Three Revolutionary War–dated manuscripts in French, consisting of intelligence reports sent to the French Minister of War, totaling four pages on three sheets, measuring from 7.5 x 9 to 7.75 x 12, dated 1778 to 1782. Translated excerpts from each report:
February 9, 1778: "Captain Charles Jenkins…reports: that General Washington's army…have taken up positions only a few miles from Germantown…in such a manner that it was impossible for Howe to forage; that the Jersey militia had been sent back to protect their own territory; that General Burgoyne…had not been permitted to sail to Rhode Island and…had been confined within certain limits around Winter Hill;…that it had been decided to attack Howe who had sent Mr. Willing to tell Congress that if they were willing to renounce their pretentions toward independence, they would be given everything else….Congress had commended this notorious spokesman to the…Security Council which threw him in prison. Our new army has never been so well equipped…or so courageous, and our new frigates are safe…above Philadelphia. Generals Gates and Putnam were in command at King's Bridge, and the enemy…had no camp outside of that area. There have been a great number of captures and all articles have become cheap in price…. General Lee has been exchanged for Prescott, and General Washington was considering not settling down at headquarters."
September 30, 1778: "An American privateer…came …into port bringing the news that Comte d'Estaing had raised the blockade of New York to go to Rhode Island where 20,000 American troops had blockaded 7000 English, and that Admiral Howe…had approached and fired several cannon shots at him. He then immediately set sail to…join battle; a gust of wind separated them after several ships on both sides had been demasted. Admiral Howe then returned to New York."
February 14, 1782: "We learn on the arrival of the Dutch war ship…that the French squadron has regained possession of Trinquemalles. This expedition was the consequence of the total defeat of the English…under the command of Admiral Hughes, himself taken prisoner on board the Superbe by the French vessel L'Annibal and the Sphinx; the French fleet was greatly superior to that of the English…Monsieur de Suffren was responsible for the Royal Admiral's capture, having fought with her side by side for five and a half hours. The remainder of the English squadron is in a very bad state and has taken flight to gain the protection of the fort of Tanna. In Trinquemalles we took…750 English troops and 1500 Cypages. Captain Loyer…met up with a sinking ship from the English squadron and rounded up what was left of its crew…On board the Sphinx there are 55 dead and 24 wounded." In overall fine condition.
