TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Passy, October 2d, 1778.
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose the latest gazettes, by which Congress will perceive, that we have no intelligence from America since the departure of the Count d'Estaing from Sandy Hook; our anxiety is very great, but we hope that a few hours will relieve it. In the midst of a war in Germany, and between France and England, there was scarcely ever a greater dearth of news in a profound peace.
Captain Mc Neil, the bearer of this, makes the most conversation, having taken and destroyed, I think, thirteen vessels in the course of his last cruise, six of which have safely arrived in France, the others, not destroyed, he sent to America. His cruise will prove a great disappointment to the enemy, having deprived them of a great quantity of naval stores, upon which they depended.
I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, &c.
JOHN ADAMS.
COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO JOHN ADAMS.
Philadelphia, October 28th, 1778.