^ Ex Libris K. OGDEN THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES iMiittiiiilHaai THE HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN DURING THE REIGN OF ^U E E N ANNE, r/v // THE HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN DURING THE REIGN OF ^J/EEN ANNE. WITH A DISSERTATION concerning the Danger of the Protestant Succession ; And an APPENDIX, containing Original Papers, BY THOMAS SOMERVILLE, D.D. F.R.S.E. ONE OF HIS majesty's CHAPLAINS IN ORDINARY, AND MINISTER AT JEDDURGH. L N D N.- Printed for A. Strahan ; and T. Cadell Jun. and W. Davies, in the Strand. 1798. ^y^'kP^?^ TO THE KING. (BY PERMISSION.) SIR, 1 HE Hiflory of the Reign of Queen Anne exliibits illuftrious examples of the fpirit and ftrength of Great Britain, in controlling the exorbitant power and ambition of France. The importance of this fubje^l, and the labour which I have beftowed to render it interefting and ufeful, are the grounds of my afpiring to the diftinguifhed honour of infcribing the following Work to Your Majefty. The record of paft exertions, crowned with fucceis, invigorates the public mind in the feafon of impending danger. a From iv DEDICATION. From the inherent vigour of the Britifli Conftitution, and the increafe of national refources, conjoined with Your Majefty's perfonal virtues and firm adminiflra- tion, your loyal fubjcfts are encouraged to hope for the fuccefsful ifTue of the arduous conteft in vi^hich they are now engaged, in defence of their moft valuable and facred rights. That Your Majefty's counfels and arms may be fa- voured by the Supreme Ruler of Events, and made effedlual to fecure the independence and happinefs o£ the Britifh Empire, is the fervent prayer of, SIR, Your Majesty's mod loyal Subjecl, and mofl obedient humble Servant, THE AUTHOR, Jedburgh, Sep. 26, 1798. THE PREFACE. Jl HE Reign of Queen Anne comprehends a greater variety of interefling events than any period of the Britiih hlftory of equal duration. Though many volumes upon this fubje£t are already in the hands of the Public, there is ftill opportunity for refuming it with the profpe£t of promoting ufeful inftrudlion. The accounts of this reign, written by contemporary authors, are often rendered tedious and unpleafant from the intrufion of occur- rences, which are frivolous iiiid uuhuerefting in our own day. The frequent and abrupt tranfitions from one fubje<3: to another, occa- fioned by a fl:ri£l adherence to chronological arrangement, deftroy that unity and connexion, which are eflential to the clearnefs and dignity of genuine hiftory. But what, above all, renders the earlier hiflories of this reign exceptionable, is' their being tinged with the party fpirit, which then arofe to the higheft pitch of intemperance and malignity. Nor are later authors entirely free from thefe objec- tions ; fome have fervilely followed the track of their predeceflors ; and none perhaps have obtained fufficient information for correcting their miftakes, and fupplying their defedls. After the moft careful perufal of all the printed materials relating to my fubject, and a large ftore of original papers which have not been feen by former writers, I have attempted to prcfent to the Public an . exa6V, impartial, and connected detail of the moft important events and tranfadtions during the Reign of Queen Anne. a 2 A Ihort vlii PREFACE. A fliort defcription of the manufcripts, which I have confulted,. cannot fail to imprefs the reader with a high idea of their value,, while it affords me a pleafing opportunity of exprefling my warmeft gratitude to the perfons, who liave honoured me with their pa- tronage. To her Grace the Duchefs of Buccleugh, I am indebted for the ufe- of many volumes of original Manufcripts colle£ted by the Duke of Shrewfbury, containing fevcral ftate-papers, and fome hundred letters, moftly political, and written by perfons, who were confpi- cuous adors in public life, during the reigns of King Charles II. King James II. King William, and Queen Anne. The Earl of Hardwicke, upon my defign being communicated to him, with a franknefs which enhances every favour, tranfmitted tO' me copies of Letters from the Earl of Godolphin, Mr. Harley, Lord Halifax, and the Duke of Marlborough, which made a part of the- Colledion of the late Earl of Hard-wlckc, who was himfelf diftin- guifhed as an example and patron of literary refearch. The Letters- of the Earl of Godolphin and Mr. Harley give an infight into the: difputes of the cabinet, which produced the changes in adminiftra- tion at the end of the year 1707 ; thofe from Lord Halifax refer to his embaffy to the court of Hanover in 1706, and the projedt of the barrier treaty ; the Duke of Marlborough's, dated 171 1, to the (late of the war, and the defence of his own condudl. The Townfhend, Orford, and Walpole Papers, have furnifhed mc with a variety of authentic documents concerning important tranfac- tions, both in England and on the continent. The Townfhend Papers contain almoft the whole correfpondence, between the Britilh cabinet and the plenipotentiaries, relative to the negotiations at the Hague 1709, and at Gertruedenberg 1710; and: to the fcheme and progrefs of the barrier treaty. They contain alfo a part of the correfpondence between Mr. St. John, Lord Townfhend, PREFACE. l^ Townfhend, Mr. Boyle, and Lord Dartmouth, upon the fubje(Ct of the armed neutrality, and the conduit of the allies during the war ; and, occalionaUy, illuftrate coincident political tranfadions. The Orford and Walpole Colledion confifts of extradls from the journals of the refidents at foreign courts, and feveral of their letters, difclofijig circumftances refpeiling the ftate of the confederacy, and the temper and interefts of its members, which have not hitherto been known or attended to. The letters of Generals Stanhope, Car- penter, and Wade, and extracls from their journals in Spain, alfo included in this collection, throw great light upon military affairs ia that quarter. For the communication of the extrads and letters from the Or- ford and Walpole Papers, I am entirely indebted to the kindnefs of the Reverend William Coxe, whofe literary merits have long flood high in the public efleem. Having heard accidentally of my being engaged in writing the Hiftnry of the Reign of Queen Anne, from a partiality extremely flattering to me as an author, in which character alone I was known to him, he voluntarily offered me every afTiftance in his power to forward my undertaking ; and, with the confent of the noble proprietor?, fent me the above-mentioned papers, which he had collected among the materials for his Memoirs of Sir Robert Walpole. He has alfo favoured me with copies of a few letters from the Earl of Peterborough, written from Vienna and Venice in 171 1 ; and anecdotes and mifcellaneous papers, which have been ul'eful in the profecution of my defign. Superior to that mean, engrofling fpirit, which often debafes perfons who are ambitious of literary fame, my liberal friend, in the courfe of a long correfpond- ence, has imparted to me every information conducive to the im- provement of my work, with as much zeal and anxiety as if his own! reputation and intereft had been involved in my fuccefs.. To the late Sir John Clerk of Pennycuick, I owe great obligations for accefs to the Manufcripts compofed by his grandfather, Sir John Clerk.. PREFACE. Clerk. Sir John was a member of the Scottlfli parliament at the time of the union ; and devoted himfelf, with affiduous appHcation, to the Rudy of the momentous queftions then in agitation. To the accomphfliments of a fcholar and antiquary, he added an accurate knowledge of the hiftory and conftitution of Scotland. He was highly efteemed and much confiilted by the Duke of Queenfbury, her majefty's commiffioner in the Scottifli parliament ; and pub- lillied fome excellent treatifes for explaining the fcheme of the union, and refuting the objedions of its ignorant and fadtious op- pofers. Befides thefe publications, Sir John left feveral valuable manufcripts. Thofe which I have infpeded, as particularly fuitable to my purpofe, are fhort journals of the proceedings of the Scottilh parliament while the union was depending ; obfervations on Lock- hart's Memoirs ; and a teftamentary memorial for the inftrudion of his own family, giving a concife and perfpicuous account of the treaty ; and, after the experience of more, than thirty years, com- paring its effecls with the prefages and expedations, both of its , abettors and oppofers, at the time of its formation. From thefe ma- terials, fraught with private anecdotes, and marked defcriptions of the conduct of parties, and the charadlers and intrigues of their leaders, I am able to treat of Scottifh afl'airs with greater preci- cifion and certainty than former hlftorians, who, for want of better fburces of information, have implicitly relied upon annals and me- moirs, of which the authors are unknown. To obtain the pureft information concerning parliamentary pro- ceedings in Scotland, I have had recourfe to the original records In the Reglfter Office at Edinburgh ; and for an account of minifterlal tranladions there, to the minutes of the Scottifli privy council, de- pofited In the office of the jufticiary court. With reCped to Im- portant ilate affairs of both kingdoms, I have been furnllhcd with copies of the original vouchers from the Paper Office In London. It PREFACE. xi It was my firfl: intention to have feleded, from the mafs of papers which have been put into my hands, fuch as appeared more inftruc- tive and entertaining, and to have publifhed them in a feparate vohime, under the following arrangement ; namely, the firft part to have contained papers relative to the period of which I formerly treated, in the Hiftory of Political Tranfadions and of Parties during the Reign of King William ; the fecond, to have contained vouchers, of a more interefting nature, tending to llluftrate the fadls and events recited in the following work ; and the third, Letters both on politi- cal and mifcellaneous fubjeds, written byperfons who made a diftin- guifhed figure in the three reigns preceding that of Queen Anne. From the times being fo unfavourable to literary produdions, I am; under the neceffity, after much fruitlefs labour, to relinquifh this plan, and to confine myfelf to the publication of a few original papers, of the fecond defcription, in the Appendix at the end of this volume. Some ot thefe papers arc i;uiiiie<£ltd fllgluly, and by peri- odical coincidence alone, with the part of the work in which I have referred to them, but are deferving of attention on account of the light which they throw on the general hiftory, and the characters of perfons of eminent rank and abilities. In the following volume, I have entered into the difcuflion of Irifh affairs chiefly as they are aflbclated with the political hiftory of Great Britain. The late Lord Mountmorres, whofe favourable opinion and kind difpofitions towards me laid me under the deepeft obligations of gratitude, offered his joint refeaixhes, to render the Irifh hiftory more various and complete. As my manufcript was ready for publication when he made me this offer, and the com- munications, which he did me the honour to tranfmit, related to the hiftory of Ireland, prior to the reign of Queen Anne, I was precluded from the advantages which, In other circumftances, I might have derived from his Lordlhlp's correfpondence. Military .Nil PREFACE. Military events form fo large and fplendid a part of the Engllfh hiftory at the beginnhig of this century, that I have found it difficult to reftrain my accounts of them within the limits confiftent with the plan of a general hiilory, I have ftated, at the beginning of each campaign, the principal clrcumftances, afFeding the grand alliance and the force of the belli- gerent powers. I have fliortly mentioned their operations in every quarter, and thofe of the Britidi army more fully ; and endeavoured to give fuch a defcription of the principal occurrences of the war in each fucccffive campaign, as will enable the reader to eflimate the ba- lance of fuccefs at the clofe of it. From the limitations and reftridtions, obferved in conduding this branch of my hiftory, the intermediate movements and manoeuvres of the contending armies are often ne- ceflarlly omitted ; and great events, which are divided by a wide interval of time and place, follow in immediate fucceffion in the nar- rative. This imperfection, the leader will therefore impute, not to ignorance or carelefliiefs, but to a ftudied compreffion, in order to adjuft, in due proportion, the details of the complicated and diver- fified fads, which belong to the period of which I treat. Senfible of the difadvantages under which I labour, in profecuting a branch of hiftory foreign to my line of ftudy and habits, I Ihould have been more fearful about its reception with the Public, had it not been fubmitted to the infpedion of fome of my friends of emi- nent military as well as literary talents, who have cxprefied their favourable opinion of its execution ; and fuggefted amendments and additions, which have eflentially contributed to the accuracy and im- provement of this part of my work. To approach as near as pofl^ble to that impartiality which Is the prime excellence of hiftory, I have employed every expedient for enabling me to eftimate the charaders of the feveral authors whom I have cited as vouchers of my fads. I have traced the connexions, patrons, private charaders, and party bias of fuch as have written the PREFACE. the hiftory of their own times : I have attentively colledled in my common-place book all the circumftances, tending to fuggeft fufpi- cion concerning the teftimony of contemporary authors, either in general or in particular inftances ; and I am not confcious of having admitted any fadl relative to party affairs, upon the word of a party writer, without collateral evidence. I have embraced every oppor- tunhy to obtain intelligence from perfons, whofe local refidence afforded them the befl: opportunity of information, concerning the credit of foreign hiftorians who have treated of continental tranfac- tions during the reign of Lewis XIV. From the limited nature of this work, I have often found it necef-^ fary to ftate an opinion, fimply, concerning contraverted points, with- out giving the arguments upon which that opinion is founded ; but, in this cafe, I have marked the feveral authors by whom they are recorded, that the inquifitive ftudent in hiftory may compare them, and rejed:, or approve, according to his own judgment. This is a part of the labour of the hiftorian little obvious to the public eve '• I truft, however, that the attentive reader, in the courfe of perufmg the following hiftory, v/ill find fufiicient ground for believing, that it has not been haftily, or fuperficially compofed. Some may per- haps think that my induftry has been fuperfluoufly minute, upon being informed, that the books and pamphlets, which I have read for the purpofe of obtaining complete information on my fubjedt, amount to triple the number cited in this work. I have been fortu- nate enough, from the accefs I have had, not only to the public libraries and repofitories, but to fome of the beft furniftied private libraries, to find, wdth a very few exceptions, all the pamphlets and periodical publications relative to the contefts of parties, and to affairs of ftate, during the reign of Queen Anne. This is a fource of in- formation by no means to be flighted. Periodical publications mark the genius and fpirit of the times ; they defcend to private anecdotes which efcape the notice of general hiftory, and foraetiraes make the ' ^ reader xm / sXv PREFACE. reader acquainted with minute incidents, which materially affedled the ftate of public affairs. Having difcovered feveral inaccuracies, and met with frequent difappointmcnts, upon tracing the authorities, cited by the hiftorics which I have perufed, I have thought It my duty to fpecify the vo- lume, page, and, in the firft citation, the edition of the books to which I refer my readers. After the faired pretenfions to care and Induftry, I mull; flill rely upon the Indulgence of the Public, to make allowance for inaccu- racies and miftakes, unavoidable in a work of fuch compafs and difficulty. CONTENTS. CHAP. I. Accession of Queen Anne. — Uneafy Apprehenfions of the Whigs and Allies on account of her Partiality to the Tories.— Official Arrangements. — The Queen adheres to the Engagements of the late King with the Emperor and the United States.— Influence of the Earl of Marlborough. — He is fent Ambaflador to the Hague. — Convention there.— Declaration of War againft France. — Proceedings of Parliament. — Incidents difrefpecT;ful to the Memory of King William — which is vindicated by the Lords. — Pailiament diflblved. — Reafons affigned by the Con- federates for declaring War againfl the French King. — Comparative View of the Strength and Refources of France and of the Confederates. — Campaign 1702.— Siege of Keyferfwaert. — Motions and Succefs of Marfhal Bouflers. — Landau taken by the Prince of Baden. — Motions of the Duke of Marlborough. — Towns taken by him. — The Elector of Bavaria takes an open Part for France. — Surprifes Ulm, — Confequences of his joining France. — Motions of the Prince of Baden.— Battle of Fridlinguen. —Farther Succefs of the Eleftor of Bavaria, — and of the Count Tallard. — Circumflances unfavourable to the Allies in Italy. — Motions of Prince Eugene,— and of the Duke of Vendofme. — Battle of Luzarra. — Unfuccefsful Attack of Cadiz by the Allies. _ - . « Page i CHAP. II. The Eleflions in favour of the Tories.— Parliament meets. — Mr. Harley chofen Speaker. — Her Majeily's Speech. — Addrefles. — Partiality of the Commons in Quef- tions relative to Eleftions. — Bill againft occafional Conformity. — Arguments for and againft it. — It is thrown out bv the Lords. — ^The Abjuration Oath extended to Ireland. — Lord Ranelagh expelled the Houfe of Commons.— Addrefs of the Com- mons againft Lord Halifax. — Bills introduced into the Houfe of Commons. — They refufc to comply with her Majefty's Recommendation for fettling a Penfion on the Family of the Duke of Marlborough. — Supplies. — Parliament prorogued. — Cam- paign 1 703. — The Duke of Savoy and the King of Portugal join the Confederacy. — Circumftances unfavourable to it. — Newburg taken by the Eledtor of Bavaria.— Fort Kehl by Marflial Villars. — The Imperial Troops abandon the Valley of Kintzin- guen, and the Marquiliite of Baden. — Progrefs of Counts Schlick and Stirum in Bavaria. — Checked by the Eledor's Succefs in the Battles of Scharding and Welts. b 2 — Jundion XV i CONTENTS. — Jun£lion of the French and Bavarian Armies. — The Eleftor overruns Tirol. — Is forced to evacuate it by the Tirolian Pea(\ints. — State of the War in Italy. — The Duke of Vendofme takes Barfello. — Gets Poflenion of tlie Duke of Modena's Country. — Advances to Trent— retreats on hearing of the Repulfe of the Elector of Bavaria.— Marches into Piedmont, and lays wade that Country, — Advantage gained by the French at Hochftet.— Brifach taken by the Duke of Burgundy. — Landau in- vcfted. — The Prince of HcfTe advances to raife the Siege. — Is defeated by the Mar- flial Tallard — and the Town furrenders.— Succefs of the Allies in Flanders. — Bona befieged and taken. — Tongres taken by the French — Retaken by the Duke of Marl- borough. — The French Lines fucccfsfully attacked by Generals Spaar and Cohorn. — General Obdam defeated at Eckeren. — Hiiy and Liniburg taken by the Duke of Marlborough — Guelders by the PrufTians.— Naval Affairs. - Page 23 CHAP. III. Circumftances tending to diminifli the Influence of the Tories. — Second ScfTion of Parliament.— The Queen's Speech.— The Bill agaitift occafional Conformity pafTes in the Houfe of Commons— is reje£led by the Lords. — Refolution of the latter to take into their own Hands the Examination of feveral Perfons apprehended on the Sufpicion of a Confpiracy. — The Commons remonflrale. — Both Houfes addrefs tlie Queen upon it. — Refleftions. — Refult of the Examinations carried on by the Lords. , The Cafe of A{hby and White. — Difputes between the two Houfes on the Pre- tenfions of the Commons to an exclufive Judgment in Cafes of Ekftion. — The Com- mons cenfure judicial Proceedings of the Lords. — Inquiry into the Condition of tlie Navy. Remonftrances of the Lords againft admitting, into the Commiffioivof Peace, Perfons who had not taken the Oaths to King William.— Supplies. — Ac- count of a remarkable Storm. — Aft for augmenting the fmall Livings of the Clergy. Campaign 1704. — EfFedls of the War with refpedl to the allied Powers fcverally. — Dangerous Situation of the Emperor's German Dominions. — Prepara- tions of the Duke of Marlborough for relieving them. — He defeats the Count d'Arco at Schellenbcrg. — M. Tallard joins the Eledlor of Bavaria,— and the Duke of Marlborougli, Prince Eugene. — Advantageous Situation of the French and Ba- varians in the Plain of Oberklaw.— Battle of Hochfttt, or Blenheim.— Siege of Landau. — Brave Condudt of Laubanie the Governor. — It furrenders. — Treves a.nd Trearbach taken by the Confederates. — Bavaria furrendered to the Emperor by tlie Eleftrefs. — Backwardnefs of the Portuguefe in performing their Engagements to the Allies.— Succefs of the French and Spaniards in Portugal. — The Earl of Galway arrives there, and turns the Tide of Succefs.— Campaign in Italy. — Tlie Duke of Savoy reinforced by General Staremberg. — Advantages gained by the Dukes de la Feuillade and Vendofme. — ^The Cevennois reconciled to the French King. — Diftur- bances in Poland. — Succefs of Admiral Dilkes on the Coaft of Portugal.— Sir George Rooke makes an unfuccefsful Attempt upon Barcelona, — but takes Gibral- tar. Engages the French Fleet in the Mediterranean. — Gibraltar inverted by tlie French and Spaniards.— Relieved by Sir John Leake. — The Duke of Marlborougli makes a Vifit to the Court of Pruffia. - - - 47 CHAP. CONTENTS. CHAP. IV. Third SeDlou of Parliament.— Her Majefty's Speech, &c.— Bill againft occafional Con- formity carried in the Houfe of Commons. — A Motion for tacking it to the Supply negatived.— The Bill again cad out by the Lords. — Refolutions, and Act, occafion- ed by the Proceeding of the Scottifli Parliament. — Inquiry into the State of the Navy, &c. — The Commons thank her Majefty for the late Treaty with the King of Pruffia. — The Duke of Marlborough thanked by the Lord Keeper. — The Commons addrefs her Majefty for perpetuating the Memory of his Services by fome fignal Reward.— The Manor of Woodftock, &c. conferred upon him.— Bills brought in by the Commons for fecuring the Lidependence of Parliament. — Renewal of the Difputes between the two Houfes relative to the Ailcfbury ElccStors. — Addrefles and Reprefentations to the Queen. — Parliament prorogued and diflblved Review of its Proceedings. — Origin and Conftitution of the Englilh Convocation Claims of the Lower Houfe. — The Clergy difpleafcd with the SupprelRon of the Convoca- tion by King William. — The Convocation meets. — Its Proceedings. — Second Sef- fion. — Third Seffion. - - _ _ p^gg -^ CHAP. V. Campaign 1705.— Diflrefs of France. — Circumftances unfavourable to the Confederacy, — Plan of the Duke of Marlborough for beginning Hoflilities on the Mofelle.— . Thwarted by the maflerly Preparations of Villars.— The Interefl; of the Allies de- clines in the Netherlands.— The Duke of Marlborough marches there The French retire within their Lines— which are fuccefsfuUy attacked by the Duke The French poft themfelves behind the Dyle. — Places taken by the Confederates. Suc- cefs of Villars on the Mofelle.— Campaign in Italy, — LofTfS of the Imperialifts there. — Efforts of Prince Eugene to join the Duke of Savoy.— Battle of Caffano Campaign in Spain. -Progrefs of the Earl of Galway and the M,;tquis de Minas. Arrival of the combined Fleet in Altea Bay.— Siege of Barcelona. — Fort Montjuick taken.— Barcelona furrenders.— Subfequent Succefs of King Charles, Aclivity of the Earl of Peterborough.— Operations of the Fleet.— The Duke of Marlborough vifits the Courts of Vienna, Pruflia, and Hanover. - _ qj CHAP. VI. Keen Competition between Whigs and Tories at the General Eledion.— Promotions in favour of the Whigs.— Meeting of the fecond Parliament.— The Queen's Speech. —Choice of a Speaker. — Addreffes.— Motion for inviting the Princefs Sophia to England - RejeCted. — Views of the Tories in fupporting this Motion.— The Queen diftreffed by it. — Throws herfelf entirely into the Confidence of the Whios. Some of the latter, difpleafed with their Minifterial Friends, vote with the Tories. Court of Hanover takes Umbrage at the Whigs.— Regency Bill in the Houfe of Lords — Objections to it— Carried.— A6t for naturalizing the Princefs Sophia. Motioa ivu •XvILi CONTENTS. Motion for inquiring into the Mifcarriages of the lafl Campaign — Oppofed by the Miniftry. — Additional Supply voted on account of the Succefs of King Charles. — Tlie Qucflion concerning the Danger of the Churcli.- Debates. — Vote of tlie Lords againft thofe who infinuated that the Church was in danger — Approved of by the Commons. — The Duke of Marlborough thanked. — Lancafliire Petition. — A Bill for more effedually preventing the Growth of Popery — Rejected.— Complaint and Pe- tition of the Inhabitants of Carolina. — Refolutions of the lords upon it.— Sir Row- land Gwyn's Letter. — Bill for correcting the Proceedings of the Courts of Law. — Supplies. — A£ts, relative to Scotland, repealed. — Parliament prorogued.— Proceed- ings of the Convocation. — TJie Whigs and Tories Rivals at the Court of Hanover. — The Earl of Halifax fent there. — Lays the Foundation of the Barrier Treaty. — Court of Hanover reconciled to the Whigs. - - Page io8 CHAP. VII. State of the Belligerent Powers at the Opening of the Campaign 1706. — Motions of the Confederate Troops under the Duke of Marlborough. — Battle of Ramillies. — Brjbant and the Spanifh Netherlands fubmit to King Charles. — Campaign in Italy. —Battle of Calcinato. — Siege of Turin.— Motions of Prince Eugene. — Battle of Turin, — of Caftiglione. — Campaign in Spain and Portugal. — Barcelona invefled by the French and Spaniards. — King Philip flies to Perpignan. — King Charles marches to SaragolTa. — Progrefs of the Earl of Galway and the Marquis de Minas. — They advance to Madrid, which fubmits to King Charles. — His unaccountable Delay in advancing to Madrid. — King Philip returns there, — the Earl of Galway retreats — Villars forces the Germans to pafs the Rhine, — raifes the Siege of Fort Louis,— gets Pofleffion of all the Polls of the Enemy from the River Mote to Spirebach.— Succefs of Sir John Leake in the Mediterranean. — Lofles of the Englifli in the Weft Indies.— Victories and increaCng Reputation of the King of Sweden. ^ 128 CHAP. VIII. Short Survey of the State of Scotland from the Union of the Crowns, to the Accedion of Queen Anne. — Of political Affairs and Parties at that Time. — Difcontent occa- fioned by the Continuation of the Convention Parliament. — Objeftions to its Au- thority. — Parties in it. — Embarraflmcnt of the Miniflcrs with refpedf to Scotland. — Arguments for didblving the Convention Parliament — For continuing it. — The Convention Parliament and the Whig Minifters continued. — Selhon of Parliament. —The Duke of Hamilton protefls againft it, and withdraws with his Adherents.— The Faculty of Advocates publifh an Opinion in favour of the protefting Members.— The Queen's Letter to the States.— Difficulties of Adminiftration. — Acts paflcd. — A Motion for abjuring the Pretender, ill received.— The Parliament adjourned. — The CommifTioners meet to treat about an Union.— Their Proceedings abortive Effects of the Proceedings of the Scottifh Parliament. — The Court endeavours to conciliate the Cavaliers — Changes in the Scottifh Miniftry. — A new Parliament 15 The CONTENTS. xiX The Duke of Queenfbury Commiflioner The Queen's Letter.— Bill for rccognif- ing her Majefty's Title, &c.— Carried by the Influence of the Prefbyterians and Cavaliers. — The INIinifters lofe the Confidence of the Revolutionifts. — A Supply moved by the Earl of Home— Oppofcd by the Whigs. — Origin of the Squadrons Volante.— Overture by the Marquis of Tweedale. — Enthufiafm of the Scots for In. dependence. — The Marquis of Tweedale's Overture preferred to the Supplies, — Acts paired.— Act of Security defired by every Party. — Keen Debates, and various Overtures relative to it. — The Subfidy refufed. — The SeflTion adjourned.— Alarm occaConed in England by the Proceedings of the Scottifh Parliament. Page 14? CHAP. IX. Captain Frafer offers his Services to the Court of St. Germains — Is fent to England- Offers to make Difcoveries to the Miniflers— Information communicated by him to the Duke of Queenfberry, which is tranfmitted to the Court— Frafer goes to the High- lands, where he is ill received — Returns to London — Goes to Paris— and is committed to the Baftile — Account of Captain Murray's Commiflion from the Court of St. Ger- mains. — Several Per fons from France apprehended on Sufpicion. — Condudl of the Duke of Queenfberry, relative to Frafer, gives great Offence. — The Leaders of the Squjdrone brought into Office. — A Seffion of Parliament. — The Queen's Letter.— The Settlement of the Succefhon recommended, and liberal Conceflions offered to the States.— The Supply urged by the Commiflioner in preference to other Bufinefs.— The Squadrone lofe their Popularity. — Motion for conjoining the Supply and the A£b of Security. — Dangerous State of Scotland. — The CommifTioner confents to the Aft of Security. — Preparation in Scotland for Hoftilities againfl England. — Refolutions of the Englifh Parliament. — Overtures and Debates. — The Seffion prorogued.— The Squadrone fall into Difgrace with the Court. — Change in the Scottifli Miniftry.— Charafter of the Duke of Queenfberry — and of the Duke of Argyle. — The Queen's Letter to the General AfTembly. — Their Anfwer. — Parliament meets.— The Pro- teffant Succefhon, and the Treaty of L^nion, recommended by the Queen. — Ob- fervations on the State of Parties — ^The Bufinefs of the Plot refumed. -The Minif- ters bent on the Settlement of the Succeffion. — A Motion unexpecledly made for preferring the Confideration of the Union — which is carried. — Happy EfTefts of this Arrangement. — The Duke of Hamilton moves that the Nomination of the Scottifh CommilEoners {hould be left to the Queen. — Motives and Charaders of Perfons in Oppofition. - - - - j 7 1 CHAP. X. General Difcontent of the Scots upon paffing the A£l: for treating of an Union with England. — Circumflances unfavourable to the Treaty— The inveterate Rancour which fubfifted between the two Nations — Bigotry of the Scots, and a Jealoufy on account of their Religon — Apprehenfions of increafed Taxation— Subverfion of the Privileges of the Nobility — Freeholders— Burghs. — Events favourable to the Union — Difcordant XI CONTENTS. — Difcordant Sentiments and Interefts of thofe wlio oppofed it— Addrefs and Management of the Commiflioner. — ^The Succefs of the Allies on the Continent. — The uncommon Severity of the Seafon. — Diligence and Anxiety of the Whigs in promoting the Treaty. — Liberality of the Terms offered to the Scots Fcebk- Op- pofition of the Tories.— Moderation of the Con^miflion of the General Aflembly. — Advantages of the Union to Scotland — to England. — Progrefs and Conclufion of the Treaty.— The Parliament of Scotland ele£ls Reprefentatives for the United Parlia- ments—adopts Regulations for difpofing of the Equivalent — is adjourned. — Second SelTion of the Parliament in England. — Queen's Speech. — Addrcffes. — Supplies. — Eftate and Titles of the Duke of Marlborough fettled upon his Defcendants. — Articles of the Union communicated to both Houfes — agreed to by them. Page 205 CHAP. XI. Campaign 1707. — Attempts and Offers made by the French King to procure Pea<:c. — Difcouraged by the Englifli Minifters.— Events and Circuinftances tending to counteract the Succefs of the Allies, and to prolong tlie War. — Early Succefs of the Earl of Galvi^ay and the Marquis de Minas.— They arc defeated at Almanza. — Succefs of Villars upon the Upper Rhine. — Count Merci defeats a Body of the French Troops at Offenburg. — Retreat of Villars. — Attack on Toulon by Prince Eugene and the Duke of Savoy.— Caufes of its Failure.— Naples furrenders to the Emperor. — The Duke of Marlborough vifits the King of Sweden at Ranftadt, and foftens his Refentments againft the Emperor. — Obfervations on the Campaign. — Naval Affairs. — Embaffy of the Earl of Manchefter to Vienna and Venice. 233 C H A P. XII. Review of the State of Parties from the Acceffion of the Queen. — The Duke of Marl- borough's Separation from the Tories.— Circumltances favourable to the Reftora- tion of the Whigs. —Charafler of Mr. Harley— of Mr. St. John— of the Duke of Marlborough— of Lord Godolphin. — Increafe of the Power of the Whigs during the Second Parliament.— Lord Halifax and Lord Somers fupport A'liniftry. — Their Charafters. — Caufes of the Decline of the Whig Intereft. — Condu£t and Character of the Duchefs of Marlborough. — Intrigues of Mr. Harley, and Mrs. Mafham. — Objeflions to the Meafures of the Minifters. — The Queen alienated from them. — Wiflies for Peace. — Mr. Harley's Lifluence increafes — is fuddenly overturned Views of the Court of St. Germains, and its Correfpondents. — Affairs in Ireland. — Firft SefTion of Parliament there.— Second— Third. - - - 247 CHAP. XIII. Effeds of the Union on the Temper of the People in both Kingdoms. — Firfl; Parlia- ment of Great Britain. — The Queen's Speech. — Inquiry of the Lords into the State of the Navy of both Houfes with refpcct to the Management of the War in Spain. —Fraudulent Pradices of fome Merchants after the Union,— brought before the Parliament.— CONTENTS. FarHament — A^s of the Scottifli Parliament repealed The Privy Council in ScoN land aboiiilied — Report to the Houfe of Lords concerning Gregg.— Meflage of the Queen relative to the Invafion. — Meafures purfued on that Account.— Supplies.— Parliament diflblved.— French Prophets.— Campaign i7o8.-State of the Confede- racy. Jealoufies and Difagreements fubfifting among its Members.— Circumftances favourable to the JNIilitary Exertions, of France.— Preparations for invading Scotland. A French Fleet fails for the Coaft of Scotland,— purfued by Sir George Byng,— returns to Dunkirk.-Ghent, &c. taken by the French.— Motions of the Count Chemerault,— of the Dukes of Burgundy and Vendofme.-B.itile of Oudenarde.— . The Lines of Ypres and Lys ddtroyed by the Confederates,-who raife Contribu- tions in Artois and Picardy.— Progrefs of the French in Dutch Flanders.-Leffingen, &c. taken by the French.— Bruffels invefted by the Elector of Bavaria.— Ghent retaken by the Duke of Marlborough. -Campaign on the Upper Rhine,-in Italy, —in Spain,-in Portugal. -Difputes between the Pope and the Emperor.— Naval Affairs.— Deatli of Prince George of Denmark— His Charafter. Page 2^4 CHAP. XIV. Circumftances favourable to the Whigs at the General Eledion.— Second Parliament of Britain.— Addrcffes.— Partiality of the Whigs in deciding the Controverted Elec- tions.— Cafes from Scotland-of Lord Haddow— of the Duke of Queenfberry — Bill for the Naturalization of Foreign Proteftanrs.-Arguments.— The Treafon' _ Laws of England extended to Scotland.- Supplies.-The Army augmented —The Duke of Marlborough thanked-General Webb thanked.— A remarkable Addrefs to the Queen.- A Pamphlet againft the Ted condemned.— Aft for preferving the Privileges of Foreign Ambaffadors.— Singular Circumftances which gave rife to it.— Aa againft laying Wagers on the Events of the W.ir.— Ad of Grace.— Par- liament prorogued.— The Convocation not permitted to proceed in Bufinefs.— Campaign I7cy.-Diftrefs of France— renders the King an.xious for Peace.— Ne- gotiations for that Purpofe.-Conferences between the French and Dutch Minifters at the Hagne.-The Duke of Marlborough and Lord Townft-.end fent there as Plenipotentiaries for England —Extravagant Demands of the Dutch and Englifli — Preliminaries-objeded to by the French King.— Exertions made by Fnmce for continuing the War.-Motions of the Confederate Troops under the Duke of Marlborough. Siege of Tournay. -Operations of Vjllars. -Progrefs of the Duke of Marlborough after the Surrender of Tournay.-Siege of M-.ns.-Battle of Mai plaquet.-Mons taken.— Campaign on the Upper Rhine— in Italy-in Spain — Naval Affairs,— Renewal of Negotiations for Peace.— T^e Barrier Treaty. 325 CHAP. XV. Obfervations on the State of Parties. -The Intereft of the Whig Junto declines-Caufes of It.— Dr. Sacheveral— His Characler— Preaches before the Lord Mayer— Effeds- ofhis Sermon -Confultations of tlie Minifters about it— The Dodor impeached— <> The- au xali CONTENT S. The Exertions of liis Frlentls, — and the Delay of his Trial— favourable to him— Account of the Trial — Confequences of it — Turbulence of the I'eople— Info- Icnce of the Doftor — Rejoicing upon his Accjuittal. — Summary View of the Proceedings of Parliament, Seflion 1709, 10. - - Page 360 CHAP. XVI. Negotiations for Peace renewed. — Conferences at Gertruedenberg. — Campaign 17 10. — ^The Fort of Mortaign taken by the Allies.— Motions of the Duke of Marl- borough and Prince Eugene. — Siege of Douay. — Motions of Viliars. — Bethune, St. Venant, and Aire, taken by the Allies. — A Convoy belonging to them taken on the Lys. — Campaign on the Upper Rhine — In Italy. — Inactivity of the Duke of Savoy. — The Count Thaun attempts to penetrate into D.iuphiny and Provence.-^ Campaign in Spain.— Early Succefs of King Philip. — Vidtory gained by King Charles at Almanza — At Saragofla. — King Philip flies to Madrid, which he foon abandons. — King Charles comes there. — DifafFedtion of the Inhabitants to him— Their Loyalty to King Philip. — Exertions made for him.— King Charles goes to Toledo — Soon evacuates it — And marches to Arragon. — The French and Spanifli Army reinforced by the Duke of Vendofme.— General Stanhope defeated at Bri- heuga. ^Battle of Villa Viciofa. — Confequences. — Succefs of the Marquis de Bais in Portugal. — Naval Operations. - - - - " 3^5 CHAP. XVII. Effe£ls of Sacheveral's Trial.— Mr. Harley admitted to fecret Conferences with the Queen, who is anxious for the Relloration of Peace. — Symptoms of her Difplea- fure with the Whig Minifters. —Their Efforts to maintain their Power. — Mr. Harley's Views with refpect to the new Arrangements. — Parliament dilTolved.— Changes and Promotions. — Circumftances favourable to the Tories at the General Election. — Meeting of Parliament, &c. — Inquiry and Reprefentation of the Com- mons relative to public Abufes.— Inquiry of the Lords concerning the Management of Affairs in Spain. — Their Refolutions. — Adl relative to the Qualifications of Members of the Houfe of Commons. — Decline of public Credit. — Endeavours of the Minifters for raifing it. — South-fea Scheme.— Proceedings of the Convocation, — Rivahliip and Difunion among the Leaders of Adminiftration. — An Attempt upon Mr. Harley's Life by Guifcard. — Meafures occafioned by that Event. — Pro- rogation of Parliament. _ - _ - . 406 CHAP. XVIII. View iof Foreign Affairs affecfting the Confederacy. — Difturbances among the North- ern States — occafion the Allies entering into a Treaty for preferving the Neutra- lity of the Empire. — Treacherous Conduft of the Imperial Court with refpedt to the Duke of Savoy, &c. — Death of the Emperor Jofeph. — Campaign 171 1, — Mo- tions cf the Confederate Army under the Duke of Marlborough. — Advantages obtained CONTENTS. xilii obtained by the French at the Beginning of the Campaign.- Stratagem of the Duke of Rlarlborough for entering tlie French Lines at Arleux — His Succefs. — Campaign on the Rhine — In Italy — Spain — Portugal. — Naval Affairs. Page 43 1 CHAP. XIX. Steps towards Peace.— Preliminaries figned by Lord Dartmouth and Mr. St. John.-« Difapproved of by the Allies.— The United States confent to the opening of a Treaty at Utrecht. — Meafures of Adminiftration. — State of Parties. — Seffion of Parliament, — Queen's Speech, &c. — Duke of Hamilton's Claim to fit as a Britifli Peer, reje£led.— Acl for better preferving the Church of England. — Addrefs of the Lords relative to the Allies.— Twelve new Peers created. — Mr. Walpole expelled the Houfe of Commons. — Votes againft the Duke of Marlborough. — Reprefenta- tion of the Commons on the Conduft of the Allies. — Addrefs of the Lords againft the Terms of Peace propofed by the French Plenipotentiaries. — Prince Eugene comes to England and urges the Continuance of the War. — State of Religion i» Scotland. — Affair of Mr. Greenfliield's. — A£l for preventing the Disturbance of Perfons worfliipping according to the Englifli Liturgy — For reftoring the Right of Patronage — For fettling the Precedency of the Princefs Sophia. — Bills propofed.— Supplies. — The Queen communicates to both Houfes the Progrefs of the Treaty. — Proceedings of the Convocation. — Campaign 17 12. — Myfterious Condu£l of the Duke of Ormond. — Sufpenfion of Hoflilities between France and England.— The Duke of Ormond marches to Dunkirk.— Quefnoy taken by Prince Eugene. Vic- tory of Villars at Denian.— Confequent Succefs of the French. — Campaign in Spain —Portugal— Italy— on the Rhine, - _ . _ ^,r CHAP. XX. The Conferences opened at Utrecht — Interrupted — Privately carried on between the Englifh and French Plentipotentiaries.— The States prevailed upon to renew the Conferences, which are again interrupted. — The Continuance of the War urged at the Aflembly of the States General. — The French King infills upon the Reflora- tion of Tournay, which is oppofed by the Englifh.— The Events of the Campaign induce the States to acquiefce in the Terms of Peace.— New Objedlions raifed to it on the Part of France. — The Treaty figned by all the Confederate Minifters except the Emperor's. — Review of Circumftances unfavourable to the Allies at the Com- mencement, and during the Progrefs of the Treaty. — The Terms of it as atfedino- the Interefts of the feveral confederate Powers confidered. — Caufss of the Delay of Peace with Spain. - - - ... ^y j CHAP. XXL Meeting of Parliament.— Queen's Speech, &c.— Supplies.— Ads.— Subftance of the Reports of the Commifhoners of Accounts. — Bills for confirming the Commercial Treaty,— Petitions againft it, — It is rejected.— The Malt-tax extended to Scotland,. c 2 — Ths. XXIV CONTENTS. —The Scottifli Members exnfperated,— make a Motion for dlfTolving the Union.— Arguments and Obfervations.— Tlie Motion rejefted. — Addrefles relative to the Pretender. — Application from the Queen for relieving the Debts on the Civil Lift- granted. — Proceedings of the Convocation. — The Queen's Speech at the Proroga- tion of Parliament.— Character of this Parliament. - Page 510 CHAP. XXII. ■Gtate of Parties in Ireland. — Views of the Di.Tenters.— Introdudion of High and Low Church Party.— The Earl of Wharton appointed Lord Lieutenant. — A Sefiion of Parliament.— Addrefs of the Commons in Behalf of Trinity College, Dublin— Againft the Reverfal of Attainders.— Proceedings agalnft Roman Catholics.— Convocation, — Parliament prorogued. — Another Seffion. — Turbulent Spirit of the People.— King William's Statue defaced. — Duke of Ormond appointed Lord Lieu- tenant. —His Popularity.— The Tories incrcafe.— Scflion of Parliament. — Ad- drefles.— Supplies, &c, -The Commons cenfure the Addrefs of the Lords— Liili- tute an Inquiry into the Confpiracy in Weftmeath. — Difputes between the two Houfes on this Subjeft. — CircumSances tending to the Difcouragement of the Whigs.— Interference of the Privy Council in the Eledion of the Magiftrates of Dublin.— Partiality and Violence of Sir Conftantine Phipps. — Licentioufnefs of the Prefs.— Cafe of Mr. Higgins. — Proceedings of the Lords. — Convocation.— Survey of this Parliament.— Struggle of Parties. — The Duke of Shrewfbury appointed Lord Lieutenant -Encourages the Whigs — Eledions for a new Parliament. — It meets. — The Commons make Refolutions cenfuring the Condud of the Privy Council— Addrefs the Queen againft Sir Conftantine Phipps Counter Refolutions of the Lords. — Parliament prorogued. - - - - 524. CHAP. XXIII. The Hopes of the Whigs revive upon the Diflblution of Parliament The Eleftor of Hanover declines interfering in the Eledions. — Circumftances hurtful to the In- terefls of the Minifters. — Parliament meets. — Sir Thomas Hanmer chofcn Speaker in the Houfe of Commons — The Queen's Speech.— Addrefles. — Complaint in the Houfe of Lords againft a Pamphlet, entitled, The Public Spirit of the Whigs — . Proceedings upon it. — Complaint in the Houfe of Commons againft fcveral Pamphlets publifhed by Mr. Steele — He is expelled the Houfe.— Delicate Situation of the Queen in Queftions relative to the Succefiion. — Motion concerning the Danger of the Proteftant Succeflion — Negatived in both Houfes.— Addrefs for removing the Pretender from Lorrain, &c. — Baron Schutz demands a Writ for the Electoral Prince — EfFeds of this.— Inquiries in the Houfe of Lords relative to Dun- kirk — The Catalans. — The Condufl of the Lord Treafurer for giving Money to , the Highland Clans. Proclamation for apprehending the Pretender. — A Bill for preventing the Growth of Schifm — Debates upon it— Pafles. — Reports of the Com- jniflioners of Accounts. — A Bill for a new Comniiflion carried in the Houfe of •Commons— Rejeded by the Lords. — Addrefs of the Lords approving of the Peace. —Inquiry CONTENTS. xxr —Inquiry concerning thi Commercial Treaty with Spain— Concerning the Afliento Trade. — Prorogation of Parliament. — Obfervations.— Proceedings of the Convoca- tion.— Confalt.itions and Meafures of the Whig Leaders. — Difcords in the Cabinet. —The Earl of Oxford difmiflcd.— The Queen taken ill. — Proceedings of the Privy Courtcil. — The Duke of Shrewfbury appointed Lord High Treafurer. — Deatli of the Queen.— Her Charadler. - ' - - - - Page 54? DISSERTATION C07icerning the Danger of the Protejlant Succef- fion^ during the lajl Tears of the Reign of S>ueen Anne, ^y^ APPENDIX. Number I. Abridgment of the Articles of the Union; with Obfervations. 597 IL Letter' from the Duke of Marlborough to the Duke of Shrewfbury; dated Camp at Sefelingen near Ulm, Auguft 30, 1704. - - 607 III. Letter from the Duke of A-larlborough to the Duke of Shrew(bury; dated Camp at Weiflembourg, September 30, 1704. - - - 6c8 IV. Letter from the Duke of Marlborough to the Duke of Shrewfbury; dated Maeftricht, June 30, 1705. - - - - - 609 V. Letter from the Duke of Marlborough to the Duke of Shrewfbury; dated Camp at Corbais, Auguft 24, 1705. - » _ do VL Letter from Lord Halifax to Mr. Harley; dated Hanover, May 8, 1706. 612 Vn. The Same to the Same; dated Hanover, June ^j, 1706. - 614 VIIL The Same to the Same; dated Hague, July i6, 1706. - - ibid, IX. The Same to the Same; dated Hague, Auguft 10, 1706. - 616 X. Letter from Mr. Vernon to the Duke of Shrewfbury; dated December i, 1704. - - - - - ibid. 4 XL Let- xxyi CONTENTS. NUMBFR XI. Letter from Mr. Vernon to the Duke of Shrewfljurjr; dated December B, 1 704. ... . . Page 6 1 8 XII. Letter from the Duke of Marlborough to the Duke of Shrewfbury; dated-. Meldert, July 27, 1707. - _ . (J20 XIII. Letter from the Duke of Marlborough to the Duke of Shrewfbury ; dated Soignies, Auguft 16, 1707. - - - _ ibid. XIV. Letter from Lord Godolphin to Mr. Harley ; dated Auguft 10, 1706. 621 XV. Letter from Mr. Harley to Lord Godolphin ; dated Brampton, Auguft 15 1706. - - - - _ 622 XVI. Letter from Mr. Harley to Lord Godolphin; dated Sept. 10, 1707. 625 XVII. Letter from Mr. Harley to Lord Godolphin; dated Sept. 17, 1707. 626 XVIII. Letter from Mr. Harley to Lord Godolphin ; dated Dec. 5, 1 707. 627 XIX. Letter from Lord Godolphin to Mr. Harley; dated Dec. 5, 1707. ibid. XX. Letter from Mr. Harley ; dated January 30, 1707-8. - 628 XXI. Letter from Lord Godolphin to Mr. Harley. - - ibid. XXII. Letter from the Duke of Buckingham to the Duke of Shrewfbury; dated November 13, 1707. - - - - 629 XXIII. Letter from the Duke of Shrewftjury to the Duke of Buckingham. 63 1 XXIV. Letter from the Duke of Buckingham to the Duke of Shrewfbury; dated December i, 1707. _ . . . ibid. XXV. Letter from Mr. Boyle to the Duke of Marlborough; dated April 12, 1709. - ... 633 XXVL Letter from Mr. Boyle to Lord Townfliend; dated July 15, 1709. ibid. XXVII. Obfervations on Dr. Hare's Letters to a Tory Member. - 634 XXVIII. Letter from General Stanhope to Mr. Walpole; dated Camp at Almanara, July 31, 1710. - - . _ 636 XXIX. Letter from General Carpenter to Mr. Walpole; dated Saragoza, Auguft 20, 17 ID, N. S. - - - - - 638 XXX. Extrafts (hewing the Anxiety of the Court of England for the Interefts of the Duke of Savoy, and their Difi'atisfadion with the Condud of the Emperor, &c. _ - - _ . 640 XXXI. Letter from the Duke of Marlborough to Mr. Secretary St. John; dated Camp at Vergier, Auguft 6, 1 7 1 1 , - - 643 XXXII. Letter from the Duke of Marlborough to Mr. Secretary St. John; dated Camp before Bouchain, Auguft 20, 171 1. - - 645 XXXIII. Let. CONTENTS. Number XlxXHI. Letter from the Duke of Marlborough to Lord Oxford; dated Oftober 19, 1 71 1. - - - - Page 646 XXXrV. Letter from the D'lke of Marlborough to Lord Oxford ; dated Hague, November 10, 1711. . . _ . 648 XXXV. Subftance of the Articles of the Treaty of Peace between Great Britain and France. - - . . g^p XXXVL Letter from Mr. Moore to Lord Macclesfield ; dated June 6, 1 7 1 6. 653 XXXVII. Letter from the Duke of Marlborough to Lord Bolingbrokej dated Antwerp, December 4, 1 7 12. - - - 6^6 XXXVIII. Letter from Mr. Harley to Sir Rowland G%vynne; dated November 21, 1710. . . - - . 657 Letter from Sir Rowland Gwynne to Robethon; dated Hamburgh, December 10, 17 10. - - - - ibid. tKTll 15" TVken a reference is made to an^ of the Papers contained in this Volume, iht •word Appendix ;"/ printed in Italics. T H E ERRATA. Page 28. line 7. after who and after granted add a comma 36. — 19. after winter read and 41. — 10. note, after PraconizX pit a comma 62. — 13. for right read left 73. — I4.ybr run read ran 90. — penult, note, after them «(Z^ from 170. — l^.for fpcaker read fpcakcrs 173. — vlt. note, after X. add XI. J92. — 2. for month sccfs rtiu/ months cefs 194. — 4. note, for reformation read re^oriAioa 230. — note, for Appendix read Appendix 258. — ult. note, for Shrewfberry read Shrewfbury. MSS^ 267. — 7. Ho/f, /or ords /fa^ lords 270. — 12. for run read ran 273. — 8.C0/. 2. note, after\\\i add concern for 202. — 5-for fimliar read fimilai- 323. — 2. note, ^f/f/f Walpole Papers. 342. — note, after XXV. add XXV I. 360. — •]. delete a// that fo/lows after ijog-io. 388. — 6. col. 2. note, for Catolonia read Catalonia 397. — 8. ybr numbers /Yrtiy number 427. — I. note, for hemp^ read been 441. — ult. note, after XXXI. rt(/(^/ XXXII. 462. — uh. note, after 43. add Jppendly, N" XXXIII. XXXIV, 472. — 9. «o/c, ybr diltioiis «aj dilUnclions 490. — 13. after arms add for four months 496. — ult. note, for Appendix, W XXXIII. rf J(/ XXXV. 533. — ult. reftrence "' in line 18 to be placed after motives 552. —col. 2. note, for Appendix, N" XXXIV. rffl^/XXXVL- 575. — 22. for ha read had 628. -* I . after Harlcy add to Lord Godolphin THE HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN DURING THE REIGN OF ^EEN ANNE. C H A P. I. AcceJJion of ^leen Anne. — Uneafy Apprchenfions of the Whigs and Allies on account of her Partiality to the Tories. — Official Arrangemeiits. — The ^cai adheres to the Engagements of the late King with the Emperor and the United States. — Influence of the Earl of Marlborough. — He is fent Ambaffador to the Hague. — Convention there. — Declaration of War againfl France. — Proceedings of Parliament. — Incidents difrefpedful to the Memory of King William — ivhich is vindicated by the Lords. — Parliament diffolved. — Reafons ajfigncd by the Confederates for declaring War againfl the French King. — Comparative View of the Strength and Refourccs of France and of the Confederates. — Campaign 1702. — Siege of Keyferfivaert. — Motions and Succefs of Marfloal Bouflers. — Landau taken by the Prince of Baden. — Motions of the Duke cf Marlborough. — Towns taken by him. — The Elector of Bavaria takes an open Part for France. — Surprifcs Ulm. — Ccnfequences of his joining France. — Motions of the Prince of Baden. — Battle of Fridlinguen. — Farther Succefs of the Eledor of Bavaria, — and of the Count Tallard. — Circumflances unfa- vourable to the Allies in Italy. — Motions of Prince Eugene, — a7id of the Duke ofVendofme. — Battle of Luzarra. — Unfuccefsful Attack of Cadiz by the Allies. THE fuccefTion of tlie princefs Anne, agreeably to the a£t of CHAP, fettlement, not only took place without any oppofuion, but ,_ ._ '_ p-ave eeneral fatisfadion to the nation". The referved manners of „ JI?^" - ° ° 8 th March. ' Queen Anne was bom on the 6tl» Fe- Denmark 28th July 1683, and afcenckd the bniary 1665, married to prince George of throne 8th March 1702. B . king I HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. C HA P. jjjng William, and his natural predile£tion for a foreign country, had L— —J relaxed the attachment of his Britifli fubjedls, and Impaired that rc- ' ' fpedl which was juftly due to his illuftrious charadlef and merits. The love of novelty, the royal defcent, and private virtues of the new fovereign, revived a fpirit of loyalty, and warmed the affedions of the people. The accefTion of the queen was confidered as unpropitious to the intereft of the Whigs, and to tlic profccution of thofe defigns of the confederacy, which had been approved of by her prede- ceflbr. She had imbibed an early partiality for the Tories, under the tuition of Compton, the bifhop of liOndon, which had been con- firmed by their adherence to her intereft, and their fuccefsful efforts - in procuring for her, while heir apparent to the crown, an independent revenue, contrary to the inclinations of the king and her fifter. Anxious for upholding the royal authority, fhe looked with an eye of jealoufy upon that party, which flie had been taught to fufped; of having formed a fyftcmatic plan to enervate its force, and limit its . prerogatives \ The vigorous concurrence of the court of England was neceflary to enfure the ftability of the grand alliance, and to render it effectual for the purpofes of its formation. But as a paflion for military glory ill accorded with the feelings of a female fovereign, it was not to be expeded that fhe could enter heartily into that fyftem of continental meafures, which had been fo interefting to the late king, from the influence of local prejudice and motives of perfonal aggrandizement. - Although the refources of England fhould now be employed agree- ably to his deftination, it feemed impoffible to fupply thofe fingular advantages, which refulted from his experience, his perfonal courage and adivity, and his ardent zeal in the execution of every plan tend- ing to curb the ambition of the French king. The official arrangements, now made by the queen, juftified the apprehenfions of the Whigs ; the principal places, civil and military, * Conduft of the duchefs of Marlborough, paflim, Lend. 1742. Memorial of the State of England, Soniers, xii. p. 139. I • 15 were 1702. Q^U E E N ANN E. were conferred upon their antagonifts '. Lords Somers and Halifax, who had been diftinguifhed by the confidence of king William, were difmlffed from the privy council ; and it was fufpecled, that, in the progrefs of change, all the perfons, who had been patronifed by the Whig adminlftration, would be deprived of every favour dependent on the court. Under their prefent depreffion, the Whigs were not without a gleam of hope, while the allies were completely relieved from their anxiety, by the refolution of the court to adhere to the engagements of the late king, and to profecute the war with vigour againft the united power of France and Spain. In her declarations 8th andntt to the privy council and to the parliament, the queen expreffed her ' full conviction of the neceflity of making military preparations, and giving the moft effedual aid to Holland and the emperor, for refill- ing the ufurpations of the French king. There were certainly many ftrong arguments for reftraining that precipitancy of determination with which England rufhed into the war; and which ought to have fuggefted fuch referv^e and precau- tions, as might, without violating the honour of king William, have prevented the extravagance with which it was carried on, and perhaps have brought it to a more fpeedy conclufion. But the general defire of the nation, the ftate of parties, and the private influ- ence of a family, which the fovereign, at this time, was incapable of refilling, not only diverted her attention from pacific counfels, but induced the adminlftration to prepare for hoftilities with an ardour, 3 The prince of Denmark was appointed keeneft perfonal oppofition to the late king, generalifGrao of all her majefty's forces by fea was taken into the pri\y council, and made and land ; the privy feal was given to the mar- paymafter of the guards and garriions. The quis of Normanby ; the chancellorfhip of the appointment of fir George Rooke to be ad- duchy of Lancafter, to fir John Levifon miral of the fleet, vice-admiral of England, and Gower ; the earl of Nottingham and fir a privy-counfellor, excited the jealoufy of the Charles Hedges were appointed fecretaries of Whigs, as he had always fnown a diflike to flate ; the duke of Devonfhire, lord fteward ; their principles, and difcouraged them in the the earl of Jerfev, lord chamberlain; the earl fleet. The comptroller's ftaff was taken from of Bradford, treafurer ; Peregrine Bertie, vice- the earl of Wharton, and given to fir Ed- chamberlain; fir Edward Seymour, comptrol- ward Seymour. London Gazettes, April, ler to the houfchold; and lord Godolphin, lord May, June, treafurer ; Mr. How, who had difcovered the B 2 out 4 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, out of all proportion to any provocations received, and with exag- i_ -.'- _■ gerated expedations oi the benefits likely to arife from a fuccefsful 1702. war. An alarm for the Proteftant religion, together with a national an- tipathy to France, rendered the Englifh, in general, impatient for controlling the extenfion of her power over the monarchy of Spain ; and the merchants and manufadurers were no lefs cordial in approv- ing of the refolutions of the court, from a jcaloufy of lofmg one of the moft lucrative branches of their commerce, fhould that kingdom fall under the dominion of the houfe of Bourbon *. To the Tories, who had fo lately condemned the partition treaty, no alternative remained, but fupporting the war, or forfeiting every claim to confiftency and honour, as well as to that popular favour, without which, their power, derived from the patronage of the fovereign, muft have been fettered and precarious. The earl of Rochefter ftrenuoufly oppofed the refolution taken by the privy council for committing England as a principal in the continental war ; but being fupported by few of his friends in this opinion, it only proved the occafion of dividing them, and gradually paved the way for the returning credit and influence of the Whigs \ The concurrence of fo many interefts, in favour of the war, over- ruled a difpofition naturally mild and peaceable, and rendered her majefty favourable to that fyftem of policy, which was bequeathed by a predecelTor, to whofe fentiments fhe was, in other points, but ♦Caveat to the Treatei?, p. 63- Lond. the throne of Spain ; that fending ten thoufand jyii. men to tlie continent, agreeably to the treaty 5'The other Side of the Queftion, p. 171. fubllfting between England and the States, was Lond. 1742. The earl of Rocheftcr fupported a full equivalent for her fhare of the quarrel; his oppofition to the opinion of the privy coun- that it would even be advifable to furnifli her eil by the following arguments, that England contingent for the land fervice entirely in and the States had already acknowledged the money; but, above all, he recommended the duke of Anjou as king of Spain ; that, if Eng- exerting the utmoft efforts by fea, which would land were compelled to take a part in the war, contribute, immediately and eflentially, to the her proportional afliflance ought to be ex- diftrtfs of the enemy, and to the permanent tremely moderate, in conformity to the degree extenfion of the commerce and power of of danger or advantage which (he was likely Britain, to incur from the dukeof Anjou's continuing on little I702. QJJ E E N A N N E. 5 little partial. It can hardly be fuppofed, that the queen was ever CHAP, cordially reconciled to the idea of excluding her own family from the throne ; but fhe trembled at the apprehenfion of her own pre- mature and violent degradation, which was aflbciated with her bro- ther's fuccefs under the aufpices of the French king. Nor, in judg- ing of her condudt, would it be fair to exclude the influence of more honourable and confcientious motives. To the proteftant intereft fhe was fervently devoted, and if fhe ever indulged any wifh for devolving the fuccefTion upon her natural heir, the cer- tainly meant to accomplifh it under fuch reftridions as flie deemed ample fe^urities for her favourite religion \ But to obtain them, it was neceflary that her brother fhould renounce the counfels, and be feparated from the alliance of a prince, whofe intrigues were no lefs formidable to the religion, than to the independence of Eng- land. But of all the caufes which confpired to attach the queen to the confederacy, none had a more powerful fway, than the advice of lord and lady Churchill, who maintained an unrivalled afcendancy over her affedions and condud. In all the domeftic quarrels in which the royal family had been embroiled during the preceding reign, lord Churchill warmly efpoufed the intereft of the princefs ; and facrificed immediate preferment to the profped of ample com- penfation from her future patronage. He was now about to enter upon the harveft of his hopes, when the jundure of events ex- tended them beyond the utmoft ftretch of his early fpeculations. While the approach of a continental war multiplied the channels of royal munificence, his infmuating addrefs, his capacity for nego- tiation, his matchlefs talents as a general, enfured a pre-eminence, to which he never could have afcended during a period of public tran- quillity. Although lord Churchill began his political career as a partifan of the Tories, yet the incidents of fortune, and a fympathy « King James was not more zealous for the daughters were for the proteaion and fafety propagation of the Roman faith, than his of the protelhnt intereft. in 6 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. C H A r. in dilappointments, had often during the late reign induced him to t_ - - _: concur with the meai'ures of the Whigs, and to avail himfelf of their ''°*' protedion. At the acceffion of the queen, he ftood on that ambi- guous ground, which encouraged both the contending parties to en- tertain hopes of appropriating, to themfelves, the decided advantage ariling from his influence with the court. While his firft connec- tions, and the prejudices of the fovereign avowed by her preferring the Tories in the new arrangements, infpired them with the allured confidence of engrofling the patronage of her favourite, the alli- ances which he had contraded wath fome of the principal families of the Whigs, the declared attachment of his lady to their prin- ciples, and above all, the complexion of political meafures, re- moved the dread of their being doomed to a complete and lading profcription '. To confirm her good intentions towards the allies, the queen wrote a letter to the States ; and the earl of Marlborough, now ap- loth, j?th, pointed captain o;eneral and honoured with the garter, was fent as 14th March. ^ r o ^ o j her embaflador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the Hague, to give her majefty's fandlion to the alliance concluded by king Wil- liam, and to concert meafures for opening the campaign. The im- port of the earl's inftrudtions, and the addrefs and prudence with which he difcharged his commiffion, re-animated the drooping fpirits of that party in Holland which had always abetted the fchemes of king William, and feafonably counterafted the infidious artifices now employed by Barre, the French refident at the Hague, for dif- tra«f^ing their counfels and alienating them from the friendfliip of England. A convention was held at the Hague on the 31 ft March 7 Conduct of the duchefs of Marlborough, From thcfe marriages, which fo much ex- p.127. Cunningham, vol.i.p. 328. Lond. 1787. tended die duke's influence, his antagoiiiils. The earl of Marlborough's eldeft daughter was and the people in general, when fpeaking of manied to the earl of Godolphin's eldeft fon; him and his connexions, called them the Fa- anothcr was afterwards married to the earl of mily, without any other diftinAivc appella- Sunderland ; a third, to the earl of Bridge- tion. Conduft of Paities, p. 1 6. Lond, water; and the youngeft, to the marquis of 171 2. Monthermer, who became diike of Montague. 1702, CUT E E N A N N E. *j 1702, in conformity to the terms of the grand alliance, when It CHAP, was fettled, that war ftiould be declared againfl: France, on the fame \_ - '- ^ day, by the queen of England, the Emperor, and the States '. th^Mav The proceedings of parliament after the death of the king were uniformly acceptable to the court and the nation. The fame re- venue, that had been enjoyed by her predeceffbr, was granted to her Htli Maixli, majefty during her life. An ad was pafled for enabling the queen 3cth. to appoint commiflioners for treating of an union between England and Scotland ; and another for examining and dating the public accounts. The exorbitant expence of the late war had been im- puted to the negligence and corruption of minlfters, and this adl . ' . was intended to foothe the people with the hopes of reformation, and oeconomy in managing the fupplies '. To confirm thefe hopes and alleviate the burdens of her fubjeds, her majefty Intimated to parliament her purpofe of applying a hundred thoufand pounds 30th.. yearly, out of her own revenue, to the public fervice. The abjuration oath was taken by the members of both houfes and, in confequence of an application to her majefty from the com- mons, orders were Ifliied for adding the name of the princefs Sophia jth May. to tlie public prayers for the royal family. The refolutlons, adopted by the convention at the Hague, were communicated to both houfes, and produced renewed affurances of their utmoft afliftance for car- rying on the war ; but at the fame time they difcovered an early and well-grounded jealoufy of the mercenary fpirit of fome of the allies, by requefting her majefty to engage them, to join with her, 2ifl. in prohibiting all correfpondence and trade with France and Spain'". Although ' London Gazette, 26th March. Lambert!, the common caufe. London Gazette, 26th torn. xii. p. 16. The deputies of the five circles March, 6th April. of Auftria, Swabia, Franconia, the Upper " The fupplies, for the fervice of the year Rhine, and Eleftoral Rhine, exclufive of Ba- 1702, amounted to three millions, feven hun- varia, refolved 29th March N. S.to enter into dred thoufand and thirty-three pounds, feven the grand alliance, and upon certain condi- Ihillings, and nincpencc. tions to leave their troops to be difpofed of "= Wljen the earl of Marlborough was at as the emperor Ihould judge moft beneficial to the Hague, the States applied to him to ufe his 1702. HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. Although the feries of public meafures hitherto purfued was confonant to the political Tyftem of king William, yet fome inci- dents occurred, which wounded the feelings of thofe who cherilhed a veneration for his charadler ; and at the fame time brought a (lain upon the honour of the Englifli nation. The popular joy, upon the queen's acceffion, was accompanied with exprefTions of contempt and infult towards the memory of her predeceflbr. Publications were circulated, tending to the reproach of his government, and to the difparagement of thofe principles which were the bafis of the revolution. While fuch indignities did not meet with that rebuke and chaftifement which decency required, the court appeared fhame- fuUy remifs in thofe teftimonies of efleem and gratitude, which were due to tiie rank and character of one, who had been the illuflrious inftrument of national deliverance. Although king William was not addidted to perfonal extravagance, yet the difcharge of confider- able arrears, arifmg from the cun-ent expences of his houfehold, de- volved upon the voluntary juftice of his fucceffbr ". While his perfonal effeds were wantonly dealt out among the favourites of the new court, many of his creditors remained clamorous and unfatif- fied. As if it had been to apologize for the indifference with which the queen tolerated thefe violations of decorum, the probity of her relation was arraigned ; and it was confidently aflerted by perfons connected with the court, that he had formed a plan to bereave her of the fuccelTion, by transferring it, immediately after his own de- mife, to the elector of Hauover'\ The houfe of lords, with a his influence with the queen, to obtain per- was faid that fufficient evidence of this dc- miflion for them to continue their commerce fign had been found among the private pa- with France, without which their merchants pcrs of the late king. The troops of Ha- could not poiTibly pay taxes to carry on the war. nover and Zell were to move towards tlie fca. " Cunningham, vol. i. p. 259, 260. Tiiis coaft of Holland; a pretended infurredion was the more c\ilpable, as the king left alFtts was to be raifed in Scotland or Ireland, to fufficient to falisfy all claims againft him. It give the king a pretence for inviting thefe has been afTerted that the miiiifters paid fuch troops with their prince to come to England ; of his creditors as were in their in^tereft. Id. and Tcvcral peers, privy to the fcheme, were to '* Tindal, vol. v. p. 68. Lond. 1 745. It be made lord lieutenants of counties. Id. laudable QJJ E E N A N N E. c laudable zeal for vindicating the honour of king William, appointed CHAP, a committee to fearch his repofitories ; and, it having appeared from __ their report, that the allegation was deftitute of any fliadow of proof, '^°^' it was voted falfe and villainous; and her majefty was requefted to 4-'^ May. give directions for profecuting the authors and publilhers of it. The parliament was prorogued on the 25th May, and diffolved 3 ■few weeks before its legal expiration, on the 2d July. Before I proceed to the hiftory of the campaign, it will be ne- ceflary to ftate briefly the reafons ailigned by the confederate powers for entering into the war ; and the advantages which they expeded to derive from the profecution of it. The feveral declarations of war, publifhed by the courts of Vienna, England, and the States, were founded upon the French king's breach of faith, and their indifpenfable obligations, arifing from former treaties and from their common intereft, to join their force for preferving the balance of power in Europe, endangered by his ufurpation of the Spanifh monarchy. The acknowledgment of the right of the fon of James to the crown of England was fpecified in the Englifli declaration, as a grofs indignity on the part of Lewis to the queen and the nation ". The emperor complained of wrongs deeply afFe£ling the interefl: of all the branches of his family. The dominions of Spain, the jufl: inheritance of the archduke Charles, had been feized in viola- tion of the moft folemn treaties; and thofe countries, in Italy, which were the patrimonial right of the archducal family, and the fiefs of the emperor, had been invaded by the armies of France. Nor were even his German territories fecure againft the all-grafping ambition of Lewis, who had provided magazines and ereded forts, in Co- logne and Liege, which he filled with his own troops '*. The manifefto of the States reprefented, that their deftruftion had been deftined by the French king, from the moment of his affumino- the reins of government ; that he had made repeated attempts for " Annals, Anne 1702, p. 29. Lond. 1703. •* Tindal, vol. v. p. 51. C carrying lo HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. C H A P. carrying it into execution by the invafion of their country; that he never liad relinquifhcd this defign, as appeared from his having violated all thofe articles of tlic treaty of Ryfwick, by which their fecurity was provided for ; that, by diflodging the Dutch troops from the garrifons of the Netherlands, and fupplying their place with his own, the States were deprived of a fafe barrier", which they had purchafed by two bloody and expenhve wars ; that the French king exercifed abfolute authority in the Netherlands, and was ftretching his power to a degree inconfiftent with the independence of fur- rounding States; that, not fatisfied with the enlargement of his ter- ritorial empire, he was taking fteps for engroffing the commerce of Europe, by fcizing all the harbours of Spain, Naples, Sicily, the Mediterranean Iflands, and the Spanifh Indies, encroachments ruin- ous to the trade, the opulence, and the political exiftence of the United States ". From the tenor of thefe declarations, it is evident, that as the emperor and the Dutch had been moft injured, and were expofed to the neareft danger from the ambition of Lewis, fo they had the greateft ftake depending on the ifTue of the war. Correfponding with their complaints, the articles of the treaty of alliance were fpecific and definitive with refpe£l to the advantages to be procured for them. By the fifth article, it was llipulated, that the allies fliould exert their utmoft efforts for making themfelves mailers of the Spa- nifh provinces in the Low Countries, to ferve as a barrier to the States General againft France, and to conquer the dutchy of Milan " Flanders and Brabant, belonging to Spain, The defence of the Spaiiifli Netherlands were a barrier to the Dutch and the Emperor was fo great a burden to Spain, that it was againft France ; but in confequence of France propofed at the peace of Ryfwick to cx- and Spain being united, thefe provinces be- change them with France for territory on the came hoftile to the Dutch. Befides, the hit- frontier of Spain. But as this was exceed- ter were afraid left the ancient claims of the ingly alarming to the Dutch, it was agreed, Spanidi monarchy ftiould be revived, which that twenty battalions ftiould be furnifhed at feemcd to be infinuated by the French king's their cxpence for garrifoning the Spanifti Ne- promifing to reftore Spain to its ancient glory, thcrlands. The Barrier Treaty vindicated. The Duke of AnJQu's Succcflion conf.dcred. p. 77- Lond. 1712. Lond. 1 711. ''Ibid. for QJJ E E N A N N E. 1 1 for the emperor. The khigdoms of Naples and Sicily, and the CHAP. Iflands and places on the coaft of Tufcany, were deflhied to the Im- v-i -~.