The only misfortune that attended the English arms in the course of this year, was the capture of the Baltic fleet homeward-bound, with their convoy of three ships of war, which were taken by the Dunkirk squadron under the command of the count de St.Paul, though he himself was killed in the engagement.

When an account of this advantage was communicated to the French king, he replied with a sigh, "Very well, I wish the ships were safe again in any English port, provided the count de St.Paul could be restored to life." After the death of the famous du Bart, this officer was counted the best seaman in France.
NEW PARLIAMENT IN ENGLAND.
The kingdom of England was now wholly engrossed by the election of members for the new parliament.

The tories exerted themselves with great industry, and propagated the cry of the church's being in danger; a cry in which the Jacobites joined with great fervour; but, notwithstanding all their efforts in words and writing, a majority of whigs was returned; and now the lord Godolphin, who had hitherto maintained a neutrality, thought proper openly to countenance that faction.

By his interest, co-operating with the influence of the duchess of Marlborough, sir Nathan Wright was deprived of the great seal, which was committed to Mr.William Cowper, with the title of lord-keeper.

This was a lawyer of good extraction, superior talents, engaging manners, and eminence in his profession.