M. Garnier to Count de Vergennes, January 27, 1775

My lord,  The dice are cast: the Government seems to be determined to break down the Americans. In addition to the marines which it has been decided to send, as I had the honor to inform you, the order was sent last wednesday to the Vice-Roy of Ireland to prepare everything for the transport of three infantry regiments and one light cavalry regiment. Each infantry regiment consists of one battalion of 477 men. The light cavalry regiment stationed in Ireland is made up of six companies and at the present consists only of 179 dragoons. But 18 men will be added to each company, half of whom will be recruited in Ireland and the other half will be on detachment from the light cavalry of Elliot and Burgoyne stationed in Great Britain. The latter numbering only 94 men will embark without their horses. Since they are all good horsemen, it was deemed that they could easily get used to the horses they will find in America. These reinforcements, including the marines number 2,418 men, and the Governement states that General Gage will have about 9,000 men under his command. He will receive at the same time an additional detachment of artillery. . . .

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As Myd Rochford spoke to me on this subject yesterday, he was kind enough to explain positively that the intention was not so much to act with hostility against the Americans as to encourage in the Colonies the friends of the Government who had not dared declare their opinions for lack of sufficient forces to protect them. However, if these troops are to be used solely for the protection of well-disposed people, they run the risk to be weak everywhere since they will be spread throughout the various colonies . . . .

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This Minister informed me that he would write to Myd Stormont today and instruct him to convey to you the decision taken by the Governement to stop completely the trade of the Americans, considering that they trade only in contraband upon which a closer watch will be kept than in the past. All foreign or national ships that will be found loaded with war ammunition for the Americans or trading with the English Colonies on the Continent will be seized. I am inclined to believe, My lord, that the British Ambassador will only allude to this matter and with great caution. I answered Myd Rochford that the Court of London could rely upon the strict observance of the treaties on our part, and that in matters of justice, since the King conformed to it as faithfully with respect to his neighbors as he expected the same on their part, His Majesty would always suit the precept to the example.