~ >, perial family ; though, in order to give this claufe of the treaty the ' colour of general utility, it was added, that they might be ferviceable to the trade of England and Holland. By the eighth, it was agreed, that none of the contrading parties fhould enter into a treaty for peace without the confent of the reft, and that it fhould not be concluded till fatisfadlion was obtained for the emperor ; fecurity, for the dominions and trade of England and Holland ; and effedluai meafures taken for preventing the union of the ci-owns of France and Spain, and the former from getting poflefflon of the Spanifli Indies. The only explicit benefit ftipulated for England was, that the allies fhould fecure for her all the privileges of trade in Spain and the Mediterranean, which fhe enjoyed under the deceafed king Charles. The maritime powers were authorized to retain, for them- Article 6. feves, whatever places in the Spanifh Weft Indies were acquired by their arms during the war ; a ftipulation well calculated for amufing the hopes of mercantile bodies, prone to fpeculation and adven- ture ". From the various articles of the treaty now detailed, it is obvious, that it fuggefted, to the confederate powers, feparate, and even in- terfering interefts, the profecution of which required diflerent and incompatible plans of carrying on the war. The immediate fecurity of the empire pointed out Germany, and that of the States, the Netherlands, as the preferable fcene of adtion. The intereft of the archduke demanded the immediate and utmoft exertion of force in Spain and Italy, Colonial conquefts, favourable to the extenfion of the trade of England, could only be accompliflaed by the increafe of "^ The proportion of troops and fhi'ps, to be Holland the oilier three. The quotas were furnifhed by England and the States for tar- thus fettled by king William, as fecretary Ver- rying on the war, was adjufted as follows: non acquainted the Houfc of Commons, by his England was to furnifh two parts of five by older. State of the War and Peace. Somers, land, and Holland the other three ; by fea, vol. ii. p. 34. England was to fiunifii five parts of eight, and C 2 her 12 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. C HAT. iicr navy, which would cramp her auxiliary operations on the con- tinent. It will be neceffary to recur to thefe obfervations, in order tOvform a competent judgment of the propriety and wifdom of the various meafures, adopted by the feveral contra(£ling parties, relative to the condu£l of the war, and the negotiations for peace. The ftrength of France, at the commencement of hoftilities, was apparently fuperior, and that of her enemies inferior to what thcv had been under the confederacy formed by king William at the re- volution. Tlic power of the former was now augmented by the poflcflionof a great proportion of that force and treafure, which had been then in the hands of the allies. The gold and filver mines of Spain, her armies, and fleets were entirely at the difpofal of the French king. The duke of Savoy had joined his forces to thofe of France, and the double affinity, which he had contracted with the royal family, feemed to extinguifli every hope of reclaiming him to the intercft which he had been wont to fupport ". By the intrigues of Lewis, the ele£lors of Cologne and Bavaria were alienated from the court of Vienna ; and the former was now prepared for hoftili- ties, upon having received a reinforcement of French troops ". Tlie two brothers, dukes Rodolph and Antony, who were partners in the government of Wolfembuttle, had alfo contraded engagements with the French king ; and, though they were prevented from per- forming them by the rapid motions of the duke of Zell '" who had overrun their country, it was expeded that they would embrace the firft opportunity of taking an adive part againft the confederates. " One of the daughters of the duke of remonftrated againft their refohitions at the Savoy was married to the duke of Anjou, diet of Ratilbon, where it was fettled that was now king of Spain, and the other to the duke fliould be carried on againft France ; and that of Burgundy. whofoever attacked any of the States or allies "■' Reprefcntation concerning the late War. of the empire fliould be regarded as an enemy Lend. 17 15. The eleclor of Bavaria had been to the Germanic body. Barre, torn. x. p. 416. appointed govci-nor of the Low Countries upon Paris, 1748. the recommendation of king William to the *'■' London Gazette, i6th March. The courts of Vienna and Spain. He had been duke of Zell was uncle to the eleftoral prince endeavouring to engage the circles of Ger- of Hanover, afterwards George the Firft. He ■ many in a neutrality, and thofe of Suabia and was now in the feventy-eighth year of his age, Fraijconia had ar^tced to it. The emperor and admired for his courage and activity. The lyoz. QJJ E E N A N N E. ^3 The eledor of Saxony, engaged in a war with Sweden and his re- volted fubj efts in Poland, was difabled from furnifhing his quota of ^ troops to the Imperial army ". The anticipation of hoftilities by the French king, who had al- ready filled the forts in the Spanifh Netherlands with his troops and entered the Milanefe, afforded him a mighty advantage over the allies at the commencement of the war ; while the uniformity of language, difcipline, habits, and prejudices, which generally fubfifted among his armies, gave a promptitude and vigour to his military operations *\ Nor did the States of Holland enter into the grand alliance with that unanimity and firmnefs, with which they had adopted every meafure recommended by king William, in whofe wifdom and ta- lents they had entirely confided ; and the difliffedled party, whofe oppofition had been reftrained by a veneration for his virtues, and the awe of his authority, began now to concert meafures for thwart- ing the defigns of the confederates ". The campaign 1702 was opened by the allies on the i6th of April, with the fiege of Keyferfwaert in the dominions of the eledor of " Lefliard," vol. i. p. iq8. Lond. 1713. fcore men of war of the line, and thirty ga:l- The duke of Anjou had been acknowledged leys. Monthly Merc. Feb. 1 701. Of the as king of Spaia by the United States, Eng- force of Spain, now added to France, I have land, Portugal, and Denmark, the duke of not been able to form any ellimate. Brunfwick-Wolfembuttle, the bifhop of Mun- The united forces of the allies ought to fter, and feveral princes of Italy. Interior have exceeded the number of the French ; but circumftances contributed to weaken the all of them, except England, fell fhort of their power of the principal confederate States ; ftipulatcd quotas, which makes it impoflible to England was in danger of being involved in a afcertain its aggregate amount with precillon. civil war by a difputed fucceffion to the crown ; According to a lift of the Imperial troops and the influence of the emperor was greatly di- alone, given by Lamberti, torn. xii. p. 116. minifhed by the encroachments he had made thofe in the empire amounted to forty-two upon the rights of fome of the German princes, thoufand ; in Italy, fifty-iix thoufand, two hun- Dangers of Europe from the growing Power dred ; in Hungary, twenty-fix thoufand, nine of France, p. 3. Lond. 1702. hundred; in the emperor's hereditary domi- " Hiftory of Europe, vol. vli. p. 189. nions, five thoufand five hundred and fifty. Lond. 1702. The force of France, at the Qiiincy, as far as he enumerates them, agrees commencement of the war, confided of two with this account, torn. iii. p. 458. Paris^ laindred and twenty thoufand horfe and foot, 1726. comm.anded by thirteen thoufand officers, and *^ Cimningham, vol, i. p. 268. of thirty-five thoufand militia troops ; of four- CoIogne». tyoz. 14 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. Cologne. This fmall town, being ftrongly fortified, afforded tlie French a favourable opportunity to plunder and lay wafte the adja- cent country, belonging to the circle of V/eftphalia and the States of Holland. The fiege was conduded by the prince of Naflau- Saarbrug, who commanded the troops of the United States employed as auxiliaries to the emperor '*. A variety of circumftanccs confplred to prolong the fiege. Count Tallard, with a large detachment of the French army, ported himfelf on the banks of the Rhine, oppofite to the town, and not only poured in frefh fupplies of proviiions and men, but annoyed the befiegers with his cannon. Heavy falls of rain interrupted the work of the pioneers, and rendered the trenches unfit for the occupation of the befiegers. The garrifon made frequent fallies, in which many of the confederates were killed. At length, the town being reduced to 9th June, afhes, the prince made an attack upon the counterfcarp, which was taken after an obftinate refiflance for two hours ; and the garrifon ijtii- capitulated on honourable terms '''. The marfhal Bouflers, who commanded the principal army of France, having failed in his defign of raifing the fiege of Keyferf- wacrt, advanced to attack the earl of Athlone, encamped at Claren- beck, near Cleves. The earl, whofe army was inferior to that of the marllial, decamped upon his approach ; and, after having fuftained a confiderable lofs of men in fkirmilhes with detached parties of the nth. enemy in his retreat, he reached Nimeguen, and polled his army imder the cover of its fortifications ''. It would have been eafy for Bouflers to have made himfelf mafter of that city during the fiege of ** They amounted to eighteen thonfand. fifty-nine fquadrons ; Atlilonc's of twenty- *' Quincy, torn. iii. p. 527. Mih'tary Hif- feven battah'ons and fixty-two fquadions. tory of Prince Eugene and the Duke of Berwick's Memoirs, vol. i. p. 163. Lond. Marlborough, p. 48,9. Lond. 1742. The 1779. allies loft five hundred men, befides ;two N. B. A battalion confifts of a body of thonfand wounded in the courfe of the fiege. feven or eight luuidred foot ; a fquadron of one Cjompare Quincy with Lcdiard, vol. i. p. III. or two hundred horfe. This variation of num- *' Led. vol. i.p. III. Quincy, torn. iii. p. 530. ber renders any calculation, founded on thefe Lamberti, toin. xii. p. 26. The army under denominations, uncertain. Bouflers confided of forty-feven battalions and 1 1 Keyferf- QJJEEN ANNE. 15 Keyferfwaert, but he was prevented from proceeding to hoftilities, by CHAP. the hopes of getting poflelTion of it, in confequence of a fecret nego- l - . .«j ciation with fome of the principal inhabitants ". Finding it in vain ^^'^" to attempt the fiege of Nimeguen after the arrival of Athlone's army, the marfhal directed his march towards Cleves, which, being in a defencelefs ftate, was pillaged and laid wafte ". Landau was invefted by prince Lewis of Baden on the i6th June; the citadel was taken by ftorm on the 9th September, and on the loth the city furrendered''. The long continuance of this fiege was occafioned by the intrepid fpirit and brave refiftance of Melac the governor, and the wanton profufion of expence upon the equipage of the king of the Romans, while the mofl important military pre- parations were poftponed and neglefted ^°. The earl of Marlborough, appointed captain-general of the allied army, arrived at the camp before Nimeguen on the 2d July, and concerted the future operations of the campaign with the earl of Athlone, and the other principal commanders. After having col- ledled the greateft part of the troops which had been employed at the fiege of Keyferfwaert, together with thcfe of Heffe and Lunenburg and the Englifh from Breda, he found himfelf in a fituation to adl ofienfively againft the duke of Burgundy, who had now affumed the command of the principal army of France. After twice pafhng the Maefe, he encamped near the enemy entrenched at Goch, upon which the latter decamped, and crofled the Maefe at Venlo ''. 26ih july Aftcr various ambiguous movements to deceive his antagonifl, the earl entirely fhut out the French army from the Spanifh Guelder- Auguft. land ; and by reducing Venlo, Ruremond, Stevenfwaert, and the September town and citadel of Liege, opened the navigation of the A4aefe and Oaober. ^' Hiftoire de Louis, Paris, H. P. D. L. p. 62, 3. D. E. D. torn. V. p. 436. Amfterdam, 1717. ^^ Tindal, vol. v. p. iii. The fiege was ^^ Led. vol. i. p, 113. ftopt fevcral weeks for want of ammunitioa. ** Quincy, torn. iii. p. 579. Led. vol. i. Hifloire de Louis, torn. v. p. 454. p. J 14. Military Hiftory of Marlborough, ^i Led. vol. i. p. 115. the i6 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. the communication with Macdricht, which fecured the moft conve- nient winter-quarters for his army '\ ' The earl, while he purfued the duke of Burgundy's army, had re- peatedly found himfelf in a fituation to engage it with advantage, and made every preparation for that purpofe ; but his activity was arrefted, and his fond expe\er government, to all its due rights, by de- Whig was admitted upon petition. cious QJJ E E N A N N E. 2; clous and unchiiftian proceedings to prevent the eledion of fir John ^ ^"^^ ^'• Packlngton in the county of Worcefter ; and to diredl a profecution <. — -v — — againll: Mr. Loyd the bifhop's fon, for his participation in the fame offence *, The lords were highly offended at this precipitate and violent meafure, which affected one of their own members, and addreiTed 20th Nov. her majefty to delay any expreffion of her difpleafure againft the bifhop, till he was convidled in the courfe of law of the crime laid to his charge ; but flie gratified the commons by exercifmg her pre- rogative, in a cafe, where delicacy and difcretiou ought tu have re- flrained its interference \ An attempt was made in the lioufe of commons to revive the animofities which had been excited by the queflion of the partition treaty; and at the fame time to arraign the honour of the upper houfe indifcriminately, by voting that right Ixad not been done them ^d. upon the impeachments brought before the lords in the preceding parliament. But as that queftion tended to the crimination of indi- viduals intimately connedled with the party which was now the flrongefl in the miniflry, and in the houfe of commons, and at the fame time involved conflitutional difficulties, it was not infifted upon. The zeal of the Tories, in the prefent and future fefllons of this parliament, was exerted with unremitting diligence to obtain a new law againfl occafional conformity, becaufe it appeared to be the moil compendious and effeVith rtfpeft to the cafe of lord Halifax, the partiality of the commifiioners was ftill more glaring, as it appeared, that his predecetfor.s, during the three preceding reigns, had not pcrfefted their accounts ; and that the cufto- mary forms of the Exchequer, &c. obvioufiy accounted for that delay, which was made the gtoun.d i"or accufing him. For a more full account of this, fee Journals Lords, 4th Fe- bruary, &:c. Hlftoi-y of Europe, vol. viif. p. 85, Sec. In compliance with the defire of the com- mons, the attorney-general inftituted a pro- fecution againil lord Halifax, but it was afterwards dropt by order of the queen iu council. " Journals Commons, i6th December, &c. The earl of Marlborough had been latelj created a duke, zSth November. He was thanked by both houfes fur his fingular fer- viccs ; as were aUo, the duke of Ormond and fir George Rook. Putting the two lad upon the fame footing with the duke of Marlbo- rough was thought by his friends a leflcning of his ferviccs ; and was a prelude to that rup- ture between him and the Tories, which fooii after enfued. Hiftory of the Reign of her late Majefty, p. 72. Lond. 174O. exprefs oy QJJ E E N ANNE. exprefs condklon, that the States of Holland fliould diicoiitinue all correfpondence and commerce with France and Spain '°. A bill pafled in the lower houfe for the Hile of the forfeited eftates in Ire- j^ r ^_ land, and for refuming the exorbitant grants which had been un- iSih Feb. warily made by the late king ; but a negative was put upon It by the lords. Supplies were granted to the full amount of every demand for the purpofe of the war ; and the fum of one hundred thoufand pounds per annum was fettled upon prince George of Denmark, in cafe of 3d Doc. his furviving the queen ". On the 27th of February the queen came to the houfe, and pro- rogued the parliament till the 4th of July. Her majefty's fpeech upon this occafion contained an explicit ap- probation of the fentiments of the Tories ; and gave a fandion w^iich fhe could not afterwards revoke, to that rancour againft the diflenters which had already begun to ferment in the minds of the people, and afterwards burft out into fuch tumultuary fury, as vio- lated all public order and difgraced the name of religion '^ Since the clofe of the lafl; campaign, fome tranfadlons had taken place which materially affeded the intercfts of the contending powers. The duke of Savoy, finding that he was not likely to obtain thofe advantages for his family which he expeded from fiding with France, and difgufted with the indignities with which he was treated by the French generals v/ho ferved under him, began to give hints of his '* The States, in confequence of repeated twelve thoufand, three hundred and eighteen applications from England, entered into refo- pounds eleven fliillin.rg and fivepence. iutions about forbidding trade with France, '" Her majefty faid, "That (he hoped fuch but with fucli exceptions, that it was little in- " of her fubjefts as had the misfortune fo dif- terrupted ; and they ftill continued to derive «« fetit from the church of England, would reft efTential benefits from it during the whole " fatisfied with the a6t of toleration which (he courfe of the war. Projets de deputez de " was refolvcd to maintain ; and that ihofe iloUande. Lamberti, torn. xii. p.30. tcm.xiii. " who had tlie happincfi to be of that church P- 26. " would conJider that /he had her education " The whole fupplies granted this feflion " in if, and would be fure to encourage it as amaunted to tluee millions, fevi-n hundred, <' by law eftalliflicd." F defire 34 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. dcfire to be reconciled to the allies ". His embaffador at the court of Vienna was at great pains to infinuate fpecious apologies lor his mailer's apparent dclertion of the German intereft, and for the ad- miffion of French troops into his dominions. He reminded the emperor of former proofs of the duke's attachment to him, which had not been duly regarded ; and of his having effedlually contri- buted to the promotion of the Auftrian power in Lombardy. He magnified the fervices he was now capable of rendering the con- federates, if encouraged to hope for fuch a recompence as might juftify him for breaking the ties of affedtion. His demands ap^ peared extravagant, but his alliance was efl'ential to the recovery of what the emperor had loft in Italy, and it was eafy for the latter to promife what he had not now in his power to bellow. Leopold engaged to transfer, to the duke, Montferrat, Mantua, and the 8th Nov, towns of Alexandria and Valenza in the Milanefe, and the country between the Po and Tanaro ". The king of Portugal was not long in following the example of the duke of Savoy. He had been prejudiced againft the grand alliance, from the apprehenfion of an eventual union between the Spanifh and Imperial crowns, which muft have entirely fubverted the independence of Portugal, and the fovereignty of the houfe of Braganza. But this apprehenfion being removed by the emperor's '' St. Simon, torn. vi. p. 263. 447. The queen of Britain afterwards became guarantee marflial Villeroy feldom addrelTed the duke by for the fulfilment of the treaty between his any other title than that of Savoy, as if he Imperial majefty and his royal hignefs ; and had been a mercenary general in the French alfo bound not to confent to any peace to the pay, and not an independent prfnce courted prejudice of his right to the fucceffion of the by the greattll potentates in Europe. Age Spanish monarchy after the houfe of Aultria, of Lewis the Fourteenth, vol. i. p. z"]^. and to fend him a prcftnt of fixty-fix tliou- *° Barre, torn. x. p. 421. Voltaire's Age fand, fix hundred and fixty-fix crowns of Lewis Fourteenth, vol. i. p. 281. Glaf- (/■. 14,9^9 '7-r-) ! ^nd to pay him a monthly gow, 1763. This treaty was concluded on the fublidy of fifty-three thoufand, three hundred i5th January 1703. The duke wifhed it to and thirty-three crowns {£. 11,999 '^j. dd.) be kept fecret till he brought oifhis troops in during the continuance of the war. See Ar- the pay of France ; but the progrefs and cir- tides ii. vi. vii. Appendix to the Hiftory of iJumftances of it were well known to the French Europe, 1705. king. St. Simon, tom. vi. p. 447. The xenuR- 1703. QJJ E E N ANN E. 35 renunciation of all his perfonal claims upon the monarchy of Spain, CHAP, he could no longer refift the liberal offers now propofed for extend- ing his dominions, and for fcreening him at the fame time from the refentment of the French king. The emperor, in name of his fon the archduke, ceucd, to the king of Portugal, Badajox, Alcantara, Albuquerque, and Valencia in Eftramadura ; Bayon, Vigo, Tuy, and Gordia in Galicia, with the country beyond Rio de Plata in Peru ; and alfo flattered him with the hope of the archduke's mar- rying his daughter the infanta. The Englifh undertook to protect the trade and coafts of Portugal ; and the emperor, the States, and the queen, jointly, to pay an army of eight thoufand Portuguefe, befides fupplying him with reinforcements to the amount of twelve thoufand men ". While the grand alliance was thus fortified by the acceflion of the diike of Savoy and the king of Portugal, other circumftances con- fpired to difturb its internal union, and to check its vigour and ad:i- vity. The princes of the empire who acceded to the confederacy, jealous of an increafe of the Imperial authority, brought forward their affiftance flowly, and with reludtance. Nor did the emperor himfelf furnifli the full proportion of troops ftipulated by the arti- cles of the alliance ; nor were thofe which he did furnifli fuitably equipped, or fent into the field at the early feafon requlfite for car- rying on an offenfive war. An infurredlion in his Hungarian do- minions, fomented by the intrigues of the French court, drew off fome of his choice troops and generals who had been deftined to co- operate with the allied armies ". The caufe of the allies in Ger- many as well as in Spain was rendered unpopular among the Ro- man catholics, who were perfuaded by the officious zeal of their priefts, that the war was intended by the States and by England, " Barre, torn. x. p. 423. St. Si'mon, " Hiftoire de Loufs, torn. v. p. 484, vol. vi. p. 447. This treaty was figned at Prince Eugene was fent into Hungary to Lilton on the i6th May, and ratified at Lon- command the Imperial arniv againft the inlur- 4on on the 14th July. gents. F 2 for 3(5 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. J 703. Januaiy. C HA P. for the extenfion of the proteftaat faith. To eftabUih this fa<^, it was fpecioufly afferted that the French king had met with no oppo- fition from any of his native fubjedts, except the Cevennois, who had confpired to withdraw their allegiance from him, upon the promife of being fecured by the allies in the. open profeflion of that religion. The effe6l of thcfc imprcffions had become fo alarming to the catholic members of the confederacy, as to render it necelTiiry for the diet of RatilLon to pnblifli a manifcfto, containing aflurances of unfhaken attachment to the religion of their country, and declar- ing that the war was undertaken folely for curbing the exorbitant ambition of the French king, which threatened the deftrudtion of the liberties and independence of Europe ^\ The eledlor of Bavaria having received large reinforcements of French troops, took the field before thofe of the emperor under the prince of Baden were in readinefs to oppofe him, and made him- fclf mafter of Newburg, the capital of the dutchy belonging to the elector palatine "*. February:. Alarlhal Villars left Strafburg, where his troops had been quar- tered during the winter, croffed the Rhine at the bridges of Flun- ninguen and Newburg. From this movement, the Imperialifts were led to conclude that he intended to form a jundion with the eledlor of Bavaria, and withdrew the greatefl; part of their troops from Bri- fach and Friburg to obftrudl his paffige through the Black Foreft, fo that he advanced with little obftrudion to fort Kehl, which he in- vefled ''. The garrifon after a fpirited fally, in which many of the 5th March, enemy were killed, capitulated. The Imperial troops under general Bibra, alarmed with the unexpected fuccefs of Villars, not only^ abandoned all the towns which they held in the valley of Kintzin- guen, and the marquifiite of Baden, and the forts they had ereded' *' Monthly Mercury, March 1703. ** QijincY, torn. iv. p. 44. *' Situated at the end of he biide* of Strafburg, it afforded the army wliich poffcffed it a conveuier.t paflage over tiie Rhine. on QJJ E E N A N N E. 37 on the banks of the Rhine, but, from the terror of being cut off by a fuperior force, deferted their ftandards, and difperfed themfelves in the adjacent woods". To retrieve thefe difadvantages, and prevent the jundion of the French and Bavarians, the counts Schlick and Stirum entered Ba- varia v^'ith an Imperial army in two detachments, tlie former through Saltzburg, and the latter through Newmark and tlie Upper Palati- nate. Stirum defeated a body of Bavarian troops which attempted to ftop his progrefs, and afterwards made himfelf mafter of New- mark an4 Amberg, the capital of the Upper Bavarian Palatinate. Count Schlick alfo had the good fortune to break into the Bavarian lines, and took Ried and feveral fmall places in that neighbour- hood ". This fuccefs prevented the adjacent ftates of Suabia and Franconia from being feduced into a neutrality by the fpecious arguments of the eledtor j and confirmed the diet of Ratifbon In its- former refoluticns of adhering to the court of Vienna. Thefe ad- vantages were however counterbalanced by a viftory, which the eleflor obtained over the army of count Schlick at Scharding ; and uthMarcts. by another over a detachment of count Stirum's army at Wells j 28th. after which Emhorf and Ratifbon furrendered to him "\ 8th ApriL Marfhal Villars, in the mean while, having been repulfed in an attempt for breaking through the prince of Baden's lines at Stol- hoffen, in order to join the eledor of Bavaria, condu(£led his army through the Black Foreft, and effe£led his purpofe at Dutlingen ''. May, After the jundlion of the French and Bavarian armies, it was concerted between Villars and the eledlor, that the former fhould obferve the motions of the prince of Baden, while the latter pene- trated through Tirol, to intercept the communication between Ger- many and the Imperial army in Lombardy ^". The forts of that mountainous dlftridl were naturally ftrong, but the garrifons placed " Quincy, torn. iv. p. 45, &c. 'Memoiies Louis, torn, v, p.. 488, &c. du Villars, torn. ii. p. ^;. ^' Quincy, torn. iv. p. -jy. 81. Meraoires "■' Quincy, torn. iv. p. 66, &c. du Villars, torn. ii. p. 97. «7 IS Q_uincy, torn. iv. p. 74. Hiftoite de ^^ Qu^incy, tom» iv. p. 87. c5§ HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. J In them lb weak, and fo little aware of attack, that the eledor in a few days made himfelf mafter of the whole country, and entered triumphant into Infpruc, ilie capital, where he lai 1 the inhabitants nnder heavy contributions. Believing that he had furmounted every difficulty, he advanced towards the country of the Grifons, in full confidence of joining the duke of Vcndofme, who was befiegiag Trent. But now the bravery of the Tirolian peafants efFedted what the regular army could not do. They rofe upon the French troops, expelled them from the garrifons, and taking advantage of the rug- gednefs of the roads and the narrownefs of the pafles, cut off a great number of them ; and obliged the red to retreat with more rapidity than they had advanced ^'. Though the military force of the French In Italy during this cam- paign exceeded that of the emperor, this advantage was not pro- du£l:ive of any material fuccefs. Naples was under fubjeftion to Spain ; but the fecret friends of the houfe of Auftria were numerous, and the dlfaffe£llon of the inhabitants daily increafed from the cruelties infiided by d'Efcolona the Spanifh viceroy, upon all the perfons who were fufpeded of difloyalty to the duke of Ajijou. Tyrannical opprclTions, added to thofe awful calamities of nature with which this country was now vifited, exhibit the moft diftrefs- ful fcenes that occur in the hiftory of human wretchednefs ". In Lombardy, the army of the emperor fuftained an irreparable lofs by the abfence of prince Eugene, whofe extraordinary talents were not fupplied by thofe of count Staremberg, though the latter had the reputation of being an able and experienced general. Nei- ther was the army under him furnifhed with recruits adequate to the wafte it had fuffered in the laft campaign, and, being far inferior to that of Vendofme, could only a£t upon the dcfenfive. It was for- tunate however, that an uncommon fall of rain and fnow prevented '' Quinc)-, torn. iv. p. 87. 89. Hiftoire inhabitants buried under their ruins; and not de" Louis, torn. V. p. 514 — 27. Itfs than two thoufand five hundred pcriflied '* Several cities were deftroyed by earth- in Aquila, the capital, cvi^es in Abruz7.o, and fome thoufands of the the QJJEEN ANNE, 39 the dnke from availing himfelf of this advantage, or undertaking any enterprife of importance during the winter. All he could ac- complifli, was to take St. Benedetto, and to get pofleffion of the high grounds,, from whence he annoyed the confederate army. When the frTafon be:; ne more favourable, he fat down before Ber- fello with f>ur battaiionSj which were occafionally relieved with freOi troops ^^ The fortrefs made a vigorous refiftance for four months, but at length being reduced to the greateft extremity by the rage of difeafe and the want of medicine for the fick, it fur- rendered on capitulation, in confequence of which, the duke or 27th Julr> Modena's country fell into the hands of the French'*. The fubfequent expedition into Trent for the purpofe of joining the ele£tor of Bavaria, which, had it fucceeded, muft have been fatal to the intereft of the emperor in Italy, proved, in the iflue, fortunate for that prince, as it occupied a great part of the fitteft feafon for adlion, and coft the duke of Vendofme fome thoufands of his befl troops. After taking the caftleof Torbole and Nago, and the towns of Riva, and Arco with its fort, he advanced to Trent, and began to bombard the city ; but hearing of the direful fate of the elector's army in Tirol, he raifed the fiege, evacuated all the places he had- taken in Trent, and retreated to the camp at St. Benedetto ". The remaining efforts of the duke of Vendofme were devoted to carrying into execution the vengeance of the French king againft his revoked ally. After feizing and difarming the duke of Savoy's troops in the French camp, he marched into Piedmont, and laid wafte- that country with mercilefs outrage "''. ^' St. Benedetto, a town in Mantua, near Thefe troops confifled originally of fix thou- the fouth fhore of the river Po. Barfello, in fand men in the pay of France, but had beeo the duchy of Reggio, is fituated at the con- leductd to three or four thoufand. The ftipu- llux of the Lenzo and the Po. lated time of their fenice having expi'-;d, the ^* Quincy, torn. iv. p. 146, &c. duke, agreeably to his fecret treaty with the 35 Hiftoire de Louis, torn. v. p. 527. emperor, intended to 'recall them. They were Cunningham, vol. i. p. 339. fei/ed by furprife, and afterwards difperfed iii 3' Hiftoire de Louis, torn. v. p. 527. fnall parties through tht French provinces. Monthly Mercury, September, October. St. SiraoD, torn. vi. p. ^ji. To 40 • HISTORY or GREAT BRITAIN. To return to the hiftory of the war in Germany, the reunited armies of Villars and the eledor, dlfappointed of a defign they had formed of gctthig pofleflion of Aufburg, by the pruice of Baden'-i having unexpededly marched to its defence, made a fudden attack iipon a detachment of the Imperial army, commanded by count Stirum, which had croffed the Danube, near Hochftct, and obliged sctli. him, after confiderable lofs, to retreat under the cannon of Nor- lingen ". The duke of Burgundy, alTiftcd by marfhal Tallard, com- manded tiie French army at the Rhine, upon the fide of Alface. After having remained long inadive, he invelled Old Brifach, which flood out for a month before it capitulated ". Tlie duke, latisfied 541I1. with the fame of this exploit, returned to Verfailles ; and Tallard, upon whom the command of the army now devolved, undertook the fiege of Landau. The prince of Hefle advanced from Luxem- burg with twenty-fix fquadrons and twelve battalions to raife the 38th Oa. fiege, and encamped within four leagues of the city of Spire ''. He intended to attack the enemy in their lines, and waited only for tea battalions, which he expedled to join him the day after his arrival. In the meanwhile, however, the marquis de Pracontal, from the Meufc, joined Tallard with a reinforcement of twenty-four fqua- drons, before the confederates had any intelligence of his approach. Encouraged by this unlooked-for acceffion of force, Tallard made a fudden attack upon the confederates, who were fo little expeding it, that fome of the officers were holding a feftival in honour of the emperor's birth-day at Spire. The prince of Hefle difcovercd aftonifliing compofure and bravery in rallying his men, and expofing jjth Nov. himfelf to imminent danger at the head of his grenadiers, which once and again repulfed the French ; but fuperiority of numbers at length prevailed ; and, after the lofs of five thoufand men, and many officers of diftinguiflicd merit, the prince retreated to Dadenhoven, " Hiftoire de Loviis, torn. v. p. 519. Hif- ^^ Q^iincy, torn. iv. p. 98. tory of Europe, 1703, p. 406. ^^ St. Simon, torn. vi. p. 454. ^ " and QJJ K E N A N N E. 41 and crofled the Spirebacli *°. This victory decided the fate of Lan- dau. The count de Prize, defponding upon the overthrow of the forces which came to fuccour him, furrendered the town upon the jr ' fAme conditions which had been granted to Melac by the prince of Baden in the preceding campaign *'. The fuccefs of the French in Germany was crowned by the acquifition of Aufburg, which, after liaving been bombarded feven days, furrendered to the eledor of 15th Dec. Bavaria, upon condition of the garrifon being permitted to retreat to Nordlingen with a fmall part of its cannon and ammunition*'. While the events of the war in Germany were generally favour- able to France, great fuccefs attended the arms of the confederates in the Lower Rhine. Rhineberg furrendered to count Lettum, lieute- 7th Feb. nant general of the Pruffian forces, which opened to the allies the navigation of the Rhine from Cologne to Flolland". The duke of Marlborough arrived at the Hague early in the fpring, and, having concerted the plan of the campaign with the 17th March. States, gave orders for the Britifli and Dutch troops to aflemble near Maeftricht under monfieur Auverquerque, while, with the Pruffian, Hanoverian, and Heffian troops, he undertook the fiege of Bonn**. The great preparations made for this fiege under the diredtion of general Cohorn, and the prodigious force brought ♦" Quinq-, torn. i"v. p. J27. 129. The of Feuqulerres, vol. il p. 124. Hlftofrc de French loft three thoufand men and many Louis, torn. v. p. 521. Annals Aimc, 1703. brave officers in this engagement, p. j^y. Kiftor>' of Europe, vol. viii. p. 446. Moft of the hiftorlans mention M. Pracon- +■ Hiiloire de Louis, torn. v. p. 521. tal's junction witli M. Tallard as the caufe of Hiftory of Europe, 1703, p. 448. the fuccefs of the French. Feuquierres cenfures t^ Id. p. 480. Tallard for having attacked the allies before ♦' Id. p. 116. he was joined by Pracontal ; but, as in the ''* The principal city of the birtiopric defcription of the engagement he fays the left of Cologne, and the ufual refidcnce of tlie wing was led on by Pracontal. I have followed ekftor. the general account, and am led to conclude. The troops employed in the iiege confiReJ either, that there muft be feme miftake in of forty battalions of foot, and fixty fquadrons FeuquieiTc's dcfcription, or that Pracontal of h.orfe and dragoons; the artillery confifted had been fo near, that Tallard had laid his ac- of upwards of a hundred large cannon and ccunt with being fupported by him after the thirty-fix mortars. Lediard, vol. i. p, 146. engagement commenced. Compare Memoirs G againfl 42 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. a"-ainfl: it, enfured fpeedy fuccefs. The town was attacked in three II. '^ u. -. 1 different places at the fame time ; one attack was direded againft the ''°^' fort on the oppofite fide of the Rhine, and the other two againft the city and the outworks ; no Icfs than twelve thoufand men being employed in each of thefe attacks. The trenches were opened on the 3d May, the fort was taken by ftorm, and the town furren- dered on the 16th; capitulating for the garrifon's being conduced: to Luxemburg, with the exception of the German companies, which had the choice of enlifting with the confederates or return- ing home. The capture of Bonn cleared the p.hine of the French to Philipfburg *\ Villeroy and Bouflers, who had the joint command of the French army in the Low Countries, took the advantage of the abfence of gth May. the confederates occupied in the fiege of Bonn, and advanced to- wards Tongres, fix thoufand of tlie allies being encamped in its vicinity. This little army retreated under the cannon of Maeftrichtj and the garrifon in the town, after a vigorous refiftance, was forced to furrender at difcretion *'. The duke of Marlborough, after the capture of Bonn, returned to the confederate army, that he might fecure Liege, which the enemy intended to inveft, and at the fame time recover Tongres. Villeroy, upon his approach, abandoned Tongres, and eluded every attempt for bringing him to an engagement till he got within his lines.. There remained therefore no profped: to the duke of obtaining any decifive advantage, but by forcing the enemy's entrenchments, which were ftrong and extenfive, running from Namur to Antwerp, and covering the whole frontier of the Spanifli Netherlands'". The conduding of this hazardous fervice was committed to baron Spaar, and generals Cohorn and Obdam, who were direded to make the 27th June, attack on the fame day in three different places, namely, oppofite ♦» Monthly Merciirv, May. Lediard, vol. I. *' Quincy, torn. iv. p. 9. Lediard, vol. i. p. 1+7, &c. ' P- '52- '' 1^^"«' P- 42- II to QJJ E E N ANN E. 43 to Steken, Liefkenflioek, and Antwerp. Baron Spaar and general CHAP. Cohorn fucceeded. But the attempt of Obdam was defeated by an Lm—.-^^ unexpected attack made upon him in his head-quarters at Eckcren, '""* by Bouflers, who had been detached there. After fuftaining a con- fiderable lofs of men, Obdam fled with great precipitancy to Lillo. His ffears had magnified his danger, for, after his flight, general Sclangenburg, who commanded the Dutch, rallied the flying troops,, and renewed the engagement with fuch bravery, that the enemy were forced to give way"^*. After the battle of Eckeren, the duke of Marlborough advanced towards the enemy's camp at St. Job, expeding to bring them to a general engagement, which, it foon appeared, they were determined to avoid; and the Dutch deputies again oppofmg his forcing their lines, he inverted Huy and Limburg, which were taken without Auguft. any confiderable lofs of men ■", September. Guelders, which had fuftained a blockade for fourteen months, furrendered to the Pruflians on the 1 7th December '^ By thefe feveral advantages, the allies obtained the entire poflef- fion of the Spanifh provinces of Guelderland and Limburg, and the Dutch were made fecure on every fide except Brabant. The operations of the fleets of the allies were generally unfuccefl'- ful and inglorious during this campaign. Colonel Moor, the governor of Charleftown in South Carolina, had failed in an attempt to blockade St. Auguftine on the coaft of Florida, belonging to the Spaniards ". Depredations were com- mitted by the Englifh near Carthagena, and at Trinidad in Terra March. rirma . An expedition againfl: Guadaloupe was conduced by colonel Co- drington, governor of the Leeward Iflands, the efiecls of which *' Quinc}', torn. iv. p. 21, Sec. The ac- Loiiis, torn. v. p. 504. Quincy, torn. iV. counts of this engagement, given by the con- p. 21. Lediard, vol. ;'. p. i^q." federates and the French, are a direft contra- *' Id, vol. i. p. 168. diction to *ach other. Compare Hop's let- '" Id. p. 177. ter to the Statfj;, 30th June, with the letter '' Tindul, vol. v, p. 23"?. from the French camp, lit July. Hiitoire de '* Id. p. 2 39. G 2 were 44 ■ HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. J H A p. ^vere deftrii£livc to the enemy, rather than profitahle for the Eng- .— — ' lifh. The town and fort of Baflc Terre were taken ; the town was ' burnt, the fort razed to the ground, and the plantations and crop deflroyed ; but upon the approach of the French fleet, Codringtou abandoned his conqueft, and iailed to Jamaica ". Vice-admiral Graydon was fent to the Weft Indies with four (hips of the hne and feveral tranfports, to colledt what forces could be fpared from the iflands, for the purpofe of attacking Placentia, and expelling the French from the Newfoundland trade ; but his inftruc- tions having tranfpired, he found Placentia fo well defended, that he did not even make any attempt upon it '*, Sir George Rooke had propofed failing early in the feafon into the Bay of Bifcay, to furprife fome of the French fhips on the coaft of Spain ; but he was ordered by the miniftry to wait for the Dutch fleet, which did not arrive at the time expeded ; and retiring after- wards from the fervice on account of his bad health, the expedition was-laid afide ". After fir George retired, the command of the grand fleet was conferred on fir Claudfley Shovel. The feveral objeds which it was deftined to accomplifh, were, to prote£t the coafts of Portugal, to make a defcent on the coafl: of Spain, and to fuccpur the Infurgents in the country of the Ceven- nois, whofe fufferings on account of their religion recommended them to the peculiar favour of the proteftant allies ''. In profecu- tion of thefe dcfigns, a fleet, confifting of thirty Englifh and four- teen Dutch men of war, failed from Spithead in the beginning of July, and arrived at Lifoon on the 24th ". After remaining a few days " Lcttres Hiftoiiques, Aug. 1702, a la the opinion of the Admiralty-board, that he Hay. had afted according to the belt of his abilities, " Id. 23d May. Lives of the Admirals, and agreeably to his inftru&ions. Lives of vol. iii. p. 52. Admiral Graydon, in his way the Admirals, vol. iii. p. 53. to the Weft .Indies, fell in with a part of the " Lives of the Admirals, vol. iii. p. 39. fquadron under the command of monfieur Du Tindal, vol. v. p. 305. Cade, but did not attempt to engage it, for >'■ Monthly Mercury, which he was ccnfured by the houfc of lords, 57 The failure of fir Clauddey Shovel, in 23d March 1704. It appears, however, from the accomplifhment of thofe objefts for which he QJJ E E N A N N E. 45 days on the Portuguefe coaft, it direded its courfe to Altea bay, where it received his catholic maiefty on board, and failed to Bar- 1703- celona. But, notwithftanding of this affiftance profered to the friends of the archduke, few appeared difpofed to fupport his caufe, and therefore the fleet failed to Leghorn, where it arrived on the 3d September. Upon leaving Altea bay, the Pembroke and Tartar men of war were detached to the gulf of Lyons with arms and 18th Sept. ammunition intended for the Cevennois, fome French refugees and pilots being on board. When they entered the gulf, they made fignals to the infurgents ; but the marlhal de Montrevel having brought a force to overawe them, the fignals were not anfwered ; and it being dangerous to keep the fea at that feafon, the Pembroke and Tartar fet fail for Leghorn, where they joined the reft of the 23d Sepu fleet ^'. Sir Claudfley Shovel failed from Leghorn on the 2 2d Odober, and having detached fome fhips of war to Tunis, Tripoly, and Al- giers, for renewing peace with thefe ftates, he returned to Altea bay, where fome of the Spaniards offered their fervices to king Charles, and fetting fail in a few days, he arrived in the Downs on the 1 7th November ". The moft meritorious fervlce at fea, in the courfe of this cam- paign, was performed by rear admiral Dilkes, who failed from Spithead on the 2 2d July, in purfuit of a fleet of French merchant- men with their convoy ; on the 26th he came in fight of them at anchor, about a league to the weftward of Granville ; took fifteen fail, burnt fix, and funk three. When the larger fliips could not fafely purfue the reft of them which ftood farther into the bay, he he was fent out, was Imputed m a great mea- ss Lives of the Admirals, vol. iii. p . i /are to the backwardr^efs of the Butch fleet, s. The archduke was proclaimed kinc* of v.h.ch d.d -t jom h:xn uU the er.d of June; Spain at Vie=,ua on 14th September, b/the and, after aUfdl fhort of the number ot flups ,i,ie of Charles III. which was notified to fir promtfed by them ; fo that both h,s force and Claudlle) Shovd, upon his arrival at Lephom, the t.me allowed h.m for this ferv.ce, for he by the Imperial ambalTador at the court of was to return before the end of September, Rome, were inadequate to the defigns projected. difpatched i773- 46 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^ ^j'^ ^- dilpatched a fire Ihip, with fome fmall veflels and the boats manned, which completed his fuccefs. Two fhips of war were burnt ; one of eighty guns was brought off, feventeen merchantmen were de- ftroyed, and of the whole fleet, four only efcaped bv getting under the protection of Granville fort °°. *° Lives of the Admirals, vol. iii. p. 43. CHAP. III. Circumjlanccs tending to diminijlo the Influence of the Tories. — Second Scjfwn of Parliament. — 77^6' ^/ecn's Speech. — The Bill againfl occafwnal Conformity ■paffes in the Houfe of Commons — is rejc6led by the Lords. — Refolutwn of the latter to take into their own Hands the Examination of feveral Perfons appre- hended on the Sufpicion of a Confpiracy. — The Commons remonflratc. — Both Houfes addrefs the ^leen upon it. — Reflections. — Refult of the Examinations carried on by the Lords. — The Cafe of Afhby and White. — Difputes bet'ween the two Houfes on the Pretenfions of the Commons to an excluflve "Judgment in Cafes of Election. — The Commons cenfure judicial Proceedings of the Lords. — Inquiry into the Condition of the Navy. — Remonflrances of the Lords againfl admitting, into the Commijfion cf Peace, Perfons who had not taken the Oaths to King William. — Supplies. — Account of a remarkable Storm. — Ad. for augment- ing the fmall Livings of the Clergy. — Campaign 1704. — Ffl'eds of the War "juith refped to the allied Powers fever ally. — Dangerous Situation of the Em- peror's German Dominions. — Preparations of the Duke of Marlborough for relieving them. — He defeats the Count d'Arco at Schellenberg. — M. Tallard kins the Eledcr of Bavaria, — and the Duke of Marlborough, Prince Eugene. Advantageous Situation of the French and Bavarians in the Plain of Ober- filaw. Battle ofHochflet, or Blenheim.— Siege cf Landau. — Brave ConduSl of Laubanie the Governor. — It furrcnders. — Treves and Trearhach taken by the Confederates. — Bavaria furrendercd to the Emperor by the Eledrefs. — Baekwardnefs Q^U E E N A N N E. 47 Bachvardnefs of the Pcrtifguefe in performing their Engagements to the Allies- —Succefs of the French and Spaniards in Portugal. — The Earl cf Galway arrives there, and turns the Tide of Succefs. — Campaign in Italy. — The Duke of Savoy reinforced by General Staremberg. — Advaiitages gained by the Dukes de la Feuillade and Vendofme. — The Cevennois reconciled to the French King. — Diflurbances in Poland. — Succefs of Admiral Dilkes on the Ccafi of Portugal. —Sir George Rooke makes an unfuccefful Attempt upon Barcelona, — but takes Gibraltar. — Engages the French Fleet in the Mediterranean. — Gibraltar in- vefied by the French and Spaniards. — Reliei-ed by Sir fohn Leake. — The Duke of Marlborough makes a Vifit to the Court of Prujfia. THE general tenor of the proceedings in the lafi: feflion of CHAP, parliament, as well as the private inclinations of the fove- s_ -.- j reign, feemed to enfure the eftablifhed and growing influence of the ^'°^' Tories. The bill againft occafional conformity, calculated for fix- ing their radical fuperiority in every part of the kingdom, was loft only by a fmgle vote in the houfe of lords. The current of pro- motions ftill run ftrong in their favour, and cheriihed their hopes of obtaining, from the exertion of the prerogative, a majority in that houfe, and of removing every obftrudion in future to their fa- vourite meafures '. Notwithftanding thefe apparent advantages, many cif-cumftances now confpired to alienate the leaders in the adminiftration from the cpunfels of the Tories ; and to moderate that ardour of attachment by which the fovereign had hitherto diftinguiflicd them. The mu- tinous difpofition of the people in Scotland, and the unfettled ftate of the fucceflion there, together with the pretenfions of a rival to the crown, fupported by the arms of France, portended the ap- proach of internal dangers, which the fuccefs of the Britifli arms on ' Four new peers were created foon after lords to the bill againft occafional conformity, the laft prorogation of parliament, all of them that it would be eafy to Rnd a remedy, alludino- in the Tor^' intereft ; and this gave the greater to the interpofition of prerogative. Tfndal» alarm, becaufe it had been thrown out in the vol. v. p. 218. houfe of commons, upon the oppofition of the tllC 48 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. III. 1703- CHAP, the continent could not prevent. From late difcoveries wliich had been made to the mhilftry in Scotland, it appeared, that a plot had been carrying on for fubverting her majefty's authority; that feveral perfons, who were at the head of the mofl powerful clans in the Highlands, had entered into it, and only waited for foreign reinforce- ments to make an open declaration in behalf of the pretender*. Alarmed with intelligence which fo nearly concerned her own fafcty and honour, the queen now became more cautious about degrading and irritating that party, which was difpofed to co-operate in every meafurc for ftrengthening the proteftant fettlemcnt, interwoven at this critical moment with her own perfonal intereft. The duke of Marlborough, now in the meridian of favour, and feconded by lord Godolphin, who was entirely fubfervient to his intereft, did not omit fo favourable an opportunity for working upon the fears of the queen, in order to undermine the influence of the Tories, whofe leaders were envious of his profperity, and averfe to that fyftem of public meafures, which both the ambition and the intereft of the duke led him to purfue '. The effeds of the circum- ftances now recited, with refpe^l to the ftate of parties, and the dif- pofition and influence of the court, were confpicuous through the whole feries of bufmefs purfued in the enfuing feflHon of parliament, which opened on the 9th of November 1703. Her majefty informed both houfes of the treaty fhe had made with the king of Portugal, and of the duke of Savoy's having declared war againft France ; and faid that as thefe fortunate events had been promoted by their cheerful nefs in fupporting the war, fo they afforded the profped of bringing it to a fpeedy conclufion. She folicited fupplies to defray the neceffary charges of the army and navy, and to pay the fubfidies promifed to her allies. She exprefled her earncft defire of feeing all her fubjeds united among themfelves; - See Chapter IX. ^ Conduft of the Duchefs of Marlborough, p. 141. and QJJ E E N xA. N N E. 49 and requefted them to avoid thofe heats and anhiiofitles, which C H a p. 7T0uld difi\ppouit her of that fatisfadion, and give advantage to the l — _> common enemies of church and ftate. The words, with which her ' majefty conchided, were obvioufly intended as a public renunciation of thofe fentiments with refpedl to the queftion of occafional con- formity, which fhe had formerly declared to her minifters, and alluded to in her fpeech at the clofe of the laft feffion. Correfponding with the prevailing dlfpofition of the two houfes, was the fpirit of their feparate addrefles in anfwer to the royal fpeech. The commons promifed to avoid heats and divifmis ; and the lords not only to avoids but to oppofc whatever might have any tendency to create difquiet or contention among her fubjedis *. The journals of this feffion are chiefly filled with the detail of contentious and angry difputes which fubfifted between the two houfes. Diftruft and refentment, from which neither were free rendered both acutely jealous of their refpedive privileges, and precipitate in affigning the moft difhonourable motives to the mea- fures -which each of them feveraliy purfued. Deliberations upon affairs of the greateft national moment gave place to paffionate recriminations, and to elaborate addrefles and reprefentations, framed for obtaining the approbation of the fovereign and the favour of the people, to the prejudice of their antagonifts. The Tories loft no time to introduce their favourite bill againfl: 15th Nov. occafional conformity. But, notvvithftanding the mitigation of its penalties, and other important amendments, in order to remove thofe objeaions which had obftruded its fuccefs in the preceding fefl[ion -it encountered a violent oppofition in the houfe of lords, and was rejeaed, after the fecond reading, by a majority of thirteen votes. Its friends were not more mortified with this repulfe, than they were with the change of popular fentiment, teftified upon that occafion by the tumultuary rejoicings of the London citizens '. * Journals Lords, 9th ; Journals Commons, J Annals Anne, 1703. p. 180. i nil November. H The i^o HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. The mod Inteveftlng dlfpute between the two houfcs arofe fioai! the information communicated to them by the queen in pcilbn, ^~^^' concerning ill defigns, which had been carried on by the emiilaries of France againft the peace of the kingdom. The fuppreffion of a fubjed of fo alarming a nature, at the opening of the feflion, and the rcludlance and referve of her minifters in imparting to the two houfes the information which they had themfelves obtained, excited a general fufpicion of their having been deficient in vigilance and adivlty ; and of their being flill unwilling to proceed in this bufi- nefs with diligence and vigour adequate to the magnitude of im- pending danger *. 5703,4. The commons, with an unreferved confidence in the wifdom and fidelity of her majefty's minifters, were inclined to leave this affair entirely in their hands. The lords, very differently imprefled by the circumftances already mentioned, appointed a committee of their own members, to proceed in the examination of thofe perfons who had[been apprehended by her majefty's melTengers. To apologize, in fome meafurc, for the precipitancy of this lefolution, they thanked her majefty for her promife to communicate to them every inform- ation fhe received concerning the defigns of her enemies, and ex- prefled hopes that their zeal would be acceptable to her, and contri- bute to the public fecurity '. The other houfe, upon hearing of this refolution, appointed a committee of their members to fearch the journals of the lords for precedents in fimilar cafes, and after hear- 531] Dec. ing their report, prefented an addrefs to her majefty, remonftrating againft the conduit of the lords, as difrefpedful to her majefty's miniftcrs, and injurious to her own prerogative '. The lords alfo complained " A ftrong fufpFcion prev:;!Iecl at this time, * Tlic lords, upon fearcliing their journals, that the qi:een was not fond of carrying on found no lefs than fifty cafes which they con. profec'jtions againft any of lier fubjeds, on fidered as precedents in the prefent bufiiiefs. account of their connexion with her brother. Journals Lords, zSth March. The commons Guthrie's Hiftoiy, vol. x. p. 357. Lond. 1767. indeed made a didinClion ; they did not deny, ' JourmJs Commons, 2 ill December, paf- that the lords had a power of taking into cuf- fim. Journals Lords, 17th, i^th, 2oth Dec. tody, peifon* accufcd of criminal matters; but QJJEEN ANNE. 51 complained to the queen of the uijuftice of the charge brought CHAP. againft them by the other houfe ; and vindicated their rtght of in- ■ - . ^ terferlne in criminal matters, and the falutary effedts of their exer- 'v'^' +; ° ' _ ' ^ 13th, 14th, cifins: it in the prefent cafe. This reprefentation of the lords was >7='>Jan. ^ 28th March. foon followed by another from the commons, which was not more znlFtb. exceptionable for its reproachful animadverfions on the conduct of the former, than for the fulfome adulation it paid to the perfon and authority of the fovereign. The behaviour of the queen during this contell was no doubtful indication of the declining influence of the Tories in the cabinet. Although the general ftrain of the addreffes of the lower houfe, didated by the leaders of that party, mufl have been more foothing to royal ears, yet were they not diftinguifhed by any marked teftimony of her majefty's approbation. The evils which might arife from accelerating examinations, and pre-occupying the duty of minifters, were fometimes hinted at in her anfwers to the lord« ; but as they perfevered in following up their refolutions, the- queen received the alternate and counter-reprefentations of both tut denied that they liad any n'ght to examine dilagreement fubfifted among the friends of the pi-ifoners of the crown without her ma- the pretender, both at St. Germains and in jeity's confent. - Scotland ; that the court of St. Germains The final refolution of the lords was, that entertained the hopes of being ferved by fome it appeared to them, that there had been a perfons of rank in Scotland, but that thefc dangerous confpiracy carried on for raifing a were founded upon the conftruclion put upon rebellion in Scotland, and invading that king- their conduct in parliament, rather than upon dom with a French power, in order to bring any explicit aflurances from themfelves ; that, in the pretended prince of Wales. Journals though a few of tlxe nobility and gentrj' in Lords, 2zd March. Scotland might have been pleafed with the The evidence upon which the lords founded reiloration of the lineal heir, yet no plan liad their judgment, confifted of the examinations been as yet concerted for that purpofe, and of the ful'pefted perfons, and of fome of their that Frafer's information to the court of — correfpondents who refidcd at Paris, of inter- St. Germains, was altogether unfounded. See ' cepted letters of captain Frafer's, and of gib- Colin Campbell's Declaration, Dec. 21, 1703, berilt letters, addreffed to fome Scottilh noble- in the collection of papers about the Scottilh men In the intereft of the pretender. plot, p. jl. London 1704. See alfo Chap- From comparing attentively thefe feveral ter IX. crrounds of evidence, it appears, that great H 2 houfcsi 52 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN, C H A P. houfes with equal expreflions of her fatisfadtion, and confidence in L -■- _r their loyalty and attachment '. n°3' 4- jj^ order to judge impartially concerning the condudl of indi- viduals, or parties, who have taken a warm fide in queftions of con- ftltutional importance, we ought to diftinguifh between the propriety of moving fuch queftions", and the opinions delivered on their intrinlic merit after they have been brought forward. Admitting the jealoufy which the lords entertained of the proceedings of the mini- fters refpedling the plot to have been unfounded and premature, yet^ from the moment the commons impugned the right of the upper houfe to interfere in criminal bufinefs, it became an indifpenfablc duty to vindicate and exercife it. Were not fuch a power vefted in both members of the legiflature feparately, the refponfibihty of minlfters would be abrogated, and it would require no great inge- nuity to fuperfede inquiry, and ftifle the evidences of delinquencies to which they themfelves had been acceflbry. Eager as the commons were to combat the upper houfe in every point that could afford any handle for difpute, and indignant on account of the fmalleft apparent difrefpedl to the regal authority, it was not to be cxpeded that they would endure any infringe- ment of their own peculiar privileges, or enter with coolnefs upon the examination of any queftion connected with that fubjedl. A recent decifion of the lords in a caufe originating at the general election furnifhed the commons with appropriate ground of com- plaint, and proved the occafion of heightening and prolonging the animofity which fubfifted between the two houfes. Matthew Afhby, * Journals Commons, 2lft paflim, 29th Fe- vented that accefT-.n of evidence which was bruary, 3d March. Journals Lords, 1 8th Ja- neceflary to convift the former. This reafon nuary. was afligned by the earl of Nottingham, 19th '" It may be fiiirly admitted, that the mi- February and 6th March, for keeping back a nifters, however earneft in profecution of the part of the papers from them. Some of the plot, might have fufficicnt reafons for pod- papers, namely, the letters to Kieth under the poning the difcoveries which they had made, fictitious name of Smith, were not communi- By giving an alarm to fome of the guihy cated to him, till after the lords had taken the perfons or their friends, it might have pre- examination into their own hands. a votex QJJEEN ANNE. ^^ a voter in the burgh of AyleCbury, had brought an adllon agalnfl the C H A p. conftables for refufing to take his vote. The caufe was tried at the > ' ^ aflizes in Buckinghamfhire, and the conftables were caft with da- ''°2> 4- mages. In arreft of judgment, it was moved in the queen's bench that the adlion t/ii/ not lie., which was admitted, and a fentence was given for the defendants. The plaintiff brought a writ of error againft this fentence, and the caufe was argued at the bar of the houfe of lords, who found, agreeably to the opinion of a plurality 14th June, of the twelve judges, that the decifion of the queen's bench was wrong ; and that the plaintiff had a juft ground of adtion at com- mon law. The judicial interpohtlon of the lords, in this inftance, was confidered by the commons, to be fuch an infolent and daring ufurpation of their eflablifhed rights, as required a more efledive refiftance than that of argument and remonftrance. They refolved, not only, that the plaintiff had been guilty of a breach of the privilege of the houfe, by reforting to common law, but that every perfon, who had affifted in his caufe, was involved in the fame guilt ". The houfe of lords, on the contrary, maintained the competency of their own jurifdidtion in this and all fimilar cafes, and condemned the 27th MarcL, power affumed by the commons, as tending to control the law and impede the courfe of juftice. Not fatisfied with ftanding upon their own defence, the commons retaliated by direding their cenfure againft other judicial proceedings of the houfe of lords. They refolved, that the upper houfe had ex- ceeded its power, and introduced a precedent dangerous to the confti- tution, by overruling an order of the exchequer in compliance with a petition from one of its own members ", The "' Journals Commons, 26th January. This been a fuccefsful fupporter of the Tory can- profecution was carried on at the inftigation didates, the houfe of commons, of which the and expence of the earl of Wharton. Life major part was in the fame intereft, interpofej of Wharton, p. 44, 50. London 1715. in behalf of the conftables, under the pre- The conftables afted under the direftion of tence of zeal for privilege. fir John Packington, who had the manage- " Journals Commons, 28th Januar\\ The ment of the burgh ; and as he had hitherto commons refolved, that the lords had afted ille- gally 54 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. The prevailing anitnofities between die two houfes prevented tlia continuation of the cominiffion for examining the public accounts, tlie lords having objedted to one of the commiflioners inferted in the bill by the commons, and the latter infiPcing on their exclufive right to judge in every queftion concerning the revenue ". An inquiry was inftituted by the lords into the condition of the 29th Feb- navy, which terminated in an addrefs to the queen, fpecifying various inftances of mifmanagement ; and complaining of the mifcondudl of admiral Graydon, who was difmifled from her majefty's fervicc '*. Agreeably to that refpedt, which the lords had uniformly pro- 3in March, feffed for the memory of king William, they remonftrated to the queen againft admitting into the commiflion of the peace any of thofe perfons who had declined taking the oaths to him ; and entreated that fuch only as were known friends to the proteftant fucceflion might be intruded with an office eflential to the fafety of the conftitution and the fair difpenfation of juftice '\ The commons granted fupplies with great liberality, and provided for the pay of the additional forces which had been voted the preced- ing feffion '\ The fudden deftrudlion of a great number of Ihips $ 7 th Nov. gaily by taking cogni/.anc« of a petition of lord Wharton, complaining of an order of the court of exchequer, 15th July 1701, for filing the record of a furvey of the honour of Richmond in the county of York, and that 't tended to fubject the rights and properties ;of all the commons of England to illegal and arbitrary power. Journals Commons, 28th January. The lords Tcfolved, that fuch interference on the part of the commons, was an ufurpa- lion of a judicature to which they had no pretence, journals Lords, 27th March. '' Journals, Lords and Commons, Feb. March, paffim. The lords expimged the name of Mr. Bierly, becaufc he had not (Cleared the accounts of his own regiment. They put another in his place, and added iwo more, who were not members of the houfe of commons. 21 '+ Befides the alleged mifconduft of the admiral for not fighting four French (hips, which he met with in his pafiage to the W^eft Indies, a complaint was entertd againft him by tlie Jamaica merchants, for his diforderly proceedings, by prefllng a great number of the feamen and inhabitants of Jamaica, and for his fevere ufage of the mafters of the fhips un- der liis convoy. Journals Lords, 23d March. '5 Sir Nathan Wright, the lord-keeper, being a zealous Tory, had taken great libcity in moulding the commiflions of the peace ac- cording to the inclinations of his own party. Conducl of the Duchefs of Marlborough, p. 147. '* The total of fupplies this feflion amount- ed to four millions two hundred and twenty nine thoufand, Lvj^ht hundred and fixty-fijs pounds, eightcea ftu'llings, and eleven pence. belonging QJJ E E N ANNE. 5S «70i. 4* belonging to tlie royal navy, by a dreadful llorm on tlie coafl; of Eng- CHAP, land, required an enlargement of the fupply, which the commons cheerfully granted ; and at the fame time recommended to her ma- jefty the making a provifion for the families of the feamen who had periftied in the ftorm ". Although the condud of the queen, in withdrawing her fupport from the bill agalnft occafional conformity, had difappointed the ex- pectations of violent churchmen ; yet her attachm.ent to the eftablifh- ment had not abated, and her kindnefs to its minifters was more wifely difplayed by a renunciation of her right to the firft fruits, to be applied in future for augmenting fmall livings. Her majefty made choice of the anniverfary of her birth-day for recommendina: to the commons the neceffary fteps for making efFediial her benevolent intentions to the clergy ; and they loft no time in perfecting a work fo agreeable to their own inclinations '^ On 7th Ftb» " This ftorm began at eleven o'clock in fhe evening of tlie 26tli November, and con- tinued till feven next morning, the wind blow- ing W. S. W. During the intervals of the moft violent gufts of wind, a found wa? heard like that of diftant thunder, accompanied with vivid flathes of lightning. Many chimneys and roofs of hoiifes were blown down, and feveral entire building* levelled with the ground. A prodigious number of trees were torn up by the root ; and fome of the largeft fize were broken off in the middle. Some mafTy fpires were driven from the fteeples ; and the lead which covered the tops of houfes and churches, was rolled uji like fcrolls of parchment, and carried to a great diftance. Many families were crufiied under the ruins of their own houfes, and multitudes briiifed and wounded. A great number of vefTels vv:;s loft upon the coaft, and in the channel ; and at London Bridge, the river was dammed up with the wceck of barges and boats. Sixteen fiiips of the navy were loft. As fome of tlicfe were in the harbours, the lofs of lives, amount- ing in all to one thoufand five hundred and nineteen, was not fo confiderable as might have been expefted from the number of fiiips. The effects of this florm were little felt in the northern parts of England. " Journals Commons, 7th Februarj-. By this acl, the queen was empov.ered to incor- porate fuch perfons as (lie thought fit, and to lettle upon them the firft fruits of all bene- fices, for the maintenance of the minifters of the church of England not fiiiScicntly pro- vided for. This corporation wa^ alfo quali- fied to receive cllates and goods from other perfons, for the fame pious end. The firft fruits, or the firft year's whole profits of the benefice, and the tenths, or the tenth part of the annual produce accordino- to- a valuation made in the reign of Edward III, were originally impofed by the pope npoii the beneficed clergy, for the purpofe of fupport- ing the holy war; and after that pretext cealcd, it became a ftandiiig branch of the papal revenue. When Hemy VIII. beran the reformation, he remitted this tax, as a lure to gain the fupport of the clergy; but his rapacity, the primary incentive of his zeal, rendered '703. 4- 56 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. On the 3cl of April, her majefty came to the houfe of peers, where the commons attended. She thanked both houfes for their zeal in fupporting the war ; and the commons particularly for their difpatch and liberality in gi-anting the fupplies ; but regretted that her recom- mendations to unity had not been entirely complied with; after which the parliament was prorogued. Some important changes in the miniftry took place at the end of this feflion, which publiflied to the nation the declining intereft of the Tories '*. Campaign The Netherlands had been hitherto the bufieft fcene of the warj ^''°^' and the fuccefs, obtained there, redounded chiefly to the benefit of the United States. Their frontiers were enlarged, obflrudions to their trade removed ; and from the repair and extenfion of their fortifications, they were now placed in a condition to defend themfelves, with an inferior force, againft the incurfions of the French troops. Of all the members of the confederacy, the fituation of the em- peror was the mcft critical and perilous. The eledor of Bavaria was 5tli Jan. rnafter of the Danube as far as Paflau, which he had taken while the Germans were in winter quarters. Some of the members of the Germanic body were wavering and of doubtful fidelity; and the afliftance of the reft was tardy, and reftrided, and nowife adequate to the impending emergency of his affairs. Prince Ragotzki, at the head of the Hungarian infurgents, had been fuccefsful in feveral conflids with the Imperial troops ; had got poflefTion of many forts rendered him incapable of foregoing any pc- tian, vol. i. p. 286. cuniary advantage fanftioned by the example '» The earl of Nottingham refigned his of the Roman fee ; and he afterwards obtain- office of fccretary of ftate, which was con- ed an aft of parliament for transferring the ferred upon Mr. Harley. Mr. Blaithwait £rft fruits t-o the royal revenue. All the liv- was removed from the poft of fecretary at ing?, in number five thoufand five hundred and war, and fucceeded by Mr. St. John. The ninety-feven, under fifty pounds per annum, earl of Jerfey was difplaced, and the earl of were exempted from the payment of firft Kent recalled to the office of chamberlain, fruits and tenths. The amount of this bounty Sir Thomas Manfel fucceedcd fir Edward Ss calculated to be eleven thoufand pounds per Seymour as comptroller of the houfchold. OHnum. Blackrtone's Commentaries by Chrif- and QJJEEN ANNE. 57 and towns on the Eaft frontier of Germany, and threatened to carry C HA p. his arms to the metropoHs of the empire ". \ >~ .-; The alarming condition of the Imperial dominions was preffingly ' recommended, by the emperor's ambaflador, to the confideration of the court of England, upon whofe power and adivity he chiefly de- pended for deliverance ^', The duke of Marlborough, who may now be regarded as prime minifler, as well as captain-general of England, was fully perfuaded of the importance of employing the ftrength of the combined forces in the heart of Germany during the enfuing campaign, and of compelling the French to evacuate the ter- ritories of the eleiflor of Bavaria. The plans formed for accomplifh- ing this defign, he prudently concealed till the very eve of execution, left they fhould be counteradled by the preparations of the French generals, or oppofed by the aflembly of the States, ever jealous of the fmalleft preference given to the German intereft. Nay, he art- fully decoyed the former into a mifappllcation of labour, and diverted their forces from the quarter deftined for his operations, by direding the great body of the confederate troops to march to the Mofelle, and fpreading reports of his intention to invade the French frontiers on the fide of Lorrain '\ The duke fet out from the Hague 5th May, and, paiTmg through Utrecht and Ruremond, came to Maeftricht, where the grand army was coUeded. He gave orders for all the auxiliary troops which could be fpared from the garrifons, to march to Coblentz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Mofelle; and following them there, he 25th May. communicated to monfieur d'Amilo, envoy extraordinary from the States, and to count Ratiflaw, the Imperial ambaflador, v.-ho had vi- fited the camp on his return from London to Vienna, his defign of joining the army of the prince of Baden, and of penetrating into ■" Hillory ofEuropejVol.ix. p.77. Monthly queen 2d April 1704. Mercury, September, Oaober, November, " Kane, p. 43. Tlie duke communicated Derember, 1 703. his plan of tlie campaign only to the queen, the *' Memorial of Ratiflaw prefented to the trealurer, and the grand peniionarv. ^ Bavaria, ^8 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. Bavaria. For this purpofc he eroded the Rhine, the Maine, ^_ _ ' _j and the Neckar, and advancing towards the Danube, through '"°"^" an immenfe track of country, joined the Imperial army under the prince of Baden at Wcfterfteten ; after which, the combined armies approached within two leagues of the camp of the elector of Bavaria; and, continuing to march in fight of his entrenchments at Dillingen, iftjul)-. encamped at Amerdingen and Ondcringen '''. From thence the duke advanced with a part of his army to attack the count d'Arco, who was polled with eighteen thoufand men at Schellenberg, a rifing ground near Donawert, where he was carrying on ftrong entrench- ments for oppofing the Imperial army in their progrefs to Bavaria. On the 2d of July, the Englifli and Dutch infantry began the attack upon thefe entrenchments ; and at firft met with fo warm a recep- tion, that they were daggering and lofing ground, when, fortunately, a reinforcement of fome German battalions, commanded by prince Lewis and general Goor, arrived ; after which the enemy was re- pulfed with great flaughter, and the entrenchments taken. Count d'Arco fled with the greateft part of his army towards the Danube, and a bridge, over which they were pafling, breaking down, many were drowned in the river ; and the reft of them efcaped into the woods near Neuburg ''*. In confequence of this defeat the Bavarians were forced to evacuate Donawert and Neuburg ; Rain and Fridberg furrendered to the confederates after a fhort refiftance, and Aich was taken by ftorm ^'. Overtures were now propofed by the duke of Marlborough to the eledor of Bavaria, with the view of feparating him from the French ; *' Lediard, vol. i. p. 190. 197. The allied Quincy, torn. iv. p. 252, &c. The enemy loft armies now amounted to eighty thoufand men. fix thoufand men in this engagement, and the The eleftor's army, and the French, which had confederates had above five thoufand killed (oined them at Dillengen, did not exceed and wounded ; in which number were many feventy thoufand, but weie foon augmented to brave officers ; and generals Goor and Bcin- afupcriority by a reinforcement under Tallard. heim, in the Dutch fervice. Lediard, vol. i. Kane, p. 44. Military Hiltory of Marlbo- p. 217. rough, p. 56. *' Iden ** Kane, p. 44. Lediard, vol. i. p. 209. but, \ 1704. QJJ E E N ANNE. 59 "but, though he feemed to liflen to them with a favourable ear, lie ^ ^,A^'- only meant to amufe the confederates ; and finally rejected all terms of reconciliation when he heard of the approach of the marfhal Tallard with a frefh army to his affiftance ". Notwithftanding the vigilance of prince Eugene, this reinforcement had made its way through the Black Foreft, and being joined by the elector near Ulm, rendered 5^^ Aug. the united armies of the French and Bavarians fuperior to thofe of the duke of Marlborough and prince Lewis. This event fuggefled to the duke the neceffity of joining prince Eugene, who was in danger of being overwhelmed by a ftronger force, while prince Lewis was carrying on the fiege of Ingolftadt ". 8t'.i. The day after the confederate armies had joined and encamped at Munfler, they were informed that the French and Bavarians had reached the plain of Oberklaw, and w^ere occupied in fortifying the adjacent eminence of Hochftet. The ground was fmgularly advantageous for an encampment, having, on the right, the Danube and the village of Blenheim, on the left, the wood of Schellenberg, and in front, a large valley, which extended to the diftance of two leagues, in which were difperfed a few villages, capable of fortifi- cation. It was alfo interfedted by feveral rivulets which run from the mountains. Thefe were, in fome places, hemmed in by ftecp banks, and, in others, by overflowing the plain, they formed a fort of meadow or marflny ground, where they difcharged themfelves into the Danube ". '" Barre, torn. x. p. 447. proteftant allies. It had been agreed that the *' The principal magazines of the eledor duke and the prince (hoiJd alternately prefide were at Ingohladt ; and it would have been ,-„ the confederate camp, which would pro- dangerous to have attacked his army en- bably have been produftive of difcord, and trenched linder the cannon of Aufburg. It might have prevented the duke's "projeft of at- was fortunate that the duke found fo plaufibic tacking the French and Bavarians at Blen- a pretext for detaching the prince of Baden, heim, wliich v.-as afterwards crowned with who, from his advanced years, had grown fuch illullriousfuccefs. Bane, torn. x. p. 445. averfe to that boldnefs of enterprife which the Kane, p. 47. prefent ftate of the war required ; and being a " Kane, p. 49. Q_uincv, torn. v. p. 26S, bigoted papill he did not a£l cordially with &c. Military Hiilory of Marlborough, p. 58. I 2 The 6o HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. The obvious advantages, accruing to the enemy from a pofitloa t_ - - _■ which would be dally made flronger, furnlfhed the duke of Marl- '''"^■^" borough with powerful reafons for running great hazards to bring them to a general engagement with the utmoft poffible expedition. His own army was in high fplrits from the vidlory it had obtained at Schellenberg, and from being reinforced by a junction with prince Eugene. Retaining their prefent encampment, which would foon be made impregnable, the enemy had it In their power to lay wafte a great part of the neighbouring circle of Franconla, and to prevent the confederate army from obtaining fupplles of forage and provlfions, which already had grown ftarce; and by adling in con- cert with the marfhal Villeroy, who was advancing to the country of Wlrtemberg, they might eftablifli a free communication between the Rhine and the Danube, and reduce all the country as far as the Maine ''. In order to underftand the dlfpofitions made by the duke of Marlborough for attacking the enemy, it is neceffary to be ac- quainted with theirs, to which it was adapted with wonderful fklll j3tliAug. and forefight. The French and Bavarian army, upon the approach of the confederates, formed into two bodies. Forty-eight fquadrons and ten battalions, commanded by Tallard, were drawn up at the head of the plain, half a mile diftant from the marlhy ground, through which the confederates had to pafs. The elector of Ba- varia with his own troops, and the marfhal de Marfm with the French, took their ftation upon the left, nearer to the woods, and clofe to one of the rivulets that runs through the plain. Twenty- elo-ht battalions and twelve fquadrons were thrown into the village of Blenheim, which ftood on the fide of the Danube, in front of the right wing; and thefe troops were intended, not only for the defence of the village, but, in cafe the left of the confederate army ihould attack Tallard, to fall on its rear. Eight battalions were »' Military- Hiftorj- of Marlborough, p. 58. Feuqniers, vol. ii. p. 131. polled \ Q^U E E N A N N E. 6i pofled in the village of Oberklaw, which were either to join the C II A P. troops in Blenheim, or to ferve as a corps de referve, as the fortune of the battle might require. A few battalions were alfo ftationed at two mills, between Blenheim and Oberklaw ; the villages in the plain, unoccupied by the army, were fet on fire, to prevent their being feized by the confederates '°. The confederate army was divided into two bodies ; prince Eu- gene, at the head of the Imperiallfts, drew up to the right, oppofite to the left wing of the enemy, commanded by the eledlor and Marfin. The duke of Marlborough on the left, at the head of the Btitlfti and Dutch troops, having paffed the river Keflel, marched along the fide of the Danube, through the plains of Blenheim, to- wards the right wing of the enemy, headed by the marfhal Tal- lard. The duke of Marlborough had penetrated into Tallard's defiga to entice him acrofs the plain, and receive him in front, that the troops in Blenheim might fally out upon his rear. The duke there- fore, inftead of advancing with the whole of his left wing agalnft the enemy's right, detached a body of troops to attack the vrllao-e of Blenheim, where the battle was begun at ten o'clock. The Britilli troops were employed on this arduous fervlce, and having, after repeated gallant attempts, failed In ftorming the village, they took fuch a pofitlon within an hundred paces of it, as enabled them^ with a force greatly inferior, efFedually to block up that part of the French army which was ported there. The duke, having fecured this important point, immediately pafled the marfliy ground, preceded by his cavalry, and made fuch a brave and fplrited charge upon the right wing of the enemy, as obliged it to give way. The deftrudlon of the enemy's cavalry on the right was almoft complete, and fuch of them as efcaped the fword, were pufhed into the Danube, or made prifoners. The xlght wing, under prince Eugene, which had been frequently re- Feuquiers, vol. ii. p. 131. St. Simon, torn. vii. p, 37. pulfed 30 J 704. 