Rumors of War and Diplomacy During Rhine Struggle
Letters from Paris report French readiness to clash if enemy forces do not retreat by September. News from Lisbon to Petersburg describes tax relief protests and steady Spanish-Portuguese military buildup, with Count de Torreis commanding Spaniards. Emissaries from Livorno seek tax repeal, while Britain notes naval impressments and fleet activity. A papal peace goal is floated through Cardinal Fleury’s accord, and court intrigue swirls around the Prince of Wales and Princess of Saxe-Gotha as fleets, finances, and gardens at Harrow and Hereshulen frame a tense continental outlook.