[Extract]
This Minister [Mylord Rochford] told me in confidence yesterday that a number of people in both parties were privately convinced that the way to end the war in America was to declare it on France. He added that he was sorry to see this opinion gaining credence. We discussed this question for a long time and most amicably: I can assure you, Sir, that everything said in favor of this opinion is most extraordinary and disquieting. The Spanish Alliance does not stop the supporters of this plan; they say that England successfully managed both this power and France together in the course of the last war and they support their theory with this example. They insist all the more because of the defeat which the Spaniards have just suffered and which will be a terrible blow to our political esteem here. They proclaim that the fear of an English defeat which would bring France back to Canada is the most effective scarecrow in the case of the Americans who dread the proximity of our religion and government; finally, they say that this war would force the Americans to give up their projects of freedom and decide between us or the British and that they certainly would show their preference for the latter. I can assure you, Sir, that Myd. Rochford himself is convinced of all that and I believe that these principles are most dangerous in the present circumstances. After all why is the Ministry of His British Majesty so peaceful towards us?
It is in order to keep their positions and they feel that they could not do so during a war which they are ill-fitted to wage. We should not seek nobler views on their part: for the same reason, they may become belligerent if they have nothing better to do and if the greater part of the Nation comes to want war.
As I feel compelled, Sir, to present these truths to the King and his Council, I must not either hide from them that it is equally necessary as it is dangerous to organise our defense: necessary, because we must not be taken by surprise; dangerous, because we would cause alarms here. Indeed, it is very difficult to find the middle course.
