[Extract]
Private
My Lord.

... I am informed that Carmichael Franklins former secretary and Captⁿ Nichol son will leave Paris this Week. They go to Nantz and will embark there for North America on board one of those frigates the french have built for the use of the Rebels¹ I do not yet know what Port in america they will attempt to make but imagine it will be some Port in New England I dare say the other two frigates² will follow—Notwithstanding all my Representations and all the fair answers I have received. It is I think of infinite Importance that we should take Every Measure to intercept them and that we should in general be as active as possible in preventing the Rebels from receiving any sort of succours during this Winter. I know that this is what their best friends here chiefly dread. I know that some of them have said that if this is done, if our cruizers are properly stationed and are as vigilant as they ought to be, the Rebels notwithstanding all their boasted and most unexpected good Fortune will find themselves in great Distress. It is not to be doubted My Lord, that the French will continue to send them every possible clandestine succour, no Remonstance that can be made will prevent or check to any Degree this fraudulent Practice I am sure My Lord, I have been as explicit as possible and said as much to the french Minister on the subject as could be said without carrying things to Extremities, and driving them to the wall, which my Instructions do not authorize me to do, and which in the present crisis might perhaps not be expedient I am [&c.]