Hon^ble Sir 

In the recess of Congress, I am called upon by His Excellency Le S^r Girard, Minister Plenipotentiary from His most Christian Majesty to the United States of America, in order to obtain from Connecticut such Aids as His Excellency Count D'Estaing Vice Admiral of France, Commander of a Squadron of Ships of War of His most Christian Majesty, may stand in need of admitting Count D’Estaing shall proceed from Sandy Hook to Rhode Island. 

I have, therefore taken the liberty in the name of Congress to address your Honor requesting you to afford all assistance in your power to Count D'Estaing, upon His Excellency's requisition, for the General Service of the French Fleet, and for facilitating the Vice Admirals intended operations, particularly that a sufficient number of skilful Pilots may be held in constant readiness for conducting the Fleet, if necessary into New London.¹ 

From a reflexion that His Excellency General Washington has undoubtedly written to you on this subject² as well from a certain persuasion that Your Honor will upon every occasion chearfully contribute to promote the service of His Most Christian Majesty our good Ally, in which the safety and welfare of these States are interwoven I have intimated to Mons Girard that the present application will scarcely be necessary. Be this as it may, it is with great pleasure I embrace the opportunity of assuring Your Honor of the continued good wishes Esteem & Respect with which I have the Honor to be [&c.]