The combined fleets, to the amount of forty-seven or forty-nine sail, brought news of their own arrival at the mouth of the Channel a day or two before your letter, of August the 18th, brought an account of that probability, and of the detachment for Minorca.  Admiral Darby, on a false alarm, or perhaps, a true one, had returned to Torbay a week ago, where he is waiting for reinforcements.  This is the fourth or fifth day since the appearance of the enemy off Scilly.  It is thought, I find here (whither I came to-day), that the great object is our Jamaica fleet; but that a detachment is gone to Ireland to do what mischief they can on the coast before our ally, the Equinox, will beseech them to retire.  Much less force than this Armada would have done more harm two years ago, when they left a card at Plymouth, than this can do; as Plymouth is now very strong, and that there are great disciplined armies now in both islands.  Of Gibraltar we have no apprehensions.[1] I know less of Minorca.

[Footnote 1:  The Spaniards and French had been blockading Gibraltar for more than two years, and continued the siege till the autumn of 1782, when the blockading fleet was totally destroyed by the Governor, General Eliot, who was created Lord Heathfield for the achievement.]

Lord George Gordon is standing candidate for the City of London on an accidental vacancy; but his premature alarm last year has had a sinister effect.  In short, those riots have made mankind sick of them, and give him no chance of success.

What can I say more?  Nothing at present; but I will the moment any event presents itself.  My hope is that, after a fermentation, there will be a settlement, and that peace will arise out of it.

The decree[1] you sent me against high heads diverted me.  It is as necessary here, but would not have such expeditious effect.  The Queen has never admitted feathers at Court; but, though the nation has grown excellent courtiers, Fashion remained in opposition, and not a plume less was worn anywhere else.  Some centuries ago, the Clergy preached against monstrous head-dresses; but Religion had no more power than our Queen.  It is better to leave the Mode to its own vagaries; if she is not contradicted, she seldom remains long in the same mood.  She is very despotic; but, though her reign is endless, her laws are repealed as fast as made.

[Footnote 1:  "The decree." The Grand Duke of Tuscany had just issued an order prohibiting high head-dresses.]

Mrs. Damer,[1] General Conway’s daughter, is going abroad to confirm a very delicate constitution—­I believe, at Naples.  I will say very few words on her, after telling you that, besides being his daughter, I love her as my own child.  It is not from wanting matter, but from having too much.  She has one of the most solid understandings I ever knew, astonishingly improved, but with so much reserve and modesty, that I have often told Mr. Conway he does not know the