, 24 brass mortars, with shells,
shot, lead, &c. in proportion. I am to advise you that if, in future,
you will give commissions to seize Portuguese ships, you may depend on
the friendship and alliance of Spain. Let me urge this measure; much
may be got, nothing can be lost by it. Increase at all events your
navy. I will procure, if commissioned, any quantity of sailcloth and
cordage. A general war is undoubtedly at hand in Europe, and
consequently America will be safe, if you baffle the arts and arms of
the two Howes through the summer. Every one here is in your favor.
Adieu. I will write you again next week.

SILAS DEANE.

* * * * *

TO ROBERT MORRIS.

Paris, September 30th, 1776.

Sir,

Yours of the 5th of June came to hand on the 25th instant. Mr Delap
will inform you of the state of remittances in his hands. Messrs
Cliffords & Teysett, and Mr Hodgson of Amsterdam, have received next
to nothing; about two hundred pounds by the last accounts; from which
you will perceive that not one third of the sum proposed has come to
hand, and even out of that my private expenses and those for promoting
the other parts of my mission must take something, let me be ever so
prudent and cautious.

To solicit arms, clothing, and tents for thirty thousand men, two
hundred brass cannon, mortars, and other stores in proportion, and to
be destitute of one shilling of ready money, exclusive of the fund of
forty thousand pounds originally designed for other affairs, (which
you know by the protests in London was my case) has left me in a
critical situation. To let slip such an opportunity for want of ready
money would be unpardonable, and yet that was taking out of a fund
before deficient. I hope, however, to execute both, though not in the
season I could have wished. I have, as you see, had but a few days
since the receiving of yours, in which I have discoursed with some of
the persons to whom I had before proposed such a scheme, and think it
will take well, but as men of property will be engaged in it, the
remittances should be made very punctual.

The insurance I am sensible had better be in Europe, but it cannot be
had at present unless in Holland, where I am told there are often
disputes with the underwriters. On the whole it must be done in
America. I can, I believe, en