[Extract]
As I was, two Days ago, with M. Grimaldi upon some Business, relating to a new Duty on Rum exacted at Cadiz, I took Occasion to repeat what I had before said to him, on the Subject of searching and seizing such Vessels, as should be carrying on an illicit Trade to North America, and I had the Satisfaction, not only to find him in the same Sentiments which he had professed before, on my first Communication of this Business to him, but even, that he went further by assuring me, that M. Arriaga had Orders to send circular Notice to all the Ports in America, to prevent the Temptations which Masters of Vessels might find themselves under at this Juncture, and that if they did, notwithstanding the Notice given, attempt such Practices, so far from finding any Support from hence, they should be left to their Fate, & the Sentences due to them. As for Ships belonging to His Catholick Majesty, those he answered for, that they should engage in no such illegal Attempts. A more perfect Agreement & Acquiescence to the necessary Steps taken by our Court could not, I think, be obtained.
