il for England to-day. According to the best information we
can obtain here, the Northern and Eastern States of America
are extremely inimical to, and dissatisfied with, the war; so
much so, that there is reason to suppose they will dissolve
the Union shortly, and declare themselves totally independent
of the Southern and Western States.

The American privateers are extremely numerous and daring in
this neighbourhood; and, I am sorry to add, they have proved
but too successful, having captured several of our vessels
bound to Quebec and New Brunswick, and some to this port. I
received a note about an hour ago from Lieut.-Colonel Pearson,
who sailed from hence last Sunday, with his wife and family,
for Quebec, being appointed inspecting field officer in
Canada, to inform me that he had been made prisoner by an
American privateer. Most of our ships are looking out for the
squadron the Americans have at sea, under Commodore Rodgers,
who is supposed to have sailed from New York with a view to
intercept our West India fleet homeward bound.

We are as busy here as possible in placing all our outposts in
the best state of defence. I suppose you are not less so.

A transport, with 140 men of the Royals, from the West Indies
to Quebec, was boarded by the Essex American frigate about ten
days ago, and permitted to proceed, on condition that the
master of the vessel promised to pay a ransom of 12,000
dollars for her; and that the officer commanding considered
himself on parole, and gave his assurance that the troops
would not fight against the Americans during the war. The
transport arrived here yesterday, and the remainder of the
battalion is supposed to have reached Quebec.

You have probably heard of the many improvements in our little
island. An excellent road was finished from town to Vazon Bay,
and from Fort George to Rocquaine; also one from town to
Lancresse. The Braye du Valle is now under a state of
cultivation. Roads of communication were nearly finished; one
of them from what is called the Long Store passes Amherst
Barracks and my house, and joins the great road to the Forest
and St. Martin's: the opening of all these have discovered
many beautiful views, which we did not know the island
possessed.

If there should be any thing I can do for you or my nephew