Folio 31: Harcourt to Rochford. Fuentes told him Spain would settle the dispute peacefully....

Folio 31: Harcourt to Rochford. Fuentes told him Spain would settle the dispute peacefully. Harcourt attributes this to the fall of Choiseul, as his enemies are less favourable to the family compact. The widespread poverty and lack of money may slacken naval preparations. No work was done at Brest the day after Choiseul's fall. He has talked with La Vrillière. If Aiguillon can clear his name in the Parlement, he is likely to become foreign minister. The king has ordered the Parlement to resume its functions. If it refuses, he may dissolve it and form a new one by his own appointments. Postscript. He has further reports from Spain, including a rumour that Spanish ships have orders to attack British ships in the straits of Magellan. He writes this in his own hand, as his secretary, Mr. Aspinwall, `died ten minutes ago'.

Date and place: 1771 Jan 17 Paris.