honoured Sir
I have the honour to let you know hereby that I am anchor'd here at Siconet river1 with two french fregattes2 and a sloop3 since last night at Eight o'clock. My General the Earl of destaing4 has ordered me to agree with your honour about any thing you may think me fit to do to help you in your projects. I think it shou'd be proper that I might have an opportunity to speak with you or somebody you trust upon that I shou'd know the better what I shall do for the best, and to be well acquainted Concerning the english forces hereabout. the american pilots sent to me don't agree among themselves upon that matter. My General was advis'd here was anchor'd a sloop of war of sixteen guns;5 and I perceive, myself, that here are a galley and a third ship6 anchor'd under an English Batery that my american pilots believe strong of ten guns of two and thirty pounders: my Guns being but of Eight pounders are very likely not strong enough that I may hope we cou'd destroy her under Such a Shelter. May it please your honour, to give me all the hints in your power that I may be enabled to fulfill the orders given me by my general, who charges me to follow all the Directions you will give me to protect and help your Descend. May it please your honour to be Convinced of all my zeal for your Service in all your Operations. I am with great Respect honored Sir [&c.]
St. Cosme
at Siconet river july's the 30th. 1778.
on Board of the aimable.
L, NhHi, John Sullivan Papers. Addressed at top: “to the honorable/General Sullivan.”
1. That is, Sakonnet Passage.
2. French Navy frigates Aimable, Lieutenant de vaisseau Antoine-Stanislas-Xavier de Curières de Castelnau de Saint-Cosme-Sainte-Eulalie, commander, and Alcmène, Lieutenant de vaisseau Pierre-René-Bénigne-Mériadec, comte de Bonneval Ruffo, commander.
3. Formerly H.M. armed brigantine Stanley, under the command of French Navy officier auxiliare Boulouvard de Barentin.
4. Vice-amiral comte d'Estaing.
5. H.M. sloop Kingsfisher, Comdr. Hugh C. Christian, commander.
6. H.M. galleys Alarm, Lt. Philip d'Auvergne, commander, and Spitfire, Lt. James Saumarez, commander.