[Extract]
...This background has led the King to consider the matter; and reflecting that closing his Ports to the Americans will be followed by their declaration of enmity toward Spain, and by the seizure of our ships on all the Seas indiscriminately, leaving us without the least expedient for a reparation or even to punish this attack: His Majesty has decided that these same Americans be admitted cordially into Spanish Ports, although they may be flying their own Flag instead of the British one, and that if the English Court protest against it, let it see that the King cannot abandon the Commerce of his Subjects to such risks when it is certain that [neither] His British Majesty nor his Ministry would feel compelled to indemnify the damage which the rebellious Colonials would cause us.
For myself I have already notified Our Governors in utmost confidence on how to welcome and treat the vessels of the English Colonies in Spanish Ports, advising them that if an American privateer enter with a captured ship of any Nation, it must not be prevented from doing so, supposing that the prize vessel is flying the same Flag as the capturing ship, and that on equal terms an English privateer entering with an American prize must not be molested.
... although they [orders to West Indies ports] generally prohibit access to friendly or enemy Foreigners, it should be understood that the Americans with their own Flag or with any prize must be welcomed and treated in cases of urgency and known need with the same hospitality which would be extended to the English or the French.
All of which I advise Your Lordship by Order of the King so that you dispose at once what is suitable for complying in the Ports of your Jurisdiction in specific cases and with the idea that it is the Royal wish of His Majesty to give haven to Colonial vessels out of hospitality, but not permit them to sell goods or any Trade, and only to make repairs and buy necessities, paying the amount in coin, banknotes, or Negro Slaves....
San Ildefonso 20 September 1776
