The news of Washington's successes reaches Paris at a critical time.

Britain's ambassador to France, Lord Stormont, is preparing complaints to France's foreign minister, the Comte de Vergennes, concerning the semi-secret financial and logistical support France has been giving to the rebels.

Stormont has learned that supplies bound for America are to be shipped under French flags, where they had previously sent under American colors.

He writes that the French court is extremely happy with the news, and that the French diplomatic position noticeably hardens: "that M. de Vergennes is hostile in his heart and anxious for the success of the Rebels I have not a shadow of a doubt."