Black Point, July 20, 1778.
Sir:
Inclosed I transmit your Excellency a letter from Count D’Estaing. He
has had the river sounded, and finds he cannot enter. He will sail
for Rhode Island to-morrow evening. In the mean time, he is making
demonstrations to deceive the enemy, and beget an opinion that he
intends to operate in this quarter. He would sail immediately, but he
awaits the arrival, or to hear, of a frigate which carried Mr. Gerard
to Delaware, and which he appointed to meet him at Sandy Hook; so
that he fears his sudden and unexpected departure, before she arrives,
might cause her to be lost. He will not, however, wait longer than till
to-morrow evening. We have agreed, that five cannon, fired briskly,
shall be a signal of his arrival by day, and the same number, with
five sky-rockets, a signal by night. In communicating this to General
Sullivan, the Count wishes not a moment may be lost; and that he may
be directed to have persons stationed on the coast, and intermediate
expresses, to facilitate the communication between them. Pilots will
be a material article. He begs every thing may be forwarded as much as
possible; and as many troops collected as may be. He would be glad if a
detachment could march from your army, or could be sent by water; for
which purpose he would send covering ships, and some vessels he has
taken, by way of transports; but he cannot think of losing so much time
as seems necessary. If the water scheme could shorten it, it would be
a happy circumstance. He recommends it to your attention; and that you
would take measures, if the end can be better answered in this way, and
meet him with information of the part he may have to act to execute the
plan. I perceive he can, with difficulty, debark four thousand troops;
but he will try to do it.
I hope your Excellency will excuse my not being myself the bearer of
these particulars; the end may be answered by letter. Mr. Neville is
anxious to get on. I just have heard of dispatches arrived from you. I
don’t know but they may contain something new which may make the Count
to wish a good conveyance to return an answer. My stay till to-morrow
morning may answer that end. I shall not delay coming forward.
I am, Sir, your most respectful
And obedient servant,
Alex. Hamilton.
His Excellency General Washington.