House of Commons Journal Volume 10: 20 December 1692

Martis, 20 die Decembris; 4° Gulielmi et Mariæ.

Prayers.

HENRY Sheibell, John Hieronimo Waldeck, Henry Berengbergh, James Walter Dupaisy senior, James Walter Dupaisy junior, Jacob Conen, John Oriot, John Hensch, Andrew Heidtridder, George Berens, Christian Peterson, took the Oaths appointed, in Order to their Naturalization.

Bayntun's Will.

A Bill for the more speedy and effectual Execution of the Trust created by the Will of Henry Bayntun, Esquire, deceased, was read the Second time.

Resolved, That the Bill be committed to Mr. Grubb, Mr. Norries, Mr. Biddulph, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Smith, Mr. Stokes, Mr. Dyott, Sir Cha. Bloys, Sir Jos. Tredenham, Lord Cornbury, Sir John Moreton, Mr. Arnold, Sir William Lemon, Mr. Heming, Mr. Cook, Sir Franc. Guibon, Mr. Bockenham, Sir John Barker, Sir Richard Hart, Colonel Perry, Mr. Palmes, Mr. Hungerford, Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Bowyer, Mr. Blowfeild, Mr. Christy, Mr. Colt, Mr. Gwyn, Mr. Speke, Mr. Waller, Sir Tho. Haslerigg, Mr. Tredenham, Sir John Dorrell, Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Beddingfeild, Mr. Hobby, Mr. Freeman, Mr. Price, and all the Members that serve for the Counties of Somersett and Wilts: And they are to meet this Afternoon at Four a Clock, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Ditto.

A Petition of the Right honourable the Lady Ann Bayntun, and John Bayntun, Esquire, Son and Heir of the said Henry Bayntun, was read; setting forth, That a Bill, presented unto this House to be passed into an Act of this present Session, for the speedier Executing of a Trust created by the Will of the said Mr. Bayntun, as the same is now drawn, is very prejudicial to the Petitioners Estates: And praying to be heard, touching the said Bill.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee to whom the said Bill is committed.

Lords desire a Conference.

A Message from the Lords, by Mr. Justice Eyre and Mr. Baron Powell;

Mr. Speaker, The Lords do desire a Conference with this House, this Day, at Twelve a Clock, in the Painted Chamber; to communicate to this House some Papers, which the Lords have received, relating to the last Summer's Expedition at Sea.

And then the Messengers withdrew.

Resolved, That this House doth agree to the Conference as the Lords do desire.

And the Messengers were called in again: And Mr. Speaker acquainted them therewith.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Miles Cook and Sir James Astry;

Parker's Estate.

Mr. Speaker, The Lords have passed a Bill, intituled, An Act to enable Sir Geo. Parker of Ratton, in the County of Sussex, Baronet, to make a Settlement upon his Marriage, notwithstanding his Minority: To which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

Sale of Lands in Lincoln, &c.

And also a Bill, intituled, An Act for the Clearing and removing some Doubts which may arise in an Act of Parliament, intituled, An Act for the vesting several Manors, Lands, and Rents, in the Counties of Lincolne, Berks, and Devon, in Trustees, to be sold for the buying other Manors and Lands to be settled for the same or the like Uses, as these to be sold are now settled: To which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

And then the Messengers withdrew.

Eyre's Estate.

An ingrossed Bill from the Lords, intituled, An Act for the Sale of the Estate of Anthony Eyre, Esquire, deceased, for Payment of his Debts, and Portions for his Children, was read the Second . . . . .

Resolved, That the said Bill be committed to Sir Christop. Musgrave, Mr. Bulkley, Mr. Colt, Mr. Gwyn, Colonel Granvile, Mr. Blofeild, Sir Jos. Tredenham, Sir Rich. Hart, Lord Cornbury, Colonel Perrey, Lord Coningsby, Mr. Christie, Mr. Price, Sir John Guise, Serjeant Wogan, Mr. Bickerstaffe, Sir Edward Hussey, Mr. Crawford, Mr. Waller, Lord Hide, Mr. Sherrard, Sir Sam. Bernardiston, Mr. Hampden, Mr. Goldwell, Sir Wm. Ellis, Mr. Kinaston, Sir Wm. York, Sir Tho. Dyke, Sir John Bolles, Mr. Beake, Mr. Fawkes, Mr. Harley, Sir Edward Askue, Mr. Foley, Mr. Hobby, Mr. Chadwick, Mr. Chaplyn, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Foley: And they are to meet this Afternoon at Four a Clock, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Leave of Absence.

Ordered, That Mr. Trye have Leave to go into the Country for a Fortnight, for Recovery of his Health.

Privilege of Members in Suits.

Ordered, That Sir Walter Young, Sir Tho. Dyke, Sir Tho. Roberts, Mr. Adderly, Sir John Dorrell, Sir Edward Hussey, Mr. Bowyer, Mr. Palmes, Mr. Ash, Sir Jos. Tredenham, Sir Edward Abney, Mr. Colt, be added to the Committee to whom it is appointed to consider how the Privileges of the Members of this House, in relation of Suits in Law and Equity, may be regulated and limited.

Danby's Jointure.

A Petition of Anth. Danby, Esquire, and Eliz. his Wife, was read; setting forth, That John Danby, Esquire, the Petitioner's Father, being seised of the Lordship of Great Leake, and several other Lands and Tenements Com York, of Four hundred and Ten Pounds per Annum Value, settled the same upon the Petitioner for Life, without Impeachment of Waste, with Remainders to his Issue Male; subject to divers Payments, which are since paid by the Petitioner, who was necessitated to borrow the Money; whereby, and by other Misfortunes, he hath contracted the Debts in . . .Bill: That, the Petitioner intermarrying with the Daughter of Sir Robert Laton (with whom he had a considerable Portion), he cannot make her any Jointure, by reason of the said Intail: That the Petitioner, having by his Wife Four Sons and Two Daughters, prays Leave to bring in a Bill for settling a Jointure upon the said Eliz. making Provisions for Younger Children, and Sale of some Lands for Payment of Debts.

Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill, according to the Prayer of the said Petition.

Bankrupts.

Ordered, That the Bill for the better Recovery, and more equal Distribution, of Bankrupts Estates, be read a Second time To-morrow Morning at Ten a Clock.

Leave of Absence.

Ordered, That Mr. Tilney have Leave to go into the Country, to the Burial of a Relation.

Conference with Lords.

Ordered, That Sir Tho Clarges, Lord Marquis Winton, Mr. Solicitor General. Mr. Palmes, Mr. Harcourt, Mr. Hampden, Serjeant Trenchard, Sir Ro. Howard, Colonel Granville, Sir Jo. Lowther, Sir Chr. Musgrave, Sir Edward Seymour, Mr. Wharton, Mr. Harley, Mr. P. Foley, Mr.Hungerford, Mr. Attorney General, Mr. Serjeant Wogan, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Boyle, Mr. Gwyn, Sir Tho. Dyke, Mr. Smith, Mr. Clarke, Sir John Guise, Mr. Mountague, do manage the Conference with the Lords.

And the Managers went to the Conference: And being returned;

Colonel Granville reported from the Conference, That the Managers had attended the Conference: And that the Lord President managed the Conference on the Part of the Lords; and acquainted them, That several Papers had been laid before the Lords House by the King, upon an Address of that House; which they thought fit to transmit to this House; because several Persons who are Members of this House, are often mentioned in the said Papers: from whom, possibly, this House may be more particularly informed of the Matters contained in them: Which Papers he delivered in at the Clerk's Table; being a Narrative, and a Paper of Heads, and a Bundle of other Papers, to which the same referred, relating to the last Summer's Expedition at Sea.

Papers respecting the Expedition.

The said Narrative and Paper of Heads were read; and are as followeth; viz.

Before the King went abroad, his Majesty resolved upon the Attempt of St. Malo and Brest, as the Places that were the most dangerous, the one to the Trade, the other to the Safety, of the Nation.

In order to the executing these Designs, he ordered the Duke of Leinster, the Lord Galway, and Mr. Russell, to meet, and concert the proper Methods of performing these Services.

They met several times; and there attended them a Person lately come from France, with a minute Description of those Places; and to shew how true the Account he gave of those Places was, he offered to go on board the Fleet, and did go accordingly, that his Life might answer for the Truth of his Assertions.

February 26th, His Majesty communicated the Designs upon Brest to the Committee of Council; and accordingly I prepared Heads of Instructions to Mr. Russell; which, on March the First, being the next Time the Committee attended the King, were read, and approved; but the King did not sign them; but ordered Mr. Russell to consult with the Flag Officers, of such a Draught of Instructions as they should judge proper for that, and all the other Operations of the next Campaign.

March the 5th, the Council of War having determined nothing particularly in relation to Brest or St. Malo; and it being necessary, as well as ordered by the King, that a Draught of Instructions should be prepared by them, such a Draught was, by the Queen's Order, of May the 3d and 17th, demanded of Mr.Russell; who, on the 13th of May, sent me only his own Opinion, as is hereafter mentioned.

However, in the mean time, the Preparations went on for Ships and Provisions for the Troops designed for the Descent:

But the News of the French Designs upon England interrupted the Measures that were taken for the Descent.

And the Fleet not being manned, it was of absolute necessity to break through all Protections; and the Admiralty was directed to take all the Seamen, even of the Transport Ships, and send them to the Fleet.

