Folio 166: Stormont to Weymouth. He has information through a very private channel...

Folio 166: Stormont to Weymouth. He has information through a very private channel about the real feelings of Maurepas. He and the king desire peace. He believes he can control the factions in France, who want war, and hopes Britain can do the same. His great fear is of an incident, which would inflame the situation. If there were some insult to the flag of France, he might not be able to control the king. As long as the British fleet stays in port, no ship will leave Brest. Du Chaffault's squadron will remain where it is. Maurepas wants a peaceful end to the Portugal business. He is not moved by Aranda. No good Frenchman wants to see Spain conquer Portugal. He wants Britain to bring Pombal to reason. Pombal must have secret hopes of British support, or he would not act as he does. Maurepas had never seen Franklin but knows of his character and reputation for duplicity. He wants perfect neutrality towards the rebels. Any breaches by private intrigue are trivial. The orders to stop the Amphitrite came too late but Coudray had not sailed in her and was in Metz. Neither she nor her crew would go further than St Domingo. If Ennery, devoted to Choiseul, disobeyed orders, he would be recalled. Maurepas had spoken complacently of the intrigues of the Choiseul party and of Breteuil, who would not see the emperor for some time. Stormont believes that his informant is reliable and that his friendship with him is unknown to Maurepas. Strict secrecy must therefore be observed.

Date and place: 1777 Feb 5 Paris.