62 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^ ^iif" ^ pu^^ed by the Left of the enemy, animated by tlie fuccefs of their aflbciates, and ftrengthened by rehiforcements, renewed the battle with the grcateft alacrity and vigour, put their antagonifts to flight, and followed them till the night put an end to the purfuit^'. Although the highefl: praife be due to the duke of Marlborough, who not only concerted all the previous arrangements with a mafterly difcernment ; but, with readinefs and compofure, iffiied fuch orders as were adapted to the unforefeen accidents and difficul- ties which occurred in fhe moment of aftion ; yet it may be eafily perceived, that the errors and milcondudt of the enemy's comman- ders contributed, in no fmall degree, to the fortunate conclufion of the battle ^'. If the marflial Tallard had taken his flation nearer the bottom of the plain, he might have prevented the right wing of the .allies from making its way through the marlhy ground, for the >cavalry could only paTs in fmall parties, and with the affiftance of pontoons ; or if he had advanced with the right wing againft the detachment, which began the adion at the village of Blenheim, he might have driven them back before the duke of Marlborough had time to form the great body of his troops on the plain, and to advance to their afliftance. After that detachment had defifted from the attempt upon Blenheim, it feems the marflial was not aware, that the force he had polled there would be confined in the village, and the reft of the confederate army behind was not only allowed to xrofs the morafs, but to draw up, and approach in the moft orderly " Account of the battle of Hochftet. The duke of Marlborough, for his mcn'to- Lond. 1704. ylpper.dix, N' II. rious fervices to the emperor, was made a '* A great fhare of the merit of this vie- prince of the empire; and next year, zzA No- lory was imputed to the prince of HeHe, for veraber 1705, Mindelheim was ereflcd into a tiis uncommon celerity in fuilaining the troops principality, and afligned to the duke, who which made tlie firll; attack upon Blenheim, was confequcntly diftinguifhed by the ftile and and Oberklaw, and to general Bulaw, com- title of the prince of Mindelheim. Tindal, .jnander of the troops of Lunenburgh, who vol.vi. p. 58. Monthly Mercury, Nov. 1705. charged the enemy's horfe with fuch vigour The confederates had five thoufand killed and as gave time to the confederates, who had feven thoufand wounded. Compare Lediard, jatTcd the rivulet, to form. Tindal, vol. vi. Kane, Quincy. See account of the lofs of p. 549. Hiiloiie de X.ouis,tom. v. p. 574 — 6. the enemy, Jppendix, N ' II. arrangement. 1704. Q^UEEN ANNE. 63 arrangement* Some batteries indeed had been placed oppofite to ^ ^^ P. the morafs, but as they produced no material effect, it fhould feem, that the marllial did not ferioufly wifli to intercept the confederates there, but rather to allow them the opportunity of coming to a clofe engagement, which he expeded to terminate glorioufly for his country. The weak front of the French and Bavarian army, from the detention of the troops which had been placed in Blenheim, and the diftance of the two wings, which was ftlll widened bv the confederates preffing upon their inner flanks and forcing them to give way in oppofite directions, prevented them from reciprocally affording each other that fuccour, which might have enabled them to recover the ground they had loft. The placing fo many of his troops in Blenheim, produced effedls contrary to what Tallard ex- pected ; and proved, from his opponent's difcernment, the caufe of his defeat. For the duke of Marlborough, finding that he could not diflodge them, dlredled a detachment of his army to ilmt them up, which an inferior number was able to perform, as they could only come out of the village in defile, and through narrow paffes. Such a proportion of the French troops being thus fet afide, the army of the allies, adtually engaged, became fuperior to that of the enemy ", The incumbrance of a multitude of priloners, of whom a great proportion, who had been flationed in Blenheim, were frefh in con- fequence of their having no fhare in the fatigues of the engage- ment, as well as the approach of night, made it neceifary to reftrain 3' Feuqiiiers, vol. ii. p. 139, &c. Quincy, fiti'vc orders not to let the enemy pafs the ri- torn. iv. p. 272, &c. Poh'tical Annals, vol. ii. viiltt, but to charge them as they pafTed, p. 31. Some authors fay, that the French which orders were not executed. Letter General intended to have made tlic attack, if from a French General to Monfieur de Cha- the allies had not come to them ; (Hiftoire de millard, Minifter of State in France. Id. 276.. Louis, torn. V. p. 57c.) and that Talkrd was St. Simon imputes the lofs of the battle to fo confident of fuccefs, that he faid, " Let the inaftivity of the troops in Blenheim, and " them pafs ; the more there comes over, the failure of ammunition, the ammunition " the more we fhall have to kill and take waggons having moved off without leave being *' prifoners." Lediard, vol. i. p. 241. But granted them ; torn. vii. p. 39, &c, ether hifton'ans affirm, that he liad given po- 1 1 the 64 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, the ardour of the conquerors m purfuit of the enemy ". The Im- ^ ' , ,, meduUe effedts of this victory fully anfwered the expedlations of '^''°'^' the confederates. Aufburg was quickly abandoned by the French ; nth Sept. the garrifon of Ingolftadt furrendered ; and Ulm, where the eledor of Bavaria had retreated with the wreck of his army, was taken after a fhort fiege ". The fiege of Landau, which was undertaken in compliance with the earned requeft of the prince of Baden, was long protraded by the unfavourable feafon '% and by the heroic intrepidity of Lau- banie, the governor, animating the defenders to make exertions, which aftoniflied the befiegers, and interrupted the career of the vic- torious allies ". The king of the Romans, who had arrived in the camp at Landau, was ambitious of the fame of taking it a fecond time, and fent a trumpet to Laubanie, exhorting him to furrender the place, before he was buried under its ruins. The brave Lau- banie replied, that fuch an honourable funeral, as that which he had threatened, was to him an objed of ambition, and not of terror j but neverthelefs, from the love he bore his country, he would poft- pone it as long as poffible. Fie kept his word, and difputed every inch of ground with a heroic obftinacy. While, giving his orders, he was deprived of his fight, by the gravel thrown into his eyes in confequence of a bomb having ftruck the bottom of the palifade where he flood, and a fplinter rebounding from the wood wounded him by entering his belly. Flis fpirlt was invulnerable ; and his aiStivity remained unabated. He was led about, blind, groping 3* Lediard, vol. i. p. 289, 90. fiege of Landau, as the pofTcfTion of it was 3S Kane, p. 57. Quincy, torn. iv. p. 291. ctrciitial to the fecurity of Siiabia ; and tiiis 3* AMicndlx, N' III. being more immediately connefted with the I' Barre, torn. x. p. 456. The duke of int— _j channel to fupply them with more immediate and effedual rein- '°'^' forcements. The progrefs of the French in Italy, during the fpring, and the unpromifing afpe£l of the duke's affairs, at length reduced them to defpondency, and removed all hefitation about renewing their allegiance to the French king, efpecially as terms of accom- modation were propofed by him, which far exceeded their expeda- tions ''. The confufiou of affairs in Poland, occafioned by a contefted election to the crown, increafed in the courfe of this campaign. i2th July. Auguftus was depofed, and Staniflaus Leezinkfki, palatine of Pof- nania, was elefted to the crown, and fupported by the king of Swe- den. Auguftus, after many changes of fortune, was compelled to re- treat to his own dominions in Saxony. The levies and prepara- tions he made for renewing the war in Poland, not only proved ruinous to his own fubjeds, but detracted from the general flrength of the empire ". The naval preparations were forwarded this feafon with unufual difpatch. On the I2th February, fir George Rooke, who had re- fumed the command of the ffect, failed from Portfmouth with king Charles on board, and, on the 25th, arrived at Lifbon. Three Spa- nlfh fhips of war, tw^o of fixty, and one of twenty-two guns, were 15th March, taken on the coaft of Portugal by rear-admiral Dilkes, after a fhort engagement. In compliance with the earneft entreaties of king Charles, who had received flattering accounts of the difpofitions of the Catalonians, the admiral was conflrained to make an attempt lathMay. upon Barcelona, which proved as unfuccefsful as that which had been made on Cadiz in 1702 ''. 5* They were promifed h^berty of con- p. 87. ftience ; and thofe who had been fent to the ss Tindal, vol. vi. p. 92. galleys were to be releafed. Such as had left Sj LKes of the Admirals, vol. iii. p. 5R. the country on account of their religion were When the Englidi fleet appeared on the coaft, permitted to return and enjoy their eftates. the governor fecured nil the perfons fufpecled Thefe engagements however were but ill ob- of favouring the Aullrian intcrtll. ittsci by the French king. Tindal, vol. vi. 1 1 The QJJEEN ANNE. 71 The attack of the French fleet in the Mediterranean, and a de- CHAP, fcent upon the coafl of Spain, were the two principal objects which l, ■ . ■■ .i^ the commanders of the confederate fleet had been inflrudled to pur- fue. The French fleet having fled before them and put into Tou- lon, it only remained for the confederate fleet, now confiderably reinforced by a fquadron from Portfmouth under the command of fir Claudfley Shovel, to confider what part of the Spanifli coaft could be invaded with the mofl: probable view of fuccefs. From their former abortive attempt upon Cadiz, as well as from the fin- gular importance of the place, which had induced the Spaniards to ftrengthen the fortifications, and augment the garrifon and troops in the neighbouring diftridts, the admirals were convinced that there was not the fmalleft chance of fuccefs in that quarter. The natural ftrength of Gibraltar rendered the enemy lefs vigilant and lefs pre- pared, where they did not fuppofe the confederates would ever think of diredling hoftilities. Senfible of the necefllty of turning to ac- count that force, upon which lb much of the national treafure had been expended, and informed of the indolence and fecurity of the Spaniards, the admirals came to the refolutlon of making a fudden and vigorous aflault upon Gibraltar. The celerity of their fuccefs exceeded their fondefl; hopes, and vindicated an exploit, which, had it mifcarried, might juftly have been cenfured as rafli and ill advlfed. -Eighteen hundred marines were landed on the ifthmus, between aiftJ'Jy Gibraltar and the continent ; and the governor refufing to furrendcr the fort upon a fummons from the prince of Hefle who commanded them, the town was bombarded. The garrifon being driven from the fortifications on the South Mole head, the admiral ordered one of the captains to arm all the boats and take poflefllon of them. This fervice was performed by the perfevering bravery of the failors notwithftanding the Ihocking cataftrophe of forty of their compa- nions, who were deftroyed by the fpringing of a mine, when they firfl landed. The next day the Spanilh governor capitulated, and the 72 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. a 704. CHAP, the prince of Hefle took poffcflion of the town in name of the queen of England ". The admiral, having left the prince of Heffe and all the men he could fpare in Gibraltar, fet fiiil for the Straights, and immcdiately 9th Auguft. came in fight of the French fleet, which he purfued for feveral days, 13th. till it formed in a line near cape Malaga, and lay in a pofturc to receive him. The battle was well fought on both fides, for three hours, when the enemy's van gave way, and, a running fight con- tinuing till the evening, the French fleet went off to the leewai-d. Both fleets lay by for a day, within three leagues of one another, repairing their damages, and afterwards the French bore away, and jjth. entered the harbour of Toulon '\ The Englifli. fleet returned to 'Gibraltar, from whence it failed on the 5th September, and arrived at Spithead on the 25th. - The French and Spaniards, under the marquis Vllladorias, ^n- vefl:ed Gibraltar wrth a powerful force ; but the good fortune of the Englilh was no lefs confpicuous in faving, than it had been in ac- quiring, this important fortrefs. ^ X.ives of the Admirals, vol. iii. p. 65. Hiftoire de Louis, torn. vi. p. 14. The fuper- ftition of the Spaniards contributed to the fuc- cefs of the befiegers. The day on which the attack was made being a fellival, the citizens, inflead of aftive refiftance, reforted to the •churches, and implored the prottftion of the faints, unwarrantably confiding in fupernatural aid, while they neglefted the means of defence already afforded them. Cunningham, vol. i. P- 399- ■* • Lives of the Admirals, vol. iii. p. 68. St. Simon reprcfents the count de Touloufe to have fought battle ; to have had the advantage over the Englifh fleet, and to have purfued it, under night, to the coaft of Barbary, though ne acknowledges that the viftory coft the French fome thoufand men. St. Simon, torn. Vii. p. 59. The editor, in a note, gives the Enghlh admiral the honour of making the . attack, and fays, that the ilTue was undecided. £a:taii!e indecife a la vir'ite. Id. The Dutch having recalled feven of their fhips, the confederate fleet was inferior to that of the French. The latter confifted of fifty- two fhips ; of which feventeen were three deckers, and twenty-four galleys ; the Englilh of fifty-three, of which only feven were three deckers. The French carried fix hundred guns more than the Englifh, and were better provided with ammunition. No fhips were deflroyed or taken on either fide ; but, as the Englifh offered to renew the engagement, and the French declined it, there can be little doubt to whom the viiSlory ought to be afligned. The killed and wounded in the confederate fleet amounted to two thoufand feven hundred and nineteen ; whereas the French had not lefs than three thoufand and forty-eight killed, belides the wounded. Compare Lives of the Admirals, vol. iii. p. 68. Quincy, tom. v. p. 426 — 36. Hirtoire de Louis, torn. vi. p. 21, 22. Five QJJ E E iN ANN E. 73 Five hundred Spaniards had climbed up the rocks, and were lying ^ ^^^^ ^• concealed jpon the mountain, ready to rufh into the town, while < —J an aflault was to have been made by the fhips upon the new mole. They weie juft upon the eve of executing their defign, when fir John Leake arrived from Lifbon, and, by fending five hundred 5th Nor. marines and failors to the garrifon, enabled the governor to march out, and attack the Spaniards upon the mountain. Three hundred of them were killed on the fpot, or driven headlong over the rock, and the reft were glad to receive quarter ". After fir John's departure, the fiege of Gibraltar was again re- December. newed, and, while great fuccours were fent to it by land from Spain, a large fleet, commanded by baron Pionti, entered the bay. Advice of this being fent to the admiral at Lilbon, he returned to Gibraltar ; gth March, attacked the French fleet; of which two were taken, and two run ^'^°^' afhore and were deftroyed *". At the end of this campaign, the duke of Marlborough made a vifit to the court of BerHn, and negotiated a treaty with his Pruflian majefl:y, by which he became bound to fend a body of eight thou- fand men into Italy, to co-operate with the troops of the emperor and the duke of Savoy againft France in the enfuing campaign "^ The duke at the fame time compofed certain difputes, which, to the great prejudice of the alliance, were then fubfifting between the kign of PruflTia and the Dutch ". ^» Lives of the Admirals, vol. iii. p. 78, 9. it was taken for granted, that the Dutch '° Life of Sir J. Leake, Chapters 5th would bear a part, and the emperor was to and 6th. furnilh them with the ordinary rations of bread *' Lamberti, torn, xiii. p. 343. Her Bri- during the time of their being in the field. See tannic majefty became bound to pay the fum the treaty, Journals Commons, 29th January ef three hundredjthoufand crowns (;^.67,5Co) 1705. for the fubfiftence of thefe troops ; of which *' Biographia Britannica. 74 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. 1704. CHAP. IV. Third Seffion of Parliament.— Her Majejifs Speech, Iff c— Bill againjl acta- fional Conformity carried in the Hoi/fc of Co?nmons.—A Motion for tacking it to the Supply negatived. — The Bill again cafl out by the Lords. — Rcfo- hiiio^is, and Act, occafoncd by the Proceeding of the Scottijh Purliameiit. — Inquiry into the State of the Navy, hfc. — The Commons thank her Majefiy for the late Treaty ivith the King of Pritffta. — The Duke of Marlborough thanked by the Lord Keeper. — The Coinmo^is addrefs her Majefiy for perpe- tuating the Memory of his Services by fome fgnal Reward. — The Manor of Wcodfiock, fe'f. coif erred upon htm. — Bills brought in by the Cotnmons for fecuring the Independence of Parliament. — Renewal of the Difputes between the two Houfes relative to the Ailcfbury Elc£lors. — Addreffes and Rcprefenta- tions to the Sueen. — Parliament prorogued and di/folved. — Review of its PrO' ceedings. — Origin and Confiitution of the Englifh Convocation. — Claims of the hower Houfe. — The Clergy difpleafed with the Suppreffion of the Convocation by King William. — Tl}€ Convocation meets. — Its Proceedings. — Second Seffion, — Third SeJJion. npHE laft feffion of this parliament was opened on the 24th Oc- tober 1704. Her majefty, after mentioning the fatisfadtion exprcfl'cd in every part of the kingdom upon the wonderful fuccefs of her arms, fuggcfted the neceffity of enlarging the fuppHes, to enable her to carry on the war, and to fatisfy the juft pretenfions of her allies. She promifed a faithful application of whatever might be granted to the public fervice. She profefled her inclination to be kind and indulgent to all her fubjeds, and recommended entire imion at home, as effential for attaining the great ends of which the nation had now fo fair a profped:. The commons as well as the lords exprefled their marked ap- plaufe of her majefty's recommendation to union ; but the vote for a fupply QJJ E E N A N N E. 7j a fupply had no fooner pafl'ed ', than the very bill which had been the fource of fo much heat in the two preceding fefllons was again introduced in that houfe. Irritated by the unexpedled oppofuion it had met with in the laft feflion from many of its firfi: abettors, its more refolute and fteady friends were now determined to have re- courfe to fuch a ftrong meafure as was hkely either to enfurc I'uc- cefs, or, by the confufion and derangement of pubUc affairs, to afford them ample vengeance for difappointment. On the fecond reading of the bill, a motion was made for tacking it to the bill of fupply. Refined view^s of liberty, and a fervent zeal for the ancient purity of the conftitution, were the fair pretexts with which the Tories now varnifhed the machinations of party rage. However ftrange the name, it was affirmed, that tacking, in effedl, had been coeval with the birth of liberty ; that the magna charta itfelf was an illuf- trious model of this pradice, and an undeniable proof both of its antiquity and ufefulnefs. Did not it ftipulate for good laws, as the condition of ratifying the royal authority ? Not relying, for the redrefs of grievances, on the word of a king, v^hich had often been broken, our anceftors wifely retained the faculty of coercion in their own hands, by making money bills the laft which they voted. Such a ftrain of argument, adopted by the party which had been wont to ftretch prerogative, expofeU them to the contempt of their oppo- nents, while it provoked the difguft of many of their former adhe- rents ; and the motion for the tack was rejected by a majority of a hundred and feventeen votes % The bill, however, was afterwards tranfmitted, in its fimple form, to the upper houfe, where the quef- " The fupplies, granted this ft-ffion, Mr. St. John, who had hitherto fupported amounted to five millions, fifty-five thoufand, the bill, fpoke and voted againll the motioa one hundred and two pounds, fixteen Ihfl- for the tack. Life of Bolingbroke, p. 80. lings. The influence of the court was warmly * Befides the general arguments againft exerted to prevent the tack, which was under- tacking, there was a peculiar incongruity in ttood as a lignal of its difpleafure with the the prefent conjunftion ; for the money bill Tories. Letters of Mr. Vernon to the Duke was limited to the duration of one year, and of Shrewfberr}-, December 1704. MS.Shrewf- the claiife tacked to it was to enaft a law of berry Papers.' perpetual obligation, L 2 tion 'jd HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, tion for a fecond reading was negatived by a majority of twenty- » one. The late violent proceedings of the parliament in Scotland occa- fioned many interefting debates in both houfes, on the ftate of the nation ; and produced various refolutions, the fubftance of which was comprifed in an aft, that materially changed the political rela- tion fubfifting between the two kingdoms '. From an inquiry into the ftate of the navy, which was profecuted by the lords with great diligence, it appeared, that notwithftand- ing the difburfements placed to its accounts, for the three preceding years, had far exceeded the allowance granted, yet there was a very confiderable deficiency in the number of feamen and marines pro- vided for by parliament ; that there was a great want of cruifers for the proteftion of trade ; and that enormous frauds had been com- mitted in vidualling the fleet. It was reprefented, that the mif- management complained of arofe, in a great degree, foom the re- dundancy, inadlivity, and extravagant payment of the principal ofEcers in the naval fervice, in which number, fome of the prince of Denmark's council were particularly named, and charged as ac- ceflTory to the abufes brought to light. It having alfo appeared, that feveral Britifh fhips had clandeftinely traded with France, and car- ried provifions there, an aft was paffed for more efFedually prevent- ing that evil in future *. The commons returned her majefty thanks for having concluded the late treaty with the king of PrufBa ' ; but pafled an indirect cen- fure upon the condudl of the allies, by addrefling her to ufe endea- 5 It was intitkd, "An Aft for the efFeftual inheriting lands, &c. in England. The im- fecuring the Kingdom of England from the portation of horfes, arms, and ammunition apparent Dangers that may arife from feveral from England into Scotland, and of cattle Aas lately paffed in the Parliament of Scot- and coals from Scotland into England, was land." It empowered her majefty to appoint prohibited. Statutes at large, vol. iv. p. 178. commiffioneis for England to treat with com- London, 1763. See Cliapter IX. raiffioners from Scotland for an union between * Journals Lords, 18th January, 5th Fe- the two kingdoms. All the natives of Scot- bruary, 2d, 14th March, kc. land were declared aliens after the 25th of i Journals Commons, 8th February, December J 705, and rendered incapable of vours Q^U E E N A N N E. 77 vours to obtain from them their fcveral quotas by fea and land, ^^'^^'• agreeably to the treaties into which they had entered *. i-^ »- -J The duke of Marlborough, upon his firft appearance in the houfe, ■was complimented by the lord-keeper, in the mofl: flattering terms, with a fpeclfic enumeration of his exploits. The commons alfo '5' '^^ fent him thanks by a committee of their houfe ; and afterwards addreifed her majefty to confider of fome proper means for perpe- lothjar, tuating the memory of his illuftrious fervices'. This laft meafure was interpreted by the Whigs as an artifice of the Tories for re- gaining the duke's intereft, which was likely to be fo prevalent, both at the court and in the country, upon the approaching general eledlion. The Tories were difappointed of the efleem they expeded to obtain from their conftituents, by their patriotic exertions in tha houfe of commons for farther fecuring the purity and independ- ence of the reprefentative body. Two bills were brought in for this purpofe: one, for preventing all perfons who derived any offi- ijtHJan- cial emolument from the public taxes from fitting in the houfe of commons, was negatived by a majority in that houfe: the other, 27th Jan^ which had for its obje£t the exclufion of perfons who held any place under government ereded fmce the 6th February 1688, paffed the houfe of commons, and was returned from the lords with fome amendments, which the former did not approve, and was i2tHandi4ti>. , . , rr » February, therefore dropt. The difputes arifing from the complaints of the Ailefbury eledlors were renewed with great warmth in both houfes, and ac- quired additional intereft from circumftances which had occurred during the recefs of parliament. The favourable decifion which * Journals Commons, z^d, 26th February, tion of the commons. The queen alio or- ^ The manor of Woodftock, and hundred dered the comptroller of her works to build a of Wooton, and the lieutenancy and ranger- magnificent palace in Woodftock Park, to ftiip of the parks, were the munificent rewaids which, in honour of the duke's memorable which her majelly conferred on her favourite vlAotj at Bknheim, .Tie gave the name (ii Blen- general, in compliance with the recommends- beim-Houfe, White 78 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. White had obtained in the houfe of lords, encouraged five more t— — .- 1 of the eledlbrs to bring actions againft the conftables for rcfufing their votes. The commons, following up the refolutions they had entered into the preceding fefllon, voted the plaintiffs guilty of con- tempt of their jurifdidion, and a breach of privilege ; and ordered ziflNov. them to be committed to Newgate. A motion was made in the 5ih Dec. queen's bench, for a habeas corpus in behalf of the prifoners ; but upon the fame principle which had regulated its judgment in the cafe of White, that court declined taking any cognizance of the bufinefs °. Two of the prifoners petitioned her majefty for a writ of error, that their caufe might be brought before the houfe of lords. The commons prefented an addrefs to the queen, ftating, that the commitments made by that houfe were not examinable by the courts of law J and at the fame time, as if it had been from the confciouf- nefs of their caufe depending upon favour as well as juftice, they reminded her majefty of the fervice they had done her by giving difpatch to the fupplles ; and entreated her to withhold her confent 24th Feb. to a petition, fubverfive of their mod valuable rights. DiiTatisfied becaufe her majefty's anfwer did not promife immediate compliance with their defire % they omitted the ufual form of returning thanks for it, and immediately proceeded to wreak their vengeance upon the council who had pleaded in behalf of the prifoners committed agreeably to their order, by voting that they alfo had been guilty of s6th Feb. a breach of privilege, and ordered them to be taken into cuftody. The lords, from an unwillingnefs to embroil themfelves with the lower houfe while the fupply was depending, abftained for fome time from any public interference with its proceedings ; but being at length called upon judicially, by a petition from the prifoners, they were under the neceflity of taking the whole bufinefs into » The lord chief juRice Holt was of opinion » She faid, that, as this matter related to that the habeas corpus ought to have been judicial proceeding?, ihe thought it neccfTary (Tranted, bnt the other three judges were to confider carefully what might be proper for r^ainft it. t« to <5o. confider- QJJEEN ANNE. 79 confideration, and entered into a feries of refolutlons, explicitly ^ ^/^ P. condemning the condu(a: of the commons as unprecedented and >— — .- ^ fubverfive of juftice and liberty ; and addrefled her majefty, that 24th, 27th fhe would be pleafed to give effectual orders for iffuing the writs of F^^™^- error. Repeated conferences took place between the two houfes upon this interefting queftion ; and their feveral opinions were defended with great ingenuity and eloquence. The temper of dif- putants is no unequivocal teft of the merits of the caufe for which tlaey are contending. The lords fupported their refolutlons with forcible arguments and calm expoftulation. The managers for the commons defended their proceeding?, chiefly, on the ground of pri- vilege ; and digreffed into libellous refledions on the condufl of the lords, and cenfuring other meafures adopted by them which were foreign to the point in difpute. Both fubmitted their opinions to the fovereign : the one reprefenting the refufal of a writ of error to the prifoners as a flop to the ordinary courfe of juftice ; and the other, the granting it, as a violation of their deareft privileges. There remained for the queen no other expedient of delivering herfelf from the embarraffment occafioned by thefe fierce animofi- ties, but putting an end to the feiTion. The parliament was pro- rogued on the 14th March, and diffolved on the 5th April; and oa the 25th of the fame month, a proclamation was iffued for calling a new parliament. As this was the ftrongeft Tory parliament fince the revolution, it afforded fpecious grounds for involving both the parliament and party indifcriminately in the fame cenfure or applaufe j and the proceedings of the former have been always affumed as a fair teft of the fpirit and motives of the latter. Of any unfavourable difpofition to the houfe of Hanover, the tirft parliament of queen Anne cannot be accufed ; and fome of the ftrongeft fecurities for the proteftant fucceffion were propofed and ratified during its exiftence. Having approved of the war, the commons voted liberal fupplies for carrying it on, and purfued wife 1 1 mea Aires So HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, meafures for ftrengthening the grand alliance, by encouraging and t^ — .- -J ratifying treaties with the powers who had acceded to it, and by • ' requiring the original parties concerned to perform their ftipulations. They at the fame time difcovered a laudable refped for the interefl of their -conftituents, by inquiring into abufcs, and controlling un- neceffary profufion in the public expenditure. This was the fum of their mei'it. Some of the meafures, purfued by the commons in every {e{- fion of the firft parliament of the queen, w^ere precipitate, partial, violent, and not lefs inconfiftent with political difcretion than liberal fentiment. The Tories began their career, in the con- fidence of having the exclufive patronage of the fovereign ; and the miniftry was compofed principally of their adherents. Prefuming upon thefe advantages, they were determined to lofe no time, and to fcruple at no means, for accomplifhing the irretrievable depreflion of their antagonlfts. The bill agalnft occafional conformity ; the general tenor of their fpeeches in fupport of it ; their obftinate per- feverance in that meafure ; the unconftitutlonal attempt to conftrain the confent of the upper houfe by tacking it to the fupply ; and their ftretchlng privilege, to the infringement of law; exhibit flrlk- ing examples of the arrogance, the bigotry, and arbitrary fpirlt which charaderifed the Tories In the day of power. The hiftory of this parliament affords an example of the wif. dom and ufefulnefs of the feveral balances with which our conflitu- tion is furnifhed, and particularly of the falutary influence of that member of the legiflature, which is fixed and unchangeable, for controlling the irregularities and excelfes of the reprefentatlve body, more liable to precipitation and violence, from the limitation and dependence of its power. If the moderation, the vigilance, and I feafonable zeal of the lords had not reftrained and thwarted the impetuofity and ufurpation of the commons in this parliament, the teft fruits of the revolution might have been blafted, and an arbi- trary faction, not lefs dangerous than an arbitrary monarch, riveted in QJJEEN ANNE. 81 In the feat of government. The outrage of the Tories deftroyed ^ H yV P. their reputation and influence. The fober part of the nation took t- —"— -^ alarm ; the people diftrufted them ; the queen was intimidated ; and forfook, for a feafon, the party which had her early favour. In order to enable the reader to underftand the proceedings of Convocation, the convocation, coincident with thofe of the parliament already recited, it is neceflar)^ to premife a few obfervations concerning the origin of that aflembly, and the alterations which took place in its conftrtution, and forms, previous to the period of which I am treating. Wherever the chriftian religion obtained the faniElion of civil government, fynods or meetings of the clergy, for the purpofe of difcuffing ecclefiaftical affairs, were firft permitted, and afterward in- corporated with the eftablifhed authorities, and more or lefs fubjedled to their regulation and controul '°. Hence ecclefiaftical affemblies, in their firft formation, participated of the genius of the municipal government to which they were annexed, though their appropriate jurifdidion and prerogatives were occafionally contradled, or en_ larged, according to the temper and intereft of the fupreme magi- ftrate, and the reigning prejudices of the people. Under the pro- grefs of fuperftition, the forms and powers of all the ecclefiaftical affemblies, in every chriftian kingdom, were more nearly affimilated, by the arrogant domination of the court of Rome, which claimed their allegiance, and implicit fubordination to its authority, inde- pendent of the interior government of the country where they were eftablifhed. This ufurping fpirit of the Roman fee produced effeds, the reverfe of what might naturally have been expeded : becaufe its cJaim to fupremacy, being occafionally controverted; fometlmes violently refifted ; and feldom recognifed, without reludance, by the chriftian princes ; the provincial clergy, while the ftruggle was depending, with a dexterous policy, abetted the one or the other, '° Mo.lieim, rol. i, p. 144. 282, M as g» HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, as feemed moft likely to contribute to the increafe of their own power and opulence. Hence, in the hiftory of every European flate during the dark ages, we difcover examples of refiftance to the papal yoke, and precedents, in fupport of the claim to an inde- pendent, ecclefiaftical jurifdidion. Agreeably to the plan, upon which the reformation in England was aceomplifhed under Henry the eighth, the pretenfions of the Englifh church to independence, in every fenfe of the word, either as affeding the court of Rome, or the civil power at home, were entirely cancelled ; for, to all the prerogatives already inherent in the crown, thofe, which had been formerly vefted in the pope, were fuperadded by the ad of fupremacy ". The Englifli ecclefiaftical fynod, at its firft inftitution, and for fucceffive ages, confifted only of the metropolitan and his fuffragans, who deliberated on the affairs of the church, adopted regulations for its worfhip and government, and made decrees and canons with- out any previous confultation with the inferior clergy, or any after- reference to their opinion '\ The latter however, from being ac- cuftomed to attend the meetings of their fuperiors, as interefted fpedators, came afterwards, in the progrefs of time, to be indulged in expreffing approbation of their proceedings ; but ftill were not allowed, in any cafe whatever, to diffent from them. Thus the matter flood, fo far as related to fubjeds purely of a facred nature ; but when the fynod granted arty aid or fubfidy to the fovereign, either in compliance with his demand, or in the way of voluntary benevolence, the parochial clergy were called upon and confulted by their fuperiors, with refped to the proportion and adjuftment of the burden which was to fall upon them '\ This example of complaifance, on the part of the dignitaries of the " See 25th Henry VIH. chapter 19. convocation, 1603. Canons 139, 140, 141. The fupremacy was aboliftied in the reign of '^ Complete Hiftory of the Convocation, queen jMary ; revived. again in that of Eliza- Preface, p. 10. Load. 1730. beth, and recognifcd by the canons of the " Idem. church QJJEEN ANNE. ^ church towards their inferiors, fuggefted to the prince an nd of C H A P. 1 V » prudent condefcenfion, and inftead of any intermediate folicitation, he applied diredlly to the parochial clergy for contributing to the expence of the public fervice '*. From the cuftom of attending the fynods, and exprefling their approbation of the proceedings carried on there by the fuperior clergy, and from the example of the fove- reign, who raifed them in the fcale of intereft and refpectability, the lower aflembly came at length to enjoy the privilege of deli- berating upon fpiritual affairs, independently and in the firil in- ftance ; and confequently, to be recognifed as a conftituent member of the convocation. In confequence of this change in the (late of the convocation, the orders of which it was compofed were occa- fionally feparated during the courfe of their deliberations. While fpiritual affairs were treated of, the parochial clergy were prefent in the fame houfe with the bilhops, but, when the bufmefs of fupply was moved, they withdrew into another apartment. This mode of proceeding brought the ecclefiaftical affembly, gradually, into a con- formity with the civil legillature ; and, as the impofition of taxes •* The inferior clergy were firfl; fiimmoned but were authorized to aft in name of the ca- to parliament on the 1 1 th November 1282, by pitular bodies, or the ecclefiaftical cliapters. Edward I. Writs were directed to the arch- But when their patrimonial intereft came to be biihops of Canterhur}' and York, to oblige the afFefted by contributing to the fupplies, the clergy of the diocefes, under their fuperintend- capitular bodies grew jealous of their fupe- ence, to attend the parliament at Northamp- riors, who had a feparate intereft ; and to make ton in the oclaves of Hilary following. Thus them eafy, they were indulged in the choice the advancement of the lower clergy to a par- of one of their own members, to act as proxy ticipation of legidative authority, proceeded for them, in the convocation. Kennet's Ec- from the fame motive that induced Edward to clefuiftical Synod, p. 73. Lond. 1701. call the burgcfles to parliament. In confequence of tlie change introduced The privilege of taxing themfelves, fe- by the above ftatute of Charles II. which parately from the laity, was refigned by the was beneficial to the clerg)--, becaufe the rate clergy in the 17th of Charles II. when it of tax formerly paid by them was reduced, was ftipulated, that all reftors and vicars, who the meeting of the convocation ceafed to be were to be taxed by the houfe of commons, fubfervient to tlie intereft of the crown ; and, (liould vote in the cleftion of members. Tlus as by the aft of fupremacy its power in fpiri- regulation was agreeable to the conftitutlon tual matters was entirely fubjeCted to the and cuftom- of the convocation ; for, when the royal authority, it$ legiflative deprefllon na-. inferior c\erg)' were firft recognifed as confti- turally followed, and, as a confequence of tuent members of the convocation, the dean this, its difcontinuance or entire fuppreffion, and priors not only appeared for themfelves, M 2 was 84 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^ ?v^ ^* ^^^ often tJ^e principal occafion of the former being fummoned to meet together with the latter, the inferior clergy, after the firft diet of the convocation, carried on their deliberations on every fubjeft, feparately, through the remainder of the feffion, but ftill fubjedcd to fuch regulations as implied their dependence upon the upper houfe ". From this farther refemblance of the convocation to the parliament, arofe the various topics of difpute which divided the- convocation, and of which I am now to give an account. • From the hypothefis of the ecclefiaftical afTemblies having been framed upon the model of the civil legiflature, the high church party contended, that the convocation poflefled a conftitutional right of meeting at the fame time with the parliament ; that the crown had not power to prorogue it, or to interrupt its proceedings, while the parliament continued fitting ; that it might enter upon bufmefs and make refolutions without the royal licence ; and that the canons framed by the king and convocation, were valid inde- pendent of the confirmation of parliament. On the ground of thefe propofitions, the reprefentative clergy, who were generally of the high church party, contended, that, like the houfe of commons^ they were a co-ordinate branch of the fupreme, ecclefiaftical af- fembly, independent, in their legiflative capacity, on the bifliops, or upper houfe. Upon this bafis was ereded their claim to the power of internal regulation, fuch as choofmg their own prefident or pro- locutor ; interpofing a negative upon the votes of the upper houfe ; moving and determining queftions of a fpiritual nature, without permifTion or authority from it ; and alfo their right to hold inter- mediate feflions, or continue their fy nodical fiin£lions, during the adjournment of the biihops ; to appoint committees j to grant leave of abfence to their members ; and adopt fuch forms as they judged moft expedient for conducting their own bufmefs '*. " Kennet, p. 120. ter. Godolphin's Hiflory of Ecclefiaftical '* Id. p. 23. Complete Hiflory of the Synods.^ Convocation, p. 2, 3. Attcrbui7's Let- The QJJEEN ANNE. Sj The long difcontinuance of the convocation, during the late reign, ftimulated the clergy to enter into an elaborate inveftlgation of its conftitution and rights ; and the party, which was offended at king William on that account, not only contended for the moft ftrained interpretation of ecclefiaftical prerogatives, but were impa- tient to exercife them, when freed from the reftraints of which they complained ". This defirable period they forefaw to be at no great diftance, and from the pious zeal of the princefs Anne, who was next heir to the crown, they anticipated the full reftitution of all the rights of the eftablifhed church, when the reins of govern- ment fhould devolve into her hands. The commencement of her 1702, authority was propitious to their wiflies ; ihe fummoned the con- vocation to meet with the new parliament j and gave them ftrong affurances of every indulgence, favourable to the intereft of the chiirch, and the ecclefiaftical order. The feveral topics, which occupied this convocation, may be dl- Novembejv vided into thofe of a political, and thofe of a fpiritual, or ecclefi- aftical nature. With refped to the firft, the two houfes divided in the fame fpirit, and upon the fame principles, with the lords and the commons, during the continuance of the firft parliament. The prejudices of the bifliops were for the Whigs, and thofe of the country clergy, for the Tories. The latter ftruggled hard to intro- duce, into their joint addrefs to the queen, fome phrafes derogatory to the honour of king William, which were rejedled by the former " Burnet, vol. iv. p. 410. 478. London, one ; the parochial, by two proftors of their 1725. King William's AfFedion to the own choice. Complete Hiltory of the Con- Church of England, p. 11. Lond. 1703. vocation, p. 21. See catalogue of the various publications King William was difTalisfied with the con- upon this fubjeft Biographia Britannica, vocation, which he had fummoned, in the firfl, Tol. i. p. 335. Article Atterbury. year of his reign, for the purpofe of making. The upper hoiife of convocation confided fuch alterations in the liturgy and aanons, as of the bilhops, in number nineteen ; the lower were likely to remove the fcruples of modeiate houfe confiiled of the deans, archdeacons, and difTeuters ; and was therefore averfe to calling proftors from the parochial clergy, amounting another till he was conftrained to do it by his to one hundred and thirty-fix. Hiftory of Tory miniilry in the year 1701, Burnet,. Europe, vol. viii. Appendix, p. 52. vol. iv, p. 62, The cathedral clergy i\-ere reprefented by with; 1702. 86^ HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. with indignation and firmnefs : though they concurred fo far with the partiality of the lower houfe, as to exprefs their hopes of more extenfive favour to the church, from the well known principles and difpofitions of the prefent fovereign ". The lower houfe, at an early ftage of the feflion, applied to the t3th Nov. bifhops for a recognition of their claim to hold intermediate fef- fions, during the prorogation of the upper houfe. The power of proroguing the convocation, and fitting all proceedings in both houfes, had been uniformly exercifed by the archbifhop with the confent of his fuiTragans, till the year 1701, when it was firft called in queflion "'. Aware, that the renunciation of it would have ' amounted to the acknowledgment of a co-oi-dinate authority, in- confiftent with the fundamental principles of epifcopacy, the bifhops refufed the defire of the lower houfe ; but promifed to indulge them in the nomination of committees for preparing bufmefs during the interval of feffions ; and to exercife their own power of prorogation with fuch prudent accommodation to circumftances, as never to give any juft ground of offence to the fubordinate branch of the convo- cation. The majority of that defcription, flattered with the hope of being fupported by the united patronage of the miniftry and the houfe of commons, would liften. to no compromife ", and holding it " Tindal, vol. v. p. 221. " They pro- '» Burnet, vol. v. p. 547. ■" mifed themfelves, that whatever might be *° Impartial Hiftory of the two laftParlia- *' wanting to reftore the church to its due ments, p. 347. The houfe of commons tefti- " rights and privileges, her majefty would fied their refpeft for the lower houfe of con- " have the glory of doing it, and fecuring it vocation, refolving, that the profecution of *' to pofterity." Mi- I^h )'^ f"'' the offence he had given them. The Tory miniftry, in the laft year of king by his interfering in the ekflion for the county William, made a point of his permitting the of Worcefter, (hould not take place till his convocation to enter upon bufinefs. This privilege as a member of the lower houfe of gave them opportunity of anticipating the convocation was out ; for which they received fcheme of procedure, which they expefted to the thanks of that houfe. purfue, without moleftation, under the fuc- Upon this, the commons refolved, that they cefTor ; and the meafures adopted by the con- would, on all occafions, affert the rights and vocation, of which I am now giving an ac- privileges of the lower houfe of convocation, count, were a repetition or continuation of Journals Commons, 21ft November. This re- what was then begun. Burnet, vol. v. p. 542. folulioii was undeiftood ^to be an open deck- \ II ration QJJEEN ANNE, §7 It unreafonable, that their fuperiors fliould be the ultimate iudo-es la CHAP. 1 ^ JO jv. a caufe where their own prerogative was at flake, they propofed a <- — ,j joint reference of it to the decifion of the fovereign. With this 2d Dec. propofal the bifhops refufed to comply, becaufe, though aflured that '"'^' the iffue would have been favourable for them under fuch an arbiter, yet the very reference implied a doubt of their right, and violated that clerical fubordinatlon which they deemed eflential to the epifco- palian government. The perfons, who flood foremoft in oppofition to the long eftablifhed prerogatives of the bifhops, were all of the high church party *', abhorrers of the proteftant diflenters, and zealots for the divine, apoftolical inftitution of epifcopacy ; and yet they were now contending for a meafure, which levelled the dlf- tindion of facerdotal orders, and brought the church of England, In its legiflative capacity, nearly into a flate of prefbyterian parity. Such palpable contradi£lion could not efcape the moft fuperficial obferver, and brought heavy cenfure upon the champions for the j)rivileges of the lower houfe. In order to vindicate themfelves, they prefented a declaration to the bifhops, in which they difavowed any favourable inclinations for prefbytery ; folemnly recogniled the fuperiority of the bifhops, as of divine, apoftolical inftitution ; and requefted them to embrace the prefent opportunity of fettling that do£lrine, as the ftanding rule of the church ". While the bifhops were deliberating on the anfwer to this addrefs, the lower houfe prefented a petition to the queen, requefting that ration of their partiality to that aflftmbly, at a convocation, and fpread through the whole time when they were involved in a keen dif- body of the clergy, had firit given rife to the pute with their fuperiors. names of H'l^h Church and Loiu Church. As a marked expreffion of their confidence Thofe who fupported the claims now con- in the patronage of the hoxife of commons, the tended for by the lower houfe of convocation, lower houfe of convocation prefented their were called High Church ; and thofe who thanks to the former, for adopting the recom- were on the fide of the bifliops, and (howed mendation of the queen to provide for the aug- moderation towards diflenters, were called iow ■ ' mentation of fmall livings. Journals Com- Church. Tindal, vol. V. p. 228. , , mons, 15th February 1704. " Id. p. 225, *' The difputes which now embroiled the 1 Ihe 88 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. fhe would condefcend to take under her cognizance, and to deter- julne, the feveral points in dii'pute between them and their fuperiors. ^'^°^' At the commencement of thefe difputes, the queen was beUeved to favour the demands of the lower houfe ; and the earl of Notting- ham, the fecretary of ftate, exerted his influence in their behalf"; but their own violence betrayed them, and forfeited that patronage which had hitherto cherifhed their hopes. Though the court might be regardlefs of thofe claims which affe(3:ed the prelatical authority, yet it could not behold with indifference that growing fpirit of ufurpation, which threatened to aflail even the prerogative itfelf. The bifhops, in anfwer to the addrefs of the clergy for declaring the divine inftitution of epifcopacy, while they fcreened themfelves from the cenfure of lukewarmnefs about a point connedled with the con- ftitution of the church, at the fame time brought the fovcreign into a participation of the difpute, by replying, that, without a royal licence, they had no authority either to enadt, or execute, any canon relative to dodrine or difcipline. Such was the ftate of bufinefs in £7th Feb. the convocation, when the feffion terminated with the prorogation '^°^" -of parliament. , 9th Nov, When the convocation met again with the fecond feffion of par- liament, the lower houfe abftained, for fome time, from queftions about their own privileges ; and diredled their principal attention to fuch as were fuitable to their profeffional charader, and calculated «th Dec. to obtain popular approbation. They gave in a reprefentation to the bifhops, complaining of the uncontrolled licentioufnefs of the prefs, and the relaxation of ecclefiaftical difcipline ; and earneftly folicited their powerful interpofition for putting a flop to thefe evils ". They profefTed confcientious fcruples about adminiftering the facrament to unworthy perfons, as a qualification for office ; but, J til glancing at the proteftant difTenters under this defcription, they afforded too juft ground for imputing their fcruples to the narrow " Tindal, vol. v. p. 226. ** W- p- 43^- bigotry 1703- QJJEEN ANNE. 89 bigotry of partifans, rather than to that falutary and well dlreded zeal, which flows from the light of pure religion. In the fame contraded fpirit, they complained of permlflion being given to dif- fenting clergymen, to adminifter baptifm in private families, and of the dangerous increafe of unlicenfed fchools and feminaries of learning. The bifhops, though unwilling to admit the fa£ls ftated by the lower houfe, approved of their reprefentation, as containing fubje£ts '704- which well deferved the deliberation of the ecclefiaftical courts, and nth March. , 3d April. ordered copies of it to be tranfmitted to the abfent bilhops, that they might, in the courfe of their diocefan vifitations, take the proper fteps to afcertain and redrefs the evils complained of. The acquifi- tion of power was however too near the hearts of the high church partifans, to admit of their pafling over a whole feffion without making fome attempts for extending it. They fent a paper to the bifhops, afferting the privilege of the convocation to be fummoned 'oth March. as often as a new parliament was called ; and alfo their own right, to make choice of a prolocutor and actuary ; and to carry on bufi- nefs, notwithftanding the prorogation of the upper houfe ". The ^703' 4* purpofe '' Tindal, vol. v. p. 439. The prolocutor At the opening of the convocation, the was the foreman or fpeaker of the lower houfe; archbiihop ftated the occafion of their meet- the aftuary was the clerk, who recorded the ing, prefcribed the topics on which they were minutes of their proceedings. to deliberate, and fixed the place where the In oppofition to thefe claims, it was argued, lower houfe was to meet. Id. p. 85. ihat, in the original ftate of the convocation, The fupreme and controlling authority of when the bifhops and clergy met in the fame the archbiihop over the lower houfe was con- houfe, no fuch oflBces exiiled ; when, iu con- tinned through the whole feffion ; for he ufed fequence of their feparation, it became necef- to require their attendance, either in a body, fary for the lower houfe to have one of their or by their prolocutor, as he judged proper; members to fpeak in their name, or reprefent and to recommend new fubjefts of deliberation, their proceedings to their fuperiors, he was either to the whole houfe, or to committees ; appointed or commiffioned by the archbiihop. fometimes reftriding the number of members After they came to be indulged in the eleftion of the committees, and limiting the time for of their own prolocutor, it was only in confe- the difpatch of the bufinefs referred td them ; quence of leavi? allpe.:i/:s, ]• Monthly Mercury, June, Oftober. An- *' Id. p. C35. Monthly Mercury, May. nah of Anne, 1705, p. 164. 170. " JSIontWy Mercury, May. Hiftory of I. dom ' /'-'J" QJJ E E N ANNE. loi dom favourable to the pretenfions of Charles. The afcendancy of ^ ^ -^ P- French counfels, the overbearing demeanour of their officers and nobility, and the contempt w^hich the fovereign himfelf indifcreetly difcovered for the maxims and habits of his iiew fubjects, were highly difgufting to the Spanifh grandees who had hitherto be- friended his caufe. Their difcontent had been exprefled by remon- ftrances to the minifters of Philip, againfl certain innovations which they confidered as diiparaging to their order, as well as to the ho- nour of their native kingdom ; and the negle£l with which their remonftrances were treated inflamed and animated their difaffec- tion. Several perfons were apprehended upon the fufpicion of a confpiracy ; and fome were convided and punifhed upon the evi- dence of their having taken meafures to fupport the Aullrian in- tereft *'. In confequence of authentic intelligence relative to thefe fads, it was determined by the confederate commanders at LiiTjon, that the combined fleet, with as many of the troops as could be fpared from the grand army, fhould make a defcent in Catalonia, where king Charles had the greateft number of friends ''*. In profecution of this defign, it failed from Lifbon on the 22d June, received a confiderable addition of troops from the garrifon of Gibraltar, and arrived at Altea bay, where Charles met with the moft flattering omens of his future fuccefs. Several thoufands of the people from the adjacent country flocked to his ftandard, and anticipated his orders by feizing the town of Denia in his name. From this place the fleet direded its courfe to the coaft of Cata- lonia : when it came in fight of Barcelona, multitudes crowded to the fhore, expreffing the mofl: joy/ul congratulations upon the ap- 23d Auguft. proach of their fovereign ; and as a pledge of their future fervices, *' Berwick, vol. i. p. 258. St. Simon, fleet of twenty-nine fail of the line, befides torn. iii. p. 206. Annals Anne, 1705, p. 155. frigates, &c. Sir Claudfley Shovel commanded ^* Salmon, vol. xxv. p. 263. The force the fleet, and lord Peterborough the En^- tended to the encouragement of irrehgion and the depopulation of i2ih March, the province. They communicated thele refolutions in an addrefs to the queen, befeeching her to profecute the moft effedual means for the relief of the province of Carolina. Her majefty, in anfwer, exprefled her fenfe of the great confequence of the plantations to England ; and promifed to do every thing in her power to redrefs her fubjedts in Carolina, and to protedt them in their juft rights. Notwithftanding the regency bill, many Whigs were dillatisfied with the minifters for having flighted the propofal of inviting the proteflant heir to England ; and fome of them were not lefs induf- trious than the Tories in making it a handle for alarming the people. Among various publications to this efFe£t, not one attraded greater notice than a letter written by fir Rowland Gwyne, then at the court of Hanover, to the earl of Stamford, inveighing againft the inconfiftency of the Whigs, and infinuating, that the eledoral family was fufpicious of their having defigns adverfe to its interefl. The impreflion made by this publication was the more confiderable, and gave great uneafmefs to the queen and the miniftry, becaufe fir Rowland was fuppofed to have the confidence of the eiedlrefs. Sth. A complaint was entered againft the letter in the houfe of commons, where, after mature confideration, It was voted a malicious libel, tending to create a mifunderftanding between her majefty and her 9th. fucceflbr ; and it was refolved, that her majefty Ihould be addreffed to give orders for profecuting the author and publifhers. The lords concurred with the refolution of the lower houfe ; and, that ihey might appear equally forward in this bufinefs, drew up the ad- *"^th'^^' ^^^^^ t° t^s queen, to which the commons agreed ". Upon *' Charles Gildon, die publliher of fir Row- Tlie pn'ncefs Sophia difavowed, for herfelf land Gwyne's letter was tried by the queen's and her fon, tlieir having any part in fir Row- bench, 12th May 1707, and fined in the fum land Gwyne's letter. See her Letter, Hano- of one hundred pounds, which was after- ver, 6th April 1706. Hanoverian papers. v/ards remitted. Macpherfon. The name of the perfon, to whom Q_UEEN ANNE. ,23 Upon a motion of lord Somers, a bill pafled in the houfe of lords C H A p. for correding fome of the proceedings in the common law and chan- y _ /' ^ eery, which were attended with great delay and expence to the '■'^'5. ^^ parties concerned. When the bill was tranfmitted to the houfe of commons, great exertions were made againft it by perfons who were 4th March, officially interefted ; and they prevailed in throwing out fome of the moft beneficial claufes. The lords, unwilling to enter into alterca- '' tion with the commons, or to forego the public advantages that were likely to redound from the bill, fo far as it had been adopted by the latter, confented to their amendments, though far fhort of that ex- tenfive reformation which was intended by the mover of it ". Large fupplies were demanded this feffion, and cheerfully granted ^^ To pave the way for the union between the two kingdoms, which lyoS, was now anxioufly defired by the miniftry, the feveral adls adopted by the laft parliament, for guarding againft any danger arifing from the Scottifli a£t of fecurity, were repealed ''*. Her majefty clofed this feffion on the 19th March 1706, with a fpeech, expreffing her entire fatisfaftion with the proceedings of both houfes, and particularly with their zeal and unanimity to fup- prefs every tendency to fedition ^^ The revival of the Whig intereft, upon the eve of the general elec- 170-, 6. tions, did not produce any fenfible effedt upon the clerical body ; and the majority of members in the lower houfe of convocation ftill whom the letter of the cleftrefs was addrefTed, very cameft for this bill. Journals and De- is not mentioned; but it was evidently in- bates Lords, nth, 19th March, tended that it fhould be communicated, '^ The total amount of the fupplies granted through Mr. Harley, to the queen. See alfo this feffion, was five millions, eighty-fix thou- Letter of the Eleftor to Sir Rowland Gwyne, fand, feven hundred and fixty-one pounds, fix- 12th April, 1707. Id. teen (hillings and two-pence. ^^ It was intitled, " Au Adt for the ^'^ Journals Lords and Commons, Novem- Amendment of the Law, and the better Ad- ber 23d, &c. vancement of Juflice." Pethions againft it ^s This was one of the bufieft feffions in the were prefented by the clerks in the rcmem- courfe of this reign ; ninety-three ads, public branctr's office. Exchequer, &c. Journals and private, were pafled. An uninterrupted Commons, 14th February. The lords feemcd liarmony fubfilled between the two houfes. R 2 purfued 124 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. purfued that fyftem of meafures which tended to degrade the autho- rity of their fuperiors. They aot only declined joining in the ad- oaober ^^^^^ °^ ^^^ bifhops to the queen, but haughtily refufed to ftate their '7°^- obiedtions to it, and voted for a feparate addrefs of their own ''% i8th Nov. „,,,,.,. ^ ^ 11-,, r They held intermediate leliions, and cJaimed the power oi putting their prolocutor in the chair without the confirmation of the arch- bifhop. Their extreme violence dlfgufled many of their own mem- bers, and provoked the indignant interpofition of the court. Of the i6th Dec. former, not lefs than a third part entered a proteftation againft the zjtliFeb. proceedings voted by the majority; and the queen wrote a letter to the archbifliop, intimating her difpleafure at the conduct of the lower houfe, and requiring him to prorogue the convocation as long as appeared convenient ". 1707. The rebuke of the fovereign feemed at firft to have anfwered the effedl of overawing the litigious members of the convocation ; for, at their next meeting, during the fecond feffion of parliament, the lower houfe unanimoufly adopted the addrefs to the queen, drawn up by the bifhops, though it acknowledged the church to be in a fafe and flourifhing condition". This moderation however was but of fhort continuance. When the queftion of the union was about to come under the confideration of the Englifh parliament, a com- mittee was named by the lower houfe of convocation to confider the prefent danger of the church. To prevent an interference, from which every thing repugnant to the defigns of adminiftration and the public peace might have been expected, her majefty directed the archbifhop to prorogue the convocation for three weeks, taking ** Impartial View of the two late Parlia- fided iiiflead of the archbifliop of Canterbury. meiits, p. 355. The only precedent for at- ^' Tiiidal, vol. vi. p. 341, &c. tempting to carry a feparate addrefs, was in *' Id. p. 1 89, &c. What remains of the the 6th feffion of the convocation 1689, when hiftory of this convocation, being fliort, and the lower houfe refufed their aflent to an ad- but little interefting, is introduced in this drtfs to the king, drawn up by the biftiops ; place, though it be a deviation from flriift and afterwards refolved to frame an addrefs for chronological order. The long fufpenfion of tliemfelves. Complete Hiftory of the Convo- the convocation, after the fafts which I am cation, p. 5. The claim, being new, was now going to mention, renders the introduc- overruled by the biiliop of London, who pre- tion of them here more proper. it QJJEEN ANNE. 125- it for granted, as it happened, that the bufinefs of the union would ^ HA p. be brought to a conclufion before the lapfe of that period ^'. Piqued ■» -■- — by this unforefeen fufpenfion of their proceedings, at a junfture fo ' favourable for railing their own confequence, the lower houfe gave in a remonftrance to the bifliops, grounded upon the allegation, that fince the fubmiflion of the clergy in the reign of Henry VIII., no prorogation had ever been ordered during the fitting of parlia- ment ; but at the fame time, under the pretence of a delicate refpe£t for the royal authority, they waved any debate concerning the validity of the prefent prorogation. Her majefty wrote a letter to the archbifhop, threatening to refent thefe proceedings, as an invafion of the royal fupremacy. When the bilhops fent for the lower houfe to communicate her majefty's letter, feveral of the members attended, but the prolocutor was ab- fent. Such a ftudied expreffion of contempt for the royal authority, loth Apni. and that of the bifhops, could not be paffed over with connivance and impunity. The archbilliop pronounced a fentence of contu- macy againft the prolocutor, but referved the punifhment of his crime to a diftant day ; to which he prorogued the convocation, expecting, that fuch forbearance would produce fubmiflion : but it had the contrary effeft ; for the lower houfe, upon their meeting 3°^^ April> again, afFeded a mighty zeal for the fupremacy, alTerting that no procefs, which had been commenced before a prorogation upon the royal writ, could be refumed again after fuch prorogation ; and by this device, they hoped to defend themfelves under the fhield of loyalty. Finding afterwards, that the court, inftead of being foothed, was more than ever irritated by their grimace and auda- city, the prolocutor made his fubmiflion, and the fentence of con- tumacy was taken ofF'°. From a convi fole and peculiar merit of the Whigs ; and reprefented as exhauft- ing every expedient and precaution within the compafs of their power, for enfuring the Hanoverian fucceflion ". As a farther evidence of their pei-fevering diligence, lord Halifax was inftruded to wait upon the minifters of the United States, in his way to Hanover, and to propofe the fcheme of a treaty to engage them to become guarantees for carrying into effedl the proteftant fettlement, agreeably to the a£t pafled by the parliament of England '*. Though the dilatory forms of the States, with refped to the extenfion of their barrier, neceffarily poftponed the conclufion of this treaty, yet the endeavours of the Whig leaders at this time, were a ftrong teftimony of their attachment to the proteftant family, and after- wards proved the means of accompllfhing additional fecurity for its future aggrandizement. The good fortune of the campaign, owing to the mafterly condud of the duke of Marlborough, corroborated every argument in behalf of that party, which he now avowedly patronifed ". The eledlrefs and her fon profeifed the moft grateful fenfe of the fervices of the Whigs ; and, as thofe tranfient mif- underftandings, which occafionally interrupt the pureft friendfliips, contribute, after a reconciliation, to increafe the fervour of future affedion, fo from this period the Whigs recovered tlie exclufive '* Lord Halifax carried with him letters fhoiild be fent to her fon by a herald. I^etter from the principal members of adminiilrati'on of the Duke of Marlborough to the Eleftor, to the eleclrefs and her fon ; all of which con- March 26th, 1706. Hanoverian Papers. Mac- curred in affigning the moft infiduous defigns pherfon. to the Tories, and aflerting their own invari- 3* fhe duke of Marlborough co-operated able and tried attachment to the proteftant with lord Halifax to pcrfuade the States to be- jntereft. Hanoverian Papers, 1706. Mac- come guarantees for the proteftant fucceflion. pherfon. Letters of Lord Halifax to Mr. Harley. 33 The eleftrefs at firft confidered the re- /!tpa,d\x, N" VIL and VHI. gency aft, &c. merely as a matter of compli- -is The news of the viftory- obtained by the nient ; and intimated to the court of England, duke of Marlborough over the French at Ra- that it would be more agreeable to her, that m.iUies, arrived at the court of Hanover while the afts fhould be tranfmitted to Hanover lord Halifax wa3 there, without any ceremony ; and that the garter confidence 1706. 12S HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, confidence of the houfe of Hanover : and lord Halifax returned to VI. England with the fatisfaftion, not only of having been the inftru- ment of making peace for his friends, but of having, by the fteps he had taken with the Dutch minifters, interefted their conftituents in the defence and confirmation of the proteftant fettlement, a point about which he was more ferioufly folicitous than many of his political friends, who maintained the fame external profeffion of zeal '". 3» Appendix, N°= VI. VII. VIII. IX. CHAP. VII. State of the BciUgerent Poivers at the Opening of the Campaign lyoS.—Motiom of the C .nfederate Troops under the Duke of Marlborough. — Battle of Rami!- lies. — Brabant and the Spanifl^ ^Netherlands fubmit to King Charles. — Cain- paign in Italy. — Battle of Calcinato. — Siege of Turin. — Motions of Prince Eugene. — Battle of Turin, — of Cajliglione. — Campaign in Spain and Portugal. — Barcelona invejled by the French and Spaniards. — King Philip flies to Perpignan. — King Charles marches to Sarago(fa. — Progrefs of the Earl of Galway and the Marquis de Mi?ias. — They advance to Madrid, which fub- mits to King Charles. — His unaccountable Delay in advancing to Madrid.— ~ King Philip returns there, — the Earl of Galway retreats. — Villars forces the Germans to pafs the Rhine, — raifes the Siege of Fort Louis, — gets Po[fef~ fion of all the Pofls of the Enemy from the River Mote to Spirebach. — Succcfs of Sir fohn Leake in the Mediterranean. — Loffcs of the Englifl} in the Wejl Indies. — Victories and increafing Reputation of the King of Sweden. CHAP. "^NOTWITHSTANDING the prodigious lofs which the French had ^____^_; , fuftained by cheir defeat at Blenheim, yet, in the following J 706. feafon, as we have already feen, the war was carried on, nearly, with equal fuccefs by both parties. The advantages obtained by the French in Italy may, perhaps, be eftimated as equivalent to thofe of the QJJEEN ANNE. 129 the allies in Spain. In the Upper Rhine, the uncontrolled progrefs C H A p. of marfhal Villars, after the departure of the duke of Marlborough < - - j to the Netherlands, was not repaired by the vidiory of the prince of '° ' Baden at Haguenau. The fuccefsful exertions of the army, under the duke of Marlborough in the Netherlands, were checked by the timidity of the Dutch, and amounted to little more than balancing the effeds of marfhal Villars' adtivity at the beginning of the cam- paign. Recent events during the interval of aiStion revived the hopes of the French king, and difcouraged thofe fanguine expeftations which the allies eredled upon the fuccefs which they had already obtained. The armies of France were recruited with aftonifhing celerity ; the promotions and honours, which the French king conferred upon the commanders, excited a fpirit of emulation and enterprife among the fubaltern officers, and produced great energy in the feafon of afStion. The magazines, in every diftridl under the authority of France, were formed with fkilful arrangement, and amply furnifhed with all tEe ftores neceflary for the enfuing campaign '. The principal powers of the alliance not only found great diffi- culty in replacing the lofs of men ; but were likely to fuftain an irreparable deficiency by fome of the mercenary troops withdrawing themlelves from their fervice. Notwithftanding the late interpo- fition of the duke of Marlborough with the king of PruiTia, fuf- picions were ftill entertained of that prince having an intention to abandon the confederacy ; and the Danes, under the duke of Wir- temberg, after they had, in vain, folicited payment of the arrears due to them by the States, formed the refolution of returning to their own country % The inconveniences and difcouragements, which the ■ Quincy, torn. v. p. 2, SiC. eleftor of Hanover, fupported the latter, who * A competition was at this time depend- had taken pofTeffion of the bifliopric. T.he iivg between prince Charles of Denmark, the king of Denmark, incenfed againft the clec- king-'s brother, and the duke of Holftein tor, was preparing for the field in defence of Gottorp, about the fucceffion to the bifhopric his brother ; but the queen of England, and of J^ubec. The king of Sweden, and the the Slates, prevailed upon him to wait for tlic S deciiion 130 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. C HA P. the allies had hitherto encountered from the flownefs and torpor of the court of Vienna, were aggravated by the indolence and dillipa- tion of Jofeph, who did not feel that perfonal rcfentment again fl; Lewis, nor that anxiety for the aggrandizement of his brother, which occafionally ftimulated the efforts of the late emperor. The pride and indolence of king Charles, whofe authority had been lately acknowledged by fome of the Spanilh provinces, rendered him incapable of improving his good fortune with fagacity and dif- patch, neceffary to enfure its ftability \ The moft fincere friends of the confederacy were filled with un- eafy apprehenfions, left the inceffant intrigues and artifices of Lewis fhould prevail in disjointing it by the alienation of fome of its members. The duke of Savoy, however, refifted the moft alluring offers for feparating from the emperor, with a fteadinefs which could hardly have been expedled, confidering his domeftic connex- ions, and the provocations he had met with. The king of Por- tugal himfelf remained true to the allies ; but fome of his courtiers were fecretly debauched to the French intereft, and, though they durft not openly contradidt the will of their fovereign, yet they might find many opportunities of retarding and thwarting thofe plans, which he authorized for promoting the general intereft of the confederacy. The declining ftate of the king's health, which obliged him to devolve the weight of bufinefs upon his minifters, increafed the number of Philip's fecret friends, and gave a more ample fcope to their intrigues and exertions *. On the other hand, it was fortunate for the allies, that the pro- bable grounds of future fuccefs were over-rated by Lewis, and be- trayed him into thofe rafti and precipitate meafures, which rendered decifion of the Aulic council. Barre, torn. x. fcnt king of Portugal, liis filler the queen p. 478. The afpeft of this affair encouraged dowager of England, widow of Charles II. the French court to hope that the grand al- had been appointed regent ; and acquitted liance would be weakened by internal difcord. hcrftlf with great fidelity and attachment to ^ Hiftoirede Louis, torn. vi. paffim. the aUies. She died on the 31ft December, * Annals, Anne, 1705, p. 163. Inconfe- 1705. qucnce of the indifpofition of Don Pedro, pre- the Q^UEEN ANNE. 131 the events of the campaign 1706 the moft difaftrous and difgraceful C HA p. he had ever experienced. The moft brilliant vidiories of tlie alUes, l. - — . j in the preceding campaigns, had been obtained in inftances where they had begun the attack, and while the enemy had remained upon the defenfive ; and fometlmes even when the latter had a fuperior army, and the advantage of ground. From attention to this fa^t, as well as other circumftances favourable to their hopes, it was de- termined in the French cabinet, that their chief commanders fhould be inftruded to a£t, in future, with greater boldnefs ; and to try the fuccefs of a£tive hoftilities '. The intelligence of the Danifli aux- iliaries having withdrawn from the allied army ftlll farther con- firmed this refolution of the French court ; and a meflenger was difpatched to marfhal Viileroy, with pofitive orders to lofe no time in advancing from his lines, and opening the campaign with a general adion, while the confederate army was weakened and difpirited by the defertion of fuch a confiderable body of their aflb- ciates. The genius of the duke of Marlborough was not more diftinguifhed,. either by the mafterly difpofuions he made upon the approach of an engagement, or the coolnefs and fagacity with which he iffued his orders in the heat of adion, than it was, by readinefs in the contrivance of ftratagems, and penetration in difcovering and improving every incident, tending to deceive and confound his antagonifts. The report of the defedtion of the Danes, the duke did not refute, while he was employing the moft anxious expoftu- lations to pacify and reconcile them ; and at length prevailed, by pledging the credit of England for the fecurity of their arrears \ In order to conceal his fuccefs, the knowledge of which might perhaps have ftopped the progrefs of Viileroy, who had come out of his ' Quincy, torn. V. p. 2. St. Simon, tom.vii. Dutch paid the arrears due to them; and, p. 327 — 9. at the fame time, he was fecretly ufing en- '' Hiftoire de Louis, torn. vi. p. 79, 80. deavours to prevent the Dutch from fatisfying Cunningham, vol. ii. p. 16. Salmon, vol. xxv. their demands. Cmmingham, vol. i. p. 463. p. 298. Lewis had been intriguing with the If this was really the cafe, his difappointmcnt king of Denmark during the winter, to prevail probably arofe from the addrefs of the duke of upon hjm to withdraw his troops tiU the Marlborough in counterplotting. S 2 ' lines 1706. 