[Extract]
Gent

We have but two of the Row Gallies fitted. The Enemy have spare Men of War enough to block them up separately; they may eventually, with their 120 Men, be serviceable, if there's an Attack upon this Town, and, as it is impossible to guard Shores and Rivers, we hope no Man can blame our Views to prevent such a Disposition of the little Force we have as would render the whole of it of no Consequence at all, which would cer­tainly be the Case if we were to send the two Gallies from hence.² . . .