Bordeaux, September 17, 1776.
Dear Sir:
I shall send you in October clothing for twenty thousand men, thirty thousand fusils, one hundred tons of powder, two hundred brass cannon, twenty four brass mortars, with shells, shot, lead, etc. in proportion. I am to advise you that if in future you will give commissions to seize Portuguese ships you may depend on the friendship and alliance of Spain.2 Let me urge this measure. Much may be got, nothing can be lost by it. Increase, at all events, your navy. I will procure, if commissioned, any quantity of sail cloth and cordage. A general war is undoubtedly at hand in Europe, and consequently America will be safe if you baffle the arts and arms of the two Howes through the summer. Every one here is in your favor. Adieu. I will write you again next week.
Silas Deane.
1. Wharton, ed., Revolutionary Diplomatic Correspondence, II, 148.
2. War against Portugal was Beaumarchais' idea. He urged this "unexpected and bold measure" in a letter to the Committee of Secret Correspondence on September 15. Ibid., 146-47.
