The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a private Letter from Paris, May 21.

It is now some Months ago since I acquainted you, that our most judicious Politicians were clearly of Opinion, that a Change in the Ministry would soon happen; and that the Duke of Richlieu, who stood always very high in the King's Favour, would infallibly come to take the Lead in his Councils. That Event which has just happened employs the Speculations of those who have such a Reliance on each others Fidelity and Friendship, as to converse candidly and freely on public Affairs.

They, in the first Place, look with Admiration upon that Silence and Subtilty with which the Intrigues were conducted that obliged Cardinal Tencin to think of retiring to his Archbishoprick, and of devoting his Thoughts to the Service of the Church, since the Direction of the State could be no longer left to his Care. It is allowed, that no political Contrivance has been either better laid, or more artfully executed, within our Remembrance, which is certainly a Presage in Favour of the Abilities of the new Minister.

The next Thing to be considered is, what are the Views of these new Statesmen, about which the Sentiments of those worth regarding, agree only in these Particulars, that a new System will certainly take Place, for otherwise this Change could not have been necessary. That this new System will operate on the Affairs of Italy and Germany; and that some who seem best pleased with this Alteration at present, may very probably see it in another Light, when it comes to be disclosed, by Events which will happen very soon.