1777-December-20: Beaumarchais sent detailed instructions to his agent in the United States regarding a sophisticated signaling system for supply ships arriv…

1777-December-20: Beaumarchais sent detailed instructions to his agent in the United States regarding a sophisticated signaling system for supply ships arriving in Saint-Domingue. American vessels approaching Cap-Français were instructed to fly a Dutch flag and fire five shots to identify themselves to the French authorities. Upon receiving this signal, a French supply ship laden with uniforms and cannon would sail out to meet the American vessel. The plan called for the French ship to allow itself to be “captured” and taken to an American port where the cargo could be turned over to the rebels. This elaborate “skullduggery” allowed France to provide heavy artillery while maintaining a public stance of non-interference.