Earls of Middleton, Lords of Clermont and of Fettercairn

Charles, Second Earl of Middleton.
2 2 1
than return precipitately, and furnish our enemies
with subject for remarks ; and all they can say after-
wards is that the enterprise is disappointed thereby,
although I am persuaded that it is only delayed for an
opportunity of executing it with success. These are
the sentiments of the king, my master, who cannot
ever come to any determination without knowing
those of the king. It is for this reason he begs you
to inform him of them."
Louis XIV. wished to employ the troops elsewhere,
so would not agree to this. 1
The Earl of Middleton to the Abbe Renaudot, vexed
that the expedition is put off.
[Translation.]
" Boulogne, 29th April, 1696.
" Sir,
" I have just received your letter of the 27th,
and I have since my last received a long despatch
from Mons. de Pontchartrain, showing the necessity
of putting off the enterprise to a more favourable
conjuncture, on account of the superiority of the
enemy at sea, and the use they had for the troops
intended for embarkation, leaving it to the choice of
the King of England to remain here or to return to
1 James's Journal.