In my Letter of the twenty seventh of September last I express my Wish “that the Court of Spain should give Orders for the Shippment of a million of Dollars at the Havanna—free of Duties and to be convoyed “by one or more Ships of the Line to an American Port.” Upon farther Reflection I am induced to believe that the Court of Spain will not readily go into the Whole of this arrangement for altho’ they may, and probably will agree to so much of it as will procure them an Equivalent in France for the one Million of Dollars to be shipped from the Havanna, yet there are Reasons to doubt whether they will convoy the Washington hither. I wish you therefore (should you meet with Difficulties in that Quarter) to apply to the Court for such Convoy.

I wish it may Consist of a Ship of the Line because none but Frigates will Cruize on this Coast during the Winter and therefore one ship of the Line will afford more Protection than two or three Frigates. However this will depend entirely on the Convenience or Inconvenience which may attend the Business. I shall communicate both this Letter and that of the twenty seventh to the Chevalier de la Luzerne on whose Representation I rely much as well for procuring the Aid asked for, as for accomplishing the necessary arrangements after it is procured.

I am Sir Your most Obedient and humble Servant