Benjamin Lincoln to John Jay, 5 September 1779

Cha s Town Sept r . 5 th . 1779

Sir,

I have the pleasure to congratulate Congress on the arrival of Count D–€™Estaing–€™s Fleet off Savannah–€”but am sorry to inform them that his stay on this coast will be but short and the aid we can afford him very inconsiderable–€” The Count has sent one of his Officers on shore to establish a plan of operations–€” He returns immediately with Dispatches on that head–€” 1

All the Troops are ordered to take the field–€” I expect there will be assembled at Ebenezer 2 or in it–€™s vicinity by the 11 th . Instant one thousand men–€” It has been proposed to the Count to land three thousand troop–€” I hope he will do it–€”and have the highest reasons to believe, if in his power, he will–€” Every exertion will be made to cooperate with him–€”and I hope the necessity of his speedy return, or any other cause, will not render abortive that plan from the execution of which so much good will result to the common Cause–€” I have the honor to be with the highest respect Your Excellency–€™s most obed t hble serv t

B. Lincoln