admiration of the present age, but of posterity; and the noble stand made, and the victories obtained, by that prince, must be the strongest motives to the powers engaged against him to concur in the proper measures to restore the tranquillity of Europe. "The judicious sentiments which your Majesty has declared to us, concerning your royal navy, and the commerce of your subjects, are truly worthy of a British monarch, resolved to improve our natural strength, and most valuable rcsources. The weakening of the French force by sea to so great a degree, and the low state to which their trade is reduced, we esteem amongst the most solid benefits accruing to this nation from the expensive efforts made this war. "Your Majesty's regard for public merit shines forth in the generous notice which you are pleased to take of the valour and intrepidity of your officers and forces by sea and land: they are equally conducive to the safety and glory of our country. And your gracious acceptance of the service of the militia, as being useful in the present arduous conjuncture, will be a great encouragement to their zeal. "At the same time that we thankfully acknowledge your majesty's tender consideration for your people, in your wishes to have found your kingdoms in full peace; we cannot but admire your wisdom, in the comprehensive sense you have expressed of the causes and necessity of the present war. We are convinced, that your Majesty's humane disposition makes you lament the calamities of it; whilst your greatness of mind has determined you to pursue it with vigour, in order to a safe and honourable peace, so desirable not only to your own subjects, but to all Europe. Animated by that duty which we owe your Majesty, and by our zeal for the honour and interest of these kingdoms, we give your Majesty the strongest assurances, that we will cheerfully support you in prosecuting the war, assist the king of Prussia and the rest of your allies, and heartily concur in all such measures as shall be necessary for the defence of your Majesty and your dominions, and for the other national and important ends which you have so fully laid before us. "The anxiety which your Majesty has so early declared for the uncommon burdens of your people, demands our sincerest thanks. Your tender concern will ! be an inducement to bear them the more cheerfully; and a pledge to your faithful subjects, that they shall be relieved from them as soon as the public security will in sound policy admit. "These many and eminent proofs of your Majesty's goodness, and of your fixed attention to our happiness, call upon us for the warmest returns of duty, gratitude, and affection, to your sacred person and government. Our loyalty and fidelity are inviolable; our resolution to maintain your undoubted title to this imperial crown, and the Protestant Succession in your illustrious House, at the hazard of our lives and fortunes, is never to be shaken. Happy shall we be in every instance, whereby we may be able to contribute to the glory, prosperity, and ease, of your reign. Your Majesty's prudence, and the benevolence of your royal heart, have pointed out to us the most agreeable means of promoting these ends, by so strongly inculcating the continuance of that union and good harmony which subsist amongst your people. In doing this, your Majesty hasset an inviting and powerful example to all your subjects; which we are determined to follow, by performing every thing on our part to strengthen and improve this happy situation." The King's Answer.] The King returned the following most gracious Answer: "My Lords, "I return you my hearty thanks for this very loyal and dutiful Address. Nothing can be more agreeable to me, than your unanimous concurrence in the several weighty matters which I have laid before you. The assurances you give me of your fidelity and affection to my person and government, and of your zeal for the true Interest of your country, and for the support of my allies, afford me the highest satisfaction, and will have the best effect both at home and abroad. It shall be my constant endeavour to answer the expectations which you have formed of my reign." The Commons' Address of Thanks.] The Commons being returned to their House, Lord Royston rose and said: *The hon. Philip Yorke, eldest son of the earl of Hardwicke. The above Speech is front the original in his lordship's hand-writing. Mr. Speaker; his Majesty's most gracious Speech, which we have just heard, lays before us, from the various and interesting particulars which it contains, as extensive and important matter for deliberation, as ever attended the opening of a session. Though unequal to the task, I am powerfully called upon by duty and affection to his Majesty, and my country, to submit to the judgment of the House some words, which appear to me to be a suitable return, to the throne, of condolance, congratulation, and assurances of support. I have experienced the indulgence of the House before, in the same situation, wherein I am now placed, but I never stood in greater need of it than at this moment, because I never felt myself so deeply affected, never engaged in so copipus a subject, which it is difficult to treat with the fulness, force, and connection, which every branch of it requires. The first consideration which rises in my mind, and which indeed presents itself to me, from the very appearance and habit of this great assembly, is, the common loss which we so justly deplore of our late most excellent sovereign; a prince renowned during the course of a long and glorious reign, by the strictest regard to this constitution, the most inviolable adherence to his engagements, the most constant attention to the good of