supplying himself with necessary Vessels for contingent services upon the Coast and within the Harbour of New York, in the mean time, Congress will in every respect contribute to his success and the mutual honor and benefit of the Alliance. . . .