For other quotations from French authors to the same effect, see _ante_, pages 77, 80, 81.
[117] Mahon: History of England; Gentleman's Magazine, 1777, p.

553.
[118] Keppel's Defence.
[119] "A candid view of our affairs, which I am going to exhibit, will make you a judge of the difficulties under which we labor.

Almost all our supplies of flour and no inconsiderable part of our meat are drawn from the States westward of Hudson's River.

This renders a secure communication across that river indispensably necessary, both to the support of your squadron and the army.

The enemy, being masters of that navigation, would interrupt this essential intercourse between the States.