_Cape Francois._
The general in chief has returned from Port-au-Prince. Three days after
his arrival the Cape was blockaded by five British ships, and news was
received of war having been declared between England and France.
Every body is in the greatest consternation, for inevitable ruin
threatens the place. The English will no doubt prevent all vessels
from entering the port, and take all that go out; at the same time the
negroes are said to be preparing another attack.
The general brought in his train all the belles of Port-au-Prince, and
has given a ball, at which, incredible as it may appear to you, Clara
and myself appeared. When the cards of invitation were brought, St.
Louis declared that they should not be left; but major B----, who was
present, represented so forcibly the danger of irritating the general,
who has shewn some symptoms of a disposition to tyrannize, since his
return which were never remarked in him before, that he consented to
our going. When we entered the room attended by B, every eye was fixed
on Clara, who never was so lovely. Dressed in a robe ornamented with
wreaths of flowers, she joined the sweetness of Flora to the lightness
of the youngest of the graces, and the recollection of certain late
events gave an air of timidity to her looks which rendered her
enchanting. General Rochambeau, by the warmth of his manner encreased
her confusion, and fixed on her more pointedly the attention of every
beholder. He was surprized at seeing her without her husband, and
enquired what had wrought so wonderful a change? She replied that he
had found a very good representative in major B----, and that he had
acquired a little confidence in herself. She waltzed with more than
her usual grace, and the general seemed flattered by the notice she
attracted.