A continuation of the secret history of White-hall from the abdication of the late K. James in 1688 to the year 1696 writ at the request of a noble lord ... : the whole consisting of secret memoirs ... : published from the original papers : together with The tragical history of the Stuarts ... / by D. Jones ...

LETTER XI. Of the Resolutions taken in France to support King James in Ireland, and to reinforce his Army with a good bo∣dy of French Troops, &c. (Book 11)

My Lord,

AS to what secret and underhand ma∣chinations there may be on foot a∣gainst the Established Government in Eng∣land or Scotland, I cannot perceive this Court have any great share therein, other∣wise then as the Emissaries of it in Ireland are assistant to the late King to promote and execute his designs; and therefore I am in no capacity at present, of giving

your Lordship any the least intimations of such projections; But this is in general your Honour may be fully assured of, that there will be no efforts wanting on the part of this Crown, both by Sea and Land, this Spring to further him in his Pretentions, there being all dilligence and expedition used, to get both the Convoy and Forces ready, which both the one and the other will be found to be more considera∣ble than perhaps you are aware of in Eng∣land. If there be any apprehensions of such a design there, my Lord, as it be∣comes his Majesty to take all effectual care for to hinder the further progress of the French Arms in Ireland; there is not a whit less care to be used that the contagion do not spread further in Scotland, least after all the pretenses, these Forces and Squa∣drons are designed for the lattet, and land there when least expected. However they seem to demur at present upon the mat∣ter, and that out of design, as 'tis whisper∣ed, to be first fully informed, in what for∣wardness the Prince of Orange (as they call him) is in his Preparations, and how formidable his force is like to be. I am heartily sorry, my Lord, that I cannot penetrate more to the quick to the de∣sign of this Court, but yet I hope what I have here suggested, of the Fruit of my own observation and converse, may be of some use to my Country, and be a means

to propagate your Honours good Opinion of my ready Willingness at all times, and to the utmost of my power to serve both it and you, who am

My Lord,

Your Lordships very Humble and most devoted Servant.

Versailles Feb. 5. 1690. N. S.