[ Autographs ] (FRANCO-AMERICAN ALLIANCE) A fine content manuscript copy of a captured British letter translated into French by a French spy, 3pp., 8vo., [London], Dec., 1777 and docketed "Taken from the Mail of January 9, 1778 Article from London of December 23, 1777... Speech of Sir Newenham in the House of Commons in Ireland relative to the discovery which had been made of the negotiating at Paris with thedeputies of the United States of America." The transcript reads in part: "...I declare therefore that it has come to me by the least suspect Channel that toward the beginning of the month of November last, the American Deputies at Paris received definite instructions which support what follows... `If you learn the news of the overthrow of the Armies of the United States, or any other circumstance which proclaims the conquest of these States, then you will agree, and the States will agree to accept the help of ships and troops offered by France, which will be enjoyed for the duration of 30 years...the same exclusive commerce which Great Britain has until now enjoyed.'..." Newenham then makes some key observations regarding the possible risksof war with France: "...Our Squadrons and even our land Armies, will they not be nearly all on the other side of the Atlantic ocean? Will not the French be able to let go from their Islands enough Vessels andTroops to remain there to give employment to us, and perhaps to prevent our returning to Europe? And if England hasn't been able to subjugate America up to now, how much more difficult will it not be toaccomplish when she is openly supported by the faster forces of Franceand Spain?..." Newenham then explains the reliability of his source: "..This person...has given me, often, other intelligence which time hasverified. Several members off this House can attest that I announced to them the battle between the named Arnold and Genl. Burgoyne, the place where it had been held, the Villages where the Stores are and the attempt that the militia made against Ticonderoga, seven weeks before the mutilated account was seen in the Court gazette...perhaps we are still in a position to save Canada, Nova Scotia, the Islands ofCape Breton and Newfoundland, the Floridas, the growing establishmentson the Mississippi: these goals should interest us...but we can preserve them only by immediately making a peace with America..." Very good condition.