My dear friend,

I informed you the other day that his Ex^y Gen^l W_ having ordered a present to Count D Estaing, the Com^y had requested me to procure the Cattle sheep & Poultry & send them on Board.¹ I accordingly hurryed down the Cattle, 50- & yesterday got them on Board. The Sheep & Poultry cou^d not be procured in time, & cannot now be sent, but they have a very plentiful supply. Hard money easily tempted the Monmouth people to repair to this market.

As I had sent on the letters respecting the present & informed the Count when I should be at the Shore I found a Barge ready, & with a Number of friends went on Board[.] As the Admirals ship lay next Long Island we passed the whole fleet & had a fine view of them. It was very grand indeed. We were first politely received on Board a Frigate on our way & then on Board the Admiral when we dined. We were politely rec^d & pleased with every body & thing we saw excep a proud Scot, who bears the Commission of Cap^t, but is called Col^o. his name M^cDonnold.² He was impertinent to some of the Gentlemen—and I strongly suspect from some hints is no friend to Congress Measures. But as they call him, one proud scotch-man, I hope he will not have much influence—

The Admiral in the politest terms begged me to present

his thanks to the Congress & General Washington for the acceptable present of the Cattle, which he intended also to do by letter as soon as opportunity served. We had not much time to stay on Board as they expect to sail first opportunity. The reasons & circumstances of which I need not inform you. The day before I had an express from Gen^l. Green³ to establish expresses betwixt this Fleet & the Army-Strange that Congress & other folks did not better know the soundings of the Hook, than to expect what was expected here. The fleet are furnished with good Pilots for there purpose.

One matter I have seen which I think requires the

attention of Congress, altho' I know the subject is delicate. Upon the arrival of the Fleet, many fishing Vessels from Statten & Long Islands fell into their hands. Among the Hands were several of the most faithful inhabitants, who for their own support are obliged to fish they are taken and carried off. Application was made to the Admiral by Cap^t. Dennis⁴ to have those men sent on shore for trial by their Countys & it was consented to, & afterwards seemed to be refused & as the fleet are now under way, I suppose they are carried off except Young Samuel Deheart whom I happened to see as I was coming out of the Admirals Ship & got him off with me. Might not the Ambassador be applied to, that all inhabitants so taken upon the Coast shoud be sent on Shore at convenient places to abide the trial of their country. The Officers of the fleet were exasperated by a murther committed by the Hands of a fishing Boat that was taken On board of which were left some French men—the Boats [ran?] in the Night murthered one & wounded another and went off. But why shoud innocent men suffer for that. Some of our best subjects on the coast may fall into their hands, & have no chance for trial if some mode is not established.

I was also sorry to see the Brigs, schooners &c taken by the fleet striped & be sunck or burnt. Several Vessels were preparing for destruction as I passed thro the fleet which woud have been exceeding useful to us as coasters &c. Col^o Hamilton,⁵ Cap^t. Dennis & others proposed how they might be usefully employed, but their proposals were not attended to. Cap^t. Dennis offered to man one & sail ahead & that was not accepted.

I wrote in hurry upon the road & therefore you will excuse incorrectness. I sent a letter the other day from M^rs Boudinot who was well at that time.⁶

With kindest regards & best wishes your most [&c.]