F792. memoirs of Sir Wilham Lockhart: : 
prevailed on them to alter these intentions. He offered 
such a powerful afsistance from Britain, as would insure 
the capture of many valuable places from the Spani- 
ard, all of which he stipulated’ fhould remain with 
France excepting Dunkirk. The treaty on these 
terms was concluded in July 1656. The Britith 
forces under the command of able generals perform- 
ed wonders. Many places were taken; and after 
some hesitation on the part of France, Dunkirk was 
attacked and compelled to surrender. \ Turenne with 
the French troops, took pofsefsion of it. The king 
of France and the cardinal entered the place ; and 
during the intoxication of this succefs, they disco- 
vered evident intentions of paying little respect to 
the stipulations of the treaty, hoping to retain the 
place to themselves. 
Gromwell, however, aware of the little reliance 
‘that was to be had to the words of that court, had. 
suspected they would act in this manner, if ever it 
fhould be in their power; and therefore had provi- 
ded against it. Having, by an adequate bribe proper- 
ly administered, opened a correspondence with the 
French secretary of the council of war, he was very 
soon informed of the real intentions.of the cabinet ; 
and with his usual promptitude, he resolved to coun- 
teract their designs. He immediately dispatched a. 
‘special mefsenger to Sir William, charged with in. 
structions written with his own hand, well knowing! 
that they would be instantly carried into execution in 
the most proper manner. Sir William no sooner re- 
ceived these, than he posted his army upon an emi- 
-nence, detached from the French, and in such a 
manner that they could not be surprised; thea taking 
