Lord North —

The preparing for the business of the House of Commons this day will naturally prevent Your coming here; I therefore think it right to apprize You that the Post Office have received notice from the Agent at Dover, that news is come by a letter from Captain [Andrew] Frazer at Dunkirk that Cunningham the Commander of the Pyratical Vessel that seized the Prince of Orange Packet boat, is thrown into Prison and the said Pacquet boat and the other Prizes ordered by the Court of France to be restored; this is so strong a proof that the Court of Versailles mean to keep appearances, that I think the news deserves a place in the Speech You will make. St James's May 14th 1777.