, acquainted the parliament with his
having received repeated intelligence of the enemy's preparations, to
the end that his majesty might, if he should think proper, in pursuance
of the late act of parliament, cause the militia, or such parts thereof
as should be necessary, to be drawn out and embodied, in order to march
as occasion should require. These messages were no sooner read, than
each house separately resolved to present an address, thanking his
majesty for having communicated this intelligence; assuring him, that
they would, with their lives and fortunes, support him against all
attempts whatever; that, warmed with affection and zeal for his person
and government, and animated by indignation at the daring designs of an
enemy whose fleet had hitherto shunned the terror of the British navy,
they would cheerfully exert their utmost efforts to repel all insults,
and effectually enable their sovereign not only to disappoint the
attempts of France, but, by the blessing of God, turn them to their own
confusion. The commons at the same time resolved upon another address,
desiring his majesty would give directions to his lieutenants of the
several counties, ridings, and places within South Britain, to use
their utmost diligence and attention in executing the several acts of
parliament made for the better ordering the militia.

ACCOUNT OF THUROT.

These and other precautionary steps were accordingly taken; but the
administration wisely placed their chief dependence upon the strength of
the navy, part of which was so divided and stationed as to block up
all the harbours of France in which the enemy were known to prepare any
naval armament of consequence. We have seen in what manner rear-admiral
Rodney visited the town and harbour of Havre-de-Grace, and scoured
that part of the coast in successive cruises: we have also recorded the
expedition and victory of admiral Boscawen over the squadron of La Clue,
which was equipped at Toulon, with a design to assist in the projected
invasion. Not withstanding this disaster, the French ministry persisted
in their design; towards the execution of which they had prepared
another considerable fleet, in the harbours of Rochefort, Brest, and
Port-Louis, to be commanded by M. de Conflans, and reinforced by a
considerable body of troops, which were actually assembled under the
duc d'Aiguillon, at Vannes, in Lower Bretagne. Flat-bottomed boats and
transports to be used in this expedi