221 



is eftabliftied to fall, from England every 

 fortnight ; but none has reached Barbadoes, 

 for many weeks pafi ; and the inhabitants are 

 looking out, with anxious folicitude, for fe- 

 veral which remain due : nor is it expeded 

 that any mail will be made up for England 

 until fome of thefe arrive. 



Should any merchantman fail, I will avail 

 myfelf of that opportunity to forward to you 

 this letter, together with thofe written upon 

 the paffage : but of this I have very little hope, 

 as no unprotefted veffel can venture to fea 

 without extreme peril, on account of the ene- 

 my's cruifers< 



The period Is critical and important. 

 News from each fliore of the Atlantic, to its 

 oppofite, is fought v/ith the moft lively an- 

 xiety. While you are looking to us for tidings 

 of ourfelves, of our fcattered fleet, and of en« 

 dangered iflands ; we, unable to relieve your 

 fufpenfe, are looking to you, with no lefs 

 anxiety for intelligence of England and of 

 Europe. The avidity for news, which, here, 

 ^difplays itfelf, is vivid beyond all I can exprefs. 



