tility, in the year
one thousand seven hundred and fifty-four; when, in time of profound
peace, without any declaration of war, without any previous notice
given, or application made, a body of French troops, commanded by an
officer bearing the French king's commission, attacked in an hostile
manner, and took possession of an English fort on the river Ohio, in
North America; that great naval armaments were prepared in the ports
of France, and a considerable body of French troops embarked for that
country; that although the French ambassador was sent back to England
with specious professions of a desire to accommodate these differences,
it appeared their real design was only to amuse and gain time for the
passage of these supplies and reinforcements, which they hoped would
secure the superiority of the French forces in America, and enable them
to carry their ambitious and oppressive projects into execution; that
inconsequence of the just and necessary measures taken by the king of
Great Britain for preventing the success of such a dangerous design,
the French ambassador was immediately recalled from England, the
fortifications of Dunkirk were enlarged, great bodies of troops marched
down to the sea-coasts of France, and the British dominions threatened
with an invasion; that though the king of England, in order to frustrate
these intentions, had given orders for seizing at sea the ships of the
French king and his subjects, yet he had hitherto contented himself with
detaining those ships which had been taken, and preserving their cargoes
entire, without proceeding to confiscation; but it being at last evident
from the hostile invasion of Minorca, that the court of Versailles was
determined to reject all proposals of accommodation, and carry on the
war with the utmost violence, his Britannic majesty could no longer,
consistently with the honour of his crown, and the welfare of his
subjects, remain within those bounds, which from a desire of peace he
had hitherto observed. A denunciation of war followed in the usual
form, and was concluded with an assurance, that all the French subjects
residing in Great Britain and Ireland, who should demean themselves
dutifully to the government, might depend upon its protection, and be
safe in their persons and effects.

SUBSTANCE OF THE FRENCH KING'S DECLARATION.

In the beginning of June the French king declared war in his turn
against his Britannic majesty, and his declaration