April the 11th, Mr. Russell was directed to acquaint the Flag Officers with the French Designs; and to consider a proper Station for the Fleet, to prevent them; and so as not to be intercepted by the French, before the Dutch came, who were to sail the Two-and-twentieth; and Mr. Blathwaite was writ to, to press the sending them one by one, as they were ready.

April the 13th, Instructions were given to Rear Admiral Carter, to go upon the Coast of France.

19th, All the Ships except the First and Second Rates, were ordered to fall down the Flats off the Forelands.

Mr. Russell was ordered to consider what further Orders were fit to be given; whether fit to go to Sea, and where to cruise, to prevent a Descent; and whether the First and Second Rates may not go, on this Occasion, to the Rendezvous.

20th, The Admiralty was ordered to send the Fleet to the Flats, off the Foreland; and Mr. Russell was directed to distribute the Men of the Fleet, so as to be fit to sail.

22th, The Admiralty was directed by the Queen to order Mr. Russell to sail, with the Fleet, out of the River, to the Flats off the Foreland.

23th, Sir Ralph Delavall was ordered to Sea with all but the First and Second Rates: And that the Flats was to be the Rendezvous of the Fleet: To which Sir Ralph Delavall was to retreat, if he met with a superior Strength.

But the great Ships did not sail till Mr. Russell came on board, who took his Leave of the Queen on the Twenty-ninth April (on which Day Admiral Alimonde, with a considerable Number of Dutch Ships, arrived in the Downes), and went to the Fleet in the River on the Third of May: On which Day the Queen also hearing he was still in Town, ordered him so to do, and to consult with the Flag Officers the Services proper for this Expedition, as formerly ordered.

26th, The Queen ordered Mr. Russell to direct Sir Ralph Delavall to proceed to Haver de Grace, and to pursue his former Orders.

Papers respecting the Expedition.

27th, Delavall's Squadron was ordered to be strengthened as much as may be.

29th, All the Dutch Ships under Three Decks were ordered to join him.

May the 5th, I sent Mr. Russell Notice, That the French Fleet was believed to be at Sea, and pressed him to sail; and the Admiralty was directed to send him Orders accordingly to sail for the Rendezvous, which was then appointed to be between Cape de Hague and the Isle of Wight, whither Sir Ralph Delavall and Rear Admiral Carter were also directed.

6th, I acquainted him, that the French Fleet sailed on the Second; and told him of Delavall's Orders, which were, to join the Fleet in the Speediest Manner, and to send Advice to Mr. Russell.

7th, He writes, that the most proper Rendezvous was off of the Nesse or Beachy, but would obey his Orders of the Fifth.

7th, I pressed him to sail to the Westward.

8th, He sailed by Dover with a fair Wind.

9th, I repeated to him, as the Admiralty had ordered, that the Rendezvous was to be off of the Isle of Wight, for him, Delavall and Carter, and the Dutch: And that he should act as by the Advice of a Council of War; he stopping in Rye Bay.

10th, I sent him Word, that the French Fleet was on our Coast, and sent Duplicates to all the Ports upon the Coast.

On this Day also Sir Ralph Delavall and Rear Admiral Carter joined at St. Helen's.

11th, By the Queen's Order he was directed to call a Council of War; and to attack the French Fleet, if strong enough, they being in the Chanel: And therefore a Battle was much to be wished, with this Advantage.

And to have some Six or Seven Ships, to prevent the Transport of the French Troops, while he went Westward.

May 13th, These Orders were repeated; and that he should search the French Fleet.

13th, St. Helens. He says, the Fleet is joined: That, if he had not sailed the Moment he did, he had still been at the Nore, and it was done contrary to the Opinion of the Pilots: That the Wind had been so hard, that he could not purchase his Anchors till Yesterday; and several were forced to leave their Anchors behind them: He takes the French Design of Landing to be at an End, till they beat us; which, he believes, they will not attempt unless forced; or that we go far Westward, and leave the Coast naked: But Six or Seven Frigates on Normandy Coast will prevent it, and our Troops may embark and land at St. Malo; which Place, by the best information, is easily taken while the Fleet lies to the Westward, to protect them: This may oblige the French to a Battle; and, if we beat them, we may follow them (not as they did us, but) into their Harbours; and, embarking the Soldiers, go for Brest, and do a lasting Service to England.

14th, Mr. Russell writes, That he did not think it adviseable to search the French Fleet unless within a little Distance: That the Fleet being joined, he did not think the French would meet us this Summer: And that it was not adviseable to leave any Ships off of the French Coast, by sending away any of his Number from the Fleet.

15th, The Council of War agree with Mr. Russell not to search the French Fleet beyond St. Helen's; without certain Advice that they were on the Coast; but to proceed to Cape de Hague, and to return to St. Helen's; but cannot resolve upon Instructions for this Year's Service.

May the 15th, St. Helens. Mr. Russell writes, That he approves this Resolution, and will execute it.

The Guernsey Pilots understand not the French Coast: Hereupon the Queen sent him the Orders of * * * *.

May 17, That by leaving some Ships, as formerly directed on the Thirteenth, which seemed not to have been laid before the Council of War, the Designs of the French Descent were provided against; and that the whole Naval Power should not be employed about Cape de Hague and St. Helens; and the Noise of a Descent should not frustrate the whole Summer's Service: And that, this being his Opinion too, such a Proceeding would justly be censured.

And therefore he was to consider of the said Order at a Council of War; and to leave Ships on the Coast of Normandy, and proceed with the Fleet even to Brest, since the French could not get in; and to consider what further to propose, that the Queen might order it, if she approved it; but to lose no Opportunity, which upon Intelligence, he might have, in Expectation of such Orders.

17th, I writ to him also to press his looking after the French Fleet.

17th, I writ to him, that the French were seen off of Portland; and, in case of a Battle, which might draw him Westward, he should remember to leave some Ships on the Coast of Normandy, as directed.

19th, The Admiralty was directed to hasten the Ships in the River to the Downes; and there to expect their, or Mr. Russell's Orders.

20th, Mr. Russell gives an Account; that the French were beaten: That he was steering away to Conquest Bay, the Wind Fresh Eastwardly; and he hoped to destroy their whole Fleet.

21th, The Queen's Orders were sent to all the Ships that had not been with the Fleet, to go on the Coast of Normandy; and Orders were sent to the English and Dutch at Falmouth, to tell them of the Victory, and to sail to join the Fleet, which was in Pursuit of the Enemy.

And I writ to Mr. Russell, to acquaint him with these Orders; and that he should send some Ships to the Shannon, for Convoy of the Artillery which was necessary for the Descent.

May 23, Le Hogue Bay. Mr. Russell gives an Account of the Victory: That Ashby and Ailmonde had lost sight of the French off of Guernsey, which he laments; and believes they are got into St. Maloes: He intends to advise with the Flags about sending a strong Squadron to the Westward, which may possibly meet the French going to Brest; and to send another along the French Coast to Dunkirke; designs to go to St. Helen's but judges the Downes more proper: He complains of the Queen's Order of the Seventeenth; gives Reasons for his going to Cape de Hague, viz. from this Place: The Transport was to be made hither; the French Fleet was coming to convoy them; and its appearing on our Coast could be no Danger to England; and says, the Event has justified his Opinion.

26th, I signified to him the Queen's Approbation of his sending a strong Squadron to the Westward: That there was no need of sending another further than Diep; because there were Ships before Dunkirk: That he should stay at St. Helen's (and not come to the Downes), to be ready to execute the Designs he knew of: And that the Queen would send some Lords, to concert, with the Flags and General Officers, the Methods of an Invasion; for that the sooner an Attempt was made, the better, while the French were under a Consternation; and to send some Ships to the Shannon, for the Artillery.

25th, Six Leagues from Le Hogue. Mr. Russell writes, he had resolved at a Council of War to have gone Westward himself, with Fifty Ships, to Forne Head, in Hopes to have met the Ships with the Dutch, and the Admiral of the Blue, lost sight of; but hearing, by a Genoese, that he met Twelve French disabled Ships off of the Start, bound for Brest, he concluded it was in vain to go thither to look after them: He was resolved to come to St. Helen's with the Fleet; except some Ships sent to Havre de Grace, to look after Five French Ships he believed were there: "Now is the Time, if you were able to make a Descent: I believe we may be free from any Attempt they will make in our Country as yet: I say this, because you will have Ships enough for the Fleet, and for all the services the Admiralty used to be so much concerned for. I will immediately put what Ships are able for the Sea, in the best Condition I can; if Masts may be had, all will be fit for Service immediately."

27, I told him the Queen had resolved, that no Time should be lost to prosecute the Descent.

27th, St. Helen's. He hoped, but could not be positive, that a few Days will fit, if not all, yet most of, the Ships for the Sea: "It will be necessary to consider what the Fleet shall do; to cruise, is of no Use: If the Men for the Descent can be got ready, now is the Time:" If this cannot be, he knows not what to propose.

27th, I acquainted him, That, hearing he was in Sight of Portsmouth, the Queen resolved, that no Time should be lost in prosecuting the Descent; and had ordered the Lords Rochester, Portland, and Sidney, to go to Portsmouth, to consult with him, and the Sea and Land Officers, the proper Measures.

They went on the Twenty-eighth, and returned the One-and-thirtieth.

