Paris, Monday 6 [7] April 1777
[Extract]
Monsieur le Comte
I have just left the Spanish Ambassador, whom I had not seen for a long time. I have drawn him a most faithful picture of the importance of effectual help for the Americans, of their present state, and of the still more critical danger of their becoming reconciled to England on the arrival of the courier who is shortly to be sent them from France, If they do not receive any Help or encouragement. I gave him my ideas On the necessity of a mysterious and combined maneuver of the French and Spanish fleets, which would have the good effect, without compromising those two Powers, of keeping the English forces in Europe, of Preventing the King of England from completing His loan, by the tightening of private money and the fall in public Securities, and of making the Americans hope that these movements are made in their favor, which would increase a hundred-fold the courage and strength of that nation. That If, during that time, actual Help reached them, I would answer for it that the English campaign Would again fail; and that, finally, my plan was, If he Approved of my step, to go and stir up the Spanish Ministry, and draw from them some help, which, Along with what I could steal from France, would give me the means of Maintaining the great edifice of the American successes Until next December, and Above all to prevent the reconciliation.
He replied ー As a private person you know what I think and desire, but as Ambassador of Spain I can tell you neither one thing nor the other. And why so, Sir? Because the French Ministry has told me nothing of the matter ー But, M. le Comte, it is with its consent that I speak to you ー In such an affair and at a time of such importance, Sir, I must learn from the Minister that he approves your views before I can answer anything ー M. le Comte, they will speak to you about it whenever you wish, for I am going to write to M. le Comte de Vergennes a summary of our conversation. Sir, I will go tomorrow to Versailles, although it is not Ambassadors' day. Your Ministers Are all my friends, and should be at ease with me on all points. Arrange that they speak to me on the subject, otherwise, I shall not open my mouth. They well know that we ask nothing better than to act in concert.