Dear Sir, 

Your Satyrocomic favor of the 30 of June¹ came yesterday to hand. I enviously thank you for it: for you write like a man happy by the side of a charming woman, and whom nothing can vex. I will now only say you ought to be here at this period as a balance to the days of vexation you have formerly known in the service of your country in this rotten hearted State. Though our own Navy has dwindled Sadly, we now hold up our heads upon the strength of our allies by sea. The Count d'Estang is plenipotentiary for co-operation with General Washington and has proceeded immediately to Sandy Hook. The Languedoc is a very Swift Sailor, and though called a 90, has upwards of 100 carriage guns and 1200 men.² The enemy have many ships, but their fifties half-manned will not be able to stand an engagement with double manned 74's & 64s of the French. Mr Hancock sets out for Town to morrow and will probably gain Some intelligence on his rout which being published in the Gazettes at his arrival will reach you and discover interesting events of the joint operations of France and America.³

Nine States have signed the Confederation and there is no doubt but, Georgia, Delaware and Jersey will Soon Sign. Maryland will take airs and plague us, but upon our determination to confederate anew, 12 will do as She has always done beforecome in without grace.⁴ 

J. P. Jones has behaved to your liking-his conduct alone will make England keep her Ships at home.⁵ My love to your friends