31th, I acquainted Mr. Russell, that Two French Ships were off of Beachy; and, on the Twenty-sixth and Twenty-seventh, four more off of Dartmouth; and took notice of the Advice he had received from the Lord Jermyn, that a Squadron of French Ships were in St. Malo.

While the Lords were at Portsmouth, it was agreed by the Flag Officers, That the Fleet should sail as soon as possible, with Sixty Men of War, and go off Ushant, sending some Frigates to see what French Ships were in Brest Water; and to act against the Enemy as the FlagOfficers judge best: And that the Fleet should sail, without staying for the Land Forces; and Mr. Russell to send Advice from thence with all Speed.

June the 1st, In pursuance of the Flag Officers Advice, the Queen ordered Mr. Russell to send immediately some Ships and Fireships to Newfoundland, to destroy the French there; and to send a Squadron, of such Ships as were ready, to Cape de Hague, to cruise Two or Three Days, to annoy the Enemy; and, if no Opportunity for it, to return to St. Helen's.

June the 1st, Mr. Russell writes, That he designed to go to Sea with the English and Dutch Ships that are in the best Condition; and leave the rest to be efitted.

2d, Mr. Russell acknowledges the Letter from the Lord Jermyn (about the Ships at St. Malo); but he knows not what to make of it: He intended some Ships to look after the French off of Beachy and Falmouth; but the Weather had hindered him: That the Captain of the Chatham chased Two French Men of War into the Race of Alderney. He designs to go to Sea with a Squadron of Ships.

2d, I writ to Mr. Russell, to send a List of what Ships he desired to keep for the main Fleet, including the Newfoundland Ships, and those designed for the Coast of Normandy; that the rest might be employed in cruising.

3d, The Queen sent Orders to Mr. Russell, to direct the Squadron designed to go off Cape de Hague, to proceed to the Soundings, and cruise Eight or Ten Days for Protection of the Oporto Fleet and Merchant Ships, daily expected; and then to return to the Fleet in such manner as he judged best for the Service; unless the Flag Officers should judge it not fit to hazard that Squadron, without more Force to be added to it.

3d, I writ to him, That I had Advice from Guernsey, that the French Ships were at St. Malo; and that it was thought some Fireships might do great Execution.

Papers respecting the Expedition.

4th, Spithead. Mr. Russell gives an Account of the Condition of the Fleet; and proposes some Ship to be sent to Chatham: He does not apprehend a greater Strength from the Enemy than we shall be, all Services performed: He will communicate the Queen's Orders of the Third; and send the Result: If there were any Probability of the French Ships being at St. Malo, certainly the Governor of Guernsey would send some Vessel thither, to know the Certainty; and Measures might be taken to destroy them: But sending from hence, the Return of the Ship, and then to order a Squadron on that Coast (which must not be less than the greatest Part of the Fleet, if the French be Thirty-three; and probably the French from Brest may join them), will be hardly feasible at this time, unless he were now certain they were there. It is too late to repine; but if the French had been followed at first by the Ships he left off the Gasketts, there would have been a good Account of them.

5th, Mr. Russell writes, He was cleaning Two Fourth Rates at Portsmouth, Two Fifths at Plymouth, and a Fireship ready to join them, which will be ready in a few Days; then they shall go to Newfoundland: He will send the Names of the Ships for cruising on the Coast of France, while the Fleet is to the Westward:-And how strong the main Fleet will then be:-He does not desire more than Seventy.

6th, I sent Mr. Russell an Account I received from France, That the French Ships were certainly at St. Malo; and that it agreed with the News I sent him from Guernsey; and that I hoped, since our Squadron unfortunately did not pursue the Enemy, the Honour was reserved for him.

6th, The Queen, upon this Intelligence, ordered him to send some Frigate off the Coast of St. Malo, and to get some little Vessel at Jersey to go near St. Malo, and discover what French Ships were there, and how they lay; with Orders to bring him an Account to such Place as he should appoint; and ordered Mr. Russell to sail with the English and Dutch which were ready, with the first Wind; to Cape de Hague, and so Westward, to meet the Frigate sent to St. Malo; and, if the French were there, or upon that Coast, he was to proceed thither, and take or destroy them: But, if this cannot be done without Land Forces, he was to send Notice of it, that such Forces as he judged requisite, might immediately be embarked, and sent to him; and in the mean time he was to cruise, so as not to give the Enemy Suspicion of his Design, and yet so as to prevent their getting away to Brest: But, if no French Ships were at St. Malo, or nothing can be any-way attempted, he was to pursue his Orders of June the Third.

7th, Spithead. Mr. Russell takes notice of the ill Weather; and that he could not call together the Flag Officers, to consider of her Majesty's last Order.

9th, I sent him a further Account, That the French Ships were at St. Malo; and so I hoped he would retrieve the Misfortune of their Escape; for this would put an End to all their Pretensions at Sea; and therefore ought to be attempted, if there were any Prospect of Success, by any means.

9th, Spithead. Mr. Russell says, He has sent Two Frigates to Jersey and Guernsey, to get a Boat to go with them to St. Malo, to discover the Enemy's Ships there.

10th, He writes, That he had a List of the Line of Battle, which would be about Seventy-five Sail; and also a List of the Ships for the Coast of Normandy, the Cruisers, and these sent to the Admiralty; which, with the Fourth Rates they have already, will be sufficient for the Services they have to employ them on.

10th, In another he says, He thinks himself strong enough, and shall be able to send, some constantly to clean, and some few to cruise on the Coast of Ireland: He cannot send Ships for the Transport Ships at Bristoll, till he get to the Westward.

11th, I writ to him about the Rupert, which was in the Line of Battle; but should, as much as might, be in a Readiness for the West Indies: I writ also about the Winter Squadron, and to know his Opinion of that, and a Squadron to the Mediterranean.

I confirmed to him the News of the French Ships being at St. Malo; and prayed his Opinion, what might be done against them, and what might be requisite to enable him to destroy them.

Papers respecting the Expedition.

12th, Spithead. Mr. Russell writes, That he was impatient of the ill Weather; and that Captain Meez should sail with his Squadron the next Day.

13th, He writes his Opinion about the Winter, and Mediterranean Squadron.

13th, In another he writes, That the Prisoners taken by the Cloudesly Galley assure him, that the French Vice Admiral of the Blue, and Twenty-five more Ships, and Fireships, were at St. Malo, almost repaired, and watched an Opportunity to get to Brest.

Hereupon he called a Council of War; where it was resolved to put to Sea, with the whole Fleet, with the first fair Weather, and ply to the Forne Head, and lie to Eastward of it, towards the Isle of Bass, to intercept their getting into Brest: He himself inclined to go with the Fleet before St. Malo; but the Pilots said it was not safe: However, when the Fleet is to the Westward of St. Malo, something must be attempted to destroy them; to which the Land Army would be of great Use: This additional Blow to the Enemy would be worth Two Provinces in France.

June 14th, I told him, That the Transport Ships were ordered to Portsmouth with all Speed, and the Troops would be embarked, and follow him; though I hoped he would not lose an Opportunity of destroying the St. Malo Ships, in Expectation of them: I proposed to him the ordering Captain Meez to cruise about Le Hogue, and to pretend sometimes to land; that the late King's Army might be kept thereabouts from going to St. Malo, that the Opposition might be less at St. Malo.

14th, Mr. Russell sailed from St. Helen's.

15th, I acquainted him, That the West India Squadron was designed to sail by the First of August; that the Ships designed thither might be in the Way: I told him some Things to be attemped at Newfoundland; that Captain Gillam might be informed of them; that I hoped he would succeed at St. Malo; and desired him to send an Account of what he found practicable.

17th, Off the Bolt, Mr. Russell writes, That, if the Enemy be still at St. Malo, and the Weather permit, he hoped to keep to the Westward of them; and then will consider, with the Flag Officers, what can be done, and how; which he will give an Account of.

If Land Forces, and the Shallops late-built, be necessary, Captain Bembo is a prudent gallant Man, and fit to be advised with.

23th, I acquainted him, That Captain Bembo apprehends the Attempt at St. Malo dangerous, without Land Forces; but, with them, he does not doubt of good Success: That the Transport Ships were fallen down the River; and, as they arrive at Portsmouth, the Troops will be embarked: I prayed him to send a Convoy to Milford Haven, for the Transport Ships, if he had not already done it, the Dolphin alone being too weak: That Captain Bembo thought Brest also not hard to be attempted with the Fleet, and Land Forces; and was willing to go on any of those Services.

In the mean time (till our Troops come to you) I hoped the St. Malo Ships would be hindered from getting away.

24th, I writ, by the Queen's Command, to Captain Meez, to pretend sometimes to land, and so keep the Coast in continual Alarms, and thereby facilitate the Attempt of St. Malo.

At Sea, 21th, Mr. Russell takes notice, That the Troops were to be embarked at Portsmouth: Approves that Captain Meez should alarm the French Coast, as I had proposed to him; but he was gone from him: He had sent some Ships to the Seven Islands, to take some Men from the Shore:- No way to prevent the French Ships getting out of St. Malo, and going North about, if they will venture it, but by lying before the Port, if it may be; of which he will advise with the Pilots; but, if it can be, it will cause the French to bring down all their Troops, and render the Attempt more difficult: But something ought to be hazarded for the destroying those Ships.

22, in Sight of the Start. He says the Dragon is ordered to convey the Transport Ships from Bristoll: Captain Gillam will sail to Newfoundland the first favourable Weather.

