Графични страници
PDF файл
ePub

war in concert with Great Britain; that she should hoist the British flag, and use the King's name in her Courts of Justice. His ideas went no further in this conversation. But he conceived an opinion, that when America saw the impossibility of deriving any assistance from France, the Congress would accept of these terms.

The reader cannot but observe, that this plan is perfectly consonant with his Lordship's former plan, which proved so eminently successful in the late war-of conquering America by making at vigorous impression upon France in Europe. He saw, that a war with France was become unavoidable: therefore, with his usual penetration and spirit, he wished to commence that war immediately, upon his own principles. He detested that procrastination, which gave the enemy power, not only of chusing the period of his conveniency, but the first scenes of operation*.

* The war which France carried on in America, in conjunction with the United States, was infinitely more expensive and injurious to England than a war against France in Europe would have been. That this is not an assertion founded in conjecture, may be seen by comparing the charges of the German war, during the years 1758, 1759, 1760, and 1761, with the charges of the American war, during the years 1778, 1779, 1780, 1781-exclusive of the arrears at the conclusion of each war. See this point mentioned in Chap. XVI.- -It was a saying of President Henault, author of the History of France, that if there had been a succession of such VOL. II, A a

Juke of Richmond having spoken in an

some parts of Lord Chatham's speech, his ship attempted to rise, to reply to his Grace; t after two or three unsuccessful efforts to stand, he fainted and fell down on his seat. The Duke of Cumberland, Lord Temple, Lord Stamford, and the other Lords near him, caught him in their arms. The House was immediately cleared, and the windows were opened.-Dr. Brocklesby being in the House, his assistance was instantly obtained. His Lordship was carried into an adjoining room, and the House directly adjourned.

This unhappy circumstance proved the melancholy prelude of his death. As soon as possible, his Lordship was conveyed to his favourite villa at Hayes in Kent; where he was attended by his confidential physician, Dr. Addington.

Ministers as the Duke of Sully, nothing could have withstood the power of France. In imitation of which, it may be said, with equal truth, that if there had been a succession of such Ministers as Lord Chatham, nothing could have withstood the power of Great Britain.

CHAPTER XLVI.

Lord Chatham's Death-The conduct of Parliament upon that event--Some traits of his Cha

racter.

LORD Chatham's infirm and emaciated state of body baffled every effort that skill and medicine could afford. The exertions he had lately made had exhausted his frame and constitution. He languished at Hayes until the eleventh day of May, 1778, when he died; to the sincere regret of every British subject, and of every person who had a just sense of human dignity and virtue. Such a man appears but seldom-Lord Chatham was a man of such extraordinary talents, that he would have made a shining figure in any station. Had he continued in the army, there is no doubt he would have died at the head of his corps, or have advanced to the head of his profession. He was

not born for subordination.

Intelligence of his death being sent to London, Colonel Barre, the moment he heard it, hastened to the House of Commons, who were then sitting, and communicated the melancholy information. Although it was an event, that had, in some mea

sure, been expected for several days, yet the House were affected with the deepest sensibility. Even the adherents of the Court joined in the general sorrow, which was apparent in every countenance. The old Members indulged a fond remembrance of the energy and melody of his voice; his commanding eye, his graceful action. The new Members lamented, they should hear no more the precepts of his experience, nor feel the powers of his eloquence. A deep grief prevailed. The public loss was acknowledged on all sides. Every one bore testimony to the abilities and virtues of the deceased. On this occasion all appearance of party was extinguished. There was but one sense throughout the House.

Colonel Barre moved, "That an humble Address be presented to his Majesty, requesting that his Majesty will be graciously pleased to give directions that the remains of William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, be interred at the public expence ; and that a monument be erected in the collegiate church of St. Peter, Westminster, to the memory of that great and excellent Statesman, and an inscription expressive of the sentiments of the people on so great and irreparable a loss; and to assure his Majesty that this House would make good the expence attending the same."

While this Motion was reading, Lord North came into the House, and as soon as he was informed of the business, he gave it his most hearty concurrence; lamenting that he had not come in sooner, that he might have had the honour to have made the motion himself.

The motion was agreed to unanimously.

On the thirteenth day of May Lord North assured the House, that his Majesty had readily agreed to their address, respecting the interment of the Earl of Chatham, and to the erection of a monument to his memory.

Lord John Cavendish said, that he hoped the public gratitude would not stop here. As that invaluable man had, whilst in the nation's service, neglected his own affairs, and though he had the greatest opportunity of enriching himself, had never made any provision for his family, he hoped an ample provision would be made for the descendants of so honest and able a Minister.

Lord North coincided warmly in the noble Lord's wish; and Lord Nugent, Mr. Fox, Mr Montagu, Mr. Byng, and several other Gentlemen expressed the most sincere affection for the deceased Peer, and pronounced the highest eulo

« ПредишнаНапред »