[Extract]
The supplies for the army of General Gage, which were seized by the rebels in New York, were considerable. They were worth 80,000 pound sterling. It is now necessary to send even the flour from England in order to support this army, and make use of the same means which would have been required for the conquest of America.
The supply ships for the Newfoundland fishermen which ordinarily replenished in ports of the American Continent had to return empty. England cannot depend at present on any source of supply in that part of the world.
Such is, Sir, the position of this country, and yet the King of England is determined not to change his Ministry, come what may, and I know this for a fact. For their part, the members of the Opposition hold so little doubt regarding the need for such a change that their principal leaders gathered only last week and disposed of all the posts: Myd Chatham wishes to become Prime Minister without portfolio in order to be able to govern more safely without having to shoulder the burden of the events. . . .
I know for a fact that the Count de Velderen, Minister from Holland, has received a reproach from the English Ministry in regard to the complaisance with which the United Provinces catered to the needs of New England, to wit the supply of war ammunition. Indeed, we know for an actual fact that the rebels obtained 4,000 barrels of powder from St. Eustatius. These supplies, added to those of the same kind which they found in New York where they took 40 pieces of cannon, cannot but encourage their venture.