Sundry accounts from New York having reached me, informing me that the British were more than meditating an enterprise against the squadron of the Marquis de Vaudreuil, which they have learned is at present in two detachments in Boston and Portsmouth harbors, and that preparations were making for that purpose, I have made the Marquis acquainted with this intelligence, and the probability of such an event.
At the same time that I gave this information to the French Admiral, I have written a letter to Governor Hancock, requesting that arrangements may be made with the militia of his State, in such manner as to give immediate and effectual support, in aid and protection of his Most Christian Majesty's ships, in case an attempt should be made upon them.
The like information I shall give to the Governor of the State of New Hampshire, and request similar assistance from him, in case of the enemy approaching near Portsmouth.
With the highest regard and esteem, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
COMMUNICATION OF THE FRENCH MINISTER TO A COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS.
In Congress, September 24th, 1782.
The committee appointed to hold a conference with the Chevalier de la Luzerne, Minister of France, in pursuance of his note to Congress of the 23d, report;
That yesterday your committee held a conference with the Minister of France, agreeably to the said appointment, the substance of which consisted in the communication of advices lately received by the said Minister of France, from his Excellency the Count de Vergennes, as follows.
The Minister informed the committee he had received several despatches from his Court, of which he thought it his duty to communicate an extract to Congress.