Folio 19: Stormont to Weymouth. Since he had spoken to Vergennes in terms similar...

Folio 19: Stormont to Weymouth. Since he had spoken to Vergennes in terms similar to his talk with Maurepas, he will only report remarks of importance made by Vergennes. He cited orders circulated to all courts of admiralty in all ports to prevent the sale of prizes and cargoes, an order to the procurator general of the admiralty courts to prosecute and an order to all commanders of forts, while giving American privateers water and provisions, not for any reason to allow them into French ports. Stormant had insisted on the need for sequestration and the restitution of prizes already in French ports. Vergennes was not-committal. The resolution to send troops had been taken at the request of Spain. The king cannot alter it without Spain's agreement. Stormont said his orders were to ask for an immediate answer. He could not wait for a reply from Madrid. Vergennes said he must confer. Stormont made clear that Britain's decision whether to add to her naval armaments depended entirely on France's reply to the 2 points about prizes and reinforcements to the West Indies.

Date and place: 1777 Sept Paris.