[Footnote 1:  Monsieur de la Fayette was a young French marquis of ancient family, but of limited fortune.  He was a man of no ability, civil or military, and not even of much resolution, unless a blind fanaticism for republican principles can be called so.  When the American war broke out he conceived such an admiration for Washington, that he resigned his commission in the French army to cross over to America and serve with the colonists; but it cannot be said that he was of any particular service to their cause.  Afterwards, in 1789, he entered warmly into the schemes of the leaders of the Revolution, and contributed greatly to the difficulties and misfortunes of the Royal Family, especially by his conduct as Commander of the National Guard, which was a contemptible combination of treachery and imbecility.]

Tuesday 24th.

I hear this moment that an account is come this morning of D’Estaing with sixteen ships being blocked up by Byron at Martinico, and that Rowley with eight more was expected by the latter in a day or two.  D’Estaing, it is supposed, will be starved to surrender, and the island too.  I do not answer for this intelligence or consequences; but, if the first is believed, you may be sure the rest is.

DIVISIONS IN THE MINISTRY—­CHARACTER OF THE ITALIANS AND OF THE FRENCH.

TO SIR HORACE MANN.

STRAWBERRY HILL, July 7, 1779.

How much larger the war will be for the addition of Spain, I do not know.  Hitherto it has produced no events but the shutting of our ports against France, and the junction of nine ships from Ferrol with the French squadron.  They talk of a great navy getting ready at Cadiz, and of mighty preparations in the ports of France for an embarkation.  As all this must have been foreseen, I suppose we are ready to resist all attacks.

The Parliament rose last Saturday, not without an open division in the Ministry:  Lord Gower, President of the Council, heading an opposition to a Bill for doubling the Militia, which had passed the Commons, and throwing it out; which Lord North as publicly resented.  I make no comments on this, because I really know nothing of the motives.  Thoroughly convinced that all my ideas are superannuated, and too old to learn new lessons, I only hear what passes, pretend to understand nothing, and wait patiently for events as they present themselves.  I listen enough to be able to acquaint you with facts of public notoriety; but attempt to explain none of them, if they do not carry legibility in the van.

Your nephew, who lives more in the world, and is coming to you, will be far more master of the details.  He called here some few days ago, as I was going out to dinner, but has kindly promised to come and dine here before he sets out.  His journey is infinitely commendable, as entirely undertaken to please you.  It will be very comfortable too, as surely the concourse of English must much abate, especially as France is