[Extract]
The English Ministers no longer mention our Armaments to me; but I have heard that they are becoming alarmed. Some of their confidants claim even that the differences with Portugal depend upon the war with the Colonies, that is to say they consider this discussion as a pretext that will be used according to the state of affairs; that, if England meets with rapid success in America, the Portuguese affair will settle down, whereas in the opposite case, it would determine general war. This smacks too much of metaphysics and I don't believe it is the opinion of the English Ministers. I would think rather that Portugal is trying to spread this notion. However far from the truth it may be, I would not be surprised if it made proselytes in the system now favored here whereby Spain wants war and we shall not fail on our side to take advantage of the distress which afflicts England.
The second Hessian division was forced by adverse winds to enter the harbor of Plymouth on the 6th inst....
The Treasury is presently commissioning on the Thames 25 Vessels of 120 to 400 tons carrying from 4 to 10 guns, without any fixed number of crew. Our Correspondent in Deptford informs us that they take as many as they can find; and that the number of these Vessels which are to carry supplies from Ireland to America is still to increase. It is probable that, unable to provide convoys to all the Vessels that sail singly to America, the Government felt the necessity to enable them to defend themselves. At least, it is the most natural explanation and it is also my opinion. However, if we wished to look at the dark side of things, it would not be difficult to regard all these preparations as some dreadful plan capable to arouse the attention of the neighboring Powers since, if need be, all these Vessels could soon become as many Privateers.
I have just learned at this instant that a City Merchant received intelligence that the Ship on which Doctor Irwin [Charles Irving] had sailed to found a new Establishment on the Mosquito Coast in the Gulf of Honduras was captured by two Spanish Coast-Guard vessels in the mouth of the Black River.