Nantes August 4 1778
Sir
I should have answered yours1 before this but being confined to the house deprived me of getting news. we are still in the dark Concerning the engagement between the two fleets2 the french gave out that Admiral Kepple was obliged to retire and they staid forty eight hours and saw nothing of him we had it yesterday reported that he is off brest with twenty Six Ships if so I think you run some risque in going to sea. I have Orders to Sail for the Continent as soon as I can get ready which will be in about ten days if my health permits3 I can hear of no American News Since you left this I mend very slow. am sir with my Compliments to all the Officers onboard4 Your hum Servt
Thomas Reed
LB, MiU-C, Abraham Whipple Papers. Addressed below close: “A Whipple Esqr.”
1. Whipple wrote Read on 28 July, inquiring about his health and asking for news. Whipple stated that the frigate Providence, with a crew of 225, was only awaiting bread to be ready to sail the first fair wind, and that he expected Capt. Samuel Tucker at the Loire’s mouth imminently. MiU-C, Abraham Whipple Papers, Abraham Whipple Letter Book.
2. The Battle of Ushant, fought 27 July between the British Channel Fleet under Adm. the Hon. Augustus Keppel, R.N., and the French Brest fleet under Lt. Gén. des Armées Navales Louis Guillouet, Comte d’Or villiers.
3. On 24 Aug., Read reported to the American Commissioners in France, “I have been So unwell that I have not been out of my Room.” Adams Papers 6: 396.
4. On board Continental Navy frigate Providence, Whipple commanding.
