George Washington Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-16-02-0114

From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 18 July 1778

To Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.

Head Quarters Haverstraw [N.Y.] 18th July—1778

Sir

I did myself the Honor to transmit you, a few days ago, the accounts which I had then received of the arrival of a French Fleet upon the Coast. I soon after had the pleasure of receiving a Letter from the Admiral Count D’Estaing, dated off Sandy Hook, where he now lies with twelve sail of the Line and four Frigates.1 The British Fleet are within the Hook.

I am so fully convinced of the advantages that will result from having all our Frigates, Privateers, and armed Vessels of every kind cruising off the East end of Long Island, that I have taken the liberty of mentioning it again to you, and have wrote to the same effect to the States of Rhode Island and Massachusetts.2 The British Fleet awed by the French, will be obliged to keep together, which will afford the noblest opportunity to our Cruisers to pick up whatever is inward bound. I have the Honor to be with great Respect and Esteem Sir your most obedient Servant

G. Washington

P.S. you will oblige me by forwarding the Letters to General Sullivan,3 Govr Greene, and the President of Massachusetts, by a fresh Express.

LB, Ct: Trumbull Papers; Df, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

2For these letters, see GW to William Greene, this date, and the source note to that document.

3GW was evidently referring to his letter to Maj. Gen. John Sullivan of 17 July.

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