Versailles, 2 May 1776
[Extract]
Regardless of what certain people say with respect to the wealth of England, I would rather call it a case of swelling. I prefer the plumpness of France in spite of her limited regimen. Everything here is real: fertile land, precious goods, clinking cash; a lack of credit would not affect any of this. This affair of the snow Dickinson is coming up again. There has never been so much noise about such an insignificant happening. However I want to go the bottom of this correspondence of the brothers Montaudoin. Even now I am convinced that they never had suspect dealings with anyone in the country whence they received mail: 'the letters that . were published verify it. In general, I know that they are quite honest merchants with a goQd reputation, enjoying great credit and deserving all confidence. 2
Many thanks, Sir, for the intelligence you sent us. It was considered and appreciated. I expect that we will soon receive very interesting news and that we will be enlightened as to the fate of Quebec.
1. AMAE, Correspondance Politique, Angleterre, vol. 516, LC Photocopy.
2. See Bristol Journal Extraordinary, April 8, 1776. While the cargo of the Dickinson was consigned to Montaudoiiin Brothers at Nantes, and letters found on board were addressed to the same firm, Vergennes' contention was that such proof did not indicate that the French merchants were previously aware that they were to be so addressed.
