[Extract]

Sir—. . . It now seems to be without a doubt that Monsieur d’Estaing sailed with 12 ships of the line and many frigates, together with some troops and all warlike implements for a siege, on the 13th of this month; and it is said that he is to be joined by several frigates from Brest; it is also said that La Chimère, one of d’Estaing’s frigates, sailed before him for Cadiz. There is every reason in the world to believe that he is bound to Boston, probably with an intention to attack Nova Scotia and Canada, or perhaps to fall upon Lord Howe’s fleet and to cut off our army upon the American continent. However, we cannot for certain say where he is going, and therefore our dilemma is very great, particularly as we are not able to make any detachments from home consistent with the security of this island. Whether this situation of affairs will occasion any alteration in your instructions I cannot yet say; but you may be assured that you shall have the earliest information from me of everything in which I think you are in the least degree interested. . . .