France, 1754-1776 989 
[See MVC, Apr. 1754; Jan. 15, Oct., 1755.] 
530 (1771-1774) 
[Volumes 528-531 inclusive consist principally of a 
history of the political, military, and domestic events 
of Europe from the peace of Paris of 1763 to the peace of 
Teschen of 1779. This narrative was prepared by Prieur 
at the order of Louis XVI, acting upon the suggestion of 
Vergennes. ] 
1772. British violence against French fishers off 
coasts of St. Pierre and Miquelon; French complaints; 
haughty British reply (f . 270) . 
1773. Unrest in British colonies of America; deputies 
appointed by colonies to investigate right of parliament 
to levy taxes; prohibition against importation of East 
India Co. tea (f . 395) . 
1774. Disapproval in Britain of parliamentary bills 
against American colonies (f . 479) . 
Arrival of Gage in Boston; Congress in Philadelphia; 
proscription against British merchandise; decision of 
Congress to repulse violence by force; Boston under arms; 
George III calls Americans rebels (f . 481) . 
531 (1775-1779) 
1776. Reasons for Spanish preference for British 
over French commerce (f. 141). 
Negotiations with Britain over Newfoundland fisheries 
(f . 146) . 
Expedition of Arnold against Quebec; death of Mont- 
gomery (f . 149) . 
Departure of Burgoyne for Canada (f . 154) . 
Howe brothers placed in command of British forces in 
America; uneasiness in Versailles and Madrid (f. 155). 
French policy towards American war; secret aid (f. 
156). 
French emissaries in Philadelphia (f . 157) . 
British accusations against French merchants for aid 
given Americans; Vergennes' reply (f. 159). 
Evacuation of Boston by Howe; British subsidies for 
war in America; departure of Howe's fleet (f . 160) . 
American evacuation of Canada; declaration of inde- 
pendence (f . 161) . 
British scorn for declaration of American independence; 
freedom of trade for all nations offered by colonies (f . 
163) . 
Letter of Admiral Howe to Franklin and letter's reply 
(f . 164) . 
Admiral Howe's invitation to colonies to return to 
British rule; British defeat at Charlestown, Mass.; their 
seizure of Long Island; conference between Admiral Howe 
and congressional commissioners (ff . 166-167) . 
British capture of New York; British naval impress- 
ments; Vergennes' opinion on situation (ff. 169-170). 
Address of George III to parliament (f. 172). 
