able to retreat; that it must sign in spite of the opposition
of the temporizers, who have now no pretence for delay, without
rendering themselves absolutely odious, and becoming responsible for
consequences. The French Ambassador has also received despatches from
the French Minister at Petersburg.

Our friend has no doubt but the King of Prussia will accede to the
convention. And, very probably, the Emperor will do the same. For the
Empress was so well pleased with his visit, that she made him a
present of a man of war. And we have no longer any doubts of the
accession of Portugal.

I have it from the best authority, that the Empress will not
relinquish her simple and noble plan to establish for the nations a
maritime code equally honorable and beneficial to all. Besides, there
are two circumstances, which confirm me in this.

1st. The apparent concert between the northern Ministers and those of
France, Spain, and Prussia, with the cabinet at Petersburg.

2dly. The orders given in Russia and Sweden, to fit out immediately
for sea new fleets equal to those they have already fitted out.

The King of Sweden, in his passage here, as well as his whole journey,
discovered very little regard for the English. A good deal of pains
was taken to induce him to accept an invitation to sup with Sir Joseph
Yorke. He supped twice with the French Ambassador, who entertained him
twice with a play, which was acted at a theatre fitted up for the
purpose. His Excellency, the Ambassador, was so obliging as to present
me himself, with six tickets to attend the two plays with my wife and
daughter.

I have the honor to be, &c.

DUMAS.

* * * * *

EXTRACT OF LETTERS FROM LONDON TO C. W. F. DUMAS.

London, October 6th, 1780.

Mr Henry Laurens was brought to town last night, rather in better
health. He was lodged that night in the messenger's house in Scotland
Yard, and denied all sort of communications with his friends, or those
who wished to speak to him. He was examined at noon at Lord George
Germain's, and committed by a warrant of Justice Addington, a close
prisoner to the Tower, with orders that no person whatever should
speak to him. These people are so foolishly changeable, that most
likely in a few days the severity of his confinement may be relaxed.
At present, two men are alwa