The Virginia Gazette

THE HAGUE, May 8.

The Warlike Preparations of the French, both by Sea and Land, give Occasion to a variety of Speculations; some whereof, 'tis to be feared, are but too well founded. 'Tis assur'd, that the Marshal de Belle Isle, who commands the Troops in Lorrain, before his setting out of that Province, had express Orders from his Court, to cause a numerous Body to file off to the Frontiers of Juliers and Bergue, and there to form a Camp, under Pretext of exercising the Soldiers during the fine Season, but in Reality, to seize upon those two Duchies in the Name of the Prince of Sultzbach, the Moment the Breath leaves the Body of the Elector Palatine; an Event which is every Day expected. To oppose that French Body of Troops, the Moment the King of Prussia hears of their taking the Field, he will, no Doubt, cause another numerous Body to march into the said Countries, to which he thinks he has so just a Claim; and it will be no easy Matter for the King of Great-Britain, the States-General, and others, (that Prince's Allies) to dissuade him from taking that dangerous Step. It is therefore judg'd that a War is unavoidable in that Quarter, which fills this Republick with dismal Apprehensions, as the Countries in Contest lie in their Neighbourhood.

With Regard to the Naval Equipment at Brest, under the Vice Admiral d'Antin, it's thought, that it is neither intended for the West-Indies, nor the Baltick; but only to have a Pretext to quarrel with a certain Maritime Power, which, it is expected, will set out a Squadron to observe the other; upon which it will be remonstrated on the Part of the French King, how very ill he takes it, that he is never at Leave to make a small Equipment in one of his Ports; but that the other Power, tho' his Ally, should entertain Jealousies; and set forth powerful Squadrons, as if done on Purpose to controul and affront him.