An item dated Brussels 23 December reported that letters from Dunkirk and some other sea harbours along the Channel reported that the warships and transports which were there were fitted out probably as destination the French possessions of Pondichery and the coast of Coromandel had. According to the rumours were the transports to bring troops, artillery and all kind of ammunition to these possessions. The general and chief who were to command this expedition were still not appointed and the date of departure was also unknown. The detachments dragonders, artillery and infantry were chosen out of the best men, especially the men who served in the south of Italy and Egypt. Some officers which served in the past in the Indies were ordered to come to the minister of marine at Paris.
