actual equipping of a squadron of 12 ships | dated Genoa, 17th January 1756, his maof the line, besides frigates, at Toulon; jesty received advice of an intention to and that the said armament would at latest surprize the island of Minorca, which was be ready to sail very early in the spring confirmed by many subsequent advices of 1756.-4. That on the 4th of February the actual destination of the said armament 1756, in a letter from Mr. Consul Birtles, against the said island, received in the 'tice to the prisoner, we pray your lordships, in the most earnest manner, to recommend 'him to his majesty's clemency.' The lords of the admiralty, instead of complying with the request of the court-martial, transmitted their letter to the king, with copies of their forces by sea; and as that article positively prescribed death, without any alternative left to the discretion of the court under any variation of circumstances, they unanimously adjudged the said admiral John Byng to be shot to death, at such time, and on board of such ship, as the lords commissioners of the adini-proceedings, and a letter from themselves to ralty should please to direct. But as it appeared, by the evidence of the officers who were near the admiral's person, that no backwardness was perceivable in him during the action, nor any mark of fear or confusion either in his countenance or behaviour; but that he delivered his orders coolly and distinctly, with out seeming deficient in personal courage; and, from other circumstances, they believed his misconduct did not arise either from cowardice or disaffection, they unanimously and earnestly recommended him as a proper object of mercy. The admiral himself behaved through the whole trial with the most cheerful composure, seemingly the effect of conscious innocence, upon which, perhaps, he too much relied. Even after he had heard the evidence examined against bim, and finished bis own defence, he laid his account in being honourably acquitted; and ordered his coach to be ready for conveying him directly from the tribunal to London. A gentleman, his friend, by whom he was attended, having received intination of the sentence to be pronounced, thought it his duty to prepare him for the occasion, that he might summon all his fortitude to his assistance, and accordingly made him acquainted with the information he had received. The admiral gave tokens of surprise and resentment, but betrayed no marks of fear or disorder, either then or in the court when the sentence was pronounced. On the contrary, while divers members of the court-martial manifested grief, anxiety, and trepidation, shedding tears, and sighing with extraordinary emotion, he heard his doom denounced without undergoing the least altera-thing that should be thought inconsistent with tion of feature, and made a low obeisance to the president and the other members of the court, as he retired. "The officers who composed this tribunal were so sensible of the law's severity, that they unanimously subscribed a letter to the board of admiralty, containing this remarkable paragraph: We cannot help laying the distresses of our minds before your lordships on this oc'casion, in finding ourselves under necessity of condemning a man to death, from the great severity of the 12th article of war, part of which he falls under, which admits of no mitigation if the crime should be committed by an error in judgment; and, therefore, for "Our own consciences sake, as well as in jus his majesty, specifying a doubt with regard to the legality of the sentence, as the crime of negligence, for which the admiral had been condemned, was not expressed in any part of the proceedings. At the same time, copies of two petitions from lord Torrington, in behalf of his kinsman, were submitted to his majesty's royal wisdom and determination. All the friends and relations of the unhappy convict employed and exerted their influence and interest for his pardon; and, as the circumstances bad appeared so strong in his favour, it was supposed that the sceptre of royal mercy would be extended for his preservation: but infamous arts were used to whet the savage appetite of the populace for blood. The cry of vengeance was loud throughout the land: sullen clouds of suspicion and malevolence interpos. ing, were said to obstruct the genial beams of the best virtue that adorns the throne; and the sovereign was given to understand, that the execution of admira! Byng was a victim absolutely necessary to appease the fury of the people. His majesty, in consequence of the representation made by the lords of the admiralty, referred the sentence to the consideration of the twelve judges, who were unanimously of opinion that the sentence was legal. This report being transmitted from the privy-coun cil to the admiralty, their lordships issued warrant for executing the sentence of death on the 28th of February. One gentleman at the board, however, refused to subscribe the warrant. Though mercy was denied to the criminal, the crown seemed determined to do no law. A member of parliament, who had sat upon the court-martial at Portsmouth, rose up in his place, &c. [See the proceedings above.] "The unfortunate admiral being thus abandoned to the stroke of justice, prepared himself' for death with resignation and tranquillity. He maintained a surprising cheerfulness to the last; nor did he, from his condemnation to his execution, exhibit the least sign of impatience or apprehension. During that interval he had remained on board of the Monarque, a thirdrate ship of war, anchored in the harbour of Portsmouth, under a strong guard, in the custody of the marshal of the admiralty. On the 14th of March, the day fixed for his execution, the boats belonging to the squadron at Spithead month of February 1756.-5. That his majesty received repeated and concurrent intelligence, that the Toulon squadron, which sailed to Minorca, consisting of 12 ships of the line, was ill provided with men and guns.