The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from a Gentleman in Cape Francois to his friend in this
town, dated December 8, 1777.

"SIR,

"YOU no doubt have heard of the great preparations of war in the French
West Indies. An embargo laid on all French vessels; the French ports shut
to all American vessels; a number of transports with soldiers, expected under
a strong convoy. It is true, the embargo was laid, the ports shut to the Ame-
ricans, and the transports, coming under a convoy, until opposed by the British
Ambassador, at Paris, who declared, that should the transports come under a
convoy, that the King his master, would look upon it as a manifest declaration
of war, and that he did not know but they would be attacked before they
reached the West Indies; but he hoped that would not be the case, as it was
his Master's intention to keep up a good understanding between the Court of
Great Britain, and that of France and Spain, which he hoped would not take
the advantage of the times, while he was quelling the unhappy rebellion, that
now subsisted between Great Britain and the colonies; and that he could not
help observing to them, the favour shewn to the American vessels in the
French ports. France, with her usual policy, denied the Americans her ports,
for a while, took off the embargo, agreed to send her transports to the islands,
without convoy. The transports arrived here and at Martinico, landing at
Martinico 7000 effective men; and at this place, was landed yesterday, about
6000 stout, hearty fellows, among whom is a regiment of dragoons, with all
their implements, &c. but no horses, chiefly clothed in heavy woollen, and in
general old and experienced officers and soldiers. And likewise arrived in the
Havannah 10 ships of the line, and 10 frigates, with a number of transports,
with soldiers in number, and as many more daily expected. The people here
thought at first, they were for taking Jamaica; but since their arrival, the po-
liticians are off of that opinion, and judge, by their clothing, they are destined
for a colder climate. Query, Whether they are not for Canada, and that it is
agreeable to some agreement of Doctor FRANKLIN.

The continental agent residing here, waited on General Dargour, after
his arrival here, and begged to know his intention, in regard of admitting
American vessels; he replied, that he had orders from the King his Master,
to open all French ports, to the vessels belonging to the Thirteen United States.

I am yours."