The value of Dominica to the French has been pointed out; and it is necessary here to use the example of both Dominica and Sta.

Lucia to enforce what has before been said, that the possession of these smaller islands depended solely upon the naval preponderance.

Upon the grasp of this principle held by any one will depend his criticism upon the next action of D'Estaing, to be immediately related.
Six months of almost entire quiet followed the affair of Sta.

Lucia.
The English were reinforced by the fleet of Byron, who took chief command; but the French, being joined by ten more ships-of-the-line, remained superior in numbers.

About the middle of June, Byron sailed with his fleet to protect a large convoy of merchant-ships, bound for England, till they were clear of the islands.