Milord,

I had the honor to receive your dispatch of the 4th instant in which were enclosed copies of the letters from Count de Vergennes and Count of Stormont concerning the complaint made by this ambassador to the effect that there was presently in Dunkerque a vessel of 120 tons, called the Charming Peggy and commanded by Capt. [Gustavus] Conyngham, and which was suspected to have taken on powder. I have the honor to report to you that this ship arrived in Dunkerque on the 3rd of December last coming from Londonderry from whence she had sailed on the 11th of November; that she intended presently to take on spirits for England, but that M.Viguhard, Captain of the ship la Breton which carried the Hanovrian troops that had run aground on the coast of Dunkerque about two months ago, spread the rumor among the public that being moored by the flat boat for repairs with the ship The Charming Peggy) he had seen many barrels being taken on board the latter at night, which barrels he suspected to be filled with powder. This rumor was credited among the English and M. Frazer, Commissioner of His British Majesty went to see all the English brokers in order to obtain information with regard to the cargo of this ship and requested and obtained from the officers of the Admiralty that a visit be made. It took place on the 3rd instant and nothing was found except some ballast and some supplies which were probed throughout with iron-rods. I am certain that M. Frazer reported the results of this visit to his Court.

Moreover, the orders which you sent me to prevent the exportation from our ports of arms and war ammunition destined for the English Colonies are so precise that I give my strictest attention to them.

[Endorsed] Copy of the private letter from M. d'anglemont, General Commissioner of the Navy in Dunkerque, to M. de Sartine.