in King's Road on the 31ft past, that a French ship of war was lying in Lundy Road, he weighed and went in quest of her, and though the wind was contrary, and blew hard, he blew down channel, and, on the 1st instant, saw her at anchor at Ilfracombe. Upon discovering the Antelope, she weighed and stood towards her, and upon coming pretty near, hoisted her colours, and seemed prepared to engage, but soon after hauled them down. When the Antelope came within gun-shot, she fired at the French ship, which she not returning, Captain Saumarez sent a boat with his first lieutenant, to know if they had surrendered; but finding the boat did not return, he bore down upon her stern, and asked if she had struck, and was answered they had. She proved to be the Belliquieux, pierced for 66 guns, and had 64 mounted, with 417 men.
21st. No. 49,711 was drawn at Guildhall, a prize of 10,000l.
A rule was given in the great cause so long depending between the Honourable James Annesley, Esq; and Richard the present Earl of Anglesey, for passing publication by Mr. Annesley's clerk in court; that is, closing the examination of witnesses, and resting the determination of the cause on the merits of the evidence given in.
23rd. Both houses of parliament met at Westminster, when the session was opened by commission, and the Lord Keeper by his majesty's command made this speech;
My Lords and Gentlemen,
In pursuance of the authority given to us by his majesty's commission under the great seal, amongst other things to declare the causes of his holding this parliament, his majesty hath been graciously pleased to direct us to assure you, that he always receives the highest satisfaction, in being able to lay before you any events, that may promote the honour and interest of his kingdoms.
That, in consequence of your advice, and enabled by the assistance which you unanimously gave him, his majesty has exerted his endeavours to carry on the war, in the most vigorous manner, in order to that defirable end, always to be wished, a safe and honourable peace. It has pleased the Divine Providence to bless his majesty's measures and arms with success in several parts; and to make our enemies feel, that the strength of Great Britain is not to be provoked with impunity.
We have it also in command from his majesty to acquaint you, that the conquest of the strong fortress of Louisbourg, with the islands of Cape Breton and St. John; the taking of Frontenac, of the highest importance to our operations in North America; and the reduction of Senegal; cannot fail to bring great distress upon the French commerce and colonies; and, in proportion, to procure great advantages to our own. The nation has also been made sensible, that whilst their forces are sent forth to invade and ravage the dominions of their neighbours, their own coasts are not inaccessible to his majesty's fleets and armies. This they have experienced in the demolition of their works at Cherburg, erected at a great expence, with a particular view to annoy this country; and in the loss of a great number ofships
