Chapter III.

FRENCH-ENGLISH WAR BREAKS OUT.

The French, in reality a good deal astonished at the Prussian-
Britannic Treaty, affected to take it easy: "Treaty for Neutrality
of Germany?" said they: "Very good indeed. Perhaps there are places
nearer us, where our troops can be employed to more advantage!"
[Their "Declaration" on it (Adelung, vii. 613.]--hinting vocally,
as henceforth their silent procedures, their diligence in the
dockyards, moving of troops coastward and the like, still more
clearly did, That an Invasion of England itself was the thing next
to be expected.

England and France are, by this time, alike fiercely determined on
War; but their states of preparation are very different. The French
have War-ships again, not to mention Armies which they always have;
some skilful Admirals withal,--La Gallisonniere, our old Canada
friend, is one, very busy at present;--and mean to try seriously
the Question of Sea-Supremacy once more. If an Invasion did chance
to land, the state of England would be found handy beyond hope!
How many fighting regiments England has, I need not inquire, nor
with what strategic virtue they would go to work;--enough to
mention the singular fact (recently true, and still, I perceive,
too like the truth), That of all their regiments, "only Three are
in this Country", or have Colonels even nominated. Incredible;
but certain. And the interesting point is, his Grace of Newcastle
dare not have Colonels, still less higher Officers nominated;