Copy
My Lord,
1778.

The Moment a Fleet appeared which I had every reason to suppose was Your Lordships, I dispatched L^t. Saumarez¹ who was on the Spot to give you the earliest Account of our Situation.

Cap^t. Harmood² will acquaint Your Lordship particularly of every thing you may wish to be acquainted with.

The Toulon Fleet under the Command of the Count D’Estaing entered this Harbour Yesterday Afternoon about 4 o’Clock under a very heavy and smart Fire from the Batteries at Brenton’s Point, Goat Island, and North End of the Town, which they passed and are now at an Anchor between Goat Island and Connanicut pretty close to the Shore; The Admiral is about 3⁄4 of a Mile to the Southward of Gould Island, and the rest of the Ships consisting of Ten Sail of the Line; in a Line ahead towards the North End of Connanicut.

There are two Sail of the Line in the Naraganset Passage, and two Frigates in the Seconnet Passage.

They have been landing Men on Connanicut from the Ships all this Morning; I suppose with an Intent to throw up Batteries But are now taking them off. I have the Honor to be [&c.]

The Frigates being all destroyed,³ and Number of the Transports sunk;⁴ The Seamen belonging to them shall be ready to attend your Lordship, wherever you shall please to order them; likewise the Surgeons of the different Frigates are waiting to receive your Lordships directions.

J: Brisbane

I have sent your Lordship Pilots for the Seconnet Passage as well as the Middle.