By Mr. Seton I sent you the Dec[larati]on of this Government on the rupture of the Negociation at Lisle—1 I now send you Lord Malmesburys correspondence with a number of News Papers—2 The treaty between Portugal & France has been annulled by the latter, because it had not been ratified by the former within the time first prescribed for that Purpose, tho it is asserted that this time had been prolonged, and had not expired, when after the news of the definitive treaty with Austria, the Directory declared it void.

Portugal will be attacked by France unless Spain shall succeed in her endeavours to avert the Blow— If portugal is attacked the Revolution of Spain will probably be completed by the same Army— The Congress at Rastat3 which is now about meeting, will it is supposed bring to light Engagements hitherto kept secret, between the Emperor and France, and likewise between France and Prussia. Whether they will succeed in restoring Peace to Germany is thought by some persons problematical, tho if Prussia, Austria, and France have previously arranged their Pretensions, the others who are interested will be obliged to concur— The Leaders of the Opposition in this Country do not attend Parliament— I think I am not mistaken in the Opinion, that the failure of the late negociation has had a great influence in uniting this nation, still more than they before were united, in the Belief that the firm prosecution of the war is necessary to the national welfare and existence—

Our Envoys on Sunday last, after having been a month at Paris, had not made such progress in their Business as to enable them to decide with much confidence concerning the issue of their missions— in the mean Time our Vessels continue to be captured by the french Cruisers, and the Tribunal of Cassation (the members of which have been reformed since the 18th. fructidor) after having for some Months before the arrival of our Envoys suspended giving Judgment in Amern Causes, are passing Decrees, which confirm the Condemnation of our Ships for the want of a Role d’Equipage—4

My Knowledge of the interior of the Negociation is too imperfect to authorize me to give any Opinion respecting its Result, but judging from Facts and Circumstances which are collected from news Papers, and other such channels of information, [illegible] my Hopes have been weakened since the arrival of our Envoys—5 With sincere respect & Esteem I am Dear sir Yr ob. & faithful Sert.