‘... You will be good enough not to neglect any opportunity for assuring his Britannic Majesty of the King’s sentiments towards him, and his wish for the establishment of the most perfect understanding between them as sovereigns, on the basis of the peace and friendship that so happily exists. The principles of moderation and justice by which the King is constantly guided, and which directs him in all his resolutions, should serve to reassure his Britannic Majesty on the nature of our views, sought to be misrepresented by the enemies to public peace. Far from desiring to take advantage of England’s difficulties under the present aspect of affairs in America, we would rather be able to assist in extricating her. The spirit of revolt, wherever it may break out, is always a dangerous example. There are mental as well as physical maladies, and both may become contagious.... We have no wish to carry our precautions to such a point as to alarm the English. I request that you will keep a strict watch over the changes we may expect to see, and especially over what Lord Chatham might effect on the mind of the King of England, should he yield, as reported, to the solicitations of that prince for the purpose of drawing him towards himself. Perhaps M. D’Eon will be able to procure for you some interesting information on this subject. If you believe in the possibility of entertaining direct relations with him, I know that he will not refuse to be of service to you. His heart is ever French, although his misfortunes and hasty temperament seem sometimes to have estranged him. He has friends in the opposition, which is by no means a bad channel for obtaining information.’[292] To resume. Beaumarchais’ earliest success consisted in obtaining from the Chevalier the keys of an iron safe said to contain the King’s secret papers, and which Lord Ferrers was supposed to hold as security from D’Eon for the loan of five thousand pounds.