132 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^ vn ^' ^"^^® ^^^ crofied the Dyle, the duke, when he marched whh the confederate army from Borchloen, left the Danes behind him, with inftrudlions to follow, after a {hort time, and approach fo near to the main army, as to be ready to join it upon the eve of an eiv gagement '. The adverfe armies, alike difpofed to try the fortune of a pitched battle, moved nearer and nearer to each other, till they met in the neighbourhood of the village of Ramillies \ The enemy had the Mehain, and the village of Tavieres on their right ; and, at a little diftance in their front, the village of Fran- quenies. In thefe villages, four battalions and a few fquadrons were polled, and between the villages, two lines of foot were drawn up, interfperfed with dragoons. Forefeeing that the principal battle would be fought on the plain ground between Franquenies and Ramillies, which lay to the right, twenty battalions were polled there with a few pieces of cannon. The ground upon the left, which was contiguous to the Geet, being fwampy, and almoft impaffable, no more than a fmgle line of infantry was placed behind it '. This difpofition of the enemy fuggefted to the duke of Marl- borough, a manoeuvre, upon which the fuccefs of the day princi- pally hinged. He ordered his i-ight wing to maixh towards the left of the enemy, which was thinly manned, as if he really meant to begin the attack in that quarter, notwithftanding the difadvantage of the ground. The marfhal Villeroy, deceived by this appearance, detached a great body of his beft troops from the plain, to fuftain the left wing ; which occafioned a fudden derangement in the ' Lediard, vol. i. p. 353. The army of the allies confifted of a hundred ' In the diftrla of Louvpine, on the borders and feventeen fquadrons and eighty battalions. of the i)rovince of Namur, fituated at the Kane, p. 64. Quincy fays, that the army of fource of the Geet, at the diftance of more than the two kings was greatly inferior to that of a mile from the Maine ; and in this interval of the allies. Tom. v. p. 5. plain ground the battle was fought. Lediard, " Kane, p. 64. Vol. i. p. 356. centre. QJJEEN ANNE. 133 centre. The duke of Marlborough, expeding this to happen, had C HA p. given orders to his troops, on the right, to fall back gently, with- < — ,~ J out changing their front, and then to advance fuddenly tov^'ards his ' centre, which charged the enemy on the plain, with the grcateft vigour, while monfieur Auverquerque began the battle on the left with the Dutch infantry. Four brigades of foot were ordered to make an attack, at the fame time, upon the village of Ramillies ". In the meanwhile, the duke of Wirtemberg, agreeably to the inftruQions he had received, came forward with the Danifh cavalry, and attacked the flank of the enemy, near the village of Franquenies, with fuch ardour, that he pulhed them upon the troops in the centre, which increafed their confufion, and occafioned their giving way in all diredlions. The elector of Bavaria made every effort to rally them, and renew the engagement ; but, in their pre- fent trepidation and perplexity, this only contributed to multiply the number of the flain. The eight battalions, which had been placed in the village of Ramillies, in attempting to retreat towards the left wing, were oppofed, before they had time to draw up, by the cavalry of the allies, and the greatefl part of them put to the fword. Monfieur Auverquerque, having alfo routed the right wing of the enemy, the victory was complete". Tlic '° Kane, p. 64. Lediavd, vol. i. p. 356. hering tohisfirft difporilion, and not adjufting " The accounts given by the different hif- it to the plan of attack obvioudy intended by torians with refpeft to the difpofitions of the the confederates, vol. ii. p. 169. This fcems two armies are fo inconfiilent, that it is not to contradift the account, which afcribes his eafy to form a decided opinion upon the fub- defeat to the confufion, occafioned by moving jeft. I have prefeired the authority of Kane, part of his troops from the centre to the left becaufe Quincy agrees with him fo far, as to wing, where he fufpefted that the duke of admit that the fuccefs of the confederates was Marlborough intended to begin the attack, greatly owing to the feint made by the duke All agree in this, that the duke of Marl- in attacking the left wing of the enemy, with borough gradually ilrengthencd his left wiiig, the purpofe of drawing fome of their beft oppofed to the centre and right of the enemy ; troops from the right. Quincy, torn. v. p. 6. and that this was done with fuch addvefs and Cunningham fcems to lay great Itrefs upon the alertnefs as to elude the obfcrvation of his a:i- ftratagem of bringing up the Danes unexpeft- ta<:ronill. edly to the left wing of the confederates ; The French and Bavarians loft eight thou- vol. ii. p. 18. Fouquiers imputes the lofs of fand men in the field ; fi.K thouiand were made the baule to the obllinacy of Viileroy in ad- prifoners ; and fomc thoiifands deferted to the allie^v 1706. 134 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, The eledor of Bavaria, and the marflial Villeroy, with their fliattered army, continued their flight with the utmoft precipitation, till they reached Louvain ; from whence, after a fliort confuUation, they retreated, and entrenched themfelves behind the Dyle. The adivity and prudence, with which the duke of Marlborough im- proved this vidlory, were no lefs admired than his condu£l in the fcene of adion. The rapidity with which he purfued the vanquifh- ed enemy prevented their forming again in fuch force, as to ob- ftrudl his progrefs ; while his moderation and humanity procured him the efteem, as well as the fubmiflion of all the towns in the Netherlands, w^hich had been overrun with the French troops. The prifoners were fent into the interior parts of Holland ; and fupplied with every comfort their fituation required ; and the fick and wounded lodged in hofpitals, and attended with as much care and tendernefs, as thofe of the allies. A proclamation was iflued, re- commending all the inhabitants of the Spanifh Netherlands, with- out diflindion, to the protedion of the confederate army, as the fubjeds of king Charles, their common friend and ally ; and the feverefl: penalties were announced to deter the foldiers from plunder and violence '\ A letter, in name of the duke of Marlborough and the field depu- ties, was addrefled to the States of Brabant, inviting them to em- brace the prefent opportunity of acknowledging king Charles, and allies. The lofs of the latter did not exceed fons, who fell under his power by the fate of three thoufanj. The duke of Marlborough war, reflefts the higlieft honour upon Jus cha- made feveral naiTow efcapcs in the courfe of rafter. His conduft in this refpeft is the this engagement. He fell from his horfe, and more praife-worthy, becaufe it was unufual at was in danger of being trampled down by feme that period ; and, to his example, pofterity is of his own men, who were repulfed by the indebted for the introduftion of a more refined enemy. Captain Molefworth with difficulty tendernefs in the intcrcourfe of hoflile amiies, remounted him, and turned his horfe's head to which has greatly alleviated the unavoidable the line of the allies. He had not left the calamities of war. ground three minutes when a detachment of Marlebouroug, bien different du prince Eu- the enemy anived in purfuit of him. Biogra- gene, cut toujoursla plus gninde egardepour phia Britanni'-a. Molefworth. fes prifonniers, et donna I'eiiemple de pro- '". The humanity which the duke of Marl- cedes d'humanitc qui ont regne depuis dans borough ejicrcifqd towards the unhappy per- les guerres, Duclos, vol. i. p. 9. afTuring QJJ E E N ANNE. 135 alTurmg them, upon the authority of the queen, and the States of C h a p. Holland, that he would maintain their religion and privileges in- violate. Thefe foothing meafures, together with the celerity of the duke's motions, rendered the effects of the late vidory more ex- tenfively beneficial to the allies, than any former inflance of fuc- cefs. The fubmiffion of Brabant, and almoft the whole Spanifh Netherlands, was accompliihed within fifteen days after the battle of Ramillies. Mechlin, Louvain, Bruflels, Aloft, Ghent, Oude- narde, and Antwerp, furrendered without refiftance ; and the af- fembly of Flanders, convened at Ghent, recognifed king Charles as their lawful fovereign. Oftend, Menin, Dendermond, and Aeth, were reduced by force, and at a confiderable expence of men '% The diftinguifhed reputation, and the fuccefs of the duke of Ven- dofme, made the French king refort to him, as the laft hope for retrieving his ruined affairs'*. He was recalled from Italy, and appointed to the principal command of the army in the Netherlands, reinforced with the beft difciplined troops, amounting to one hun- dred and fifty-five fquadrons, and feventy-three battalions ; but, though Vendofme feldom erred from excefs of caution, he found it expedient to remain inactive in his camp behind the Dyle, not even attempting to interrupt the confederates in carrying on the fiege of Menin, which capitulated on the 20th of Auguft". The duke of Marlborough doled this memorable campaign, by deraolllliing aH the old lines, which had been the barrier to France fmce their -conquefls in the Netherlands '\ In Italy, every profpedt was flattering to France at the beginning of this campaign. The caftle of Nice furrendered to the duke of " St.'Simon, torn. vii. p. 337. Lediard, hearts of the common foldiers, tvho would Tol. i'. p. 3S2. 407. 413. have laid down thei"r lives for his honour. '+ The duke of Vendofme, grandfon of Age of Lewis XIV. vol. ii. p. 280. St. Henry IV. was bold, intrepid, and of a quick Simon, torn. ii. p. 254. See the patent of apprehenfion ; but effeminate, and additled to the duke of Vendofme, Annals, Anne, 1 706, pleafure ; and did not concert his meafures p. 165. with deliberation and depth. His affability, " Lcdisrd, vol. i. p. 4.1 j iS. condcfcenfion, and benevolence, gained the "^ Kane, p. 70. 4 Berwick 136 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^ ^^ P- Berwick on the 14th January. The Imperial army, quartered ui U-— V — -«^ Lombardy, was weakened by the defertion of fome thoufand Bava- rian foldiers, who retaining their aftcdlion for the eleftor, had found opportunity to return to his fervice ". Akhough prince Eugene had been fuccefsful beyond his expeft- ations, in raifing funds for recruiting the Imperial army in Italy, and providing every neceffary for the campaign '^ ; yet his long deten- tion from the field, occafioned by the exertions neceflary for thefe ends, afforded the duke ofVendofme an opportunity of attacking the !9tli April. Germans with great advantage at Calcinate, where, after an obftinate engagement, he obtained a complete victory. The Imperialifts loft three thoufand men in the field, and as many were made prifoners ; feveral pieces of cannon, and all their baggage were taken ". This defeat, followed by the difperfion of the Imperial army, and the fiege of Turin, begun with fuch ample preparations as feemed to enfure its fuccefs, deprived the duke of Savoy of every hope of reftoring his affairs, or even of retaining a fingle pofl In Italy at the end of the campaign ". Taking it for granted, that Turin July. would be under the neceffity of furrendering, he left the city, and was purfued for feveral weeks by the duke de la Feulllade, who, be- ing unable to overtake him, returned to the fiege, which, from that aSthAuguft. time, was carried on with uninterrupted vigour. Prince Eugene was informed of the defeat of the allies at Calclnato, when he had ad- vanced as far as Roveredo, with a reinforcement of ten thoufand re- " Barre, torn. x. p. 496. The Bavarian nals, Anne, 1706, p. I2J. were treated with mercilefs feverity by the '» Barre, torn. x. p. 496. emperor after the battle of -Blenheini ; and it ^° The army, under the duke de la Feuil- was not to be expefted, that they would mifs lade, confifted of fixty-eight battalions, and any opportunity of deferting from his fervice. eighty-eight fquadrons, two hundred and fifty '* Prince Eugene borrowed a large fum of officers of artillery, eight hundred gunners, money, in the name of the emperor, from Eng- two hundred and fifty bombardiers and miners, land. A fubfcription was opened for this pur- and four thoufand pioneers. Ammunition, ppfe at London ; and the queen granted let- inftruments, and ftores, of every kind, for car- ters patent, ftating the importance of it ; and rying on the fiege, were provided In the fame appointing certain perfons for receiving the vaft proportion. Tindal, vol. vil. p. jo, i. contributions. Bane, torn. x. p. 496. An- crults QJJEEN ANNE. i37 crults from Germany. He colleded the reverfion of the vanqulflied army, and all the troops that could be fpared from the garrifons in Brefciano and Trentino, and ported himfelf at Gavardo ^'. Here he formed the arduous defign of advancing to the relief of Turin. He was at a great diftance from that city : the fords of the Adige, the Mincio, and the Oglio, were guarded ; and all the ftrong pofts in the country, through which his march lay, occupied by the enemy. But, fuppofmg it poflible for him to effedt a jundion with the duke of Savoy, there feemed little probability that Turin could hold out till that event, of, if it did, the vafl fuperlority of the French army flill checked every hope of fuccefs, fhould he have the temerity to engage it. All thefe difficulties were furmounted. Prince Eugene moved with his troops from the Venetian Alps ; and, after a march of two hundred miles, which he performed in twenty-four days, he arrived in the duke of Savoy's country. Difficulties, more formidable than diftance, were encountered in the courfe of this march : he crofled four great rivers ; he pierced through the lines which the duke of Vendofme had drawn from the mountains to the fea ; he drove fupe- rior numbers of the enemy before him with precipitation. The fa- tigues of long marches were aggravated by hunger, and the extremity of heat. He prevailed in many fkirmilhes againft the enemy, and, at length, gained feveral days march upon the duke of Orleans, who had advanced from his camp at Turin to intercept him. On the I ft September, he joined the duke of Savoy; on the 7th, attacked the duke of Orleans, and the marfhal de Marcin, in their entrench- ments, and gained a fignal victory ". Two *' Barre, torn. x. p. 498. Marcin, thovigh of the fame opinion with "Lettres Hiftoriques, May, Oftober. Orleans, durlt not contradift Feuillade, be- Barre, torn. x. p. 499. Duclos fays, that caufe he was tlie fon in-law of Chamillart, the defeat of the French at Turin was who, at that time, had the entire confidence ■ov/ing, entirely, to the bad condutl of the of the king. Duclos, torn. 1. p. 5, 6. Quincy, duke de la Feuillade. The duke of Orleans torn. v. p. 161. Political Annals, London. aJvifed him to march out of the trenches, to vol. ii. p. 45, 6. Marcin died of his wounds, attack prince Eugene, but Feuillade perfilled Three thoufand French were killed in the »:i his rcfolution of receiving t-be attack ; and field, two thoufand defcrted after the battle, 138 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. C HA P. Two days after the battle of Turin, the allies experienced their fliare of bad fortune, in lofing the battle of Caftiglione. The Landgrave of Hefle had begun the fiege of that fort, and confiding in the fuperiority of his army, marched out to meet the count de Medavid, who approached to relieve it. But, though his cavalry fought with advantage at the beginning of the engage- ment, his infantry fhrunk from the impetuofity of the French troops ; and, after having loft two thoufand men in the field, be- fides fifteen hundred taken prifoners, with all his artillery and ftand- ards, he was forced to retire to the Adige *'. If this engagement had happened fooner, it certainly would either have prevented the battle of Turin, or given a different turn to its fuccefs. All the effedl:, however, it produced, was to retard, for a fhort time, the progrefs of the duke of Savoy and prince Eugene, who reduced all the places poflefled by the enemy in Piedmont, Montferrat, and the Mila- nefe ''*. The campaign, in Spain and Portugal, forms a perfect contraft to that in Italy ; and as the latter exhibits the wonderful effedls of forti- tude and perfeverance in repairing the greateft difafters, fo the former affords an example of the baneful tendency of fecurity and indo- lence, in traverfing the moft profperous fortune, and blafting the faireft hopes. The French king, upon hearing of the progrefs of the allies in Spain, fent great reinforcements, and a fufficient quantity of all kind of ftores from Provence, for opening the campaign with the fiege of Barcelona ". After the arrival of the French fleet from Toulon, the marfhal de Thefle began the fiege on the ad of April, and was foon. after joined by king Philip. The prefence of king Charles in the town overawed the inhabitants, who wifhed to furrender, and ani- mated the garrifon to defend it with perfeverance and fuccefs, beyond five thoufand were made prifoners, three St. Simon, torn. vii. p. 295 — 7. thoufand were killed by the peafants in the >+ Idem. mountains. Lettres Hiftoriques, 0&, 1706. *' Lives of the Admirals, vol. iii. p. 99. *' Hiftoire de Louis, torn. vi. p. 123. St. Simon, torn. vii. p. 228. what i7o6. :th. QJJEEN ANNE. 139 %vhat could have been expected from their number; for they were ^^^P- only three thoufand. The earl of Peterborough, returning from Va- lencia, threw a body of frefh troops into the city ; and retarded the progrefs of the befiegers, by haraffing their fkirts and outpofts with his little army. Montjuic was taken ; a breach was made in the walls of the town ; and the enemy were juft preparing to ftorm it, when fir John Leake arrived with the confederate fleet from Lifbon ". 8th May. The French admiral, upon intimation of his approach, cut his cables, and failed for Toulon. The alarm which ftruck the befiegers upon the arrival of the Englifh fleet, and the fudden defertion of their own, was wrought up into a dreadful panic by an eclipfe of the fun, from which their fuperfliitious prejudices led them to conclude, that the countenance of Heaven was frowning upon their defign ''. They marched off in great hafte, leaving behind them an immenfe quantity of baggage, and all their fick and wounded, whom they earneftly recommended to the mercy of their enemies. King Philip continued his flight till he arrived within the French territory at Perpignan "". All the counfellors of king Charles were now agreed, with refpedl to the expediency of his marching to the capital, where there could be no doubt of his being proclaimed king. Different opinions how- ever were fuggefted concerning the fcheme of his march, or the road he ought to purfue j fome recommending the neareft and moft expe- ditious, and others that which was fafeft, though it might poftpone the time of his arrival at Madrid. This diftradtion of counfels, the unfleadinefs of Charles himfelf, and the animofities excited, among his friends, were the ruin of all his meafures, and undid all tlie fuccefs he had already obtained. In compliance with the advice of the eail " Conduft of the Earl of Peterborough, lona, alluding to the pride of the Frencli p. 37—53. Lives of the Admirals, vol. iii. monarch, who had affumed the fun as his p. loi, 2. Carleton, 146. device. Tindal, vol. vii. p. 33. King Charles *' In allufion to this incident, the reverfe commemorated this ilgual dchverance, by an of the medal ilruck by order of the queen anniverfar)- thankfgiving. upon this occalion, reprcfcnted the fun in *' St. Simon, torn. vii. p. 233. Cunnmg- cclipfe ewer the city and harbour of Barce- ham, vol. ii. p. 3, 4. T2 of 140 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, of Peterborough, king Charles, after long hefitation, determined to t— — ><-— J purfue his journey to the metropolis, through the province of Va- ' ' lencia ; and he had advanced with his army as far as Tarragona, when, hearing of the favourable difpolition of the people of Arragon, he fuddenly changed his purpofe, and marched to SaragofTa, the capital of that province ''. While the fiege of Barcelona was carried on by the French and Spaniards, the confederate army, under the earl of Galway and the marquis de Minas, had advanced from Portugal to Eflramadura ; and were invefling Alcantara. The duke of Berwick, who commanded the French army on the frontiers of Spain, was not in force to op- pofe them ; and, the court being under great apprehenfions, he had received orders not to remove too far from Madrid ^°. Alcantara, furrendering after a fhort fiege, Muralcia and Coria alfo fubmitted to the confederates. After this fuccefs, they crofled the Tagus, and ad- vanced to Placentia^'. The earl of Galway, flattered with the profpe£t of entering Madrid without any obllruition, publifhed a 20th April, manifefto, in name of the queen, inviting the Spaniards to acknow- ledge king Charles ; and promifmg to protect: them againft his ene- mies. The fanguine hopes, which the earl derived from his paft fuc- cefs, were now damped by the timidity and backwardnefs of the Portuguefe troops, who, being yet ignorant of the French having abandoned the fiege of Barcelona, refufed to march to Madrid, under the pretext of its being their primary duty to defend their own fron- tiers. Agreeably to this refolution, they marched to Cividad Rodri- go, which they inverted. Though weakly fortified, it held out for 26th May. feveral days, and furrendered upon honourable terms ". Hearing then of the fuccefs of the confederates at Barcelona, the Portuguefe army was perfuaded to rejoin the earl of Galway, and to move towards *9 Condudl of the Earl of Peterborough, duft of the Earl of Peterborough, p. 95. p. 59 — 75, &c. Carleton, 157. This ill- 3° Berwick, vol. i. p. 283. judged refolution of Charles, was imputed o ^' Id. p. 288. the advice of the Conde de Cifuentes. Con- ^* Id. p. 292. Madrid, QJJEEN ANNE. 141 Madrid, where king Charles was expeded. The duke of Berwick CHAP, retreated as the confederates advanced, and, without any refiftance i_ -.- j from the inhabitants of the country, who dfepaired of klng^ThiUp's '"° ' being able to recover his power, they proceeded to Madrid, which 24th June, fubmitted to king Charles ". King Philip, after retiring to Perpignan, had formed the defign of marching round about by the way of Navarre to Madrid, to prevent, by his prefence, the revolt of the capital ; but the duke of Berwick, finding it neceflary to retreat into the interior parts of the country, Philip withdrew again to the confines of France ^*. 211I Every thing now affumed the moft favourable afpedl for king Charles. The French and Spanifh army was not only inferior to that of the confederates, but in want of money and provifions '^ ; Toledo declared for him ; and it was expe£led that the whole province of Caftile would quickly follow its example. The cardinal Portacar- rero, who had been the moft zealous inftrument of fupportlng king Philip's authority ^*, now fubmitted to king Charles, and profefl'ed to devote himfelf faithfully to his fervice in future " : all the courts be- gan to adminifter juftice in his name ; and nothing feemed wanting to fecure his authority agalnft all reverfe of fortune, but his perfonal prefence, and taking the reins of government into his own hands. The earl of Galway fent repeated exprelTes to king Charles, repre- fenting the importance of his haftening to the capital. He was re- gardlefs of expoftulatlons and entreaties, and blind to his own in- tereft: he remained at SaragofTa immovable, as if he had been chained there by the fupernatural power of inchantment. His conduft ap- peared fo infatuated, and fo repugnant to every fentiment of honour, as well as to the dictates of prudence, that it eafily procured credit to a report of his having died fuddenly in that place ^^ Exafperated by his " Berwick, vol. i. p. 298. ^^ St. Simon, torn. vii. p. 239. 3* Hiftoirc de Louis, torn. vi. p. 98. Sal- " Letter cf tlic Cardinal to the Marquis mon, vol. XXV. p. 323. de Minas. Monthly Mercuiy, Auguil. 55 Berwick, vol. i. p. 304. " Hiftoire de I,ouis, torn. vi. p. 98. Wit- Dcfles 142 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^ ^^ ^- his folly, his friends fooii became indifferent to his fuccefs ; the I s^— J hopes and courage of his enemies revived. His indolence and floth ' ' were rendered more glaring and ignominious by the adtivity and expedition of Philip, who colle£ting quickly a great body of troops 4tli Aug. on the frontiers of France, returned to Madrid on the very day fixed for the triumphant entry of his rival ". The earl of Galway, deeming it too great a hazard to come to an engagement with an army far fuperior to his own, which was now difpirited and provoked by the infatuation and ingratitude of its ally, retreated towards Arragon as foon as he heard of the approach of Philip. Toledo, Salamanca, and moft of the towns which had fubmitted to Charles, renewed their allegiance to the former. The earl of Galway, and the marquis de Minas,. joined king Charles at Guadalaxara ; and, in a few days after, the earl of Peterborough ar- rived there with five hundred dragoons ; but the crifis of their pro- fperity had been fported away, and was now irrevocable. Their communication with Portugal was cut off; Alcantara was retaken : ' all tiiat remained for them to do, was ta arrange their pofts, and neffes were not wanting to fvvear that they The pride of Charles operated to the injury had feen him embalmed and interred. Lara- of his intereft, in a way ftill more puerile and berti, tom. xiv. p. 258. contemptible. His finances were ftraitened ; Although king Charles was brave and ac- and he chofe rather to forego the fruits of his tive, when pullied to extremity, yet he was paft fuccefs, and to put all to hazard, than "naturally of an indolent temper ; he faw dif- . enter his capital, without that extravagant tant dangers iij a magnified form, and was pageantry, which, as he thought, became the eafily turned from his purpofe by the occur- inauguration of fo great a prince. Idem, rence of uncxpefted difiiculties. Indolent As the conduft of Charles was fo Angularly men generally follow the advice of others, imprudent and abfurd, the ingenuity of hif- The Spanifh grandees, of a proud and inde- torians was put to the ftretch to account for pendent fpirit, could not bear the i^ea of it ; and, among other caiifes, it is not furprif- having their king placed upon the throne by ing, that the power of gallantry, which has the agency of foreigners. The brilliant ex- fo often quenched heroic ardour, was called ploits of the earl of Peterborough, they be- in upon this occafion, and the wavering, contra- held with an envious eye ; and oppofed his diftory, procraftinating purpofes of the vic- counfels, becaufe, if the king had fucceeded torious prince, were afcribed to the violence by them, the earl would have arrogated the of his affeftion to a lady at Barcelona. Tin- fole merit of accomplifting the principal ob- dal, vol. vii. p. 37. jeft of the war. Cunningham, vol. ii. p. 5. " Berwick, vol. ii, p. 319, 12. 14. eftablifli Q^UEEN ANNE. 143 eftabllfh their quarters on fuch a plan as to fecure Arragon and Cata- ^ ^£^ ^■ Ionia ; to maintain an open and fafe approach to Caftile, and a com- v- — —J n a 1706. munication with the fea coaus " . The Upper Rhine was the only quarter in which the French arms ■were fuccefsful during the campaign 1706. After the duke of Marl- borough's departure to the Netherlands, the marfhals Villars and Marcin advanced towards the German army at Drufenheim, under May. the command of the prince of Baden and the count de Frife, who, •» afraid of being attacked by fuperior force, fled with fuch precipita- tion, that all their tents, and a great quantity of their baggage and military ftores, fell into the hands of the French. The Germans fly- ing over the Rhine by the bridge of Statmatt, which they broke down. Fort Louis was relieved from the blockade which it had fo long fuftained. They did not even attempt to make a fl:and at Lau- terburg, though, by the late fortifications, it was fl:ronger than it had been in the preceding campaign, when it fo bravely refilled the alTaults of the enemy ; and fuch was the difmay and confl:ernation of the garrifon, that it left the magazines there entire for the ufe of the conquerors. The French followed up their fuccefs with the moft ex- peditious movements, and expelled the Germans from Germerfheim, and from all the poft;s which they had occupied from the river Mote to Spirebach. Villars clofed his fuccefs with the fiege of Haguenau, nth May. which capitulated in fix days after the trenches were opened : the garrifon being made prifoners of war, and a prodigious quantity of powder, corn, and clothing taken in the place *'. Thus, v^nthin the fpace of a few weeks, the allies loft all the conquefts which they had made on the French fide of the Rhine during the campaigns 1704, and 1705, except Landau, from which t^ieir communication was en- tirely cut off. The misfortunes of the French arms, in every other quarter, obliged Villars to fend large detachments from his army, which flopped his profperous career, and confined his attention for ♦° Hiftoire de Louis, tom. vi, p. 99 *' Villars, tom. ii. p. 324 — 7. Ban arre, tom. x, p. 393. fomc J7c6. 144 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, fome time, to fortifying the places he had already taken. The emperor having alfo recalled fome of the beft troops, in the army of prince Louis, to ferve againft the infurgents in Hungary, Villars began again to ad upon the offenfive, and drove the Imperialifts out of the ifland and marquifate of Baden, near Fort Louis ; and, afterwards paffing the Rhine, obliged them to remove from the ports which they had erected for fecuring the lines of Stolhoffen and Buhl *''. After raifing the fiege of Barcelona, fir John Leake reduced the city of Carthagena, and fiiiled to Alicant, which furrendered *\ The loth Sept. iflands of Ivica and Majorca alio fubmitted ; the former without re- fiftance, from the attachment of the inhabitants to king Charles ; and 18th. the latter, to prevent the dreadful effedls of ftorming the fort, w^hich was threatened by the Englifli admiral. Sir John Leake detached a jjthoa. part of his fleet to winter at Lifbon, and returned with the reft to England "*. At the inftigation of fome of the French Hugonets, a defcent was intended upon the coaft of France by the grand fleet, under fir Claudfley Shovel, and a body of troops commanded by the earl of Rivers; but was prevented by contrary winds, and the indolence and delay of the Dutch fquadron which was to have joined the En- glifli. A part of the fleet, with all the land forces that had been deftined for that expedition, were afterv/ards fent to Lifbon ; but ar- rived too late for rendering any efl^ential fervice to the confederate army, which, by the mifcondudt of king Charles, was reduced to a, ftate of defenfive war ". The ill fuccefs of the fleet in the Weft Indies was a juft fubjed of grief and complaint to every difinterefted patriot. The iflands of St. Chriftopher and Nevis were plundered by a French fquadron from ■*^Villars,tom.ii.p.339 — 347. Monthly Mer- does not admit of a circumftantial detail of cury, July. Villars difcovered great ingenuity them, Villars, tom. ii. p. 347, &c. and mafterly genei-alfhip, in conducing his ope- 'H Lives of the Admirals, vol. iii. p. 103. rations, fo as to deceive the prince of Baden, 104, loj. and to render his defigns efFeftual at a fmall ** Id. p. 106, 7. expence of blood; but the plan of my work *s Jd. p. 105. A St. QJJ E E N A N N E. 145 VII. 1706. St. Domingo ; and the greateft part of the Virginia traders were cap- CHAP, tured by privateers'"^. The minifters endeavoured to refute the charges brought againfl thcmfelvcs, by imputing thefe misfortunes to accidents and difeafe, which made great havock in the Weft India fleet, and to the mifcondudl of commanders, which had given occa- fion to change them more frequently there, than in any other ftation. To the difcerning inquirer, the plan of operations adopted by the Whig minifters, will appear to have been one caufe at leaft of the mifcarriages and difgraces which happened fo often to the Englifh fleets in the courfe of this war. The bufmefs of the navy was only a fubordinate obje£t of attention: the great firefs of expence and preparation was laid upon the fupport of the continental army ; and the exertions of the fleets of England were chiefly diredted to the benefit of her allies. Thus, the Mediterranean fleet, deftined for the fervice of king Charles, was better equipped and manned than the Weft India fquadrons, which otherwife might have contributed efl!en- tially, not only to the immediate protedion of the colonies, but to the future fecurity and extenfion of the Britifti commerce "'. The confederates now found that they had juft grounds for re- monftrating againft fo great a proportion of the Imperial refources being wafted by the w^anton and culpable continuance of the war in Hungary. Their mediation between the emperor and his revolted fubjedls was employed in vain, while his mercenary favourites clan- deftinely obftrufted every approach to an accommodation, which would have put an end to the accumulated profits expeded by them from the confifcated property of the malecontents ■'^ The increafing reputation, and aftoniftiing fuccefs of the king of Sweden, began, at this time, to awaken the jealoufy of all the confe- ** Lives of the Admirals, vol. iii. p. iiS. delivered to the mediators, as the bafis of *' Id. p. 117. Oldmixon, vol. ii. p. ^95'. peace. Some of them were extravagant; but, *' Tindal, vol. vii. p. ^^. A ccfTation of o" t-l'e other hand, the anfwers of the court hoftilities had been agreed to on the 15th °^ Vienna- were not in a conciliating fpirit, April, and the demands of the malecontents Monthly Mercury, July. ^^ derates, 146 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. 1706. CHAP, derates, and particularly of the emperor Jofeph **. In the courfe of this campaign, that enterprifing monarch over-ran Saxony, laid the country under contribution, and reduced the eledor to the neceffity of begging a peace upon any terms the conqueror fliould be pleafed to di£late. The unfortunate eledtor not only acknowledged the right 24rli Sept. of his rival, Staniflaus, to the crown of Poland ; but refigned all pre- tenfions to the duchy of Lithuania. He was, however, fo vain as to flipulate for retaining the empty title of a king, which could only ferve to mortify him by the remembrance of the lofty projedis from which he had fallen. The great augmentation of power which de- volved upon a prince fo full of enterprife, and who, by the late treaty with Auguftus, had become an inmate of Germany, could not fail to give uneafinefs to the court of Vienna; while the affiduous and fawning application of the French king for obtaining his alliance wa?- ominous to the common intereft of the confederates '°, *' State of the War. London 170^. 5° Letter from Ratifbon, Lamberti, torn. xiu. p. 4?2. QJJEEN ANNE. 147 CHAP. VIII. Short Surwy of the State of Scotland from the Union of the Crowns, to the Accejfton of ^leen Anne. — Of political Affairs and Parties at that Time.-— Difcontent occqftoned by the Continuation of the Convention Parliament. — Oh- je6lions to its Authority. — Parties in it. — Emharraffmcnt of the Minijlcrs with refpeSl to Scotland. — Arguments for diffolving the Convention Parlia- nent-^For continuing it. — The Convention Parliament and the Whig Mini- fiers continued. — SeJJion of Parliament. — The Duke of Hamilton protefla ogairtfi it, and withdraws with his Adherents. — The Faculty of Advocates fublifh an Opi7iion in favour of the proiefiing Members. — The .^teen's Letter to the States. — Difficulties of Adminifiration. — Ads pa fed. — A Motion for abjuring the Pretender, ill received. — The Parliament adjourned. — The Commiffioners meet to treat about an Union. — Their Proceedings abortive.— Effeds of the Proceedings of the Scott iflj Parliament. — The Court endeavours to conciliate the Cavaliers. — Changes in the Scott if} Minijlry. — A new Par- liament. — The Duke of £;ueeyfhury Com?niffio7ier. — The ^leen's Letter. — Bill for recognifing her Majefly\ Title, Isfc. — Carried by the Influence of the Prcfbyterians and Cavaliers. — The Miniflers lofe the Confidence of the Revolutionijls. — A Supply moved by the Earl of Home — Oppofed by the Whigs. — Origin of the Squadrone Volante. — Overture by the Marquis of Tweedale. —Enthufiafm of the Scots for Independence. — The Marquis of Tweedale's Overture preferred to the Supplies. — Acts paffed. — Acl of Secu- rity, defired by every Party. — Keen Debates, and various Overtures relative to it. — The Subfidy refufed. — The Seffion adjourned. — Alarm occafioned in England by the Proceedings of the Scottifh Parliament, 'T~^HE hiftory of Scotland, from the union of the two crowns, CHAP. exhibits a gradual tendency to national depreffion, which, at the acceflion of queen Anne, had reached an extremity almoft incapable of any aggravation or redrefs. Science and literature languifhed ; commerce, manufadures, and population declined ; luxury, from the example of a more opulent neighbourhood, advanced with rapid U 2 fteps VIII. 1702. 148 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, flcps among the higher ranks. The fpecie of the country was drained ; and poverty, like a gangrene, had overfpread the whole body of the people. Thofe fond fpeculations of commercial opu- lence, which had buoyed up the hopes of the Scots, after having been fairly tried, had not only proved abortive and ruinous, but af- forded a mortifying evidence to the nation, of its utter incapacity, in- ks prefent ftate of dependence, to profecute effedlual meafures for the removal of impending grievances, or the improvement of its future condition. For, though the difafters of the Darien company might primarily arlfe from the ignorance and prefumptlon of its projectors ; yet there could be no doubt of their having been both accelerated and heightened by the unkind interference and over-ruling influence of Engllfh counfels '. Was it not demonftrable, from the whole feries of tranfadions relative to that bufmefs, that the national fo- vei-eignty, of which the Scots fo proudly vaunted, was nothing more than an empty phantom, fmce William had been conflrained, by the importunity of the Englifli parliament, to cancel thofe very meafures which had obtained his fandion as king of Scotland ? While the political union between the two nations was fo loofe and defedive, it was natural for the court of England to keep a jealous eye upon Scotland, and to fufped, that, if ever fhe acquired riches and power, they would be employed in fchemes dangerous to the conflitution of the more profperous kingdom. The part which the Scots had aded, during the civil war in England, under the reign of Charles the Firfl, afforded an inftrudive proof of the effeds to be dreaded from its in- terpofition in times of public commotion ; and the remembrance of this was the occafion of cramping the trade and refources of Scot- land, as well as of foreign nations, by the navigation ad, after the re- * Sir John Clerk, fpeaking of the Darien " proof, that Scotland, in a feparatc ftate, bufinefs, fays, " I always thought it not fo " was not to enjoy the leaft (hadow of prof- «' much a foolifh as a roguifh projeft, &c. " perity, in any part of the world, which " But the conduft of England towards Scot- " interfered with the power, navigation, and '« land, at that time, ferved fufficiently as a " trade of England." MSS. ftoratlon QJJEEN ANNE. 149 ftoration of Charles the Second*. By that adl, the Scots found ^^{^^- V ill. themfelves precluded from many benefits which they had formerly enjoyed in common with the fubje£ls of the fame fovereign ; and were cut off from the hope of maintaining, in future, an increafing proportion to the fortune and profperity of a people with whom they were fo intimately connedted by political intereft and focial in- tercourfe. Together with the decline of trade and manufadures, the reputa- tion and honour of Scotland had faded, in confequence of a real, though dil'guifed fubordination to the neighbouring kingdom. Pre- vious to the jundion of the crowns, her alliance had been courted by the principal ftates on the continent, and her interefts regarded in the formation of every important treaty there. But now, while her dignity was eclipfed by thefuperior luftre of the monarchy to which Ihe had become an appendage, fhe wag not fo much as named in the courfe of thofe foreign tranfactions, which affedled her intereft in common with that of England. As if it had been on purpofe to notify, to diftant courts, the infignificance into which fhe had funk, no Scotfman was employed in any-embaffy, or permitted to be prefent when the foreign ambafladors were admitted to an audience in the court of London \ The * Confiderations on the Union, p. 84, y. and enjoy the privileges of Englifh natives. 1706. By the aft of navigation, 12th Charles From the time of the Darien adventure, they the Second, the freedom of trade, wlilch the began to be rudely treated ; many of them in Scots had enjoyed under his father and grand- public offices, juftices of the peace, and mem- father, was retrenched. Heavy duties were bers of the council, were turned out ; and impofed upon goods, imported from Scotland fomctimes they were rejefted upon juries, &c. to England ; and upon Enghlh commodities, The goods and fhips of Scotfmen were con- effential to the accommodation and irhprove- fifcated in the plantations ; and this was fome- tnent of Scotland. Reprefentation of the times done when the owners of them refided grievances of Scotland relative to Trade, pre- in London. The Cafe of Scotfmen refidiug fented by the Scots Commiffioners, 3d Fe- in England and in the Engliih Plantations, p. 4, bruary 1668. Enquiry into the Reafonable- 5. Edinburgh 1703. Hillorical Account of nefs of an Union with Scotland, p. 67. Lon- the Grievances of Scotland, palfim. don, 1706. 3 Letter to a Friend on the Union. Edin. After the union of the crowns, the Scots burgh 1705. Letter to a Member of Parh'a- were permitted to fettle in the plantations, ment, concerning the true Intereft of Scot- land. I'cr. 150 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. C H A r. The Scots, from the highefl; anciquityj had been fignalized for mar- tial genius and heroic gallantry. Multitudes of the lower rank, and the cadets of the moft illuftrious families, had been accuftomed, for many centuries, to enlill in the armies of foreign princes.; and the fame which they acquired for valour in the field, not only gratified the pride of their relations, but redounded to the honour and ad- vantage of their native country. Under the requifition of a fove- reigv, whofe Englilli dominions were the firft objedl of his proteiflion and care, his fubjeifls, in Scotland, found themfelves retrained from entering into foreign fervice, and deprived of the opportunity of earning that appropriate glory which exalted the charaQer of the nation, and compenfuted for the narrownefs of its internal refources. The meritorious fervices of the Scots in the war with France, during: the late reign, had excited a reafonable expedlation of their partici- pating, with their fellow fubjefts in England, in the beneficial fruits of peace. But how grievoufly were they difappointed, when they found, that the re-eflablifhment of national tranquillity only furnifhed the Englifh legiflature with leifure and opportunity for thwarting thofe fchemes upon which the Scottifh nation had erected its fondell hopes of independence and profperity ? While the Englifli miniffry was making large demands of recruits from Scotland for carrying on a new war on the continent, it roufed the indignation of the people, to ref5edl, that, like the flavifh troops of a military defpot, they were compelled to fpill their blood in a conteft in which they had no genuine and permanent interefl ; and that all the laurels, land. Id. " Since the time of James tKe " thofe ver}' nations (he had prcferved from " Sixth, till the union, few Scotfmen had *' ruin." Sir John Clerk's Jonrnals. It ap- ♦' beer. ambalTadors in foreign parts, for thty pears, however, that individuals from Scot- " were not thought worthy of being entnifted land, profited by the more intimate con- " with the general affairs of Great Britain." nexlon between the two kingdoms, after the Sir John Clerk's MSS. on Lockhart, p. 153. union of the crowns. Dr. Burnet was made •• The honour and cfteem which Scotland a bifliop, Wifhart an admiral ; and many Scotf- " had acquired in all parts of Europe, were men were employed in England, as furgeons, *' funk ; and her name was forgotten among fchoolmailers, book-keepers, &c. gathered 1702. QJJEEN ANNE. 151 gathered by their own heroes, were employed in adorning the brows C H A p. of their rivals and opprefTors \ Under the influence of thefe impreffions, a fpirit of difcontent had been fpreading among all ranks from the acceflion of William ; and, in the laft years of his reign, had arifen to fuch a pitch, that the ut- moft vigilance of government was neceffary to reftrain it from open and tumultuary violence \ In this critical fituation of the country, the king durfl: not hazard any change in the legiflative body. As the majority of the convention parliament were firm friends to the revo- lution, and the prefbyterian form of religion, and as a confidcrable proportion of the nation were enemies to both, the former were per- fuaded, that it was only by fupporting his meafures, that thefe objedts^ which were fo dear to them, could be fecured ; and that a new elec- tion could not take place without diminifhing their own influence. From this concurrence in political views, the convention parliament was involved in the fame cenfure and odium with the court. It had indeed complied with tlie voice of the nation, by petitioning for the redrefs of thof'e grievances which were imputed to the malevolent 1698. interpofition of the Englifh parliament in the affair of Darien ; but this was afcribed, by the people, to fear, more than patriotifm ; and the majority of that affembly were ftill confidered as the tools of the prince, and as unfriendly to every fcheme for promoting the inde- pendence of their native country. Hence feveral of the corporations and counties had petitioned the king to difTolve the convention par- liament, and, when their defire was not gratified, objections were * Sir John Clerk's MSS. Reafons why the the year 1699, had confumcd fome of the Succeffion ought not to be declared. London, moft valuable buildings in the metropolis. I7°4* The propel ty deftroyed amounted to above ' Accidental calamities had co-operated, two hundred thoufand pounds. The failure with thofe which have been mentioned, to of the bank, in the midft of the {Treated Bggr2.v:ite the difcontent of the Scots. A fcarcity of coin, fpread univerfal 'embarraff- run of bad crops in the years 1695, 6, 7, 8, 9, ment, and inlenupted the few advantages, had occafioned a famine, and many thoufands which the country derived from its limited had perifhed for want of food, or emigrated trade and manufafturcs. from their native counlrj-. A dreadful fire, in 14 propagated 1702. 1^-2 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, propagated through the country, tending to difparage its authority* and to excite a diftrufl of the lawfulnefs of its proceedings *. It had been fummoned by the prince of Orange, before he was himfelf in- vefted witli regal power ; and, though the public commotions might jullify an omiflion of the cuitomary forms at its convocation, and o-ive a fandion to its authority as far as might be neceffary to re- eftablifh the conftitution, by fupplying that branch of it which had expired, or abdicated ; yet it was contended, that its legal fundions had been exhaufted by that meafure j and that a new parliament ought to have been called, with all the wonted forms, after the re- floration of the executive branch, in order to render the legiflature complete, and adequate to the future purpofes of government. The prolongation of its exiftence, beyond the period barely neceffary. for the renewal of the conftitution, might however have been tolerated> and all its fubfequent meafures acquiefced in, for the fake of expe- diency ; but it was afferted, that it had now been extended to fuch an immoderate duration,' as was inconfiftent with that very conftitution which it had been deftined to fave ; and hence it became charge- able with ufurpation, or the exercife of illicit authority, though it had been liable to no objedion whatever at its firft formation \ The diftrefs of government had, in the later years of William, been Increafed by that difaffedion which began to break out even in the parliament itfelf. The calamities of Scotland came home to many of its members, and weaned their affedion from the court. The un- fortunate projed of Darlen embraced fuch a wide circle of intereft, and abounded with fuch dlftufive mifchiefs, that there were few fa- milies in the nation that did not feel the fhock in fome of their branches. The refolutions and addreffes of the Englifh parliament, on that fubjed, exhibited a feverity and harihnefs which no true ^ It was afferted that king William had to diflolve it. Advantages of the Union, violated the claim of right, the condition on p. 21. Edinburgh, 1706. which he reigned in Scotland, by his continu- ' Pamphlets of the Times. Macpherfon's jng the convention parliament, after the plu- Hillory, vol. ii. p. 239. Kility cf the corporations had petitioned hiin friend 1702. •QJJEEN ANNE. 155 friend of his country could contemplate with cool indifference. The C li A P. court patronage in Scotland was extremely circumfcribed ; and in- fufficient to iatisfy the numerous claims preferred by thofe who ferved the government with increafed difadvantage, and at a greater rifk of reputation, as the meafures, which it purfued, became unpo- pular and exceptionable \ Owing to thefe feveral caufes, the country party, or that which ■oppofed the court, was advancing every day both in num"ber and re- fpedlability. It now confided of feveral of the nobility^ and a con- fiderable number of the reprefentative body ; and, from a partial and occafional oppofition, had contracted the habit, and profefTed the re- folution of an obftinate and invariable refiftance to the court, fo long as the convention parliament fubfifted. The grievances of Scotland were the conftant theme of their declamation ; and, in proportion as thefe were a£lually felt, or apprehended by the people, their friends and abettors multiplied, and their hands were daily ftrengthened by the eledtion of members devoted to the fame intereft ; fo that if king William had long furvived, he would have found himfelf under the neceflity of diffolving the convention parliament. If fuch a crifis had occurred previous to the war, it would certainly have been pro- ductive of great commotions in Scotland ; nor is it likely that the parliament of England, at that time, would have adopted fuch a ge- nerous plan of accommodation as they afterwards carried into execu- ' The falaries of all the public offices m fions, and extraordinary expences /^. l'3,ooo Scotland at the difpofal of the court, before per annum. Enquir)' into the ReafonaLlcnefs the union, did not amount tO;^. 20,000 per of the Union, p. 106. This eftimate refers annum. Advantages of the Union, p. 19. to the ftate of falari«s, &c. at the time of the The falaries of the principal offices were as union, follows : To the chancellor ^. 2000 per an- According to another author, who ftate; num ; to the privy feal ^. 1000 ; prcfident of the expence of the civil govenimciit, as it thecouncil^. idoo; fecretary of ftatC;^. 1000; ftood in the year r68i ; the v/liole pay of prefidcnt of the court of feffion^^. 1000; juf- the civil liil, including the greater and leffer tice general ;^'. 800 ; treafurer deputy ^. 600 ; officers of ftate, and the law, amounted juftice clerk /*. 600 ; lord regifter ^. coo ; to ^.15,148 per annum. The penfions to fourteen lords of fefilon j^. 500 each; queen's £. 11,354 : 18 : 10. The Rights of Suceef- advocate ;^. 500 ; queen's folicitor ^. 300 ; lion, p. ic. Lond. 1705. two ckrks of council £• S'^^'j grants, pen- X tion, 154 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^^^^' tion, upon thofe emergencies, of which I am now 'to give an ac- count 1702. The difcontented and turbulent ftate of Scotland, at tlic death of king WilHam, involved the queen's mlniftry in fuiguhir difficulties with refpedl to the plan of conducing the government there. On the one fide, the nation longed for a new reprefentation ; and it was even doubtful if the fovereign could lawfully affemble the prefent parliament, though reafons of policy might render the doing of it expedient and defirable '. Moft of _the perfons in power were pref- byterians, and by no means, on that account, the more acceptable to the queen and the Englifli cabinet, as new-modelled at her accef- fion. For thefe reafons, the diffblution of the parliament, and the difmiffion of the perfons, who then held the reins of government, might naturally have been expected, and was anticipated with ge- neral fatisfad:ion by the nation, upon hearing of the death of the king, and of the changes which had taken place in the Englifh miniftry. But, on the other fide, the unquiet difpofition of the people, the vio- lence of individuals, and the notorious, and undifguifed attachment of many perfons of high rank to the court of St. Germains, ren- dered anv fudden change of the political meafures and executive o-overnment extremely hazardous. Among the various competitors for power, it was not eafy for the fovereign to make any feledion or arrangement, without giving difguft to fome, and exciting the hoftility of parties, who, while amufed by the profpe£t of attaining a fuperiority over their rivals, were likely to purfue that line of con- duct which they believed to be moft acceptable to the court. The Tories of England were anxious to preclude every fufpicion of their 9 The queen confulted the Scottifh privy' Whitehall, March 8th, 1702. Minutes of the council, with refpcft to the lawfulnefs of Privy Council, MSS. calling the convention parliament after the This was a fufEcient hint for bending the lapfe of twenty days ; but fuggefted to them, detevmination of the privy council to the at the fame time, that the aft 1696 had pro- wilhes of the court ; and the vote being put, vided, that nothing contained ia it (hould be if it be not confiftent with the aft 1696, for underilood to alter or reftrain the prerogative, the parliament to meet after the lapfe of twenty Her Majefty's Letter to the Privy Council, days, it was curried in the afSrmative, Idem. being 1702. QJJ E E N A N N E. 155 being unfriendly to the Hanoverian fuccefTion, which they hardly ^^^^^'- could have done, had they precipitately committed any fliare of the government in Scotland to thofe men who made no fecret of their afFedion to king James ; and who had the imprudence to exprefs their hopes of being better thought of by the queen on that ac- count '°. The perfons, who now filled the official departments in Scotland, poflefled qualifications which ftrongly recommended them to the favour of every fucceffive adminiftration in England, to what- ever party it belonged. Some of them had given early proofs of poli- tical talents, which had been improved by long experience, and an intimate acquaintance^with the forms and practice of bufinefs. They had difcovered great obfequioufnefs to the court in the preceding reign, and might be expedled to be the more hearty in promoting its meafures under the prefent one, from their being continued in power, contrary to the general expedlation ; and becaufe retaining their influence would depend entirely upon the merit of future fer- vices. They were all of that party which had difcovered the greateft antipathy to France, and would therefore do their utmofl to forward the fupplies for carrying on a war fo grateful to their own inclina- nations. Yielding to the force of thefe confideratlons, the Englifh cabinet determined to employ the fame minifters who had been en- trufted with the management of Scottifh affairs by king William ; and to uphold the authority of the convention parliament ". The national fpirit of difcontent, and a marked difapprobation of the conduct of the court, were difplayed upon the firft opening of the Scottifh parliament, after the acceffion of the queen, on the 9th June 1702. As foon as prayers were faid, the duke of Hamilton infilled on being heard ; and though entreated by the duke of Queenfberry to wait till her majefly's commiffion was received, he '° Advantages of the Union, p. 25. An- the marquis of Annandale privy feal ; the nals of Anne, 1703, p. 16. earls of Seafield and Hindford, fecretaries of " The earl of Marchmont was lord chan- ftate ; the earl of Selkirk lord regifter ; and cellor; lord Montgomery, lord treafurer^ the the inferior offices of ftate were held by earl of Meh«lle prclident of the fecret council; ftaunch revolutionifts. X 2 perfevered 1,-6 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. 1702 CHAP, perfevered in reading a paper, which contained reafons' againft tliC meeting of this parUament, and thereupon took inftruments ; after \Yhich, he withdrew with twenty-nine of the members who adhered to his protcftation '% This patriotic band, as it was called, was fol- lowed with fliouts of applaufe to a neighbouring tavern, where the night was fpent ia mirth and feftivlty '\ The faculty of Advocates voluntarily " Records of the Scotch Pai-liament, MSS. Regifter OfRcc, Edinburgh. " Lockharl's Memoirs, p. 14—17. Lon- don, 1714. As I fliall often have occafion to refer to Lockhart's Memoirs in the fequel of the Scottifh hrllory,, it may be proper to in- form the reader of the character of this au- thor, and the fecurity wath which I rely upon his teftimony. The book was never acknow- ledged by Mr. Lockhart, and there is a tra- ditional report of its having been furrep- titioudy publirtied with the intention of hurt- ing his reputation with the court. The fup- pofition of Mr. Lockhart's being the author is corroborated by ftrong internal arguments. Mr. Lockhart was a warm friend to the hoiife of Stuart, a zealous oppofer of the union, and enraged againil all his countrymen, who did not efpoufe his own political fentiments. The Memoirs, as might be expected from an author of this charafter, abound vyith enco- miums on his own partifans ; and hardly allow any credit for probity and patriotifm, to the leaders of the Wliigs, and the prefhyterians. Mr. Lockhart liad excellent accefs to inform- ation, having been himfelf a member of the Seottifh parliament, and admitted into all the confultations of the Cavaliers. He was reamed by the queen to be one of the commiffioners for the treaty of union, upon the recom.mend- ation of the earl of Wharton, who was his uncle. His acceptance of this truft does him little honour, as he was an enemy to the fcheme of uniting Scotland to England upon any terms whatever ; and profefTes to have accepted of his commiffion, with the inten- tion of doing all in his power to fruftrate the objeft of it ; and of atling as a fpy upon his coDeagues. Memoirs, p. 1S7. •With due abatement for the author's po- litical prejudices, the Memoirs may be ad- mitted as an authoritative voucher for many important fafts, at the period to which they relate. I am fortunate however in an oppor- tunity of deriving advantages from thcfe Me- moirs, never enjoyed by any former hiilorian ; and no wife affefted by the ifTue of the quef- tion refpefling the author. Among fir John Clerk's MSS., I found a copy of Lockhart's Memoirs, with notes in fir John's own hand, on the margin ; upon the back of the title-page, the following words are written in the fame hand. " As " thefe Memoirs are faid to have been written " by Mr. Lockhart in the heat of party " rage, it is no extraordinary matter to find " them erroneous in feveral particulars, which " the following notes will demonftrate ; yet " many of the characters are juft, in fo far " as the author was acquainted with the per- " fons. Thefe notes were revifed by me in " the year 1738, and again in 1747. I have " carefully confidered them, and do not only " adhere to them, but pofitivcly affert, that " every particular fa£l mentioned by me is " exaftly agreeable to truth ; and that to *' my knowledge, I have concealed no- " thing. J. C." In a note on the margin of the fecond page of the preface, fir John fays, " Thefe Memoirs were given out to be " copied, and fo came abroad ; however the " perfons abufed took little notice of them, " and the fuppofed author abjured them, on " many occafions, fo that I and others have " liberty to animadvert on them, if we " pleafe." Thus qualified, the Memoirs become re- fpeftable documents of hillorical fafts. By the 1702, QJJ E E N ANNE. 157 voluntarily publlflied an opinion in fupport of the do£lrine main- ^^^P- tained by the diflenting members '* Such a refpedlable faniflion, added to the popularity of the meafure, was produdlive of effedts which were vexatious to the minifters, and threatened to fruftratc the principal objecEl they expefled to obtain, by holding a feflion of parliament. Not only perfons who were tainted with difaffedion, but thofe who were of a timid or penurious difpofition, were now furnifhed with a ftrcng argument for withholding the taxes, impofed by a legiflative body, the authority of which was doubtful, and evtn condemned by competent judges. The fupport of the government, and the moft preffing exigencies, which could only be removed by the efficiency of the fupplies, voted by the fitting members of the ftates, conftrained the officers of the crown to enforce the payment of them by coercive meafures, tending to increafe that ferment which already pervaded the great body of the people ". After the departure of the protefting members, her majefty's com- miffion to the duke of Queenfberry, and her letter to the ftates, were read. Her majefty promifed to maintain the proteftant religion, the prefbyterian form of government, and the eftablillied laws of Scot- land, She expreffied her hope of their hearty fupport and aid in the war, begun by her predeceflbr, on account of the wrongs committed by the French king, of which her fubjeds in Scotland had teftified a becoming refentment in their addrefles. She urged the neceffity of lupplies for preventing the defigns of her enemies. She informed them, that, in confequence of the late king's earneft wifhes for an the perufal of this valuable MSS., I have not was transferred to the privy council, to be only been enabled to correct many errors and farther proceeded in there, as the parliament mifreprenfations, contained in the text of the fhould fee caufe. Records of the Scotch Par- Memoirs, but have alfo derived important in- liament, 30th June 1702. formation with refpe£l to collateral events and Seventy advocates declared, that they gave tranfaclions, which enter into the Scottirti no warrant to the dean of faculty for publiih- hillory at the period of this work. ing any opinion on the fubjeft ; and twenty '♦ The dean of faculty and advocates, who of them refufed to anfwer any queftions put gave their opinion in favour of the diffenting to them by the parliament. Id. l6th June, members, were cited to appear before the par- 's Tiiidal, vol. v. p. 93. liament ; and, after various delays, the procefs union 158 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, union of the two kingdoms, fteps had been taken by the Englifli u- — . — -m/ parliament to pave the way for that defirable event ; and that (he ''^°'' was empowered to appoint commiffioners for beginning the treaty; in accomplifhing which fhe expedted their concurrence. She re- commended a particular attention to the ftate of the poor, whofe hardfliips had been aggravated by fucccffive feafons of fcarcity ". The bufinefs, fuggefted by the queen's letter, was more fully ex- plained and enforced by the commiffioner, and the chancellor ". It is.iworthy of remark, that in thefe addrefles to the ftates, as well as in the royal letter, a high veneration was profefled for the memory of king William, whofe name was introduced as giving the moft weighty fandion to the fcheme of bufmefs fubmitted to their deli- beration. This circumftance fully difclofes the fentiments and views of the court at this period with refpedl to the ftate of parties in Scotland. The late king had found, from experience, that the firfl: friends of the revolution were the only perfons on whofe fidelity he could depend. Her majefty, under this impreflion, had been per- fuaded to retain the convention parliament as the fitteft inftrument for fupporting her authority in Scotland ; and her fpeech was there- fore adapted to their political notions, though widely different from thofe of the party which fhe now favoured in England. In ad- herence to the fame plan, fhe afterwards refufed to receive an addrefs from the difTenting members, in vindication of their conduct, and f 7th June, pledged herfelf to maintain the authority of the prefent parliament againft all its oppofers '*. This unexpeded rupture in the parliament, and the general dif- content and turbulence of the people, were not the only difiiculties which the minlflers had now to encounter in conducing the bufinefs of Scotland. Subfequent meafures, purfued by thofe members who '" Records of the Scotch Parliament. n it, and to enforce a refpeft to them, by ful- " After reading the royal letter to the ome encomiums on the goodnefs of the fove- -ventlon parliament; and another, by the earl of Marchmont, for -thjune. fecuring the proteilant religion, and the preibyteriaTi government *". From th^e tendericy of tliefe adls, and the general tenor of the public debates at this time, it plainly appeared, that, nctwlthftandlng the efforts that had been made to encourage and ftrengthen the cava- liers, the interefl of the prelbyterlans prevailed in every point in which they were united ; and. even conilrained the minifters to make greater flretches of complaifance, as an atonement for having difco- ■vered any inclination to flight them, by repofing confidence in the fervices of their antagonifts. The two ads, now mentioned, afforded a. double, or rather redundant fecurity for the prefbyterian govern- ment. By the twenty-fecond article of the Claim of Rights, prelacy had been declared an infupportable grievance ; and now, by the ad which ratified the proceedings of the convention parliament, it was made treafon to contradid that propofition ; fo that as far as the authority of the legiflature could go, that religion was immovably fixed ; and yet, as if this had not been fufficient, all the particular laws, which had been enaded by that parliament for eftablifhing the prefbyterian government and difcipline, were accumulated and con- firmed by a fpecial ftatute. Such an officious and fuperfluous anxiety for maintaining their own prerogatives might have been overlooked without cenfure, had the prefbyterians been fatisfied with this objed, or difcovered the falnteft traces of tendernefs and lenity to their fel- low proteftants, even where their own interefl could not, in any degree, be affeded by it. But fuch was their intolerant fpirit, that %vhen the draught of an ad of indulgence to proteftant dlffenters iftjune. "^:oncemed, fhall be tranfafted by natives com- '•^ By this aft it was declared high treafon miflioned by parliament, 7th July. to quarrel, impugn, or endeavour, by writing. That the heritors Ihould raife and arm fen- or malicious fpeaking, or other open a£l or cible men, and exercife them once a month, deed, to alter or innovate the claim of right, or 30th Auguft. Records of the Parliament of any article thereof. Records of t!>e Scotch Scotland. Parliament was 1703- 3d June. 170 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, was read, it met with an oppofition, fo paflionate and determined, I that, notwithftanding the honour of the queen was in fome meafure at flake, the minifters found it expedient to rehnquilh it without a debate *'. The adt of fecurity almoft entirely occupied the attention of par- liament, from the 9th June to the 13th Auguft. Varioiis overtures were introduced, fpecifying fuch meafures as appeared moft effec- tual for extending the trade, increafuig the opulence, and eflablilh- ing the independence of Scotland : but the voting of them was poflponed, till the commifTioner gave his alTent to the ad of fecu- rity, which was the bafis upon which they were to be ereded *\ The debates upon the difcufhon of thefe topics, of which feveral fpecimens are recorded, convey an exalted opinion of the inform- ation, the liberality, and the eloquence of the fpeaker *'. A fpirit of independence formed a bond of union among individuals of every party. The prefbyterians feemed lefs afraid of a popifh fuc* "■' The day on which the toleration was moved, the commiflion of the general affembly drew up a reprefentation to parliament againft the petition of the epifcopalians, highly cen- furable for the fophiftry of argument and il- liberahty of fpirit which it difplays. See it. Proceedings of the Scotch Parliament, p. i6. *^ The principal objecl of the propofed a£l of fecui ity was to prevent the crown of Scot- land being fettled upon the fucceffor to the crown of England, unlefs the grievances of Scotland were redreffed, and certain condi- tions, which were fpecified, agreed to by the parliament of England. See next chapter. The afts for trade were, one in favour of the company trading to Africa and the Indies; an acl to prohibit the importation of Irifh viaual, and the exportation of Englifh and Irilh wool ; and an aft for allowing the im- portation of wines and other foreign liquors. Proceedings of the Parhament in Scotland, Appendix. The intention of the lail; aft was to en- courage the importation of French wines, which had been prohibited four years before ; and though the Scottifh gentlemen were ad- dicted to the ufe of French wines, and many in the nation favourable to a commerce with France, this aft was obilinately refifted, and carried only by a fmall majority. The reafon of the oppofition was this, the cuftoms upon wines were the chief fund for the fupport of the civil lift ; and the importation of French wines was by far the moft productive. In oi> der to obftruft every fource of fupply, till they were gratified with the aft of fecurity, a num- ber of the members ftruggled hard againil a meafure which, otherwife, would have been popular, and agreeable to themfelves. An- nals of Anne, 1703, p. 59. The ordinary annual confumption of French wines and brandy, in Scotland, amounted from fix hundred to a thoufand tons. Sir J. Clerk's MSS. *^ The earl of Stair, the earl of Ros- burghe, the earl of Cromarty, lord Bel- haven, and Mr. Fletcher of Salton, are meo- tioncd by contemporary authors as highly dif- tinguifhed for their eloquence. Sir J. Clerk's MSS. cefTorj 17^3 QJJEEN ANNE. 171 G-eflfor, than of fubmiflion to a proteilant prince, fcuted on the ^ ^ -^ ^• throne of England. The very mention of the fucceflion, or any motion to reftrain tlie freedom of the nation in the difpofal of the crown, or leading, by remote confequence, to a concurrence with the meafures adopted by the Englifli leglflature, were treated with derifive indignation. The oppreffion and calamities of Scotland, refulting from an unconditional dependence on England ; the long- intervals of the meetings of parliament ; the wanton adjournment or prolongation of feflions, as befl fuited the jobs of miniftry ; the extravagance of government ; the bafe fervility of the Scottifh mi- nifters to the court, and their treachery to their native country ; were all defcribed with that fervent indignation which the heart alone can didate. Every reflridion upon trade was to be abolifl-i- ed ; every channel of Englifli influence fhut up ; every badge of inferiority and dependence torn off**. Political aflbciations, formed at firfl for the redrefs of fpecific grievances, gradually enlarge the circle of their invefligation ; and, in the progrefs and habit of fpe- culation, at length grafp at objeds of reform, far beyond their early conceptions, and the defigns which they originally profefled to purfue. Not fatisfied with propofing a disjundion from England, fuch overtures were now introduced for promoting the purity and frequency of parliaments, for extending their privileges, and limit- ing the prerogatives of' the crown, as amounted to a total change of government. It was moved, that no armed force fhould be brought into the kingdom, or tranfported out of it, but with the confent of the ftates ; that all offices, civil and military, and all penfions, for- merly conferred by the prince, fhould be entirely at their difpofal ; that a new parliament fhould be chofen every Michaelmas, and that it fhould have the power of eleding its own prefident, and of ad- ♦* Proceedings of the Parliament of Scot- the independence of the kingdom, or to refill land, p. 21. 28. 47, & paffim. The ideas the ufurpation of England: upon thefe fub- of liberty generally entertained by the nobi- jetts, however, they exprefled thcmfelves with lity and higher ranks in Scotland, at this an ardour fuitable to the moft correft and en- time, extended no farther than to maintain larged views of focial freedom. Z 2 journing 1^2 . HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, journlng at pleafure ; and that, during the intervals of feffions, the T_ -_-' _■ adminiftration of government fhould be vefted in a committee of '''°^' the ftates, appointed by, and refponfible, folely, to them*'. The comniiffion granted by the laft parliament, for a treaty of union 9th Sept. with England, was recalled ; and it was refolved, that no commif- fion fliould be iflued by the queen in future for that purpofe, with- out the confent of the Scottifli parliament. The royal aifent to the act of fecurity. was importunately and rudely demanded *°, as a preliminary condition to their voting for a fubfidy, notwithftanding that the great arrears due to the army expofed the nation to im- minent danger from mutiny and domeftic infurredion. After hav- ing advanced in oppofition to the court, fo far beyond the example of any parliament fmce the union of the crowns, it was not to be expeded, that the prerogative itfelf could efcape the feverefl affaults. When the royal aflent to the ad; of fecurity was refufed by the commiffioner, it was now boldly afferted, that the negative of the fovereign, to any bill that had obtained the approbation of the ftates, was an ufurpation upon their privileges, and a violation of the conftitution *'. The *' Confidering the impatience which the crimes (hould be only arbitrary, i. e. difcre- court afterwards difcovercd for eftablifhing the tionary, according to the demerit of the tranf- proteftant fucceffion in Scotland, it would pro- grefiion, life and limb always preferved. A6t bably have been willing to have compounded againftLcefing-makers and Slanderers. Scotch with the ftates, and to have accepted the fuc- Afts, vol. iii. p. 625. ceflion at the price of the propofed limitations. *' The earl of Roxburghe declared, that if To thofe perfons who think that this would there was no other way of obtaining fo natural have been an improvement on the conftitu. and undeniable a privilege of the houfe, as a tion, the patriots muft appear to have deviated vote, they would demand it with their fwords from found policy in refufing to gratify the in their hands. Lockhart, p. 57. Sir J. court when allured by fuch a boon. Clerk's MSS. One zSt, which paffed at this time, (i6th "*' It was urged in defence of this doftrine, September,) deferves to be mentioned with that the aft of Charles the Second, upon particular praife, as an unequivocal teft of a v\'hich the negative of the crown was founded, reforming fpirit. It was ordained, that the intended nothing more than to prevent the pains of death and confifcation, enafted by ftates from promulgating laws upon their own former laws againfl the authors of fcandalous authority, without the royal aflent, which had* fpeeches and libels, (hould be abrogated ; and been frequently done in the time of the re- that, for the future, the punifhment of fuch public. It was aflerted, that it was unwar- rantable QJJEEN ANNE. 173 The inevitable confequences of pafTing the a£l of fecurity, while ^ ^^ ^^ fuch a tumultuary difpofition raged among the people, filled the > - — ■- -J court with perplexity and difmay. Conceflions, favourable to the liberties of Scotland, were now earneflly urged by the commiffionerj lothSept. every thing, with the referve of the a£l of fecurity, was tendered in the name of the fovereign to prevail with the ftates to vote a fupply. A great majority remained obftinate and inflexible, and would liften to no terms, exclufive of their favourite a£l. Public bufinefs was now at a ftand : an angry fpirit pervaded the nation : the continuance of a feflion, fo obftinate and refradlory, gave countenance to the infults and violence which were committed by the populace, and threatened the fafety of all the friends of the court. The commiffioner adjourned the parliament on the i6th September. Thefe proceedings of the Scottifh parliament, while they ani- mated the hopes, and ftimulated the efforts of the court of St. Ger- mains, gave ferious uneafinefs to all who were well affefted to liberty, and the conftitution, in the neighbouring kingdom. Al- though the Tories there, now declining in the favour of the queen, might be fecretly pleafed with meafures tending to the embarraff- ment of adminiftration, yet, to maintain the external form of pa- triotifm, they were conftrained to fall in with the general torrent of alarm, and, by imputing the diftradlions in Scotland to the errors of the oppofite party who were at the helm of affairs, they co-operated, as we {hall afterwards fee, in the previous fteps which led to the union of the two kingdoms, and the final confirmation of the pro- teftant fucceffion *'. rentable to infer from this, that the royal had been interpofed only of late, and in a few afTent could be legally withheld from any aft cafes. Proceedings of the Parliament of Scot- that had folemnly patfed in that houfe ; and, land, p. 6i. it was obferved, that the negative of the crown *" See Appendix, N° X. 174 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. C H A P. IX. Captain Frafcr offers his Services to the Court of St. Gcrmanu — Is j'cnt to Eng- land — Offers to make Difcoverics to the Minijlers — Information communi. cated by him to the Duke of ^ccenfberry, ivhich is tranfmitted to the Court — Frafer goes to the Highlands^ ivhere he is ill received — Returns to London — . ■Goes to Paris — and is committed to the Baftile — Account of Captain Mur- ray's Commlffion from the Court of St. Ger mains. — Several Perfons from France apprehended on Sufpicion. — ConduB of the Duke of S^cenfherry, rela- tive to Frafer, gives great Offence. — The Leaders of the Squadronc brought into Office, — A Scffjon of Parliament. — The ^leen's Letter. — The Settlement of the SucceJJton recommended, and liberal Conccffions offered to the States.