A capstan that weighed two hundred pounds was transported into the place, and falling upon a house, levelled it to the ground; the greatest part of the wall towards the sea tumbled down; and the inhabitants were overwhelmed with consternation, so that a small number of troops might have taken possession without resistance, but there was not a soldier on board.
Nevertheless the sailors took and demolished Quince-fort, and did considerable damage to the town of St.Maloes, which had been a nest of privateers that infested the English commerce.

Though this attempt was executed with great spirit and some success, the clamours of the people became louder and louder.

They scrupled not to say that the councils of the nation were betrayed; and their suspicions rose even to the secretary's office.

They observed, that the French were previously acquainted with all the motions of the English, and took their measures accordingly for their destruction.

They collected and compared a good number of particulars that seemed to justify their suspicion of treachery.