of the squadron, which arrived at Rhode Island on the 12th instant, informs me, that particular considerations relative to the movements of the English, have induced his Majesty to send, in two divisions, the forces which are designated to act in this country. The first division, having happily arrived, will be immediately ready for active service. With regard to the second, it was to quit the French coast as soon as circumstances should permit. Will you have the kindness, Sir, in imparting this news to Congress, to inform that body, that it ought to be kept secret till the moment of execution. I hope that Congress will approve of this reserve, both on account of the uncertainty of events at sea, and because the enemy should be kept in ignorance of our measures. I have the honor to be, &c. LUZERNE. TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Translation. Philadelphia, July 25th, 1780. Sir, As the present state of things may render the frigates, and other vessels at the disposal of Congress, useful to the combined naval operations, I pray you to have the goodness to propose putting these vessels under the orders of M. de Ternay, commander of the French squadron, while instructions, such as shall be thought proper, are given to the American captains. If Congress approves of this proposition, it will be necessary to send orders to the frigates, which are now in the eastern ports, so that they may join the French squadron as soon as possible; if, however, they have been destined to any other service, and Congress is reluctant to change their destination, do not, I pray you, Sir, insist on my demand. If these vessels shall receive orders to join the French squadron, I wish to have it in my power to inform M. de Ternay at what time he may look for them, what signals they will make on their approach, and what signals he shall use in reply to theirs. I had hoped, Sir, after the assurances, which Congress was pleased to give me, that the Confederacy would be ready about the 15th of this month, at farthest. Will you have the kindness to let me know, with as much accuracy as circumstances will permit, about what time you think that she will be ready to set sail.* I have the honor to be, &c. LUZERNE. JOSEPH REED TO M. DE LA LUZERNE. Sir, In Council, Philadelphia, July 25th, 1780. In answer to your Excellency's favor of this day, I have the honor to acquaint you, that the enlisting any deserter in the Continental army being expressly contrary to the direction of the Commander in Chief, the Hessian deserters are quite at liberty to enter into the service of his * In Congress, July 27th.—“Resolved, That the frigates Trumbull, Confederacy, and Deane, and the sloop of war Saratoga, be put under the direction of General Washington, to be employed in cooperating with the fleet of his Most Christian Majesty, commanded by the Chevalier de Ternay, in any naval enterprise on the coasts of North America." Most Christian Majesty, if his officers approve it, and they will in that case receive every encouragement from us so to do. I have the honor to be, &c. JOSEPH REED, President of Pennsylvania. TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. Translation. Philadelphia, July 26th, 1780. Sir, Some Hessian deserters having come to me to obtain service in the body of French troops sent by the King to this continent, I have thought proper, before accepting their offers, to know the opinion of the State of Pennsylvania on this subject; and President Reed, whom I consulted, returned for answer the letter of which I annex a copy. Particular arrangements, relative to the subsistence of these new recruits, will make it necessary for me to have recourse to the Board of War; and I request, Sir, that Congress would be pleased to authorise the members composing it to agree with me on such measures as circumstances shall render necessary.* I have the honor to be, &c. LUZERNE. In Congress, July 31st, 1780.-"On a report from the Board of War, to whom the Minister's letter of the 26th was referred, "Resolved, That, agreeably to the request of the Honorable the Minister of France, the Board of War be authorised to take such measures relating to the subsistence of the recruits, who shall be enlisted into the service of his Most Christian Majesty out of the German deserters from the enemy, as the said Board shall deem proper." GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE. Head Quarters, July 27th, 1780. Sir, I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency a letter, which has just come to hand, from the Count de Rochambeau, of the 22d instant. It is certainly of great importance, that the precaution he mentions. should be taken without loss of time. I should think the Delaware the best place for the reception of the second division, though there ought to be cruisers off both bays. It is necessary that a plan should be previously fixed for the junction of the fleets after the debarkation. I shall immediately write to the Count for this purpose. We have repeated accounts from New York, that General Clinton is making a large detachment for a combined attack upon the French fleet and army. This will be a hazardous attempt, and, therefore, though I do not regard it as impossible, I do not give it entire faith. The Count de Rochambeau has been some time since apprized of these demonstrations, and seems to have been preparing for what might happen. I have the honor to be, with every sentiment of respect and attachment, &c. GEORGE WASHINGTON. 434 Sir, TO GEORGE WASHINGTON. Translation. Philadelphia, July 30th, 1780. I enclose to your Excellency a letter for M. de Ternay, in which you will see what measures I have taken to fulfil the intentions, which you imparted to me on the 27th instant. I beg you will seal this packet and send it to his address by the first opportunity. Congress have put under your orders the frigates, in You will directing them to come into the Delaware. be able to judge, after your arrangements with the Chevalier de Ternay, whether these vessels, or one of them, may not accomplish the commission desired. Their cruise may then be useful to the commerce of the United States. I know not whether M. de Ternay will communicate to them any signals, by means of which they may approach the coast without danger. Your Excellency may be able, should you think it necessary, to suggest it to him. I have the honor to be, &c. LUZERNE. GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE. Peekskill, August 4th, 1780. Sir, Colonel Jamet arrived here last night, by whom I had the honor to receive your Excellency's request, that I would send instructions for the second division coming from France, with respect to the measures, |