Sir,

My unexpected detention here has given and still gives me the Utmost uneasiness and Concern; the more so as it renders my Success, in the project which I communicated to you, very uncertain, because the Ships, which were mv principal object depart on or about the 20^th Current.¹—I will however, govern myself by the Situation of the Winds, and of Circumstances, when I reach the proper place And if I should then find it expedient to drop my first intention, and to proceed on another project—I must rely on vou to procure Orders that the Frigate may accom- pany me until I am past the Enemy's Ships of Superior force.—

What I communicated to you I had previously mentioned to Monsieur La Motte Picquet in Quiberon Bay, and, agreeable to his Advice, I parted from his Fleet and came here along shore.—to no other person have I said a Word on the Subject; and I have a Perfect Confidence in you both.—But as it is possible that I may be unsuccessful in Consequence of the information of the Enemy's Spies since I came here,—should I be unfortunate, I must entreat vou as well as Monsieur La Motte Picquet to defend my reputation, and to do Justice to my Upright and disinterested intentions—particularly by Communicating what you Know, to our American Commissioner at your Coast.²—

And now Sir, permit me to offer you my Cordial & Sincere thanks for the frequent and very polite Attentions which you shewed me during my Stay at Brest.—I am Sir ambitious of your esteem & Friendship:—therefore I am exceedingly sorry that I cannot correspond with you in a language which you yourself Understand.—I cannot insure Success-but I will endeavour to deserve it.—meantime I have the Honor to be [&c.]