The Virginia Gazette

An Extract of a Letter from Amsterdam.

What very well merits the Observation of the Publick, is the Part that France at this Juncture acts in the World, she being, or endeavouring to be, Arbitress of all the Disputes in Europe, being actually Mediatrix of the Peace between the Emperor and Russia and the Ottoman Porte; of the Differences about the Succession to Juliers and Bergue; of the Troubles at Geneva, as well as of those in the Island of Corsica; and she appears mighty desirous of being so too of the Misunderstandings subsisting between Great-Britain and Holland with Spain; so that one may with Reason say, that France, in arbitrating the Differences amongst the European Powers, sets herself up as their Superior in Wisdom; and indeed it must be own'd, that never did Nation at one Time aspire so successfully to so much Glory, and gain so many private Advantages. This causes every Step which France takes to be greatly suspected and narrowly canvass'd. What her real Designs are in forming a sort of Camp near Gravelines of a considerable Body of Troops, under the Command of the Duke de Boufflers, seems to be a Secret, no Body believing them to be drawn together for the Causes she gives out; one of which is, to repair and improve the Fortifications of that Fortress: and the other is, that as there is a great deal of low Lands between Calais, St. Omer, and Gravelines, which, particularly in rainy Seasons, are subject to be overflow'd, these Troops are to be employ'd in making a large Sluice, which will drain these Lands, and carry the Water into an Arm of the River Aa that runs to Gravelines. These are not thought to be the true Causes of the forming this Camp, because a much less Number of Men would be able to effect the Works above-mentioned.