Your Excellency will not wonder at the determination which I have adopted to arrest the money now in Mr. Fiseaux's hands, (and which I have communicated to you by a second Express this afternoon) when you reflect that this money is absolutely committed to my charge for a special purpose, and that I stand accountable for the execution of that Commission— Your Excellency must likewise be sensible that you cannot have the disposal of it, as it was obtained without either your knowledge or concurrence by Colonel Laurens appointed Special Minister for that purpose— these considerations and the knowledge I have how much America must suffer from a disappointment in this supply, about to be transported by so excellent a conveyance, must plead my excuse, individually, for this plain and candid avowal of circumstances— and my determination thereon— I am farther persuaded that the Court of France is not disposed, was there even the shadow of an excuse for an alteration of the allotment of this money, to infringe their honor, and injure the essential interests of America by detaining it.— I must therefore again intreat Your Excellency's repeal of those orders to Mr. Fizeaux which now detain the Ship and supplies so much required in America.

I have the honor to be Your Excellency's most obedt. hble Servant