The ship Seine which arrived at Martinico with military Stores for the united States in sailing from Martinico for Boston was taken by a English frigate the morning after she left Martinico: A considerable part of her cargo was landed, at Martinico, part of which is just arrived in a sloop which has got in to Sinapuxent inlet-consists principally of muskets.

   The Govr. of Martinico Count D'Argou in concert with the continental agent at that place had concerted a wise scheme to prevent the Seine's falling into the enemy's hands. He wrote a letter to the Govr. of Miquelon artfully calculated to conceal the real destination of the vessel pretending she was destined to the Isle of Miquelon with military stores. The Capt. thro' his letters overboard, but the Pilot kept some papers which discovered the real voyage vizt. to Boston. However Count D'Argou has sent a spirited memorial to the Governor of Dominica demanding the restitution of the vessel as the French King's property. This matter may possibly afford a pretence to the French of declaring war agt. [Englan]d, if they should be thus inclined, tho' I think it there interest and ours too to remain quiet some time longer: they can, & have afforded us material assistance, and I have no doubt of the intention of that court to give us still further assistance.

   We have no news from Camp: we had letters from Gen. Washington dated the 10th Morris; (1) and encampt. is marked out, it is said, at Bound Brook for ten thousand men. So we conjecture G. Washington intends moving to that place, which is but 5 miles distant from Brunswick. Col. Conway (mentioned in my letter to Molly)(2) informs me the

   French have 60 ships of the line (mostly 74) ready for sea: he says the ships are all new, or mostly new, & that a great reform has taken place in the French service. I think we have a valuable acquisition in Col. Conway. He speaks English well. I am, yr. affectionate Son,