Bonrepaux, who was far superior to Barillon in shrewdness, and who had always disliked and distrusted Sunderland, was despatched to London with an offer of naval assistance.
Avaux was at the same time ordered to declare to the States General that France had taken James under her protection.

A large body of troops was held in readiness to march towards the Dutch frontier.

This bold attempt to save the infatuated tyrant in his own despite was made with the full concurrence of Skelton, who was now Envoy from England to the court of Versailles.
Avaux, in conformity with his instructions, demanded an audience of the States.

It was readily granted.

The assembly was unusually large.