October 29th 1779
Sir
Captain Patrick Dennis being employed to wait the Arrival of the Count D Estaings fleet off the Hook and being a Gentleman in whom we have the greatest confidence.
We request that you will Afford him every Assistance in your power to enable him to make the necessary Observations before the Appearance of the fleet.1
We are Sir, Your Hble servants
Letter book, Marine Committee Letter Book, Marine Committee Miscellaneous Papers, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
1 Maj. Henry Lee had been ordered by General Washington to take up post in Monmouth County, N.J., "as near the coast as you can," to await the arrival of the comte d’Estaing. Fitzpatrick, Writings of Washington, 16:278 - 80.