[Juillet 1778 Languedoc, prés Sandy Hook, N.J.]
Le 20 le General fit assembler Les commandant attendus que Les pilottes ne voulait pas Entrer Lescadre il avait meme Envoyer mr de Ribiess[ ?]1, Lieutenant parlant Englais sonder La passe et son Raports fut quil ny avait que de 20 à 22 pieds deau dans La passe, il proposat au pilotte le Conseile assemblé Cinquante mille Ecus au pilotte si il voulait se charger d'Entrer Lescadre il Refuser Le General se desidat de lavis du conseille d'apareiller de Cette Rade et Conserter avec le General ouasington d'aller attacquer nieuporte, ont se decidat a Courer Bats un petit senault chargé de Rame faisant Beaucoup deau apres La voire decharge et quelques Bateau pecheur
[Translation]
[July 1778 Languedoc, off Sandy Hook, N.J.]
The 20th. The General had the commanders assemble, expecting that the pilots did not want to lead the squadron in, he had even sent M. de Ribiess [?]1, an English-speaking lieutenant, to sound the pass, and his reports were that there was only from 20 to 22 feet of water in the pass. He offered, the council assembled, fifty thousand ecus to the pilot if he would undertake to take the squadron in. He refused. The General decided, on the advice of the council, to sail from this road and concert with General Washington to go attack Newport. They decided to sink a small snow carrying oars that was making much water, after having it unloaded, as well as some fishing boats.