his people, and the most unsullied integrity and uprightness of heart; who died full of years and crowned with laurels, and whose memory will go down to the latest posterity, honored, beloved, and revered. But, Sir, our gloomy apprehensions after so weighty a subject of national grief, are alleviated and dispelled by the hopes we have the strongest reason to entertain from the rising virtues and accomplishments of the successor, a prince born and educated amongst us, and who has, in terms the most gracious and endearing to his people, condescended to think these circumstances add something to his own lustre. These hopes, Sir, are also confirmed and strengthened by his Majesty's Declaration in council, and the Speech with which he has been pleased to open his first session of parliament; they contain every assurance and every engagement which can gladden the heart of a faithful subject, and hold out to us the fairest prospect of a reign wholly devoted to the welfare and prosperity of the people; they call upon us to make every retribution of duty and gratitude, and particularly that with which an accession to the throne has of late been attended, the providing in an adequate and liberal manner for the expences of the civil government; a point, Sir, in which the rights and liberties of the subjects who are to be protected, are as nearly concerned as the dignity and splendor of the crown which are to be supported, and upon the general necessity of which, every gentleman must be so far convinced, that it would be trespassing on your patience to enlarge farther upon this topic. The public situation is so fully and justly described by his Majesty, and is so well known to every gentleman here, that I despair of adding any force to what the words of the Speech itself, and the notoriety of the facts must already have imprinted on your minds. Great and glorious, Sir, as the events of the war have been, in which every scene of it has been filled with action, and most of them distinguished by the most triumphant success, yet the obstinacy of our enemies in declining to listen to the offer of a congress, or to propose terms of accommodation, render the continuance of it with vigour in every part unavoidable. If we take off that pressure, which now lies hard on our enemies, by the variety and extent of our operations, we give them opportunities of recovering from the blows they have received, and perhaps of gaining the attack upon us in some weak and unguarded quarter. The progress and happy achievements of his Majesty's arms last summer, invite us to repeat the same congratulations with which we approached the throne at the beginning of last session: the complete reduction of Canada, attended with circumstances which do equal honor to the military skill, and the humanity of the general who commanded; the valuable acquisitions gained, and the signal victory obtained in the East Indies over the best officers which France had to boast of in that part of the world; the heroic and successful stand, which our firm, intrepid, and great ally the king of Prussia, has made against his numerous and inveterate enemies; the ever-memorable proofs of British valour in Germany, under the command of a prince of his Majesty's House, who joins to the coolness and foresight of Turenne, the ardour and vivacity of Condé, assisted by a nephew possessed of the same shining talents; these are all topics | public councils, upon the merit of partiwhich barely to recall to your minds is to cular ministers or particular measures, celebrate. And here, Sir, I cannot help should in this cause and in this quarrel making one reflection in justice to admi- have acted like one man; that all orders nistration, that no part of the war has and all denominations have cheerfully conbeen carried on at the expence of the curred in the immense supplies which have other that our own commercial and ter- been requisite, and in the most spirited efritorial quarrel with France, has not been forts to render those supplies effectual; neglected to gratify any foreign interests that their persons as well as purses have the most intimately connected with our been devoted to the public service; that own, nor have our allies been selfishly sa- gentlemen of the first families and estates, crificed to the pursuit of our national not bred up to the profession of arms, have cause; but every measure has been ren- at this arduous juncture submitted with dered subservient to the promoting of one zeal and alacrity to the fatigues of mili common system. tary discipline, and that no other contention has been heard of, than of who should stand the forwardest to deserve well of his country. But, Sir, in the midst of exultation for advantages which have been greatly obtained, and with the prospect of more before my eyes, which under the blessing of Providence may be expected from a continuance of the same wise and faithful counsels, I am led by a paragraph in the Speech, in which his Majesty with a true paternal tenderness for his people takes notice of "the uncommon burdens necessarily brought upon his faithful subjects," to express my most ardent wishes that the happy period to those burdens may not be too long before it comes. The most successful war is attended with evils and calamities enough to be severely felt, and true policy as well as humanity dictate to us, not to pursue even the justest quarrel longer than necessity requires; the first hour that such a peace can be obtained, as shall fully provide for the security of our allies, and be adequate to the great national interests, which occasioned this war, I shall think one of the happiest æras that this country ever saw; and I will flatter myself, that as we