ning,
that there was no chance of sending anything on shore that night. The
Commodore and myself, with great difficulty, went to make a visit to
the Dutch Vice-Admiral, in which all that has been said was so well
cleared up, that nothing can (at least on our part) cause a change in
the state of things as they were after the 21st of October. The result
of the visit is, in substance, that they do not much approve the
expedient of providing two different flags in order to make use of one
in default of the other; that they rather preferred that the whole
squadron should have been entered under the flag and commission of
France, as not being liable to any difficulties; but since what had
been done could not be otherwise, they desire and expect that the
squadron shall depart with the first fair wind; as also that there
shall not be in this Roadstead any transportation of prisoners on
board the King's cutters that are here; which the Commodore promised.

Today we have been with M. Ricot on board one of the cutters, where we
found the two captains, Messrs de la Laune and de la Bourdonnoie, who
received us with all the cordiality and manifested all the good will
imaginable. They do for us what they can, and M. de la Laune will
inform your Excellency of it.

I hope to be able to depart for Amsterdam the morning after tomorrow,
if I can without danger be put on shore tomorrow, with the
satisfaction of having by my journey hither cleared up, and much
accelerated affairs; in a word, of having been useful. I see no
possibility of being able to write to Dr Franklin. He cannot,
therefore, know anything, nor, consequently, the Minister, except what
your Excellency shall judge worthy to be communicated in your
despatches, of the contents of my letters, &c.

I have the honor to be, &c.

DUMAS.

* * * * *

THE DUC DE LA VAUGUYON TO C. W. F. DUMAS.

The Hague, November 11th, 1779.

Sir,

I have received the letter that you addressed to me the 9th of this
month, and that of M. Cottineau, which was annexed. I learn with
pleasure what you tell me relative to the object, which induced me to
urge your departure. I hope you will not delay to give me, in this
respect, details yet more satisfactory, and perfectly conformable to
the intentions I have unfolded to you.

M. Cottineau represen