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LETTER XXV. The French Artifices to raise a mistrust in England, of the Officers of the Eng∣lish Fleet in 1692. (Book 25)
My Lord,
I do not question but your Lordship by this time is fully convinced of the in∣tended Invasion, as I hinted in my last; And it may be you have already felt the effects in some measure, of the evil Seeds that are sown amongst you, by those that are in this Courts Interest, in order to di∣vide and make you jealous of one another in this ticklish juncture. If your Lordship will give me leave to put in my sentiment hereupon, I say, were I to advise the Go∣vernment, (and I have good grounds for what I say) I would have it hold a watch∣ful Eye over the affairs and motions of the Officers of the Fleet, for there have been measures concerted to raise a mistrust and suspicion of the fidelity of the said Naval Officers, and for ought I know, are by this time near begun to be put in Execu∣tion; They would have it here believed, that several of them have a design to fa∣vour the late King's Descent, and that o∣thers are disaffected, and not hearty in the service; Such a belief in England must be very pernicious, if not fatal at present, e∣specially