23th, He says, That, having Yesterday received an Account from Captain Meez of the French Ships being at St. Malo, he called a Council of War; who, upon the unanimous Advice of the Pilots (that the Fleet may ride safely off of Cape Farrell), resolved to proceed thither: He says that it was impossible to keep the former Station agreed upon; for bad Weather would force them away; besides, the Ships might get out of St. Malo, and go away Eastward: If any Attempt can be made with Probability of Success, it shall be pushed: Whether the Landmen be ready, or can be serviceable, he cannot judge.

28th, The Queen ordered Captain Meez to come immediately to Spithead, with the English and Dutch Ships with him.

29th, I told Mr. Russell, That all the Transport Ships, and Forty Shallops, were fallen down the River, and will be convoyed to Portsmouth: That the Troops (which I believed would be about Twelve thousand, besides Dragoons) were so posted, as to be embarked in a few Days: That Two Bomb Vessels would be at Portsmouth by the time the Troops embarked, or else would follow: I told him, That Captain Meez was sent for to Spithead, to convoy the Transport Ships; and to assist in carrying some Men, if Shipping were wanting, as there would be, if those from Bristoll did not come; and therefore desired him to send all the Tenders he could spare.

July the 1st, I sent him Letters, with the Queen's Orders to the Governors of the Caribbee Islands, to be sent with all Speed; and the Duplicates of them: Within a Fortnight after the first were dispatched, I again prayed him to send all the Tenders he could spare, to Portsmouth, with all Speed; for there would be Fourteen thousand Men to be embarked.

2d, Captain Mees arrived at Spithead.

June the 30th, Mr. Russell takes notice, That he had been driven Twenty Leagues beyond Ushant; which confirms him in his Opinion, that so great a Fleet should not be ventured at Sea, but where there is Room to drive any Way for Forty-eight Hours, or may anchor, and ride in the Chanel: Six Hours makes either Side a Lee Shore; and, if Providence had not put it in his Head early in the Morning to bring to, the Fleet had been in Danger: He designs for St. Malo; though, by what he can be informed from the Pilots, he has little Hopes of doing any thing with the Fleet on that Place; nor is it possible to lie anywhere on the Enemy's Coast to the Westward, to intercept them in their Passage to Brest; so that, if he finds he can do nothing, he will come to Torbay, and expect Orders: He cannot see, that any Service can be done by the Fleet, but only protecting the Country; unless we can land upon the Enemy; and, what that may do, he cannot judge: He hopes the latter Part of the Summer may make Amends for what is past; for he never saw such Weather.

July the 4th, I received Mr. Russell's of June the Thirtieth; and wrote to him, by the Queen's Command, That though I had often acquainted him with our Preparations for sending Land Forces, to join him in the Attempt on St. Malo, and the Ships there; and that, if nothing could be done there by the Fleet alone, he should, however, endeavour to prevent their getting away to Brest; yet, that her Majesty thought it necessary I should write again to him on this Subject: That the Transport Ships were sailed towards Portsmouth, the Troops ready to be embarked, Captain Meez ready to convoy them; and, consequently, they might sail quickly to join with the Fleet: Therefore he should use all Means, that consists with the Safety of the Fleet, to hinder the French from escaping out of St. Malo; though I pretended not to prescribe the Method: That the Letters from France, say, they were in Pain for their Ships at St. Malo: That Tourvile was sent thither to try if it were possible to get them away: That Captain Meez had alarmed them, and crossed that Design; so that, if the Fleet alone cannot attack them, nor lie safely in a Station to intercept them, yet a Squadron might hinder them from attempting to get away, though the Fleet should be forced off the Coast; because they will scarce venture to Sea, without sending out Scouts to discover where our Fleet was: The Safety of the Fleet was of that Importance, that I did not pretend to advise; and he was to make no Conclusion from this Letter, but only that the Queen was resolved to have the Destruction of the St. Malo Ships attempted, if possible; and therefore earnestly recommended it to his Care, that the Opportunity be not lost, before the Troops join him: That it was necessary he should send Notice to Portsmouth, with Speed, where the Transport Ships should join him, as also the Victualing Ships from Plymouth; and, if we did not hear from him, I believed they would be ordered towards St. Malo.

July the 3d, Gurnsey Road. Mr. Russell writes, That the Pilots would not venture over to St. Malo, the Weather being thick: He mistrusts their Judgment: He is informed by a Captain that has used the St. Malo Trade, That there is not good Ground for above Forty Ships to ride in; for which Reason he will call a Council of War, to consider whether the whole Fleet should proceed, or only a Detachment, to view the Place, and how the Fleet may ride; and, if no Service can be done, it is better not to appear before the Place.

The Council of War resolved, That it was not fit that the whole Fleet should anchor before St. Malo: That a Squadron, if it be detached, to get an Account of the Place, and of the Ground for the Fleet to ride, if hereafter an Attempt should be made, and the Fleet to proceed Twelve Leagues off of the Start: And Vice Admiral Rook was ordered off of Cape Farrell, to examine the Grounds for Ships to ride in, and get an Account of the Ships at St. Malo.

Mr. Russell also inclosed an Account he had from some English (one of which is a sensible Man) that escaped from St. Malo; viz. "That, on the Islands at the going into St. Malo, there are Thirty Guns on the one Side, and Fifty on the other, as they believe; and, when out of Command of the Island, you are within the Command of the Town: That they were, and still continue, in great Consternation, fearing our Fleet would come and burn their Ships: The Men of War above Sallydore rode within Pistol Shot of the Town: The Town is not strong to the Land: That all their Water comes in Pipes from Saledore; which if cut, the Town cannot hold it: That there is no Damage to be done in their Harbour by Ships; but, if a greater Number of Boats than they have, should come, they would be in such Consternation, that, they believed, their Ships might be destroyed, but with great Hazard."

Papers respecting the Expedition.

Postscript, July 4th, He says he had received mine of the Twenty-ninth of June: That he could not then answer every Particular; but this he might, without much Consideration; That, if the Number of Men to be landed did not exceed Twelve thousand Men, they can be of no Use at St. Malo, which has Double the Number fit to bear Arms: If these be all that are for the Descent, the best Use of them will be, to land at Le Hogue, and take away the Cannon which the French have fished up.

July the 6th, under Sail off Guernzey, Mr. Russell writes, That he would send away the First Packet to the Barbadoes, but wanted a Vessel to carry the Second, for which the Goodwyn Prize was very proper: He could say nothing of the intended Descent, till the Return of Vice Admiral Rook; and then he shall better judge whether the Whole or Part of the Fleet may ride off of St. Malo: That, if the Design be on the Place, there may be sufficient Ships to protect the Landing: He will send the Tenders to help transport the Men: He gives his Opinion of some Matters relating to the West India Expedition.

Papers respecting the Expedition.

July the 7th, I acknowledged the Receipt of Mr. Russell's, of the Fourth and Sixth Instant: That the Queen continued her Resolution of an Attempt upon St. Malo: That the Fears of our Enemies, and the Reports of Rice Beer, encouraged our Hopes; and Captain Bembo thought it very feasible to destroy the Town and Ships: That though the French might have more than we sent, yet they were not formed Troops; and ours would be between Fourteen and Fifteen thousand, besides Dragoons: That our Expectations were raised; and therefore, as his Servant, I intreated him not to leave it possible to be objected to him, that he had omitted any thing that might prevent the Escape of the French Ships, before our Troops joined him; and a Resolution should be taken at a Council of War of Sea and Land Officers: The Goodwyn Prize was sent to him: The Complaints of the Mischiefs from Privateers were very great; and therefore he would do well to send some Ships to cruise in the Soundings, and the Entrance of the Irish Chanel; and to send some Ships to the Admiralty, which they wanted: I proposed to him to consider of the Number and Quality of the Winter Squadron, not knowing the Condition of the Ships with him so well as himself: I proposed also the laying up a considerable Number of Ships at Portsmouth in the Winter, to be the readier to join the Winter Squadron, and prevent any Attempt from France in the Winter; but I hoped he would put it out of the Power of France to attack us.

July the 8th, off the Berry. Mr. Russell owns the Receipt of mine of the Fourth: He can say no more of St. Malo, till Vice Admiral Rook returns.

"By the Uneasiness of the French about their Ships there, it seems that they think the Place is not difficult to be attempted; but to us, who are not acquainted there, the Report of the Rapidness of the Tide, and its setting from one Rock to another (of which there is abundance), makes it appear something hazardous to go on with our Ships: But what I say is only by Hearsay; and possibly the Place may be more facile than I imagine: The destroying the Place and Ships would be of great Consequence to England.

He hopes he has not been wanting hitherto in preventing the French Ships getting to Brest, though with no small Hazard to the Fleet: And, observing that the Queen resolved to have the Destruction of the St. Malo Ships attempted; and recommends it to him, that an Opportunity be not lost by their getting away: He apprehends, that, if it should happen, the Blame would fall on him: He knows but one Way to prevent their getting to Brest, if that be the only Port in France they must go to; the Fleet's lying in Comeret Bay; which, if the Queen commands, shall be done: "The Transport Ships are not yet come from the River: nor can come, while the Wind is Westerly: With these Westerly Winds the French cannot stir; but I must constantly be close in with their Shore, in Expectation of a South or South-east Wind, which will bring them away; with which Wind, if I am not near that Shore, I cannot reach them: All which ought to be considered, before an Impression be made in Peoples Minds:" If the Tenders are still wanting, he will send them.

