I take the earliest Opportunity to inform your Excellency—that by a Letter which the Count de Rochambeau has received from Newport—The Count de Barras has taken a Resolution to join your Fleet in the Cheasapeak for which Purpose he intended, if the Winds should prove favorable, to depart from Newport on the 21st instant, This Information is communicated to your Excellency, that you may take such Measures as you shall think proper, to facilitate the intended Junction.

From the Progress already made in our March towards the Chesapeak, it is intimated that the Troops may arrive at the Head of Elk by the Eighth of September.

That no Delay may retard our Embarkation, I take the Liberty again to urge the Necessity of your Excellency’s sending up all your Frigates & Transports to the Head of Elk in such Time that they may be sure of being there by the 8th of next Month. I have the Honor to be &a