Earls of Middleton, Lords of Clermont and of Fettercairn

Charles, Second Earl of Middleton. 305
be formerly prudent and glorious, becomes now abso-
lutely necessary.
" The King of England beseeches you to examine
and to weigh deliberately this important affair, and to
be pleased to represent it to the king, it being un-
doubtedly the most important and most useful that
can happen in his reign."
Louis had, however, by this time become in-
different to the proposed expedition. Having ob-
tained a victory over the Allies at Almanza, he hoped
to retrieve his affairs without the aid of the descent
into Scotland. To hasten the enterprise, the Cavaliers
again sent Mr. Fleming to France, with urgent letters
to the king and Prince James. After this, prepara-
tions were commenced at Dunkirk; but the armament
which Hooke had promised the Scotch should set sail
about August, was not ready until the following
March. The Chevalier de Fourbin * was appointed to
the command.
Tidings of these preparations caused great excite-
ment in England. The Houses of Parliament
presented addresses to Queen Anne, pledging them-
selves to defend her against the " pretended
Prince of Wales," and all her other enemies. A
large fleet was assembled at Deal, and despatched
1 Claude, Chevalier de Fourbin, a French naval commander ; born
1656, died 1733.
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