I enclose for your Excellency’s perusal a New York paper of the 16th which was handed to me last evening. As I conceived, the undoubted proofs it contains of a rupture between England and the States of Holland might be of essential importance to us, I have thought proper to forward it to your Excellency by the most expeditious mode of conveyance.

A vessel just arrived in New York brings an account that one evening last week she had fallen in with the French fleet which continued a direct course, not thinking proper to pursue her & that the next morning she met with the English & was along side of the Admiral for some time. She is fully of opinion from the courses which each steered, that the English will first make the Chesapeak. I have the honor to be yr Excellencys most obedient Hble Sert