‘So soon as he feels that he has fairly well obtained all the required information, he will make a report to that effect, and will then receive orders to return to France, either by the same route or through Sweden, again under pretext of visiting mines, that he may continue to conceal the real object of his journey. On the manner in which he will execute so important and delicate a commission, will depend the prospect of his Majesty again making use of his talents and zeal, as also the favours with which his Majesty will mark his appreciation of his services.’ [Sidenote: SECRET AGENT TO LOUIS XV.] _Figurative language to be employed by the Chevalier Douglas in his correspondence committed to the ordinary post._ ‘The basis of the figurative language will be the purchase of furs. The “black fox” will signify the Chevalier Williams; if he succeeds, the “black fox” will be dear, because orders to purchase have been received from England. ‘The words “ermine is in demand,” will signify that the Russian party dominates, and that consequently no foreigners are in favour. If, on the contrary, the Austrian party, at the head of which is M. de Bestucheff, preponderates, word must be sent that the “lynx” is also in demand. ‘To designate the waning influence of M. de Bestucheff, this phrase is to be employed: “the price of _sobols_ or sables is falling;” or “they stand at the same price,” to indicate that his influence continues the same. “Squirrel skins” are to signify troops in the pay of England. To understand this clearly, the number of skins to be sent will always be augmented by two-thirds to signify the number of troops, so that ten skins will signify thirty thousand men, and twenty, sixty or seventy. ‘—— will not write to say that he will send the furs, but he will simply advise that he will bring them with him upon his return. ‘In passing through Dantzig —— will send one of his servants to Graudenz, a small town in Polish Prussia, there to post a letter, in which he will advise as to what he may have learnt at Dantzig on the subject of the existing dissensions between the chief magistrate and the burgesses. This letter to be addressed to ——. ‘These letters will be in the form of bills of exchange, and according to the greater or less success in the inquiries made, upon which will depend the length of stay; notice should be given whether or no remittances are needed. If nothing can be done, —— will report that the climate is injurious to his health, and that he is in want of a remittance to enable him to go elsewhere.