chagrin, and the command of
the fleet devolved on captain Dilkes, who arrived in England on the
twenty-fourth day of October, with a shattered squadron half manned, to
the unspeakable mortification of the people, who flattered themselves
with the hopes of wealth and glory from this expedition. Pointis
steering to the banks of Newfoundland, entered the bay of Conceptione,
at a time when a stout English squadron, commanded by commodore Norris,
lay at anchor in the bay of St. John. This officer being informed of the
arrival of a French fleet, at first concluded that it was the squadron
of M. Nesmond come to attack him, and exerted his utmost endeavours to
put the place in a posture of defence; but afterwards understanding
that it was Pointis returning with the spoil of Carthagena, he called a
council of war, and proposed to go immediately in quest of the enemy. He
was however over-ruled by a majority, who gave it as their opinion that
they should remain where they were without running unnecessary hazard.
By virtue of this scandalous determination, Pointis was permitted
to proceed on his voyage to Europe; but he had not yet escaped every
danger. On the fourteenth day of August he fell in with a squadron under
the command of captain Harlow, by whom he was boldly engaged till night
parted the combatants. He was pursued next day; but his ships sailing
better than those of Harlow, he accomplished his escape, and on the
morrow entered the harbour of Brest. That his ships, which were foul,
should out-sail the English squadron, which had just put to sea, was a
mystery which the people of England could not explain. They complained
of having been betrayed through the whole course of the West Indian
expedition. The king owned he did not understand marine affairs, the
entire conduct of which he abandoned to Russel, who became proud,
arbitrary, and unpopular, and was supposed to be betrayed by his
dependents. Certain it is, the service was greatly obstructed by faction
among the officers, which with respect to the nation had all the effects
of treachery and misconduct.

THE ELECTOR OF SAXONY IS CHOSEN KING OF POLAND.

The success of the French in Catalona, Flanders, and the West Indies,
was balanced by their disappointment in Poland. Louis encouraged by the
remonstrance of the abbe de Polignac, who managed the affairs of France
in that kingdom, resolved to support the prince of Conti as a candidate
for the crown, and remitted g