I this moment have received by a way which is known to your Excellency, intelligences of the 29th ulto from New york which report that the English ships will, as they say, be repaired in ten days, and that they work very hard on them; that in the mean time they are very uneasy least the french fleet be ready before them; that the garrison at Lloyd’s neck does not consist of more than 400. or 500. fighting men, but that there are 800. yagers and of the anspach regiment cantonned in the neighbourhood of Oyster bay, where they seem to me near enough to support the garrison. I have acquainted the Chevalier Destouches with these particulars, and he has decided to send as soon as it will be possible, the only frigate remaining here with a 16. gun Brig, as the romulus is a careening, and to send them in the sund to try the accomplishment of some coup de main and vivacity upon huntingdon-Bay, where the small fleet of the refugie’s goes to harbour he told me he could only take a board 75. men of our Land troops, with which he will arm his Shalloops, if he can approach near enough to burn that small fleet. The rest of his fleet will be ready by the 15th of may and much about the same time that of the British likewise.

I join here for your Perusal the extract of Letter from the Governor of St Domingo; we must hope [that] these succours so much announced will arrive at [last.] I have received your Excellency’s Letter of the 26th ulto I am so much the more pleased with the uncertainty of the preparations at New york for that embarkation so much talked about, as Mr Wadsworth, who has undertaken the approvisionning of our army, looks on it as impossible for my corps to make a movement by Land, before the end of may or begginning of June specially at the West of Connecticut river.

I beg of you Excellency to forward the inclosed Letter to the Chevalier De La Luzerne, as soon and safely as possible it mentions the very urgent necessities of the Colony of San Domingo. I am with respect and personal attachment Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient & humble Servant