[Extract]

... In said Letter [Masserano's of September 6] and in the one numbered 343 dated 10 September, Y. E. communicates the maritime armaments increasing in those [British] Ports, 36 ships of the line having been ordered thus far for readying. Y. E. has reason to mistrust such extraordinary and expensive measures, which that Power would not take without serious motives in circumstances of great pressure exerted on it, as they are not suitable steps for its visible object of persistently subjecting its Colonies. The King knows indeed that it is needless to recommend to Y. E. the activity and watchfulness required by the goal of learning the intentions of that Ministry [British]...

San Ildefonso 30 September 1776