[Extract]

The Viscount of Stormont² spoke to me in general terms of the resolution adopted by His Government to stop the trade of the Colonies and to prevent contraband. The second item of this resolution is to conform to the conditions existing not only in the English Colonies, but all the other Colonies in America. Their trade is exclusive and does not let in foreigners. Thus, the intention announced by the British Ministry concerns a matter sanctioned by a generally adopted usage. You may assure Milord Rochford that the King will not authorize His subjects to contravene this agreement and that he will not protect those who dared transgress it; but at the same time, you will tell this Minister that we are convinced that he will have taken the necessary precautions so that the ships in charge of the surveillance of the coasts of English America do not interfere with the trade of our own Colonies, that these ships should not extend their cruise under empty excuses begotten only by a greed for spoils and should not be so bold as to come in the vicinity of our Islands and stop, visit and seize those of our ships that import the goods necessary for the consumption and defense of the said Islands and export their home produce. We do not allow ourselves to doubt that His British Majesty has given or will give the strictest and most precise orders to that effect to the Commanding Officers of the ships that He sent or will send to America.