July 11th, I writ to him to send the Tenders to Portsmouth and Southampton, that the Men might not be crouded: I hoped the Troops would be speedily embarked: And that he would have good Success at St. Malo, if the Ships can be prevented from getting away, before the Attempt be made.

July the 10th, Torbay. Mr. Russell had been at Sea; but was driven back: He then received a Duplicate of mine of the Seventh: By my recommending, in every Letter, the preventing the Escape of the St. Malo Ships, he was confirmed in what he writ in his of the Eighth: He repeats, that, if the Ground at St. Malo is not good, the Fleet cannot lie there, without apparent Danger: That he had sent to know what Ground there is: That there is no Place where the Fleet can cruise with Safety, to prevent their getting to Brest, but Accidents of Weather will give them Opportunity to get in; against this, no mortal Man can object: By my saying the Peoples Expectations were raised, he concludes, that the destroying the Ships at St. Malo is thought easy: If there be any that have said so, he wishes them with the Fleet; for, though he will not say, that he will venture to do what any Man ashore will advise; yet, if the Adviser will bear a Part, no Man shall go further than himself.

Papers respecting the Expedition.

He says, "Give me leave to observe one Passage in your Lordship's Letter; That, when the Army joins us, a Resolution will be taken what to do, as a Council of War of Land and Sea Officers will advise: I do not know how able the rest of the Flag Officers are in that case: but, for myself, I can only deliver my judgment, where the Fleet can go, in order to protect their Landing; and, in my humble Opinion, that should be observed, before the Men and Horses embark: If they must keep the Sea till the Place where be determined, Weather may put them under so many Hardships, that they will be of little Service on Shore: "You will please to consider, the Season of the Year is so far advanced, that Six Weeks will near conclude what we call Summer, of which I have not as yet had one Day since I came out: I heartily wish (for the Nation's Sake) the Town and Ships at St. Malo may be destroyed, without the least Regard to what Advantage may accrue to me from it; having less in my Head of that Matter than it is possible for you to imagine: Probably the Difficulty will not be greater than what is suggested to your Lordship; but I believe I may affirm, that Half the Number of Men, a Month since, would have performed what can be expected from Double their number now; for, as your Lordship says, their Fears are great, so I believe their Industry has not been less to secure both, as much as it is possible for the Place to admit of:" He sent a List of the Fleet to me and the Admiralty; and says, what Ships are ordered from the Fleet will not afflict him, believing we shall have no other Dispute this Summer against the Enemy's Fleet.

July the 13th, I answered Mr. Russell's Letter of the Tenth; and told him, He might remember, that he himself had proposed the Attempt upon St. Malo; and, because it was feared the Fleet alone might not succeed in it, all possible Preparations have been made, to send the Land Forces; and, because the Delays had been great, it was necessary to acquaint him, that the Queen continued her Resolutions against St. Malo; and consequently to recommend to him to prevent the French Ships Escape from thence, as far as was possible, and consistent with the Safety of the Fleet, especially since People had conceived great Hopes of Success: That it became me to write thus, in Duty to their Majesties, and Friendship to him: That the Troops would be speedily embarked, and desired him to appoint a Rendezvous for them and the Fleet; and to send a Frigate from time to time off of Brest, to get Advice of the French there, which might be of Use in future Resolutions.

14th, The Queen ordered Mr. Russell to act with the Fleet in Concurrence with the Troops, in the Execution of the Designs mentioned in the Instructions to the Duke of Leinster, which shall be judged fit at a Council of War; and, in the First place, required him to consider and execute what may possibly be effected at St. Malo, for the taking or burning that Place, and the Ships there; and to pursue such other Measures against the Enemy, in such Method as shall be judged feasible at a Council of War, without expecting further Orders.

The Instructions to the Duke of Leinster were, to embark the Troops to join the Fleet: And, though the Queen would give no positive Orders, her Majesty recommended the Destruction of St. Malo and Brest, the French Magazines at Brest and Rochfort, the Transport Ships at Le Hogue and Havre de Grace; and, if all or any of them were practicable, her Majesty ordered him to execute the same in such Manner, and such Order, as was judged most proper at a Council of War.

July the 13th, Torbay. Mr. Russell writes, that Vice Admiral Rook was returned from St. Malo; who told him, he believed Concall was the most proper Place for Landing: That he saw above Thirty-five Sail, including Privateers, ready to depart, which Mr. Russell believed they would with the first steady South or South-east Wind: He would sail as the Weather permitted, and lie in such Station as he might do the best Service, as a Council of War shall advise: He would send me the Rendezvous so soon as agreed on: For the present, it was Eight Leagues South from the Start; and hopes the several Accounts and Informations he sent, might be useful: As to the intended Descent, he sent a Copy of the Instructions to Captain Gillam: The Wild Prize should sail to Barbadoes, with the Queen's Orders, with the first fair Wind.

Mr. Russell inclosed a Letter of the Fifth instant, which the Lord Jermyn writ to him; telling him, that Part of the St. Malo Ships were in the Race, and the rest were ready to sail: That the late King's Army was at Le Hogue still; and that he had sent him the best Pilot of the Island for the Coast of Britany.

The Resolutions of the Council of War held by Vice Admiral Rooke were,

1st, That it was infinite Hazard for the whole Fleet to come before St. Malo.

2dly, That it was not possible for that Squadron to destroy the French Ships, because the Pilots will not take Charge to carry in any Ships or Fireships, though he offered One hundred Pounds to a Pilot.

3dly, For this Reason the whole Fleet is not better capable of destroying the French Ships, than this Squadron.

4thly, A Squadron of Ships in the Summer Season may be ventured to lie before St. Malo, to cover the Transport Ships, in case the Descent be near the Place; provided the whole Fleet be posted so, as to secure them from the Enemy from the Westward.

July the 14th, Torbay. Mr. Russell sent the Resolution of the Council of War, Where it was most proper for the Fleet to lie, to prevent the Ships getting from St. Malo to Brest, before the Troops embarked, which were designed to attack that Place; viz. Ten or Twelve Leagues South from the Start; and that a small Detachment of light Ships should lie within Sight of the Fleet to the Southward and Scouts to the Southward of them: That, with the Wind Westwardly, the Rendezvous should be Torbay: With the Wind Eastwardly, to ply up to Ten or Twelve Leagues South of the Start: He says, he had sent this Day all the Tenders to Portsmouth; and desired the Queen's Commands speedily, how to proceed with the Fleet.

July the 17th, The Transport Ships arrived at Portsmouth.

17th, I wrote to Mr. Russell, to tell him, that I had an Account from Flanders, that a considerable Part of the Army which was at Le Hogue, was sent to Flanders, and Eight Battalions more sent to the Rhine; and that there was yet a Camp at Le Hogue: That an intercepted Letter, writ from Le Hogue, says, That the Ships at St. Malo could not get away by reason of the English Fleet that watched them: That there was a fair Opportunity for the English to make a Descent, if they were bold and undertaking; but they believed the English did not think of it.

Upon this Intelligence, it seemed the French could not have many formed Troops at St. Malo.

That our Troops were about Fourteen thousand, which, with Three or Four thousand Seamen, would be a better Army than the French could oppose: That I did not think we could besiege St. Malo; but the Troops might bombard the Town, while the Bomb-vessels did the like from Sea; or, if the Bomb-vessels could do it alone, the Troops might possess themselves of the Batteries upon the River: That, since Vice Admiral Rook thinks a Squadron might lie before the Town, these Ships, and our Boats, will prevent the Enemy's Attempt on the Bombvessels; and, since the Buildings at St. Malo are of Wood, high and close, it seems not hard to burn the Town; and consequently nothing to oppose our Ships going up the River to destroy the French Ships.

The next thing to be thought of is Brest, which our Troops will not be strong enough to take; but, the Ships not being laid up, they may be destroyed, if our Ships can pass the Batteries, or our Troops can take them; however, if the Ships at St. Malo can be destroyed, we may then, without our great Ships, proceed, and destroy the Ships upon the Stocks, and the Magazines at Port Louis and Rochfort: And what he proposed, of taking the Guns fished up at Le Hogue, may be done at any time, being within our Chanel; and therefore should have been the last Thing to be tried.

These Things I proposed only to him, who could best judge of the Feasibleness of them; and that he should regard his Letters no otherwise, than as an Argument of my wishing well to my Country, and to himself, who will have the Honour of such a Service.

July the 18th, I acquainted Mr. Russell, That the Transport Ships were at Portsmouth: That the Troops would be embarked by Wednesday, and would sail to the Rendezvous he resolved on in his Letter of the Fourteenth, unless he sent other Orders to meet them; and therefore, if he could think of a more proper one, he should send Notice by a Frigate: If they went directly to Guernsey, it would be a shorter Voyage for the Troops.

On the 19th, the Tenders arrived at Portsmouth.

July the 18th, Twelve Leagues South from the Start. Mr. Russell writes, That he had sent Captain Nevill, with Thirty English and Dutch Ships, to lie Ten Leagues North from the West End of the Isle of Bass; and ordered Two Ships to lie between Brake and Seven Islands, Two between the Seven Islands and La Bass, and Two between La Bass and the Forne; all to lie under the Shore: This he thought the best Posture, whereby to intercept any thing that came Eastward or Westward; the Remainder of the Fleet to lie in the appointed Station.

