Six regiments, under the command of Mr. Hill,[11] were now preparing to embark, in order to take possession of Dunkirk; and the Duke of Ormonde, upon the first intelligence sent him, that the French were ready to deliver the town, was to declare he could act no longer against France.  The Queen gave notice immediately of her proceedings to the States.  She let them plainly know, “That their perpetual caballing with her factious subjects, against her authority, had forced her into such measures, as otherwise she would not have engaged in.  However, Her Majesty was willing yet to forget all that had passed, and to unite with them in the strictest ties of amity, which she hoped they would now do; since they could not but be convinced, by the late dutiful addresses of both Houses, how far their High Mightinesses had been deluded, and drawn in as instruments to serve the turn, and gratify the passions, of a disaffected party:  That their opposition, and want of concert with Her Majesty’s ministers, which she had so often invited them to, had encouraged France to except towns out of their barrier, which otherwise might have been yielded:  That, however, she had not precluded them, or any other ally, from demanding more; and even her own terms were but conditional, upon supposition of a general peace to ensue:  That Her Majesty resolved to act upon the plan laid down in her speech;” and she repeated the promise of her best offices to promote the interest of the States, if they would deal sincerely with her.

[Footnote 11:  John Hill, brother to Mrs. Masham.  It is not difficult to guess at the reason for this appointment.  Here was a chance for Jack Hill to achieve some glory and wipe away the disgrace of the ill-starred Quebec expedition.  As there was also no danger attached to the enterprise, all the more likely that he would succeed.  Hill sailed with Admiral Sir John Leake and took peaceable possession of the town and forts.  For this he was appointed Governor of Dunkirk, and while there he sent Swift a gold snuff-box as a present, “the finest that ever you saw,” as Swift wrote to Stella:  See also vol. v., p. 80, of this edition. [T.S.]]

Some days before the Duke of Ormonde had notice, that orders were given for the surrender of Dunkirk, Prince Eugene of Savoy sent for the generals of the allies, and asked them severally, whether, in case the armies separated, they would march with him, or stay with the Duke?  All of them, except two, who commanded but small bodies, agreed to join with the prince; who thereupon, about three days after, sent the Duke word, that he intended to march the following day (as it was supposed) to besiege Landrecies.  The Duke returned an answer, “That he was surprised at the prince’s message, there having been not the least previous concert with him, nor any mention in the message, which way, or upon what design, the march was intended:  therefore, that the Duke could not resolve to march with him; much less could the prince expect assistance from the Queen’s army, in any design undertaken after this manner.”  The Duke told this beforehand, that he (the prince) might take his measures accordingly, and not attribute to Her Majesty’s general any misfortune that might happen.