[Extract]
Most Confidential

Mr Cyrus [Silas] Deane who in some Companies calls himself a Native of Bermudas but who is well known here to be a North American and a Secret agent for the Congress is certainly in constant intercourse with Beaumarchais who was lately not worth a shilling but has now Millions at his Command. He keeps a Table and entertains Deane and other Americans and friends to their cause. He is likewise, as I am well assured, in regular Correspondence with Mr. [John] Wilkes. Their Letters are not trusted to the Post but sent by Private Hands. When I learnt this I immediately suspected that Wilkes is not the only Person in England with whom Beaumarchais Corresponds. My Suspicion is right, there are several other Persons, I do not yet know their Names, but hope to get them soon....

Mr. Deane received Letters of Importance from the Congress by the Ship that arrived at Nantes from Philadelphia the beginning of this Month. He gave out a few days ago that He was going to Geneva, but He is still at Paris, and constantly endeavouring to engage some of the Many French officers M. de St. Germain reformed to join the Rebel army. He bribes high and has engaged several. Some have refused. This Court cannot be a stranger to these Manoeuvres of Deane, and no doubt is glad to wink at them ...