TO JONATHAN WILLIAMS.
Paris, 1st May, 1777.
Sir,
M. Cornic, of Morlaix, will order to your care a small vessel, designed as a packet for America; you will see by the contract copy enclosed, that we are to load goods to a certain amount, as she is instantly to be despatched; we desire you will put the quantity of goods to be sent in her, out of the bales on hand. We have ordered that future packets coming from America, or elsewhere, to Nantes, for us, shall be under your direction, of which you have informed M. Penet and Mr Morris; you will, therefore, on the arrival of any vessel from America, with despatches for us, inform the captains, or persons charged with them, of your appointment, receive the letters, and send them to us in the most safe and expeditious manner. We advise you to charge the person bringing despatches, to say not a word of his errand to any one, and we confide in your prudence to conduct the receiving, as well as the expedition of the packets with all possible secrecy.
We are, Sir, &c.
B. FRANKLIN,
SILAS DEANE,
ARTHUR LEE.