The English Minister Plenipotentiary, Sir, was informed that a Dutch ship loaded with 40 thousand pounds of Powder destined for Bordeaux and two others loaded with 45 thousand pounds destined for Nantes recently left Amsterdam. The Court of London thinks that this Powder is eventually destined for New England. We have been requested to send orders to our ports and prevent this destination to be reached. Although I have grounds to assume that this supply of Powder is destined, on the contrary, to our traders on the Cost of Guinea, who turned to Holland after being unable to obtain any from England as they used to, I thought necessary to remind you again that His Majesty's intention is that his subjects shall not supply any war ammunition to the rebels of North America. You will please to give all your attention to this matter and keep your eyes open on the Dutch ships that might bring powder into your port.

[Endorsed] Copy of the letter sent by M. de Sartine to Messrs. Doyard and De la Porte.²