— The Supply urged by the Commifftoner in preference to other Bufmefs. — The Squadrone lofe their Popularity. — Motion for conjoining the Supply and the A61 of Security. — Dangerous State of Scotland. — The Commifftoner confents to the A61 of Security. — Preparation in Scotland for Hofiilities againfi England. — Refolutions of the Engl iff Parliament. — Overtures and Debates. — The Seffton prorogued. — The Squadrone fall into difgrace ivith the Court. — Change in the Scottijh Minifiry. — Charaders of the Duke of £:ueenfferry — and the Duke of Ar gyle. — The ^eerHs Letter to the General Affembly. — Their An- f-wer. — Parliamerit meets. — The Protejlant Succeffion, and the Treaty of Union, . recommended by the ^een. — Obfervations on the State of Parties. —The Bufmefs of the Plot refumed. — The Mini/lcrs bent on the Settle- ment of the Succeffion. — A Motion unexpeBcdly made for preferring the Ccnfideration of the Union — which is carried. — Happy Effeds of this Arrange- ment. — The Duke of Hamilton moves that the Nomination of the Scott iff Cotn- miffioners fhould be left to the ^een. — Motives and Charaders of Perfons in Oppofition. J '"p^HE period intervening between the firft and fecond leflion of this parliament has been rendered memorable by the difco- •1703- very of a plot againft the government, which materially afFeded the general ftate of political tranfadions in Scotland j and furnifhed ground QJJEEN ANNE. 175 ground for fome of the keeneft debates, which took place in the C HA P. fubfequent feflion of the Englifh parliament. U. — >- - ^ Captain Simon Frai'er of Beaufort, having been compelled to fly from Scotland, his native country, on account of atrocious crimes ', arrived at Paris about the beginning of the year 1702. As he had been turned out of his regiment by king William for feditious prac- 1695. tices, he more eafily obtained an introdudlion to the dowager queen at St. Germains ; and, by his infmuating manners, procured credit for that zeal with which he profefl'ed to be devoted to the intereft of her family. Ambitious of being a mafter-ador in every bufinefs in which he was employed, he afliired the queen, that he was autho- rized by feveral of the Scottifli nobility, and the chieftains of the Highland clans, to offer their fervices to their injured prince ; and he undertook, in their name, to raife an army of twelve thoufand men, upon the condition of receiving a fmall reinforcement, and a fupply of money from France ^ From the recommendation of the queen, and the pope's nuncio at Paris, whofe patronage Frafer had obtained by embracing the Roman catholic religion, he was indulged in a private audience of the French king% and afterwards had feveral converfations with the marquis de Torcy, upon the affairs of Scotland, and the plan of fervice which he propofed to execute. The amplified accounts he gave of the force and refources of the highland chieftains, on purpofe more readily to procure luccour ' Captain Frafer had committed a- rape, together with the privy council, offered a pre- and had afterwards fled to the continent. He mium for apprehending him. Account of had alfo been guilty of forgery and feditious Captain Frafer of Beaufort. Edinburgh, 1703. praftices; but obtained king William's par- Minutes of the Privy Council of Scotland, don in the year 1701, for all his crimes, ex- 19th February, and i6th July, 1702, &c. cept the rape. Minutes of Privy Council, * Collection of Original Papers about the Auguft 1702. He returned to Scotland, Scotch Plot. Edinburgh, 1702. probably expefting that the lady he had in- ' Lockhart, p. 76, 7. Frafer told the earls jured would give him no further trouble, on of Argyle and Leven, that he was obliged to account of the peculiar delicacy of her fitu- declare himfelf a Roman catholic before he ation. But fhe renewed the profecution which could engage the court of St. Germains to had been formerly inftituted againft him, and liften to his projetls. See Captain Mun-ay's he again fled from the country ; upon which Declaration to the Qneen concerning Lovat, the court of jufticiary condemned him ; and, Macpherfon's State Papers, 1704. from 176 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, fi-om the French king, produced the oppofite effed, and, together u- — ■— mj with the unfavourable impreffions of Frafer's chara£ter, rendered that ^''°^' prince equally diftruflful of the capacity and integrity of fuch an officious agent *. But though thefe circumftances prevented any concert or agree- ment, about immediate interference in Scotland, on the part of Lewis, they did not open the eyes of queen Mary, and, eager as ihe was to grafp at every fhadow of hope, fhe conferred the com- raiffion of a colonel on Frafer ; and fent him, and captain John Murray, to confult with their friends in Scotland, about taking ac- tive fteps for reftoring the hereditary fucceffion of the crown. As captain Murray's fidelity had been tried by the court of St. Ger- mains, it is probable that he was conjoined in this commiffion, to keep a vigilant eye upon his colleague, and control that propen- fity to treacherous intrigue, of which the latter was fufpeded. At the fame time, to cover any jealoufy which the queen might enter- tain of Frafer, and to enable them to carry on the bufmefs with which they were intrufted, more fpeedily and extenfively, different departments were configned to captain Frafer and captain Murray, The former was to vifit the highland chieftains, with whom he pre- tended to have intereft ; while the latter remained in the low country, to take every opportunity of difcovering the inclinations of the gentlemen there, with refpedt to the competitors for the crown. Both of them were inftrudted, by the queen and her fon, to exprefs the warmeft gratitude to their friends, and to recommend * Campbell's Declaration, 2 1 ft December ; of lord Lovat : it is juft fuch a compofition as Macleod's, 326. Maclean's. CoUeflion of Ori- might have been expefted from him ; and, con- ginal Papers, part ii. p. i, &c The Memoirs fidering the eccentricity of the author, may of Lord Lovat, lately publifhed, contain fuch afford amufement to the curious reader. It • palpable contradiction to notorious and well- feemg to have been written for the purpofe of attefted fafts, that I think it unneceflary to vindicating himfclf to the courts of France detain the reader with a detail and refutation and St. Germains ; and was probably fhewn .of the falfehoods and mifrcprefentations which to perfons of leading influence in both. But are advanced relative to that part of his hiftory this is merely my own conjedure, not having which has come under my notice. The book, had any opportunity of inquiring about the however, bears ilrong marks of the charafter authenticity of the book. 15 *° QJJEEN ANNE. 177 to them perfeverance in fidelity, and readinefs to afl: upon the firft favourable conjundure, when they might be affured of obtaining immediate and adequate afhftance from the French king. Captain Frafer was empowered to renew all the military commiffions which had been iflued by the late king James, and to promife an indem- nity for paft offences to every perfon now willing to engage in the fervice of his fon. It was recommended to the agents and friends of the court of St. Germains in Scotland, to conduct themfelves with the utmoft circumfpedtion, and, on no account whatever, to proceed to open hoftilities againft the eftabliflied government, till they had frefh inftrudtions for that purpofe, which were to be regu- lated by the intelligence procured by captain Frafer, concerning the opinion and force of their adherents \ v Confidering the profligacy of Frafer, it may be queflioned, whe- ther he ever had any intention of performing effectual fervice to the chevalier. If he had, he probably became difgufled at the coldnefs with which he was received by the French king ; and no fooner fet his foot in England, than he formed the nefarious projed: of coun- terplotting his affociate, and betraying the truft which he had pro- cured through the facility and precipitate confidence of the queen. Having been formerly patronifed by the duke of Argyle, and the earl of Leven, who were ftrongly attached to the Whig interefl, he notified his arrival to them, and offered to make difcoveries of the greateft moment to government, provided he had previous affurance June of protedtion and reward *. The intelligence was immediately com- municated by thefe noblemen to the duke of Queenfberry, who had been her majefty's commiffioner in the laft feflion of parlia- 5 Compare Campbell's farther Examination, of outlawry. Stuart's Papers, i -03. Mac- Colleftion of Original Papers, p. 31. Sir pherfon. John Maclean's DKcayery. Id. part ii. p. 4. -^ Campbell's Declaration, 24th Dec. Col- with Inftruftions to Captain Murray, 3d and leftion, p. 2 I. The duke of Argvle, to whom 5th May 1703, to Lord Lovat, which title Frafer applied, was father of John duke of he then bore at the court of St. Germains; Argyle, and died September 1703, before the U was fufpended in Scotland by the fentence bufinefs of the plot had tranfpired. ^ ^ inent ) roi- 17S HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^^ix^^' "^^'^'■' ^''itl ftill continued to be principally intrufted with tlie ma- nagement of Scottifh aft'airs. The duke was not infenfible of the delicate fituation in which he was involved by this difcovery, and of the fpecious objedlions to which his condu(5l muft inevitably be liable, whatever part he flioukl take. As a public magiftrate, it was his duty to carry the fentence of the criminal court into execution againfl: Frafer, whofc guilt, Angularly abominable and ferocious, reprelfed every emotion of lenity, and combined virtuous indignation with that reverence which is due to the authority of law, while it difparaged every in- formation proceeding from fuch an author. As Frafer's crimes had wounded the honour and peace of fome of the mofh refpedable families in the country, any connivance, or remiffiiefs in proceeding againfl: him, and ftill more, any confidence or indulgence fhewn to him, could not fail to expofe the duke to their refentment, which would be juftified by the fympathy of every perfon of candour and fenfibility. On the other fide, there were not wanting political, and even patriotic motives, for adopting a determination, different from what was fuggefted by the confiderations already mentioned. Many cir- cumftances, at this time, fingularly critical and portentous, exaded uncommon vigilance, and a promptitude to alarm, from all the fer- vants of the ftate ; and even vindicated a deviation from that ftri£t and pundilious adherence to form, which ought invariably to re- gulate their official proceedings in ordinary cafes during the feafon. of public union and tranquillity. Several perfons of a fufpicious charader, and fome who had been in the fervice of the pretender, had retm-ned to Scotland after the ad of indemnity. The infolence of the cavaliers, who had deferted the court, could only be ac- counted for on the fuppofition of their looking to another quarter for promotion and recompence ; confiderable fums of money had been lately remitted from France, to Scotland and Ireland ; aflbcia- 4 tions 1703. QJJEEN ANNE. 179 tions had been formed anions; the chieftains, addided to the Intereft CHAP. IX. of the chevalier ; the governor of Fort William had certain inform- ation, that the highlanders were to aHemble from every quarter, upon the pretence of a hunting-match, on the 2d Auguft 1703; that feveral perfons of diftin£tion were to be there, and particularly the laird of Grant, attended with five hundred men of his own clan, in arms\ The duke of Queenfberry was in fome meafure deprived of any difcretionary power of judging and acting, upon fuch occurrences as affected the peace of the country; and had been ftridly enjoined, by the minifters, to be watchful and inquifitive, and not to fpare pains or money for difcovering any ill defigns carrying on by the enemies of government. After weighing thefe circumftances, it is lefs furprifnig that he came to the refolution of admitting captain Frafer into his prefence ; and even proraifed to fupply him with money, on condition of his making ufeful difcoveries. The fame fpirit of exaggeration, which tainted the communications of Frafer, in the character of a political fchemer at the court of St. Germains, ftill attached to the difcoveries which he now made, when ading the part of an Informer and a fpy. To the circumftances of his own connexion with that court, which were placed in fuch a light, as to convey the belief of his having been in all Its fecrets, he now added, that, from the Information communicated by the friends of the houfe of Stuart in Scotland, he expe£led to find them prepared for an Infurredlion upon his arrival ; that the queen, and her fon, repofed entire confidence in the zeal of feveral of the Scottifli no- bility ; he named fome of them who correfponded with St. Ger- mains ; and produced a letter written and figncd by the queen, ad- drefled to lord Murray, now marquis of Athole, which he had found an opportunity of intercepting, as It had been Intended to ' The Duke of Queenfberry's Letters, nth Hamilton's Letter to Lieutenant-general Mail- Auguft 1703; 14th January 1704. Captain land, 23d July 1703. A a 2 convey i8o HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. C HA IX. 703 ^- convey it by another hand '. To accomplifli more effedually the fervice in which he now engaged in behalf of the prefent govern- ment, he propofed to return to Paris, and to furnifli the duke with full and minute intelligence of the fchemes concerted by the French king, and the exiled court, for overturning her majefty's throne. All the information, which the duke of Queenfberry received from captain Frafer, he communicated to the queen, and, though, he concealed the name of the author, and exprelTed fome fufpicion of his veracity, he added, that his commiffion under the hand and feal of the prince of Wales gave credit to what otherwife could not be believed '. The earl of Nottingham, the fecretary of flate, having intimated to the duke her majefty's approbation of all that he had done, he ftill continued to employ Frafer in fuch a way as feemed likely to lead to farther difcoveries. He fupplied the in- former at different times with money, and furnifhed him with a pafs, that he might travel without fufpicion, through the fouth of Scotland into the highlands, where he intended infidioully to avail himfelf of his commiffion from the pretender, for deteding fuch perfons as were difpofed to embark in his intereft '°. So notorious, however. ' Tin's letter was direfted on the back, •' Lord M y," in a charafter and ink dif- ferent from what had been ufed in the letter, and not infcribed at the bottom of the page. Frafer, h'kc all double men, was a grofs flatterer ; and, to jnfmuate himfelf into the duke of Queenfberry's favour, he contrived fuch a fpecification of fads, as flattered both the private virtues and the political fentiments of that nobleman. He faid, he had fecn a letter from lord Tarbat, intimating to lord Middleton his being appointed fecretary of ftate ; and adding, that, in a (hort time, the duke of Queenlbeiry would be turned out, an event much to be defired, becaufe he obftrufted every defign formed for the interell of king James ; Frafer farther declared, that the fame letter mentioned the duke of Queenfberry's having received a prefent of five thoufand pounds from the court of Hanover ; upon which information, lord Middleton expreffcd great furprife, and faid, that he knew the duke of Hamilton was capable of being bribed, but did not believe that the duke of QueenfbeiTy would take money. Qiieenfberi-y's Letter, ajtli September 1703. CoUeftion, p. 7. ' Queenfberry's Letter, 25th September 1703. Colleftion. '° The Duke of Quecnfben-y's Declaration ; Colleftion, p. 55. The duke of Queenfberry denied any previous knowledge of Frafer's in- tention to go to the Highlands. But as the duke gave Frafer three hundred pounds, and alfo procured him a pafs from tlie earl of Not- tingham ; and, as Frafer faid, at their firft in- terview, that he would employ his time in finding out fome more effeftual intelligence, by means of thofe perfons who had lately come from Q^UEEN ANNE. i8i Kowever, was the Infamy of this man, that he feems to have been C HA P. generally abhorred and avoided ; and, after wandering about with- i>- -.- -* out having any opportunity of betraying' hofpltallty, he returned to London, where he again had private interviews with the duke of Queenfberry. He and two of his companions were furniftied, by the earl of Nottingham, with pafles to Holland, under fi6tltious names ; from Holland he proceeded to France, perhaps with the purpofe of performing his engagements, as a ipy for the Englifli minifters ; but fome of his companions, who were true to the in- tereft which he deferted, having difcovered his double-dealing, gave notice of it to the court of St. Germains; and, foon after his ar- rival in Paris, he was thrown into the Baftile ; and met with the difgrace juftly due to fuch complicated and enormous treachery ". Captain Murray, who accompanied Frafer, though he continued faithful to his truft, did not meet with the reception which he had been encouraged to expe£t from the flattering reprefentations of his colleague. He refided principally in Edinburgh, the centre of in- telligence, and had many confultations with the friends of the exiled family ; but none of them feemed difpofed to enter into any enterprife of hazard for precipitating that fuccefs, which they hoped to accomplifh, after a ihort lapfe of time, by the fpontaneous inter- pofition of the queen, or the fortunate t^i of events '\ v A few weeks after the miniflry had received information of Fra- fer's arrival from the duke of Queenfberry, feveral perfons com- ing from France to England, were apprehended upon fufpicion of 'oth Now their being engaged in the fervice of the pretender, and this, cor- refponding with the circumftances already mentioned, fpread a ge- from France, the duke certainly left it to " Account of the Scotch Plot, from a Frafer's own difcretion to go wherever he Gentleman in the City to his Friend in the chofe ; and can hardly be fuppofed to have Country, p. 2. Campbell's Declaration, been fo indifferent in a matter of fuch import- Collection, p. 22. Keith's, Id. p. 35, 36. ance, as not to have inquired about his jour- Frafer's Letter, 8th January 1704. ney and occupation. " Campbell's Evidence. Colkdlion, p. 22. neral i:o3- 1S2 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. neral alarm ; and occafioned the refolutlon of the houfe of lords, of which an account has been given in a preceding chapter. Although the conduct of the duke of Queenfberry was juftified by the ftate of the country, and by the previous inftrudlions and fubfequent approbation of the minifters, yet it did not efcape the cenfure of his countrymen, and became the principal caufe of de- priving him, for a fhort time, of that political fway which he had long maintained in Scotland. The party in oppofition complained of his having made the plot a handle for afperfing their charadiers, and ruining their intereft with the court. The duke of Athole, who had been accufed by Frafer, prefented a memorial to the queen, from the tenor of which, it appears, that he was not more anxious to vindicate his own innocence, than to retort a charge of crimi- nality upon the duke of Queenfberry, founded upon the intercourfe he had held with Frafer '\ The cavaliers, offended becaufe he had grown cold to them, and forwarded the bills for confirming the revolution and the prefbyterian government, accufed Queenfberry of having fabricated the plot with a defign of bringing them under fufplclon '*. Many of the revolutionifts, inftead of being alarmed, as they were wont to be upon any rumour of danger to the pro- teftant fucceflion, were not difpleafed with an occurrence which brought difcredit upon a minifter, who had flighted them for a fea- fon, and of whofe intentions they now began to be exceedingly diftruftful, notwithflanding his avowed attachment to their prin- ciples. The deteftable charader of Frafer, not only detradted from his teftimony, but imparted a Ihare of ignominy to every perfon who gave him countenance, and employed him. At the fame time, • 5 Memorial to the Queen by the Duke of believed the confpiracy to have arifen, merely, Athole, l8th January 1704. Colkaion, from the refentful fpirit and mercenary' views p. 8. The duke of Athole had notice of the of Captain Frafer. Compare Athole's Me- accufation brought againft him by Frafer, morial, Colkaion, p. 8. with Fergufon's De- from the infamous Fergufon, who never was claration, Id. p. 13. out of a plot ; and who, being fufpeded and '* Guthrie's Hiftory of Scotland, vol. x. examined on this ojcslion, declared that he .p. 350. Lockhart, p. 74, 75. the QJJEEN ANNE. 183 the veil which was drawn over the whole of this bufmefs by the C HA r. Englifh minifters, and their lupinenefs in examining fuipeded per- u — - — —J fens, fuggefted a different ground of jealoufy, and was often re- ' ferred to, as a prefumptlve proof of the danger of the proteftaiat fuccefTion. Since the adjournment of the Scottifh parliament, every party had been driving to gain the afcendancy, at a period, when it might be improved to the moft fubftantial private benefit, as well as to the eftablifhment of national independence. Many perfons of rank re- forted to the court, that they might have an opportunity of refuting any mifreprefentations of their condudl", infufed into the breaft of the fovereign, and of propofmg themfelves as candidates for her patron- age. Various plans of coalition were fet on foot for the fame ends. The cavaliers, diffatisfied with the duke of Queenfberry, for the reafons already fpecified, made their court to the Squadrone, not lefs exafperated againft him for having called in the co-operation of the former to thwart all their favourite meafures for eftablifhing the in- dependence of the nation. Feeling their confequence, more than they had done at any former period, and wifhing ftill farther to increafe it, the leaders of the Squadrone did not decifively oppofe the over- tures of the Jacobites, while, at the fame time, they entered into a confidential correfpondence with her majefty's minifters, now weil pleafed to cherilh the friendly propenfities of a fet of men, who, from their flaming pretenfions to patriotifm, had acquired a predominant influence over the minds of the people ". The court indeed, at this time, had hardly any alternative with refpedl to the choice of per- fons to be intrufted with the management of Scottifh affairs. Hie 1703, 4- duke of Queenfberry and his partifans being laid afide, and the cava- liers more than ever fufpeded after the difcovery of the plot, the Squadrone leaders alone remained competent for exercifing the func- tions- of government, with any profpeft of fuccefs. A few montlis after the adjournment, fome of thofe member^, who had been moft '5 Lotkhart, pafiiia. violent iS4 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. violent in oppofitlon, were diftinguiflied by the favour of the court j and before the meethig of the next feffion, the principal minifterial '7'3j. 4- offices were vefted with the heads of the Squadrone. The marqula of Athole was raifed to the dignity of a duke, and lord Tarbat made earl of Cromartie. The marquis of Tweedale was appointed her majefty's high commiflioner '*. The earls of Roxburghe and Seafield, fecretarjes of ftate ; the earl of Rothes, lord privy feal ; Mr, Baillie ef Jervifwoode, lord treafurer depute ; and Mr. Johnflon, lord re- gifter". The fecond feffion of this parliament commenced at Edinburgh on the 6th of July 1704. The queen expreffed regret that all her endeavours for removing the animoflties of Scotland had proved un- fuccefsful ; and that divifions had arifen to fuch a pitch, as to en- courage the projeds of her foreign enemies for rendering that part of her kinedom a fcene of diforder and blood. She was confident, that her Scottifh fubjeds were loyal zn^ faithful -^ and that the late vuflakes proceeded entirely from different opinions with refped to meafures of government : flie affured them of her willingnefs to do all in her power for redifylng abufes, and quieting the minds of her fubjeds ; and that, for this end, fhe had empowered her commif- fioner to confent to whatever laws fhould be found neceffary for the fecurity of the government in church and flate. ^ She was perfuaded, that, in return, they would embrace the prefent opportunity to con- vince the world, that the true love of their country^ and not any want of duty to her, had been at the bottom of the late mifunderflandlngs. She recommended, with the greatefl earneflnefs, the fettlement of "* The mai-quis of Tweedale, coiifidered at this time created a duke ; the vifcounts of this time as the leader of the Squadrone, was Stair and Rofeberry were made earls ; lord a pcrfon of great good fenfe and modefty, but Boyle was created earl of Glafgow ; James very hot wlien he received any provocation ; Stewart of Bute, earl of Bute ; Charles Hope he was a great encourager of trade and every of Hopeton, earl of Hopeton ; John Craw- improvement, and had the charafter of a pa- ford of Kilbernie, vifcount of Garnock ; and triot. MS. Characlers. f'r James Primrofe of Carrington, vifcount of '7 Ker's Memoirs, vol. i. p. 24. The Primrofe. marquis of Douglas, though a minor, was at the QJJEEN ANNE. 185 the fucceflion in the proteftant line, as abfolutely necefTary for their C HA P. own happinels, and the fecurity of her majefty's dominions, which i _/ flie declared had been her fixed judgment ever fmce fhe came to the throne, and, if longer delayed, might make Scotland a fcene of hor- ror and devaftation. With refpe£t to the terms and conditions of government which were to afFed the fucceffbr, fhe was ready to grant every thing in her power, that could be reafonably demanded; and fhe concluded with a recommendation, to make a provifion for all the extraordinary occurrences occafioned by the war. The fmgularity of this addrefs, from a fovereign to her fubjedls, merits the particular notice of the reader, and conveys, as ftrongly as any fa£ts can do, the fenfe entertained by minifters of the diffi- culties they had to encounter from the ungovernable difpofition of the people, and the unfettled ftate of affairs in Scotland. An oppo- fition, which had thwarted her majefty's favourite meafures, and obftruded the fupply, is chara£lerifed by epithets refleding the higheft honour upon all who had a fliare in it. Nor perhaps was ever fuch a latitude of conceffion tendered by any prince to fub- jedts, who were not in a ftate of adtual infurrecSlion againft the eftabliftied government. The conditions, upon which the fucceflbr was to govern, are left entirely in their own hands. And, that they might not harbour the fufpicion of any deception, the com- miflloner, whofe fpeech had been always underftood as an authentic comment upon the royal letter, told them that it was nov\r in their power to fecure every thing they could wifh for the good of the country ". A language, fo cajoling to perfons who had fet their face againft government, and conceffions, affording fuch a wide fcope for fadlion, intrigue, and innovation, could only have been wrung from minifters, under the ftrong impreffion of approaching danger, likely to be aggravated by maintaining a lofty tone of au- thority. '* Records of the Scotch Parliament, Bb It i86 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. It ought alfo to be remarked, that the queen's letter, at the open- ing of this ieflion, was the firft that had made any diredt mention of fetthng the fucceflion to the throne of Scotland upon the houfe of Hanover. This point, however much dehred by her Englifli fubjedts, had hitherto been a matter of indifference to the fovc- reign ; and, perhaps, poftponed from motives of policy and the im- pulfe of natural affe<3;ion. But, when her majefty began to dread perfonal danger from confpiracies, aad: was made fenfible that the. contingent flate of the fucceffion prefented, at once, the ftrongefl: teitiptations, and the moft favourable opportunities for carrying them into execution, flie entered ferioufly into the views of the houfe of lords, who advifed her to prefs upon the dates in Scotland the entailing the crown to the proteflant line " ; and the commif- fioner was therefore inftru£ted to grant every thing they demanded,, provided tliat meifure could be effected.. So flrongly however were manv of that afiembly prepofl'effed with the opinion of the queen's bcln"- fecretly attached to the claims of her brother, that, left her public affeverations to the contrary Ihould not meet with due credit^ it was deemed neceffary, though certainly little to her majefty's honour, to corroborate and enforce them by the teftimony of her rainifters. The chancellor, who,, after the commiffioner, addreffed the ftates with a profufion of eulogiums on the royal letter, allud- ing to an indecent diftindion adopted by fome divines, affured them, that her majefty had no fecret -will, contradictory to that which fhe revealed ; and that nothing could pleafe her better, than to believe and obey what flie faid ". The prefent critical fituation of England, engaged in an extenfive and coftly war, the fpirit of conceffion which that fituation fug- " Journals Lords, 3ifl March, 1704. and the Jacobites ftimnlated to intrigue. From the delay of the fettlement of the fuc- Letter from lord Glafgow to Mr. Carftares, ceffion, ever>- party began to fufpeft, that the Edinburgh, 27th November 1703. Carftares's queen had an eye to St. Germains. The sea- State Papers, p. 723. lous revolutionifts were thereby difcouraged; »° Records of the Scotch Parliament. gefted QJJ E E N ANNE. gelled to the minifters, and the enthufiaftic ardour of the Scottifh nation for hidependence, exalted the ftates at this period to a pre- eminenc eand dignity which they never had attained before, fince their political conexion with England ; and imprefled the patriots with the moft flattering profpe£l of abolifhing every grievance, and eftablifhing the freedom of their native country upon folid and lad- ing foundations. The queftions and debates which occur in the profecution of thefe objeds during this feffion, and the tempers of the fpeakers, exhibit fuch an exadt fimilitude to vvhat has been de- lineated in the hiftory of the preceding one, that a fpeciiic detail of them would only lead into a repetition of arguments, which could contribute neither to the inftrudlion, nor amufement of the reader. The fettlement of the fucceffion and the fubfidies v;ere recom- mended by the commillioner, as requiring the moft fpeedy difpatch; and the recent circumftances of danger, fo alarming to the nation, were urged by his partllans, as a fufficient apology for deviating from that order of bufmefs, which they had fo ftrenuouily con- tended for in the preceding feffion, and for preferrring thefe fubjedls to the overtures for conftitutional reformation. From the declara- tion of fome of the v,'itnefles who had been examined on the plot, it was evident, that the friends of the pretender refted their fondeft hopes upon the vague ftate of the fucceffion ; and that the court of St. Germains would regard any oppofition from the ftates to the motion for bringing it to an ifliie, as a pledge of their good will and future fervices. But this change of fentiment in the Squadrone, however Ipecioufly defended, only operated to the fubverfion of the popularity they had acquired in the preceding feffion ; and the plot, which had been the pretended inftrument of their convedion, fur- niffied the anti-courtiers with new, and inconfiftent objedlions to the conducS of the Englifh minifters and legillature. By dilatory proceedings, the former meant to employ it as a check upon that noble fpirit of patriotifm which animated the generality of the Scottifh nation, conniving at furmifes ruinous to fome of the beft B b 2 friends 1704. i8S HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. friends of their country, and intimidating others with the threats of accufation, fliould they dare to contravene the will of the court with refpe£l to the fucceflion and fupply ; while the houfe of. lords in England, by afliiming to themfelves the examination of the fufpeded peffons, had not only officioufly intermeddled with Scottifh affairs, but encroached on the foveieignty and independence of the king- dom ^'. The flates had the beft right to every information in. a bufi- nefs, fo peculiarly interefting to their own credit and the fafety of the country ; and it was moved, that the lord commiflioner fhould, in their name, folicit her majefty to fend down a\\ the witnefles and papers relating to the plot ; that, after diligent and impartial exami- nation of evidence, thofe, who were falfely accufed, might be vindi- cated ; and the guilty punifhed according to their deferts". The a£l of fecurity, however, was the theme ftiil uppermoft with the ftates, and obtruded, in diverfified fliapes, under every fubjedt of debate, that it might be underftood as a neceflary preliminary to any terms of amity, or conciliation. To enfure fuccefs beyond every hazard, arifing either from the intrigues of the court, or any after 25th July, abatement in their own zeal, it was refolved, that the fupply and the a£l of fecurity ihould be conjoined, and neceflarily fubjeded to the fame, indifcriminate fate. Every circumftance now concurred to infpire the minifters with defponding apprehenfions concerning the ftate of the public. The treafury was exhaufted : difafFedlion and turbulence infeded every order : the army, weak, ill paid and muti- nous, inftead of overawing and repreffing, was Likely to encourage *' It was aftenvards moved, that the addrefs and good and friendly neighbours to Scotland, of the houfe of lords to the queen, in relation The iirlt claufe, relative to the houfe of lords, to the fucceflion of the crown of Scotland, and was carried, and the lall rejefted. A day was to the examination of the plot, in fo far as alfo appointed for examining the plot, and an concerns Scotfmen, was an undue intenned- application made to the court for thofe docu- dling with the concerns of Scotland, and an nients which had been fent to London from encroachment upon the independence and the Scottifh privy council. Records of tlie fovereignty of the nation; but that the pro- Scotch Parliament, 8th, 9th Auguft 1704. ceedings of the houfe of commons in England '"' Id. 17th July, were'Uke thofe of good fubjetls to the queen, and QJJEEN ANNE. and abet infurrevftions among the people 189 While the affah-s of the C HAP. i A. French king were growing defperate by the repeated defeats of his armies on the continent, the ungovernable temper of the Scots, and the numerous adherents of the houfe of Stuart, prefented to him a favourable opportunity for changing the fcene of adlion, by lighting the torch of difcorJ within the bofom of that country which had upheld the confederacy. Should he fucceed in making a defcent on the coaft of England, there could be little doubt of his being feconded by the irruptions of a rebellious multitude from Scotland into the northern counties, which would occafion the recall of the Englifh troops in foreign fervice, and turn the fortune of the war '*. The only expedient for eluding fuch accumulated and ftupendous dangers, was to pafs the adt of fecurity. Many evils were forefeen to refult from a conceflion which was now to be made with a bad grace, after long and obftinate refiftance ; but it remained for the minifters only to make a choice between diftant and prefent evils. ^' The Scottifh army, at this time, confifted only of three thoufand men, double officered. The Right of Succeffion, p. 60. The detail of the military eftablifhment in Scotland, in the year 16S1, being a time of peace, I find ftated as follows : The horfe-guards, one him- dred men ; the foot-guards, ten companies of a hundred men ; three troops of horfe, of fixty horfemen ; three troops of dragoons, of ninety-five ; one regiment of foot, of ten companies of an hundred men ': in the caille of Edinburgh, one hundred 'and twenty fentinds ; in Stirling caflle, eleven. Officers are not included in the above lifts. The whole pay of the above troops amounted to £. 26,786 : 8 : o per annum. Right of Suc- ceffion, p. 10. This eftabliffiment was reduced in the pro- portion of feveral hundreds after the revolu- tion, which was probably owing to the great number of recruits drawn from Scotland dur- ing the continental war. Id. 52. At the beginning of the reign of queen Anne, Scotland had only three (hips of war of a 5th or 6th rate, fcantily manned, to proteft their trade. The army in England, in tlie year lyoj', confifted of lixty-five tlioufand, two hundred men, befides five thoufand foreigners in her pay. The Englifii fleet carried forty thonfand failors and marines. If Scotland had been rated in the fame proportion with England, according to population, her quotas, both for the land and fca fervice, ought to have amounted, nearly to triple the number which (lie aftuaUyfurnifhed. The difproportion of the efficient force of the two kingdoms was, as thirteen to one ; that, which was aftually pro- duced or coUetled, was, as twenty-fix to one. Idem. In the cafe of a difunion between England and Scotland, how defpicable in the competi- tion muft the force of the latter have^been ! The troops maintained by Ireland, after the peace of Ryi'vvick, confifted of twelve thoufand men. Id. p. 54. '+ Cunningham, vol. i. p. 41 3. The 1704. I90 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. The unforefeen courfe of events, or the future higeiiirity and difcre- tion of ftatefmen might perhaps provide an antidote againft the former ; but thofe, which had ah-eady gathered over their heads, ad- mitted of no akernate remedy. The a£l of fecurity alone could pre- vent the explofion. After the adjournment of the parliament for a 5th Auguft. few days, the commiilioner announced to the ftates his having received the royal authority for pafling the adt of fecurity '' By this a€t, England and Scotland were now legally disjoined ; and, unlefs a renewal of their union covild be effedled upon terms more equal and popular than had taken place hitherto, both nations mufl. inevitably be plunged into all the horrors of a civil war. As if upon the eve of that awful crifis, both of them began to carry on hoftile preparations, openly, and under the fanftion of law-. Agree- ably to a claufe in the adl, fencible men were raifed in the feveral counties of Scotland, furnifhed with arms, and trained to military difclpline. In the fpirit of retaliation, as well as from confideratlons of a provident and fair policy, the parliament of England addrefled her majefty to give orders for fortifying the border towns, for arm- ing the militia, and augmenting the regular troops ftationed in the northern counties ". Several a£ts were pafled tending to deflroy the commerce of Scotland, by preventing the exportation of wool, horfes, arms, and ammunition, from England and Ireland into Scotland ; and for prohibiting the importation of linen cloth, black cattle, ■*' Records of Parliament. " The prJii- " and trade of the nation, fro7n Eiigh'fli or " cipal claufe of this aft was that which pro- " any foreign influence, with power to the " vided, that the fucceffor to the crown of " meeting of the ilatcs, to add fuch farther " Scotland fhould not be the fame with the " conditions of government as the)- fhall think " fucceffor to the crown of England, unlefs, <' necefiary, the fame being confillent with, " that in this prefent feflion of parliament, or «' and nowife derogatory from thofe, which " any other feffion of this, or any enfuing " Ihal! be enadcd in this or any other feffion " parliament, during her majefty's reign, " of parliament during her majeily's reign." " there be fuch conditions of government See the Aft, Appendix to the Annals of " fettled and eilablifhed, as may fecure the Anne, 1704., N^ I. " honour and fovereignty of this crown and »« jum-^als Lords and Commons, Decem- " kingdom, the freedom, frequency, and ^er 1704. " power of parliaments, the religion, liberty, flieep. 1704. Q^UEEN ANNE. 191 flieep, coals, and fait, from Scotland into England''. The commlf- ^ ^^ -'^ ^• fioners of the admiralty were inftrufted to iffue orders to her ma- jefty's navy for making prizes of all Scottifh (hips trading to France, or to any of the ports of her majefty's enemies ; and an additional number of cruizers were put into commifTion for the more efFecElual execution of thele orders". The prudence and moderation of the Englifh parliament were at the fame time illuftrioufly difplayed, by qualifying the various refolutions which provided for the fafety of England with fuch kind hints and limitations, as pointed out, and invited the ftates of Scotland to embrace the cei'tain means of avoid- ing the defperate calamities to which both nations were jointly expofed ; and evinced an unfeigned defire of eftabliihlng a perma- nent friendlhip with their Scottifh neighbours *'. For neither the alienation bill, nor the penal confequences annexed to it, were to operate againfl: the Scots, except in the cafe of their declining to fettle the fucceflion to their crown in the proteftant line ; and, that no after-reludlance or delay, on the part of England, might fruftrate the happy event of an union, the queen was vefted with a Handing authority to appoint commiffioners for that purpofe, whenever the ftates of Scotland fhould exprefs their willingnefs to enter upon a treaty ^°. ^' Thefe articles were fuppofed to bring a England. Account Current, p. i. clear profit of one hundred and twenty thou- Scotland had a confiderablc traffic with fand pounds per annum into Scotland; of which England by means of pedlars, fome of them one hundred thoufand arofe from the article carrying their wares on their backs, but mod of cattle alone. Account CuiTcnt, p. i. Sir J. of them on horfes. Their packs confilled Clerk's MSB. moftly of linen cloth and lace, and were worth From England the principal importations one hundred, fometimcs two hundi-ed pounds.. into Scotland were, India goods, Eall and Thefe ftrolling merchants from Scotland were Weft, of all kinds, butter, cheefe, tallow, fuppofed to amount to upwards of two thou- leather, all kinds of houfehold furniture, wear- f^nd at the time of the union. Right of Suc- ing apparel, arms, faddles, and horfes, calcu- ceflion to the Crown, p. 5. lated in the grofs at one hundred and fifty-one ^^ Journals of Lords and Commons, No- thoufand pounds per annum, fo, that the ba- vember and December 170^, palTim. lance againft Scotland was thirty-one thoufand *' Journals Common?, 24th November i "04, pounds per annum,'befides the money carried 5th February 1705. out by the nobiUty and geutr)' who rcfided in 2' Id. j/Jppendix, N' X. XI. 14 After 192 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. IX ^ After pafTing the adl of fecurity and granting a fupply of fix * ^"^ — ' month scefs, the bufinefs of the plot was refumed ; and, if the feffion 1704. _ * SthAuguft. liatl been continued, would probably have been productive of addi- iith. i4tli, tional embarrafi'ments to adminiflration. Several days were em- ployed in the examination of the public accounts ^'. A long debate took place relative to a bill for the exportation of wool ; thofe, who were defirous to purfue conciliatory meafures with England, en- deavoured to prevent it, becaul'e it was injurious to the manufadlures of that kingdom, and tended to widen the breach between the two 22d. nations. But the bill pafTed, and was a fignal to the commifFioner to clofe a feflion bent upon multiplying impediments to reconcilia- tion''. On the 27th of Auguft, he addrefl'ed the ftates, exprefling his regret, that they had not given fuch difpatch to ufeful bufinefs as might have been expedled from the time with which her majefty had indulged them ; and next day, prorogued the parliament to the 7th Odlober. Although a few preferments were bellowed on the friends of the Squadrone after the recefs, it foon appeared that the proceedings of the laft feffion had not anfwered the expedlations of the minifters ; and, having given great offence to the parliament of England, quickly contributed to the difcredit of the perfons who had lately prefided in the government of Scotland. The chiefs of the Squadrone had un- dertaken for the fettlement of the proteftant fucceffion, upon her majefty's gratifying the nation with the aft of fecurity ; and, from the concurrence of the prefbyterian intereft, and that of the late minifters who had approved of that meafure, they were not without plaufible grounds, for prefuming upon their ability to perform their ^' From the examination of the accounts, the deficiency of the revenue, arifing from the which run back to March 1689, great abufes inland excife, are particularly worthy of no- were brought to light in the management of tice, becaufe they exhibit, in the moil ftriking the revenue in Scotland. See Records of view, the miferable condition of Scotland, oc- the Scottiih Parliament, 1704, p. 56. 61. 66. calloned by the preceding years of famine. 68. 69. ^' Sir J. Clerk's MSS. Some fafts, which occurred with refpeft to engage- i7C4> 5- QJJEEN ANNE. 193 engagements. They might have been Inftruded by their own ex- CHAP, perience, as well as the uniform teftimony of hiftory, that, of all events in expedtation, none are more precarious than thofe which depend upon the fleadinefs and honour of party men. The friends of the duke of Queenfberry, though profeffedly attached to the Hanoverian fucceffion, were no fooner out of place than they con- curred with the Jacobites and the country party, to thwart a meafure which was likely to redound to the praife of their antagonifts " . and thus the Squadrone were mortified by being left in a minority, and the court difappointed of the benefits which it expedled from having placed them in the adminiftration. In judging of political affairs, the ideas of ill fuccefs and mifcondudl are invariably affo- ciated. In proportion to the diflatisfaition, exprefled by every party in England on account of the late mcafures in Scotland, was the odium now affixed to thofe who had prompted her majefty to adopt them, under the rafli afllirance of correding them by after expedi- ents, which could not now be accoraplifhed. Though the fer- ment of the people, and the caprice of fadtion, might 'appear the true caufes of thofe mifcarriages, which were imputed to the pre- fumption or imbecility of the ruling party ; yet it certainly would have been impolitic in the court to have continued their authority at a crifis, that required an adminiftration pofleffing every advantage of talents, popularity, and influence. From a regard to thefe quali- fications, the duke of Queenfberry, and the duke of Argyle, were now feleded to fuperintend the management of Scottifli affairs dur- ' ing the next feffion of parliament ; the former being appointed to the office of privy feal, and the latter to that of lord high commif- fioner ". '' Ker, vol.i, p. 24. Anfvvcr to the Account difplaced him after faithful and dapo-erous of the Eleftion in North Britain, and the Con- ferviccs; but on accoiuit of their demuniag du* Lockhart, p. 144. ijo, 151, 152. Cur.-- for invefligating the plot, becaufc it might liave liiiigham, vol. i. p. 423, led to difcoveries ruinous to themftlves and W hich' 1705. 20O IIIST6RY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, wlilch tlicy mull have encountered, in deciding the queftions pre- vioufly neceflary to their entering upon the article of the fucceflion j and indeed perceived, from the prefent temper of parties, that there was little probability of thefe queftions being brought to a conclu- fion. The cavaliers, and fome of the country party who were friends to the independence of Scotland, voted for difpoung firft of the queftion relative to a treaty of union ; becaufe, being of a com- plicated nature, they expecEled that It would teem with fuch a multi- plicity of difficulties and objedions, as were more likely- to prevent the fettlement of the fucceflion, involved with it, than if that quef- tion had been difcufled in a fimple and detached form ". Imprefled with the fame views, the minifters themfelves did not approve fo cordially of the propofed order of bufmefs, as they would have done, had they forefeen the refult of it, which was indeed contrary to the intention of many who voted for the motion. Happy it certainly was for both kingdoms, that the queftion of the union preceded that of the fucceflion ; for, if the latter had been adjufted to the defire of the parliament of England, the minifters there would not have found themfelves under the fame neceflSty of urging the treaty, as they did, when it came to be implicated with the fettlement of the crown upon a proteftant fucceflbr*^ Nor is it unreafonable to conclude, from the prefent views and tempers of parties, that, though the proteftant fettlement had been adopted, yet, from the conceffions offered to the ftates, it would have been clogged with reftridions and qualifications, which, far from compofmg and terminating, muft necefllirlly have fomented and prolonged contentions and jealoufies inimical to the quiet of both kingdoms. *' Lockliart, p. 161, 2. " The true defign " of the fucceflion, was a mere fliam." Id. *' of all this was to defeat the fuccefTion on any p. 162. After fetth'ng the order of bufinefs, " terms. So the cavahers projcfted ; but an •aft pafied for feven months cefs, aiftSep- " others joined with them in order to pro- tember. (^.42,000.) <« mote the union." Sir J. Clerk's MSS. on *'^ '" If the fuccefTion had been fettled, there Lockhart, p. 146. " would not have been a word of the union." . " The refolve which the cavaliers. had car- Sir J. Clerk's MSS. 011 Lockhart, p. 120. (( jried for a treaty, previous to the fettlement After QJJEEN ANNE. 201 After the queftion for going into the difcuflion of the union was CHAP, agreed to, a variety of motions were introduced to defeat its uhimate ■_ -,-l_j fuccefs. Some of them were repugnant to the fpirit and plan of an ^'°^' incorporating union ; and, had they been adopted, inftead of ce- menting the affedions of a divided people, they would have opened new fources of animofity and conteft between the inhabitants of North and South Britain. Others tended to circumfcribe, or to pre- clude altogether, thofe beneficial conditions which Scotland after- wards obtained from the generofity of the more profperous kingdom. In the courfe of thefe debates, there was not any member of the convention who feemed more determined to oppofe the minifters in every point than the duke of Hamilton ; and he had been the mover of feveral propofitions intended to overturn the treaty ; and yet, to the furprife and mortification of his adherents, he propofed to refer the nomination of the Scottifh commiffioners entirely to the queen *'. The ftrange inconfiftency of the duke's condu cumftances. ift^ The I7c6. 2o6 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. I ft, The bitter and inveterate rancour, which fubfifted between I the EngUfli and the Scots, rendered it improbable, that the authority ■''° ' of law, or any profpeft of diftant advantage, could ever produce that amicable correfpondence, which was eflential to reap the benefit, or even to maintain the external form of an union. As domeftic quar- rels pierce deeper into the heart, and are carried on with fharper animofity, than thofe which take place between perfons, unconnefted by any previous ties of blood or intereft ; fo the moft implacable an- tipathies have ever prevailed in bordering ftates, which a miftaken view of policy has alienated from each other, contrary to all the conciliatory analogies of lineage, language, manners, and cuftoms. ' Society, in fuch a fituation, exhibits the darkeft portraits of human charader ; the moft hideous examples of barbarity, and the moft re- fined inventions of hoftile vengeance. The mutual jealoufies and hatreds, which prevailed at an early period in the contiguous kingdoms of England and Scotland, had been inflamed to the higheft degree by the arrogant pretenfions of Edward I. to a feudal fuperiority over the latter, at a period, when it was embroiled by internal diffentions, and a difputed fucceflion to the crown '. While the very mention of a claim, involving the moft humiliating confequences, roufed the indignation of a free and high fpirited people, the blood and devaflntion, with which it was profe- cuted by his fucceflbrs, fpread fuch a general horror, and tranfmitted fuch a deep remembrance of injuries, as could only be extinguiftied after the lapfe of many ages \ The French court, charadterized by ' Edward I. had formed a projefl of unit- willing to relinquidi fo grand an objeft as the ing the crowns of England and Scotland upon union, had recourfe to violence and treacher)'' fair and honourable terms, by marrying his to make it efFeftual. General Hiftory of fon Edward to the grand daughter of Alex- Unions in Britain. Defoe, ander, king of Scotland, commonly called * In the wars between Edward, and Bruce the Maid of Norway. The terms of union and Baliol, it is calculated that not kfs than fix •were agreed to between him and the ftates of hundred thoufand of both nations perilhcd. Scotland. The young lady died in her voy- Preface to Defoe's Hiftory of the Union. ;age home from Norway, and Edward being un- General Hiftory of Unions, p. 46. an QJJEEN ANNE. 207 1706. an impertinent interference in the affairs of diftant flates, and by the CHAP, refinement and fuccefs of its intrigues, before it had yet afcended to pre-eminence in the political fcale of Europe, did not overlook this .favourable opportunity for courting the alliance, and fomenting the animofities of the Scots, fo hurtful to their common enemies in South- Britain ^ Attending to thefe circumftances, we are not furprifed at the failure of repeated projedls fet on foot by the court of England, for obtain- ing the acceffion of Scotland by matrimonial alliance * ; nor is it likely, if they had taken place, that they could have produced a cor- dial and durable coalition between the two countries. Confiderinc: the acrimony of their prejudices, as well as that national pride, which is always moft extravagant where the people are indigent and de- preffed, the Scots would not long have maintained allegiance to their fbvereign, placed upon the throne of England by compail or bargain.- ^ The privileges, granted to the Scots by the court of France, were of ancient date ; and after the marriage of queen Mary to the dauphin were made equal to thofe of the na- tives. See Afts of the SthParliament of Queen Mar)', No. 65, 6. Scotfmen had often been promoted to high offices in France. Difcourfe on the Union, p. 151. Edinburgh, 1702. When an incorporating union between the two kingdoms was propofed after the acceffion of James I. March 1704, the im- munities of the Scottifh traders in France v/ere confidered as fo advantageous, that va- rious fcliemes weie propofed for bringing the Batives of both kingdoms to an equality. Spottifwood's Hiftory, p. 481. London, 165 1. Although the union, then propofed, proved abortive, the immunities of the Scots in France were fo ofFenfive to their Englith neighbours, that when lord HoUis was fent to negotiate the peace at Breda, April 1667, he was inftruifted to ufe his endeavours with the French ambaifador, to perfuade that court to withdraw thofe ancient immunities which were enjoyed by the Scots, to the pre- judice of the Engliih. He fucceeded in this invidious application, which gave great of- fence to the Scots. Perfuafive to the Union, p. 9. 2.1. Edinburgh, 1702. Refleftions on Lord Feverfham's Speech, London, 1704. * Henry VI IL offered his daughter in marriage to James V. of Scotland, and to fecure the crown of England to them jointly after his own death. He perfevered in the fame projeS of uniting the ifland after the birth of his fon Edward, propoling that he. Ihould efpoufe Mary the daughter of James. The fame alliance was purfued by the regen- cies of the two kingdoms, during the mino- rity of Edward and Mary; but both at- tempts, that of Heniy, and that of the re- gents, were thwarted by the oppoiition of the French party, and the clergy in Scotland ; the former dreading the extinftion of their own intereft, and the latter the eftablilhment of the reformed religion, which both Henry and his fon had embraced. Preface to Defoe, p. 47. Somerfet's Declaration after the Bat- tle of Pinkey ; Appendix, p. 715. Decla- ration of Edward, Difcourfe on the Union, p. 6. 1702. The J7o6. 208 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. The union of the two crowns was accomplifhed, not in confequence of any premeditated plan, or by intrigue, or force, but by fuch a feries of incidents as was afcribed folely to the over-ruling hand of providence ; while the forefight and expedlation of it gradually pre- pared the affedions of a difunited people for a peaceable acquiefcence in the event. The vanity of the poorer nation was alfo flattered by giving a fovereign to the richer and more powerful ; while a wonder- ful coincidence of hereditary claims, all centering in the perfon of the Scottifh king, not only fupprelTed every objection ariiing from the comparative inferiority of his native country, but excited an en- thufiafm of loyalty, which rendered the Englifh indulgent to the na- tional partiality of that prince '. The antipathies between the two nations foon revived, and, together with the pernicious fyftem adopted by the houfe of Stuart with refpedl to the government of Scotland, counteradled all future attempts for incorporating the legif- latures of the two kingdoms. Public events, as well as the meafurcs of government, which took place after the revolution, more and more divided their interefts and afFedions, till they were brought to the verge of hoftility when the treaty was opened. By the multitude, or great body of the people, the idea of an union was held in abhorrence, and confidered as not lefs diflionourable for Scotland, than fubjedion to England by force, or conqueft. All who were fufpeded of being favourable to it, whatever their former fervices had been, not only loft the confidence of the people, but were ' It is remarkable, that all the claims of " it heretofore. My three firft years were the different competitors for the crown of " to them as a Chriftmas : I could not then England, not only thofe which fubfifted from «' be miferable. Should I have been over- the Conqueft downwards, but alfo that which " fparing to them, they might have thought was derived from the Saxon raonarchs, united " Jofeph had forgotten his brethren, or that ill the perfon of James I. Blackftone's " the king had been drunk with his new Commentary, b. i. c. 3. " kingdom. The longer I live, the lefs James made an apology for his partiality " caufe I have to be acquainted with them, to his count17m.cn in a fpeech to the Englilh " and fo the lefs caufe of extraordinary fa- parhament. 1607. " For my liberality," " vour towards them." Striftures on the meaning to the Scots, " I have told you of Union, p. 10. Defoe, in QJJEEN ANNE. 209 In danger of becoming vidlims to their fury *. While the treaty was CHAP, depending, addrefles were prefented againfi: it by feveral of the counties, burghs, prefbyteries, and parirtics. Threatening letters were fent to the iervants of the crown ; and the members of parUa- ment, who fupported the inclinations of the court, were infulted by the mob in the ftreets of the metropolis \ The proclamations, which were iflued for controlling thefe irregularities, were torn from the places to which they were affixed, and configned to the flames under the very eyes of the magiftrates. Thefe outrages neither could have arifen to fuch a height, nor could they have been fo formidable to government, if the authors of them had not been fecretly counte- nanced by perfons of influence, and encouraged with the hope of military fuccour. The Cameronlans, a numerous body in the fouth, and fome of the clans in the highlands, were mufl:ered under experi- enced oflScers ; and, if their force had been concentrated, might have been an overmatch for the regular troops of the queen '. Befides the obftrudlions to the treaty, arifmg from the implacable rancour of the populace, and the probability of their having recourfe to arms, there were flrong prejudices, affe£ting the minds of more enlightened ranks, which rendered them averfe to an incorporating union. That natural pride, which betrays individuals into an over- weening efl.imation of perfonal talents and advantages, operates with * Lockhart, paiTim. Letter to a Friend, * Lockhart, paffim. Kcr's Memoirs, vol. i. giving an Account how the Union was re- p. 27. The adl of fecurity authorized all ceived at Edinburgh, 1707. Cunningham, the proteftant heritors and the burghs to vol. ii. p. 59. Letter from the Duke of provide anns, and to difcipline and exercife Argyle to Lord Somers. Edinburgh, 1706. their fencible men. Under this cover, the Hardwicke's Collections, vol. ii. p. 465. gentlemen, who were averfe to the union. Letter of Halifax to Somers. Id. p. 47 1 . were preparing force to oppofe it. At the Lend. 1778. commencement of the treaty, the above claufe ' Lockhart, paflim. Clerk's MSS. The in the ad of fecurity was fufpended ; and convention of the royal burghs prefented an the fubjefts were prohibited from aiTembling addrefs to the dates againft the union ; twen- upon any pretence during the feflion of par- ty-four burghs addreffed feparately ; twenty liament. This meafure rellrained, in fomc did not addrefs. A few of the counties only degree, military mufters and tumultuary mcet- addrefled, and in thefe the frctholdera were ings, but did not altogether put a ftop to them, not unanimous. Defoe, 281. E e accumu- 1706. 2IO HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, accumulating force upon communities; difpofes them to lay the greatefl flrefs upon local diflindtions, and to aflume an illufive fupe- 1706. riority over other clafles and aflbclations of their fellow creatures. Where opulence and power, the true caufes of political pre-emi- nence, are wanting, they are the more prone to refort to a fiditious excellence, and to borrow luftre from the antiquity, the dignity, and the blood of their families '. Peculiar circumftances cherifhed the abfurd vanity and haughty fpirit of the nobility and gentry in Scot- land ; and rendered them jealous of every meafure which feemed tO' imply fubordination to the neighbouring kingdom, or to lead to any kind of dependence upon it. The allurements of foil and climate had often tempted the rapacious invader to brave the dangers of the ocean, and to difplace the hereditary poffeflbrs in the fouthern di- ftridts of Britain ; and an advanced ftate of induftry and commerce, by fair and gentle means, afterward produced the more frequent fluduation of property there. In Scotland, the ruggednefs of the country, the fcantinefs of provifions, and their perfonal valour, fe- cured the inhabitants againft foreign irruptions, and rendered landed property ftationary and accumulative. The complexion of the laws, the limitations of manufactures and commerce, and the cuflomary deference of vaflals to their fuperiors, ftill farther contributed to the permanent tenure of eftates and honours ; fo that Scotland, before the union, boafted of a greater number of ancient fa.mllies than per- haps any other European diftri£l of equal extent. The French ' To cor.firm tliis obfervation, many paf- " though, ptihaps, tliey may appear of fmall fages might be cited from pamphlets in oppo- " vahie to an age funk in luxury, and degene- fition to the union ; which are curious, be- " rated into an effeminate efteem in notliing, caufe charadleriftic of the fentiments and fpi- " but what puts money in their pockets to rit of the times. " Though Scotland mull " fupport it, would be acknowledged as of " unite as the k/s coii/Jderab/e kingdom, with " great ornament, and accounted of a very " refpeft to trade, wealth, &c. yet it can '< high value in the eyes of all the world, if " never otherwife unite, than as the prefer- " ever the Scots fhould come to make fuch a " able iingelom, with refpeft to antiquity, ho- " confiderable figure in an independent ftate, " nour, mdciigmty of precedency, according to «' as undoubtedly they might." Rights and " the fundamental rules of honour and he- Interefts of the two Britilh Monarchies, p. 1 1. " raldry, every where acknowledged." Lond. 1706. " Which points of dignity and honour^ I court, QJJEEN ANNE. 2n court, expert In the political graces, had accommodated itfelf to the CHAP, predominant foibles of its allies, by conferring peculiar honours on u — .- —f the defcendants of the Scottifli nobility, and granting valuable com- mercial immunities to the nation at L'.rge "°. While the remem- brance of thefe gave the Scots a bias to a connexion with France, the ridicule with which their vanity was treated by their lefs courtly neighbours ; a prevailing difpofition to vilify their condition and manners ; and the affronts which individuals incurred during their occafional intercourfe with the Englilh, fprcad an alarming antici- pation of that national depreffion to which they would be fubjedled by the union. What did it avail them, that the independence of their crown and nation were to be recognifed, when, from the arrogance of their fellow fubjeds, they might expedl to be treated with all the infolence of ufurped fuperiority " ? The injurious effeds of the union, with refpe^l to the metropolis' furnifhed a pidlure of imaginary woe, well calculated to excite the emotions of a vulgar pity, and the remonflrances of a fantaftic pa- triotifm. The defertion of a city, venerable for its antiquity and the loftinefs of its edifices, the abolition of that magnificent pageantry which attended the reprefentation of a court, and of that profufe hofpltality, which enlivened the metropolis during the meetings of the ftates, were lamented as ferious calamities by all thofe who, from early impreflions, and an aflbciation not incompatible with an en- lightened underftanding, had attached the ideas of fenlibiilty and '" Rights and Interefl; of the two Britifh written in (.Itfence of the independence of Monarchies, p. J. Cui't dion of Treaties be- Scotland, were thanked by the Scottifh par- tween France and Scotland. liamenl, and received eacli of them a prefent of " Defoe, p. 226. Several pamphlets were four thoufand, eig-h.t hundred pounds Scots pubhihed in England at this time to prove the (£. 400. ) for their patriotic labours. Re- feudal fuperiority of the Engli(h monarchy cords of the Scotch Parliament, loth Auguil oyer Scotland ; and the favourable reception, 1705. At wood's Superiority of Eno-laud which they generally met with, .gave great over Scotland, and the Scots Patriot un- offence to the Scots. malked, were voted fcurrilous, and burnt by Mr. Andeifon and Mr. Hodges, who had the hands of the common hangman. Idem. E e 2 afiedion 1706. 212 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, affecflion to external objeds, which flattered their vanity, and con- tributed to their pleafure and emolument '*. 2dly, The religious prejudices of the Scots fuggefted uneafy ap- prehenfions about the confequences of an incorporating union. As the fond attachment of the people to the prefbyterian forms of wor- fhip and government had been a principal caufe of defeating former attempts for uniting them to England, fo it was now wrought upon as the fitted inllrument, not only for inflaming the pafl^ions of thofe who were already prejudiced againft the prefent fcheme of union, but, for reftraining the concurrence of others, who were zealous for the proteftant fucceffion. Aft^r the jundion of the two crowns, the court had carried on a confl:an^ warfare againft the form of religion favoured by the people in Scotland. Although prefby- tery had obtained the fulleft fecurity by the Revolution, the hearts of its votaxies were not at eafe. The benign interpofition of Wil- liam, for refl;raining an intolerant fpirit, and di.fcountenancing the violence of ecclefiaftical proceedings againft the epifcopalians, was illiberally afciibed to his inherent averfion to the popular religion. The prefent fovereign had boafted of her warm aftedion for the church of England ; and fince her acceflion, the prelatical clergy had openly officiated in the metropolis of Scotland, with the confident " The commiflioner to the parh'ament was " vited to go and fee the ancient crown of allowed three thoui'and, five hundred pounds " Scotland ; for that it would foon be carried for equipage, and fifty-five pounds per day, for " away, and they might never fee it more," d hundred and twenty days for his table. He Defoe, p. 227. ufed to entertain forty members every day The Scottifh Parliament was opened with during the feffion. Inquiry into the Reafon- great pomp and formality. The officers of ablenefs and Confequences of the Union, ftate, nobility, and gentry rode from the palace p. 132. Thoughts on the Prefent State of of Holyrood-houfe to the parliament houfe f\ffairs p.?. 1703. (about a mile) ; and no expence was fpared to " To the -very children, and moft ignorant render their drefs and equipage fplendid and ♦< people, they had their arguments ; fuch as, magnificent. Many of all ranks reforted from " that the honours, the crown of Scotland, the country to the metropolis, to be fpeftators " fword and fceptre, fhould be carried away of this fcene. ■" to England. The boys and mob were in- expedation i7o6. QJJEEN ANNE. 213 expeclation of her indulgence and her prote£tion. Was it not na- ^ ^'^ ^• tural to fufpedl, that fhe wifhed to introduce epifcopacy there ; and that {he urged the treaty of union with greater earneftnels, on ac- count of its ohvious fuhferviency to that end '^ ? It was well known, that the prejudices of feveral of the gentry and nobility in Scotland were upon the fide of epifcopacy ; and it might be expeded, that thefe would be ftrengthened from their fre- quent intercoiu-fe with a country where that religion was eftablifhed. But, fuppofing that the reprefentatives from Scotland fhould con- tinue faithful to that fyftem in which they had been educated, had not the friends of prefbytery full caufe of alarm, on account of the great majority, in the united parliament, who were of a different per- fuafion ; and, above all, from the immenfe influence of the Englifh hierarchy, of whofe pernicious counfels their fathers had experienced the moft direful effedls '* ? Without any refpedt to diftant confequences, the prefbyterians, who confented to the imion, were accufed of diredl apoftacy, for vio- lating that difcriminating and fundamental principle of their religion which excluded perfons vefted with the clerical charatfter from any interference in affairs of ftate. Some even reprefented the union as involving the body of the people in the blackeft tranfgreflion ; and,. as if the oaths and vows of the fathers had been entailed upon their children, the latter were held bound, by the national covenants, to wage eternal war with prelacy '\ Not content with a negative breach of thefe folemn obligations, by a lukewarm inadivity, they were now about to recognife an heretical authority, which would quickly fubvert their own religious eftabliihment. The purity of the dodrines, maintained by the prefbyterians, the perfedion of their ecclefiaftical conftitution, and the ftridnefs of their difcipline, " Confidcrations on an Union between '■* Confiderations, p. 42, 3. Difcourfe on the two Kingdoms, p. 87. Hiftorical Ac- the Union, p. 84. Teftamentary Duty of count ff the Grievances in Scotland, p. 8,9. the Parliament of Scotland, p. 11. Addrefs Advantages of the A£t of Security, p. 10. of the Prefbytery of Hamilton. 1706. '5 Idem. were 214 • HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, vi^ere contrafted with the corruption and laxity of the church of 4— — V — i_; England; and its members were calumniated and charged with grofs ' iniquity, on account of errors which, admitting them to be fuch, were merely of a fpeculative nature. To form a more intimate con- nexion with them was compared to the infatuation of intruding into the habitations of peftilence ; and running headlong upon thofe tremendous judgments which were ready to fall upon the head of an impious and profligate nation '*. jdly. The increafe of taxes, and the ruin of trade, were in-ged as objedions to the union. A decreafe in the value of the landed property, a redudlion of the fcanty recompence allotted to the la- bourer, and the depopulation of the country, were reprefented as the certain confequences of the heavy burdens to which Scotland was to ])e fubjedled by a partnerfhip with England. In the long lift of taxes impofed in that covmtry, it was eafy to cull out a few, excep- tionable and odious, from their ftriking againft the habits and intc- refts of particular orders of men. The Scottifli gentry would be compelled to drink claret, adulterated by Englifli vintners, at more than double the price now paid for what was pure and genuine : the common people muft forego the wholefome beverage of ale and beer, raifed above their ability to purchafe it, by an exorbitant tax upon malt. The duty upon fait, afFe£ling the neceflaries of life, would be an intolerable grievance to the poor '\ The feveral cuftoms and imports upon goods were eftimated at the higheft rate, without attending to the compenfation which the Scot- tilh merchants were to draw from the multiplied channels of com- merce '\ Great pains were taken to reprcfent the profpeds of com- mercial advantage, from the proffered bounty of England, as preca- rious and delufive. But what was, above all, prepofterous in this. '* Rights and Interefts. Treatifc iii. p. 49. Ediu. 1706. Eflay iv. fur removing Prcjii- j2. dices againfl the Union, p. 33 — S- 3^ — 4'^-. " Id. Trcatife i. p. 26, 27. Luckhart, Eflay v. p. 28. Letter concerning the Conft- p. 269. Defoe, 221. 424 — 7. quences of an Incorporating Union. 1706. " Advantages of the Union, p. 14, 15. rtrain i-q6. QJJEEN ANNE. 2:5 "^^raln of argument, though the adventure of Darlen had proved ruinous, yet the privileges of the company were flill held up as a real and fubftantlal property, which was now to be extorted from them, as a condition of their being admitted to fhare in the trade of England '°. The refort of the nobility and gentry to the feat of government,, refiding, making purchafes, and educating their children in England; and the confumption of Englifh manufa£lures, growing fafhionable from the example of the great, were reprefented as fa many drains of money, which would counterbalance all the advantages, accraing from a participation in the commerce of the richer kingdom, and in- volve Scotland in bankruptcy and depopulation ". 4thly, When the terms, relative to the limited number of peers and commons to be admitted into the parliament of Britain, were made known, the union was oppofed as a violent infringement of the immunities of individuals and corporate bodies. The nobility of Scotland, which, for antiquity, yielded to none in Europe, were to be degraded, and ftript of prerogatiA'es rooted hi their blood, and unalienable from their titles. Of that numerous body, only iixtecn were to be admitted into the united parliament ; which, confidering the fuperior proportion of the Englifh nobility, amounted almoft to an entire extindtion of their legiflative authority. However inconfiderable the advantages of fuch a contradled repre- fentation, yet, it was to be apprehended, that the competition for it might prove the fource of endlefs ftrife and envy among the noble families of Scotland. The favourites of the court would ever ob- tain the preference, and, by improving the opportunities of their ftation, might come to be eftablifhed in a conftant fuperiority over fuch as had formerly flood on the fame level of rank and intereft. The eledted peers would thus monopolize all power and emolument, '• State of the Controverfy, p. 21. 1706. quiry into the Reafonablencfs of the Union, Rights and Interefts. Treatife i. p. 60. p. 131. " Id. p. 33.. Treatife iii. p. 33. In- whlle 2i6 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. while the reft would fink into infignificance ; and find themfelves in-- cumbered with empty titles, only fervlng to remind them of the ^'^° ' fiibftantial privileges which they had ignominioufly religned ". The efte(5t of the treaty in reftridting the reprefentation of the counties and burghs, was complained of as an unwarrantable ftretch of parliamentary authority ". It was contended, that the united con- fent of the peers and reprefentatives of the commons, was incom- petent to abolifh privileges, which affected the intereft of the nation at large, and that of future generations. The lords might abandon or curtail privileges which centered merely in their own perfons, but they certainly could not alienate, nor abrogate, the rights of their pofterity, which, defcending from their remote anceftors, were inter- woven into the fovereignty of the nation. Nor was the application of this argument to the reprefentative body lefs obvious and forcible. The reprefentative body could not admit of any abridgment, without trenching upon the rights of the eledlive ; it could not de- flroy that conftitution which was the bafis of its own exiftence ; or renounce and transfer the inherent prerogatives of its conftituents ". Waving every objedlion to the authority of the ftates with refpecS to the point now mentioned, the unequal reprefentation, allotted to Scotland, was too glaring to efcape the notice of any perfon who felt for the honour and independence of his native country. The Scottifli legiflature was firft to be diffolved, and afterwards revived, not in a ftate of regeneration and improvement, but mutilated, ener- vated, and bereaved of all independent energy ; while that of Eng- land was to continue in its priftine fulnefs and vigour, and without any diminution of its dignity ^* After this inglorious demife, and no lefs inglorious revival, the parliament of Scotland was to obtain fomewhat lefs than a thirteenth part of the legiflative authority of *' Confidcrations on the Union, p. 77, 8. fiderations, p. 56, &c. 62, &c. State of the " Id. p. 50. Rights and Intereds. Trea- Controvcrfy, p. 13. ^ Xiff lii. p. 21—4. 