Corunna 25th March 1778.
No: 81. My Lord
I had the Honor last Post to acquaint your Lordship with the Arrival in this Town of two American Gentlemen1 accompanied by a french Courier, and that it was strongly suspected they embarked on board the french frigate La Nymphe for north America, I am well informed since that they came from Paris, but after the most diligent Enquiry I have not been able to learn any further Particulars concerning them, as the American Agent2 with whom alone they conversed whilst here, observes strict Silence on this Subject even with his most intimate Friends.
The San Vincent of eighty Guns is fitting out in Ferrol, and Orders have been sent to the Intendant of Galicia to prepare for the Reception of a Regiment of Horse, and three Regiments of Foot in this Province. I have the Honor to be [&c.]
H Katencamp
P:S: A Packet which arrived yesterday from the Havanna brings Advice of the safe Arrival in that Harbour of the Flota valued at Forty Millions of Dollars.
L, UkLPR, S.P. (Foreign) 94/205, fols. 134-35. Addressed at the foot: "The Rt. Hble Lord Viscount Weymouth." Docketed: "Coruña 25 March 1778/Consul Katenkamp/(No 81)/R. 18 April."
1. The men were Capt. Harmon Courter and a fellow escapee from a British prison, appointed by the American Commissioners in France to carry dispatches to the Continental Committee of Foreign Affairs. Silas Deane to Conrad Alexandre Gérard, 13 Feb. and the American Commissioners in France to Captain Harmon Courter, 17 Feb., above.
2. Michel Lagoanere. Michel Lagoanere & Cie., to Silas Deane, 18 Mar., above.
