[Extract]

Capt. Wickes is return'd to L'Orient with 5 Prizes, taken on the Coast of Portugal: One a Packet from Falmouth to Lisbon, with 18 Guns & 50 Men. The others a Ship from Pool with Fish one from Shetland with Barley, one from Ireland with Flour, & one for Bristol with Wine and Brandy. He has made near 100 Prisoners. At his Request we have proposed, to the English Ambassador here, an Exchange for as many Americans taken by the Raisonnable; 2 but have received no Answer; indeed we did not expect any. Wickes meets with Difficulties at L'Orient about his Prizes. We are solliciting here for Some Favour to him, but as yet have no explicit Answer. Mr Dean is gone again to day to Versailles. ー Perhaps we might be more favour'd in Spanish Ports. Tho' People tell us that this Court is offended with the late Conduct of Britain, (which was insolent on its supposed Success in America) and begins now to use a Ton[e] that indicates a Rupture: But these are Notices not to be rely'd on.

I am now removed to Passi, but am almost every Day at Hotel d'Hambourg with Mr Deane, who begins to talk afresh of going northward. . . .

Capt. Nicholson is return'd and the Cutter with Capt. Hynson is arriv'd at Havre Mr [William] Hodge has not yet Succeeded at Dunkirk but expects. The taken Packet will I believe be fitted out as a Cruiser, being said to sail well . . . .