Folio 53: Stormont to Rochford. In conversation with him Vergennes assured him that...

Folio 53: Stormont to Rochford. In conversation with him Vergennes assured him that France would do nothing to embarrass Britain at this critical time. While gladly accepting these assurances, Stormont asked him to exert every vigilance to prevent any illicit helpreaching the American rebels. This he promised, while admitting the impossibility of preventing all illicit trade. He quoted the `famous' answer of the Dutch merchant, that, if a lucrative trade could be carried on with Hell, he would send his ships thither, au risque de br-ler leurs voiles. He said that the report that ammunition had been sent by the governor of St. Domingo was untrue. Vergennes, in prophetic mood, said that, if the rebels succeeded, it would be bad for everyone. Britain was paying the penalty of taking possession of all Canada, thus removing a check on the rebels. He foresaw an independent America in the future building a fleet capable of out-doing those of all Europe combined, of taking over all European possessions in the Americas and of dominating South America. Maurepas endorsed all that the king and Vergennes had said and said it was now clear that the rebels wanted independence.

Date and place: 1775 Oct 31 Fontainebleau.