[Extract]
Most Secret No 55
My Lord

The Vessel I alluded to, in my Conversation with M de Vergennes, is certainly sailed from Havre; She is a Brig laden with Ammunition and Cannon, as she is a bad Sailer, she will not attempt to make the American Coast, but goes to St Domingo. It is however not to be doubted; that the Cannon and Ammunition are designed for the Rebels. . . .

I hope I do not go out of my Province when I inform You, that there are two Ships building in Holland, upon quite a new Construction, and mounting from thirty, to forty Guns, they are built by french agents for the use of the Rebels. I do not know in what Port, but from the Peculiarity of their Construction, that will be easily known.