Dear Sir

The 22^d. of August I sailed from Portsmouth Harbour in New England, in Company with Captain Thompson of the Raleigh Frigate, in our way here we took a Schooner,¹ from New York, bound to Nova Scotia, which we burnt—We also took a Snow² from S^t. Vincent's, laden with Sugar, Coffee, She we ordered for America, likewise a Brig³ from England bound for Halifax, laden with Salt and some Cordage, ordered her likewise for America, both of which we hope are arrived safe in some American port. On the 30^th of September, in the Channel of England, we took two large Ships,⁴ from Jamaica for London, which we convoyed to this port, and have sold them. We arrived here the 6^th of October, we are cleaning our Ships and refitting, and shall sail first on a Cruize, and then proceed for America. I hope to be Compleatly Manned here, which was not the case when we left America. At Portsmouth I let Captain Thompson have 20 of my Men, in order to enable him to proceed to Sea, who was at least 70 Men Short.

I assure you, Sir, it is impossible for me to give you a particular Account of American affairs, with France and Spain—but will give you my own opinion from the observations I have made here, viz. The French are really friends at Hart to the Americans in the present Controversy, but rather seem to decline a War at present, altho' large armaments are fitting and gitting in readiness both by Sea and Land.— They will give America every assistance in their Power, but not publickly and are determined that a final Separation of America from Great Britain shall take place, even at the Expence of a War. Spain may be said to be equally disposed as France. Both Captain Thompson and myself are treated very gentelly, by People of the first Characters here. We have had the honor to pay our Respects to the Duke de Durass and the Dutchess de Mazarine, by whom we were received kindly, and shewed every mark of Friendship. They did us great Honour at a public Entertainment, both by drinking our Healths and wishing us Success. We also had a similarity of Friendship shewn us from the Spanish Embassador, who passed through this Town a few days past, in short I am convinced they are as determined as before mentioned.

Dear Sir, you will receive by Captain Thompson 4 pounds of best Tea, and Sundry Letters, which beg your care in the delivery—likewise Two Pounds of Tea for M^rs. Gray and two pounds of Tea to be sent to M^rs. Hinman—please to except of my best wishes for you, Spouse and Family—I am [&c.]

N.B. My Respects to M^r. Dolbier & Family and particularly to M^rs. Grissell.

Macartney