[Extract]

. . . It has been learned from the latest news from America that forty ships had departed in one single day from Philadelphia bound for various ports in Europe and the West Indies. At the same time a ship entered the Delaware River loaded with ten thousand Barrels of Salt, ari article that is greatly needed by the Colonies. This cargo, added to those from successive Prizes which the Americans continue to take, is causing murmurs from the Merchants of the City in reproach of Lord Howe for his inactivity. We know, however, that tJhis Admiral profiting by the fact that the Season has been less severe in this region than anyone recalls for twenty years, has kept his frigates and other Ships cruising during the whole winter and has only kept at New York the Ship which he himself commands. But the English merchants had the idea that all Ports in America would be blockaded, or destroyed in the beginning and their ships taken or burned. They had not taken into consideration the impossibility of guarding a Coast 1500 miles long and their over confidence caused them considerable losses during the last Campaign. These have at least taught them not to depend entirely on the Fleet, and to protect themselves.

Even with these precautionary measures they can hardly be sure of avoiding other setbacks. It is true that it will cost them dearly to put their Ships on a war footing at a .time when the scarcity of Sailors here has raised wages up to 3 Pounds sterling per month for those employed in Commerce. But they hope to find indemnification in the prizes which they will capture. greatly fear that the need they have to indemnify themselves and their spirit for plundering and the all too natural hostility of English sailors will make them rather bold in their choice of means and less respectful than they should be towards neutral Flags. It appears however that they are in no way authorized to run down Ships of other Powers, judging from an announcement which the Government has just made, the Admiralty has made public that it is prepared to issue Commissions to Merchant Vessels belonging to private persons which are trading for its account, as well as to Ships engaged in the Service of the Government, to take and Seize all Ships, Goods or cargoes belonging to inhabitants of the Colonies now in rebellion, provided they possess the necessary qualifications and that the owners post bonds in accordance with the Act of Parliament. Those Commissions or Letters of marque at the same time confer the power to take and Seize all Vessels belonging to Great Britain or Ireland which might be discovered going to or coming from those same Colonies for the purpose of Commerce. . . .