London, 17 May 1776
[Extract]
A week ago, a. packet boat from Virginia sent by Lord Dunmore brought news to the government. But it was found to be so bad that it was decided to say that the trunk had fallen into sea during bad weather. Wonderful stratagem! Manifestation of a superior form of genius! Another ship arrived from Canada yesterday. She was under order to fire one shot without entering the port. A boat left the harbor and made for the ship. A man jumped into the boat and the ship sailed away. This man ran to London without stopping. The subject of his dispatch could not be learned, hence the refrain: the news must be most inauspicious since they are wrapped in such mystery! 2
1. AMAE, Correspondance Politique, Angleterre, vol. 516, LC Photocopy.
2. A Beaumarchais flight of fancy in both cases.