-6. That his majesty, between the 30th January 1756, and the 6th March 1756, received intelligence, that there was fitted, and fitting for the sea, at Brest and Rochfort, a squadron of 17 ships of the line, which, by intelligence received the 7th March 1756, was to be augmented to 22 ships of the line, some of which were to be fitted out for transporting troops; and by farther intelligence received, of the 31st March 1756, was increased to 23 ships of the line, exclusive of 3 ships of the line said to be destined for America.-7. That sir Edward Hawke received orders to sail on the 27th February 1756, and actually sailed on the 12th March following, on a cruize to the westward, with a squadron of 14 ships of the line: which squadron, under the command of sir Edward Hawke, was, on the 1st April 1756, ordered to be reinforced with 5 ships of the line under rear admiral Holbourne.-8. That on the 8th March 1756, orders were given by the Commissioners of the Admiralty to get ready ten ships of the line for the Mediterranean; and, on the 11th March 1756, orders were given by the Commissioners of the Admiralty to admiral Byng, to take the said ten ships of the line under his command, and fit them for the sea as soon being manned and armed, containing their captains and officers, with a detachment of as possible; and, on the 27th March 1756, the Commissioners of the Admiralty were ordered to send ten ships of the line to the island of Minorca; which ships sailed on the 6th April following; which ten ships, at their sailing, were fully manned, including the royal regiment of fusileers sent on board to serve as part of their complement, and which was ordered to be landed at Minorca, in case the governor, or commander in chief of the island, should think it necessary for its defence; and, as appears by a letter from the said admiral to the said Commissioners, were, in every respect, ready for sailing.-9. That on the 1st April 1756, there were 27 of his majesty's ships of the line cruising on the following services; that is to say, 14 ships of the line cruising between Brest and Rochfort, under the command of sir Edw. Hawke; 5 more of the line ordered, under the command of admiral Holbourne, to join sir Edw. Hawke; one between Cape Clear and Scilly; one between Scilly and Ushant; two off the Isle of Bass; one off Cape Barfleur; two in the Downs, under the command of admiral Smith, and one at Cork; and 28 sail of the line in commission at home; that is to say, 17 fitted for sea, ten fitting, and one in harbour service; all which were exclusive of the squadron under the command of admiral Byng, then under orders to sail immediately for the Mediterranean; and that the complement of the said 28 ships of the line at home amounted to 14,040 men; and that there were borne upon the said ship's books 9,891 men, and 7,249 mustered.-10. That on the 1st April 1756, there were 45 frigates, sloops, and armed ships, cruizing on the following stations; that is to say, three under sir Edw. Hawke, one off Brest, two off the Isle of Bass, four off Cape Barfleur, 14 under admiral Smith, two at Dublin, one at Greenock, one at Whitehaven, two at Liverpool, two in King Road, one at Biddeford, one at Falmouth, one at Exmouth, one at Yarmouth, one at Lynn, one in the Humber, one at Newcastle, one at Leith, one at Sheerness, going to Leith, three convoys to Stadht, one convoy from Ostend, and then ordered to the Downs; and there were at home 17 frigates, sloops, and yachts, fitted and marines, attended this solemnity in the harbour, which was also crowded with an infinite number of other boats and vessels filled with spectators. About noon, the admiral having taken leave of a clergyman, and two friends who accompanied him, walked out of the great cabin to the quarter-deck, where two files of marines were ready to execute the sentence. He advanced with a firm deliberate step, a composed and resolute countenance, and resolved to suffer with his face uncovered, until his friends, representing that his looks would possibly intimidate the soldiers, and prevent their taking aim properly, he submitted to their request, threw his hat on the deck, kneeled on a cushion, tied one white handkerchief over his eyes, and dropped the other as a signal for his executioners, who fired a volley so decisive, that five balls passed through his body, and refiting for sea; the complements of which dropped down dead in an instant. The time in 17 amounted to 2,405 men, of which 1,508 which this tragedy was acted, from his walkwere borne and 1,320 mustered.-11. That ing out of the cabin to his being deposited it appears by the last returns from Miin the coffin, did not exceed three minutes." norca, before the siege, bearing date the Smollett. 31st July 1755, that the garrison of Fort St. Philip's consisted of 2,860 men, officers included; and that, on the first of February 1756, there were 35 military officers absent from their duty, including the governor and commander in chief of the island, the governor of Fort St. Philip's, and the colonels of the four regiments in garrison there, the governor of the island being otherwise employed in his majesty's service, the governor of Fort St. Philip's disabled by age and infirmities, 19 second lieutenants and ensigns appointed between the 1st October 1755 and 4th January 1756, and nine officers employed in the recruiting service in Great Britain.-12. That major general Stuart, did in Nov. 1755, receive orders from his majesty to repair to Minorca, in order to be assistant to lieut. general Blakeney, then commanding his majesty's forces in that island; and that on the 3d February following, the colonels of the several regiments, then in Minorca, received an order from his majesty, to send all the absent officers of their respective regiments to duty there, except such as it should be necessary to keep in Great Britain on the recruiting service.