ought not to sacrifice any weighty public concern to the name of peace, so neither shall we permit the terms to be regulated by the caprice of the ignorant and presumptuous, or the interested clamours of the brokers of war, the multi quibus utile bellum.' But, Sir, however near, or however distant the return of public tranquillity may be, we may be sure of one thing, that nothing can bring us with safety and credit to the end of this long and expensive war, but the same spirit of union and harmony at home which has hitherto prevailed. Wonderful will it appear to posterity, as it has done to the present age, and greatly will it redound to the national honor, that a country so oft torn to pieces by divisions, so often disagreeing upon the grounds of This desirable complexion of the times his Majesty has, by every circumstance, that has passed since his happy accession, done his utmost to promote and maintain. It must be our part to answer his royal exhortations and the public wishes, by a corresponding degree of unanimity, dispatch, and vigour in our proceedings. The noble lord concluded with moving the following Address, which was agreed to nem. con. "Most Gracious Sovereign, "We, your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of Great Britain, in parliament assembled, approach your royal presence to express the deepest sense of the great and severe loss which your Majesty and these kingdoms have sustained, by the death of your Majesty's royal grandfather, our late most excellent sovereign, the memory of whose just and prosperous reign will be held in reverence by latest posterity. "We beg leave to congratulate your Majesty on your happy accession to the throne, the only consideration that can alleviate our grief for such a loss; the knowledge of your Majesty's royal vir. tues, wisdom, and firmness, opens to your faithful subjects the fairest prospect for their future happiness at home, and for the continuance of that weight and influence of your Majesty's crown abroad, so essentially necessary in this arduous and critical conjuncture, for the preservation of that system, upon which the liberties of Europe depend. "We return your Majesty our humble thanks for your most gracious Speech from the throne, and acknowledge, with the liveliest sentiments of duty, gratitude, and exultation of mind, those most affecting invincible constancy of mind, and inexhaustible resources of genius, displayed by that magnanimous monarch, to whom the most dangerous and difficult situations have only administered fresh occasions for glory. and animating words of our most gracious sovereign, that, born and educated in this country, he glories in the name of Briton; and we offer to your Majesty the full tribute of our hearts for the warm expressions of your truly royal and tender affection towards your people. We venerate and confide in those sacred assurances of your Majesty's firm and invariable resolution, to adhere to and strengthen this excellent constitution, in Church and State, to maintain the Toleration inviolate, and to protect your faithful subjects in that greatest of human blessings, the secure enjoyment of their religious and civil rights. "Our most dutiful acknowledgments are due to your Majesty, for the mention which you have so graciously made of the distinguished valour and intrepidity of your officers and forces at sea and land, and for the declaration of your Majesty's constant resolution to encourage and reward such merit: and we return our most | humble thanks to your Majesty, for your favourable acceptance of the zealous and useful service of the militia in the present arduous conjuncture. "We assure your Majesty, that your faithful Commons, thoroughly sensible of this important crisis, and desirous, with the Divine assistance, to render your Majesty's reign successful and glorious in war, happy and honourable in peace (the "Permit us to congratulate your Majesty on the various successes which, under the protection of God, have attended the British arms, during the last summer, particularly in the reduction of the city of Montreal, and the entire province of Canada, a conquest equally important and glorious, achieved with intrepidity, and closed with humanity, the genuine attri-natural return of a grateful people to a butes of that British spirit, which, under the benign auspices of your Majesty, will, we trust, continue, by the Divine assistance, to give additional lustre to the arms of Great Britain. "This valuable and extensive acquisition, joined to the signal advantages gained in the East Indies; the flourishing state of our commerce; the respectable condition of your Majesty's navy, by which the remains of the enemy's fleet continue blocked up in their harbours, whilst their trade is almost annihilated; are considerations which fill our hearts with the most pleasing hopes, that your Majesty will be thereby enabled to prosecute this just and necessary war, to that great and desirable object of establishing, in conjunction with your allies, a safe, honourable, and lasting peace. "We see, with the greatest pleasure, that the progress of the French armies in Germany, notwithstanding their superiority of numbers, has been stopped, and, to the honour of your Majesty's arms, their attempts hitherto baffled by the wise and able conduct of his serene highness prince Ferdinand of Brunswick. "When we consider the stupendous efforts, made in every campaign, by your Majesty's great ally, the king of Prussia, the defeat of the Austrians in Silesia, and that recent and glorious victory obtained over the army commanded by marshal Daun, we cannot sufficiently admire the [VOL. XV.] gracious and affectionate sovereign) will concur in such measures