On my leaving London, Arthur Lee esq requested me to inform the committee of correspondence that he had had several conversations with the French ambassador, who had communicated the same to the French court; that, in consequence thereof, the Duke de Vergennes had sent a gentleman to Arthur Lee, who informed him that the French court could not think of entering into a war with England, but that they would assist America, by sending from Holland this fall £200,000 sterling worth of arms and ammunition to St. Eustatius, Martinique, or Cape Francois; that application was to be made to the governors or commandants of those places, by inquiring for Monsieur Hortalez, and that, on persons properly authorized applying, the above articles would be delivered to them ー²

Philada. October 1, 1776. The above intelligence was communicated to the subscribers, being the only two members of the committee of secret correspondence now in this city, and on our considering the nature and importance of it, we agree in opinion that it is our indispensable duty to keep it a secret, even from Congress, for the following reasons:

(1) Should it get to the ears of our enemies at New York they would undoubtedly take measures to intercept the supplies, and thereby deprive us not only of those succors, but others expected by the same route.

(2) As the court of France have taken measures to negotiate this loan and succour in the most cautious and secret manner, should we divulge it immediately we may not only lose the present benefit, but also render that court cautious of any further connection with such unguarded people, and prevent their granting other loans and assistance that we stand in need of and have directed Mr. Deane to ask of them, for it appears from all our intelligence they. are not disposed to enter into an immediate war with Britain, thogh disposed to support us in our contest with them; we therefore think it our duty to cultivate their favorable disposition towards us, draw from them all the support we can, and in the end their private aid must assist us to establish peace or inevitably draw them in as parties to the war.

(3) We find, by fatal experience, the Congress consists of too many members to keep secrets, as none could be more strongly enjoined than the present Embassy to France; notwithstanding which Mr. Morris was this day asked by Mr. Reese Meredith whether Dr. Franklin and others were really going ambassadors to France, which plainly proves that this committee ought to keep this secret, if secrecy is required.

(4) We are of opinion that it is unnecessary to inform Congress of this intelligence at present, because Mr. Morris belongs to all the committees that can properly be employed in receiving and importing the expected supplies from Martinico, and will influence the necessary measures for that purpose; indeed we have already authorized William Bingham, esq. to apply at Martinico and St. Eustatia for what comes there, and remit part by the armed sloop Independence, Captain [John] Young, promising to send others for the rest. Mr. Morris will apply to the marine committee to send other armed vessels after her, and also to Cape Franqois (without communicating this advice), in consequence [of] private intelligence, lately received, that arms, ammunition and clothing can now be procured at those places. But should any unexpected misfortune befall the States of America, so as to depress the spirits of the Congress, it is our opinion that, on any event of that kind, Mr. Morris (if Dr. Franklin should be absent) should communicate this important matter to Congress, otherwise keep it until part of or the whole supplies arrive, unless other events happen to render the communication of it more proper than it appears to be at this time.

[Endorsed] Communicated to me this 11th October, 1776, and I concur heartily in the measure. Richard Henry Lee

Communicated to me the 10th day of October, 1776, and I do also sincerely approve of the measure. Wm Hooper

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