He has heard nothing from Captain Nevile; which makes him conclude the French did not sail from St. Malo with the last Easterly Winds; and believes they will not stir till Winter: The Wild Prize went away the last Easterly Wind: The Instructions to the Commander, from Mr. Russell, were dated July the Sixteenth: He will endeavour to get Intelligence of the Ships at Brest; and has had Ships off of that Coast for some time.

July the 22th, I sent him a List of Ships designed for the West Indies, that he might order them into Port so soon as he could spare them, so as to be fitted by the End of August: I acquainted him, That most of the Troops were embarked, and the last would be so this Day.

July the 19th, off of the Start, Mr. Russell writes, That the James Galley had taken a Privateer, who said, That Orders had been sent often, and as often contradicted, for laying up the Ships at Brest: He was on board the St. Phillip, when burnt at Le Hogue; and gives an Account of the Ships burnt, agreeable to what I had sent to Mr. Russell: The Captain of the James Galley brought an Account, That the Three-decked Ships at Brest were disarmed; and some others were haled out of the Harbour into the River, upon apprehension that the English would come and destroy them; the Remainder was in Brest Road: The Inhabitants of Comeret were removed, for Fear of a Descent.

July the 19th, In another he says, he believes the French great Ships are disarmed; and thereupon proposes, as his Opinion, the Laying up of our great Ships: That the rest of the Fleet would be strong enough against any Enemy that will oppose.

22th Torbay. By reason of the Weather, and more convenient Taking-in of Victuals, he was come to Torbay: To-morrow he would go to his former Station, and send Ships to relieve those on the French Coast: In Answer to my Desire of him to appoint a Rendezvous for the Transport Ships to join the Fleet, he says, "Really I am not able to tell you; only I think not in the Sea; either they should come to the Fleet, or the Fleet to them, lest Accidents hinder the Joining; doubtless, the less Time they are on board, the better for Men and Horses."

Papers respecting the Expedition.

July the 26th, The Queen taking notice of the Advice received from Captain Wilkins, that he had seen a Squadron of French Men of War off of Ushant; and that he apprehended they were the Ships gone from St. Malo to Brest, and that would be too late to attempt the destroying them at St. Malo; therefore her Majesty ordered him, notwithstanding the Orders of the Fourteenth, to consider what was proper to be attempted at Brest, or for the Destruction of the Ships in the Bay or Harbour; and he was ordered to put in Execution that Resolution, without expecting further Orders: He was also ordered to send a Frigate to St. Malo, to be more certainly informed, Whether the Ships were still there; and, if nothing could be done at Brest, then to consider, at a Council of War, of those other Enterprizes which were recommended to him and the Duke of Leinster: And that, before he returned with the Fleet, her Majesty particularly recommended to him the Burning of St. Malo, although no French Ships should be there.

26th, The Transport Ships sailed from St. Helen's, the Wind at North-east.

July the 24th, Torbay. Mr. Russell says, That Yesterday he had the Advice from Captain Wilkins, that he will not be positive they were French Ships; but believes they might be Captain Nevil's Squadron; they being pretty near the Station appointed to Captain Nevile.

July the 25th, Torbay. He acknowledges the Receipt of mine of the Eighteenth; and that he had called a Council of War; when, Notice being taken, that the Troops were embarked, it was resolved to sail with the Fleet to Spithead, to join the Transport Ships, if the Wind be Westwardly; but, if Eastwardly, the Fleet should remain in Torbay, and expect them: And accordingly he had sent an Express to the Duke of Leinster, to acquaint him with this Resolution: It was also resolved, that a Squadron of Fifty capital Ships under Sir John Ashby should be sent to lie Fifteen or Twenty Leagues North from the Isle of Basse.

Postscript, Mr. Russell adds, That he could say a great deal on the Manner of these Proceedings, not only as to the Delay of the Descent, but ordering an Army to cruise for a Fleet, and, when joined, to be resolved what shall be done with them.

July the 28th, Orders were sent to Mr. Russell, to send in the Ruby, Advice, Chester, Experiment, and Hawk Fireships to be cleaned for the West Indies.

Upon the Joining of the Fleet and Transport Ships,

July the 28th, The Council of War, of Sea and Land Officers, resolved, by the Flag Officers, That nothing can be done with any Ships of the Fleet against the St. Malo Ships, till the Town be so far reduced by the Land Forces, as that our Ships shall not be much annoyed by the Enemy's Guns in the Attempt; by the Land Officers, That the Troops can do nothing without the Assistance of the Fleet: That though the Flag Officers are of an Opinion, that an Attempt might be made at Brest with some Hopes of Success, if the Summer Season was not so far spent; yet now it is not fit to attempt any thing against the Enemy's Ships there: And the Land Officers are of Opinion, that the Troops can do nothing there, without the Protection of the Fleet: The Flag Officers think it is not safe for the Fleet to attempt any thing against the Enemy at Rochfort, the Season being so far advanced; but the Flag Officers think the Fleet may lie on the Coast of Normandy till towards the latter End of August, to protect an Attempt upon Havre de Grace, Le Hogue, or any Place thereabouts: And resolved, That the Fleet lie on the Coast accordingly. The Flag Officers also resolved, That something might be attempted at St. Malo, Brest, or Rochfort, with Probability of Success, were not the Season so far advanced, as not to admit of the Fleet's going with Safety to see whether any thing may be done in those Places.

July the 29th, Mr. Russell writes a very long Letter, with Reflections upon the Whole.

Papers respecting the Expedition.

July the 31th, The Queen ordered Mr. Russell to detach immediately, under the Command of a Vice Admiral or Rear Admiral, all the English and Dutch Ships of the Third Rate and under, with Twenty Fireships, the Transport Ships with the Troops, the Galliots and Well Boats; with Orders to proceed as near St. Malo as could be, with Safety to the Ships: The Commander to send in such Frigates and Fireships, as he shall judge proper, into the Road of St. Malo, to support the bombarding the Place, and the Descent of the Troops; and the Remainder of the Squadron to lie in such Manner as was resolved at a Council of War by Vice Admiral Rook, to prevent the Approach of the French Ships from Brest, and to succour the Frigates in St. Malo Road, if the French should come and attack them, Mr. Russell to go with the rest of the Fleet to Torbay, supplying the Well Boats with such Men as he could spare: That the Ships at St. Malo (if any there) should also be attempted, if the burning the Town succeeded, or sooner, if there were Opportunity for it; but her Majesty did not think fit, that any Attempt should be made as yet at Le Hogue or Havre de Grace: Sir John Ashby was also ordered to join Mr. Russell with the First and Second Rates, and to send the rest to the Coast of St. Malo: The Duke of Leinster had Orders suitable to the above-named; and I acquainted Mr. Russell with these Orders to Sir John Ashby and the Duke of Leinster; and that the Queen appointed Captain Bembo to command the Well Boats and Galliots, being recommended by Mr. Russell, unless Mr. Russell could pitch upon a fitter Person: And that, so soon as the Attempt at St. Malo was over, or found impracticable, the Squadron should return to St. Helen's, sending Notice to Mr. Russell, that he might do so too.

July the 30th, off of the Highlands of St. Alban's. Mr. Russell incloses a Result of a Council of War of this Day; That, upon Consideration of the Queen's Order of the Twenty-sixth, they do not see any Reason to differ from their Opinions of the Twenty-eighth, relating to Brest and St. Malo: But the Destruction of St. Malo being so particularly recommended, notwithstanding, by the Advice her Majesty has received, it is believed the Ships of War are escaped from thence; it is resolved the Fleet shall sail to St. Helen's, as the most proper Place, to be kept entire to put in Execution her Majesty's Commands; which, if contrary to the Opinions of the Council of War, they desire may be positive: And Mr. Russell writes, that he is uneasy to find some Service expected; and yet that nothing can be done, of Consequence to England: And that, if it is believed the St. Malo Ships are escaped, Sir John Ashby should be ordered away from his Station, to join the Fleet.

August the 1st, I acquainted him that I had delayed the sending the Messenger with the Orders of the Oneand-thirtieth of July, till I could receive her Majesty's Pleasure upon his Letter, and Council of War of the Thirtieth: That her Majesty had directed her said Orders of the One-and-thirtieth of July to be sent to him; and that I should acquaint him, That she had commanded several Lords of the Council to go to Portsmouth, to consider with him at a Council of War, what was to be done in this Conjuncture; who would be at Portsmouth To-morrow Night.

Accordingly, the Lord President, Lord Steward, Lord Chamberlain, Earl of Rochester, Lord Sidney, Lord Cornwallis, and myself, went to Portsmouth on the Second of August; but Mr. Russell and the Officers adhered to their former Resolutions:

Paper of Heads,

Before the Battle:

April the 20th, The Fleet was ordered to the Flats off of the Forelands.

22th, The Admiralty was directed by the Queen to order Mr. Russell to sail with the Fleet to the Flats off of the Foreland.

23th, Sir Ralph Delavall was ordered to Sea; and the Flats was to be the Rendezvous of the Fleet, to which Delavall was to retreat, in case he met with a superior Strength.

But the great Ships did not sail till Mr. Russell came on board the Fleet; who took his Leave of the Queen the Twenty-ninth of April, and went to the Fleet in the River on the Third of May; on which Day also the Queen sent him Orders so to do.

