[Extract]

Dear Sir

On the 7th ult. the Snow Dickinson, Capt. [William] Mesion consigned to Messrs Montandouine & Frere at Nantes, was brought into Bristol by her crew & delivered up, with all her Papers. From these the Ministry are apprised of all the Ships which have been sent to the different Ports of France, & Cruisers are dispatchd into the Bay of Biscay to watch them. John Sands Mate of the Dickinson, had made me memorandums long before he left Philadelphia of every material transaction, which shows a premeditated plan of treachery. The proceedings of the Ministry, relative to this proof of the freqch interposition have not yet transpired. But France does not seem to be settled or spirited enough to enter into a war,: should England resent this business.

On the 5th of this month a fleet saild with 2000 brunswick troops & General Burgoyne, it is therefore understood they are gone to succour Quebec. Six Regiments, about 4000 effective men made up with german Recruits are now ready for sailing Orders at Cork. It is probable that they too are destined to Quebec. The first division of the Hessia.ns are not yet arrived, so that it is not likely the whole of them will sail till the latter end of May. They are by stipulation to serve all together, & therefore will go to Boston or long Island. It is supposed the Provincials will possess the strong posts on Elizabeth River which if in the enemy's hands will give them the command of Jersey, Staten Island &c If the .Provincials always have redoubts in the front & flank of their Army, it is the opinion of the ablest in the profession, that they will be better than Entrenchments or Lines, & will foil the Regulars by breaking their Line or forcing them to sacrefice a number of men, which they cannot afford.