As the contents of the enclosed were entrusted to me under the seal of secrecy, you and your colleagues would do well not to reveal to anyone, either Dutch or French, that you have seen them.1 Moreover, once you have sealed it, please be so kind as to dispatch it to Lorient in care of Mr. Barclay.

My respects please to Mrs. Adams and to Messrs. Franklin and Jefferson.

Regards to you from Mr. Gyselaar, whom I saw last night, and from Mr. Bérenger, whom I see every day. If you wish to be regularly and promptly informed of the state of affairs concerning the Scheldt, it would be necessary to see often Mr. Brantsen, whom you know, as prudence and my word 330 of honor, which I have given, forbid me from having this intelligence reach you by the route that my letters must take as promptly and in as much detail as I would like. I am, with great respect, your excellency’s very humble and very obedient servant