I do myself the honor to transmit the enclosed letter which came under my cover from the Marquis de Lafayette. This to me contains nothing of consequence but what I presume he has given to you, nor is there much intelligence circulating in this place that merrits your attention. Cornwallis was recd in England with the strongest marks of applause, as he past thro’ Exeter he was presented with the freedom of the city & was carried from the London tavern to Guildhall upon the shoulders of the populace. Arnold too is to be consulted upon the mode of carrying on the war here, which as far as we can learn they seem resolved to prosecute at all events, tho I can not hear that any troops have yet embarked or even been prepared for embarkation. The Minister of France mentions a circumstance which he learned from the capt. of the Feby packet which was taken & carried into chesapeake that may indicate some change in their measures he declares that Lord George Germain had left administration & was succeeded by Welbore Ellis. If this should be true it would appear, when compared with Lord Georges frequent Declarations, either that he differed in sentiment with the rest of the ministry about the mode of conducting the war, or the expedientcy of carrying it on at all.

From the character of Ellis I presume he is only to hold his place till some person of more consequence can be found to take so hazardous a post, in which, [   ] whether the object is peace or war no representation is to be acquired.

Notwithstanding the expected assurances which we have from the West Indies of the arrival of Rodney it is rendered problematical by a declaration that the Capt. makes of his not having sailed the 5th of Feby, so that if the Antigua account of his arrival should be true, his passage could not have exceeded 10 days—which tho’ possible is hardly probable. I have the honor to be Dr Sir with the greatest respect & esteem yr Excellencys Most ob. Hum: Servt