45. »t Rights and Intcrefls. Treatife iii. p. 12. *' Difcourfe on the Union, pi 46. Con- the QJJEEN ANNE. 217 the united kingdoms. Confidering former competitions between the C HA P. Scots and Englifh, arifing from local prejudices and interefts ; and the recent umbrages, fubfifting between them, which might long m- terrupt reciprocal confidence and generofity, what was to be ex- pedted, but that the weaker nation would, in every difpute, be obliged to fubmit to the ftronger ; and that, at length, all the rights and pri- vileges of the Scottifh freeholders would be fwallowed up in the gulf of a foreign intereft '' ? In fuch a fituation, the reprefentatives from Scotland would be degraded into the condition of an impotent and contemptible minority. Their religion, their laws, and every privilege, referved by the treaty, would be fwept away by the over- whelming torrent of Englilh influence ". A variety of fortunate incidents confpired, with the diligence of mi- nifters, and the weight of arguments, to counterad: the prejudices and objecftions now recited ; and to bring the treaty of union to perfec- tion, with fafety and difpatch, exceeding the hopes of its friends. I. As parties in general were more disjointed and enervated at this time than they had ever been formerly, fo neither cordiality of fen- timent, nor rooted confidence, bound together thole individuals who were confidered as the leading opponents to the union. Lord Bel- haven, v.hofe fpeeches breathed an ardent ftrain of patriotifm, made the lefs impreffion, becaufe he had been piqued at the court from difappointment ; and lay under a ftrong fufpicion of holding a cor- refpondence with St. Germain's ^\ The duke of Hamilton, and the duke of Athol, both of them adverfe to the union, were rivals for the confidence of the exiled family, and of its adherents in their own country. Hence mutual jealoufy and fufpicion rendered them cautious of making an explicit declaration of their views to each other ; or of uniting in a firm or decided profecution of meafures, *' Confiderations, p. 54. Difcourfe on the *' Examinations concerning the Plot, Union, p. 84. Efliiy upon the Union. Lon- part ii. p. 20. Journals Lords, 17th March don, 1706. 1704. ** Id. State of the Controvcrfy, p. 22. F f which, 2i8 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^ ^^^' '^^''^'^' '^^ ^^^^ fluduation of events, might be ufed as the ground of fc— — ■ — ' their own crimination ". Hence alfo, among the difafFeded mem- bers in the dates, hefitation and perplexity arofe, not knowing upon which of their leaders they ought to confide. The caprice, tergiver- fation, and myfterioas inconfiftency of the duke of Hamilton, dif- heartened and confounded his friends in every ftage of the treaty^ and operated, more powerfully than all the efforts of the miniftry, to defeat meafures apparently well concerted for thwarting its fuccefs'*. Wearied out with the dilatory, variable, and fufpicious condud of their friends in parliament, the lafl: hopes of oppofition were founded upon domeftlc infurredions, affifted by the interpofition of the French king. 2. By a fmgular concurrence of fortunate clrcumftances, thefe hopes were alfo difappointed. The interefts and defigns of the mem- bers of parliament in oppofition did not differ more widely from one another, than thofe objeds which were the ultimate aim of the feveral military cabals, forming upon the fame pretence in different parts of the country. Some of the highland chieftains, who had colleded a confiderable number of armed men, not without the con- nivance of the leaders of oppofition in parliament, had no other view than keeping the fucceffion of the crown of Scotland open for the lineal heir of the houfe of Stuart. The Cameronians, diftinguillied no lefs for their obftinate bravery, than for their intolerant zeal, were ^' Lockhart, p. 26. 324. 349. Clerk's " bank entirely; for, at the fame time that j^JSS_ " he was caballing at the head of the Tory *9 For the evidence of this account of the *' fide, he was in fecrct with th-e duke of duke of Hamilton's condua, I appeal to un- «' Qlueenfherry every night, or at leaft two or controverted fafts. See Lockhart, p. 2f!5. " three times in a week." Referring again 29^. paffim. Cunningham, vol. ii. p. 58 — 62. to Lockhart's account of the offence occa- Hooke's Negociations, paflim. Sir J. Clerk fioncd by the duke of Hamilton's not pro- referring to Lockhart's account of the duke's ceeding in a proteftation againft the union : eloquent fpeech againft an incorporating «' The duke of Hamilton," as I faid before, union, p. 252. obferves, " This fpeech in- " held private corrcfpondence with the com- " deed was very handfomely exprelFed, and " miffioner, and was refolved to do nothing a great many more to the fame purpofe ; " that might effeaually mar the union." " and yet, in all this, he plaid the mounte- determined QJJEEN ANNE. 219 determined to flied the laft drop of their blood in defence of their C HA p. religion, betrayed, as they apprehended, by the ftates, into the hands i- — v- »-j of its prelatical adverfaries. The oppofers of the union were too difcerning not to perceive the neceflity of reconciling and combining thefe fcattered bands of infurgents, in order to enable them to make head againft the regular force, placed under the minifterial dire£tion. For this purpofe, it was concerted, that the Cameronians, in the fouth, and the Highlanders, in the north, {hould rife in arms on the fame day ; that the former fhould march to Edinburgh, where the latter were to join them, after having fecured the principal paffes into the Highlands ^°. The duke of Qiieenfberry, informed of this approaching danger, more threatening to the union than all the in- trigues and harangues of its parliamentary antagonifts, had recourie to the only expedient which could have been efFe<£lual to prevent it. He was well acquainted with the tumultuary fpirit of the Camero- nians. Any attempt to reftrain it by argument and expoftulation muft have proved fruitlefs. There remained no hope of efcaping its fury, but by turning it into a different channel, and diretfting it to another objeiS than that on which it was now bent. The dnke en- tered into a correfpondence with the ringleaders of the infurgents. He reprefented the imminent danger into which they were running ; promifed great rewards, and even urged patriotic motives for per- fuading them to become inflrumental in promoting the caufe which they profefled to oppofe^'. That they might more eiTedtually pcr- '° Lockhart, p. 281. Kei's Memoirs, fpeaking of Cunniiigliam : " I have converfcd vol. 1. p. 30. " with him often, and he acknowledged, that, 3' Idem. KerofKersfieldgivesacircumftan- " after he had plotted with thefe people to tial detail of his having headed the Camero- " make a rebellion, he fell into remorfe of nians, and afterwards betrayed them, by the in- " confc-tnce, partly from the wickcdncfs, and ftigation of the duke of Queenlberry. Ker, " partly from the danger of the attempt; and, vol. i. p. 30. Lockhart mentions the faft of the " from that time, entered into correfpoiidem-e dukeof Queenfterry's having engaged fome of " with the dv.ke of Qi^eenlbeny. I kno^v the Camcronian clergy to ad as fpies for the " likewifc tliat he v.-as employed by the dnke court (p. 281.) ; but was himfclf ignorant of " to go among thefe men ; and, by prctend- thetreacheiy of major Cunningham, (p. 279,) " ing to be their friend, to diffuade tlioni who alfo was in concert with the duke of " from dangerous menfures." Clerk's MSS. Queenlberry, and put himfclf at the head of on Lockhart. See alfo Cunningham, vol. ii. the Cameronians in the weit. Sir J. Clerk, p. 62. ■■ •_" ij.* . . . F f 2 form 220 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, form this fervice, the duke found it expedient to permit them, not L.. — .^ only to connive at the flmatic prejudices of their retainers, but to '° ■ indulge them in open deeds of riot and violence ". By thefe con- ceffions, having acquired the confidence, it would be eafy for their leaders to dire<3: the opinions and operations of the Cameronians ; and, particularly, by roufing their fufpicion againfl; the cavaliers, to diflblve that coalition which was fo much dreaded by the friends of government. All this was performed with wonderful fuccefs, and the Cameronians, the moft fanguinary confpirators againfl: the union, were brought to recoil with horror from an alliance with a party, which, they were made to believe, retained the principles and attachments of thofe very men who had inbrued their hands in the blood of the martyrs ". Some of the Highland bands, who were advandng to Edinburgh to meet with the Cameronians, hearing of their difperfion, alfo retreated to their homes ; and by thefe means one of the moft threatening obftrudions to which the union had been expofed was removed ". 3. If the oppofers of the treaty were unfortunate in the dif- union of their political and military friends at home, they were alfo difappointed of that affiftance which they expeded from abroad. Although the French king was reftrained, by the peace of Ryf- wick, from giving open aid to king James, yet the acknowledgment of his fon,and the war which broke out in the year 1702, infpired the cavaliers with the confident expedatlon of his interpofition in their behalf, as foon as it could be employed with any probable view of fuccefs. Such a profped was now prefented by the dif- contents of the people in Scotland on account of the projeded union. Thefe were communicated to the agents of Lewis, and it was repre- ^* Mr. Ker reprefented to the duke of «' in order to keep up the decorum which the Queenfberry, "that he had confenttd to the " Cameronians expefted ; but that neverthelefs " Cameronians burning the articles of the " he would order matters fo as that nothing " union at the market -crofs of Dumfries ; " was to be feared from this conduct, which *' and that it might be found expedient to " looked very like earned." Ker, p. 33,4. " burn the houfes of fome perfons who had '^ Ker, p. 35. Lockhart, p. 279. " been inftrumcntal in carrying on the union, ^* Idem. ' fented i7o6- QJJEEN ANNE. 221 fented, that, in the prefent diftracled ftate of the country, a fmall fupply of men and money would be effedual for fubverting the go- vernment in Scotland ; whereas the conclufion of the treaty, which could not otherwife be prevented, would preclude all future attempts for retrieving the fortune of the houfe of Stuart ". Thefe confider- ations made a greater impreflion upon the French king than any that had been fuggefted fince the accefhon of the queen ; and he began to entertain ferious purpofes of invading Scotland, when the ill fuccefs of his arms, upon the continent, put a ftop to the prepa- rations he was making for carrying that defign into execution. The dreadful lofles which his armies fuflained at Ramillies and Turin, in the courfe of the campaign 1706^°, rendered Lewis utterly inca- pable of afTifting the Jacobites in Scotland, either with money or troops ; and prevented an enterprlfe, which, though it might not have anfwered all the purpofes for which it was intended, might certainly have retarded, if not entirely fruftrated the union ". Debarred from the expeQation of military aid, either domeftlc or foreign, the enemies of the court flill hoped to render the treaty abortive, by drawing to the capital thofe riotous multitudes which were in motion in diftant parts of the country. Their difappoint- ment was occafioned by the immediate hand of Providence: The frowns of nature confpired, with the misfortunes and treachery of their friends, to rebuke their defigns ; and gave the laft blow to their expedations. During the whole fefhon of parliament, the fea- fon was uncommonly rainy and tempeftuous ; the roads became dangerous and impradicable, and the country rabbles were pre- vented from reforting to the metropolis, with the defign of over- awing the legiflature, and executing vengeance upon thofe whom they confidered as traitors to their country ^\ " Middleton's Letter to Torcy, 4th Sep " Oldmixon, vol. ii. p. 172. Stuart Pa- tember 1706. Hookc, p. 104, pers, 1705, &c. ^' It was calculated that the French loft ^' Cunningham, vol. ii. p. 58. Lockhart, above a hvndred thouland men in the courfe p. 218. «f the campaign 1706. A. The 222 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. 4. The anxiety and ardour with which the union was purfued by the whig minlfters, and the ftate of political affairs which weak- ened the oppofition of the tories in the Englifh parliament, were highly propitious to its fuccefs. Her majefty, as has been obferved, had been prevailed upon to give her confent to the a£t of fecurity, expeding, from this indulgence, to bring the Scottifh parliament into a good correfpondence with that of England, by adopting the proteftant fettlement. When all the efforts of adminiftration for this purpofe proved ineffedlual ; and when at length the queflion of the fucceffion was pofjponed to the union, the hopes of all the friends of the proteftant intereft were entirely fufpended upon its being brought to a fpeedy and fuccefsful iffue. To this objcd, therefore, the wiiole force of court influence, and of the abilities and induftry of the minifters, was applied ". Every ftep in this important nego- tiation was concerted with circumfpedion and prudence, and tranf- adted with vigour and expedition, which intimidated and confounded its oppofers. The terms, conceded to Scotland, were liberal and be- neficent, and fuch as could only have been agreed to by parliament, and approved of by the people, at a period, when the aftonifliing fuccefs of the Englifh arms had diffufed good humour and benignity among all ranks at home. Scotland was immediately to receive an equivalent for the proportion which fhe was to bear in the exifting debt of England. The fum granted for that purpofe was to be dif- burfed in fuch a way as would contribute moft effedually to relieve the general dlftrefs of the nation ; and therefore had a powerful effedl in appeafing the difcontents of individuals, and removing the moft forcible objedions to the union. Nor can it be doubted, that the fervices of the friends to this important meafure were ftimulated, and the oppofition of its adverlaries rcftrained, by liberal douceurs paid out of the Englidi treafury '*". The 3' Memoirs of Great Men ; Article, Go- *° From the report of the commiflloners <3olphin, p. 347. Lond. 1714. of accounts of the Briiifh parliament, March i-ith Q^U E E N ANNE. i23 The eplfccpal form of religion as fettled irl England, and the CHAP, prefbyterian as fettled in Scotland, were fecured by previous acfts paffed by the parliaments of both kingdoms ; which excluded the commiffioners from intermeddling with a fubjedt, that had defeated every former attempt for uniting the two nations ; and upon which, it would have been impo/Tible to have brought them to an agreement. 17th, 1712, it appears that the fiim of twenty thoufand pounds had been lent by her majefty to the Scottifh treafuiy in the year 1706, while Godolphin was minifter; and, from the perplexed account given by him in the courfe of his examination, relative to the difpofal and repayment of that fum, tliere is ftrong ground for concluding, that it was dif- burfed for the purpofe of influencing and re- waiding members who voted for the union. Journals Commons, 2d May 1712. Appendix to JLockhart. Memoirs of Godolphin, p. 266. But though this faft be admitted, it ought to be obferved, that the public money was not given for the purpofe of influence, to fuch ex- tent, as reprefented by the authors above cited ; nor does it imply the criminality im- puted to the minifters, and the fupporters of the union in Scotland, by their contemporary antagonifts, and by later hiftorians, who have not candidly attended to the oblhuftions to the treaty which arofe from foreign powers. lH, As the fum of twenty thoufand pounds was. borrowed by the minifters in Scotland from tlie Englifh treafury, under the pretext of difcharging the arrears of official falaries, and of penfions ; fo a part of it was actually difburfed for that purpofe. The creditors of the ftate, however favourable to the union, were not culpable for embracing fuch a fit op- portunity to enforce the payment of the debts due to them by the government ; and good policy, as well as juftice, conftrained the mini- fters to make every exertion for gratifying their demands. From the ftatement of the earl of Glafgow, exhibited to the commifGoners of ac- counts in the year 1 7 1 1 , it appears, that a thou- fand pounds of the fum remitted to Scotland, by the Englifh treafury, had been paid to the duke of Athole who was a violent oppofer of the union. 'Wliy may we not fuppofe, that the fums, ftated to the perfons who voted for it, were upon the fame fcore ? Their doing fo, never cciild be a reafon for withholding from them any demand to which they were entitled, independent of their votes. 2dly, The perfons, who were aftive in pro- moting the union, incurred confiderable ex- pence in afTembling and entertaining their de- pendents, and ufing other means, which cuftom has e.^lablilhed, and the habits and expedlations of the people render neceffary to facilitate bufniefs of public confequence. Thus we find, in the lift of receivers, the names of ma- giftrates of burghs, and other perfons, who were in office, or had confiderable weight in the countr)\ Such were fairly entitled to in- demnification out of the funds of government. 3dly, The pecuniary oppofition which the union encountered from foreign ftates impofed upon the minifters a neceffity for employing the counteraiSting influence of the fame expe- dient. The Dutch were fo much alarmed at the union, becaufe it was expefted to put an end to their fifliing on the coaft of Scotland, that they determined to lay out a confiderable fum of money to obftrufl it. This facl is afferted by a perfon who was then in Holland, and exerted his utnioft influence to prevent the Dutch from contratting fo deep a ftain upon their honour. Cunningham, vol. ii. p. 61 — c. Defoe, p. 482. Letter to a Friend on the Union, p. 7. " France," fays fir John Clerk, " was much afraid of the union : there was a " conftant intercourfe of letters kept .up, and " even money remitted from France, which " occafioned much difiicultyin bringing about " the union. MSS. on Lockhart, p. 197. The 224 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. C HA P. Ti^g perfons, appointed by the queen to ad as commiflloners for u- — . J England in the management of the treaty, were diftinguilhed for 170*5. ... . their political knowledge and experience ; and firmly attached to whig principles. The feledion was made in Scotland, with a cau- tious refpedt to their talents, their principles, and their intereft in the country*'. The conduct and fuccefs of the duke of Queenfberry, her ma- jefty's commillioner to the Scottifli parliament, while the union was depending, reflected the higheft honour upon his abilities, and afcer- tained the wifdom of adminiftration in preferring him to that im- portant trufl. From the commencement of the treaty, he never fuf- fered it to paufe or to languifli. By great perfonal addrefs, and a peculiar accommodation to the tempers and interefts of leading men, he either obtained their fupport, or reprefled the violence of their oppofition. He was diligent in procuring intelligence of the mea- fures concerted by the adverfaries of the court, in different parts of the country, and prevented them by immediate interpofition, or turned them to account by dextrous intrigue. He difcovered un- common fortitude, by perfevering in the difcharge of his duty, amidfl the threats and imminent dangers to which he was perfonally ex- pofed *\ The fame circumftances, which animated the whigs In profecution of the treaty, cramped the efforts of the Englifh tories in oppofing ♦• " In naming the Scotch commiffioners, in Flanders, and therefore not named. The " the queen had no regard to equality, as to celebrated Daniel Defoe was greatly aflifting *« thenuniberof noblemen, barons and burghs, to the commiffioners: he attended the com- " but made the choice as (lie herfelf thought mittees of parliament, and made all the calcu- " fit, or as the duke of Queenfberry and the lations on the fubjeft of trade and taxes. He " duke of Argyle advifed her ; her chief de- was likewlfe employed in anfwering the pub- •' fign being to name perfons, that would pro- lications againft the union ; and his treatifes " bably Hand on what was called a revolution on that fubjeft greatly contributed to en- " foot." Sir John Clerk's Journals of the lighten and imprefs the minds of judiciou* and Proceedings of the Scotch Parliament at the candid perfons in both countries. Life of Union. MSS. Lockhart of Carnwarth was Defoe. Chalmers. the only cavalier amoug the Scotch commif- *' Defoe, paflim. Carftare's Letters. fioners. The duke of Argyle was on fervice Clerk's MSS. paflim. I it. lyc'S. Q^UEEN ANNE. 225 k. The fufpiclons whicli the latter had propagated to the difcredit ^ H A'P. of the whig minifters, for having been tardy and reludlant in pro- moting the Hanoverian fucceffion, muft now have rebounded upon themfelves, if they had fet their face againfl: a treaty, the principal obje£l of which was to fecure that event. Its poUtical aim they pro- feffed to approve of; but infmuated furmifes of its unfavourable ten- dency, with refpedl to the intereft of the eftablilhed religion in Eng- land, in order to work upon the bigotry and enthufiafm of the people *\ The general anxiety for the proteftant fucceffion, they attempted to divert, by declaiming on the danger'of their own na- tional eflablifhment. The ill-timed, counterfeit zeal of the tories, not being feconded by the voice of the nation, the harangues of their leaders had no influence upon the legillature ; and their protefts re- main upon record, as a fpecimcn of the illiberality of their princi- ples, and the imbecility of their arguments **. 5. ^The prudence and moderation of the minifters of the church of Scotland, who had a leading authority in the ecclefiaftical judicatories, may be affigned as a principal caufe of bridling popular violence, and faciUtating the progrefs of the treaty. From the averfion to uniting with England, excited by the reli- gious prejudices of the members of the Scottifh church, the fituation of the clergy was, at that time, fmgularly delicate and critical ; and their influence, in whatever manner direded, could not fail to be productive of important effeCts upon the ftate of the country. If they had appeared indifferent to the confequences of the union, as affe£ting their religion ; or if they had even difclaimed any appre- henfions of danger, they would have forfeited the confidence of their congregations, and loft their ufefulnefs. If, from a timid compli- ance, they had indulged too far the fcruples and jealoufies, or feditl- oufly inflamed the paffions of the populace, there can be little doubt of their having become fuccefsful inftruments in thwarting the plans of •" Speeches of Nottintrham, Rochefter, &c. Annals Anne, toI. ti. p. 429. ** Journals Lords, February, paflim. G g govern- 225 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. C H A P. government. To tread in the ftralght path of integrity, and to recon- cile their profeflional duties with their obligations to their country, required no common fhare of prudence and moderation. To the praife of thefe virtues they were fully entitled. They fcrupu- loufly avoided any communication with thofe perfons who oppofed the union upon principles different from their own j and who, from motives of refentment and ambition, wifhed to make ufe of them as tools for haraffing the government, and difturbing the peace of the country. The commiffion of the general aifembly, which had re- ceived fpecial inftrudions to attend to the fafety of the church, and continued to fit while the union was depending, inflead of expreffing any diftruft of parliament, or prefuming to didlate to it, prefented a refpedlful addrefs, requefting its particular attention to the interefts of the eftablifhed church. - In compliance with this defire, the par- liament paffed the a£l for the fecurity of the prefbyterian church, which gave entire fatisfadlion to the mofl refpedtable members of the ecclefiaftical court. Finding, however, that the fcruples of many of their honeft brethren were not removed, the commiffion ftill con_ tinned to make their application to the ftates, under the form of re- prefentation and petition, to provide remedies for thofe dangers, which the church might incur from certain articles of the treaty complained of*'. By this temperate conduct, they prevented divi- fions among themfelves, and excluded every ground of external of- "' Defoe, p. 255, 6. 609. 618. The ad- " providing it be not mentioned in the faid drefles of feveral of tlie prefbyteries to the " approbation, that thefe books of the com- ftates, againft the union, were in a virulent " milTion contain the addreffes concerning the ftrain, and highly difrefpcftful to government. «* union above mentioned, for which this fhall The minillers judged it moft prudent to avoid " be ynur warrant." Additional Inftruftions takin? any notice of theCe addreffes. In the to David Earlof Glafgow, comraiflioner to the additional inftruftions to the earl of Glafgow, general affcmbly, 22d March 1707. Paper her majefty's commifTioner to the general Office. It appears from this document, that affembly, March 17G7, after the union had tlie addreffes of the prefbyteries were con- been agreed to, I find the fpUowing words: fidered as fo difrefpeftful to government, that " You may allow the affembly to approve of the commiffioner did not think himfelf fafe in " the books of the commiffion of the affem- conniving at them without a fpecial warrant bly, though they contain the addreff(;s made from the queen for that purpofe. " to the parliament concerning the union, fence QJJEEN ANNE. 2*7 fence or feproach ; while they abftalned from making any demands C HA p. upon the parliament, except fuch as it could grant without rclm- quilhing or endangering the treaty. 6. Among the caufes which contributed to the fuccefs of the imion, it were an tmcandid omiffion, not to afcribe fomewhat to force of argument, and the didates of a fagacious and difinterefted patriotifm. The advantages of the meafure to both the parties were fo ob- vious and important, that it v/as impoffible they could be over- looked or undervalued by any who were capable of judging without prejudice, or of feeling for the true and permanent intereft of their country. The union alone could for ever put an end to thofe in- ternal v/ars which had formerly occafioned the defolation and mifery of both kingdoms, and which might have been renewed with aggra- vated horrors, if the crowns had been feparated ''^ From domeftic peace and the accumulated force of the two nations, it was eafily forefeen, that Great Britain was to derive new ftrength and re- fources, which would render her more fecure againft: the attacks of rival ftates ; and enable her to rife in the fcale of empire. Both nations were to be delivered from the impending evils of a contra- verted claim to the regal fucceflion, and the fears which arofe from the danger of the proteftant religion *'. The "* Many marriages had taken place between ment had aftually been made under the reigns the inhabitants of both kingdoms, in confe- of Charles I. and II. The expedient of call- quence of the fecial intercourfe opened by the ing in the Scots had indeed rebounded upon union of the crowns, which, in cafe of a rup- its author, and proved fatal to Ciiarles I. la ture by the failure of the treaty, would have the reign of his fon,it approached nearer to fiic- cre;Jted great diilraction of afTeftion and in- cefs ; and, hadit not been for thcloyalty of the tereft. Scots, and their firm adherence to the duke of •*' Both the conftitution and fucceflion in York, who had become popular by refiding England mud have been expofed to the among them, the whigs would have forced greateft danger, if the two kingdoms had con- the bill of exclulion upon the king. In cafe tinued in a ftate of political difunion. A cun- of any rupture between the contiguous king- ning and ambitious fovereign might eafily have doms, France, and probably Ireland, would extended his prerogative, by playing the two have interpofed on the fide of Scotland. A kingdoms againft each other. This expcri- number of Scottifh prelhyteriau families, lately G g z tranfplanled 2l8 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. The prefent condition of Scotland rendered her fufceptible of peculiar benefits, from a participation of the trade of England, and the future confolidation of their legiflatures. By the union, all the fources of Englifh opulence, profperity, and independence, were thrown open to her. She was to fliare in every branch of a lucra- tive, extenfive, and extending commerce ; while, by a conftant in- tercourfe with her fellow-fubjeds in England, fhe would quickly attain to more advanced proficiency in agriculture, manufadures, and fcience *\ But what above all was valuable, Scotland was to enjoy, in future, what fhe never experienced befora, a free confti- tution, and the vigorous and equal diipenfation of juftice "'. Upon appreciating the benefits of the union to England and to Scotland, feverally, there can be little doubt that the balance of profit inclined to the latter ; but this did not arife from her ftanding upon more greedy or unreafonable demands, but merely from the inferiority of her condition, which afforded a wider fcope tranfplanted into Ireland, cheriOied all the prejudices of their iountr^^men, and would have entered into their quarrel with as much veal as if they had been on the fpot. The Roman Catholics would have favoured the lineal heir, who had a ftrong party in Scot- land. Perfualive to the Union. Lond. 1702. 43 "pijg trade of Scotland was very incon- fiderable before the imion. Her fliips were all of a light burden, and moftly employed in bringing wine from France. A Ihort Ac- •.■ount of Scotland, p. 21. Lond. 1702. " The Scots were fo fenfible of the benefits <' of the union, that, at the time of the rebel- " lion 1 7 15, the pretender was obliged to " alter that part of his proclamation which " promifed to repeal the union, and to exprefs "his intention of leaving it to the determina- " tion of a free parliament." Clerk's MSS. *' In the remoter parts of the country, the fittings of the courts of juftice were only oc- cafional, and at diflant intervals. It appears, from the houfehold books of rich proprietors oa the borders of England) and in the high- lands, that fums of money were allowed, and ftated in the account books of the Rew- ards, for fuppreffing thefts, recovering ftolen cattle, and convifting criminals. Such was the power of criminal affociations, that, when the commiffioners of jufticiary were appointed to hold a diet, in any of thefe fituations, a military force was appointed, by the privy council, to proteft their perfons, and enforce their decrees. Minutes of Privy Council, paffim. ; particularly Warrant and Order by the Privy Council to the Earl of Mar, 19th March 1702. The privy council interfered with the regu- lar difpenfation of juftice, not only by taking cognizance of criminals in the firft inftance, and inflifting arbitrary punifhments ; but alfo, in other cafes, by granting reprieves and ab- folving atrocious delinquents from the fen- tences of the criminal courts ; and this mif- judged and unfeafonable lenity, not lefs than excefTive feverity, contributed to thwart the courft of juillce, for QJJEEN ANNE. 229 for melioration and improvement. Nor was the furplus of gain, CHAP, which was allotted to Scotland, fubftraded from the profit of Eng- u ■— >~i — land ; but was rather, like redundant flock, laid out upon a well digefted fcheme, and calculated to open new treafures of wealth to the perfons embarked in it '". The treaty of union was opened at the Cockpit on the i6th April 1706, by the commifTioners of both kingdoms, appointed by the queen. The feveral articles having undergone an elaborate dif- cuflion, were agreed to on the 2 2d, and prefented to the queen on the 23d July ". The treaty was firft laid before the Scottifh parlia- 3d Oaobo-, ment, where every article was oppofed by a confiderable number of the members. Long and violent debates took place ; and, upon *° Strictures on the Union. There can be no doubt that England alfo derived commer- cial advantages from the union. The fifheries of Scotland were imparted to her. By the exportation of Britifh wool from Scotland, before the union, woollen manufactures were ellablifhed in Sweden, Holland, and other places abroad, which were running hard in competition with England. Perfuafive to the Union, p. 15. The effefts of the union, in a moral view, though perhaps lefs obvious, are not Icfs im- portant than thofe of a lucrative nature, and will be reflefted upon with the higheft fatis- faftion by every friend to order and virtue. When we compare the liberality of our own times w ith that intolerant fpirit which generally pre- vailed before the union, and particulaily. ren- dered the members of the two national churches bitter againfl each other, we cannot doubt of the union having contributed to this pleafing reformation of charatter. The union exhibited a legal example of toleiation, by recognifing the authority, which prefuppofed the moral fitnefs of different reb'gious efta- blifhments, and bound their adherents to live in peace and charity with one another. The habitual intercourfe of proteRants of dif- ferent comnTunions, in confequence of the nnlon, has gradually effaced thofe prejudices, , which, for a confiderable time after, fettered the minds of individuals, and rendered them incapable of relilhing the generous pohcy of the legiflature. But the effeft of the union, in foftening and meliorating the manners of the united people, is not confined to the par- ticular inftance now fpecified. The hoftile ftate of England and Scotland generated ha- bits of rancour and ferocity, and produced depredations and crimes, more deftruClive to the profperity of both communities, than tha attacks of their natural and avowed enemies. The truth of this obfervation is particularly- corroborated, by the fafts which occiu- in border counties. The outrage and barbarity of our anceilors, in the adjacent counties to- England, often defied and intimidated magift terial interpofition, during the reign of the Stuarts in Scotland. After the union of the crowns, . and a more regular difpenfation cf. juftice, the number of criminal trials, in the border diftricls, ftill exceeded that of the ii!te-< rior countr)'. Since the union of the legifla- tures, they have gradually decreaftd, and the crime of ninrder feldom occurs. During. my refidence for twenty-four years in the town of Jedburgh, where the afiizes are held, there . has l)een only one trial for murder. , 5' Defoe, p. 113. every 230 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, every vote, protefts followed, the fubftance of which has been ex- ^ .'- _/ prefled in the preceding pages. All objedions were at length over- ^'°'^' ruled ; and the whole articles of the union were approved of by a majority of the flates on the 14th January 1707. On the 22d of the fame month they were read in the houfe of commons in Eng- land, and voted by a great majority. A feeble oppofition, and de- bates upon particular articles, followed by protefts, retarded the pro- grefs of this bufmefs for a few days in the houfe of lords. On the 4th of March, the treaty of union was agreed to there, and on the 6th, it was ratified by the royal affent'*. After the ratification of the treaty was announced to the States in Scotland by the commiffioner, they eleded their reprefentatives to ferve In the firft parliament of Great Britain. After which, certain regu- lations were adopted for difpofing of the equivalent agreeably to the purpofes of its deftination. Several private ads were alfo paffed ; and on the 25th of March, the commiffioner adjourned the parlia- ment of Scotland ; which never met again ". The parUament of England had been prorogued beyond its ufual time of meeting, in the profped of receiving the affent of the ftates in Scotland to the articles of union, concluded by the commiffioners at the Cockpit. But the debates there running out to a greater length than was expeded, and the fituation of the war requiring a fpeedy fupply, the fecond feflion was opened on 6th December 1706. . Her majefty exprefled a devout fenfe of the glorious fuccefs that ' had attended the allied arms in the laft campaign ; and declared her ' fteady refolution of purfuing the advantages Ihe had gained, till fhe fhould reap the fruits of them by an honourable peace. Relying upon her parliament for adopting the fame fentiments, fhe folicited 5» Defoe, p. 113. ylppendixfWl. fand, fixty-fix pounds, four pennies Scots, " A fupply of eight months cefs, a- {£. 48,08s : 16 : 8.) was granted 8th No- mouiuing to five hundred, feventy-feven thou- vember 1706. fupplies QJJEEN ANNfi. . 231 fupplies to carry on the war in the moft efledual manner for im- proving thefuccefs already attained. She communicated to them the progrefs of the treaty of union, now depending before the par- liament of Scotland. The fentiments, contained in her majefly's fpeech, met with the full approbation of both houfes : they exprefled their congratulations St^' Dec. on the unparalleled fuccefs of the laft campaign, and the high fenfe they entertained of the merits of the duke of Marlborough, who, under Providence, had been the inftrument of promoting it. The houfe of lords, of which a great majority were favourable to the prefent minifhers, adverted to the univerfal fatisfa£lion of the people, upon the public declaration, made by her majefty in concert with the ftates, to the minifters of the confederate princes, that no nego- tiations of peace fhould be entered into, but in conjun6tion with all the members of the grand alliance ^*. The commons not only gra- tified the minifters by granting more liberal fupplies than had ever been done before for the fervice of the enfuing year, but for de- fraying extraordinary fums, which her majefty had advanced to her allies, during the preceding campaign, without any previous warrant from parliament ''. Both houfes prefented their thanks to the duke of Marlborough for his eminent fervices in the common caufe, and contributed to the' farther aggrandizement and profperity of his family. The lords ad- dreffed her majefty, that fhe would be pleafed to extend the ho- nours, which ihe had conferred on his grace, to his pofterity, by adl of parliament, as the method beft fuiting fo great an occafion;. and the commons requefted that his penfion and eftates might be annexed to his titles. Her majefty was not backward in con- '* Journ. Lords, 5th Dec. nuary. The total amount of fupplFes, granted " Her majefty had advanced fifty thou- this feffion, was fix millions, one hundred thou- fand pounds to the duke of Savoy for the fand, four hundred and eighty-two pounds, . better defence of Turin, and forty-feven thou- eight (hillings and twopence. This was the fand, five hundred pounds in loan to the cm- largeft fupply that ever had been granted by peror, which were approved of by the houfe an Englilh parL'ament- of commons. Journals Commons, 27th Ja- 6. ^ fenting 232 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, fent'ing to meafures which had been fuggefted by her dlftlnguiflied u .— iiij favour for him, as well as by his eminent fervices to the public ; and ' ' ' the dignity of a dukedom, together with the manor of Woodftock, the houfe of Blenheim, and a penfion of 5000I. per annum were entailed, by adt of parliament, to his male and female defcendants'*. A motion was made by the lords in oppofition, to introduce the queftion of the union in the upper houfe, before it had obtained the ratification of the Scottifli parliament ; but, as this motion was evi- dently intended to obfl:ru£t its fuccefs, by raifing difficulties on the point of religion, it was over-ruled. This important bufmefs was at length brought forward in the form, which the minifters judged the 28th Jan. moft favourable to its fuccefs, by an intimation from her majefty in perfon to the two houfes, that the treaty, with a few alterations, had been ratified by the Scottifli parliament. : 3d Feb. After paffing an aft for the fecurity of the church of England, the feveral articles of the treaty, as has already been mentioned, were confidered, and agreed to by a great majority in both houfes. A fupply was granted to her majefty for enabling her to pay the equi- valent to Scotland, agreeably to the fifteenth article of the treaty. Se- veral motions were made for adopting regulations to prevent the injuries which might be fuftained by the revenue from an extraordinary im- portation of foreign commodities into Scotland, previous to the treaty taking effedt ; but thefe were waved, left they ftiould be ofFenfive to the Scots. The laft parliament of England was prorogued on the 24th April 1 707 ". " Journals Lords and Commons, Decern- parUament, conferred titles on fome of the bcr, January, paffim. principal perfons in the Whig intereft. " Her majefty, before the meeting of this QJJ E E N ANNE. 233 CHAP. XL Campaign 1707. — Attempts arid Offers made by the French King to procure Peace. — Difeoiiraged by the Englijh Minijlers. — Events and Circumjlanccs tending to counterad the Succefs of the Allies, and to prckng the War. — Early Succefs of the Earl of Gal-way and the Ma?-quis de Minus. — They are de- feated at Almanza. — Succefs of Hilars upon the Upper Rhine. — Count Merci defeats a Body of the French Troops at Offenburg. — Retreat of Villars. — At- tack on Toulon by Prince Eugene and the Duke of Savoy. — Caufes of its Failure. — Naples fur renders to the Emperor. — The Duke of Marlbormtgh vifits the King of Sweden at Ranfladt, and foftens his Refentments againfi the Em- peror. — Obfervations on the Campaign. — Naval Affairs. — Embaffy of the Earl of Manchejier to Vienna and Venice. "psEPRESSED by the misfortunes of the preceding campaigns, CHAP. the Frencli king had privately intimated his defire of entering ,_ into a treaty for peace ; and the marquis d'Allegre, before the cam- *""'" paign was opened in 1706, prefented a memorial to the ftates on the fame fubje - and QJJ E E N A N N E, 237 and began their operations with flattering fuccefs. After deflroying CHAP, the enemy's magazines at Caudette, Yecla, and Montalegre in new u. — . — -^ Caftile ; and compelling the French army to retreat farther into the ' country, they returned to lay fiege to the caftle of Villcna, on the frontier of Murcia. Before the befiegers had made any confider- able progrefs in their operations, they were informed of the ap- proach of the duke of Berwick, and there feemed to be no alter- native, but to give him battle, or to abandon the kingdom of Va- lencia to the fury of an incenfed enemy. Though his army was already fuperior to that of the allies '% yet as the duke of Orleans was on his march to join him with a large reinforcement, there was a neceffity for making the attack without delay. Quitting the fiege of Villena, the confederates marched towards Almanza where the 24tli April, duke of Berwick was encamped '^ When he heard of their being near, he drew up his army in readlnefs to receive them. The difpo- litions, made by the confederate generals, were fkilful and mafterly ; and notwithftanding their inferiority, the Engllfli and Dutch in the left wing were vidlorious, penetrated into the enemy's lines, and purfued them as far as Almanza ; but not being fupported by the Portuguefe on the right, they were intercepted by the enemy, and, after an obflinate conflift, were overpowered by a conftant fuc- ceffion of frefh troops. Several regiments were cut to pieces, and the reft of the army put to flight. Above live thoufand men, in- cluding a great number of the officers of the allied army, fell in battle ; and four thoufand who had fled to the adjacent mountains, ' ^ This army ivas far inferior to what had thofe expeSed from England, {hould adl in been computed when the allied generals in one body ; but king Charles, being afraid of Spain concerted the campaign. The troops, the French maV:n_!^ nn attack upon Catalonia .■" brought from England by lord Rivers, were on the fide of Roufruon, depan;d from this fo much weakened and reduced by the tediouf- agreement, aivi drew oii" fix of tiie bell Spanifh nefs of the voyage, that not above four thou- regiments ; fo that the carl of Galway's army fand were fit for fervice. In the general coun- did not exceed fixteen thoufand men. Aimals cil at Valencia, December 1706, it had been Anne, 1707. Appendix, N^ II. Monthly agreed, that all the forces of the confederates Mercury, May 1707. then ill the kingdom of Valencia, aud like wife '" Almanza is a fmall town in New Caftile. exhaufled . • 238 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, exhaufted with hunger and fatigue, furrendered to the conqueror L- — - _j without refiilance. After this unfortunate batde, the earl of Gal- ''°'" way retreated into Catalonia, and joined the royal army under king Charles ; the kingdoms of Valencia and Arragon again fubmitted to king Philip, and the duke of Orleans clofed a fuccefsful campaign by taking the city and caftle of Lerida in Catalonia '*. The cities of Serpa and Moura, in Portugal, and Cividad-Rodrigo, in Leon, with the garrifons which defended them, alfo fell into the hands of the French during this campaign". The fuccefs of the French on the Upper Rhine was flill more dif* couraging to the allies, becaufe it was lefs expedled, and, being nearer the emperor, was more threatening to him than the decline of his brother's intereft in Spain. Marfhal Villars, at the head of an army which confifted of the choice troops of France, marched from Alface, and, having by feigned attacks diftradled the attention of the Germans ported on the other fide of the Rhine, he tranfported a large detach- ment over the river at Neuburg, from which the Imperiallfts fled 22d May. with great precipitation. The marflial, after having defeated an ad- vanced body of German cavalry, came to Buhl, and was making preparations for entering the enemy's lines there ; but the prince of Bareith, intimidated by the fuperiority of his numbers and his fuc- «efs, retreated with all his troops under the cover of a mift, leaving immenfe (lores of every kind, which fell into the hands of the enemy ". The Germans were defeated in fuccelTive attempts to flop the progrefs of the French, who overran a great part of the circle of Suabia, pillaged the principal towns, and laid the country under contributions '\ It was now apprehended, that the adivity and '■* Berwick, vol. i. p. 354 — 7. Moiidily " Lettres Hiftoriques. July. Mercury, April. The town v.-as taken by "" Quincy, torn. v. p. 296. Villars, ftorm on the 13th Oftober, and given up to torn. iii. p. 14. pillage. The monks, who had acknowledged '' Id. p. 41. This campaign of Villars, king Charles, were put to the fword. The other wife fo brilliant, was ftained with depre- garrifon retired to the caftle, where many of dations and oppreflions, which reduced the the citizens fled, and flood out till the nth people to the mofl; extreme wretchcdnefs. St. November, when it capitulated. Simon, tom. vii. p. 253. fuccefs QJJ E E N A N N E. 239 fuccefs of Villars would undo all the a;U'antages which had ac- ^ HA P. crued to the allies from their vidlory at Hochftet, by reftoring the 1 s^-*-J ele£tor of Bavaria to his dominions, and forcing the adjacent circles to accept of a neutrality. Although Villars was not in force to ac- complifh fuch defigns, his fuccefs might have been pufhed to'greater extent, had it not been for two fortunate incidents, which increafed the force of the allies, and weakened that of their opponents ". The eledlor of Hanover was prevailed upon by the joint impor- tunity of the emperor and the queen of England, to undertake the command of the Imperial army ; and brought along with him a large and well difciplined reinforcement of PrufTian and Hanove- rian troops. The reputation he had acquired as a general infpired the inferior commanders with confidence; and reftored military dif- cipline, which had been relaxed to an extreme degree in the German army "'. The other event, favourable to the Germans, was the attack made upon Toulon, which drained the army of Villars by the large de- tachments which were ordered to march into Provence *". The firfl: exertion of the Germans, under the aufpices of their new general, was attended with fignal fuccefs. Count Merci was fent to attack a body of French troops polled near Offenburg with the intention of making an incurfion into Suabia ; he came upon them by furprife ; eight hundred of them fell, and the reft were put 24th Sept, to flight after a ihort refiftance. Villars was now compelled to re- trace the ground through which he had pafled with fuch rapidity and triumph ; and to place his army in winter-quarters on the other fide of the Rhine ^'. '^ Tindal, vol. vii. p. 24. The author of enterprize muil have been fnu'tlefs. Villars, the Memoires de Villars mentions the marquis vol. iii. p. 6^. of Bareith's having entertained this apprehen- '' Hiftoire de Louis, torn. vi. p. 153. fion, without confidering that Villars was not *^ ViUars, torn. iii. p. 85, 6. furnilhed with artillery, &c. neceflary for the *' Id. p. 108, 9. Hillory of Europe, 1707. fiege of Ulm, and accommodations for efla- p. 231. blifhing hirafelf there, without which fuch an 14 The 240 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. The renewed force of the French king, after repeated defeats which he had fuflained on the frontiers and in Germany, excited a general defire among the allies of invading his native dominions. As it was only on the Mediterranean coaft that their naval and mili- tary force could a£l in conjundlion, fo it was evident that fuccefs in that quarter would redound effedtually to their common advantage, by giving the fevereft blow to the maritime power of France ; and by cutting off her commerce with the Spanilh Weft Indies, which furnifhed the principal refources for maintaining the war. It was therefore concerted between England and the States, that prince Eugene and the duke of Savoy, at the head of the Italian army, fhould pafs the Alps and enter into Provence ; that they fhould make feveral feints for concealing their true defign from the enemy ; and afterwards defcend to the mouth of the Var, where the fleet under Sir Claudlley Shovel would furnifh them with provifions and artillery ; and from thence proceed with the utmoft difpatch to invert Toulon. The firft part of this plan was executed with a fiicility which ex- ceeded the expectations of its projectors; and the Italian army, fe- conded by the Englifh feamen, who difplayed aftonifhing intrepi- 30th June, dity, forced their paffage over the Var in the face of entrenchments, which appeared impregnable ". Owing however to the fubfequent rcmiffnefs of the duke of Savoy in profecuting his march, or to un- avoidable impediments in a country, where provifions were fcarce, and the roads narrow and rugged ; not only the inhabitants of the neighbouring diftrifts, but numerous reinforcements from the diftant provinces, had reached Toulon ; and, with unremitting la- bour, erected ftrong fortifications on the hills adjacent to the city ". The confederates made themfelves matters of fome of the enemy's "* Sir C. Shovel ordered five fhips of war were fo much ftruck with this unexpefted and to ent.-r the mouth of the Var, where they bold attack, that they threw down their armt began to cann^jnade the French lines; after aud abandoned their works, which, fix hundred fcanien landed in open " appendix, N^ XII. koats, and advanced againit the enemy, who polls : QJJEEN ANNE. 241 pofts : they failed, with the lofs of many men, in their aflaults upon CHAP. J^ 1. others ; while the French force, gathering from every quarter, - j threatened in a few days to render the retreat of the afiailants im- ' pradicable. Defifting from all farther attacks, they ftruck their tents under cover of the night, and conducted their march with fuch i5tli Aug. alertnefs and regularity, as to elude any moleftation from the pur- fuit of the enemy '*. This expedition, though it failed of its ultimate defign, was pro- dutHive of very confiderable damage to the French. Eight of their capital fhips were deflroyed, feveral magazines blown up, and a hun- dred and fixty houfes burnt in the town. The devaftations com- mitted by the allied army in their march through Provence were eftimated at thirty millions of livres ; and the town and caftle of ;C-i>25o.ooo» Sufa were taken by the duke of Savoy in his return, which formed a ftrong barrier between his dominions and Dauphiny ''. The mif- carriage of the attack upon Toulon, for which various reafons w-ere affigned, was principally owing to the inflexible obftinacy of the emperor in profecuting the conqueft of Naples, in oppofition to the remonftrances of England and the States '^ If the force occupied there had been joined to that of the allies, Toulon would probably have fallen into their hands, while the fubmifhon of Naples, from the prefent difpofitlon of its inhabitants, muft have been a certain confequence of that event. '* Lives of the Admirals, vol. iii. p. 155. its defence. Gregg's Examination. Their retreat was greatly affifted by the fleet. ** Idem. Tindal, vol. vii. p. 29!. Admiral Dilkes advanced into the creek of ^* Dutch Envoy's Memorial. Letter to Fort St. Lewis, with five bomb veflels, and all a Tory Member, p. 12, 13. The emperor the boats of the men of war, fupported by the not only failed in liis engagements to the al- light frigates, and bombarded the town and lies to fupport this expedilion, but embraced harbour, which diverted the French army, for the opportunity of attacking Naples, becaufe a confiderable time, from purfuing the confe- it could not receive any aiTiftauce from the derates. London Gazette, N" 4352. Gregg, French and Spaniards. Life of Bolingbroke, ■who was executed for treafon, confeficd that p. 111, He was jealous of the aggrandize- he fent a copy of the queen's letter to the em- ment of the duke of Savoy, and wanted to get peror, relative to the projeft againft Ton- potTcirion of Naples to prevent its being tranf- Ion, to monfieurChamillard, v.hich made the ferrcd to him at a general peace. Sunderland's French more forward in taking raeafurcs for Letter. Cole's Collec'Jon, p. 457. Lonvl, 1733. I i The 44S HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. The cardinal Pignatilll, archbifiiop of Naples, and the duke of Monteleon, his brother, had entered Into a confpiracy for delivering the city Into the hands of the Germans, upon certain conditions, to. which the court of Vienna had fecretly agreed ". The Neapolitans in general were fo much difgufted with the feverltles of the French goverriment, that the few friends of Philip, when count Thaun ap- proached, finding it in vain to attempt any refiftance, fecretly con- veyed all their treafure to Gaeta, whither they afterwards fled them- felves. The neighbouring towns, garrlfoned with French troops, followed the example of Naples ; and count Thaun finlfhed his profperous career with the fiege of Gaeta, which was taken by loth Sept. ftorm ". The duke of Marlborough promoted the interefls of the confede- racy by the fuccefs of his negotiations, more than by the effe£l$ of his generalfhip during the campaign 1707. While the king of Sweden remained in Saxony, at the head of a powerful army, fluflied with victory, and Impatient to fignalize themfelves in the fervlce of a general who was their companion in every hardfhip and danger, his alliance was courted by the French king, and the eledtor of Ba- varia, with the moft affiduous attention and Importunity '''. The violent difpleafure which Charles expreflcd at the condudl of the emperor " was extremely flattering to their wifhes, and would pro- bably "' The principal conditions were, that all his Imperial majefty ; and required the de- the privileges, ftlpulated to the Neapolitans, livery of the Ruffian troops, which, after hav- by Charles V. fhould be confirmed ; and that ing invaded Saxony, were received into the all offices, civil and ecclefiaftlcal, ffiould be German army in the Upper Rhine : he availed confined to Neapolitans. Quincy, torn. v. himfelf alfo of the prefent crifis, to make p. 356. feveral demands relative to his private intereft; ^* Hlftoire de Louis, tom. vl. p. 162. and to obtain, for the proteftants in Silefia, the *' Barre, tom. x. p. 504. The French free exerclfe of their religlpn. Tindal, vol. vii. king notified to the king of Sweden his in- p. 257. He was difpleafed, becaufe the mi- tention of invading Scotland, with a memorial, nifter of Auguftus had produced his commlf- urging the juft title of James to the crown of fion to the Imperial chamber at Wetzlar, England. Jackfon's Letter to Mr. Boyle, under the arms and title of Poland. Lord Stockholm, 2 id March 1708. MSS. Raby's Letters to Mr. Boyle, 21ft, 28th 3° Charles complained of an infidt offered April. MSS. The interpofition of the queen to his envoy by couat Zeber, chamberlain to of England and the States, at length, ovtr. canie QJJEEN ANNE. 343 bably have fixed his refolutlon in their favour, had he not, at the CHAP, fame time, been exafperated againft the Czar for having over-run l - . -' j Poland, and compelled Staniflaus to abdicate his crown. While the '''°^' young monarch was wavering between diftrading objeds of refent- ment and ambition, it was hoped, that the prefence and addrefs of the duke of Marlborough might be fuccefsfully employed for recon- ciling him to the intereils of the allies. After confulting with the duke of Hanover, who was intimately acquainted with the temper of Charles, and had acquired an early afcendancy over his councils, Marlborough repaired to Ranftadt where the king was". He fecured 27th April* the influence of the Swedifh minifters by the promife of pecuniary rewards. He had repeated Interviews with Charles himfelf, and, by infmuating addrefs and fpecious arguments, enforced by his two con- fidential minifters, he foftened his refentment againft the emperor, and confirmed his purpofe of profecuting hoftilities againft the Czar". Having thus effeftually difcharged his duty as a ftatcfman, the duke returned to the Hague, and after confulting wuth the deputies, af- ^^^ ?-%• fumed the command of the confederate army near Hall ". A more uninterefting campaign does not occur in the annals of the German war. No battle, no ftratagem, no incident of import- ance, to attradl the attention, and gratify the curlofity of the reader. came the obftinacy of the emperor, gratified " talked of the conqiiefts of the allies. His the pride of Charles, and prevented a rupture, " grace then introduced the name of the which might have proved fatal to the confe- " czar, and obferved, that the eyes of Charles deracy. Tindal, vol. vii. p. 259. " fcir.Hled at the found : he farther remarked, 3' Hanoverian Papers, 1706, 1707. «« that a map of Mufcovy was lying on the 5* Lemieres. The following anecdote given «' table. The duke wanted no more to be by Voltaire, is a ftriking proof of the difcern- «« convinced, that the real objeft of the king's ment and addrefs of the duke of Marlborough. «' ambition, was dethroning tlij czar, as he " Marlborough, who had learned from long « had already done the kin vient therg — Second — Third, 'T^HE ftruggles and fortunes of parties conflltute an inftruifllve CHAP. and amufing branch of the hiftory of every free ftate, and were fingularly interefting during the reign of queen Anne. Having only adverted to this fubjedl incidentally in the preceding pages, that I might not interrupt the narrative of public tranfadions, I fhall now enter more minutely into a detail of the intrigues of the cabinet, and delineate the characters of the principal a£lors there, in order to convey to the reader a true idea of their political condudl and gene- ral merits. This difcuffion w^ill afford an opportunity of contem- plating the mighty influence of frivolous incidents and unfufpedted caufes, in regulating the great affairs of ftate, while it exhibits morti- fying examples of the inconfiftency of human character, and the meannefs and weaknefs which are often blended with the moft fhln- ing talents. Although the earl of Marlborough had early enlifted with the torles, yet he was too fagacious not to difcern, at the commence- ment of this reign, the ftrongeft reafons for breaking off his con- 14 nexiou ^45 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, nex'ion with that party, and reftrainhig its influence in the cabinet, j_ -' ■ Nothing lefs than an abfolute afcendant there could enfure the con- tinuance of the war, and procure liberal grants neceflary for carrying it on to fuch an extent, as correfponded with the ambitious projedls which he had formed. The earl of Rochefter, who afpired at the office of prime minifler, explicitly difapproved of the Englifh taking a leading part in the war ; and though complaifance to the queen, and their recent condemnation of the partition treaty, reftrained the tories from coinciding avowedly with his opinion, yet it was fuf- peiled, that they were not cordially favourable to continental poli- tics '. If the influence of Marlborough over the mind of the queen had not alone been fufficient to difappoint the ambition of his rival, yet lord Rocheflier could not with propriety have been placed at the head of adminifl:ration, when the tenor of public meafures was re- pugnant to his declared opinion ; nor intrufl:ed with the manage- ment of the treafury, when it was to be expended in fupporting mea- fures which he had condemned. As the talents of lord Godolphin were well adapted to the management of the finances, fo the intereft of his family was now interwoven with that of the earl of Marl- borough, to whom he became obfequioufly devoted, fith May, Lord Godolphin being appointed to the office of lord high trea- *^°^* furer, and the earl of Marlborough made commander of all the forces in the pay of England, it only remained, that they fhould exert their united intereft, under the aufpices of the fovereign, to re- concile the majority of parliament to their favourite meafures. The courtly principles of the tories were but a flender fecurity for their adherence to the minifters ; and the ardour of their loyalty abated when they found that the queen was more flow and reludtant than they expeded, in raifmg them to the exclufive pofleffion of power. When the earl of Rochefter was difmifled, they began to rally under the ftandard of oppofition. ' Otkr Side of the QncflioDj p. 176 — 180. London, 1742. This QJJ E E N A N N E. 249 This criiis of affairs prefented to the whIgs an unexpe<£led oppor- ^ ^ -^ ^'- tunity of emerging from that deprefiion into which they had iunk at the beginning of the reign. Their principles led them to vindicate and fuppott the grand aUiance ; and their fitiiation, apparently defpe- rate while they were without any interefl at court, induced them to render their affiftancc to adminiftration upon eafier terms than their antagonifts, who flood upon the high ground of royal patronage. The whigs were willing to ferve in hope, to truft to the generofity of their employers for diftant reward ; and to fpare them the difagree- able neceffity of coming to a fudden rupture with fuch of their old friends as were dlfpofed to fupport their meafures ; or of offending their miflrefs, by precipitating changes, and pufhing preferments to which flie was averfe *. With a prudent regard to thefe circum- ftances, the ruling members of the cabinet adjufted their arrange- ,ments, and extended their political influence. They began with felefting, as the objects of promotion, perfons of ambiguous con- nexion, and fuch of the whigs as had adted with greater moderation jhan the reft of thej)arty, and who, ^at the fame tipie, enjoyed the good opinion of the public. There was not any perfon whatever, who now appeared in the political circle, more fortunate In the poffeffion of thefe qualifications .aavi than Mr. Harley, the fpeaker of the houfe of commons. He had been diftinguifhed by his early and adlive zeal for the revolution ' : the detection of enormous corruption, brought home to fome of the minifters in the preceding reign, was principally owing to his pa- triotic inveftigation * : he was a zealous fupporter of the bill for tri^- ennial parliaments : he had difcovered great knowledge . in , the finances v/hen he a£ted as a member of the committee for infpefting the public accounts ; and by preparing a fcheme to make good tlie * Condvicl of the Duchefs of Marlborough, * He had been yer\- active in tlie buiiriefs of paflim. the orphans of the city of London, 1692, « . ^ He joined the prince of Orange with a and contended for the reduftioii of llhe IriSh' tVoop of horfe raifed at his own expence. j^ants. " j ' Kk . f\^ \f ih})i -so HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, deficiencies of the revenue, which had a feafonable effect In reftoring ' ^ — .- _■ public credit. But what above all raifcd Mr. Harley*s merit, in the eftimation of the 'vvhigs, was his zeal for the extenfion of the protef- tant fettlcment, and his propofmg, at the fame time, regulations of government, and limitations of prerogative, which, had they been obtained, would, in their opinion, have exalted the Britifh confti-. tution to the fummit of perfedlion. When parties run high, few, who have appeared long in a public charafter, are fo fortunate as to efcape the reproach of verfatility; but the friends of Mr. Harley afTerted, that if ever he had left the whigs, it was only when they departed from their own conllitutional ground, as in the cafe of their voting for the attainder of fir John Fennick, and of their oppofition to difbanding the army '. In teftimony of his diftinguifhed merit he was chofen fpeaker of the houfe of commons in the two laft par- liaments of king William, and was again preferred to the fame honour in the firft of the queen ; nor was there any perfon, who, on account of his moderation, experience in bufinefs, and difcernment of cha- ra(5lers, feemed better qualified for managing that affembly. The perfons, who directed the councils of the queen, foon found a fair i6th May, opportunity for afligning to him a high ftation in the miniftry, in confequence of the voluntary refignation of the feals by the earl of Nottingham*. ' Hiftory of the laft Miniftry and Parlia- Firmnefs, and promptitude of deci/ion, are ment. • efTential properties in the cliarafler of a prime <* Tinda!, vol vi, p. 4. Mr. Harley'sreputa- minifter ; but the want of them is not fo eafily tion did not keep pace with his preferment ; nor dilcovered in the candidate for tliat prc-emi- did his merits as a minifter anfwer the high ex- nence, while he remains in the fubordinate de- pcflations excited by the diftinguifhed figure partments of office. The dependents and which he made in the earlier ftages of his po- under-adlors in adminiftration have little fcopc litical career. The moderation which he for deliberation, and are expected to purfue affefted, and the trimming which he practifed and defend the meafures which tlicir fupeiiors under that pretext, flattered the hopes, and fnggell ; but, from the moment a perfon is procured the good opinion of individuals and intrufted with the primary diredtion of affairs, parties inoppofite interefts ; but afterwaids in- his irrefolutiun or incapacity for decifiou can volved him in perplexity, when he obtained the no longer be concealed from his colleagues, reins of adminill ration ; and, as he was unable and ieldom fail to expofe him to their conr to gratify the demands of any, he became ob* tempt. oo\icus to the rcfentment of every party. IVIr H CUT E EN ANNE. 251 Mr. St. John was appointed fecretary at war, on the 20th of April ^ ^^ P* 1 70^1 . The pregnant abilities of Mr. St. John had attrafted the flattering attention of his tutors during the courfe of his academical ftudies. The quicknefs of his conception, and the wonderful ftrength of his memory, counterbalanced the great difadvantages which he lay under from extreme diffipation, and the unbridled pur- fuit of pleafure. His claflical tafte, his erudition and vivacity, pro- cured him a high reputation in the literary world ; and excited a general expectation of his making a fhining figure in public life. Nor was this expedlation difappointed. His clear and compre- henfive views of bufmefs ; the dignity and eloquence with which he acquitted himfelf in debate ; the fplendor and fluency of his expref- fion, and the gracefulnefs of his manner, recommended him to the notice of every party as foon as he began his political career. Al- though different teftimonies have been tranfmitted to us, with refpe£t to the prejudices which he had Imbibed in early life, both high church and pur'itannical zeal having tainted his immediate anceftors ', yet, as he had joined the tories in arraigning the partition treaty, and had entered warmly into the defence of their favourite bill againft. occafional conformity, he was marked as one of their partifans. He had formed an intimate connedion with Mr. Harley, and entertained a high admiration of the duke of Marlborough, which difpofed him cordially to take a part in a:n adminiftration in which they were united'. The accomplifhments of a courtier and flatefman the duke of Marlborough poffefTed in a degree inferior to none of his contempo- ^ His grandfather and grandmother were ton, a puritanical divine, who compofed a difciples of Dr. Burges, whofe diilinguifhed hundred and nineteen fermons upon the hur- popularity annong the prcfbyterians, after- drcd and nineteenth pfalm. Letters to Mr- -wards expofed him to tlie fury of the high Pope, &c. p. 526. printed 1753. church mob. Lord Bohngbroke liimfelf ac- Mr. St. John was chofen member for Wot- knowledges his early connexion with the dif- ton-Baffet, in Wilt/hire, in the year 1700, and fenters; and, in a letter to Mr. Pope, men- continued to reprefent that burgh in three fuc- tions his having been condemned, when a boy cefiive parliaments, at fchool, to read a folio volume of Dr. Man- ' Life of Bolingbroke, paflira. K k 2 raries, 2^2 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, rarles, while his military talents raifed him far above all rivalfliip and competition. The natural advantages of a fine figure and dignified mien, embellifhed with all the graces of the court, to which he was introduced at an early ftage of life, before his more ufeful qualifi- cations were difcovered, made lord Churchill the firft obje£t of no- tice and admiration in every polite circle. While thefe exterior ex- cellencies recommended him as the fitted perfon to be employed on bufinefs of compliment at foreign courts, his fafcinating addrefs, his political knowledge, and his acute penetration into charaders, reiv dered him the raoft able and fuccefsful negotiator in the more Aveighty affairs of ftate. The early proficiency of lord Churchill in every branch of war- like fcience, and his meritorious exploits in the ftation of a fubaltern commander, had excited a general expedation of his afcending to diftinguiflied fuperioiity in the line of his profeffion '. The hiftory of ten eventful campaigns demonftrated, that nothing was expected from him which he did not perform ; and that there was not a fingle accomplifhment of a general, in which he did not excel. His com- prehenfive and various capacity was equally adapted to complicated and detached objeds. In the feveral departments of plan and ftra- tagem, and of enterprife and adion, he v/as alike fuccefsful. The general arrangement of the campaign, and the difpofitions which he made in the day of battle ; his choice of ground, his compofure and prefence of mind in the heat of an engagement, his improvement of victory, and his ready expedients under bad fortune, for a defeat he never knew, were all evidences of fuch diverfity of talents, and fuch a ftupendous pitch of military genius, as never have been fur- pafled by thofe of the greateft commanders in ancient or modem times. ' Captain Churcbill was diftinguKhed among traded the notice of the marflird Turin, wlio the Engli/h auxiliaries in the fervice of Hoi- predifted his future greatnefs. Biographia Jand 1672. His military fliiU and bravery at- Britannica. Life of Churchill. The QJJ E E N A N N E. 253 The profeflional conclud of the duke of Marlborough exhibits the CHAP, mojft favourable view of his virtue as well as of his genius. Among l -. - j the various hoftile operations which he directed, during fo long a fervice, rus example occurs of any propenfity to wanton feverity. He was a merciful and generous conqueror, and ftudied, more than any commander before his time, to reconcile the affections of vanquifhed ftates by kindnefs and lenity ; and to mitigate the fufferings of his prifoners, by providing them with medicine, attendance, and every palliative of which their fituation could admit. Thus far we admire and praife : but, as all human charadlers are imperfedt, fo it cannot be denied, that the admirable endowments, and good difpofitions of the duke of Marlborough, were counterbalanced by a more than common alloy of meannefs and depravity. Self-intereft was his ruling paffion, and when its objedt interfered, perverted his talents, and degraded his conduct. His ingratitude to king James, political prejudices apart, will be condemned by every feeling and honourable heart. If he ever after- wards felt any kind inclinations towards the perfon or family of his unfortunate benefactor, they were quickly controlled by motives of party refentment, or perfonal aggrandizement; which, notwith- ftanding renewed profeffions of his attachment to them, rendered him the principal inftrument of confirming their exile and de- gradation. Although the abilities of lord Godolphin were not fo brilliant and extenfive as thofe of the general, yet they were far above the com- mon level, and admirably adapted to the fphere in which he adted. His talent for diftinct arrangement, his continued application to bufinefs, and his untainted integrity in office, rendered him the fitteft perfon for fuperintending the treafur}^ He acquired great method and order in the management of that department, and by the regu- larity and exacftnefs of his payments, he raifed the public credit to a higher pitch than had ever been known before. Under his diredion the 254 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, the ceconomy of "tb.e exchequer was exceedingly improved ; and he had fo entirely gained the confidence of the monied men, that fupply was never wanting for the execution of any projed adopted for the fervice of government '°. From the behaviour of the tories to the duke of Marlborough in the firfl: parliament of queen Anne, it appeared that they were di- vided between hope and fear, between courtefy and refentment. They were fometimes inclined to carefs and tajole ; but oftener to affront and difappoint him. \Yhile they acknowledged his fervices in the ftrongeft expreffions of gratitude, they obftrudled and retarded thofe pecuniary rewards which the queen wifhed to confer upon him. They afterward encouraged inquiries tending to the crimi- nation of his minifterial friends, and the injury of his own reputation. Thus the feveral queftions, relative to the negledl of the war in Spain, the lofs of the battle of Almanza, the mifcarriage of the expe- dition on the Mofelle, the deficiency of the allies in furnifhing their quotas, and the beneficial flipulations granted to the Dutch, were evidently agitated with a view to difparage the plans of the minl- flers, and to expofe their partiality to the intereft of the duke of Marlborough. They embraced every opportunity of introducing rival heroes, to captivate and divide popular admiration. They put the fuccefs of fir George Rooke and the duke of Marlborough upon the flime level ; and magnified the exploits of the earl of Peter- borough, for the purpofe of detradling from the high fame of the envied commander. Such condud, as might naturally have been expedled, only ftimulated his exertions for accomplifhing the com- plete overthrow of the party which fet its face againft him". '" Burnet, vol. ii. p. 831. vol. v. p. 870. " mifed." MSS. Charafter of Lord Godol- Otber fide of the Queftion, p. 295. His de- phin. Letters from the Earl of Shaftef- jortment wa t rather folemn and forbidding, bury to Robert Molefworth. London 172 1, and he was difficult of accefs ; but, as he was piilfim. the fame to all degrees, he did not lofe in "' Journals Lords and Commons, paffim. tfteem by this. " He was a perfon of ttr'.a Letters on the Hiftory of England, vol. ii. <• honour, and ufually did more than he pro- p. ixij 112. Lond. 1780. After QJJ E E N A N N E. 255 After the diilolution of the firfl: parliament, the whig interefl: ad- ^^if"^' vanced apace, and derived advantage from the very mcafures which were employed for its deftrudion. Sober, difccrning men were alarmed by the headftrong and violent proceedings of the t,ories ". Their moderate friends forfook them ; and hence the origin of what was called a middle party, compofed of individuals who had ar- ranged themfelves under oppofite ftandards, but who never had been engaged in the heat of the conteft on either fide '\ Some of the vvhigs, however, ftill retained a jealoufy of the duke of Marlborough and lord Godolphin ; and though they did not oppofe important queftions relative to the war, yet they did not accept of employment, or wiih to be confidered as the tools of minifters who had ac- quired too great an afcendant in the councils of the fovereign '*. This occafioned a diftindllon to be made between the new and the old whigs. Thofe who fupported not only the meafures, but the perfonal interefts of the minifters, were called fie-w whigs; and thofe who kept aloof from the tories, and generally voted with the mini- fters, though not aflbciated with them in office or private confultation, were called the old whigs ". In proportion as the whig intereft was promoted by the minifters at home, it was favoured by the allies abroad. The merits of the duke of Marlborough, highly prized by them, muft naturally have given them a bias to the party with which he was connedted, with- out any refpeft to its principles, or its influence in the domeftic policy of England. But wlieu the tories introduced parliamentary inquiries into the condutft of the allies, and loaded them with cen- fure for the purpofe of obliquely fubverting the reputation of the general, this naturally fuggefted to both the plan of a joirit intereft '^ Supplement to the Faults on both Sides, P^er King obferved the fame conduft. Lord p. 7. Lend. 1710. Coningfby, Mr. Craggs, Mr. Peyton, S;c. were ■' Cunningham, vol. i. p. 328. fcrvilely obfequious to lord Godolphin. Cun- '♦ Lord Somers was the moll diftinguifhed ningham, vol. i. p. 400 — 460, &c. perfon of this defcn'ption. Mr. Edward Wort- '* Cunningham, vol i. p. 462. Hiftory of ley, Mr. Hampdtn, fir Joftph Jckyi, and iir the Odober Club, p. 12, and 256 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, and reciprocal defence. The minlfters flood forth as the apologifls u — >" ■■' for the alUes, as often as their fideUty and honour were attacked, or any fpecial concern of theirs was to be promoted ; and the allies, in their turn, recompenfed their defenders, not only by munificent prefents, but by doing all they could to prop the whig miniftry, and to encourage and ftrengthen its partifans ^*. Independent of any hoftility, either foreign or minifterial, the con- dud: of the tories themfelves was fufficient to account for the entire extindion of their intereft with the court. The meafures which they purfued, after they had loft their power, exhibited the moft fhameful inconfiftency, and the arguments and expreflions, adduced by them to enforce thefe meafures, were a grofs violation of that re- fpe£t and tendernefs, which were due to the dignity and fex of the fovereign. It is no wonder, that fuch treatment quenched every fpark of affedion for the party which fhe firft favoured ; and that {he became lefs referved in cafting off fuch of the Tories as fhe had hitherto retained in her fervice. The earl of Rochefter, the earl of Jerfey, the earl of Nottingham, fir Edward Seymour, fir Nathan Wright, and fir Charles Hedges, all of them notable men of that party, were fuccefTively turned out of their places ". 