troops,
for the support of their ambitious schemes in America, still continued
to amuse the British ministry with general declarations, that no
hostility was intended, nor the least infringement of the treaty.

COURT OF VERSAILLES AMUSES THE ENGLISH MINISTRY.

The earl of Albemarle, the English ambassador at Paris, having lately
died in that city, these assurances were communicated to the court of
London by the marquis de Mirepoix, who resided in England with the same
character which he had supported since his first arrival, with equal
honour and politeness. On this occasion he himself was so far imposed
upon by the instructions he had received, that he believed the
professions of his court were sincere, and seriously endeavoured to
prevent a rupture between the two nations. At length, however, their
preparations were so notorious that he began to suspect the consequence;
and the English ministry produced such proofs of their insincerity
and double dealing, that he seemed to be struck with astonishment and
chagrin. He repaired to France, and upbraided the ministry of Versailles
for having made him the tool of their dissimulation. They referred him
to the king, who ordered him to return to London, with fresh assurances
of his pacific intentions; but his practice agreed so ill with his
professions, that the ambassador had scarce obtained an audience to
communicate them, when undoubted intelligence arrived, that a powerful
armament was ready to sail from Brest and Rochfort. The government of
Great Britain, roused by this information, immediately took the most
expeditious methods for equipping a squadron; and towards the latter end
of April, admiral Boscawen sailed with eleven ships of the line and one
frigate, having on board a considerable number of land forces, to attend
the motions of the enemy; but more certain and particular intelligence
arriving soon after touching the strength of the French fleet, which
consisted of twenty-five ships of the line, besides frigates and
transports, with a great quantity of warlike stores, and four thousand
regular troops, commanded by the baron Dieskau, admiral Holbourne was
detached with six ships of the line, and one frigate, to reinforce Mr.
Boscawen; and a great number of capital ships were put in commission.
In the beginning of May the French fleet, commanded by Mr. Macnamara, an
officer of Irish extraction, sailed from Brest, directing his course
to North America; but, aft