[Extract]

The British Ministry is completely at rest as far as we are concerned; because they are sure of our peaceful intentions, they do not worry about the movements of the Spanish Navy and troops; I attempted to find out what their opinion on this matter really is. They are convinced that the planned expedition does not have any other purpose, for the moment, than an attack against Africa. But they fear that upon receiving the news of the hostilities recently declared in Brazil, and especially the advantage taken by the Portuguese over the Spaniards in that part of the world, His Catholic Majesty may fall immediately upon Lisbon with his forces already gathered and ready to move. They think that the superiority of the Portuguese forces in Brazil may have lead M. de Pombal² to give them a free hand against the Spaniards and that the King of Spain, faced with the difficulty of regaining the advantage in that Colony, may deem more to his convenience to take an immediate revenge in Europe, where Portugal may easily be conquered before England could provide her with effective help.

Such is the train of thought of the Ministry at present; as tiresome as they may find this uncertainty, they dare not do anything to guard against all possible events for fear of spreading alarms that might prove fatal for the present state of affairs in America as well as the peace in Europe; they flatter themselves in thinking that France would restrain Spain in the foresight that an attack against Portugal would unavoidably cause war. . . .

The frigates La Surprise and Aldborough which are attached to the Newfoundland squadron have just sailed from Plymouth for their destination; Romney with 50 guns is ready to sail from Portsmouth under the command of the Superintendent of Fishing.