Agreable to my Faith I have obtain'd a Promise of Money sufficient to pay the Bills you have accepted, and shall accordingly accept those you draw on me for that purpose. I request only that you would send me immediately a List of the Bills, and of the Times of their becoming due, that I may be always provided, and that as the Money will come 285gradually into my hands, you would not draw upon me for the whole Sum at once, but for the Sums as they become demandable of you. Mr. Grand will write by this Courier to the House of Fizeaux & Grand to take your Bills in that way, and furnish you with the Money. Mr. Neufville has written to me about another Bill that is come into his Hands, which he desires me to accept or engage to pay.1 There seems to me a Risque in doing so without seeing the Bill, as our Enemies are not too honest to attempt Counterfeiting. I wish therefore that you would look at it, and if you find it good accept it.

I must now beg you would concur with me in writing earnestly to Congress, to hazard no more Drafts where they have no Funds. I believe there is hardly another Instance in the World of a People risquing their Credit so much who unfortunately have so little, and who must by this Proceeding, if continued, soon have none at all. The Necessity of their Affairs is the only Excuse for it. This Court is our firm Friend, but the best Friends may be wearied, and worne out, by too frequent and unexpected Demands. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant

It is so very long since I had the Honor of hearing from your Excellency, that I am fearful your Excellency is out of order.1

I take the Liberty of informing your Excellency, that I shall leave this place the Tenth of next Month, in order to Conduct my Nephew2 to Nantes, where He will embark about the first of June for America. Should your Excellency have any Commands I can Answer for Him, He will execute them most Faithfully.

We have no News here. It is Supposed the Spanish fleet after having put on shore its Sick and taking refreshments the 27th. Ultimo put to sea again the 4th. Instant.

The Merchants and Traders of these Countries have laid before the Governor a memorial, wherein they state their losses by the English to amount to four Millions of Florins. Dispatches are sent to Vienna and to London on this Account.

I have reason to think your Excellency has recieved the Packet, which was negligently left at Valenciennes, and about which I was very Uneasy. I shall be glad to hear truth thereof confirmd.3

I am with the greatest Respect Sir Your Excellencys Most Faithful & Obedient Humble Servt.