May the 13th, Mr. Russell says, "Had I not sailed the very Moment I did, we had been at this time at the Buoy of the Nore; but it was done contrary to the Opinion of the Pilots: But I concluded the Occasion required some Hazard, in which it hath pleased God I have been very lucky."

May the 5th, Between Cape de Hague and the Isle of Wight was to be the Place of Rendezvous; whither Sir Ralph Dalavall and Rear Admiral Carter were also directed: And Notice was sent to Mr. Russell, that the French Fleet was believed to be at Sea; and the Admiralty was ordered to direct him to sail to that Rendezvous.

May the 7th, Mr. Russell acknowleges the Receipt of the Orders of the Fifth; and says, "That his present Thoughts are, that the most certain Way to have the Fleet join, had been to have had this Squadron anchored off of the Nesse or Beachy;" but says, "I shall certainly perform what I am commanded."

May the 8th, He sailed by Dover with a fair Wind, and stopped in Rye Bay till the Twelfth.

9th, Mr. Russell calls a Council of War; who, upon considering the Orders which have been given to Sir Ra. Delavall, for the proceeding with the Squadron under his Command, were of Opinion, That, for the more sure and speedy joining the said Squadron with their Majesties Ships, they should remain there Forty-eight Hours; and that, if the Wind blow hard Westerly, the Fleet should come to an Anchor off the Nesse; and that, if it blow hard Easterly, they should sail to an Anchor at St. Helen's.

Thirteenth, Mr. Russell says, the Wind blew so extremely hard Easterly while he lay in Rye Bay, that he could not purchase his Anchors till Yesterday; and then the Wind was so strong, that several of the Ships were forced to leave their Anchors behind them.

11th, Mr. Russell was directed to call a Council of War, and to attack the French, if strong enough; a Battle being much to be wished, with the Advantage he hath of the French being in the Chanel.

13th, The like Orders were repeated; and to leave some Frigates on the Coast of Normandy, to prevent Transports from France, while the Fleet were gone Westward.

13th, Mr. Russell proposes, That, when the whole Fleet is together, a Detachment of Six or Eight Frigates to attend on the Coast of Normandy; and then the Soldiers be embarked, and attack St. Malo, while the Fleet lies to the Westward; and afterwards, in case of Success in a Battle, to pursue them even to Brest, taking with him the Land Forces.

May the 14th, Mr. Russell says, "I cannot advise the sending away to the Coast of Normandy any of this Number from the Fleet; but, if the Flag Officers approve thereof, I shall be very free; nor can I think . . reasonable to sail with the Fleet Westward in Search of the Enemy, unless you can have a certain Account where they are, and that they be within a short Run of us."

15th, The Council of War agree with Mr. Russell not to search the French Fleet beyond St. Helen's, without certain Advice that they were on the Coast; but to proceed to Cape de Hague, and return to St. Helen's; which Resolution Mr. Russell said he would execute.

17th, The Queen disapproved this Resolution; and that the whole Naval Power ought not to be employed about Cape de Hague and St. Helen's; and that the Noise of a Descent should not frustrate the whole Summer's Service; and therefore ordered him to leave Ships on the Coast of Normandy, and proceed even to Brest, since the French could not get in.

23th, Mr. Russell gives the Reason of this Proceeding, in his Letter of May the Three-and-twentieth; in which he complains of the Queen's Order of the Seventeenth; and gives his Reasons for his going to Cape de Hague; viz. "From this Place the Transport was to be made hither: The French Fleet was coming to convoy them; and its appearing on our Coast could be no Danger to England:" And says, the Event has justified his Opinion: But,

May the 13th, Mr. Russell said, "I take the Design of the Enemy's Landing in England to be at an End, till they can beat you at Sea; which I am of Opinion they will not attempt, unless you can force them." And,

May the 14th, Mr. Russell said, "Since the Fleet is joined, I do not expect to see the French this Summer."

Touching the Battle;

May the 13th, Mr. Russell says, "If it please God we have the Victory, we can follow them; not as they did us, but into their very Harbours."

23th, Mr. Russell says, "The Enemy left me in the Evening, between Five and Six a Clock; and that I was then in Search of them: The Weather clearing up, I saw most of them under the Shore, between Cape Barfleur and Cape De Hague, the Wind Eastwardly, and they crouding away to the Westward, and we and the Dutch after them: Some Hours after, the Wind shifting Westerly, they and we plying to Windward upon the Ebb, and they and we anchoring upon the Flood, on the One-and-twentieth in the Morning, I saw most of them get into the Race of Alderney, Eighteen or Twenty of them cutting their Cables, and running to the Eastward, &c."

Mr. Russell, in his Relation of the Battle, says, "I sent to all the Ships, that I could think were near me, to chase to the Westward all Night; telling them, I designed to follow the Enemy; and sometimes we could see a French Ship, Two or Three, standing away, with all the Sail they could make, to the Westward: About Eight the next Morning, I saw about Thirty-two or Thirty-four Sail distant from us Two and Three Leagues, &c."

May the 25th, Mr. Russell had resolved, at a Council of War, to have gone Westward himself with Fifty Ships, to Fornhead, in Hopes to have met the Ships which the Dutch, and the Admiral of the Blue, lost Sight of; but, hearing by a Genouese, that he met Twelve French Ships disabled, off of the Start, bound for Brest, he concluded it was in vain to go thither to look after them.

After the Battle;

May the 23th, Mr. Russell writes, That he designed to come to St. Helen's; but judges the Downes most proper.

May the 26th, The Earl of Nottingham signified the Queen's Pleasure, That he should stay at St. Helen's, to be readier to execute the Designs he knew of.

May the 31th, Resolved, by the Flag Officers, That the Fleet of Sixty Men of War should sail to Ushant as soon as possible, without staying for Land Men; and send some Frigates, to see what Ships were in Brest Water, and to act against the Enemy as the Flag Officers judged best.

June the 1st, Mr. Russell writes, That he designed to go to Sea with the Ships that were ready, and leave the rest to be refitted.

June the 6th, Upon Intelligence that a considerable Number of French Ships were got into St. Malo, the Queen ordered him to sail Westward with such Ships as were ready; and, if the French Ships were in St. Malo, or upon that Coast, to take or destroy them.

May the 23th, Mr. Russell writes, that he believes the French Ships were got into St. Malo.

June the 2d, Mr. Russell acknowleges the Letter from the Lord Jermyn, about the Ships at St. Malo; but says, he knows not what to make of it.

3d, The Earl of Nottingham sends him the like Advice, which he received from Guernsey, That the French Ships were at St. Malo.

4th, Mr. Russell writes, That, if this were probable, certainly the Governor of Guernsey would send some Vessel thither, to know the Certainty.

6th, The Earl of Nottingham sent to Mr. Russell the like Advice, which hereceived from France, "That the French Ships were at St. Malo;" and,

9th and 11th, Repeated it.

13th, Mr. Russell had the like Advice from the Prisoners taken by the Cloudsly Galley; and

Then resolved, at a Council of War, to put to Sea with the whole Fleet: And, on the Fourteenth, he sailed from St. Helen's.

In relation to the Ships at St. Malo;

June the 6th, Mr. Russell was ordered, if he could not destroy the St. Malo Ships without Land Forces, to cruise so as to prevent their Escape to Brest.

Papers respecting the Expedition.

June the 23th, The Earl of Nottingham reminded him of it:

July the 4th, And again, by the Queen's Command.

June the 13th, Mr. Russell resolves to go to the Fornehead, to intercept their getting to Brest.

June the 17th, Mr. Russell writes, That, if the Enemy be still at St. Malo, he hoped to keep to the West of them:

23th, That it was impossible to keep the former Station; and resolved, by the unanimous Advice of the Pilots, that the Fleet might ride safely off of Cape Farrell, to proceed thither:

21, No Way to prevent the St. Malo Ships getting out, and going North about, but by lying before the Port:

30th, That it is impossible to lie any where upon the French Coast, to the Westward of St. Malo, to intercept their Ships going to Brest.

July the 18th, Mr. Russell writes, That he had sent Captain Nevill, with Thirty Ships, to lie Ten Leagues North from the West End of the Isle of Basse, &c.; which he thought the best Posture to intercept any thing that came Eastward or Westward.

June the 30th, Mr. Russell designs to go for St. Malo; though he had little Hopes of doing any thing there with the Fleet.

July the 3d, Mr. Russell says, the Pilots would not venture over to St. Malo, the Weather being thick, and the Ground not being good for above Forty Ships.

July the 13th, Mr. Russell writes, That it was resolved by Vice Admiral Rook, at a Council of War, while he was on the French Coast, that a Squadron of Ships in the Summer Season may be ventured to lie before St. Malo.

14th, Mr. Russell resolves, at a Council of War, to go Ten Leagues South from the Start, as the most proper Station to prevent the Escape of the St. Malo Ships.

But, on the 25th, Mr. Russell sent Fifty Ships under Sir John Ashby (as he had before, on the Eighteenth, sent Thirty under Captain Nevill), to lie Fifteen Leagues North from the Isle of Basse, to prevent the Escape of the Ships at St. Malo.

