The Virginia Gazette

LONDON,
July 7.

Copy of a memorial lately presented to the Ministers of France, by Lord Stormont, the
English Ambassador at the Court of Versailles.

INDEPENDENT of what sovereign States owe to themselves, according to
the sacred laws of nature and of nations, in cases where any of their pro-
vinces may rebel; and, not to mention that should the efforts of the English
American colonies prove successful, the provinces appertaining to other States
might be induced to make a similar attempt; the subscribing party is instructed
to represent to the enlightened Ministers of France, that our colonies have nearly
formed themselves into an independent and formidable empire. Should they
not be timely prevented, it will by no means be difficult (considering their
powerful resources of every kind) for them to attempt the conquest of other
provinces in America, richer and better situated. France and Spain have
therefore every thing to apprehend for the safety of their colonies, should those
of Great Britain succeed in their designs.

The subscribing party hopes that these reflections may induce his most Chris-
tian Majesty, not only to continue his pacific intentions at this particular junc-
ture, but also, that he may so far extend his neutrality and friendship, as to
prohibit the merchants in his dominions from affording those of America (with
whom they now trade openly) such vast succours as have hitherto been furnished,
Above all, it is hoped, that Messieurs Deane and Franklin may be restrained in
those measures, which have been gradually unfolded, so as to become less and
less equivocal. The papers annexed to this memorial will so amply display the
nature and progress of Mr. Deane's negociations, that after perusal it might
reasonably be expected that he should be delivered up.

(Signed) STORMONT