THE FRENCH FLEET ARRIVES AT SANDY HOOK, 1778 A superb content war date A.L.S. of one John Keese, 2pp., large 4to., Fishkill, July 22, 1778 reporting on the arrival of the French fleet under d'Estaing and the anticipated operations against New York City. In part: "...A French Fleet has, certainly stopp'd the Passage at Sandy Hook, and it is currently Reported, & Believed, that the Sound Passage is also stopp'd, or rendered very hazardous by two or three large Frenchmen laying in it - this is somewhat, Confirm'd by the report of a Deserter who says, that, a few days ago, a Frigate was sent from New York to carry Dispatches to Rhode Island that after being away three days she return'd & the Capt. being call'd upon to Account for not performing his business declar'd that the French had block'd the Channel— Major Dobbs rec'd a Letter written, & and sign'd by General Washington; desiring him without delay, to repair to him in order to go on the Board the Fleet and Pilot them into New York Harb'r. Dobbs was very unwell at the time he received it, but set off a day or two after, and I hope he is now safe & well on Board... " Ironically the day Keese penned this letter, d'Estaing was setting sail to Newport after abandoning the planned attack on New York after deciding entering the harbor was too risky a venture. The fleet would figure prominently in the failed operations in Rhode Island later that summer. Keese optimistically added "...I expect in a few days to see you hurrying down to take a View of your Possessions n the City... " Quakenbush would have to wait another five long years. Light uneven toning, marginal loss to integral address leaf from seal tear, usual folds, otherwise very good condition. $600-800