[ Autographs ] (BRITAIN'S RESPONSE TO THE FRANCO-AMERICAN ALLIANCE) Fine content manuscript, a French intelligence report transcribing the diplomatic exchange between the French ambassador and the Englishcourt relative to the French alliance with the United States, 3pp., small 4to., Mar. 13, 1778 in French. In part: "...Declaration made 13 March 1778 by order of the Court of France to the English Minister at London by Mr. Marquis de Noailles Ambassador of H.V.C.M. The United States of North America, which are in full possession of the Independence pronounced by their Act of 14 [sic.] July 1776...have signed a treaty of friendship and commerce...H.M. being resolved to improve the good harmony subsisting between France & Great Britain by all the means compatible with his dignity and with the well being of his Subjects, believes he ought to announce that step to the Court of London...By making this communication...the King is persuaded that he will find new proofs of the constant and sincere dispositions of H.M. for peace; that H. British M., animated with the same Sentiments, willlikewise avoid everything which might alter the good harmony and that he will especially take effective measures for preventing the commerceof H.M.'s Subjects with the United States of North America from being disturbed..." The writer then notes that "...The reading of this act aroused in an instant everyone who is stubborn and above all those whowere accustomed to the arrogance, and the compassion of the King in the house succeeded in enflaming the Sprits...'". Predictably George III responded: "...H.M. having been informed by order of the French King that a treaty of friendship and commerce has been concluded between that Court and some rebel Subjects of H.M. in North America, He has judged it proper that the Copy of the declaration...be placed under the eyes of the House of Lords and that the chamber be informed at the same time that in consequence of that offensive declaration on the part of the French Court H.M. has ordered his Ambassador to immediately quit that Court...he will not be responsible for the trouble that he has not brought on; since it is without his having provoked it that an insult is made to his crown and to the essential rights of his Kingdom in defiance of the most solemn assurances and ina manner as contrary to the laws of nations..." Usual folds, otherwise fine condition.