[Extract]

I offer you all my thanks, Sir, for forwarding to me the dispatch from M. Garnier concerning the secret branch he had the initiative to put back into operation. The additions that he has suggested seem to deserve all our attention. I know how important it is for us to be exactly informed of all English maritime movements; I also think that we could take great advantage of the connections which M. Garnier will have the opportunity to establish at Chatam and in the Office of Ordnance. It seems also greatly desirable that M. Garnier should find a reliable and faithful correspondent at the Admiralty. If we could count on this, it would be the best way to be warned in time of the arrangements made by the British that could concern France. The expense that would result from this might come to a considerable amount! But the essential interests of the State require, especially in the present circumstances, that we do not lose from sight the projects of our rivals, whatever they may be. I must believe that their Colonies keep them quite busy at the moment, but if, because of some change in the Ministry anticipated by M. Garnier or an agreement with the Americans, they were in the position to use for other purposes the forces which they intend to gather in the American ports, reliable advice, given in time, could upset their projects, at least stand in their way and prevent the occurence of events which, without these precautions, might become fatal to our Navy and our navigation.