New London, Conn. 1781

[1] p. ; 30 cm. (fol.)

MSS L1971.24 M

The Destouches papers in the Huntington Library identifies Penevert as "French agent at New London, Connecticut."
In a different hand on verso: A Monsieur destouche / Brigadier general Comandant le flote francaise / New Port / de New London
In French
Penevert acknowledges receipt of Destouches' letter inquiring about harbor defenses, winds, currents, hazards, and other relevant conditions along the Connecticut and New York coastlines as well as conditions around Huntington Bay, Long Island and Gardiner Bay, where the British fleet was anchored.
Reports sailing conditions as previously requested by Destouches in preparation for his sailing toward the Chesapeake then to Yorktown.
Context: After the death of Admiral Ternay, Destouches had taken command of that squadron of the French fleet in Newport which was to transport a portion of Lafayette's army to Yorktown.
Metcalf lists Destouches as an original member of the French Society of the Cincinnati (as Touches, Chareles-Rene Dominique Sochet des), the officer is listed in Gardiner's Order of the Cincinnati in France as Rear Admiral Chevalier Sochet des Touches.
Watermark: JB within two circles -- cf. Gravell. Foreign watermarks, figure 423

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