Passy, 13 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography , 4:159–160. In reply to Coffyn's letters of 7 and 9 July (above), the Commissioners noted the “abundant Testimonies of your good Character” and declared that their confidence in him was undiminished. He was informed that whatever news he had for America could be sent to James Warren or the Committee for Foreign Affairs or both, but that he should, above all else, insure that his information was authentic because misrepresentations were so common. As to the unemployed American seamen at Dunkirk, the Commissioners wished them to be employed as soon as possible in order to save expenses.

Passy, 13 July 1778. printed: JA, Diary and Autobiography , 4:160. The Commissioners advised Tucker that to improve the sailing qualities of the Boston, about which adverse reports had been received, he might, in order to replace his ballast, apply to J. D. Schweighauser for a quantity of lead and whatever other goods might be destined for America. Tucker was also to place himself under the orders of Capt. Whipple of the Providence in future voyages and provide future passage to America for Thomas Simpson if Simpson requested it.

In letters of the same date the Commissioners informed Schweighauser and Whipple of the portions of the letter relating to them (same, 4:160–161).

I hope to make a proper use of your observations in the relation to the pretended nomination of the American Commissioners, and am very oblig'd to you for the trouble you have had to write out that account. As for the Treaty, I never would presume to publish it, were it not a translation of a publick and printed paper, and the more So as you may have Seen a copy of it verbatim in the Lond. Ev. post of the 7th. and I dare Say the next Courier de l'Europe gives a translation of it. It is what the Honorable Commissioners cannot hinder, and no deed of theirs. I am with great respect Hond. Sir Your most humble and obedient Servant