[Extract]

. . . It is very difficult, in view of the armaments which England is preparing with almost incredible ardor, to be at ease respecting her intentions, and to deduce therefrom an augury favorable to the duration of peace. We cannot conceal from ourselves that they have no direct connection with her war in America, and we are also aware that some of the Ministers are pressing for war. It does not indeed appear that these are the most influential, but their influence, which does not prepon,derate at the present moment, may do so at another time. The Empire of Madness usually makes more progress than that of Reason; would it not be madness if England already greatly entangled in her war against her Colonies, should engage in another against two Powers which are not without strength? Where would England count on finding men to face all her enemies in all parts? The difficulty with which she makes her levies, the bad quality of men she takes, seems to show that they are not overabundant. It is said that she proposes a fresh despatch of ten thousand men. I do not know to what part of America. This transport will require a great number of sailors, strong con,voys will also be necessary Can this be done without weakening the great armament? In our uncertainty as to what may happen, we do not neglect the precautions which prudence recommends; we are not hurrying our armaments, but we are ready to prepare them at the first need. . . .