ed by
the French, who are entirely defeated..... Bravery of
Captain M'Ginnes..... Gen. Johnson created a Baronet.....
Description of Fort Oswego and Lake Ontario..... Neglect of
the English in not fortifying it..... Expedition against
Niagara..... Gen. Shirley returns to Albany..... End of the
Campaign in America......Fruitless Intrigues of the French
in Spain and Germany..... Treaty of the King of Great
Britain with the Landgrave of Hesse-Cassel..... News of the
Capture of the Alcide and Lys reaches England..... The King
returns from Hanover, and concludes a Treaty with
Russia..... Declaration of the French Ministry at the Court
of Vienna..... Spirited Declaration of the King of
Prussia..... The French make another unsuccessful Attempt
upon the Court of Spain..... The Imperial Court refuses
Auxiliaries to England..... The French take the Blandford
Man of War, but return it..... State of the English and
French Navies..... Session opened..... Remarkable Addresses
of the Lords and Commons..... His Majesty's Answer.....
Alterations in the Ministry..... Mr. Fox made Secretary of
State..... Supplies voted..... Earthquake at Lisbon.....
Relief voted by Parliament to the Portuguese..... Troops,
&c, voted..... Mutiny Bill, Marine, and Mariners' Acts
continued..... Act for raising a Regiment of Foot in North
America..... Maritime Laws of England extended to
America..... Quiet of Ireland restored..... Treaty concluded
with Prussia..... New Militia Bill passed by the
Commons, but rejected by the Lords..... Session closed_

PREPARATIONS FOR WAR.

Whilst all Europe was in suspense about the fate of the English and
French squadrons, preparations for a vigorous sea war were going forward
in England with an unparalleled spirit and success. Still the French
court flattered itself that Great Britain, out of tenderness to his
majesty's German dominions, would abstain from hostilities. Mirepoix
continued to have frequent conferences with the British ministry, who
made no secret that their admirals, particularly Boscawen, had orders
to attack the French ships wherever they should meet them; on the other
hand, Mons. de Mirepoix declared, that his master would consider the
first gun fired at sea in an hostile manner as a declaration of war.
This menace, far from intimidating the English, animate