My Lord 

I Received this afternoon a Letter from M^r Edwards¹ dated the 31 Oct. & sent by a private Hand—who writes on the Letter He hopes to return to P—this week, & dates it from Miss Simpkins Essex Street Strand N^o. 42—where trusty Messengers have frequently lodged—Deane had been twice to Fontainbleau for the answer from Spain, & returned to P to wait another week. They suspect amusement. The Court of France have bought the Ships Building at Amst^n. by Boux for Deane and Franklin, and are going to Build many Frigates on the same Plan—Eight are already on the Stocks to Carry. 32-24 P^drs. Brass Cannon on one Deck. M. Sartine has given Boux all his confidence. Beaumarchais writes from Rochefort that His ship of the Line (the Hippopatame) will sail in three weeks with Arms, Artillery, Cloathing, Tents & ammunition. K^g of Prussia's agent had proposed a secret meeting, but Ald: Lee has taken Possession of the Business, so nothing can be done. Ar: Lee has taken a House & a Mistress—Izard is disgusted at the distance they observe towards him—Carmichael getting ready to go to America—Hinson came to England and displeased D & F.—They are told some mony may be borrowed in Holland, and are Engraving Notes to be passed for the Sums received. You have heard of many armed vessels fitting & gone to America—Many more than you have heard of & some of great force are going; the particulars of which you shall know soon. This is all that is worth any notice—Except his own affairs, which he has lately pressed with unremitted attention: I have the Honor to recommend His plea to Your Lordships consideration, and that of being [&c.]

Poland Street [London]. 

10 Nov: 1777. ​