Transcription

Hanover and its dependancies; and knowing our present situation is to be unequal to vigorous exertions, are against any avowed political continental connection whatever; but are for sowing the seeds of discord, that we may reap some advantages from the folly of others. I am not sufficiently learned to decide on these different principles of policy; at the same time, as the affair stands at present, I am humbly of opinion, that the King of Prussia will not quietly submit to an increase of power to the Emperor, without [[unclear]] to obtain an adequate advantage for himself; That France, under the faith of recent treaty, cannot readily give up her new ally, because even if the idea of a partition of Holland excited, she would not reap so many advantages from other proportion in the division, as she has to expect from her alliance; And if Russia should not give her support to the Emperor, he must be obliged to relinquish his project on the Scheldt, or be engaged in an unequal [[unclear]]. Thus far, Sir, for my poor sentiments on Continental politicks, they are in a very fluctuating state, as Your Royal Highness observes, & it is very difficult to say what will be the issue of the dispute. By last mail, I had a letter from Paris, which says, "Reports here of war & peace, change with the wind; but it "is most probable the latter will be the case; however, all Officers have orders to "join their regiments, and to be ready to march the 15th. of next month. Two "armies are talked of to oppose the Emperor; one in Flanders, the other in "Alsace; it is likewise said, that a third is to be formed in Piedmant, to