RODERIQUE HORTALEZ & CO.[4]

_P. S._ I add here, to conclude, that every American vessel, though
not immediately armed or loaded by you, will be entitled to my good
offices in this country; but yours, particularly addressed to my
house, will receive a particular preference from me. I ought also to
intimate to you, gentlemen, that from the nature of my connexion, it
is to be wished you would use discretion, even in the accounts that
you give to the general Congress. Every thing that passes in your
great assemblies is known, I cannot tell how, at the court of Great
Britain. Some indiscreet or perfidious citizen sends an exact account
of your proceedings to the palace of St James. In times of great
exigency, Rome had a dictator; and in a state of danger the more the
executive power is brought to a point, the more certain will be its
effect, and there will be less to fear from indiscretion. It is to
your wisdom, gentlemen, that I make this remark; if it seems to you
just and well planned, look upon it as a new mark of my ardor for your
rising republic.

R. H. & CO.

FOOTNOTES:

[4] This signature was assumed by M. Beaumarchais for the purpose of
concealment.

* * * * *

TO COUNT VERGENNES.

Paris, August 22d, 1776.

Sir,

I was this morning informed of the arrival of Mr Arthur Lee, and that
he would be in Paris tomorrow. This was surprising to me, as I knew of
no particular affair that might call him here, and considering the
extreme jealousy of the British Ministry at this time, and that Mr Lee
was the agent of the United Colonies in Great Britain, and known to be
such, I could wish, unless he had received some particular
intelligence from the United Colonies, that he had suspended his
visit, as I know not otherwise how he can serve me or my affairs, now
(with the most grateful sense I mention it) in as favorable a course
as the situation of the times will admit.

I have the honor to be, &c.

SILAS DEANE.

* * * * *

TO ROBERT MORRIS.

Bordeaux, 17th September, 1776.

Dear Sir,

I shall send you in October clothing for 20,000 men, 30,000 fusils,
100 tons of powder, 200 brass cannon