ies subsisting among the powers of Europe,
by which they are obliged to aid those attacked more than those
attacking, which it is supposed will make some difference, the not
being fully prepared, the absence of their seamen in their fishery and
West Indies, and the treasure expected from New Spain, with the sugars
from the Islands, have all, it is said, contributed to restrain the
national desire of a breach with England, in which her troublesome
power may be reduced, the wealth and strength of France increased, and
some satisfaction obtained for the injuries received, in the unfair
commencement of the last war.

England too is extremely exasperated at the sight of her lost commerce
enjoyed by France, the favor our armed vessels have met with here, and
the distress of their remaining trade, by our cruisers, even on their
own coasts; and yet she seems afraid of beginning a war with this
country and Spain together, while she has our war upon her hands. In
such a situation, some accident may probably bring on a war, sooner
than is desired by either party. In the mean time, perhaps the delay
may have this good effect for us, that enjoying the whole harvest of
plunder upon the British commerce, which otherwise France and Spain
would divide with us, our infant naval power finds such plentiful
nourishment, as has increased, and must increase its growth and
strength most marvellously.

It gave us great joy to hear of the arrival of the Mercury,
Amphitrite, and other vessels carrying supplies. Another ship, with a
similar cargo, which had long been detained at Marseilles, we hope
will soon arrive with you. We hope, also, that you will receive
between twenty and thirty thousand suits of clothes, before winter,
and from time to time quantities of new and good arms, which we are
purchasing in different parts of Europe. But we must desire you to
remember, that we are hitherto disappointed in your promises of
remittance, either by the difficulties you find in shipping, or by
captures, and that though far short of completing your orders, we are
in danger of being greatly embarrassed by debts, in failing in
performance of our contracts, and losing our credit with that of the
Congress; for though we have received three quarterly payments of the
two millions of livres, formerly mentioned to you, and expect the last
next month, our contracts go beyond, and we must reserve the
continuance of that aid, for the purpose it was promised, to