[Extract]
No. 164

We must not conceal the fact from ourselves, Sir, regardless of the consideration we show the English, that we should not expect any reciprocity on their part. It is nevertheless strange in the present circumstances when it is in their best interest not to give us any cause of dissatisfaction which might bring us to give direct or indirect assistance to their rebellious settlers, in North America, they should choose this time to encourage an English establishments among the Mosquitoes. One need only look at the geographic position of this peninsula to realize that, should this establishment be fortified, it might one day be fatal to the Spanish. I hope that those who were warned in time, thanks to your vigilance, are now in the process of heading off this undertaking. Their intentions are unknown to me, but if I were in their place I would know how to make good use of their position in Louisiana to pay back the English with their own coin.