[Extract]

. . . I have missed the 5 vessels laden at L'Orient. They were sold when my agent arrived there. I confess to you the sin I was going to commit, because I am vexed that others have committed it in my place. The 5 vessels and their cargoes were sold for 90 thousand livres, and were worth 600 thousand. ²

The last vessel which I am loading, and which is ready to sail, is called le Comte de Vergennes. Although this name is very pleasing to me, and Seems made to bring luck to my cargo which is superb; yet, as it is not my doing that the vessel is thus named, if you fear in the least the connection which the English may make between the name of the vessel, and its employment, Say one word, and I will have it changed; although it will be somewhat hard for me to cancel it. When she has set sail, I shall have at sea, l'Amphitrite, l'Amelie, le Mercure, le Marquis de Chalotais, la Seine, la Concorde, two Bermudian vessels awaiting the rest, and le Comte de Vergennes, which is thus named only subject to your orders.