1705, 6. The whig intereft became more popular and vigorous from being efpoufed by fome perfons of talents and experience, whofe former fervices had obtained the public confidence, which was the more confirmed, becaufe they did not now participate of the emoluments of the ftate. Of this defcrlption, none flood higher than lord Hali- fax and lord Somers. The merit of delivering the nation from an impending bankruptcy, and reftoring the vigour of public credit In the late reign, was juftly imputed to the laborious ingenuity of lord Halifax. He had alfo been the principal inftrument of advancing fhe credit of the bank of England ; and projc-dlng the fcheme of the new Eaft India Company, which had materially contributed to the •• The cffefts of this alTociation were ftill " Condiift of the Duchefs of Maribo- nsorc confpicuous at the clofe of the war. rough, p. J 45, 5tc. pafiim. relief QJJ E E N ANNE. 257 relief of government at a time of extraordinary embarraffment and ^ ^f^ ^- difficulty. Although he had been difgraced by the queen, and ftruck i..^ -.— -« out of the lift of privy counfellors, yet he never entered into wanton or indifcriminate oppofition, or adopted that virulent fpirit which now appeared in many who had been the firft objecSls of I'oyal favour, becaufe they had not fucceeded to the utmoft of their expe(9:- ation in profiting by that diftindion. As lord Halifax's abilities as a ftatefman rendered his affiftance an important acqulfition to the party to which it was given, fo his known zeal for the proteftant fettlement infpired its friends with a confidence in the prefent mini- fters, which they could not have obtained on the fcore of their per- fonal merits or reputation ". Lord Somers, who had lived in retirement at the beginning of this iroj, 6. reign, now began to affift in the councils of adminillration. No perfon flood higher In the public opinion than he did for abilities, probity, and a fteady adherence to the principles which he profefled at his outlet in public life. He had uniformly oppofed the arbitrary meafures of Charles and James. He was the principal inftrument in perfuading the commons to fettle the crown upon king William. After the death of the duke of Gloucefter, he projected the bill for extending the proteftant fettlement j and he never let flip any oppor- tunity to ftrengthen and corroborate that deed. As a judge, he was diftlnguifhed for his gentlenefs, patience, and impartiality. None ever excelled him in difcrlminating and arranging the eflential branches of a caufe ; in placing intricate points in a perfpicuous light, and levelling them to ordinary comprehenfion. A clear under- ftanding, and a profound knowledge of the hiftory and laws of Eng- land, ftamped a fuperior authority upon his opinions relative to affairs of ftate, which did not efcape the difcernment of king Wil- " He was a zealous patron of learned men ; fir Ifaac Nexvton, were all promoted under bis and pofiefFed a great fhare of literary merit, adminiftration. Addifon, Prior, Locke, Steele, Congreve, and L 1 liam^ 258 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, liaiii, who confided more in him than any other counlellor. The — — . — ~' eff'cdt of this authority was, indeed, in fome degree, impaired by the diffidence and modefty with which he deUvered his opinions in council, for it was the weaknefs of his chara£ter too readily to yield his own better judgment to that of his colleagues, who were neither fo difmterefteW, nor well informed ''. 170J, 6. In the fecond parliament of this reign, the whig intereft carried all before it ; and had fpread fo far, and ftruck fo deep a root, that it feemed beyond the hazard of being overturned again during the life of the queen. Nothing, however, is more precarious than political power, and the very influence by which it has been nurtured and reared often proves the occafion of its fubverfion and ruin. This obfcrvation will be lUuftrated by a detail of the fecret caufes, which nearly deftroyed the whig intereft, when it had juft reached the fum- mit of profperity ; and which, though their operation was counter- afted and fufpended by unexpefted incidents, again refumed their energy, and finally prevailed. The condu(£t and demeanor of the duchefs of Marlborough gra- dually alienated the confidence, and at length exafperated the fpirit of her affedionate and bountiful miftrefs. There are few who have attained either fuch proficiency in fclf-denial, or fuch refinement of frlendfhip, as to become indifferent to thofe ceremonial attentions, which are the cuftomary appendages of high rank and authority. Nor, on the other hand, are there many who perfedly underftand the proper feafons and boundaries of familiarity, or who know how '* Lord Somcrs publirticd feveral political dowed. He had the honour of being prefi- pamplikts in the early part of his life, which dent of the royal focicty at a time when it was were diftingiiiflied by correAnefs of (lyle, and compofed of fome of the mod illuftrious ge- pcrfpicuity and force of argument. During niufes that ever did honour to human nature, his retirement at the «nd of the late, and the be- Walpole's Catalogue of Roj-al and Noble ginning of the prefent reign, he devoted him- Authors. Molefwortli's Letters. MSS. felf entirely to ftudy, and the gratification of Letters of Lord Somers to the Duke of that exquifite tafte for polite literature and Shrewfijcrry. ijie fine arts with which he was eminently en- to QJJ E E N A N N E. 259 to attemper the habits of juvenile friendfhip with referve and modefty, ^ ^n^^' befitting the changes which have arilen from the lapfe of time or in- cidents of fortune. In this undefinable, though important fcience, the duchefs of Marlborough was fingularly deficient. She did not confider that the affability of intercourfe in which fhe had been in- dulged by her miftrefs, at a period when the heart is open and devoid of care and artifice, and which had been afterwards cherifhed by fympathctic difappointments and hopes, could not be continued with propriety, and without giving offence, at the age of gravity and bu- finefs, within the walls of a court, and between the fubjecl and the- fovereign. Though the duchefs fhared in the exaltation of her mif- trefs by the favours heaped upon her family, fhe was obflinately te- nacious of the privileges of Mrs. Freeman ; and expe£led to find, in a royal friend, the fame undignified eafe, unguarded franknefs, and tolerance of contradidiion and rebuke, which fhe had experienced in the condefcen.ding and afTedionate Morley''''. But impertinent fa- miliarity, which flows from indifcretion or mere error of judgment, was not the fole or the principal caufe of difgufling the queen, and undermining the influence of the favourite. By unexampled greedinefs of difpofltion and imperioufnefs of temper, the bounty of the friend was abufed, the liberty of the miftrefs invaded, and the ferenity of her domefliic enjoyment difturbed. A profufion of kind- nefs, which was rather an evidence of the weaknefs than the gene- rofity of the queen, only ferved to inflame the avarice and multiply the demands of her rapacious dependent. Prefents, honours, oflices, »o u -pjjg princefs grew uneafy to be treated " between us ; Morky and Freeman were the " by me with the fonn and ceremony due to " names her fancy hit upon, and flic left me " her rank ; nor could (he bear from me die " to chufe by which of them I would be " found of words which imphed diitance and " caUed. My frank temper led me to pitch •' fupcriority. This made l>er one day pro- " upon F::eeman, and fo the princefs took the *« pofe to me, that whenever I fhould happen " other ; and from this time Mrs. Morhy and " to be abfcnt from her, we might in all our " Mrs. Freeman began to converfe as equals, " letters write by feigned names, fuch as " made fo by affeftionate friendfhip." Con- " would import nothing of dillin£lion of rank du£l of the Duchefs of Marlborough, p. 14. L 1 2 were 2 6o HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. XII. were accumulated upon her and her hufband, beyond any precedent of royal munificence ". The relations, the dependents, the favour- ites of the favourite, were preferred in every competition for the patronage of the fovereign. But when this did not fuffice; when the duchefs of Marlborough aimed at engroffing all the prerogatives of royalty, except the title ; when fhe intermeddled in the difpofal of every important office in the army, the navy, the treafury ; and was angry becaufe the queen referved for herfelf the ecclefiaftical appoint- ments ", in which fhe was confcientioufly interefted ; when the whole fyftem of public meafures was to bend to the counfels and Intereft of a junto ; when tlie fovereign was not permitted to have any opinion or prejudice of her own ; when terror was added to tyranny, and angry threats chaftifed every attempt to exercife her right and afcertain her independence ; we need not wonder that in- dignation fucceeded affedion, and that the queen grew impatient for an opportunity of being liberated from a bondage, aggravated by " A Statement of the Offices and Emoluments enjoyed by the Duke of Marlborough. Per Annum. Plenipotentiary to the States, £. 7,000 General for the Englifh forces on Mr. How's eftablifhment, - • 5,000 General in Flanders upon Mr. Bry dge's eftablifhment, .... 5,000 Mafter of the ordnance, - - 3,000 Travelling charges as mafter of the ordnance, - - - 1,825 Colonel of the foot-guards, being twenty-four companies, - - 2,000 Penfion, - - - -- - 5,000 From the United States as general of their forces, .... 10,000 From the foreign troops in Englifh pay, fixpence per pound, - - 15,000 For keeping a table, ... 1,000 £• 54.825 Offices, l^c. of the Duchefs. Keeperof the great and home parks, £. 1,500 MIftrefs of the robes, - ;^. 1,500 Privy purfe, .... 1,500 Groom of the ftole, ... 3,000 Penfion out of the privy purfe, - 2,000 £■ 9.500 The ftates-general, after the battle of Blen- heim, prefented the duke a bank bill of j^. 50,000. The eilate of Woodftock, the houfe of Blenheim, and piftures and jewels, of immenfe value, were prefented to him and the duchefs by the queen, and £. 5,000 was granted, by way of portion, to each of the duke's daughters. The prefents which the duke received from the emperor, the king of Pruflia, the eleftor of Hanover, and other courts, which cannot be fo precifely calcu- lated, amounted to an immenfe fum. Colb'ns's Peerage, vol. i. p. 197. *^ Conduft of the Duchefs of Marlbo- rou£rh, p. 174. Memoirs of the Condutft of her late Majefty, p. 17. Lond. 1715. the QJJ E E N ANNE. 261 the empty name and formality of power, and by a bitter fenfe of ^ ^^ ^• the ingratitude of the perfort who had forged her chains ^\ Various circumftances had been gradually confpiring to accelerate the crifis, fo ardently wiflied for by the fovereign, Mr. Harley was too confcious of the fuperiority of his own abilities, and had ac- quired too great a flock of independent reputation, to continue a fubordinate member of any adminiftration. It was his favourite maxim, that the name of party ought to be abolifhed, by feledting for the public fervice, indifcriminately, the wifeft and moft virtuous perfons, whatever their political denominations or connexions might be '* ; a maxim, which, though it be founded on fpeclous arguments, can only be conftrued as a doubtful tell of the liberality and inde- pendence of the perfon who holds it, as it may be made fubfervient to private ambition, as often as to general utility. It has been infi- nuated, that Mr. Harley was not infenfible to feelings more ignoble than thofe of ambition ; and that the contempt and indignity, with which his afliduous civilities to the duchefs of Marlborough were repaid, contributed, in no fmall degree, to his feparation from the junto *', and to that marked animofity againft the Marlborough family, which appeared in the future courfe of his political life ". From whatever caufe it arofe, there can be no doubt that, after the meeting of the fecond parliament, Mr. Harley began to cherilh the idea of inde- ^' Other Side of the Queftion, paffim. Me- queen, becaufe they fufpefted that the per- moirs of the Conduft of her late Majcfty and fens above mentioned were ftill r.ddiiSled to her Minifters, p. i6, &c. Pamphlets of the tory principles. The rejeftion of the bill times. againft occafional conformity, the mcafiires ■ *■•• Other Side of the Queftidn, p. 223. piirfued for fecuring the proteftant fucceffion. Appendix, N° XV. and at length the important tranfaftion of the ^ . Under the defignation of the Junto,, I union, removed entirely the fufpicion of the refei- to the duke of Marlborough, the earl of old whigs, who ever after afted in concert Godolphin, and their adherents in the cabinet, with the general and treafurer, both while after the dilmillion of the earl of Nottingham they continued in power, and after they were and the earl of Rochefter. This name was deprived of it. ConduCl of Parties, p. 8. firft given to the whig lords, who oppofed the 14. 17 12. meafures of governm"nt for feme time after **■ Cunningham, vol. i. p. 461. Condudl the meeting of the lecond paiiiament of the of the Duchefs of Marlborough, p. 191, &c. 13 pendent 262 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, XII. pendent influence, and to projed a complete change of adminl- ilration. Many circumftances concurred to operate again ft the in-' tereft'cf thofe who were now in place, and tO' flatter his expedlations of fuccefs. • He was no ftranger to the uneafinefs which the queen difcovcreJ under the abufe and tyranny of a domineering favourite ; and he 1706. knew that fhe had grown weary of the war which upheld the authb-' rity of the prefent minifters *'. The repeated defeats -of- the armies- of the French king, and the exhaufted ftate of his finances, afforded ground to hope, that overtures would foon be propofed by him,, which, with the afljftance of the moderate or middle party in both houfes, might be made the bafis of a general pacificationr'":i-l'his party had lately acquired ftreiigth and popularity frt)m tli^ refult 'Of feveral parliamentary difcuflions, nearly affedling the c©ndu fions of parliament, which met at diftant intervals within the period I have furveyed. «703' In the firft fcffion, which Opened under the lieutenancy of the duke of Ormond, on the 2ift Sept. 1703, the commons unani- moufly made choice of Allan Broderick, her majefty's folicitor ge- 29th Sept. neral, to be their fpeaker, and addrefled the queen, and the lord aoth oa. lieutenant, in the warmeft expreffions of loyalty j but complained of thofe milreprefentations of the conduct of the freeholders, which had been tranfmitted to the court of London. They difavowed all thoughts and defire of independence, and in the moll explicit terms acknowledged the crown of Ireland to be annexed to that of Eng- land. While they declared their abhorrence of the proceedings of the truftees on the forfeited eftates, they guarded againft any reflec- tions difrefpedlful to the authority under which they adled *\ The commons formed refolutions in the fpirit of their addrefs, and cen- fured fome of their own members for having been accefl'ary to the calumnies of which they complained ''\ They cheerfully granted J703. the fupplies neceflary for defraying the expences of the eftablifh- ment, and acquitted themfelves with fidelity to their conftituents, by objefting to fome erroneous ftatements of public accounts ; and by cutting off unmerited and extravagant penfions, which faved the nation above a hundred thoufand pounds per annum '*. They fol- lowed the fteps of the Englifh parliament for fecuring the proteftant •* Journals of the Houfe of Commons of chaelmas 1703. A tax of four /liillings per Ireland, 25th, 29th September. pound was laid on all fuch penfions and grants *-' Id. 26th Oaober, ad November. Mr. as had been found an unnecefiai-y charge to Francis Annefly one of the members, who the revenue. They prefented an addrefs to came under this cenf ire, was expeUtd the the lord-lieutenant, ccmplaluing of the raif- houfe ; Mr. Trenchard fled to England ; Mr. cl"'efs under which the kingdom laboured by Hamilton died before the meeting of the fef- the abfence of judges, conimiffioners of the re- fion. venue, and others holding offices wiiich re- '♦ Id. 30th September 12th, 14th, 19th, q"'>td perfonal attendance, praying that all Md, 25th oaober, 10th November. I'liey fuch in future might be required to attend voted a I'upply of a hundred and fifty thoufand upon their duty or removed, pounds per annum for two years from Mi- fuccelfion ; QJJEEN ANNE. 277 fucceflion ; and brought in bills for extending the oath of abjuration, C HA p. and making it high treafon to impeach the fucceflion, as limited by 1 ■ — » J former a£ts of parliament. The ruling fpirit of both houfes was daob'er. confpicuoufly manifefled by the tenor of their proceeding:; againfl: the Roman catholics. A bill paffed in the upper houfe for prev-^ent- ing popifh priefts coming into the kingdom, and readily obtained the approbation of the commons. But not thinking this fufficient, the latter brought in a bill to prevent the growth of popeiy, which, in S°^ S^** the certainty of its execution'and the feverlty of its effedts, exceeded that of England in the year 1700; and to atteft the ardour of their zeal, after it had been paffed by the lords, the whole houfe attended the prefentation of it to the lord lieutenant °'. To juftify the feve- rlty of this ad, a petition was prefented to the lord mayor and citi- zens of Limerick, complaining of the injuries which they fuftained from the number of the Roman catholics there ; and It was at the fame time reprefented from different parts of the country, that a correfpondence was carried on between the Roman catholics and the pretender, to the great danger of the protectant fettlement. A profecution was inflituted by the commons againft the publifher of »3ti Nov* the memoirs of the late chevalier, which had contributed to inflame the enthufiafni, and animate the hopes of the dlfaffedled. The fud- den adjournment of the parliament interrupted the career of their »7^. anti-catholic zeal ; and excited a fufpicion that it did not meet with, the approbation of the lord lieutenant. The Englifh miniftry, from motives of policy as well as juftice, were unwilling to furnifh their Roman catholic allies, at this time» *5 In order more efFeftually to prevent the of two months ; and, that if this w-as not doncj. cliildren of Roman catholics being fent they fliould be deemed convifted, and incur, abroad and educated in the Roni.in cathohc all the penalties prcfcribcd by the tomier act. religion, agreeably to a former acl of the Severe penalties were to be iniliftcd upon pro- feventh of king William, it was to be enaficd, teftants who marriv;d papifts ; and that uo that, upon the fuppofition of any child being Roman catholic family of fortune might re- fent abroad, any of the judges of her majefty's main, it was to be alfo provided, that al! eftates courts, or any two jnilicts of the peace, ihould fhoiild be equally divided amoucr the children be empo.vercd to require the parents or guar- of papifts. Journals Commons-, ipih Novem- diansto produce the faid child within the fpace ber. with. 278 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^ vT^ ^' '^•^^ ^^y ground for complaining of their feverity to that fe£l, which U i ■ ", ■ ^ might have provoked a retaliation upon the foreign proteftants. That they might defeat the bill which had been prefented to the lord lieu- tenant, without appearing to the Irifh proteftants to have flackened in their zeal againft popery, a claufe was inferted by the council, re- quiring all perfons in office in Ireland to take the facrament accord- ing to the teft a£l palTed in England. The minifters expected, that the bill would have been rejedled with this qualification, for the fake of the proteftant diflenters, for whom the commons had of late pro- feffed great charity and kindnefs. But antipathy to the Roman ca- 23d Feb. tholics prevailed, and the bill took place contrary to the wiihes of the miniftry". The parliament was prorogued on the 4th of March to the 25th of Sept. 1704. Although, from local fituation, the attention of the Irifli free- holders was principally occupied about the Roman catholics, yet from the connexion many of them had with England, it was hardly to be expeded that, they could efcape fome timftm-e of the party fpirit which raged there. The earl of Clarendon, himfelf a keen partifan, had, during his adminiftration, introduced the diftindion i68j. between whig and tory, till then unknown in Ireland. As he fel- dom refided in that country, and as his government was unpopular, he made fmall progrefs in his fcheme of fubdividing parties ; and protejiant and whig continued to be underftood as fynoniittous terms There were, however, feveral clergymen of high church and tory principles, who had been promoted to benefices under the patronage of the earl of Clarendon, and aftewards under that of his brother, the earl of Rochefter ; and the removal and difgrace of the latter rendered them readily difpofed, when an opportunity fhould •* Tindal, vol. v. p. 302. Several bills were fupprefled. An aft pafTed for natural- were brought in for the improvement of the Ifmg proteftant ftrangers, and another for re- country, encouraging manufaflures, and ex- ducing the intereft of money to eight per tending the trade of Ireland ; but meeting cent. Journals Commons, paffim. with no encouragement from the miniftiy, occur, Q^UEEN ANNE. 279 occur, to purfue that fadllous condud which was exemplified by C HA p. many of their brethren in England ". «. ^ — -J The proceedings of the next feflion of the Irilh parliament, which 1705. was opened by the duke of Ormond, on the loth of February 1705, entirely conefponded with the views and wifhes of the Englifh mini- ftry. The commons congratulated her majefty upon the fuccefs of her arms under the duke of Marlborough ; and declared their firm refolution, fhould any dlfierence arife between England and Scot- land, to adhere to the former, and to maintain the fuccefi!ion in the proteftant line, againft all who attempted to difunite the two king- doms. An ample fupply was voted for fupporting the neceifary ^^^ Marcli. . £• 250,000* branches of the efl:ablilliment for two years, commencing the 29th September 1705, and ending the 29th September 1707. A bin, which originated with the commons, for the improvement of hempen and flaxen manufadlures, afforded to the high church clergy the opportunity they wifhed for, of difcoverlng a congenial fpirit with thofe of the fame party in England. The convocation, without permiC- fion prcvioufly afked, prefented a memorial to the commons, remon- ftrating againft the limitations of their tithes, which was one of the ob- je(3:s of the new bill; and defired that it might not pafs till the reafons they had to offer againft it were heard. The lower houfe, confider- ing this as an attack upon their legiflative authority, refolved, that *7°5* they were the only reprefentatives of all the commons in Ireland, intrufted with the civil rights of the clergy as well as laity; and that no perfon or body of men had a title to be heard againft any bill^ but after leave obtained by petition*'. The memorialifts not meet- ing, at this time, with countenance from any of the laity of rank and influence, abandoned a difpute which might have proved hurt- ful to their characters and intereft. They formally difavowed any 16th and igtb intention 01 invading the rights of the houfe of commons ; and pleaded their want of experience, from the long fufpenfion of con- *' Tindal, vol. v. p. 282, 3. «' Journals Commons, 12th March. 14 vocations. 2So HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, vocations, as an apology for the improper method of making theif V. -.- .' application in an affair that fo nearly concerned the rights of the church. This fubmiflion, on the part of the clergy, feems to have arifen from their being overawed by the minifterial authority, rather than from any renunciation of thofe principles which had originally betrayed them into the conteft. For, while the houfe of commons were ufmg their endeavours to mitigate the grievances of the pro- teftant diffenters, and to unite all the different proteftant feds in one intereft, the clergy of the above defcription were doing all they could to counterad: that meritorious dcfign, both in their colledlive and private capacity. This condud induced the commons to enter into fuch refolutions as were expreffive of their difpleafure, and their apprehenfions of the dangerous confequences of promoting any jea- loufy or mifunderftanding among the proteftants, while they teftified at the fame time their zeal for the peculiar honour and intereft of the eftablifhed church'''. On the 15th of June, the parliament was prorogued to the 30th ; and afterwards from time to time, to the ift of July 1707. The decided fuperiority of the whigs in England, together with the prudent attention of adminiftration, checked the progrefs of to- ryifm, and overawed the efforts of its ecclefiaftical champions In Ireland. We hear nothing of the interference of the convocation 9th juTy, during the next feffion of parliament, which was opened by the *'**'* earl of Pembroke, as lord lieutenant ; and both houfes proceeded without interruption In that courfe of bufinefs, which was fuggefted by their prefent feelings, and by motives of public Intereft. " Journals Commons, 25th May, ift June, recruiting fcrvice, which exhibit a complexion Tindal, vol. vi. p. 166. The extreme opprcf- of manners little removed from barbarifm. fion and mifery, endured by the Irilh, cannot See particularly the proceedings of the com- be reprefented in ftrongcr colours than by the mens on the complaint and petition of Ag- bare detail of fafts which appear in the jour- mondifham CufFe againft major Francis Flood, nals of parliament. Multiplied inftances oc- a member of the houfe of commons, 7th June curred almoft every ftiTiun of the abufe and 1705; and on the petition of Euftace Sheis perverfion of power by magillrates and juftices lock agaiflft Maurice and John Annelly, 9th of peace ; the frauds of contraftors, and the June, monftrous cruelties inflifted by officer* in the A bill QJJEEN ANNE. 281 A bin was introduced in the houfe of commons for ftrengthening C HA. ?, the proteftant intereft, which was afterwards rejeded, not from any t— -~,~.. « j difapprobation of its principle, but becaufe it exceeded in feverity, and was intended to impofe great hardfliips upon the defcendants of popilh families who fhould afterwards embrace the reformed reUgion. Its purpofe was in fome meafure fuperfeded, and an additional clieck impofed upon the growth of popery, by a refolution of tlie commons, finding, that the indulged popifli priefts were bound to take the oath of abjuration according to the exifling laws, and that it was the duty of all judges and magiilrates to carry them into exe- cution. While the tory miniflers were in place, the Irifh proteftants were agitated with conftant apprehenfions on the fcore of popery, which confined the attention of parliament principally to that fubjeft, and rendered it cautious not to introduce any bufinefs ever fo remotely tending to excite the jealoufy of the Englifh government. The alarm on this ground was entirely removed by the eftablifhment of the whig intereft in England, and the ftrongeft aflurances from the lord lieutenant, who was devoted to it, that the queen was now will- 7tli July, ing to adopt every expedient for the farther fecurity of her proteftant fubjefts. Delivered by the fame prefiding influence, from the dread of that ecclefiaftical fadion which laboured to divide the proteftants, the commons now began to aftume a high tone of patriotifm, and boldly to enter upon the profecution of meafures for mitigating the oppreflion, and raifing the internal profpcrity of their native king- dom. They refumed their complaints of mifmanagement and breach of truft againft the truftees for the forfeited eftates ; the fubftance of which, with the fads and proofs neceflary to fupport them, were ftated in an addrefs to the queen, and prefented to the lord lieu- tenant by fuch members of the houfe as were in the lift of privy counfellors '". Nor did the commons confine their attention to thofe evils ^° Journals Commons, 9th, 14th Auguft of perfons had been Infcrted in tlie lift of ar- From this memorial, it appears that the names rears who had receipts for the full payment of O O their 1707. c82 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, evils which arofe from the fubordinate agents of government. They aimed at the reformation of abufes which were traced to the prin- cipal perfons in authority, and materially affedled their political ftate. They complained, that the limitations, to which the Irifli legiflature was fubjedted by Poyning's law '', had been often anticipated by their privy council on the fpot. They refolved, that the interefl: of the kingdom had been greatly prejudiced by the alterations made by the council board in Ireland on the heads of bills adopted by the par- liament ; and the total fuppreffion of others, tending to the encou- ragement of their trade and manufoftures. They complained of the arbitrary and illegal interference of the fame authority in matters of ele£lion, and with the rights of magiftrates in corporations ". They palled a refolution, that it would greatly conduce to the good of the kingdom, that its inhabitants fhould ufe none other than the manu- factures of Ireland in their apparel and furniture, and the members 39th oa. of the houfe unanimoufly engaged upon their honour to adhere to this refolution. As thefe ebullitions of an independent fpirit were provoked by a<£lual grievances, fo it is probable that they were ftill farther incited by the recent tranfadion of the union of South and North Britain, and by that national envy which was roufed by the fuperior advan- tages conferred upon Scotland in admitting her to all the benefits of the trade and conftitution of England ". In their addrefs, at the open- ing of this feiTion, the commons congratulated her majefty upon the their rents under the hands of the agents em- ing as undertakers for clothing the army, ployed by the truftees ; and that fome had Journals Commons, 9th Augull, October, been charged for the rent of lands to which &c. they never had entered. In the Hft of ad- '' By Poyning's law, no bill could be an- judged debts, fome of them were founded troduced in the Irilh parliament, that had not upon fuppofed breaches of covenants; and firft received the approbation of the privy coun- others had been paid, or difcharged by the cil in England ; but it was infinuated, that the exchequer. In the lift of lands fold, fome council in England only followed the opinion had been twice paid for ; and fome had been of that of Ireland. fold by the truftees without their having any '^ Journals Commons, 24th October, right or authority to difpofe of them. Money '^ Confequenccs of the Union with Scot- had often been violently extorted from poor land. London, 1706. families, by under officers of the treafury aft- glory QJJ E E N A N N E. 283 glory which flie had acquired by accomplifliing the union of the C HA P. Britilh kingdoms, and hinted at a more coviprehenfive union, v.hich would farther redound to the fli-ength and luftre of her crown'*. If it was thedefire of the Irifti freeholdei's to be incorporated with Bri- tain, which from the above proceedings we may infer to have been the cafe, it offered the Englifh minifters the mofl; favourable oppor- tunity for exalting the Britifli empire to its utmoft pitch of power and glory, by the confolidation of all its members. But the mi- nifters, fuppofing the intereft of the proteftant freeholders in Ireland to be a fufficient pledge for the fupport of the Hanoverian fucceffion, the darling objed of their policy, had not the liberality to grant their fellow fubjeds thofe benefits, which they confidered as a dedudion from the dignity and profit of the fifter countiy ; nor had they the forefight to difcern, that, in proportion to the fecurity of her inter- nal government, and the increafe of her opulence, Ireland would naturally lofe a fenfe of her dependence ; call in queftion the fupre- macy of the Britifli legillature ; and become adverfe to a meafure, which, had it been adopted at that crifis, muft have redounded eflen- tially, at this day, to the ftrength and profperity of all the united kingdoms. On the 30th of Odober the parliament was prorogued to the 6th of May 1 708 ". '"' The lords, in their addrefs to the queen, lefTenlng the fees of the (heriffs on executions ; did not refer to the fubjeft of the union, an aft for the amendnxnt of the law, and the Tindal, vol. vii. p. 315. They thought, per- better execution of juftice ; an aft empowenng haps, that the peers of Scotland had made a Juftices of peace to determine difputes between bad bargain, and were afraid of experiencing mafters and fervants, and to punifli diforderly the fame fate if the union had been extended to fervants ; an aft for more effeftually prevent. Ireland. ing the taking away and marrying children '5 A fupply of one hundred and thirty-five againft the confent of parents. I mention thefe t' -yufand pounds was granted for one year and particularly, becaufe the perufal of them will three quarters, cpmmencing 29th September give an infight into the uncivilized manners, 1707, and ending 24th June 1709. Journals the weaknefsof the laws, and imperfeft admmi- Commons, ift Auguft 1707. ftrationof juftice in Ireland, at the period under Several uftful afts were palTcd this fclTion, confideration. of which thefe were the principal. An aft for O o o. 284 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. XIII. EffeBs of ihe Union on the Temper of the People in both Kingdoms. —Firjl Par- liament of Great Britain, — The ^/een's Speech. — Inquiry of the Lords into the State of the Navy — of both Houfes with refpecl to the Management of the War in Spain. — Fraudulent Pradices of fome Merchants after the Union,-— brought before the ParUa7nent. — Ads of the Scottijh Parliament repealed. — The Privy Council in Scotland aboUjloed. — Report to the Houfe of Lords concerning Gregg. — Meffage of the ^een relative to the InvU' fun. — Mcafures purfued on that Account. — Supplies. — Parliament diffolved. — French Prophets. — Campaign 1708. — State of the Confederacy. — Jealoifies and Difagrecments fidf fling among its Members. — Circumflances favourable to the Military Exertions of France. — Preparations for invading Scotland.^ A French Fleet fails for the Coafi of Scotland,— purfued by Sir George Byngy —returns to Dunkirk. —Ghent, is'c. taken by the French. — Motions of the Count Chemeraidt, — of the Dukes of Burgundy and Vendofme. — Battle ofOude- narde. — The Lines of Tprcs and Lys deftroyed by the Confederates, — who raife Contributions in Artois and Picardy. — Progrefs of the French in Dutch Flanders. — Leffingen, l5fc. taken by the French. — Bruffcls invejied by the Elcclor of Bavaria. — Ghent retaken by the Duke of Marlborough. — Campaign on the Upper Rhine, — in Italy, — in Spain, — in Portugal. — Difputes between the Pope and the Emperor. — Naval Affairs. — Death of Prince George of Denmark. — His Charader. CHAP. '"T^HE afFalis of two nations, hitherto divided and often hoftile to XIII. A i_ - ^ _f each other, but now incorporated by the confolidation of their ''^°^' legiflature and interefts, form a new epoch in our hiftory. The union, which produced this happy effedt, was not at firft feen In tb'e fame favourable light by the two contrading parties ; and was leaft approved of by that which was evidently to enjoy the largeft fhare of its benefits. As foon as the treaty had obtained the ratification of the Englilh parliament, a fullennefs and jealoufy began to work on the minds of the people in Scotland, as if they had been over-reached and 1707. QJJEEN ANNE. 285 and degraded by the treachery of their conftltuents, and the artifices ^ ^ /^ ^• of the court. Yv'^hile the Jacobites and epifcopaUans confidered the political coalition of the two kingdoms as the ruin of all their hopes, the whigs and prefbyterians indulged ominous apprehenfions of its confequences, with refpect to their religious eftabllfliment, and the independence of the Scottifh nation '. In England, on the other hand, it occafioned general rejoicing ; and the duke of Qiieenfberry, who had been threatened and exe- crated by the populace in his own country for his adlivity in pro- moting the treaty, was efteeme.d, by every order of men, as the dif- tinguifhed benefadtor of the united kingdoms \ The official arrange- ' No vifible effccl immediately followed the union in England ; but in Scotland, new taxes, commercial regulations, and the introduftion of revenue officers, who were men of low Ila- tion, and from another covmtry, conveyed, at firft, an unfavourable impreffion of the treaty. Letter from a Scotch Gentleman in London to his Friend, p. l8. Edinburgh, 1711. The delay of fending the equivalent money afforded the difaffefted a handle for perfuading the people that it never would be paid. In the beginning of Auguft, the money came to Edinburgh in twelve waggons, guarded by a party of dragoons, which, inftead of appeaf- ing the tumultuarj- fpirit of the people, gave occafion to new clamours, as if they had been infulted with the oftentatious parade of corrup- tion. It was now faid, that the price of their freedom was too manifeft to be called in quef- tion. The mob followed the waggons with reproaches and curfos ; and threw ilones at the horfes, and drivers; of v/hom fome were dan- geroufly wounded. Defoe, p. 589. * The ift of May, in obedience to the royal proclamation, was celebrated through Eng- land as a public thankfgiving for the union, but was obferved by many parishes in Scot- land in the fpirit of religious fafting and hu- miliation as if that fatal event had been a mark of the judgment of Divine Providence. " In April, the duke of Queenfberry fet " out for London with a great equipage : I " had an invitation from him to attend him to " London in one of his coaches, which I " accepted of. I can thc.efore bear tefti- " mony that he was quite otherwife treated in " England than he had been in Scotland. " Here he had many times been in peril of " his life from an unruly mob that had been " inftigated againft the union and its well- " wilTiers ; whereas in England he was every <• where careffed, and received with great ac- " clamationsof joy. At Berwick, N.ewcallle, " Durham, and other cities, as he paflcd, he " was waited on and complimented by the. " chief magiftrates. Every where the people " running together teftified their joy on the " happy event, in which he had been fo inllru- " menuJ. AU the Scots in his retinue were " likewife treated with the utmoft civilities. " So that all of us had 'the greateft ' reafon " imaginable to expeft fuccefs in tlie tranfac- " tion we had juft come from finifliiiig. At " Barnet, Highgate, and otlier places, within " twenty miles of London, all the queen's " miniflers, all the peers, and coriimons of " parliament waited upon him in their coaches; " fo that I am perfuaded there never was fo " great and joyful a concourfe of people feen " hnce the entry of king J^rties the Sixth of " Scotland on the union of the crowns." Sir John Clerk's MSS. ments. ^85 - HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, ments, adapted to the new eftabliftiment of government in Scotland, c — ^ were modelled agreeably to his diredlion ; and the public bufinefs there conducted according to his advice '. He was afterwerds made one of the principal fecretaries of ftate, and honoured with an Eng- lifh peerage. The firfl: parliament of Great Britain was opened on the 23d Odtober 1707*. The ufual forms, upon the meeting of a new par- liament, were obferved upon this occafion : Mr. Smith was again eletSed fpeaker of the houfe of commons, and approved of by the queen. 6th Nov. Her majefty exprefled her fatisfadlon at meeting the reprefent- atives of her fubjedts from both kingdoms, prepared to render the union anfwerable to their well grounded hopes, to which nothing could contribute more, than convincing friends and enemies, that it had not only improved their abilities, but confirmed their refolutions to carry on the war. The attempt upon Toulon, though it had not produced its defired effedt, was reprefented as ferviceable to the com- mon caufe, and the recent fuccefs in Italy, as compenfating for the loffes in Spain. Affairs on the Rhine, (lie obferved, were in a fair way of being retrieved by the eledtor of Hanover, who had accepted the command of the army there. The various and preffing occafions for fupply were enumerated. She recommended to their immediate confideration thofe matters, which, by the articles of the union, had been referred to the difcufTion of the Britifh parliament ; and pro- mifed that nothing fliould be wanting, on her parr, to fecure to her people all the bleffmgs expe£led from that glorious event. The commons, after excluding feveral members in office, difqua- loth Nor. fied by late adts of parliament, unanimoufly voted an addrefs of thanks, and promifed their utmoft efforts to promote the feveral ob- ' Clerk's MSS. parliament, then exifting, together with the * By the twenty-fecond article of the union, fixteen peers and the rep;cfentatives of the the queen was empowered to dtclare the Eng- commons of Scotlami, to be the firil parliament iiHi peers, and the commons of the Englifh of Britain. 14 jcds QJJEEN ANNE. 287 jtCts recommended by her majefty. The lords v/ere not equally CHAP. forward in adopting the ordinary forms of complaifance ; and the i_— ..^ queftion for the addrefs was poftponed to that for confidering the jjth Nov. ftate of the nation with refped to • the fleet and trade of Great Britain. Encouraged by this early indication of their bad temper, feveral merchants and traders of the city of London prepared a petition, complaining of the great lofles which they had fuftained by the neg- ledl or mifcondu£t of the admiralty, and prefented it to the upper houfe on the day appointed for refuming the queftion on the ftate of 19th. the nation. After a long debate, in which the mifmanagement of the fleet was feverely cenfured, not only by th« members in oppo- fition, but by fome of the friends of adminlftration ', the refolution was unanimoufly adopted of appointing a committee to inquire into the evidence of the fads contained in the petition of the merchants, and to report to the houfe'. From the reports of the committee, founded upon the infpedion of all the papers relative to this bufmefs, and the declarations upon oath of the perfons concerned, it appeared, that the lofl'es of the mer- chants during the war furpafl^ed example ; that they were owing to the de'ay and infufficiency of convoys; the want of cruizers in the channel ; the arbitrary proceedings of the captains of the navy in prefling men ; and the moft fliameful extortion and fraud charge- able upon the commanders of the convoys'. This report was tranf- mitted to the lord high admiral, and fent back with anfwers, which, inftead of fatisfying the inquirers, furniftied new ground of cenfure, by refieding on the mifmanagement of the naval department in the late reign \ The final determination of the lords, however, was not 5 The earl of Wliarton and lord Somers it was refolved, that, befides (hips of war and were of tliis number. Tindal, vol. vii. p. 342. convoys, a fufficient number of cruizers (hould * A committee was alfo appointed for re- be appointed in proper ftations. ceiving propofals to encourage privateers in ' Journals Lords, 17th December, paflim. the Well Indies; feveral refolutions for that • Id. 9th January, 17th February 1708. purpofe were reported by the committee ; and anfwerable 1707. 288 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, anfvverable to the ardour with which they entered upon this bufinefs, For the only meafure which they adopted, was an addrefs and re- prefentation to the queen, containing the reports of the committee with the lord high admiral's aufwers and their i-eplies '. The different interefts and attachments of the perfons, who en- tered with equal keennefs into the inqxiiry, rendered it difficult for them to agree in that fpecific crimination, which alone could have produced adequate redrefs for the evils complained of. The prince of Denmark, labouring under bodily indifpofitlon, and deficient in the talents and experience requifite for the difficult and complicated duties of his appointment, had devolved the bufinefs of the admi- ralty upon a council of his own nomination, which was entirely under the inanagement of admiral Churchill, the duke of Marlbo- rough's brother. Flence ic was naturally fufpeded, that the interefts of the navy were facrificed to the continental war, fo peculiarly inte- refting to the general. Some, who approved of the inquiry from the beft motives, were convinced that the fads which it had brought to light did not afford any foundation for cenfuring minifters indifcri- minately ; while the friends of the duke of Marlborough were equally unwilling to admit any conclufion injurious to his reputation, and that political fyftem which he had always fupported '°. All were fen- fible of the fmgular delicacy of their fituation with refpedl to the prince of Denmark ; and how difficult it was to make a diftindtion between him and his council, or transfer the cenfure from the one to the other. The council had no conftltutional exiftence or authority : it 9 Journals Lords, ajtli February. One to fail unprotefted ; while, from the preffing thoufand, one hundred and fixty mtrchant their men, without any regard to circum- fhips had been taken in the courfe of the war. ftances, they were fometimes forced to employ The revenue had fuftained a lofs of one hun- French prifoners, and to pay futh exorbitant dred and fifty thoufar.d pounds within the fpace wages as annihilated the profits of their trade, of one year, in confequence of the capture of Journals Lords, 17th December; Journals Britifh traders. The French privateers had Commons, 16th February, taken many prizes in fight of the Britifli coaft. '° Journals^ Lords, paffim. Appendix, The exorbitant premiums cxafted by the cap- N° XXII. XXIII. XXIV. tains of convoys, compelled the merchantmen was QJJEEN ANNE. 289 was created by the prince and entirely dependent upon him; and CHAP._ therefore he alone could be refponfible for the eiTors of which it was l — , - _) accufed. This confideration feems to have been the principal caufe ^'°^' ' of enervating a meafure which fet out with fo bold an afpedl ; and a tenderneis for the fovereign, not only prevented any infinuations dif- refpedlful to her confort ; but was the occafion of inferting, in the reprefentation to the queen, a difavowal of any reflexions upon the condudl of his royal highnefs ". The complaints againft the admiralty were likewife introduced in the houfe of commons, and the ftate of the nation with refpeit to the navy confidered ; but owing to the caufes already mentioned, which had a more powerful influence there, its proceedings were partial and dilatory ; and the conclufions in which they terminated, flill lefs precife and efficient '\ An inquiry into the management of the war occupied a great part of the attention of both houfes ; and, more than any other fub- jedl that occurred in the courfe of this feflion, gave an infight into the tempers and views of parties. The Tories contended, that the fyftem of the war, hitherto profecuted by the court of England, con- tradided the very end for which it had avowedly been undertaken. As the primary objeft of it was, to vefl: the Spanlfh monarchy in the houfe of Auftria, it ought to have been piilhed with the greateft vigour in a quarter where this objed could have been mofl: certainly and fpeedily obtained. Recent- experience enforced this conclufion, as the adive bravery of the earl of Peterborough, at the head of a body of troops, inconfiderable and ill equipped, had nearly accom- plifhed, in one campaign, that fuccefs which could never be elfeded " Tindal, vol. vii. p. 347, &c. Journal* captain Ker, who commanded one of the con- Lords, 25th February. voys ; yet neither of the houfes carried their " Journais Commons, paffim. Although cenfure farther than addreffing her majeftv not there appeared the fulleft evidence of fraud, to employ him for the future. Journals Lords, extertbo, and breach of trua committed by 7th 5 Journals Commons 24th February. Pp by 29© HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, by the mod fplendid vldories in Germany, purchafed at an immenfe profufion of blood and treafure. The duke of Marlborough and his friends juftified the plan oa which the war had been conduced ; and even infilled upon the ne- ceffity of augmenting the military force of the allies in Flanders. As the French king alone had maintained his grandfon in the ufurpation of the Spanifh throne, it was evident, that the intereft of his rival, king Charles, could obtain a firm and permanent eftablifhment, only by reducing the power of France ; for which purpofe it was necef- fary to carry on an ofFenfive war on its frontiers, and to extend it as opportunity offered, into the interior of that kingdom. The ftrong places in Spain might be fecured by the twentieth part of the force that was requifite for defending the forts in the Netherlands. If the latter were loft, the government of Holland would be compelled to relinquifh their connexion with the grand alliance, and give way to the faction which had relu£lantly entered into the war. The com- parative lofs of men and espence, incurred in the refpedive de- partments of the war, had been grofsly miftated ; for, while the tranC portation of troops into Spain amounted to fourfold the expence of conveying them to the neighbouring continent, a far greater propor- tion of them were rendered unfit for fervice, or perifhed inglorioufly in confequence of difeafes occafioned by a tedious voyage, unwhole- fome provifions, and the fultrinefs of the weather peculiarly noxious to the natives of a northern. climate ". When political meafures happen to be implicated in the caufe of parties, the difcuflion of them is feldom purfued with that difcrimina- tion and impartiality which is due to the public intereft and the cha- racter of individuals. An obje£t of the higheft national moment was treated as if it had been the pettyxojicern of two rival generals. The " Annale Anne, p, 296. Tiadal, vol. vji. p. 364. Letter to a Tory Member on the Management of the War, p. 24, 5. names QJJEEN ANNE. 291 names of the earl of Peterborough and lord Galway were often intro- CHAP, duced : the exploits of the former were magnified by the Tories ; ^ - - _i and the ill fuccefs of the latter imputed to mifcondudt, which was '^°^* " not warranted by any evidence produced '*. . However different the motives of individuals intereftcd in thefe debates on the management of the war, it is fomewhat remarkable that the bufmefs was brought to an iffue, which was confidered by the oppofite fadions as equally fubfervient to their refpedtive views. Both houfes agreed in an addrefs to the queen, reprefenting that no ^^i Dec, peace could l>e fafe or honourable, while Spain and its colonies were under the power of the houfe of Bourbon j and befeeching her ma- jefty to ufe her influence with the emperor, to fend powerful fuc- cours to his brother. By this addrefs, an obftrudion was thrown in the way of the peace, towards which the king of France had made earneft advances, an effedt highly acceptable to the junto ; while the Tories were gratified with the hope of the war's being conduded, ia future, agreeably to the plan which they had recommended, both from confiderations of public good, and the profped of fliaking the {lability of the prefent adminiftration. The friends of the earl of Peterborough, during the difcuffion of the queftion relative to the affairs of Spain, difcovered great folici- tude to obtain a vote of thanks in the houfe of lords for the meri- torious fervice he had performed there ". The party in power were aware, that the movers of this queftion had other views than thofe which referred fimply to the honour of their hero, and that yielding this point would have given too much countenance to thofe fenti- ments, with refped to the management of the war, which were brought forward in every ftage of this debate. As the duke of Marl- '* The difcoveries arifing from this inquity nin? thoufand men for the fen-ice of the cam. afforded ample proot of fuch untoward acci- paign 1707, in Spain and Portugal, no mors dents, milmanagement at home, and ill conduft than eight thoufand were there at tlie fatal on the part of the allies in Spain, as fufficiently battle of Almanza ; and thefe deficient in of- accounted for the misfortunes of lord Galway. ficers. Although the parliament liad voted twenty- '' Annals Anne, p. 314. P P 2 borough spa HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, borough had prevailed in the late Itruggle among the members of I— — V — — » the cabinet, his enemies began to defpair of fupplanting him by any- other means, than either putting an end to the war, or changing tho fcene of adlion. Every lucceffive campaign crowned him with frefh laurels ; and ftrengthened his preienfions to that afcendancy, which he had long held in the councils of the fovereign. A vote of thanks to the earl of Peterborough would have communicated new import- ance to the theatre of his rr.i-.lolts, and given an additional faniTtloa to the proportion on which the toiy ^ords were fo ftrenuouily bent, that the ftrefs of the allied arms ought to be Ihifted from Germany and the Netherlands to Spain ". Not contented with oppofing the honour claimed in behalf of the earl, the leaders of adminiftradon frequently introduced into the de- bates infinuations difrefpe(fi; ul to that nobleman ; and endeavoured to give fuch a dirediion to the inquiry, as tended to dlfclofe ex- amples of his indifcretion and infolence in the very fcene where his merits flione with the moft confpicuous luftre. Coolnefs, mode- ration, and prudence, are virtues which more frequently belong to charadlers and talents of an ordinary flandard, than to thofe which are eccentric and aftonifhing. The intrepidity, the difpalch, the fuccefs of the earl of Peterborough were undeniable, but he was haughty, impetuous, headftrong, and impatient of fubordination ; and often adled in oppofition to the counfels which he could not over-rule. His arrogance difgufted his colleagues, and repeatedly gave offence to king Charles ; and if the merit of his fervices had not far outweighed his delinquencies, there can be little doubt, that the rigid and ordinary interpretation of military law would have authorized the fevereft cenfures which his enemies wiflied to infli£l'^ But, as he had many friends In the houfe and great popularity, it was deemed moft expedient to defift from the plan of inftituting any formal inquiry into his conduftj and to leave it with the public, " Oldmisjon, vol. ii, p. 398. " Tindal, vol. vii. p. 395. coolly QJJEEN ANNE. 29J coolly to appreciate his merits according to the fa articles of the union had been violated under the eye of the miaiftry ; ^ and a petition was prefented to her majefty by the convention of royal burghs, entreating her interpofitlon, to prevent the great lofs and injuftice which the merchants in Scotland would fuftain by the forfeiture of their fhips and cargoes. Her majefty laid this petition before the privy council, which, after mature deliberation, agreed that the fubje£t of it (hould be referred entirely to the decifion of the Britifh parliament. In the mean while, that the goods in queftion might luftain no damage, the owners were permitted to land them on the condition of their agreeing to fubmit their cafe to the fame refpeftable arbitration. Some acquiefced Jn this propofal, but the majority rejected it, which reduced the officers of the crown to the neceffity of having recourfe to the ordinary forms of law, for keeping a profecution open, that the merchants might be anfwerable for the pay- ment of the duties, if it fhould be found expedient to exadt them, after the cafe had been maturely inveftlgated by the united legiflature '*. The bufinefs was brought into parliament early in the fefTion by a petition from the owners of the goods to the houfe of commons ; which being confidered by a grand committee, it was unanimoufly 2jd Not, refolved to addrefs the queen that fhe would be pleafed to order her Attorney-general, to difcharge the feveral informations exhibited in the court of exchequer relating to goods imported into Scotland before the ift day of May 1707. The refolution of the houfe of commons in this bufinefs met with her majefty's hearty appro- sAtlv bation, and was immediately complied with. An example of fuch lenity and indulgence towards the Scots was a happy prefage of the kindnefs and liberality to be expeded from their fellow fubjeds, in every dubious queftion concerning their interfering interefts. *3 Notwithftanding of the war, Scotland had hitherto carried on a trade with France. *♦ Defoe, p. 57i> &c. Appendix, p. 686. The tgS HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. C ^^^' The attention of the Britifli parliament was next direded to thofc i,,— V— — /-objedts which related to the pohtical ntuation, and internal govern- i8th Dec. ^'^^^^ ^f Scotland. An ad was palled for repealing and declaring the determination of two ads paffed in the parliament of Scotland, namely, the ad of fecurity, and an ad anent peace and war ^'. Both were virtually fuperfeded by the union, which communicated to Scotland thofe rights and privileges, which it was the objed of thefe ads to obtain ; and ftill more explicitly by the 25th article of the treaty, which declared, that all former laws, in either kingdom, in- confillent with its terms and conditions, fhould ceafe and become void ; but a formal and literal abrogation of them was deemed expe- dient, to remove the uneafy apprehenfions, which they had excited in England '^ The reludance of mlnifters to abolifh the Scottifli privy council, arofe fi-om a narrow and felfifh policy, very unlike that which marked the general tenor of their condud and proceedings refpeding the union. In the records of the privy council of Scotland, after the jundion of the crowns, we meet with more frequent examples of the grofft perverfion and abufe of delegated power, than occur, perhaps, in the hiflory of any nation, pofTefllng a regular and eftabllflied govern- ment. The fundions and proceedings of the ordinary judicatories were often fufpended ; and their decifions overawed and controlled, by the indefinite prerogatives of a tribunal, which was a Handing engine of regal, and ariftocratic oppreffion. Its unlimited continu- ation, or the application of its authority to any arbitrary purpofe, were ideas which certainly never entered into the minds of the pre- fent minifters ; but fpecious grounds of policy, and motives of party " By the afl anent peace and war, (,l6th ing war with any prince, &c. without confent Septennber 1 703,) it was declared,- that after of parliament ; and that no declaration, with. ber majefly's dcceafe, and failing heirs of her out fuch confent, ihiill be binding on tlie fub- hody, no perfon, being king or queen of Scot- jefts of Scotland. land or England, fhall have the power of mak- ** Tindal, vol. vil, p. ^§6. 14 intereft, QJJEEN ANNE. 497 jntereft, rendered them anxious to prolong the exlftence of a court, ^ }^^ P« which was capable of a£tlng with greater promptitude and vigour, u . -> — .^ than could be expelled from the new magiftrates, who were to fup- ' ply its place, under fuch reftridtions and refponfibility as were con- genial to the lenient fpirit of the Englifh conflitution ". The dif- tance of Scotland from the feat of government, the continuance of the war, the recent detedion of confplracies, and the turbulent fpirit of the Scots, which was ready to make the falutary innovations attending the union a pretext for infurredlion, required a deputation of power more ample and free, and in criminal matters a procedure more prompt and vigorous than was neceffary in the neighbouring kingdom, where the people had been long inured to habits of order and civilization, and were more immediately under the control of the fupreme magiftrate. Thefe arguments, however fpecious, were treated with lefs refpedt, becaufe the perfons who laid fo great a ftrefs upon them, were not unmoved by perfonal confiderations ; and wifhed to retain the Scot- ti{h privy council, as the mofl efFed:ual inftrument for fupporting their own political influence in that country ; and particularly for modelling the eledions which were to take place at the rife of the prefent fefhon of parliament ^\ The motives which induced feveral of the Scottifli nobility to oppofe the abolidon of the privy council, were neither fo ambiguous, nor fo plaufible and decent, as thofe which were afcribed to the Englifh members who voted upon the fame fide. Although moft of the families of diftindion in Scotland had, in their turns, fmarted under its defpotic arm, yet they were unwilling to fubmit to that encroachment upon their own hereditary jurifdidions, which was to follow upon the extindion of this branch of executive government "'. Lord Somers exerted himfelf with un- common ardour and diligence in promoting a meafure fo eflential to the liberty of Scotland ; and as he had been principally ufeful in ad- " Earl of Loudoun's Letter to Carftares, *' Life of Argyle, p. 133, 30th December 1708. *» Cunningham, vol. ii. p. 135, 6, 9. Q^q vifing igS HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, XIII. 707, 8. vifing and direding all the previous fteps of the treaty of union, to his perfevering and confiftent patriotifin, pofterlty ftands indebted for the fpeedy dilTolution of a tyrannical jurifdidion, which might long have intercepted the moft fubftantial benefits of that meritorious tranfadion '\ The bill for rendering the union more complete, by fubjeiSling the affairs of both nations to one privy council, after tub Dec. having pafled in the houfe of commons, was carried in the houfe of lords only by a majority of five votes ^'. ^° Minutes of Lord Sorners'* Speech. Hardwick's Collection, vol. ii. p. 473. '* Journals Commons, 6th; Lords, 25th February. ' By this aft the Scnttidi privy council was to terminate on the ill of May 1708. The powers of juftices of peace were made the fame throughout the whole united kingdom ; and, for the better adminiflration of juftice, the lords of judiciary were appointed to make circuits twice in the year; the writs of the eleftion of members were to be direfted to the Jhcriffs of the counties, and the returns to be made in like manner as in England. Afts were likewife paffed this feffion for regulating the eleflions of the peers, for etta- blirtiingacourt of exchequer in Scotland, and for further direfting the payment of the equivalent. A proteft was entered in the houfe of lords agaJnft the bill for rendering the union more complete. The firft reafon referred, merely, to the diforder that would arife from the pre- mature diflblution of the privy council ; but the fecond, to the new powers conferred upon the jullices of peace, as encroaching upon the twentieth article of the union, which provided, that all heritable jurifdiftions fhould be re- fervcd for the owners thereof as enjoyed by the hvvs of Scotland. The juftices of peace, agreeably to the laws of Scotland before the union, were appointed by the privy council ; and their powers were confidtrably eidarjred by the 12th and 38th adts of the Scottifh parliament, iu the time of Charles the Second. Having been found too much fubfervlent to> the arbitrary diftates of their conftituents, they were laid afide at the A bill revolution ; and confequently the adminiftra- tion of petty juftice remained with the heredi- tary magiftrates, flieriffs, ftewarts, and the proprietors of great eftates, according to the rights and ufages of their fuperiorities. De- foe, p. 593, &c. As there can be no doubt of the expediency of reviving the inftitution of juftices of peace, fo the eflential alteration whith had taken place in the political condition of Scotland ihut up the fource, from which the corruption and mal-adminilt ration of this defcription of magiftrates were originally derived. The privy council exifted no more : it was neceflary therefore, that they, as well as the juftices in England, ftiould receive their commiffions from the lord chancellor. The alterations introduced into Scotland, with refpeft to the excife, cuftoms, and com- mercial laws, gave riie to a new fpecies of civil crimes, of which it was neceftary that the new juftices ftiould be empowered to take cogni- zance. If according to the m.odel of Eng- land, the powers of the Scottiih juftices were farther enlarged, it was fo evidently fubfervi- eut to public order and peace, that none but fuch as were influenced by feliilh motives could objeft to it, upon the fcore of its deviating from a rigid and literal adherence to the twentieth article of the union ; and even this objeftion was in a great meafure obviated by a claufe in the aft, " that, in the feffions of " the peace, the methods of trials and judg- " mcnts ftrall be according to the laws and " cuftoms of Scotlantl." Statutes at Large, vol. iv. chap. vi. 1707. The novelty of the inftitution, the jealoufy of QJJEEN ANNE. 299 A bill pafled in both houfes for fettling the militia In Scotland. <^ H a v. Befides the advantages to Scotland exprefsly ftipulated by the treaty t— — .- ^ of union, it was expedted that other public improvements and bene- ^^'^^' fits would afterwards be promoted in that country by the united legillature. . A militia had been always reckoned, by the Scottilh patriots, as an eflential fecurity for their liberty and independence ; and as their army was now modelled according to the plan of that of England, fo it was taken for granted that a militia was to be efla- blifhed in Scotland upon the fame footing in both kingdoms. But while the bill was depending, the attempt of the pretender to invade Scotland, excited a general fufplcion that it would be unfafc to trufi: the people in that country with arms, and prevented the bill being prefented for the royal affent. ' A committee of the lords was appointed to examine Gregg, con- 28th ja«. vi£ted of high treafon, and other fufpedted perfons who had been employed by Mr. Harley for procuring intelligence from France. Although no evidence appeared upon the face of thefe examinations, tending to the crimination of the fecretary, yet the report of the houfe was worded in fuch a manner as to impute blame to him, by iSth March, infinuating that his indolence and careleflhefs had been the caufe of betraying the fecrets of government. A meflage was fent by the queen to both houfes, informing tliem 4th. of preparations carrying on at Dunkirk, for an immediate invafion .of England by the French and the pretender, which was anfwered by ajoint addrefs from the lords and commons, exprefhng their fer- r-j,, vent Joyalty, and willingnefs to concur in every meafure for defend- of the tereditary magirtrates, and the perfons " The judices of peace, who were by the firft appointed to the offices of juftices, being " above aft to have fupplied the place of the ignorant of the laws of England, which were " privy council of Scotland, neither under- now in many cafes to regulate their dccifions, " ftood their duty, nor were willing to e.W- prevented them, for a long time after the union, " cute their offices as was expeded. They from difcharging their duty with the diugiince, " were in a good meafure ilrangers to the independence, and energy, whichwas neceffary " laws by which they were chiefly to aft-; to render their office as ufeful as was intended " and in i'ome fhires of Scotland, they feldoin cither to the fovereign or tfieir fellow citizens. " or never met." Sir John Ckrk's MSS. Qjl 2 ing- T70 It 300 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. Jng her majefty's title and perfon. The habeas corpus was fuf- pended ; a proclamation was ifliied for apprehending the pretender and his adherents; for taking proper fteps to guard againft the dan- gers arifing from popifh recufants ; and becaufe fome of the high- land chieftains lay under the imputation of difaftedion, a bill was ■brought into the houfe of commons to difcharge the clans from their vaflalage ; and orders were fent to the earl of Leven, com- mander of the forces in Scotland, to apprehend all fufpedled perfons. The alarm, occafioned by thefe meafures, was but of fhort duration ; and within the fpace of a few days, the parliament had occafion to prefent thanks to the lord high admiral for his dlfpatch in fending out a fleet which prevented the intended invafion. The houfe of lords teflifled their refpedt for the memory of king 25thMarcL. William, by addrelfing her majefty to appoint commiffionerG to make out a ftatement of his perfonal debts, that proper meafures might be adopted for difcharging them. Her majefty returned a favourable anfwer, but it does not appear that any effeftual progrefs was made in a bufmefs in which the honour of the nation was fo deeply con- cerned. The commons, by various meafures, during the courfe of this fcflion, difcovered a zeal for advancing the commercial intereft of 2btli, 23d the nation. They addrelTed her majefty to ufe her entreaties with the emperor to obtain the repeal of a prohibition which he had un- gratefully impofed upon the importation of Britifh woollen manu'- 19th Nov. fa oG HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^xin^' ^"'^ pui'Aied ; open difcords and jealoufies perplex their councils, t— ^r-— J and enervate their joint efforts againft the common enemies, whofe power and refources are often regenerated by the very extremity of diftrefs to which they have been reduced. Thefe obfervations are founded upon fa£ts, which enter into the period immediately under our review. Various incidents, during the two preceding campaigns, had dif- clofed the interefted views of fome members of the confederacy, and expofed their fmothered jealoufies of each other. The felfifhnefs and infolence of the emperor, though he had the greateft flake in the war, became highly offenfive to all the reft of the allies. By confenting to the evacuation of the Milanefe, and profecuting his defign againft Naples, he had difappointed the exertions of the allied powers in Provence, and in Spain. He difcovered the utmoft un- willingnefs in contributing to the aggrandizement of his brother, when it trenched upon his own authority ; and it was only, after long delay and repeated fubterfuges, that he yielded to the entreaties of the German ftates, by transferring to him the duchy of Milan ". Nor did it require lefs addrefs and importunity from the queen of England and the ftates of Holland, to prevail upon him to perform his father's ftipulations to the duke of Savoy, by ceding to him Va- lencia and Alexandria, with their dependent territories, the very obje£l which had allured that prince to renounce his connexion with the French king*". Threatened with the difmemberment of his native dominions by the Hungarian infurgents, Jofeph difplayed at once the imprudence of his policy, and the intemperance of his ambition, by reviving obfolete and dubious claims of fovereignty over many fiefs in Italy, whofe proprietors were unable to produce authentic titles of the grants made to their anceftors, from v^hom they had defcended through many intervening generations. This barefaced and ill>- 39 Letter of Mancliefter to Sunderland, *'• Meadowj' Letter to Boyle, Vienna, 29th 13th Januai7 1708. Letter of Cardonel to April 1708. Sunderland, 2d Oftober 1707. timed QJJ E E N A N N E. 3^7 timed ufurpation affeded fome of the moft populous ftatcs ; and C HAP. though they were not in a condition to refift by any other weapons u---^~J than thole of argument and remonftrance, it exafperated their fpirits againft their oppreffor, and. rendered them fecretly difaffccled to the confederacy with which he was united *'. The circles of Germany not only availed themfelves of every pre- text for withholding or reftridling their contributions to the war, but complained of the emperor's having failed in affording them the proteaion he had promifed ; and became fufpeded of a Rrong in- clination to accept of the neutrality, fo often urged by the French ■king;\ While England was made the dupe of her allies, by augmentmg her military force ; and lavifliing fubfidies among them with unex- ampled profufion ; Ihe did not efcape the reproach of faatching, clandeftinely, at unfair advantages for herfelf. The jealoufy of the united ftates in particular was excited by the difcovery of a com- mercial treaty, highly favourable to the trade of England, to which Mr. Stanhope had fecretly procured the confent of king Charles, in the extremity of his affairs during the preceding campaign*'. The heavy exadions impofed upon the towns of the Spanifli Netherlands by the rapacious delegates of the allies, contrafted with the mild government of the eledor of Bavaria, who had prefided there after the peace of Ryfwick, difpofed them to liften, with a fa- vourable ear, to his inftigations for revolting againft their prefent mafters, as foon as it could be attempted with any profpedt of fuccefs **. ♦' Barre, torn. X. p. 539. of Spain. Tindal, vol. vii. p. 333, note. ♦* Id. p. 524. •*♦ Berwick, vol. ii. p. i. Lediard, vol. ii. ♦' By this treaty, it was agreed, that the p. 17. The eleftor was magniticent, a great fubjefts of Great Britain fhould poffefs the admirer of the ladies, and a bigot to the ca- fame privileges of a free trade to the Spanifli tholic religion ; which engaged the afFeftions Indies as the fubjedls of Spain ; and that the of all ranks. Hiflory of the Campaign 1708. French fliould be entirely excluded from all Lond. 1709. kind of trade within the dominions of the king R r 2 The ITOS. 308 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. The refpedive fituation of the allied powers, their local dangers and their divided interefts, introduced difcordance into all their coun- cils, and their plans for profecuting the war. Some of them com- plained of exhaufted finances ; and, inftead of bringing in their con- tributions, foliclted loans or fubfidies from the more opulent ftates. Some requefted troops for maintaining their military eftablifhments, which could no longer be recruited from their own depopulated do- minions ; others demanded gratuitous fupplies of ammunition and proviiions, which their inland fituation rendered it impracticable for them to obtain, without the generous exertions of the maritime powers. In fliort, avarice, partiality, and caprice, furnillied argu- ments, M'hich appeared the moft cogent to the party interefted, for preferring its claims to thofe of every member of the confederate body; and thus it became impoflible to adopt any refolutions, or fix upon any fcheme of operations, without leaving fomewhere difguft and refentment, which loofened the bands of the grand alliance *'. While from thefe caufes its ftrength was declining apace, the power of the French king feemed to derive renewed vigour from the very efforts which had been made for its deftrudlion, and from the univerfality of that diftrefs to which his fubjedls were reduced. The cefTation of labour and manufadlures, domeftic poverty and wretchednefs, facilitated the recruiting of his armies ; and the ge- neral fcarcity of fpecie fuggefted, to an arbitrary prince, fuccefsful expedients for drawing the fmall reverfion of it, that was ftill afloat, into the royal exchequer **. *5 Barre, torn. x. p. 524. " The allies " ferved between them." Mefnager's Nego- " were fo jealous of one another, knowing ciations, p. 18. Lend. 1717. " the readinefs of France to make propofals A great proportion of the troops in the pay " for peace) that they kept fpies upon one of Holland, and fome in the pay of England, " another in every court, to watch, if fo much were hired from the German princes, which " as a new face appeared. As the Englifh juftified them in pleading their utter incapacity " had frequently exprefled their uneafmefs on to furnifh the quotas required of them agree- " that account, fo had the Dutch ahernately ably to the regulations of the empire. State " to them ; and it was not without great ma- of the War. Lond. 1 708. « nagement, that anv underftanding was pre- ■'* Hiftoire de Louis, tom. vi. p. 174. Q Although QJJ E E N A N N E. 309 Although the French king had hitherto delayed to fend troops Into CHAP. Scotland, in compliance with the defire of the friends of the exiled <_ , — , -' _f prince, yet he ftill cherifhed their hopes, by promifing them every ''° " Jcind of afiiftance, as foon as an infurredlion could be attempted with any probable view of fuccefs. From late occurrences, the crifis for fuch an attempt was fafl approaching. The general difafFedtion occafioned by the union, ftrengthened the hands of the Jacobites, and afforded James the profpedt of fupport from many perfons of -diftindtion hitherto unfriendly to his caufe. Some of the nobility who had been inftrumental in promoting the treaty, difappointed of the emoluments and honours which they ex- pected as the reward of their fervices, expreffed fentiments of peni- tence and recantation ; and gave intimation to the friends of the chevalier, of their readinefs to co-operate in demollfhing their own work, by the defperate exploit of dethroning the queen, or chang- ing the fuccefhon. The Cameronians, and not a few of the mem- bers of the eftablifhed church, fearful of the fatal confequences of fubjedion to a legiflature in which the Interefts of eplfcopacy pre- ponderated, began to difcover a fpirit of infurredion, and, provided they could obtain fufficient fecurity for the protection of the prefby- terian religion, they profeffed their willingnefs to transfer their alle- giance to the hereditary prince, and even to take an active part in fixing him upon the throne "'. «,' Thefe circumftances, fo flattering to their hopes, were communi- cated to Lewis by his agents in Scotland, and particularly by colonel Hooke, who had been fent over to hold confultations with the leaders of the Jacobites, and to clofe with any feafible propofals for feating the chevalier upon the throne of his fathers. It was repre- fented to Hooke, that if Lewis would confent to tranfport the pre- tender into Scotland with eight thoufand men and fifteen thoufand Hand of arms, and to fupply him with a hundred thoufand piftoles, £. ;r,co ceo. ** Hooke, paflun. his 3IO HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. C H A P. XIII. lyoS. his friends there would undertake to ralfe an armed force of twenty- five tlioufand foot and five thoufand horfe. The places moft conve- nient for the rendezvous of their men were fpecified, and the plan of their operations was defcrihed. It was propofed, that the infur- gents, upon receiving the reinforcements demanded from France, iliould march to Newcaftle, which, being weakly fortified, would eafily fall into their hands, and reduce the metropolis to the utmoft diftrefs, by preventing its being fupplied with coals. The unpro- tedled ftate of England, from the abfence of the troops, the favour- able difpofition of many of the people, the fecret good wifhes of fome of the prcfent minifters, and the difcontents of the Irifh, af- forded the moft folid ground for expecting the fpeedy and cordial fubmilTion of all the three kingdoms to the authority of their right- ful fovereign ■". But though their higheft expe£tations might not be immediately fulfilled, it feemed probable that the queen, alarmed by the profpedt of a civil war, and not altogether dead to the impulfe of natural afFedion, would gladly liften to fome reafonable plan of ac- commodation with her brother, and that his claim, in that cafe, might obtain the fan£lion of legiflative authority *'. Calculating, however, upon the failure of all thefe hopes, there ftill remained a certain and abundant recompence to the French king for his inter- pofition. The recall of the Britifh troops from the Netherlands, and the fubverfion of public credit in England, upon which the fup- plies and activity of all the confederate powers chiefly depended, would operate to the advantage of the French arms in every quarter. Thefe confiderations were ftated in a memorial fubfcribed by four noblemen and fix gentlemen of large property and influence, and delivered to colonel Hooke for the infpedion of Lewis ; but many befides the fubfcribers were privy to the confultations with the ♦• Ker, vol. i. p. 57. 