The Virginia Gazette

Paris, June 6. It appears certain that a resolution is taken to attempt a descent on the coasts of Great Britain. The preparations making in our ports, put this project out of doubt. According to the last letters from St Malo, they were busy there in freighting 64 additional vessels for the King's service, amounting to between 15 and 1600 tons; and they worked Sundays, and Holydays, to make them fit for transporting troops. A number of flat bottomed boats are also preparing, together with two hulks and sloops for cannonading, each carrying four 24 pounders. The coasts of Brittany, Normandy, and Provence, swarm with troops, and preparations are making with the greatest activity for their embarkment.

June 10. The Brest fleet went out of the road on the 3d. On the 4th it sailed out of the bay steering for the South. It is infinitely better fitted out, better equipped, and better provisioned than last year. On board it are no less than 27,000 men. Before its sailing Messrs. de Monteil, Hector, and Beaulet were made Admirals. M de Treville received the red ribband. M. de Guichen was honoured with the rank of Lieutenant General, and it is believed Count D'Orvilliers has been made a Marshal of France. Guards have been appointed him, and his apartment on board, is gilt. At his departure he received a packet, which he is not to open till in a certain latitude. The general opinion is, that Spain will join France against England, and that our Fleet has steered to the south to meet the Spanish fleet. A large number of merchant ships here are taking on board provisions for St. Malo. Thirty four battalions of infantry, with one of artillery, and another in the provincial regiments, wait only the signal for embarking. The commotions in Ireland make it believed that these troops are intended for that isle. Brittany and Normandy are covered with soldiers. All the regiments in the kingdom are filing off that way. They talk of sending 5,000 troops to the English coasts.