Whether it is that the Art of political Lying is better understood in England than in any other Country, or whether it is more practised there than elsewhere, or whether it is accidental that they have more Success in making their Fictions gain Credit in the World, I know not.

But it is certain that every Winter, since the Commencement of the present War with America, and indeed for some Years before, they sent out large Quantities of this Manufacture over all Europe, and throughout all America: and what is astonishing is, that they 332should still find Numbers in every Country ready to take them off their Hands.

Since my Arrival in this City, I find they have been this Winter at their old Trade, and have spread Reports here and in Holland, and in various other parts of Europe; and no doubt they have found means to propagate them in America too, tending to keep up the Spirits of their Well wishers and to sink those of their Opponents. Such as, that they have made new Contracts with several German Princes, by which they are to obtain seven thousand Men to serve in America. That they have so skillfully appeased the Troubles in Ireland, that they shall even be able to take Advantage of the Military Associations there, by depending upon them for the Defence of the Kingdom, while they draw from thence ten thousand Regular Troops for the Service in America. That they have even concluded a Treaty with Russia, by which the Empress is to furnish them with twelve Ships of the Line and twenty thousand Men, as some say, and twenty Ships of the Line and twelve thousand Men, as others relate. This they say, is of the greater Moment, because of an intimate Connection (I know not of what Nature it is) between Russia and Denmark, by which the latter will be likely to be drawn into the War against the House of Bourbon and America and Denmark they say has forty five Ships of the Line.

I know very well that the greatest part of these Reports is false, and particularly, what is said of Russia is so contrary to all that I have heard for these twelve Months past, of the Harmony between Versailles and Petersbourg, that I give no Credit to it at all: but I find that all these Reports make Impressions on some Minds, and, among the rest, on some Americans.

I therefore beg the favour of You, to inform me of the exact Truth in all these Matters, that I may take the earliest Opportunity of transmitting the Intelligence to Congress, where it is of Importance, that it should be known.1

I was much mortified, when I was the other day at Versailles, that I could not have the Honour of paying my Respects to You: but I was so connected with other Gentlemen, who were obliged to return to Dinner, that I could not; but I shall take the first Opportunity I can get, to wait on You, and assure You, that I am with great Respect, Sir, your Friend and humble Servant.

You have been so good, in sending me the Journals and above all in sending me very particular Intelligence of what has passed upon several occasions that I depend much upon the Continuance of your Favours. An early receipt of the Journals will be a great Advantage to me, and I shall not fail to make a good Use of them.

Since I have been here, I have seen Mr. I. and mentioned to him, his famous Letter and the Use that was attempted to be made of it.1 He seemed to be very much affected, declared, that it was a private Letter to his friend which he never intended nor expected nor suspected would be laid before Congress, And that it was intended only as a pleasantry between his friend and him; a merry Exultation, between Intimates upon his having judged righter than I of the sentiments of that Body.

I beg you would inform me, of the Health etc. of the Chevalier and M. Marbois. how they succeed, whether they are esteemed, and whether there are any open or secret Attacks upon them, and from what Quarter, if any. I take a great Interest in their Success, as I think them worthy Men, and Well wishers to both Countries, without partial or sinister Views.

I must earnestly Request Authority to draw upon Passy, otherwise shall be in very great distress. The sums We are impowered to draw will be but a Sprat.2 There is no doubt at all of our draughts being paid, if orderd. If Merchandise or Bills should be remitted by Congress so much the better. We shall receive no more than our due, and the Proceeds of the Merchandise or Bills will go to the Hands of Dr. F. to discharge the public demands. On the Contrary We shall be in the most awkward Situation in the World without orders to draw, if Bills and Merchandise should fail of arriving, and there will not be wanting Persons to take Advantage of it, to put Us in a ridiculous Light, whereas orders to draw will ensure Us respect from these very Persons.

I wish I could hear of the Arrival of Messrs. Laurence's father and son.3 Mr. Jay has happily arrived in Spain, and, from the great Atten-334tion and Respect that was shewn to me, I have no doubt he will soon succeed, and that Court will support as well as receive him, and I hope afford further essential Assistance to the united states, both by their Arms and their Money.

There is a difference of sentiment here respecting the Address of Congress to the People respecting their Finances,4 some People thinking that Congress have hurt their Cause by it in Europe, others that it was a wise Measure. For my own Part I think that the Measure could not be avoided, that the Evil was so great that there must be a Remedy, and that no radical Cure could be effected without laying open to the World the Inveteracy of the Distemper. Wish to know how your Plan of Taxes succeeds, or what other Methods you may fall upon. Your Friend