From Diary of the American Revolution, Vol II. Compiled by Frank Moore and published in 1859.
July 11.—Early this afternoon, his Excellency Monsieur Gerard, ambassador from his Most Christian Majesty to the United States, arrived at Philadelphia. He was accompanied from Chester to an elegant apartment provided for him in Market Street, by a committee of Congress, appointed for that purpose. On his entrance into the city, he was saluted by Colonel Proctor’s artillery. It is impossible to describe the joy that appeared in every good man’s countenance on this auspicious event. His excellency came in a frigate, part of a fleet of twelve ships of the line from Toulon, under the command of Count D’Estaing.1
1 Upcott, v. 139. The afternoon of the same day, D’Estaing arrived off Sandy Hook, but being unable to cross the bar, on the 22d, at the solicitation of General Washington, he sailed for Rhode Island, to co-operate with the land forces under General Sullivan.