[Extract]

The two Battalions of Grenadiers belonging. to the first Hessian c;livision and which had remained behind arrived in Portsmouth on the 21st instant. Everything had been ready for a few days in order to provide them

with water and all they might need as soon as they arrived. It will not be long before they sail: 2 the North-Easterly winds which have been blowing for the past few weeks are most favorable to leave the Channel. It is believed also that they will hasten the crossing of the troops that left recently with Lord [Richard] Howe.

The Baron of Schliessen told me that the second division was in full march toward Stade. Horses and wagons are continually being loaded in Portsmouth. More transport ships are being chartered, and all the military preparations continue with the greatest activity. We are impatiently awaiting news from Canada which, in all appearance, will become the major theater of the war during this campaign. The uncertainty concerning the fate of Quebec became a matter of bets at the Stock Exchange where they gave up to 50 guineas to one hundred that Quebec fell into the hands of the Americans.

The frigate A ldborough coming from the Mediterranean ran aground in Plymouth road on the 19th instant and was almost entirely destroyed.