[Extract]
No 16

. . . His Majesty has thought proper to direct Lord Stormont to make strong representations to the french Ministers on the support, assistance and shelter given to the American Privateers cruizing in the European Seas, and on the Permission given to the Captures made by those Vessels of being admitted into the Ports of France. The most positive assurances have been made on the part of France that Orders shall be given to prevent this for the future, and that no Privateer or Prize shall be suffered to remain in the french Ports more than twenty four hours, and generally the Court of France has shewn by their professions an earnest Desire of maintaining the present Peace, and of preventing such causes of well grounded complaints.

There is well founded reason to believe that the American Agents residing at Paris have determined, in consequence of this obstruction to their Piracies, to direct their Cruizers to carry their Prizes into the Ports of Spain, where they are to be bought not as Prizes, but as trading Vessels; They are to be sold there without delay, and the Privateer is further instructed to quit the Port as soon as possible.

I am directed by His Majesty to signify to Your Excellency His Command that You lose no time in acquainting M. de Florida Blanca with this Plan, not doubting that His Catholic Majesty will direct such Orders to be sent to the several Sea Ports as shall prevent the execution of this design. . . .