The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

50 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [lEET. 49.
deavouring to engage your good offices in facilitating an
event on which so much depends. For this I have a
stronger plea, when I assure you, that General Rochambeau's opinion and wishes concur with mine, and
that it is at his instance principally I make to you this
address.
If we are happy enough to find your Excellency in
sentiment with us, it will be in your power to inform
the Count de Grasse of the strength and situation of
the enemy's naval and land force in this country, the
destination of the French squadron under Admiral Barras, and the intentions of the allied arms if a junction
can be formed. At present the British fleet lies within
Block Island, and about five leagues from Point Judith.
The Count de Rochambeau and the Chevalier Chastellux agree perfectly in sentiment with me, that, while
affairs remain as they now are, the West India fleet
should run immediately to Sandy Hook (if there are no
concerted operations), where they may be met with all
the information requisite, and where most likely it will
shut in, or cut off, Admiral Arbuthnot, and may be
joined by the Count de Barras. An early and frequent
communication from the Count de Grasse would lead to
preparatory measures on our part, and be a means of
facilitating the operation in hand, or any other, which
may be thought more advisable. I know your goodness and your zeal for the common cause too well, to
offer any thing more as an apology for this liberty; and
I persuade myself it is unnecessary for me to declare
the respect and, attachment, with which I have the
honor to be, &c.