The Virginia Gazette

We are told from Paris, that soon after the French Ambassador arrived at London, he was in Conference with the Ministry; wherein he declared he was glad he return'd Time enough to offer the Mediation of the King his Master, in order, if it was possible, to prevent an open Rupture between Great-Britain and Spain, to which he only waited for a positive Declaration; that the Emperor and the States-General appeared disposed to concur in bringing about the same End.

To which he was answer'd that Things were advanced too far to accept of any Mediation; and besides, Spain had made her Boasts that she should not long act alone, but was assured of being powerfully assisted by France.

The Ambassador, who was beforehand instructed what Reply to make to such an Answer, said, that if indeed the Mediation of the King his Master was not accepted, his most Christian Majesty would be obliged to fulfil his Engagements with Spain: That this Power was attach'd to him by the Ties of Blood, and he could not suffer it to be overwhelm'd by Great-Britain, without thinking himself indispensibly obliged to send it what Assistance should be necessary: In Answer to which, he was told, that the King of France was at Liberty to act as he should think fit.

The Ambassador had soon after another Conference with the Ministry, in which he endeavoured to shew the Consequences of refusing the Mediation of his most Christian Majesty; but was told, in order justly to do the Office of a Mediator, it was absolutely necessary to be entirely disinterested; but the Union and Engagements which subsisted between France and Spain, were too strong for France to act quite impartially in such a Mediation; and that this was a Reason sufficient to prevent accepting the Offer he had made: Upon which his Excellency retir'd, saying, that if that was the Case, his Presence useless at London, where he should not stay long.