I am favoured with your kind Letter of the 26 Instant1 and return you my sincere thanks for the good Councils and assistance you have given Cap Landais persuaded how conducive this will be to forward his departure. I send an Express to inform that the Milford the british Ship proposed for the Exchange of Prisoners is just arrived in our River with ninety Seven Americans and to direct if you judge it advisable that an equal number of English Sailors should be, brought here in the Alliance as this would save the considerable expence of conducting them here by Land. I mention this as I apprehend no danger of revolt in Persons at the eve of being released and that I think it easy for Captain Landais to secure them before he puts to sea. I will send to day to Mr. William's for your three Trunks and keep them till the Alliance's arrival with your box of books which is safely arrived comed to hand. I am happy to see that the fleet of Merchantmen and others sailed so well escorted, the fine weather we have since had will have certainly pushed her a great way towards her destination.

The Letter I have received by the Carteel ship is addressed to me by the Commissioners of the Sick and hurt seamen which seems to me very extraordinary, the Captain has not wrote. But I will send a Person to taulk with him on our business, I should have been happy to have from The honorable B Franklin Esqr. directions how to act with the Captain in case he should ask any refreshments &ca. With respects I have the honor to be Sir Your mo: humble & mo: obedt. servant

I received the Letter you did me the honour to write to me of the 24th past. I am glad you have been at Brest, as your Presence there has contributed to expedite the Operations of Capt. Landais in Refitting his Ship. I think with you, that more has been made of the Conspiracy than was necessary; but that it would have been well if some of the most guilty could have received a proper punishment. As that was impracticable under our present Naval Code, I hope you will on your Return obtain an Amendment of it. I approve of cloathing the Midshipmen and petty Officers, agreable to their Request to you, and hope 22you have order'd it, without waiting to hear from me; and I now desire that whatever else you may judge for the good of the Service, our Funds and Circumstances consider'd, you would in my Behalf give Directions for; as the great Distance makes it inconvenient to send to me on every occasion; and I can confide in your Prudence, that you will allow no Expence that is unnecessary.

My Gout continued to disable me from walking longer than formerly; but on Tuesday the 23d past, I thought myself able to go through the Ceremony and accordingly went to Court, had my Audience of the King in the new Character, presented my Letter of Credence, and was received very graciously. After which I went the Rounds with the other Foreign Ministers, in visiting all the Royal Family. The Fatigue however was a little too much for my Feet, and disabled me for near another Week. Upon the whole I can assure you that I do not think the good Will of this Court to the good Cause of America, is at all diminish'd by the late little Reverses in the Fortune of War; and I hope Spain, who has now 49. Ships of the Line, and 31. Frigates ready for Service, will soon, by declaring, turn the Scale.

Remember me affectionately to Master Johnny, and believe me with great Esteem; Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant