[Extract]

We understand, Sir, that as mightily armed as the English will be in Northern America by next spring, the destination that they might assign to their forces would be most important to us. Allow me to observe, however, that unless the reconciliation with their Colonies came first and was soundly assured, these forces could not be as easily moved as you seem to presume. Thus, it is not so much this prospect which concerns at the moment the foresight and the solicitude of the King's Council as the events which might result from the rigorous precautions being taken in order to intercept all forms of trade between Northern America and the rest of the world. The King is far from disapproving this rigor as well as protecting those among his subjects whose avidity would determine to engage in a trade prohibition by the law of nations; but if His British Majesty's justice is anxious to punish rebellious subjects, it is no less concerned to prevent that the most frivolous pretexts be used to confuse the innocent and the guilty.

It is well known, Sir, that our ships returning from the Antilles, as well as the Spanish which come out of the Gulf of Mexico, emerge by way of the Bahama Channel and, following the coast of Northern America, they sail northward in order to catch the winds which will insure their return to Europe. The cargoes of these ships are commonly rich enough to tempt the greediness of captors, and since the property of such prizes is assured to those who will take them, it is to be feared that the English officers, encouraged by these lures, will make a thousand difficulties for the vessels they will meet on this sea-route and that they will finally seize them. They can always claim that they found war ammunition on board; indeed there is hardly a merchantman that does not carry arms and powder; furthermore such stores could always be introduced onboard these vessels in order to impute designs to them which were not theirs in the first place. I do not doubt that satisfaction was obtained from the English admiralty courts in cases involving such captures; you understand, Sir, how disagreeable it would be for the King to see his subjects compelled to go plead their cause before courts of law in order to recover their property: they would be exposed to delays which would ruin them, and consumed by legal expenses. We are in good faith with the English ministers, we do not wish to catch them by surprise and, in fairness to the honesty of our principles, we must warn them of the embarrassments which we foresee. For this reason, Sir, it is the King's intention that, in the course of your first meeting either with Lord Weymouth, or Lord Suffolk, or even Lord Sandwich, if you deem it proper, you acquaint them that we should be most apprehensive about the Bill of Restrictions ² which has just been passed and the Consequences which it would not fail to bring about with regard to our American trade, were it not for the wisdom and friendship shown by His British Majesty in issuing clear instructions and formal orders to his sea officers so as to prevent our trade being disturbed or harmed in any way. You will obtain knowledge in confidence with regard to the nature of the precautions which will have been taken, and should they have been neglected because of the multiplicity of the present affairs you will make earnest representation so that they be attended to without delay. The King is convinced that this attitude which reflects his care to obviate anything that might alter in the least the good correspondence between His Majesty and the King of Great Britain, will be agreeable to His British Majesty.

In spite of the circumstances related in the English gazettes concerning the burning of Falmouth, I can hardly believe this absurd as well as barbaric procedure on the part of an enlightened and civilized nation, more especially as the perpetrators of this terrible crime allegedly declared that the order had been given to burn all maritime towns from Boston to Halifax. If the English had resolved to abandon America to its own and to cut the last threads binding them to their brothers, one could see in this resolution the effect of furious and boundless despair. But in view of the intention the Government seems to have to carry a large army to America, it seems inconceivable to destroy the places for shelter and storehouses. If it is the plan on the part of the British to turn the coast into a desert, how will they penetrate the country and where will they establish their magazines? I have read with great interest, Sir, the account of the debates in the House of Lords which you have sent us; they are presently in the hands of the King who wants to read them himself. I do not doubt that his Majesty will be delighted with the speeches made by Lords Littleton and Mansfield, the latter especially is a masterpiece.

I gave to the King the letter which you had sent in my care to His Majesty. I must warn you that the practice is to send such letters unsealed.

I have the honor to be &c.