This gives me a bad sign of this man's intentions." The intelligence sent by Marlborough to James was communicated by James to the French government.

That government took its measures with characteristic promptitude.

Promptitude was indeed necessary; for, when Marlborough's letter was written, the preparations at Portsmouth were all but complete; and, if the wind had been favourable to the English, the objects of the expedition might have been attained without a struggle.

But adverse gales detained our fleet in the Channel during another month.

Meanwhile a large body of troops was collected at Brest.
Vauban was charged with the duty of putting the defences in order; and, under his skilful direction, batteries were planted which commanded every spot where it seemed likely that an invader would attempt to land.