To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 19 November 1778
From Major General Stirling
Elizabeth Town [N.J.] Novr 19th 1778
Dr Sir
Besides the 74. & 64. & three Lesser Ships I mentioned to be arrived at New york I have Information of a Very large Ship being at Anchor off Deal a few Miles below Black point on the Monmouth Coast by the description I think she must be Admiral Byrons flag Ship, her Bowsprit Mizen Mast and Main top Mast gone.1
I have this Moment received the two papers herewith enclosed & am your Excellencys Most Obt Humble Servt
Stirling,
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. Adm. John Byron’s flagship, H.M.S. Princess Royal, had docked safely in Rhode Island on 13 Nov. (see , 2:419); as Stirling indicated in his next letter to GW, of 20–21 Nov., the report of a dismasted ship off Deal, N.J., was false.