George Washington Papers

From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 3 September 1778

To Vice Admiral d’Estaing

Head Quarters White Plains Septr 3d 1778

Sir,

I had the honor of writing to you yesterday communicating the intelligence I had received of the arrival of four large ships of war at the Hook—I have just received a New York paper of the 1st instant announcing the arrival of Admiral Parker with six ships of the line. I send it you inclosed.1 With every sentiment of respect & esteem, I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedt servant

Go: Washington

LS, in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, FrPNA: Marine, B4, I46; DfS, DLC:GW.

At “2 OClock P.M.” on this date, GW wrote Rhode Island governor William Greene: “I take the liberty of transmitting to your care, a Letter for His Excellency Admiral Count D’Estaing, which I request the favor of you to forward to him by the earliest Express. It contains an account of the arrival of Rear Admiral parker at Sandy Hook on Friday last with Six ships of the line” (Df, DLC:GW). GW’s letter to d’Estaing apparently reached Boston on 5 Sept. (see Independent Ledger, and the American Advertiser [Boston], 7 Sept.).

1The enclosed newspaper, most likely an issue of the Royal American Gazette, has not been identified. Hyde Parker, Sr. (1714–1782), who was promoted to rear admiral on 23 Jan. 1778, was second in command to Vice Admiral John Byron. His ship, the Royal Oak, was among six warships that arrived at Sandy Hook on 28 August.

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