Sir Simon Harcourt, attorney-general, sir Thomas Mansel, comptroller of the household, and Mr.St.John, relinquished their several posts upon the disgrace of Harley.
THE PRETENDER EMBARKS AT DUNKIRK FOR SCOTLAND.
The kingdom was at this period alarmed with a threatened invasion from France.

The court of St.Germain's had sent over one colonel Hook with credentials to Scotland, to learn the situation, number, and ability of the pretender's friends in that country.

This minister, by his misconduct, produced a division among the Scottish Jacobites.

Being a creature of the duke of Perth, he attached himself wholly to the duke of Athol, and those other zealous partisans who were bent upon receiving the pretender without conditions; and he neglected the duke of Hamilton, the earl-marshal, and other adherents of that house, who adopted the more moderate principles avowed by the earl of Middleton, At his return to France, he made such a favourable report of the disposition and power of the Scottish nation, that Louis resolved to equip an armament, and send over the pretender to that kingdom.

His pretence was to establish that prince on the throne of his ancestors; but his real aim was to make a diversion from the Netherlands, and excite a revolt in Great Britain, which should hinder queen Anne from exerting herself against France on the continent.