as shall be requisite for the vigorous and effectual prosecution of the war; and that we will cheerfully and speedily grant such supplies as shall be found necessary for that purpose, and for the support of the king of Prussia, and the rest of your Majesty's allies; firmly relying on your Majesty's wisdom, goodness, and justice, that they will be applied in such a manner as will most ef fectually answer the ends for which they are granted, and with the utmost œconomy that the nature of such great and extensive operations will allow; and that we will make such an adequate provision for your Majesty's civil government, as may be sufficient to maintain the honour and dignity of your crown with all proper and becoming lustre. "Your Majesty's faithful Commons approach your royal person, with hearts penetrated by the warmest and liveliest sense of your inbounded tenderness and concern for the welfare of your people, and rejoicing at the high satisfaction your Majesty takes in the union which so universally prevails throughout your kingdoms; a deep sense of that national strength and prosperity visibly derived from this salutary source, and, above all, your Majesty's approbation of that happy union, and the natural disposition and wish of your royal heart to cement and promote it, are the strongest incentives to concord, [$$] consequence of which, the House resolved nem. con. and the surest pledge of its duration; the fixed resolution which your Majesty has declared, to countenance and encourage the practice of true religion and virtue, will, we doubt not, prove the best means of drawing down the favour of God upon a dutiful and united nation; and we shall never cease devoutly to offer up our ardent vows to the Divine Providence, that, as a recompence for these royal virtues, your Majesty may reign in the hearts of a free and happy people; and that they, excited by your Majesty's benevolent care to discharge your royal function, and animated by gratitude for the enjoyment of so many blessings, may make the due return by a constant obedience to your laws, and by the most steady attachment and loyalty to your person and government." The King's Answer.] To this Address his Majesty returned the following most gracious Answer: "Gentlemen, "I return you my cordial thanks for this most dutiful and affectionate Address, and for your warm expressions of fidelity to my person, and attention to the honour and dignity of my crown. "The unanimous assurances that you will make effectual and speedy provision for the vigorous prosecution of the war, and for the support of my allies, yield me the truest satisfaction, and will, I trust, prove the happy means of reducing the enemy to the terms of a just and honourable peace. With such zeal and harmony among my people, I have only to implore the continuance of the Divine blessings on their generous efforts, and on my ardent endeavours for the permanent felicity of my loving subjects." Resolutions of the Commons respecting the Hereditary Revenues of the Crown. November 25. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, by his Majesty's command, acquainted the House, "That his Majesty, ever desirous of giving the most substantial proofs of his tender regard to the welfare of his people, is pleased to signify his consent, that, whenever this House shall enter upon the consideration of making provision for the support of his houshold, and the honour and dignity of his crown, such disposition may be made of his Majesty's interest in the hereditary revenues of the crown, as may best conduce to the utility and satisfaction of the public." In 1. "That, for the support of his Majesty's houshold, and of the honour and dignity of the crown, there be granted to his Majesty, during his life, such a revenue, as, together with the annuities payable by virtue of any acts of parliament, made in the reign of his late majesty king George the second, of blessed memory, out of the hereditary civil list revenues, shall amount to the clear yearly sum of 800,000l. to commence from the demise of his said late majesty. 2. "That the said revenue, for the support of his Majesty's houshold, and of the honour and dignity of the crown, be charged upon, and made payable out of, the aggregate fund. 3.That the several revenues which were payable to his said late majesty, during his life, and had continuance till the time of his demise, other than such payments as were charged upon and issuing out of the aggregate fund, be granted and continued from the time of the said demise to his present Majesty, during his life; and the produce of the said revenues, together with the produce of the hereditary revenues, which were settled or appointed to be, towards the support of the houshold of his said late majesty, and of the honour and dignity of the crown be, during the said term, carried to, and made part of, the aggregate fund." November 27. It was further resolved, "That an humble Address be presented to his Majesty, that he would be graciously pleased to order an account to be laid before the House, of the clear produce, in every year, of the several branches of the revenue, appropriated for the payment of the Civil List, during his late majesty's life; and of the several sums granted to make good deficiencies:" which was accordingly made up, and delivered into parliament; the whole amount of which, for 33 years, was 26,182,9817. Convention with the King of Prussia.] December 17. Mr. Secretary Pitt presented to the House, by his Majesty's command, the following copy of a Convention between his Majesty and the king of Prussia. CONVENTION between his Majesty and the King of Prussia, concluded and signed at London, the 12th of Decumber 1760. |