The Keith Papers

33. General Dundas to Keith

Canterbury.
September 31. 1803.

My dear Lord, On the other side is an extract from a letter of a Major McKenzie, 85th Regt., who has just made his escape from France. It is not very distinct, but I suppose he has given a clearer account where it was essential. I have &c.

D. DUNDAS.

Enclosure.—In a moment of despair I determined to attempt an escape from France, where I suppose you know I have been shut up forsome months, and have happily succeeded. I left Paris this day fortnight, travelled through France by way of Valenciennes and Antwerp to Holland, embarked at Rotterdam and arrived at Gravesend last night. I saw the preparations for the invasion in the neighbourhood of Paris and at Rotterdam; in both places they have not more than 20 covered boats finished, which may carry each about 100 men; these are of the largest class and carry each 2 six-pounders in the bows; they have about 20 more of the above description on the stocks, and about 30 open boats which may each carry 20 or 30 men.