om being sent hither by Great Britain.

As the Marine Committee have already sent some, and will order more,
of the continental ships of war to France under your directions,
permit us to suggest an expedition, which appears likely to benefit us
and distress the enemy. We are informed, that two or three well manned
frigates, despatched early in February, so as to arrive at the Island
of Mauritius in June, being provided with letters of credence, and for
such refreshments, or aid of stores, &c. as may be necessary from the
minister to the French Governor of that Island, may go thence to
cruise on the coast of Coromandel, twenty days sail from the Island of
Mauritius, where they will be in the way to intercept the China ships,
besides distressing the internal trade of India. The prizes may be
sold at Mauritius, and bills of exchange be remitted to you in Paris.
We would observe, that in passing to Mauritius our vessels had better
call at Goree, than at the Cape, to avoid the vigilance and the
apprehensions of the British cruisers. Another beneficial attempt may
be conducted along the coast of Africa. The French and Dutch
settlements, and perhaps the Portuguese, will purchase the prizes and
give bills on Europe.

We think your plan of getting one of the new constructed ships of war,
equal to one of sixty four guns, built for the use of these States in
Europe, is a very good one, and it may be employed to very beneficial
purposes. The heavy iron cannon, which you propose to send, will be
welcome for fortifications and for vessels; and here they cost
abundantly more than you can furnish them for from Europe, besides
the delay in getting them, which frequently distresses us greatly.
And surely your determination to supply us with materials wanted here
for shipbuilding, is very wise, since it is by marine force, that the
most destructive wound may be given to our enemies.

We are directed to point out proper ports into which the stores
mentioned in the resolve of Congress, of November tenth, may be
imported.[48] We are obliged to own, that the port of Charleston South
Carolina, and those to the eastward of Rhode Island, are the only safe
ones. We wish the number of manufacturers in lead and sulphur, had
been limited in that same resolve; but we place full confidence in
your discretion. We shall be glad to receive from you by the first
opportunity, a plan of the militia of Switzerland.

We close with a desire, that you will