Folio 319: Stormont to Weymouth. He cannot write with certainty of the French court's...

Folio 319: Stormont to Weymouth. He cannot write with certainty of the French court's intentions, partly because it has no fixed intentions but awaits events. A friend of Stormont's, in whom Maurepas confides, told him that du Chaffault's fleet would not sail unless a British fleet sailed first. He said there was some fear that Britain might strike first, as in the last war. Stormont assured him that this would not happen. His remarks will probably be repeated to Maurepas. The duc de Chârtres is sympathetic to the Americans and in favour of war. Efforts are made to make the king fear an attack by Britain on France after winning in America. Dispatches from Noailles speak of our formidable preparations.

Date and place: 1776 Dec 4 Paris.