M. de St. Paul has the honor to inform H[is] E[xcellency] the Count de Vergennes that the English Ministry received intelligence that the following ships left Amsterdam a short time ago: the Stadt Bourdeaux, Claes de Heer Captain, carrying 400 barrels of gunpowder of 100 pounds each destined for Nantes, the Vromo Ester Cornelia, Hans Momse Captain, carrying 300 barrels also of 100 pounds each and the Concordia, Ysbrand Pieter Prevoort Captain, carrying 150 barrels of 100 pounds each; these last two ships are bound for Bordeaux. Since there can be no doubt that this gunpowder is destined for the English Colonies in America, M.de St.Paul received instruction from His British Majesty to inform the Count de Vergennes so that, following his promise to do all in his power, he will turn back from France any assistance to the Rebels and will make use of this opportunity to take the measures he will deem necessary and most adequate in order to prevent the Exportation of the said gunpowder.

This request conforms to the harmony and the good Intelligence that reigns fortunately between the two Crowns, and M.de St. Paul cannot doubt and H.E. will have the kindness to write at once to the Intendants of Bordeaux and Nantes.