[Extract]

. . . the Ministry seem to be taking some Steps towards attempting a Reconciliation; Whether they will proceed in a Rights Path, or go far enough, I can't say; I fear they will stop rather short. Commissioners are to be sent to America, to treat with the Provinces, or propose to them certain Terms of Accomodation. A Bill is now in the House of Commons which will undoubtedly pass into an Act, "to prohibit all Trade with the Colonies during the Continuance of the present Rebellion; for repealg the Boston Port Act & the two Acts made in the last Session for restraing the Trade of the Colonies, & to enable his Majesty to appoint Commissioners" &c This is the Title ー It empowers the Men of War to seize all Vessels & their Cargoes belongg to the Inhabitants of the Colonies wherever found; & all other Vessells found loadg in, going to, or coming from, any of them;... the Commissioners are to be empowered to grant Pardons where they find necessary, & to issue Proclamations declaring any Colony, County, Town &c to be "at the Peace of the King;" After which the Restraining Act to be of no Force with Respect to such Colony &c...

There has been lately a small Change in the Ministry; It will produce no Alteration in our Affairs ー Ld George Germaine is Secretary of State for the American Departmt instead of Ld Dartmouth, made Ld Privy Seal in the Room of the Duke of Grafton resigned. Ld Rochford, Secretary of the Southern Departmt, goes out with a Pension; Ld Suffolk, Secretary of the Northern, takes his Place, & Suffolk's is given to Ld Weymouth who was Groom of the Stole, which Office is now fill'd by the E of Ashburnham, which makes Room for Young Ld Lyttelton, as Keeper of the Wardrobe....

To Mr Russell Hubbard Merchant In New London