I have barely had time paper and ink to write my dear father a hurried official letter—upon my arrival here with dispatches from the General1 to Admiral d'Estaing—I found that the Fleet laboured under the greatest difficulty in procuring water—its distance from the shore was too great to roll the Casks down to the place of embarkation—the disaffected inhabitants either refused their waggons or granted them only at an exhorbitant price-I have done every thing in my power to remedy this evil—but as we cannot have too many resources—I would propose that any fast sailing small craft in the delaware may be immediately employed in bringing water round—the southerly winds which prevail on the coast at this season will give them a quick voy age—and they will be in time if they arrive with la Chimere—2
It would give me pleasure to speak to you particularly of the great qualities of the Admiral—he has inspired me in the short acquaintance I have had with him, with uncommon respect—he laments the insipid part he is playing-keeping the English fleet blocked up within sandy hook and taking prizes within their view every day, does not satisfy a man of his great ideas—When six prizes were brought into him yesterday—he desired the Major of the Fleet to give some directions about those Drugs—and sighed at not being engaged in a way in which more honor was to be acquired two of the prizes that have been taken since my being here are armed one with 14 and the Other with 10 Guns—3 One had a quantity of specie on board, the profits of prizes taken from us—The fleet, men and officers appear to be in fine health —and eager to distinguish themselves in a naval Combat—As much as it is against my desire I must break off—an express rider must be diligent—My dearest friend and father I pray God to protect you
L, ScU, South Carolinana Library. Addressed on separate sheet: “(Private)/The honble/Henry Laurens Esqr/President of Congress/Philadelphia." Docketed: “John Laurens/18 July 1778/Recd 19th-."
1. George Washington. John Laurens' official letter to Henry Laurens is immediately above. John Laurens wrote still another letter to his father on this date introducing New Jersey militia Gen. Ezekiel Forman, who had been with him in d'Estaing's flagship. He assured his father that Forman could explain fully "the obstacles which have delayed the operations of the French Fleet.” ScU, South Caroliniana Library.
2. French Navy frigate Chimère, Capitane de vaisseau Antoine de Cresp, Chevalier de Saint-Cézaire, commanding. Chimère was at Philadelphia.
3. Laurens refers to the privateers Fanny, master John Wignall, taken on 16 July and mounting 14 guns, and Peggy, master taken on 17 July and mounting 10 guns. For more on Fanny, see Notes Made on Board the French Navy Ship of the Line Languedoc, start of July, American theater, esp. note 18. For more on Peggy, see Journal of French Navy Frigate Engageante, Capitaine de vaisseau Charles-René, Chevalier de Gras-Préville, 17 July, above, esp. note 4.