[Extract]

. . . And Y. E. should also know that the knowledge here of ships being readied in the Ports of France can also be the cause of wishing to be prepared for any event, with sea forces opposing those of that Power and ours if we be of a mind to disturb the peace. In addition to this, as almost all its frigates and smaller war vessels are off the American coast, they [English J must make use of ships of the line here to protect the merchant ships going to our seas and into Italian waters, where Americans are constantly capturing vessels. Perhaps this is the reason orders have been issued to cruise the English Channel in the three 64-gun ships Exeter, Ardent, and Somerset, which are among those guarding the Ports and carrying a crew of 500 and six months provisions . . . .