[Extract]

Since writing my anexed of 8th Inst have discovered what was the intention of Mr [Arthur] Lee's Journey to Spain, in the first place he went to borrow money on account of the Congress, in which he has succeeded, but to what amt I cannot say, in the next place to desire permission for the Continental Cruizers to carry their prizes into the Spanish Ports, in this also he has been successfull, hope to have some more concerning his Journey by the next Conveyance —

Nicholson plan is altered since my last, he is to have the Cutter which was purchased at Dover, in which he and Weakes [Wickes] with his own Ship are to Cruze together, on the Spanish Coast, I cannot say at present in what Latitude but Nicholson will inform me by letter from Nantes, when the same shall be mentioned to you, ー The Capt [Thomas] Bell which arrived some time since, has purchased a twenty Gun Ship in which he means to proceed to America ー his and N icholsons Vessells will be mantled by french Officers & Seamen, (I think this worthy your notice) ー A Capt [John] Adams is also arrived in little Vessell, (unarmed) ² with dispatches from the Congress to Mr Deane, he left Boston the 2d March last, he will depart tomorrow with two other Gentlemen for Nantes, in order to return, Can't learn that he is to carry any dispatches ー

Two Ships just arrived at Nantes loaded with Tobacco, the one from Philadelphia and the other from So Carolina . . .

Several French Merchants have offered Nicholson Vessells from 20 to 64 Guns to Cruze against his Majesties frigate[s] &c, all of which he has declined for the Present ー Nicholson informed me before his departure that Carmicheel told him, that if Great Britain should offer any terms to the Americans, (save acknowledging their Independency) France and Spain would not allow the same, this too plainly proves how Closely linked they are already,

Their is at present 6 French men of War cruizing in the Bay of Biscay, these Vessells conduct the American Ships into Port ー Carmicheel Corrisponds with a Mr [Joshua] Johnson of your City Merchant, he is from America, his business is chiefly in the Tobacco business, he Yesterday received a letter from him while we were at Dinner at Mr Deanes ー did not hear the contents, he signs no name to his letters (this I saw by making a side squint) I believe they have a private Channell thro' which they receive their. Accounts from England, ー a Mr [Samuel] Petrie whent from here few days since and carried many letters, Immagine this man will return soon, and bring answers to the same, is their no possiability of comein,g at this man in England, I mean just before he intends to Cross the Water for France, by which means you would be made acquainted with the Contents of his letters and the different Corrispond[ent]s fictitious Names &c &c, (this by way of hint) ー Alderman [William] Lee is expected over here in short time, perhaps 'twould be prudent to play the same t[r]ick on him at Dover or wherever he means to embark, ー I hope you'll excuse the Liberty my Dr Sir which I take, but be assured 'tis from mere motives of your being better acquainted with your Enemis & their Secrets &c, ー I dont mean to dictate but only give it as my humble Opinion, I think this might be done upon Sea, without any great bustle as he has made himself Notorious, but I am done on this Subject ー If you recollect when I was in England you asked me if I knew wether any Muskets, Locks or &c had been ship from the port of London for America, or on Account of any American, at that time my answer was, I did not know positively; since my arrive! here I have been informed it has been done from Birmingham, Diggs [Thomas Digges] is the man and I have some reason to think that Lee was concerned, 'twas only Locks for Guns or M usketts, they where cleared out at the Custom for Bilboa in Spain but went to America, ー Lee I realy think was conc[e]rned in this adventure, as he very frequently [had said] to me that scheem was practicable, and might be done without the knowledge of any person, but wether he was actually concerned or not, I will not take upon me to say, all I could wish is that no notice m[a]y be taken of this as its already .past, and Diggs a particular friend ー

And now for peice of news, the noted Yankey, Capt. [Henry] Johnson who was taken some time last summer and brought into London, but afterwards made his escape onboard the man of War in which he was confined is arrived here, he brought dispatches from the Congress and this day delivered them to Mr Deane in my Presence and while we where at Dinner. he left Baltimore 28th Feby last, the Congress was at that place at that time, he arrivd at Bourdeaux where his Ship is at Present, She is called the Lexington, mounts 16 four pounders, is a remarkable fast sailing Ship; She has about 60 Men onboard, on his passage he took two prizes, the one an empty Transport, which he sat fire to at Sea, after taking everything that was valuable from onboard, the Scoundrel says She lighted him along very pretily for the best part of a Night, and at last went to the bottom, the other was a Scotch brig bound from Some port in London to Jamaica loaded with Herring & Coals this Vessell he brought into port with him 'tis thought she will sell for near one thousand pounds Sterling ³

this Captain is the most conceited Chap I ever met with, and I am much mistaken if his own Imprudence don't bring him into your hands once more, from whom I am convinced he not make his escape to very easially, this fellow I immagine will not depart from here, this week or two, before he sets out you shall be properly informed . . .