-13. That on the 28th March 1756, a detachment, with proper officers, equal to a battalion, was ordered to be sent from Gibraltar, to be landed for the relief of Minorca.-14. That on the 30th March 1756, orders were given for raising a company of miners, consisting of 200 men; and, on the 7th May 1756, directions were given for sending three more battalions for the reinforcement of the garrison of Fort St. Philip's 15. That the squadron of his majesty's ships in the Mediterranean, in December 1755, consisted of one ship of 60 guns, two of 50, four frigates, and one sloop: and that the garrison of Fort St. Philip's, in the said month according to the last returns, made 31st July 1755, consisted of 2,860 men, officers included; and that it doth appear, that no greater number of ships of war could be sent into the Mediterranean than were sent on the 6th April 1756, nor any greater reinforcement than the regiment which was sent, and the detachment equal to a battalion, which was ordered to the relief of Fort St. Philip's, consistently with the state of the navy, and the various services essential to the safety of his majesty's dominions, and the interest of his subjects. The King's Speech at the Close of the Session.] July 4. His majesty put an end to the session with the following Speech: "My Lords and Gentlemen; "After so long and diligent an attendance upon the public business, it is time that I should give you some recess. But I cannot put an end to the session, without expressing my entire satisfaction in the many proofs I have received of your zeal and affection for my person and government, and for your unfeigned concern for my honour and real support. "The succour and preservation of my dominions in America have been my constant care. And, next to the security of my kingdoms, they shall continue to be my great and principal object: and I have taken such measures, as I trust, by the blessing of God, may effectually disappoint the designs of my enemies in those parts. "I have had no other view, but to vindicate the just rights of my crown and subjects from the most injurious encroachments; to preserve tranquillity, as far as the circumstances of things might admit; and to prevent our true friends, and the liberties of Europe, from being oppressed or endangered by any unprovoked and unnatural conjunction. "Gentlemen of the House of Commons; "I thank you for the large supplies which you have so cheerfully and unanimously given me. It affords me great pleasure, that the frugal use made of the confidence reposed in me the last year, has been an inducement to you to renew the same; and you may be assured, that it shall be applied only to the purposes for which it was intended. "I shall be particularly attentiye to reduce all unnecessary expences, in order the better to provide for the great and requisite services of the war. "My Lords and Gentlemen; "I have nothing to desire of you, but what is equally essential to your own interest, and to my service. Let it be your constant endeavour to promote harmony and good agreement among my faithful subjects; that, by our union at home, we may be the better able to repel and frustrate abroad the dangerous designs of the enemies of my crown." The parliament was then prorogued to farther prorogued to the 1st of December. The said Resolutions were agreed to by the 11th of August: and was afterwards the House. FIFTH SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF GREAT BRITAIN. The King's Speech on Opening the Session.] Dec. 1, 1757. The King opened the Session with the following Speech to both Houses: "My Lords and Gentlemen; "It would have given me the greatest pleasure to have acquainted you, at the opening of this session, that our success in carrying on the war had been equal to the justice of our cause, and the extent and vigour of the measures formed for that purpose. "I have the firmest confidence, that the spirit and bravery of this nation, so renowned in all times, and which have formerly surmounted so many difficulties, are not to be abated by some disappointments. These, I trust, by the blessing of God, and your zeal and ardour for my honour, and the welfare of your country, may be retrieved. It is my fixt resolution to apply my utmost efforts for the security of my kingdoms, and for the recovery and protection of the possessions and rights of my crown and subjects in America, and clsewhere; as well by the strongest exertion of our naval force, as by all other methods. Another great object, which I have at heart, is the preservation of the Protestant religion, and the liberties of Europe; and in that view, to adhere to, and encourage my allies. "For this cause, I shall decline no inconveniences; and, in this cause, I earnestly desire your hearty concurrence, and vigorous assistance. The late signal success in Germany has given a happy turn to affairs, which it is incumbent upon us to improve; and, in this critical conjuncture, the eyes of all Europe are upon you. In particular, I must recommend it to you, that my good brother and ally, the king of Prussia, may be supported in such a manner as his magnanimity and active zeal for the common cause deserve. "Gentlemen of the House of Commons; "It gives me the utmost concern, that the large supplies which you have already granted for carrying on the war, have not produced all the good effects we had reason to hope for; but I have so great a reliance upon your wisdom, as not to doubt of your perseverance. I only desire such supplies as shall be necessary for the publie service; and, to that end, have ordered the proper estimates to be laid before you. You may depend upon it, that the best and most faithful œconomy shall be used. "My Lords and Gentlemen; "I have had such ample experience of the loyalty and good affections of my faithful subjects towards me, my family, and government, in all circumstances, that I am confident they are not to be shaken. But I cannot avoid taking notice of that spirit of