Baskenridge 14 July 1778
Sir
After doing myself the honour of presenting you with my hearty Gratulations on your safe arrival with his most Christian Majestys Fleet on the Coast of the united States, (which I wish all imaginable Success) I take the Liberty of recommending to your Notice Mr Vanzandt & Capt Dennis—1The former is agent for the Congress in the State of New York, & has been a member of their provincial Congress, & now accompanies Capt Dennis to facilitate the procuring of the Pilots recommended to me by Congress to procure to conduct your Fleet to New York—The Latter is one of the Commissioners in the Marine Department in New York, & both Inhabitants of this State since that City by the fortune of War fell into the Possession of the Enemy—Nothing Sir but the extreme urgency of the Business of my department should prevent me from paying you my Compliments in person—I hope the above Gentlemen shall be able to procure the necessary Pilots without Loss of time, & that the Fleet under your Command will not be delayed in triumphing over our mutual Enemies, on that Account—I have the honour to be with all possible respect [&c.]
Wil: Livingston
L, FrPNA, Marine B4, vol. 146, fol. 231. Notation opposite complimentary close: “His Excellency Count/de Estaing Vice/Admiral of France."
1. Jacobus Van Zandt and Capt. Patrick Dennis. Lt. Col. Alexander Hamilton, Gen. George Washington's aide-de-camp, wrote Dennis on 16 July, below, requesting that he go on board d'Estaing's flagship as a pilot.