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of water - In order to divide the enemy's attention I propos'd a diver w'h bomb & fire-ketches on the side towards Rochelle - but this diversion not regarded as necessary by Sir E. Hawke. All now seem'd favourable for the great coup. Howe in particular very confident.
25th A Council of War summon'd to consider the project of a landing. After much discussion it was finally decided that it w'd be too ventures for if the ships gounded & the E. of the Ditch at Rochefort failed troops cou'd not be brought off.
26th The disappointment general at the threaten'd inaction. Had unclear talk w'h Howe & Thierry -
27th Nothing done & every day increased? the chances of doing even less. E. Hawke will not shoulder the responsibility fo a military decision