Netherlands; and that the states-general
had agreed to furnish the succours stipulated by treaties.

* The opposition had sustained a heavy blow in the death of
the duke of Argyle, a nobleman of shining qualifications for
the senate and the field, whose character would have been
still more illustrious, had not some parts of his conduct
subjected him to the suspicion of selfishness and
inconstancy. He was succeeded in that title by his brother,
Archibald earl of Hay.

NAVAL ENGAGEMENT OFF TOULON.

By this time an action had happened in the Mediterranean, between the
British fleet commanded by admiral Matthews, and the combined squadrons
of France and Spain, which had been for some time blocked up in the
harbour of Toulon. On the ninth day of February they were perceived
standing out of the road, to the number of four-and-thirty sail;
the English admiral immediately weighed from Hieres bay; and on the
eleventh, part of the fleets engaged. Matthews attacked the Spanish
admiral, Don Navarro, whose ship, the Real, was a first rate, mounted
with above an hundred guns. Rear-admiral Rowley singled out M. de Court,
who commanded the French squadron; and a very few captains followed the
example of their commanders; but vice-admiral Lestock, with his whole
division, remained at a great distance astern; and several captains, who
were immediately under the eye of Matthews, behaved in such a manner
as reflected disgrace upon their country. The whole transaction was
conducted without order or deliberation. The French and Spaniards
would have willingly avoided an engagement, as the British squadron was
superior to them in strength and number. M. de Court, therefore, made
the best of his way towards the Straits' mouth, probably with intention
to join the Brest squadron; but he had orders to protect the Spanish
fleet; and as they sailed heavily, he was obliged to wait for them, at
the hazard of maintaining a battle with the English. Thus circumstanced,
he made sail and lay-to by turns; so that the British admiral could not
engage them in proper order; and as they outsailed his ships, he began
to fear they would escape him altogether should he wait for vice-admiral
Lestock, who was so far astern. Under this apprehension he made the
signal for engaging, while that for the line of battle was still
displayed; and this inconsistency naturally introduced confusion. The
fight was maintained with great