tioned in my former letters,
is not yet completed, in part owing to the obstacles thrown in its way
by M. Necker. The resentment of the Spanish Ministry, which this
interference excited, has not yet subsided, and I am afraid the
prejudices thereby excited will not soon be eradicated, although
common interest may stifle them apparently at present. The mode of
raising money in the manner heretofore mentioned may become the only
plan practicable, should others now in contemplation not succeed, and
Spain may be obliged to have recourse to paper, from inability to
procure money by other methods.

The Court of Great Britain is well informed of their situation through
Mr Cumberland, their emissary here, who spends a great deal of money.
Influenced by which, and other advices, the King has, in his speech to
Parliament, openly avowed his determination to prosecute the war with
vigor, and he will be supported by a great majority in both houses.
From the best information I have been able to collect, I am sorry to
tell you, that the nation will be able to borrow the sum demanded for
the expenditures of 1781, which with the usual vote of credit at the
end of the session, will amount to sixteen millions sterling at least.
The scheme of the Ministry to effect this is not yet public, but I am
told, it will be on similar conditions to those of the present year.
Ninetytwo thousand men are voted for the marine, and I have reason to
think a considerable reinforcement will be sent early to the
southward, and that agreeably to a proposition of Sir J. Amherst, the
enemy means to occupy and fortify strongly a port near the month of
Chesapeake Bay, from which with a strong garrison and a naval force,
they hope to interrupt the navigation of the Bay, and by frequent
incursions prevent the States of Maryland and Virginia from sending
supplies of men, &c. &c. to the Carolinas. Among the troops mentioned
to be embarked there, are three regiments of light dragoons. Your
servants nearer Great Britain will give you more accurate information.

I am persuaded that our ally will take early measures for defeating
these designs. This latter information is derived indirectly from
conversations with men in a situation to be well informed. The
disposition of this Court depends much on its hopes of obtaining the
objects for which it commenced the war, and I should not merit the
confidence reposed in me if I did not tell you plainly, that I believe
that the e