St Ildefonso 1. Septr 1777
[Extract] No 49. My Lord.
Since I had the Honour of writing to your Lordship, on the 25th of last Month, I have received fresh Assurances that the Orders which M: Florida blanca had promised to issue, were actually all dispatched. I have communicated to him the Particulars, relating to a Vessel provided with French & American Colours, concealing half the Crew, and all her Guns during her Stay at Alicante, & being allowed to quit that Port, under Pretence of the French Flag, tho' the Governor was so well aprized of the Circumstances which left no doubt of her being an American Privateer, that he promised at first to detain her. . . .
1. PRO, State Papers 94/204, 140-42.