The French are free from this difficulty, their seamen being all registered, and serving in their turns. Their fleet is nearly ready, and will be much superior to the English, when joined with that of Spain, which is preparing with all diligence. The tone of the Court accordingly rises, and it is said, that a few days since, when the British Ambassador intimated to the Minister, that if the Americans were permitted to continue drawing supplies of arms, &c. from this kingdom, the peace could not last much longer; he was firmly answered--_Nous ne desirons pas le guerre, mais nous ne la craigons pas._ "We neither desire war, nor fear it." When all are ready for it, a small matter may suddenly bring it on; and it is the universal opinion, that the peace cannot continue another year. Every nation in Europe wishes to see Britain humbled, having all in their turns been offended by her insolence, which, in prosperity, she is apt to discover on all occasions. A late instance manifested it towards Holland, when being elate with the news of some success in America, and fancying all that business ended, Sir Joseph Yorke delivered a memorial to the States, expressing his master's _indignation_ against them, on account of the commerce their subjects carried on with the rebels, and the governor of St Eustatia's returning the salute of one of the American ships, remarking that "_if that commerce was not stopped, and the governor punished_," the King knew what appertained to the dignity of his crown, and should take proper measures to vindicate it. The States were much offended, but answered coolly that they should inquire into the conduct of their governor, and, in the mean time, would prepare to secure themselves against the vengeance with which Britain seemed to threaten them. Accordingly, they immediately ordered twentysix men of war to be put upon the stocks. We transmit you some affidavits,[33] relating to the treatment of our prisoners, with a copy of our letter[34] to Lord Stormont, communicating them, and his insolent answer. We request you to present our duty to the Congress, and assure them of our most faithful services. With great respect we have the honor to be, &c. B. FRANKLIN, SILAS DEANE. FOOTNOTES: [29] These were afterwards privately permitted to go, or went without permission. _Note by the Commissioners._ [30] Missing. [31] Missing.--A letter from the Commissioners to Baron Schulenburg, will be seen in Arthur Lee's correspondence, under the date of April 19th, 1777. [32] Missing. [33] Missing. [34] Missing. * * * * * AGREEMENT _Between Messrs Franklin and Deane, and the Farmers-General of France, for the sale of a quantity of Tobacco._ Translation. ARTICLE I.