[Extract]

All our ports are shut up by the men of war, so that no vessel is allowed to go from one river to another. This day two vessels arrived here with a number of Soldiers. Not a day passes but they are searching for arms, ammunition, &c. and have taken prisoners, and secured on board the ships, several Gentlemen whom they suspect to have been most active on the American side of the question. Most of the inhabitants have abandoned this town; most of the houses and shops are empty, and if there is not a speedy settlement, the whole of this Province must be ruined.