[Extract]
No. 310
The particular news I have concerning Canada confirm the very natural idea I have that the Rebels will not lose precious time, and that their conquest or, which is the same, their seduction before next spring of this interesting part of the American continent will present unsurmountable difficulties for the forces and even ー the commissioners of Great Britain.
Among the persons destined to fulfill this function the names of Admiral [Richard] Howe and General [Jeffrey] Amherst are mentioned. If this is confirmed as I presume it will be, we must not lose from sight the fact that England will have in America and at the head of its forces, although disguished as negotiators, the two best land and sea officers it now has in its service
News from the Ports
Plymouth
The order to be in readiness within a few days has been given to the frigate Solebay.
The frigate Aldborough arrived from Newfoundland. A ship arrived from Liverpoole with 100 men on board for Foudroyant.
Portsmouth
Hawke arrived in Spithead from the Dunes. Hazard, carrying troops, arrived from Scotland. Triton sailed in destination of America with 20 workmen for Halifax. Pallas sailed for the Coast of Guinea.
Barfleur returned to ordinary service; she will be repaired and another ship will be commissioned in her place.
Romney Action [Actaeon], Boreas and six guard ships are still in Spithead; Thetis, Pearl, Fox, Greyhound, Active, Seaford, Sphynx, Juno and two guard ships are in commission in the port.
Chatham
The transport ships are being fitted out; they will take flat bottom boats on board. Resolution is being readied for another trip in the South Seas.
The order to build a ship with 74 guns in Deptford has been countermanded; she will carry only 64 guns.
A brigantine arrived from Newfoundland.
