[This letter, which was sold at auction in New York in May, came to
light very opportunely for our article. Its existence was before
unknown.—See article “Between Two Flags,” p. 203]
Paris, _27 August, 1777_.
CAPT. HYNSON—
SIR:
I wrote you on the 4th., the 15th., the 17th., & the 21st.,—on the 17th
I sent a copy of my letter of the 4th. I now have before me yours of the
24th., by which it does not appear that you have received any of my
Letters, this & the pretended Secrecy with which everything is conducted
convinces me of what I have been long since suspicious, (viz) that you
are in the hands of a very dishonest man—I once more enclose the copy of
my letter of the 4th and again insist, that before you leave Havre, you
see that every Bill is just, and that every thing has been conducted as
it ought to be, for I freely own to you, I have lost all confidence in
Eyries (?) You will then ask me why I have dealt with him at all for
this Vessel. I answer at once, to get my Money out of his hands, but if
he witholds anything from your knowledge quit him immediately. I have
wrote directly to Eyries by this post, & am with due respect,
Sir Your Most Obedt
& very hum; Servt.
S. DEANE.
I have repeatedly told you that you cannot be permitted to cruise in the
Channel, & were I to give you a Commission for that purpose it would be
fatal to me, therefore urge no more on that subject—I once more inclose
you the Orders I gave (on) the 4th and must insist that you see every
thing done to your satisfaction or that you instantly tell Eyries you
will have nothing to do in the affair.