As to the Attempt upon St. Malo, and the Ships;

May the 13th, Mr. Russell says, St. Malo, by the best Informations, is easily taken:

June the 13th, When the Fleet is to the Westward of St. Malo, something must be attempted to destroy them:

June the 17th, He will consider, with the Flag Officers, What can be done, and how:

21th, Something ought to be hazarded for the destroying those Ships:

23th, If an Attempt can be made with Probability of Success, it shall be pushed:

June the 30th, He had little Hopes of doing anything with the Fleet on that Place:

July the 3d, And, it not being fit for the whole Fleet to anchor before St. Malo, he detaches Vice Admiral Rook to examine the Ground, and get an Account of the Ships at St. Malo; and comes away with the Fleet from Guernsey to the Start.

As to the Attempt with the Assistance of Land Forces;

June the 6th, the Queen ordered Mr. Russell, if Land Forces were necessary, to send Notice of it, that what he judged requisite, might immediately be sent to him.

9th and 11th, This was repeated to him by the Earl of Nottingham.

But Mr. Russell sent no Answer to that Part of the Letter: Only,

On the Thirteenth Mr. Russell writes, That the Land Army would be of great Use: But,

On the 23th, He says, Whether the Land Men can be serviceable, he cannot judge: And,

Papers respecting the Expedition.

July the 4th, He says, If the Number of Men to be landed did not exceed Twelve thousand, they can be of no Use at St. Malo; and proposes the Landing at Le Hogue, to take away the Cannon which the French had fished up; as was afterwards, on the Twenty-eighth of July, resolved to be done: But,

On July the 10th, He says, Half the Number of Men, a Month since, would have performed what can be expected from Double their Number now.

Concerning the Descent;

The Establishment of the Train of Artillery was settled by the King, before he went out of England.

March the 5th, Orders were sent to the Victualers of the Navy, and Commissioners of Transport, to provide Victuals and Shipping for the Men designed for the Descent. And,

However the News of the French Designs upon England might interrupt the Proceedings; yet, immediately after the Battle, the necessary Orders were reinforced: And, particularly,

May the 21th, Mr. Russell was desired to send some Ships to the Shannon, to convoy from thence the Artillery which was to be used in the Descent,

And, the Transport Ships not being come about from Bristoll, and to prevent any Disappointment of the Service, for want of them,

June the 29th, the Earl of Nottingham signified the Queen's Pleasure to him, That he should send all the Tenders to Portsmouth, that he could spare from the Fleet.

July the 1st, This was repeated to Mr. Russell.

6th, Mr. Russell writes, That he will send them.

8th, Mr. Russell writes, That, if they are wanted, he will send them.

19th, They arrive at Portsmouth.

10th and 29th, Mr. Russell writes to this Effect:

First, That no Resolution was taken for any Attempt on France.

Secondly, That the Admiral and Officers were not informed of those Resolutions.

Thirdly, Nevertheless the Army is embarked, and sent to cruise for the Fleet.

Fourthly, And, when joined, it was too late to make any considerable Attempt.

In relation to the First and Second;

The King resolved upon the Attempt of St. Malo and Brest, before he left England.

In order to the Execution of these Designs, the Duke of Leinster, the Lord Gallway, and Mr. Russell, met several times; and a French Refugee, lately come from France, attended them with exact Descriptions of those Places.

February the 26th, The King communicated the Design on Brest to the Committee of Council.

March the 1st, Mr. Russell was ordered to prepare, by the Advice of the Flag Officers, a Draught of Instructions proper for that, and all the Operations of the Campaign.

March the 3d, The Queen required this Draught.

9th, The Earl of Nottingham repeated it to him.

17th, The Queen again required it. But,

Mr. Russell never sent it.

13th, Mr. Russell himself proposes the Attempt on St. Malo and Brest.

May the 26th, The Queen approved his coming to St. Helen's, that he might be readier to execute the Designs he knew of.

May the 31th, It was resolved, at a Council of War, That a Fleet of Sixty Sail should go to Ushant, in order to attempt Brest, if possible.

June the 6th, the Queen ordered Mr. Russell to make the Attempt on St. Malo, and the Ships there.

June the 9th, The Earl of Nottingham wrote to him, That St. Malo ought to be attempted, if there was any Prospect of Success, by any means.

13th and 21th, Mr. Russell again says, That something ought to be attempted at St. Malo, though it should be with Hazard.

June the 23th, and July the 4th and 11th, In order to the more effectual Attempt on St. Malo, Mr. Russell was desired to endeavour to prevent the Escape of the Ships, till our Troops came to him.

July the 4th, The Earl of Nottingham acquainted him, That the Queen was resolved to have the Destruction of the St. Malo Ships attempted, if possible.

July the 6th, Mr. Russell doubts whether the Design be on that Place.

7th, The Earl of Nottingham again tells him, That the Queen continued this Resolution.

July the 8th, Mr. Russell observes, That the Queen resolves to have the Destruction of the St. Malo Ships attempted.

14th, The Queen ordered it, if possible.

He answers the Earl of Nottingham's Letter of the Seventh, in his of the Tenth.

July the 10th, Mr. Russell says, "Give me Leave to observe one Passage in your Lordship's Letter: That, when the Army joins us, a Resolution will be taken what to do, as a Council of War of Land and Sea Officers will advise."

In relation to the Third Point;

That the Army is embarked, and sent to cruise in Search of the Fleet.

July the 4th, He was desired to appoint a Rendezvous for the Transport Ships, with the Fleet; and, if he did not name one, the Troops would be sent towards St. Malo.

July the 13th, He writes, That he would send a Rendezvous, when agreed on; but that at present he named Eight Leagues off of the Start.

18th, Guernzey was proposed to him for the Rendezvous, unless he knew a better.

22th, He says, "Really I am not able to tell you."

25th, He takes notice, That the Troops were embarked; and that he would come to Spithead, if the Wind was Westerly; but, if Easterly, he would be in Torbay.

July the 26th, The Troops sailed, with the Wind Easterly: And Mr. Russell came, with the Fleet, towards Spithead.

As to the Fourth Point;

That it was too late to make any considerable Attempt.

The Designs of the French Descent here interrupted the Preparations that were at first ordered; but no Delay has been occasioned for want of timely Orders being given or sent away to all Persons whatsoever concerned in the Preparations or Execution of the intended Descent.

But, when all was ready, which was on the Twenty-sixth July, the greatest Ships might have stayed out till the End of August, as the Council of War resolved; and all but the First and Second Rates, to the End of September, as Mr. Russell proposed: And,

July the 19th, Mr. Russell proposes the Laying up of the First and Second Rates; and that the Remainder of the Fleet would be sufficient to oppose any Enemy.

The Council of War of * agree, That a Squadron might lie before St. Malo in the Summer: And,

July the 10th, Mr. Russell explains what is meant by Summer; for he says, that Six Weeks will near conclude That we call Summer.

Touching the Squadron to Newfoundland.

June the 1st, The Queen ordered Mr. Russell to send some Ships and Fireships immediately to Newfoundland, to destroy the French there.

5th, Mr. Russell writes, He was cleaning Two Fourth Rates, and Two Fifths, which will be ready in a few Days; and then they shall go to Newfoundland.

July the 13, Mr. Russell sent a Copy of the Instructions he gave to the Commander of this Squadron; but it does not appear when he sailed.

Touching other Services;

May the 26th, The Earl of Nottingham wrote to Mr. Russell, to send Two Frigates on the Coast of Kent and Sussex, to secure our Fishing, and prevent the Correspondence with France.

25th, Mr. Russell writes, That there will be Ships enough for the Fleet, and for all the Service the Admiralty used to be so much concerned for.

June the 2d, The Earl of Nottingham wrote to Mr. Russell to send a List of the Ships he desired to keep for the Main Fleet for Newfoundland, and the Coast of Normandy: That the rest might be employed in Cruising.

4th, Mr. Russell says, He does not apprehend a greater Strength from the Enemy than we shall be, all Services performed.

5, Mr. Russell does not desire more than Seventy Ships for the Fleet.

June the 10th, Mr. Russell sent a List of the Line of Battle, which would be about Seventy-five; and also of the Ships for the Coast of Normandy, and of the Cruisers, and those sent to the Admiralty; which, with the Fourth Rates they have already, will be sufficient for the Services they have to employ them on.

10th, In another he saith, He thinks himself strong enough; and shall be able to send in constantly some to clean, and some few to cruize on the Coast of Ireland.

Resolution commending Admiral Russell.

Resolved, That Admiral Russell, in his Command of the Fleet during the last Summer's Expedition, has behaved himself with Fidelity, Courage, and Conduct.

Resolved, That the said Resolution be communicated to the Lords at a Conference.

Conference desired with Lords.

Resolved, That a Conference be desired with the Lords, upon the Subject Matter of the last Conference.

Ordered, That Sir John Moreton do go to the Lords, to desire the said Conference.

Ways and Means.

Resolved, That this House will, To-morrow Morning at Eleven a Clock, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House; to consider further of Ways and Means for raising the Supplies to be granted to their Majesties for the carrying on a vigorous War against France.

East India Trade.

Resolved, That this House will, upon Thursday Morning next, at Eleven a Clock, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider of the Bill for preserving, regulating, and establishing the East India Trade.

Perjury.

Ordered, That the Bill for making Perjury, and Subornation of Perjury, in capital Cases, Felony, without the Benefit of Clergy, be read the Second time upon Thursday Morning next, before the House do resolve itself into the said Committee.

Committees.

Ordered, That all Committees be adjourned.

And then the House adjourned till To-morrow Morning, Eight a Clock.