entiments. The first
part of this letter was a downright impeachment of the ministry, for
having delayed the expedition, for having sent out ships unfit for
service, and for having neglected the magazines and wharfs at Gibraltar.
In the latter part he seemed to prepare them for the subsequent account
of his misconduct and miscarriage. It cannot be supposed that they
underwent this accusation without apprehension and resentment; and
as they foresaw the loss of Minorca, which would not fail to excite a
national clamour, perhaps they now began to take measures for gratifying
their resentment, and transferring the blame from themselves to the
person who had presumed to hint a disapprobation of their conduct: for
this purpose they could not have found a fairer opportunity than Mr.
Byng's subsequent behaviour afforded.

HE ENGAGES M. DE LA GALISSONNIERE OFF MINORCA.

The admiral being strengthened by Mr. Edgecumbe, and reinforced by a
detachment from the garrison, set sail from Gibraltar on the eighth day
of May, and was joined off Majorca by his majesty's ship the Phoenix,
under the command of captain Hervey, who confirmed the intelligence
he had already received, touching the strength and destination of the
French squadron. When he approached Minorca, he descried the British
colours still flying at the castle of St. Philip's, and several
bomb-batteries playing upon it from different quarters where the French
banners were displayed. Thus informed, he detached three ships a-head,
with captain Hervey, to reconnoitre the harbour's mouth, and land, if
possible, a letter for general Blakeney, giving him to understand the
fleet was come to his assistance. Before this attempt could be made, the
French fleet appearing to the south-cast, and the wind blowing strong
off shore, he recalled his ships, and formed the line of battle. About
six o'clock in the evening, the enemy, to the number of seventeen ships,
thirteen of which appeared to be very large, advanced in order; but
about seven tacked, with a view to gain the weather-gage. Mr. Byng,
in order to preserve that advantage, as well as to make sure of the
land-wind in the morning, followed their example, being then about five
leagues from Cape Mola. At daylight the enemy could not be descried; but
two tartanes appearing close to the rear of the English squadron, they
were immediately chased by signal. One escaped, and the other being
taken, was found to have on board two Fren