London, 4 October 1776
[Extract]
... Even admitting that Gen Howe might take possession of New York this year, he could not drive inland, and the only difference in the situation of the Regiments which were confined to Boston by the Rebels last winter is that they now have more ships to control the sea and receive the provisions sent to them here....
It is said that Gens Carleton and Burgoyne have written from Canada the Provincials have those Lakes covered with very well armed vessels; that those being readied to ferry the Royal Troops are few and not as good as the Provincial ones; that for this reason they must turn back and retreat to Quebec to obtain provisions....
This trade is suffering from the many prizes the Americans have taken lately. It is said that an Irish Pirate chased seven English ships back to the shores of Spain and Portugal. More than 30 recently loaded English ships have fallen into Rebel hands. For this reason all merchant ships are arming vessels and taking double crews, which makes it difficult to find seamen for war...
1. AHN, Estado, Legajo 4281, Section 2, LC Photocopy.
