St James's 14th Febry 1777
[Extract] No 11 My Lord
The conversation Your Excy had with M. de Maurepas and the proper observations You made on the part they are now acting were extremely proper and may have some good effect. The great care the french Ministers take that the succours the American Rebels receive from France shall bear every appearance of being sent by private persons makes it inexpedient to remonstrate publickly on the subject, but Your Excellency very prudently represents to them the duplicity of their Conduct in such a manner as shews them We are not ignorant of the unfriendly part they are taking, which is more disgraceful to their Honour than injurious to our Interest.
1. PRO, State Papers, 78/301, 229-30.