With this you will receive the Boxes you desired of Mint Drops. They came by Mr. Oswald’s Courier, who arrived this Morning. He has been with me, and tells me he has a Letter from Mr. Secry. Townsend, acquainting him, that the King has consented to declare the Independence of America, authorizing him to make it the first Article in the Treaty, in which he is now ready to proceed. I hope Mr. Jay will agree to this.

The Royal George, a Ship of 100 Guns, Admiral Kempenfeldt being on board, sank a few days since at Spithead, as she lay at Anchor. She had 700 Men on board, and went down so suddenly, that 400 of them, with the Admiral himself, were drowned in her. I have the honour to be, with great Regard, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant