THE FRENCH FLEET ARRIVES AT NEW YORK, 1778 Fine content A.L.S. of assistant deputy quartermaster D. Hale, 2pp. 4to., Fishkill, July 20, 1778 to quartermaster Nicholas Quakenbush at Albany reporting on various supply matters and reporting on the French fleet under d'Estaing anchored off Sandy Hook preparing for operations against the British in New York. In part: "...You undoubtedly have heard all the News of the French Fleet their taking some British Frigates &c all of which is daily Confirmed Capt. Suckles was yesterday at Corn [?] Pond with Genl. Green & has seen some officers of the Fleet there. Genl. Washington has wrote to Major Dobbs which Letter I have seen, informing him that a French Fleet was down at Sandy Hook & only wanted Pilots to go into the Harbour of New York & requested Dobbs to go to him Immediately. Dobbs is gone off & I fancy he is now on board the Vessels... " Before Dobbs could render his services, d'Estaing decided the narrow passage through Sandy Hook would be too risky a venture. Two days later he would sail for Newport where his fleet would figure prominently in the failed operations at that place. With integral address leaf. Usual folds, loss from seal tear not affecting text, otherwise very good. $500-700