ly chosen to command the Brest squadron for the American seas,
and is by this time nearly ready to sail.

Our affairs are in much the same situation as heretofore. It is not
yet known here what part the Empress of Russia will take, although it
is generally believed, it cannot be but unfavorable to Great Britain.
Mr Cumberland is still here. M. Gardoqui will embark the last of this
or first of next month. I make no doubt before his departure, Mr Jay
will know the character by which he is to announce him to Congress. I
have no reason to believe, that he will not have formal credentials
from the Court, for otherwise, notwithstanding the information given
in consequence of Mr Jay's conference relative to him with the
Minister, I suppose Congress can only regard him as an individual.

A late publication in the _Courier de l'Europe_, extracted from
Rivington's Gazette, asserting a mutiny of a considerable number of
continental troops in the beginning of January, made considerable
impression here, which happily we have had it in our power to remove
by some arrivals from the northward. Considerable apprehensions and
jealousies are entertained of the views of the States, of forming
powerful establishments on the Ohio and Mississippi, in consequence of
some publications in our papers, and other advices received by the
Court, which has much better and more regular intelligence of our
affairs than Mr Jay. This must be the case as long as the letters of
Congress are confided to the common post in France and in this
country. The difference of expense could not be so considerable to the
public, as might be conceived, and the advantages are important. I am
persuaded the Ministers of the above named nations, receive more
information from the letters written to the public servants of
Congress in Europe, than from those they employ in America. All the
couriers of the Empress of Russia are officers of her army. We have at
present, I presume, many young men on half pay in consequence of the
late arrangements of our army, who would be happy to make these
voyages in the public packets, who might be limited or brought to
strict account for their expenses, and receive instructions from the
Committee to answer public purposes, and be promoted or disgraced
according to their execution of them. I beg the Committee will impute
these suggestions to the true motive, a regard to the public service.

I have the honor to be, &c.