[Extract]
No 5.

An American Merchantman has brought Accounts frorn America of the 2d of last Month, which tend to confirm the expectation of the best Consequences of the Success of His Majesty's Forces, and the Captain, one Gordon, is persuaded, that from the Discontent of Washingtons Army, the Difficulty of keeping them together, and other Causes, the several colonies will return to their Allegiance.

This Intelligence came to Persons too well affected to the Americans, who betrayed their concern and surprise at it. I know that in the Northern Ports of this Country, and at Cadiz, the Spaniards and French have been very sanguine in favour of America, but have lately very much lowered their Language. At this Court, however, I must observe that nothing of that kind has ever broke out, and that the Sentiments of the Ministers have, as far as they have been known, been consistent in wishing that no change should finally take place on the Continent of America. It is to be hoped that, if the same opinion is not sincerely entertained at the Court of France, it may, however, out of Policy, be adopted.

I am informed, that lately more vessels have come into the Ports of this Country without meeting any American Enemies, than had before, which leads one to hope, that the Number of their Privateers must be greatly diminished.