Paris July 22d 1776
Sir
Inclosed I send You a Copy of the Article of my Instructions which was the subject of Our last Conference.2 I have not as yet had the pleasure of seeing Monsr Beaumarchais but am so Confident, from the Character I received of him from You that he will be able to procure for Me the Articles I want, That I shall Apply to him in preference to any other person; And I imagine thro' him the Stores mentioned in my Instructions may be procured with the utmost Secrecy and Certainty ー They will Amount to a Considerable Sum, & as the Colonies expect, & are willing to give a Commission, for Negotiating the Business this Concern may turn very well to his Account without his having much Trouble in the Affair I have the honor to be most Respectfuly [&c.]
Silas Deane
À Monsieur Gerard
1. Stevens, ed., Facsimiles, No. 573.
2. Deane's instructions from the Committee of Secret Correspondence. The article he enclosed begins: "At this audience, if agreed to, it may be well to show him first your letter of credence..." See Volume 4, 148-50.
