Paris Octr. 3 1776
[Extract] Most Confidential
... Not long ago Doctor [Benjamin] Franklin in a Letter to a french Gentleman with whom he corresponds from time to time upon Philosophical subjects, took occasion to say with that insidious subtlety of which he has given so many proofs, that as soon as the Independency of america was secured Her first object would be to open a great Trade with France and such as would be highly advantageous to both Nations.
1. PRO State Papers, 78/300.