disorder, which has shewn itself amongst the common people, in some parts of the kingdom. Let me recommend it to you, to do your part in discouraging and suppressing such abuses, and for maintaining the laws, and lawful authority. If any thing shall be found wanting, to explain or enforce what may have been misunderstood or misrepresented, I am persuaded it will not escape your attention. "Nothing can be so conducive to the defence of all that is dear to us, as well as for reducing our enemies to reason, as union and harmony amongst ourselves." The Lords' Address of Thanks.] His majesty having retired, The Earl of Northumberland moved the following Address, which being seconded by the earl of Pomfret, was agreed to: "Most Gracious Sovereign; "We your majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Lords spiritual and temporal in parliament assembled, beg leave to return your majesty our humble thanks, for your most gracious Speech from the throne. "The concern which you are pleased to express, for the disappointments that have unhappily attended some of the measures formed by your majesty this year, for carrying on the just war in which we are engaged, is a fresh mark of your paternal regard for the welfare of your people, and for the glory of this kingdom. The testimony which your majesty has at the same time given to the spirit and bravery of this nation, and to the ardent zeal of your parliament to retrieve these misfortunes, is a proof of the justice done by your royal mind to our principles and sentiments, and the greatest encouragement to persevere in them. "Affected therefore as we are with these events, we are not discouraged; but | proofs, are never to be shaken or dimiwe sincerely promise your majesty our nished. The preservation of your sacred hearty concurrence, and most vigorous person, the stability of your government, assistance, in accomplishing, under the and the continuance of the Protestant sucprotection of the Divine Providence, your cession in your illustrious House, will ever wise and gracious intentions for our de- be most dear to us, and essential to the fence and safety at home, and for re- happiness of all your people." covering and securing the rights and possessions of your crown and subjects in America and elsewhere, particularly by the utmost exertion of that essential part of our strength, your naval force. "The preservation of the Protestant religion and the liberties of Europe are objects never to be forgotten by us. Of this pure religion, and these invaluable liberties, Great Britain has in all times been a principal bulwark; and cannot fail to continue so, under your majesty's auspicious reign. "As the late signal success in Germany fills us with unfeigned joy, so it animates our hopes to see this glorious cause revive; and we do, with equal thankfulness and satisfaction, acknowledge your majesty's generous declaration, that, for the sake of it, you will decline no inconveniences. "To defend your majesty against all your enemies, to support your honour and real interests, and to strengthen your hands, are our indispensible duty. It shall also be our endeavour, to improve this success to the most useful purposes; and to exert ourselves in supporting your good ally the king of Prussia, whose magnanimity and unexampled firmness are so evident to all the world, and of such great utility to the common cause. "We have seen, with the utmost abhorrence, that spirit of disorder and riot which has shewn itself of late amongst the common people; we are sensible that it is inconsistent with all government, and necessary to be reformed and suppressed; nothing shall be wanting on our part, for this salutary purpose, and to enforce and add strength to the laws and lawful authority, on which the liberty and property of the meanest as well as of the chief of your subjects depend. "Your majesty's kind admonition, of the necessity of union and harmony amongst ourselves, is highly worthy the common father of your people: we will always have it before our eyes; and we give your majesty the strongest assurances, that our loyalty and good affections to your majesty and your royal family, of which we have on all occasions given real The King's Answer.] To which Address the King returned this Answer: "My Lords; "Nothing could possibly give me greater satisfaction than this very dutiful and affectionate Address. I heartily thank you for it; and make no doubt but the zeal and vigour which you so seasonably express, in this critical conjuncture, will have the best effects both at home and abroad." Debate in the Commons on the Address of Thanks.] The Commons being returned to their House, Lord Royston rose and said: Mr. Speaker; the speech lays before us many points of the highest moment, and in compliance with the long established usage of parliaments, I rise up and submit with great deference to the consideration of the House, some words by which we may convey to the crown those assurances of duty and support, which every man's own breast must tell him the occasion requires. It is a conumon introduction to motions of this kind, to display the importance of the conjuncture, and the expectations of the public, which arise out of it; never less necessary to urge those motives for deliberation than now, when the events that have passed since we last met, and the mere view of our situation at home and abroad, of themselves bespeak our attention more powerfully than words can excite it. The war we are engaged in, entered into with univcrsal concurrence, for intercsts the most essential to this country, the protection of its colonies, and the removing those encroachments which had been made upon them. From the turn which airs have taken, it is become a struggic, if not for our independency as a free, and a Protestant peopic, yet cer * Philip Yorke, eldest son of lord chancel lor Hardwicke. The above Speech is copied from the origiau?, in his lordship's handwriting. |