The English government were determined that the disastrous delays, which had caused the failure of the last expedition, should not be repeated.

Loudon was recalled, and to General Abercromby, the second in command, was intrusted the charge of the forces in the colonies.
Colonel Amherst was raised to the rank of major general, and appointed to command the expedition from England against Louisbourg, having under him Brigadier Generals Whitmore, Lawrence, and Wolfe.

Before the winter was ended two fleets put to sea: the one, under Admiral Boscawen, was destined for Louisbourg; while the other, under Admiral Osborne, sailed for the Straits of Gibraltar, to intercept the French fleet of Admiral La Clue, which was about to sail from Toulon for America.
At the same time Sir Edward Hawke, with seven ships of the line and three frigates, sailed for Rochefort, where a French squadron with a fleet of transports, with troops for America, were lying.
The two latter expeditions were perfectly successful.

Osborne prevented La Clue from leaving the Mediterranean.

Hawke drove the enemy's vessels ashore at Rochefort, and completely broke up the expedition.