CHAP. XVII.

Meeting of Parliament.-Mr. Alderman Beckford's Explanation of the new principle of the German War.-Mr. Pitt's Speech on the Rochefort Expedition.-Effects of that Speech.-Mr. Pitt's alacrity in Office.-Sir James Porter's observation. -Successes of 1758.

THE proceedings of Parliament, to which we will now return, were not distinguished by any extraordinary debates during the remainder of Mr. Pitt's administration.

Both Houses met on the first of December 1757, according to the singular prorogation already mentioned. Mr. Pitt delivered a message from the King, acquainting the House that he had put his army in motion in Hanover (see Appendix R.), to act in concert with the King of Prussia, and requesting their support. An adequate sum was immediately voted without a dissenting voice.

Mr. Alderman Beckford said a few words upon this occasion; which, as they tend to explain the

new principle of politics, they will not be improper to insert here. 'If the Hanoverians and Hessians,' he said, 'were to be entirely under the direction of British councils, the larger the sum that was granted in order to render that army effectual, the more likely it would be to answer the end for which it was given; that is, to try the issue of the war with France; than which, in his judgment, there never was so favourable an opportunity as the present. But if the Regency of Hanover were to have the disposal of the money, and the disposition of the army, he would not give a shilling towards its subsistence.'

A new treaty was made with Prussia, which was approved by Parliament, and which the reader will find in the Appendix to this work. (See Appendix E.)

Parliament was never known to be so unanimous as at this time.

The fleet and army sent against Rochefort having returned without making the impression intended, Sir John Mordaunt was put under an arrest, and being a member of Parliament, the King sent a message to the Commons, acquainting them of the restraint put upon one of their

members. They thanked the King for his attention to their privileges.

Mr. Pitt reprehended, in terms of great warmth, the indolence, the caution, of those intrusted with the execution of military operations during the last campaign. He declared solemnly that his belief was, that there was a determined resolution, both in the naval and military commanders, against any vigorous exertion of the national power. He affirmed, though his Majesty appeared ready to embrace every measure proposed by his ministers, for the honour and interest of his British dominions; yet scarce a nan could be found with whom the execution of any one plan, in which there was the least appearance of danger, could with confidence be trusted. He particularised the inactivity of Lord London in America, from whose force the nation had a right to form great expectations; from whom there had been received no intelligence, except one small scrap paper, containing a few lines of no moment. He further said, that with a force greater than ever the nation had heretofore maintained, with a King and ministry ardently desirous of redeeming her glory, and promoting her true interest, a shameful dislike to the service every-where prevailed. And few persons seem to be affected with any other zeal

of

than that of aspiring to the highest posts, and grasping the largest salaries. From the general censure he excepted some of the admirals at home; and by name the admirals Watson and Pococke in the East Indies; one of whom, he said, so far from following the present practice of his brethren in command, by seeking occasions for excuse to keep out of danger, had bravely quitted his own ship, when unable to bring her into action, and hoisted his flag on board a lesser ship, in order to animate, by his presence, the gallant seamen under his command, who thus inspirited performed wonders. He also made very honourable mention of General, afterwards Lord Clive, who commanded on the same expedition : who though not bred a soldier, yet glowing with a noble ardour for the glory of his country, and inspired by heaven with a genius superior to imaginary danger, had dared to defy opposition, and triumphed over the enemy, the standards of whose hosts outnumbered his whole army.

Nor was it, he said, amongst the officers' alone that indolence and neglect appeared; those who filled the other departments of military service seemed to be affected with the same indifference; the victuallers, contractors, purveyors, were never to be found but upon ocea

sions of their own personal advantage. In conversation they appeared totally ignorant of their own business. The extent of their knowledge went only to the making of false accounts: in that science they were adepts.'

This detection of the abuses in the several departments, where they had long prevailed, and of the want of exertion in the commanders in chief, which had also been obvious, operated in a manner highly advantageous to the public service. Those gentlemen, as well as the nation, now saw that there was a minister at the head of affairs, who not only knew the duties of his own office, but the duties of others; and therefore they might expect him to examine their conduct to traverse all parts of it with a keen and penetrating eye. This apprehension roused them from their lethargy. They awakened as from a dream; and seemed to be electrified by the fire of his mind; they glowed with ardour in every subsequent enterprise. The British honour was

recovered. The events of the war placed the name of Great Britain upon the highest point of honour.

The minister, in the official duties of his station, was regular, punctual, and indefatigable. His example and his authority awakened in