6i. 67. Macpherfon's five hundred in Scotland. Lockbart, p. 364, 5. State Papers, 1707, 8. Lockhart, p. 366. *» Berwick, vol. ii. p. 56. Sir J. Clerk'* There were only, at this time, five thoufand MSS. regular troops in England, and two thoufand colonel, Q^UEEN ANNE. 31 ! colonel, and aflured him of their hearty aflent to the engagements CHAP, which it contained '°. Whether it was owing to the French king's being difpleafed with the peremptory demand for a pecuniary fupply, inferted in the me- morial contrary to the advice of his agent, who thought that it im- plied an unbecoming diftruft of his mafter's generofity ", or that Lewis himfelf was fufpicious of the fmcerity and influence of his correfpondents, or doubtful of the fcheme redounding materially to his own advantage, he ftill hefitated for fome time about complying with their folicitations. The fortune of the war, as well as the ftate of Scotland, at length determined him to favour an infurredlion there. The evacuation of the Milanefe, and the recovery of Arragon and Valencia, circum- fcribed the fcene of military operations on the continent, and put Lewis in a better condition for fparing a part of his troops; while the attempt made upon Toulon, by the inftigation of the court of England, fuggefled the idea of retaliating, by a defcent upon the coaft of Scotland. In the profecution of this defign, twelve batta- lions, under the command of the marquis de Gace and the younc chevalier, fet fail from Dunkirk with a fleet of eight large fliips of war, and twenty-four frigates, befides tranfports and long-boats '\ The command of the fleet was intrufted to the count de Forbin whofe late fuccefs, more than his cordiality in the fervice, encou- raged the hopes of the projeftors of this expedition ". This fleet put to fea on the 6th of March, and arrivsd on the 13th at the '" Hooke, p. -«3, paffim. Macpherfon's the former had given afliftance to the expedi- State Papers, 1708. ti'on ; by vvhfth means he hoped to re-eftabli(h '■ Hooke, 56 — 60. the jefuits, and to bring the provinces to what '* When the French king bid the pretender terms he plcafcd. Abftraft of Mr. Da^Tole's farewel, he faid he hoped never to fee him Letters, fvlSS. This fad is aho mentioned again. Mr. Dayrole, the Engh'fh rciident at in a letter, 19th April, from Mr. Palmer, refi- tbe Hague, in a letter to Mr. Secretary Boyle, dent at Berlin, to Mr. Secretary Bovle. Ab- 24th April, N. S. 1708, mentions the report (traft of Mr. Palmer's Letters from Berlin to of a letter having been intercepted 'from the Mr. Secretary Boyle. MSS. pope to one Vandenboiirglila, a banifhedje- a Villars, torn. iii. p. 119. Forbin. fuit in the United Provinces, declaring that mouth 312 HISTORY aF GREAT BRITAIN. ^^^^- mouth of the Frith of Forth, which the commander i.itended to c^ - . — ~^ enter and to land the troops at Dunbar or Leith ; but being informed of the near approach of fir George Byng, with a fleet far fuperior to his own, he fteered along the north coaft of Scotland. Sir George purfued and took the Salifbury, an Englifti prize in the French fer- 24th March. yif.Q . j^nd finding it impoffible to come up with the reft, he re- turned, and lay at anchor in the road of Leith, till he received in- telligence of Forbin's having got back to Dunkirk '*. The effeds of this abortive expedition evince, that the expecta- tions founded upon it were far from being vifionary and preiump- tuous ; and that, if it had been condudled with wifdom, and fuftained by an adequate force, it might have proved extremely 'pjurious to England and her allies. The court was appalled, and a panic and confufion fpread over all the kingdom. The reinforcements, deftined for Spain, were countermanded ; feveral regiments were ordered to march with the utmoft difpatch into Scotland ; the Englifh troops in the Netherlands v- to objedbs which redounded principally to his own fecurity and advantage. He did not put his army in motion till the end of July, when he made a feint of penetrating into Dauphiny, which drew the attention of the marfhal de Villars to that quarter, and rendered it eafy for the duke to take the forts of Exilles and Peroufa, and to make himfelf mafter of the valley of St. Martin and Feneftrelle,' which covered Piedmont ". When we confider how fhamefully the affairs of king Charles were negleded by the reft of the allies, we are rather furprifed that he fhould have been able to preferve the fmalleft remnant of autho- rity in Spain. The emperor, far from difcovering any favour to his brother, did not even afford the fuccours due to him, either upon the footing of juftice, or from a fair calculation of the benefits which he himfelf might have reaped by obliging France to employ a greater proportion of her force in the diftant country of Spain. So partial was the miniftry to the war in the Netheriands, or rather to the enterprifes of the duke of Marlborough wherever they were con- duced, that the very troops, deftined by the parliament for the Spa- nifh and Portuguefe fervice, were countermanded after embarkation, and tranfported to Oftend to augment the army at Lille '*. Fortune "Villars, torn. Hi. p. 126. Hiftoire de Hilloire de Louis, &c. particularly Cun- LouH, torn. VI. p. 201. Some hiftorians ningham, vol. ii. p. 192. Salmon, vol. xxvl, afcribe the duke's delay in taking the field to p. 7. the feverity of the weather. As It is exprefsly >* Life of Argyle, p. 55. The command, mentioned by the greater number, that he ers in Spain complained heavily of the difrc- was refolved not to acl till the emperor in- fpeft whicli they met with from the minillers veiled him with Montferrat ; that he de- in England. The officers whom thev ap. manded h.s fubi.dy to be paid by the Englilh pointed upon the fpot, as the fitteft, from their ' and Dutch before quitting his winter quarters ; experience, for the fervice allotted them, were and that he, at this time, fell under the fufpi- often fuperfeded by raw ones fent from Ei,g. cion of the allies, in fo much that the Englilh land. Letter from General Carpenter to Mr envoy at Turin, probably by the duke's re- St. John, 17th November 1707 ; from Ge- queft, pledged himklf for his fidelity, I think neral Stanhope to Mr WaWle &c MSS myfelf warranted for the conftrudion I have The SpaniHi and Portuguefe horfe were in p.vt upon his conduft. See Quincy, Tiadal, poor condition ; nor ^^-ere magazines provided ^^ and 3.2S HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. Fortune was favourable to Charles this campaign. The vigilant c > 1 and prudent condudl of the prince of Darinftadt kept the duke of ^^° ' Noailles at bay, and prevented him from attempting hoftilities on the fide of Girona, and the troops, afterwards detached from his army into Provence, utterly difabled him from profecuting an offenfive war. The fuccefs of fir John Leake, in taking and difperfmg the fhips loaded with provifictns for the principal army commanded by the duke of Orleans, cramped the operations of the latter, and re- July, ftrided his fuccefs to the taking the tov^•ns of Tortofa, Denia, and Alicant, and ravaging the furrounding country '\ Thefe advantages of the French in Spain were counterbalanced by the reduction of Sardinia and Minorca. The city of Cagliarl Auguft. furrendered to fir J. Leake and the Conde de Fuentes, after a few bombs had been throv/n into it; upon which all the deputies of the ftates fubmitted to king Charles, and gave a feafonable proof of their fincerity, by furnifhing a large fupply of money for his fervice ". As major-general Stanhope had the honour of projeding the expe- Caober. dltion agaiuft Minorca, fo the fuccefsful execution of it was princi- pally, owing to his condu equally neceflary for maintaining the liberty of the fubje£t, and the fafety of the government. Upon the news of an invafion, many perfons had been apprehended without any fufficient prefumption of guilt having appeared againft them, and fome of them carried pri- foners to London, which expofed them to great expence and incon- venience '\ Others had been brought to trial in violation of thofe forms, which, according to the opinion of refpeftable Scottifh law- yers, were indifpenfable in criminal cafes. It was hence inferred, that the minifters in Scotland had made the public apprehenfions fubfervient to their own perfonal refentments ; and that unwarrant- able feverities had been exercifed againft their political opponents and private enemies. But whatever foundation there might be for thefe afperfions, it was evident, from a difagreement in the opinions of thofe who were beft acquainted with the laws and proceedings of the judicatories in Scotland, that the former were fo ambiguous, and the latter fo vague and fluQuating, as eafily to become inftruments either of favour or oppreffion, according to the wifhes and interefts of minifte^-s ". On thefe grounds a refolution was formed in the houfe " Journals Commons, loth March. don as ftate prifoners, April and June, 1708. '* Tlie duke of Gordon, the marquis of '' The court of jufticiary was of opi- Huntly ; the carls of Staforth, Errol, Nithf- nion, that the names of the witnefles ouglit dale, Marfhal, Murray ; lords, Stormont, Kil- to be intimated to the prifoners fifteen days f^th, Drummomi, Nairne, Belhaven, Sinclair, before their trial ; and fir James Stewart, bcfides many gentlemen of great fortune and the lord advocate, aflerted that this was iafluence in Scotland, were brought to Lou- uniiecelTary ; they complained of each other to QJJEEN ANNE. ^^^ Ijoufe of lords for alterintr the treafon laws ia Scotland, and was ^ H,^ ''• - XIV. carried into effeA by the a6l for improving the union of the two l . J kingdoms. The purpoit of it was, to abrogate the Scottifh laws, and to introduce thofe of England in all future trials for treafon. This innovation was fpecioufly oppofed as a violation of the union, by encroaching upon the powers of the court of jufticiary ; and thus' tending to excite alarm in the breafts of the Scots, left the whole fyftem of their laws fhould be gradually overturned, contrary to the ftipulations of the treaty. Suppofing that an alteration, fo material as that now propofed, could be effedted without infradlion of the moft folemn engagements contradled by the Englifli legifla- ture, it was aflertcd, that the treafon laws in Scotland were prefer- able, in many refpedls, to thofe of England ; and that the dignity of the former nation, and the intcreft of the two kingdoms, would be beft confulted by a judicious feledion from both ". A few amendments upon this bill were made in the houfe of commons ; which, though the fame in fubftance with what had been moved, and rejected by a confiderable majority in the other houfe.,,were after- wards unanimoufly adopted, becaufe the bill was deemed elTential to the fecurity of the Hanoverian fucceflion ". In compliance with her majefty's recommendation at the opening of this feflion, a bill was again brought in and read in the houfe of commons for regulating the militia in Scotland: but, as it never went ii'|'/"'^'2th ° P ' ' March. to the queen, and juftificd tlicir complaints fim. The principal amendments were, that in printed memorials. Tindiil, vol. viii. no eftate in Scotland niould be forfeited upon p. 182. Befides this ambiguity, there were a judgment of high treafon ; but this peculiar glaring deficiencies in the treafon laws: indulgence to Scotland was not to take place ift. No time was prefcribed for the purfuer to till after the death of the pi-etender; nor, infift upon the trial. 2d, It was competent upon the fuppolilion of that event happening to admit witnefTes inadmiffible in other cafes ; during the life of the queen, till three years namely, women, famofi, Impitberes \^ focii cri- after the houfe of Hanover ftiould fucceed to minis. Mackenzie's Criminal Law, Title vi. the crown. It was provided, that three of the &c. jufticiary judges (hould be' named in the com- '" Letter from a Scotch Gentleman in Lon- m[S\on i.j{ oyer tiwA tirmlnir. To this aft, Scot- don to his Friend in Edinburgh, p. 7. land is indebted for t]ie abolition of the tor- 's Id. Journals Lords and Commons, paf- ture. 14 farther, 334 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, farther, we may conclude that the whig mlniftcrs, though they flUl x. ■ > flattered the hopes of the Scottilh patriots, were lecretly averfe to a ' ' meafure which they confidered to be dangerous to the proteftant fucceflion ". The commons granted large fupplles for carrying on the war ; and voted an addition of ten thoufand mdn to the troops already employed in the Britifti fervice. That the people might be the better reconciled to the extraordinary burdens impofed upon them, addrefles were prefented to the queen, to lay before them the ac- 26th Nov. counts of the difburfements of the fums formerly granted for mak- I2th Jan. ■ • • i_ ing good her engagements to her allies, and for maultainmg her i8th Dec. forces in Spain ; and requefling her to ufe her beft endeavours to prevail upon the feveral members of the confederacy to furni{h pro- portional additions of men for the fervice of the campaign 1709. The fupplles this fefhon amounted to feven millions. The diffi- 'culty of raifmg fo large a fum was removed by the bank of England having engaged to circulate two millions five hundred thoufand pounds in exchequer bills for the ufe of government, upon the con- ditions of their charter being prolonged for twenty-one years, and of authority being granted them to double their flock ". An a£t was accordingly paflTed for this purpofe. The books were opened for taking in fubfcriptions for the augmented fund while the ad was " When a bill for fettling the militia in bouring to fubvert the foundations of all order Scotland was afterwards brought in under the and governmeiit, fatally prevailed, in produ- tory miniftry,(JouTnalsCommons,MayandJune cing an entire invcrfion of the fentiments and 1714,) it was oppofed by the ivhigs upon an prejiidices of the lower ranks, and rendered avowed diftruft of the loyalty of the Scotti(h them averfe to a meafure, the delay of which nation. The infurreilions which afterwards their patriotic anccftors complained of as a happened in favour of the pretender, 1715, ftain upon their honour, and an obllruftion to 1745, confirmed thefe fufpicions ; fo that that equal participation of privileges which Scotland has been hitherto deprived of a pri- v?as cxpefted from the union. vilege, which the nioft enlightened patriots ^' Journals Commons, liith February, 4th, have ever confidered as eflential to national j;th March, 2 ift April. Theftockof thebank, freedom and independence. Of this the Scots before this augmentation, amounted to two always complained as a national grievance and millions, two hundred and one thoufand, one affront, till, upon pafling the late aft for rail'- luindred and feventy-one pounds. Tindal, jng the militia in Scotland, the perfevcring vol, viii. p. l<5o. cfForta of thole perfons, who have been la- yet QJJ E E N ANNE. 335 yet clepeading, and the whole was filled up within the fpace of four hours; an inconteflible proof of the increafe of national wealth, and i of the vigour of public credit ". Both houfes, in the courfe of this feffion, renewed their teftimo- nies of applaufe to the duke of Marlborough, by thanking 'him for his illuftrious fervices during the laft campaign. A vote, which pafled in the houfe of commons for thanking major-general Webb, was juftly confidered as an oblique cenfure upon the partiality of the duke, who, in the account he tranfmittedto the rainiftry concerning the battle of Wynendale, had omitted the name of that general, though the fuccefs of the allies there was principally owing to his brave and fkilful exertions. The rumour of an approaching peace flrongly prevailing at this time, the lords and commons concurred in addreffing her majefty to take care that the French king fhould be obliged to acknowledge her title, and the proteftant fucceffion ; that the pretender fhould: be removed from the French dominions ; and that the harbour of Dunkirk fhould be deflroyed. An order, given by the privy council, for difcontinuing the ufe of that form in the common-prayer book, which refeiTcd to her ma- jefty's conjugal flate'^', gave occafion to an addrefs from both houfes, which, perhaps inadvertently, deviated from the delicacy and ten- dernefs due to her prefent fituation ; and was therefore noticed by her in terms of reproof rather than of approbation. They entreated her not to indulge her grief fo far as to lay afide thoughts of a fe- cond marriage ; to which flie replied, that, from the nature of the fubjeft, fhe was perfuaded they did not exped a particular an fwer. A complaint being entered in the houfe of commons againll a pamphlet, which reprefented the teft a*^ as a profanation of the divine inftitution of the Lord's Supper, it was relblved that the faid pamphlet was a fcandaJous and feditious libel; and that it fhould be burnt by the hands of the common hangman. The prelent mi- " Tindal, vol. viii. p. i'6o. " «• Make the queen, we pray thee, an happy mother of children." CHAP. XIV. 1708, 9. 22d Jan. 2d March. 13th Dec. 3d Marcb. 13th Jan. 27th. lOth, nifters 335 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. G H A P. n'lflers more readily concurred In this cenfure, to check thofe fufpi- L — ».- — ; cionvS which th^ir opponents now indufirioufly dineminated of their ' ' ' being enemies to the ecclefiaftical eftabli'fhment '*. An a£t was pafled on the 13th February for preferving the privi- leges of ambaHadors and the miniitcrs of foreign princes. This aft arofe from an indignity offered to the Ruffian amballador, which occafioned no fmall trouble and vexation to the court of London; ;and became interefting to all the ftates of Europe, as it was the ,lnean& of difcovering the headftrong humour, the proud fpirit, and ,the expanding ambition of a young prince, who now began to .emerge from the obfcurity and barbarifm of his anceftors. The rcountde Mattneof,.the Ruffian ambaflador,,had been arretted in the ftreets of London, on the 2iil: June 1708, at the inftance of fome tradefmen,; to' whom he owed fmall accounts ", and having ftruggled iinhis own defence, wiasdr-agged, to a fpunging houfe, where he re- :inained for feveral hours, till he was releafcd upon bail. He imme- diately wrote a letter to the fecrctary of flate, complaining of the grofs infult which he had endured ; and demanding fatisfadion by ■punifhing the aggreffiDrs with. the utmoft feverity. Great addrefs •was employed by the court to appeafe him, and every regular ftep taken to profecute the offenders ; but the ambaflador, implacable and ferocious, and inflrjgated by the reft of the foreign minifters at Lon- don, would hear.cf :no propofal of delay or compromife. He left the kingdom, with, difguft and menaces, and quickly infufed the in- dignation, w^hlch he :felt into the breaft of his fovereign, who was the more jealous of his. princely- dignity from the novelty of his preten- fions to it; while he anticipated that fuperlorlty to which he was foon to afcend in the fcale of potentates, from the vaff: extent of his dominions, and the fuccefg. of thofe lofty projects which inceflantly J 7th Dec. • occupied his ardent and bufy-m-iiid. His difpleafure was notified in 1708. : _., -■ ,,,, ,, .,; ■• ** Salmon, vol. xxvi. p. i8. orders that this fum Hiould be difcharged the *5 The fum for which the ambafTador was next day. Addifon's Letttr to the Earl of arreilcd was btlowfi liuiulrtd pounds : he ufed Ji^aucheftcr, July 23d, i^cS. to be punftual Jn'Ki! payments, and' had grven! '• ' an QJJEEN ANNE. 337 an angry letter to the queen, magnifying the outrage which he had CHAP. fuftained in the perfon of his ambaflador ; infifting that a capital pu- < j nilhment fhould be inflidled upon all the perfons concerned in it ; ' and threatening reprifals if his demands were not complied with. It being found impoffible to gratify the czar in conformity to the exift- ing law of England, he was at length prevailed upon, by tlie mofl: flattering importunity, and the uncommon civilities of the Britifh court to two young princes who were his relations ", to accept of her niajefty's expreflions of deep concern for what had happened, and her promifes fpeedily to purfue the moft effedual meafures for fupply- ing the deliciency of the Englifli laws, as the terms of his main- taining, in future, an amicable correfpondence with the Englifli na- tion. To teftify her fmcerity, the adl now mentioned was framed, and intimation of it made to the Ruffian court by the Eno-Hfh am- baflador, with a formality and pomp highly grateful to the haughty difpofition and afpiring views of his czarilli majefty ^'. The fondnefs of the Englifh nation for gambling difcovered itfelf at this time by fuch pradtices, as were not only ruinous to the for- tunes of individuals, but pernicious to the community. Wagers were often laid upon the events of the war, and as this had an ob- vious tendency to induce individuals to form attachments, and to purfue fchemes repugnant to the welfare of the country, and even to tempt profligate men to carry on a correfpondence with the enemy juft grounds were thereby afforded for removing the temptation, by paffing an adl to prohibit, under the feverefl: penalties, wagers from ziflApnl being laid relative to public afi'airs. " Upon the arrival of the Mufcovite lords queen's bench by the attorney-general ; and in London, the queen gave orders that they after trial, convided of the fads by the jur^- ; /hould be entertained at her charge, and at- but they were not brought up to receive judo-' tended by her officers. Monthly Mercury, ment ; bccaiife no jiunirtiment, that could have Jan- »709- been inflideJ by the Luv of England; would " Tinda!, vol. vui. p. 196. 2C2. The per- have been thought an adequate reparation b^ fons concerned m the arreR oi the Ruffian the czar. Blackllone's Commentary bv Chiil^ amiafTadcr were profecutcd in the court of tian, vi>l. i. p. 255. X X The 338 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAT. The liberality of the Englifh minifters to Scotland wa8 again ma- »,. ,__, nifefted by paffing an ad for allowing the drawback upon the ex- i/cS* S- portation of beef, fiiL, and pork, which had been cured with foreign fait, imported there before the ift of May 1707". The inveftigation of confpiracies, fuggefted by the late attempt of the pretender, led to difcoveries which might have warranted profe- cutions, deeply affedling the fortunes and honour of fome indivi- duals conneded with every party. The impending danger of fuch profecutions impofed ftrong temptations upon thofe who were con- fcious of guilt, to continue their endeavours for promoting that event which alone could enfure their perfonal fafety. Hence it was reprefented to her majefty by her minifters, that a remiflion of paft crimes was the moft generous and the wifeft meafure ftie could purfue both for the public peace and the fecurity of her own perfon and government. An ad of grace was therefore fent to the houfe of lords on the 20th of April, and was confirmed with the utmoft; difpatch by both houfes; which clofed the bufinefs of this fefTion. ijift April. After a fpeech from the lords commiflioners, in her majefty's name, expreffing her full approbation of their proceedings, the chancellor prorogued the parliament to 19th May 1709. The convocation had been fummoned to meet with the new par- liament, but by fucceflive prorogations was prevented from entering upon bufinefs. Some violent publications, in exculpation of thofe meafures of the laft convocation which were moft offenfive to her majefty, had gained many profelytes among the laity, as well as the clergy. The majority of the members returned to the prefent con- vocation were known to be of the fame principles with their prede- ceflbrs, and would probably have difplayed, if an opportunity had been afforded them, the fame captious temper, and the fame con- tempt of their fuperiors ; nor in fuch circumftances durft the mini- *• Journals Commons, 2 ift February, Hers QV E E N A N N E. 339 fters have hazarded an appeal to the people, who %vere now en- CHAP, flamed by the bafe artifices, and reftlefs adtivity of the high church < -. -' zealots *'. The fituation of France, after the conclufion of the campaign Campaign 1708, exhibited a complete pidlure of wretchednefs and defpond- '^^" ency. The allies had become mafters of mod of the ftrong towns on her frontiers ; and threatened to penetrate, into the interior pro- vinces, depopulated and incapable of defence '". A complication of domeftic calamities co-operated with the ill fuccefs of their arms, and portended the near approach of others ftill more dreadful. The fud- den viciflitudes of froft and thaw deftroyed the fpringing corn and vines, while, from the fcantinefs of the preceding crop, every city and province was threatened with impending famine ^'. Tumults and infurre£tions broke out in the principal towns : the highways were infefted with robbers, and the univerfal fubverfion of order was only reftrained by the prefence of that military force, which was de- ftined for the profecution of the war '\ The French minifters had already exhaufted every invention for raifmg new taxes and encreafmg their produce ; and by forcing the circulation of fidlitious money, had ftill, in fome degree, maintained their internal commerce. But now, when fcarcity at home oblio-ed them to refort to foreign markets, the people felt the extremity of diftrefs. The public bankruptcy was evident to furrounding nations, and, more than the moft fplendid vldories, encouraged the hopes of their enemies. '* Annals Anne, p. 257. of deaths in Pans, in 1709, was twenty nine ^° Torcy, vol. i. p. 213. Lond. 1757. thoufand, two hundred and eighty-eight; in '■ Quincy, torn. vi. p. 132. The effefts 1710, twenty-three thoufand, three hundred of famine, with refped to depopulation, are and eighty-nine ; in 1 7 1 1 , and feveral fucceed- ftrongly illuftrated by the following fafts. ing years, it did not exceed lixteeii thoufand. The births in Paris, which hud amounted to In the year 1709, the number of marriages fixteen thoufand, nine hundred and ten, in the deereafed in the proportion of one-fourth, com year 1 709, in the year 17 10, did not exceed paved with ordinary years. BufFoa's Supple- thirteen thoufand, fix hundred and tliirty-four i ment, torn. iv. p. 278. and in 17 11, they rofe to fixteen thoufand, ^2 Hiitoirc de Louis, torn. tI. p. 303. fire hundred and ninety-three. The number X X 2 In If 09- 340 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. C H A p. In thefe deplorable circumftances the court and the people coalefced in the fame wifhes and views. Peace, upon any terms, was the only expedient for refcuing a perifhing multitude, and eftablifliing a tot- tering throne. The intoxicating chimera of univerfal empire va- nifhed : the queftion was not now, whether France fliould be vi£to- rious, or how far flie fhould extend her dominion, bat w^hether fhe fhould exift as an independent kingdom, and bear a name among the nations ". The French king availed himfelf of the proferred interpofition of monfieur Pettekum, refident of the duke of Holftein Gottorp at the Hague, to communicate to Heinfius, the grand penfionary, and Vander Duflen, the penfionary of Gouda, his earneft defire of re- newing negotiations for peace. Intimation was at the fame time made to them by monfieur Bergheick, the Spanifli minifter at Paris, that he had received inftru£tions from his mafter, to offer the States whatever conditions they fhould demand for the fecurity of their trade, expecting by this enticement to obtain their confent to king Philip's remaining in the poffeflion of the throne of Spain. The anfwer returned by the penfionaries to this intimation was peremp- tory and explicit : and as Pettekum had already informed the French king, that no propofitions for peace would be accepted by the confe- derates, without the entire furrender of the Spanifh monarchy, fo a fhort memorial to the fame effedl was now figned by Vander Duffen, and tranfmitted to Bergheick '*. The French king at length con- fented to enter into a treaty upon this bafis, without the acceffion of his grandfon. Rouille, prefident of the great council, was ap- pointed his plenipotentiary, and, having been furnifhed with a palf- port from the States, purfued his journey with great fecrecy, and ^' Duclos, torn. i. p. 13. " Spain and the Indies, of the Milanefe and ^* As this memorial was often referred to in " the Netherlands, together with what has the negotiations, it is neceffar)' that the reader " been added, as alfo a favourable treaty of ftiould attend to it : " The count of Berg- " commerce, there can be no talking to him " heick mull know, that unlefs he makes the " with any confidence upon the other preli- " fame offers, as thofe heretofore made, of '• oiinary articles." Torcy, vol. i. p. 121. arrived QJJ E E N A N N E. 341 arrived at Stryenfe Sas, oppofite to Moerdike, on the 17th March CHAP. 1709, where he was received by Vander Duflen, and de Buys the < ^ — -^ penfionary of Amfterdam ". ' At the opening of the conferences, tlie Dutch deputies examined Rouille's commifTion, with which they were perfedly fatisfied, but at the fame lime acknowledged, that they had not themfelves re- ceived any correfponding powers from the States, as the neceflary delay and formalities in obtaining them would have made the bufi- nefs too public, and perhaps thwarted its fuccefs ". They profefled, in name of their conftituents, an earneft defire for peace ; but infit- nuated that the inclinations of the reft of the allies were more doubt- ful, and that a generous attention to their interefts would be neceflary to bring the bufinefs to a fpeedy and fortunate conclufion. Agreeably to thefe hints, demands were brought forward, during fucceffive con- ferences, in behalf of the emperor, the queen of England, the king of PrufTia, and the duke of Savoy, which were not comprehended in the inftru£tions of the French plenipotentiary ". Under the fame pretext of being reftrained by a refpeifl for their allies, the deputies excluded thofe conceflions in favour of king Philip, which Lewis had underftood to be tacitly implied in Vander DulTen's memorial ". For they plainly told him, that they would not be fatisfied with the renunciation of Spain, the Indies, the Milanefe, and the Netherlands, unlefs the port towns on the coaft of Tufcany were added, which, together with Naples and Sicily, Lewis exped:cd to referve as a fcanty compenfation to his grandion for the facrifices he was to ^' Torcy, vol. i. p. 148. and particularly for lias'ing infifted upon New- ^^ Idem. p. 126. 149. foundland and Hudfon's Bay being made an " Letter from Mr. Boyle to the Duke article in the preliminaries, &c. In another of Marlborough, i8th, 24th May. MSS. letter from Mr. Boyle to the duke of Man- Mr. Boyle, in a letter to the duke of Marlbo- chefter and lord Townflicnd, of the 24th May, rough and lord Townlhend, i8th May 1709, her majefty exprefTes an equal concern for mentions her majeily's great fatisfaftion at gratifying the defires of the duke of Savoy, the concurrence of the minifters of the 'S They were not mentioned in the memo- States, in making fuch demands on tlie part of rial, and therefore Juppofed cot to be ex- Great Britain, as her n.ajefty tl'.ought neceflary eluded. for ihe advantage of hcrfelf and her people ; 342 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. make. The deputies feemed willing, fo far as depended upon the i_ - _< States, to confign Naples and Sicily to the duke of Anjou, but de- ''°^' clined treating definitively upon that point, left fome of the allies fhould objeft to it ; they promifed, however, that if thefe impor- tant conditions were accepted by the French king, they would ufe their utmoft endeavours to procure an eftablifhment for the depofed monarch ". An account of thefe conferences, after they had been continued for feveral days, was tranfmitted by Rouille to the court of France *°. He now received inftru(£lions to confent to feveral of the propo- fitions which had been unexpe£ledly brought forward by the depu- ties ; he was authorized to defift from his firft requifition of annex- ing Sardinia and the ports on the Tufcan coaft to the two kingdoms of Naples and Sicily ; to give entire fatisfadlion to the Englilh with refpe£t to the proteftant fucceffion ; to make additions to a barrier for the States, upon the condition of an equivalent for fome of the towns to be furrendered for that purpofe ; and to referve other dif- puted articles to be adjuHed at a general treaty ■". Although thefe concefhons feemed to be favourably entertained, other circumftances now occurred, which threatened to perplex the negotiation, and to remove the iflue of it to a great diftance. The deputies themfelves were not fcrupulous about obferving that fecrecy which they had recommended to Rouille, as effential to the accom- plifhment of the treaty, and the difclofure of what had pafled in the conferences excited the jealoufy of the leading men in the other provinces, as if de Buys and Vander DulTen had prefumed too far by entering into bufmefs of fuch general concern, without their pre- vious knowledge and confent. The minifters of the allied powers 3' Torcy, vol. i. paflim. Tlic Dutch de- Philip : but the court of England was not putics, at the outfet of the conferences, had only difpleafed with this conceffion, but angr)' they been left to themfelves, would probably at the deputies for having thought of it. have been well pleafed to procure a peace Jppaidtx, N' XXV. upon the condition of difmembering the Spa- *" Torcy, p. 158. ttiih monarchy, and giving a part of it to ki.ng *' W. . ^- .: j^ foon Q^UEEN ANNE. 34^5 foon caught the fame fpirit, and openly threatened to dlfavow any CHAP, meafures, concerted between the French court and fuch a partial 1 - _| reprefentation of the confederate body*'. The impreffion of thefe '''°^' threits upon the negotiating deputies was obvious in every fubfe- quent conference : they became more guarded and untradable ; and even drew back from certain points which had been nearly brought to a conclufion "'. In the meanwhile, the French king did not efcape the fufplcion of being fecretly pleafed with thofe obftacles which were likely to thwart negotiations into which, it was fuppofed that he had entered with reluctance. By the minifters in England, his offers were repre- fented as an infidious attempt to divide the confederates, or to lull them into fecurity, while he was exerting the utmoft force of prero- gative to recruit his fliattered armies; and even concerting meafures to prevent the abdication of his grandfon, which was the preliminary con- dition of the treaty^*. Conftrained by the ruined condition of the country to wifli for peace upon any terms, feveral perfons of the firft diftindiion in France were fecretly jealous of the invincible ambition of their fovereign, and of his fmcerity in going as far as he ought, to reftore tranquillity to his exhaufted fubjedts *'. To remove thefe objedions, and to transfer the odium of prolonging the war to his enemies, the French king adopted the refolution of fending the mar- 29th ApriL quis de Torcy, his minifter for foreign affairs, into Holland, with authority to make a direct application to Heinfius, and to bring under the public view the important bufmefs, which had hitherto been tranfaded in fuch a clandeftine manner as to give too much ground for fufpicions, and to render it impofTible to judge of the intentions and condud: of the parties concerned**. The marquis, upon his arrival at the Hague, was privately introduced to Heinfius, 6th May. who entered confidentially into converfation with him upon the prin- ** Torcy, vol. i. p. 172. Member. ♦' Id. paffim. *' Torcy, vol. i. p. 217. ♦+ Dr. Hare's Tl.Ird Letter to a Tory +" Id. p. 225. cipal 1709. 344 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, cipal topics of tlie negotiation, but flill referred him to Vandsr Duflen and de Buys, who had acquired a refponfibllity by the fteps which they had already taken in this bufinefs *'. To them de Torcy was next introduced, and permitted to fend for Rouill^, whofe commifTion was not fuperfeded by his own ; after which the various fubjeds, already treated of, were refumed, Heinfius and de Torcy now taking a principal fhare in every conference. Aware of the afcendancy which the duke of Marlborough had acquired in the councils of the States, the French plenipotentiaries v/ere anxious to have feme points fettled before his return to the continent, and threw out advantageous offers with refpedt to the barrier and com- merce of Holland, which they imagined it would be difficult for the deputies to rejedt without incurring the refentment of their confti- tuents"*'. The deputies were prepared for this fnare ; and, as often as the plenipotentiaries fuggefted fuch ftipulations as regarded the peculiar interefts of the States, they always obtruded the demands of their allies, enlarged fo fiir beyond the forefight of the French ca- binet, that they exceeded the utmofl: conceffions which her mlnifters were empowered to offer *". The French plenipotentiaries, now con- vinced that it was not in the pciwer of the prefent treaters to bring any matter whatever to a final conclufion, became no lefs impatient than the deputies for the arrival of the duke of Marlborough ; and, as they were inftruded to offer him a liberal prefent in name of their mafler, did not defpair of rendering him the inftrument of that pacification, which, they believed, he had hitherto obftruded '°. ♦' Torcy, vol. i. p. 243. duke of Marlborough two millions of livrcs *" The duke of Marlborough was at the (^£. 83,333 : 6 : 8) on tht- condition of his fe- Hague at the beginning of the conferences curing the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily for between Rouille, Vander DufTcn, and de Buys; his grandfon ; and the premium was to in- and though he did not take any part in them, creafe, in proportion as more was obtained, to ■yet, as it afterwards appeared, he was well ac- the fum of four millions of livres. Torcy, quainted with all that paffed. vol. i. p. 299, 300. Although Torcy repre- *' Torcy, vol. i. p. 259. 268. 273. fents the reception which he met with from '° After the arrival of de Torcy, the con. the duke as polite and even flattering, he did ftrences were carried on at the Hague. The not find him difpofcd to accept of his offers. French king authorized Torcy to offer the Torcy, vol. i. p. 316. After 1709. QJJ E E N A N N E. 345 After many weeks fpent in fruitlefs conferences, the duke came to CHAP, the Hague, accompanied by lord vifcount Townrtiend, who was conjoined with him in a commiffion to aft as plenipotentiaries for the queen of England, in tranfading the buhnefs of a general treaty for peace. De Torcy loft no time in paying his compliments to the duke, nor was he long left in fufpence with refpedt to the part which that nobleman was likely to take, in a bufmefs depending fo much upon his arbitration. If his external demeanour, and flattering addrefs, excited fome faint hopes of his being favorable to the views of France ", thefe were foon overturned, when he entered upon the ferious difcullion of bufmefs. From his converfation it was eafy to difcover that the Englifh plenipotentiaries were no ftrangers to the conferences which had already palTed ; that they were determined to fupport the propofitions ftated in behalf of the allies, while the ex- tenfive demands upon the part of the queen of England, which hi- therto had been obfcurely hinted, were now defined and urged as the indifpenfable conditions of her permitting her minifters to continue the negotiations. The fubjedls of the enfuing conferences, carried on by the French, Dutch, Englifh, and Imperial minifters, after many tedious and warm debates, were at length comprifed in forty preliminary articles, drawn up by the penfionary, with the appro- bation of his colleagues. The French plenipotentiaries declined figning them till they obtained the approbation of their mafter ; de '' The duke of Marlborough, accord- Torcy, vol. i. p. 305, 6. 9. 16. ly. At the ing to Torcy's accounts, difcovered excefs of fame time, as if it had been with the pur- complaifance in his private interviews with pofe of referving to himfelf the privilege of him : he profefTed the mod profound refpeft contradifting thefe fcntiments, fo propitious for the French monarch ; and feemed to agree to the hopes of France, he infinuated that with his plenipotentiary', in thinking that the lord Townlhend was placed as a fpy upon his demands of the deputies, with refpeft to Spain, conduct ; and that the prcfence of that noble- were harfli and extravagant : he declared his man rellrained him from giving vent to the earnell wifti for an opportunity of ferving the genuine effuhons of his heart. Id. p. 303. 5. prince of Wales, for whole fatlier he would 26, 27. have facrificed the laft drop of his blood. Y y Torcy 1709. 346 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^ XIV ^' '^°''^y ^^^ °"^ ^°^ Paris, and engaged to convey his mafler's final an- fwer to the deputies before the ill of June '\ The principal preliminaries were, that the French king fliould acknowledge Charles king of Spain ; that if the duke of Anjou refufed to confent to this, the French king and the allies fliould enter into meafures for carrying it into efle£l ; that the French king fliould .withdraw all afliflance from his grandfon ; that the Spanifli mo- narchy fhould remain entire in the houfe of Auftria, and no prince of France ever poflefs any part of it ; that the French king fliould acknowledge the proteftant fucceflion. By the loth article, the French king was required to furrender Landau to the emperor ; by the nth, to demolifli New Brifach, Fort Louis, and Huningen ; by the 28th, to make over to the duke of Savoy Exilles, Feneftrilles, and Chaumont, with the valley of Pragelas, &c. for a barrier ; by the 29th, the pretenfions of the eleilor of Bavaria in Cologne were to be referred to a general negotiation ; by the 37th, the ceflation of arms was fufpended upon the fulfilment of all the other articles, and par- ticularly the 4th, namely, that the duke of Anjou fliould evacuate Spain within the fpace of two months, and that if he refufed to do this, the French king and the allies fhould enter into proper meafures for carrying it into eiTedt. The French king objefted to five of the articles, namely, the loth, nth, 28th, 29th, and 37th; but at the fame time inftrudled Rouille', who ftill remained at the Hague, to exprefs his earneft defire of coming to an accommodation with the allies, and even to fuggefl the probability of his departing from every other objedlion, excepting that which demanded fuch hard fecurities for his grandfon's renouncing the Spanifh monarchy. The plenipotentiaries of the allied powers re- mained inflexible. They would not even confent to the continuation of the conferences, nor abate the rigour of any of the articles proppfed. '- Torcy, vol. i. p. 302. 352. Letters Townfhend to Mr. Secretary Boyle, paffini. from the Duke of Marlborough and Lord MSS. 7 The 1709. QJJ E E N A N N E. 347 The preliminaries, as they flood, were ratified by the queen of Eng- ^ ^-^ ^• land and the States; and to give new vigour to the grand alliance, the terms of it were folemnly recognifed, and renewed by its rcfpec- tive members". The negotiations for peace being at an end, the French king had recourfe to every expedient for foothing the difappointmcnt, and cherifhing the loyalty of his people. He a'ddrelTcd circular letters to all the provincial governors in France, complaining of the exorbi- tant demands of the allies, as utterly fubverfive of his own honour and the independence of his people ; and profeffing to commit him- felf and his caufe to their affections, and the protedVion of a righteous Providence. The king of Spain publifhed a manifefto to the fame purpofe, and engaging to fpend the lafl drop of his blood in defence of his right '*. In feafons of public emergency, the change of minifters has often proved a fuccefsful expedient for compofmg the tumults, and re-' viving the hopes of a diflraded and delponding people ; and of re- conciling them to hardfhips, which they would no longer have en- dured under rulers, who by ill condudl or misfortunes have loft the public confidence. The French king difmiffed the diredor general of the finances, and the fecretary for the war, and appointed fuc-» ceffors to them, whofe genius and popularity were well adapted to the extraordinary exertions, required in their refpedive departments at this alarming crifis ". " Her majefty wote a letter to the States, ft appears, that the French king had laid his exprefTing her approbation of tlieir firmnefs, account with fubmitting to the mod mortify- and the juft refcntment which they had dif- ing conditions, and even abandoning the king covered on account of the infincerity of the of Spain ; and, from another letter of tne French king ; and flie intreated them to con- French king to the Pope, it alfo appears, that cur with her in the moft vigorous efforts for the king of Spain was wilh'ng to give up the reducing the power of France. Letter to the Milanefe, Naples, and Sicily, wiih the reft of States General, 23d December 1709. MS. the Mediterranean iflands, to the archduke. '■^ Quincy, torn. vi. p. 143. Monthly Mer- Prior's Hiftor)', p. 261. cur)-, Augufl: 1709. From an intercepted ss Quincy, torn. vi. p. 143. letter of Chamillard to the duke of Berwick, Y y 2 The 348 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. xhc indiG-nation, excited aeainfl: the allies on account of the info^ XIV. fa ' , . r L J lence of their demands, was produdive of uncommon efforts for ''°^' relieving the pecuniary diftreffes of the crown. The prefidents and counfellors of the parliament of Paris offered voluntary contribu- tions ; and their example was followed by all the provincial parlia- ments. Many of the nobility, and of the rich merchants and bur- geffes, fent their filver plate to the mint ; and as the king devoted his to the fame purpofe, the quantity of fpecie was fuddenly increafed, while the general fcarcity and dearnefs of provifions filled the army with recruits, who could not otherwife obtain the means of fubfiftence'*. On the 21 ft June, the confederate armies, under the duke of Marl- borough and prince Eugene, confifting of above a hundred thoufand men, drew up on the plain before Lifle. If thefe commanders had formed any defign of penetrating into France, which was appre- hended from the menaces thrown out by the deputies during the conferences at the Hague, the accounts which they received of the ftrong and extenfive entrenchments of the army under the marfhal Villars, between Quincey and Douay, probably determined them to fufpend its execution ; and to begin their military operations with the fiege of Tournay ". Although it was the ftrongeft town in Flanders, the weak ftate of the garrifon, in confequence of the de- tachments which had been drawn from it for the grand army, en- couraged them to hope that this fiege would not long interrupt the 28th July, original plan of the campaign. The city furrendered three weeks, after the opening of the trenches. The attack of the citadel, which was furrounded with mines, pro- duced fome of the moft tremendous incidents that occur in the annals of war. Parties of the befiegers were often fuddenly blown up by the fpringing of the mines; fometimes they perifhed by the more protracled agony of fuffocation ; and fometimes the foldiers, from s* Hiftoire de Louis, torn. vi. p. 303. St. " Quincy, torn. vi. p. 154. Lediard, Simon, torn. vii. p. 109. vol. ii. p. 144. the 1709. QJJ E E N A N N E. 349 the garrifon and the camp, met under ground, while exploring thefe CHAP, fubterraneous paflages, and attacked each other with the blunt inftru- ments of fpades and pick axes. No wonder that the brave veterans, who had often, without dlfmay, confronted the manifeft terrors of open battle, flirunk from a fervice fo awful from the ftrange and occult dangers to which it expofed them '^ The citadel of Tournay did not furrender until the 3d September. The marfhal Villars, having received confiderable reinforcements from the army on the Rhine, during the above fiege, fent a detach- ment of eight thoufand men to pafs the Dyle, and attack Warneton, which furrendered without refirtance ; and the garrifon, confifting of feven hundred men, were made prifoners of war. This poft hovs^- ever was foon after abandoned upon the approach of the allied army ". After the fuiTender of Tournay, the duke of Marlborough dif- patched the prince of Heffe to fecure the paffage of the Haine, and to attempt to get poffeflion of the enemy's lines, between that river and the Sambre. Thefe objeds the prince effedled without blood- flied, the French having abandoned their lines as foon as they heard of his intention ^\ The marfhal Villars, fufpecling the duke of Marlborough's defign of fitting down before Mons, moved with the whole of his army towards that city ; but the confederates, having quickly followed the prince of Heffe, arrived before him. Villars had, however, advanced as far as Malplaquet, and made choice of a fituation for his camp, which, from its natural ftrength, feemed to fecure him againft any fudden attack, while its pro.ximity to Mons might afford him an opportunity of annoying the befieging army, and preventing its fuccefs. Attending to the pofture of the French' camp, in which their, army was prepared for a£tion without any s"* Quincy, torn. vi. p. i8l. Salmo " Quincy, torn. vi. p. 155. Hiftoire de »q1. xxvi. p. 56, 7. The allies had above four Louis, torn. vi. p. 354. thoufand men killed and wounded during the '"'' Lediard, vol. ii. p. 163. fiege of tbje town and citadel of Tournay. change 350 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, chancre of its difpofition, we rather wonder at the temerity of the XIV o •> ,_ ■' . allies nttempthip- to engage it, than at the immenfe lofs of men by '"°5- -which they purchafed the name of vidory at Malplaquet. Tlieir wings were placed behind two thick and deep woods ; the right be- hind Lagnierc, which had a morafs in its front, and the left behind Sart. The centre was ported on rifmg ground in the opening be- tween the back of the woods, with the cavalry behind it". To render their fituation more fecurc, feveral lines of trenches were thrown up, and covered with trees; and fome pieces of cannon placed in the front of the camp. Some of the infantry were alfo flationed in the woods, in front of the wings, and fome in their fkirts upon the fides of the opening or plain. The confederate army had en- camped in the plain, adjoining to the bottom of the opening between the woods. The armies were fo near, that a cannonading and fkir- loth July mifhes between them immediately took place ; and it was deter- mined by the principal commanders of the allies, to make an attack upon the French lines without delay. The hazard appeared fo great, that the Dutch deputies, with their wonted caution, remonftrated againft the attempt ; but there was no choice, except compliance, or raifing the fiege of Mons, which would have been rendered imprac- ticable, had the enemy been permitted to remain in a poft fo conve- nient for intercepting provifions, and making advantageous attacks upon the befiegers. • ithSept. The defcription of an engagement, which lafted above five hours with various turns of fuccefs, would lead me into prolixity, unplea- fant to readers who are not critically ftudious of military operations. Let it fuffice to obferve, that the fuccefs of the allies in diflodging the French, for confidering the orderly retreat of the latter and their *' Quincy, torn. vi. p. i88. St. Simon, being alfo called Merts wood; that on the torn. V. p. 555. Ltdiaid, vol. ii. p. 165. left Tcfmeres, &c. Compare Hiftoi-y of Eii- Quincy, torn. vi. p. 190. From the plans of rope, Lediard, Quincy, &c. This battle is the ground on wliich the battle was fought, fometimes called the battle of Malplaquet, drawn by different hands, it appears, that thefe and fometimes Blaregnies ; both thefe places woods had various names ; that upon the right being near the fpot wliere it wasfought. own QJJ E E N A N N E. 351 own immenfe lofs it hardly deferves the name of a vI£lory, feoms to ^ ^^ ^• have been principally owing to the following caufes : The left wing of the allies pafled the morafs, which covered the viglit of the French, with eafe and expedition furprifing to both armies, and con- ftrained the latter to fall back upon their entrenchments and centre, which occafioned derangement and confternation among the enemy at the commencement of the adlion. The allies, who were fu- perior in number '*, brought up frefh troops upon the centre of the the enemy, weakened by the detachments which were fent to fuftain the right wing, hard prefled by the confederate troops which had thus fuddenly pafled the morafs ''. The left wing of the French fought with great intrepidity under the marfhal Villars, and was likely to prevail againft the confederates, who were falling in great numbers, when the news of the general's being dangeroufly wounded fpread a fudden depreflfion among them, arretted their progrefs, and finally decided the fortune of the day'*. This was the moft obftinate and bloody battle that occurred in the whole courfe of the war ; and, if the greater lofs of men may be reckoned among the proofs of a defeat, the pretenlions of the confe- derates to vitftory appear extremely dubious. Almoft the whole of the Dutch infantry were cut off in the field ; and the joint lofs of the allies, including killed and wounded, amoimted, at the lowefl computation, to eighteen, while the lofs of the French probably did not exceed fifteen thoufand men*'. ** The allies had an army of eighty thou- toiy of Eugene, p. 147. Qiiincy, torn. vi. fand ; the French were between fixty and p. 201. The viftoiy of Malplaqnet is an in- feventy thoufand. ftance of the Angular good foitune of the "■ The merit of paffing the morafs was duke of Marlborough. It is admitted l:y his afcribed to the intrepidity of the duke of Ar- friends, that his engaging the enemy there, gyle, who led on the Britifh troops in the right was one of the raflieft cnterprfzes of his lifej wing ; (Life of Argyle, p. 59.) and the break- and that the fuccefs, if fuch it might be called, ing the centre of the enemy to tlie good con- was, in a great meafure, owing to tlie accident duft of major-general Cadogan. of Villars being Avounded. The chevalier de ** Villars, torn. iii. p. 146. Feuquieres, St. George exerted himfelf with great braveiy vol. ii. p. 178. Barre, torn 10. p. 557- St. in the left wing, endeavouring to make it Simon, vol. V. p. 311. 4J4. maintain its ground. St. Simon, torn, v. '' Lediard, vol. ii. p. 171. Military Hif- p- 465. After 352 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. After this engagement, the French army retreated to Valenciennes; i_ -.- ' and the allies met with no obftrudtion in carrying on the fiege of '^°^' Mons, which furrendered on the 2ift Odober ". The campaign on the Upper Rhine afforded the allies no occafion of triumph. The French kept within their lines, which the weak condition of the army under the duke of Hanover rendered him un- able to attack. The only enterprife of adive hoilility, advifed by him, terminated fatally for the Germans. The count de Merci was difpatched with a confiderable detachment from the duke's camp acrofs the Rhine, to penetrate into Franche Comte ; but having loft .^6th Aug. two thoufand men in a {harp engagement with the count de Borgh, he was forced to retreat and repafs the river *'. The reludtance with which the emperor granted the inveftiture of the Milanei'e to the duke of Savoy, and the reftridions annexed to it, fo much exafperated that prince, that he declined taking the field in perfon ; which broke the fpirit of his native troops, and retarded the progrefs of the campaign in Piedmont ". Count Thaun, who fuc- ceeded to the command of the Italian army, obtained a few flight advantages by marching into Savoy ; defeating a body of the enemy at Conflans ; forcing them to evacuate feveral of their ftrong pofts ; and making himfelf mafter of the village and caftle of Annecy, which he foon abandoned for want of provifions *°. This tranfitory fuccefs of the count was counterbalanced by a vidory of the French over "•eneral Rebender, who, at the head of another detachment of the Italian army, had advanced as far as Mount Genevre, with a defign of laying Val de Praz under contributions. He loft above feven hundred men on the fpot, and four hundred were made prifoners '°. In Spain and Portugal, the arms of the united fovereigns rather gained ground upon thofe of the allies. The caftle of Alicant, after '•'^ Tind;'.l, vol. \iii. p. 276. By getting '" Tindal, vol. viii. p. 284. pofTfffion of Mons, the allies were enabled to *' Hiftoire de Louis, torn. vi. p. 408. cover Brabant, which before was expofcd to Berwick, vol. ii. p. 74. the incurfions of the French. '° Idem, p. 80. 67 Quincy, torn. vi. p. 230. a long QJJ E E N A N N E. . ^sy a long defence, which did the higheft honour to the gallantry of the ^ ^^ ^• governor and garrifon, was forced to furrendcr on terms of capitula- ^^ '■ — —> tion". The marquis de Bais obtamed a complete vi(flory over the mh April. Engliih and Portuguefe, commanded by the earl of Galway and the ^' ^'^' marquis de Fronteira on the Gaya, near Badajox. He next intended to invert Olivenza ; but the arrival of the Englifh before Cadiz occa- ~ fioned the diverfion of a part of his force, and enabled the Portuguefe to throw frefh fupplies into the town ; fo that the only fruits of his vidory, were the getting poffefFion of a few caftles, and exading contributions in the adjacent country '\ In Catalonia, marflial Staremberg pafl'ed the Segra, and reduced the towns of Balaguer and Agen ". Auguft. The operations of the navy, in the courfe of the campaign, were both fplendid and important. The merchantmen were every where defended with great bravery, fometimes againft fuperior force ; and feveral privateers and rich prizes were brought into the Englifh ports '*. The Mediterranean fleet, by taking a great number of the {hips loaded with provifions and ftores for the French army, impeded its operations, and enabled that of king Charles to keep the field ; which would have been impracticable had thefe fupplies been re- ceived by the enemy ". The fort of St. John in Newfoundland was reduced by the fieur id Januaryi de Saintovide, which proved ruinous to the Englilh fettlement in that quarter '*. ^' The garrifon had made an excellent de- '* Hliloire de Louis, torn. vi. p. 410. fence, having flood the blowing up of a mine '' Id. Hiilory of Europe, 1709, p. 267. charged with twelve hundred barrels of powder, A great part of the garrifon of Balaguer en- which (hook the whole rock, and overfet one tered into the fervice of the allies, notwith- part of the caftle ; in the ruins of which, m.iny Handing their having capitulated for permif- brave officers, and a multitude of private men fion to march to Barcelona. Letter from perifhed. NotwiihftanJing this ihock, they General Carpenter to Mr. Walpole, Camp at lUU defended themfelves, and bore the greated Balaguer, September i ft, 1 709. MSS. hardfhips with cheerfulnefs, till they were re- '* Lives of the Admirals, vol. iii. p. 216. duced to the utmolt extremity from the want & paflim. of water and provifions. Letter from General 75 jj. p. 330. ■ Stanhope to Mr. Walpole, .^licant Road, 76 Id. p. 2j6. 2ift April, 1709. MSS. Zz The ^^^ HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. Tiie chevalier Parente with a fev/ frigates made himfelf mafter of \iv Gambia, an Englifh colony on the coaft of Africa, and took feveral '"°9- lich prizes on the ifland of San Thoma, which were the property of the Portuguefe ". Although the allies gained two important cities on the frontier, and boafted of a vi£tory at Malplaquet, during this campaign, yet their fuccefs was a poor compenfation for the vaft expence of continuing the war, and the lofs of thirty -five thoufand men in the field ; and was far unequal to thofe fond expectations which had been founded upon the.deprefled condition of the enemy at the conclufion of the laft campaign. The grand army had failed in their projedt of ad- vancing into the interior of France, which had been held forth to prolong the patience of that party, in Holland and in England, which regretted the failure of the negotiations for peace. Great hopes had been alfo raifed by a plan of the German and Italian armies forming a jundion, and over-running Alface; which was fruftrated^ as we have feen, by the ill condition of the former, and the languid and dilatory motions of the latter '^ Although the negotiations at the Hague had proved abortive, yet there were circumftances which encouraged the French king to con- tinue his endeavoui-s for peace. His plenipotentiaries, during their refidence in Holland, had difcovered, that it was ardently defired by the great body of the people ; and that even thofe, who approved^ of the condud of the deputies in rejeding his offers, were deluded by fufpicions artfully infufed into their minds concerning his infin- cerity, as well as by exaggerated expedations of the fuccefs of the tnfuing campaign. The Dutch minifters, in the difcuffion of quef- y' QiiinGy, totn.vi. p. 299. and the greateft part of his army cut off or '* The jcaloufy which had hitherto arifen made prifoners. 8th July. He fled into the from the growing power of the king of Sweden Turkifli dominions, and fettled under the pro- was now removed. The czar marched againil tedion of the Sultan, at Bender. King Au- him with a fuperior army to Pultowa, which guilus now reclaimed the crown of Poland, Charles had befieged. The latter, notwith- which he had refigned by conftraint ; and Handing his inferior force, refolved to venture marched into Poland againft Stanillaus, who a battle, in which he was completely defeated, was ftiU fupported by the Swedes. - tions QJJEEN ANNE, 35j Vions relative to the interefts of the States, during the conferences, ^ ^^^ P- could not conceal their jealoufy of the afcendancy of the Englifh u- -.— — i plenipotentiaries ; and Torcy was fully convinced, that the obftruc- tions, hitherto thrown in the way of the treaty, had all come from that quarter. At the fame time the French king was not ignorant that the private inclinations of the queen of England were paci- fic ; and that the party which thwarted them was declining in her favour". From thefe confiderations, notwithftanding the recall of Rouille, he ftill kept up a clandeftine correfpondence v/ith the miniflers of the States ; and even flattered himfelf with the hopes of its tei'minating in more favourable terms for himfelf, than thofe which had been offered, without effect, at the general conferences ". In fpite of the moft earned remonftrances from the Englifli court, feveral letters paffed between Torcy and Pettekum " ; and the penfionary and the deputies were confulted by the latter with refpeft to their con- tents. They referred principally to the thirty-feventh article of the preliminaries, and the fecurity for the performance of it. The French king now offered to furrender three towns of Flanders into the hands of the allies, upon the condition of his naming them, and he after- wards agreed to leave the choice of them to the allies with the ex- ception of Cambray ; but the deputies infifted that he Ihould alfo give up three towns in Spain, to which he objedled, becaufe they were not under his dominion ". The Englifli plenipotentiaries, who were confulted on every ftep by the deputies, availed themfelves of this circuraftance, to interrupt, for fome time, a correfpondence of which they difapproved j and as the furrender of the Spanilh towns " Torcy, paillm. Villars, torn. iii. p. 155. Lord To\vn(hend, 9tli, 13th Auguft. The *" Torcy. penfionary was inclined to accept of the offer *' Letters from Lord Townftiend to Mr. made by Lewis, of furrcndering the towns as Boyle, 26th July, 2d Auguft. Letter from an effectual means for obtaining the whole Spa- Mr. Boyle to Lord Townfhend, i itli Otiobcr. nifh monarchy to king Charles. Sept. 3, 1709. •* Torcy, vol. ii. p. 8, 9. 11, Letters of /Ippendlx, N= XXVL Z z 2 was 1709. 356 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^ ^ y ^- was deemed the only effediial meafure for enforcing klng^ Philip'jj renunciation of that monarchy, fo the refufal of Lewis to agree to It was held au unqueflionablc proof of his infincerity. He ftill, how- ever, continued his applications to Pettekum ; he offered to bind hlmfelf, under the fevered penalties, to prevent his fubjedts from giving any affiftance to his grandfon ^\ he fignified his inclination to confent to any reafonable expedient for removing every difficulty with refpedl to the thirty- feventh article ; and that he might have a fair op- portunity of evincing his fmcerity, he urged his willingnefs, either to fend one of his minifters into Holland, or to receive any perfon ap- pointed by the States for renewing the negotiations '\ This requeft was backed with the following propofals, that all the articles fhould be figned as they flood ; that the three towns in Flanders fhould be delivered into the hands of the allies as a fecurity for the thirty-feventh article; and that a fecret one fhould be fubjoined, obliging himfelf to add three towns more, in cafe the Spanilh monarchy was not furrendered to king Charles within the fpace of two months '\ Although thefe propofals had every appearance of candour and fmcerity, the court of England ftill perfifted in its endeavours to perfuade Heinfius and the deputies to rejeber 1708. duft of her late Majefty, p. 24. yet Q^U E E N A N N E. :i6s yet no engine has been more frequently and fuccefsfully employed ^ HA P. to embroil communities, and to difturb and overturn the exlfting <.. ^.— .j governments. In fuch a crifis, every circumftance that feems to ag- gravate the popular diftrefs, by withholding the mitigation or re- tarding the removal of it, is eagerW urged, and rafhly admitted, as a proof of the hardheartednefs or incapacity of thofe who have the misfortune to be vefted with power, and to direct public meafures. The efFecSs of the unfruitful feafon, diftrefsful in every part of Eu- rope, were felt with aggravated feverity in the frontier diflridls of Germany, where the foil is rocky and barren, and where the huf- bandmen had been fo often interrupted in their labours by invalion, and robbed of their fcanty harveft by the ravages of war. The abfo- lute want of all the necefl'aries of life left no alternative to the mife- jable inhabitants of the Palatinate, but paffive refignation to a linger- ing death, or relinquifhing their native land, and throwing them- felves entirely upon the compaflion of ftrangers. The bill for the naturalization of foreign proteftants, together with the merit of hav- ing fuffered for the fake of their religion, naturally made thefe wretched emigrants turn their eyes to the Britifh fhore, as the place of their defired refuge ; and, for the honour of our country, did no more than give a legal fandion to that feafonable hofpitality, which muft have flowed fpontaneous from the philanthropy of Englifh hearts. Above five thoufand German refugees, moftly palatines, ar- rived in England in the beginning of the fummer 1709, emaciated with hunger, deftitute of cloaths and every comfort of life. A ge- neral commiferation was immediately excited, and produced fpeedy and effedual exertions for removing that mifery which was the vifit- ation of Providence, and nowife imputable to idleneis or mif- condudt. The queen granted the refugees eighty thoufand pounds out of the treafury, together with a liberal donation from her private purfe ; and ordered tents from the tower for lodging them in the fields around the fuburbs of London. Many wealthy individuals ininiflered to their relief by contributions of money, food, and cloaths ; 366 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^ v,"^^* cloaths ; and others, whofe moderate fortunes did not permit the in- I— — V — — > diligence of gratuitous liberality, devlfed channels of beneficence ^ ' not lefs efficient, by furnifliing them with various kinds of work, adapted to their ftrength and wonted occupations, which they per- formed with fuch dexterity, and for fuch moderate wages, as abun- dantly rewarded the kindnefs of their employers. But left thofe re- fources, flowing from the good difpofitions and exertions of a limited, though wealthy and populous diftridt, fhculd have proved inade- quate to remove fufFerings of fuch extent, and that no part of the community might be excluded from fharing in the honour of fo be- 36th June, nevolent a deed, a royal brief was publiflied, appointing colledlions to be made through the whole kingdom ; and empowering commif- fioners to receive and diftribute the money ariimg from them. The bifl-iops directed letters to the clergy of their feveral diocefes, en- forcing the royal recommendation with an affedtionate energy, ex- ceedingly becoming the fpirit of that religion of which they were the public guardians \ Though it be the province of the hiftorian to exhibit a true ftate- ment of fads, whatever inferences may be drawn from them with re- fpedtto the charader of human nature, yet it muft afford him fingular fatisfadion, when, adhering to fidelity, he enjoys the opportunity of delineating thofe difpofitions and adions, which redound to the ho- nour of his fpecies, and attrad the applaufe and imitation of his readei-s. He muft, on the other hand, be mortified by refleding ^hat in the feries of public events fuch opportunities occur fo feldom; and that, like the fleeting gleams of fun-fliine in a day of tempeft, they muft foon give way to thofe dark fhades which predominate fo much in the pidures of human life. If any apology be neceflary for moralizing, in a work profeifedly hiftorical, that apology will be fuggefted by the unpleafant tranfition of fenfations which arife-from puriuing the fequel of an event fo confonant to the nobleft feehngs of the heart. A more ftiocking example of the venom of political * Annals Anne, 1709. Appendix, N'-" III. rancour 1709. QJJEEN ANNE. z^i rancour can hardly be imagined, than what was at this time dif- ^ ^\^ ^• played by the leaders of a difappointed fadtlon, who not only put the moft odious conftrudtion upon the charity patronifcd by their anta- gonids, but laboured, with a malignant fpite, to expofe the unhappy objesfls of it to the perfecution of a mifguided populace. They were compared to the locufts of old, fent in the wrath of heaven to con- fume the fruits of a fertile land ; and to confign its guilty inhabitants to want and deftrudion. It was faid, that they had been imported by the minifters, to eat up the bread and the harvefl of the induf- trious natives, that, by breaking their fpirits, they might become a prey to the tyranny of their oppreflbrs ; and that the naturalization bill was intended to pave the way for thofe guefts, to commit lega- lized depredation upon Britifli fubje£ls. The immediate redudtlon of the price of labour, in the field and in manufadlures, occafioned by fuch a fudden increafe of induftrious workmen, rendered the lower ranks more fufceptible of every mifreprefentatlon to the preju- dice of the poor flrangers ; and at length provoked fuch open rude- nefs and infult, as rendered it unfafe for them to remain in the coun- try. The greateft part of them were tranfported to the Englilh co- lonies ; feveral to Ireland; and fome, who were fufpeded of being Roman catholics, were fent back into Holland '. 3. Of all the incentives to difcord, agitated at this period, none were more banefully fuccefsful than thofe which wrought upon the reli- gious prejudices of the people. Although king William refcued the cburch of England from imminent deftruftion, he had not fat many months upon the throne, before fome of her moft zealous friends grew jealous of the fincerity and firmnefs of his attachment to her interefts. His laudable endeavours for extending religious liberty furniflied the high church clergy, and the party out of power, with fpecious grounds for fomenting fufpicions fubverfive of that grati- ' Annals Anne, 1709, p. 166. Cunning- men of eveiy kind. AnnalsAnne, 1709, p. 167. ham, vol. il. p. 147. 216, 17. Pamphlet of Salmon, a tory hiftorian, calls them beg- the Times. Among the refugees, theie were gars, who underftood neither our maaufafturct many huftjandmen, fchoolmafters, and tradcf- nor hufbandry; toI. xxvi. p. 65. tude 1709- 368 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^ ^^ ^- tudc and confidence which were due for his important fervices. If William had, upon any occafion, concealed his principles, or counte- nanced meafures repugnant to them ; or if he had ever flattered the high church party, who enjoyed their turn of power, with promifes of favour which he did not perform, the induftry of factious men muft at length have fucceeded in ripening the latent murmurs of bigotry into adtive and tumultuary violence. In the reign of his fuccefTor, whofe prejudices were all upon their fide, the high church men and the Tories anticipated an afcendancy at court, which they were refolved to occupy for promoting every meafure tending to the fecurity of the eftablifhment, and the exclufive and permanent pre- eminence of its friends. The firfl: experiment of their power proved abortive and diflieartening. By the lofs of the bill againft occafional conformity, they were made fenfible, that they had calculated too fondly upon the patronage of the fovereign; and that they could not depend upon her fteadinefs in profecuting meafures, which, though agreeable to her private inclinations, were likely to meet with deter- mined oppofition from any confiderable body of her fubjedls. The very ground upon which the Tories were difcomfited at this time, they flill kept in view, as the moft favourable for renewing their at- tacks upon that intereft, which, to their utter mortification, grew more firm and potent under a fovereign, on whom all their hopes had depended. From her defertion, they inferred a new argument for founding the alarm of danger, and muftering a very powerful force upon their fide, ready to ftand forth in defence of the church at every hazard. The great body of the people in England were members of the eftablifhment ; and as the Roman catholics upon the one fide, fo the diffenters upon the other, were viewed with jealoufy and ill-will, which had occafionally been brought into adion againft the one or odier of thefe fefts, according to the nearnefs and magnitude of the danger apprehended from their prevalence. The Whigs were always foremoft in urging the neceffity of guarding againft popery, glanc- ing at the Tories, as if they were not enough alarmed from that quarter ; QJJ E E N A N N E. 369 quarter ; and the Tories retaliated by declaiming upon the irifecurity CHAP, of the eftabllfhment, and the invafion to which it was expofed from t.. — v— .j the increafe of fchifmatics, fheltered under the patronage of the ' Whigs. . The late intended invafion of Scotland by the pretender, and the fufpicion of confpiracies there, had directed the current of popular prejudice againft the Roman catholics; circumftances had formerly occurred, and might again occur, for turning it againft the diflenters. To attend to thefe, to improve them, to exaggerate them, to avail themfelves of coincident events for awakening the dormant paffions of the people, were the expedients which a fadlion, com- pofed of religious zealots and difappointed politicians, hoped to em- ploy with fuccefs, for fubverting the power and popularity of thofe who fo tenacioufly held the reins of government. A crifis now enfued peculiarly propitious for reducing their fchemes to pradtice, and accelerating their accomplifhment. Be- fides the circumftances already mentioned, as contributing to popular difcontent and commotion, fome late public meafures, more imme- diately connected with the religious interefts of the kingdom, were artfully placed in fuch a light, as to alarm the fears of the ignorant, and to inftigate the fury of the bigot. The danger of incorporating into the legiflature a body of men who adhered to a religious efta- blifhmenr, which had formerly triumphed over epifcopacy and which had ftill a number of friends lurking within her bofom, had been urged as a ftrong objeftion to the union, and left a deep im- pre/Tion upon the minds of many, whofe narrow information and ignorance of human life rendered them incapable of difcerning either the fallacy of arguments, or the hypocrify and felfifh views of the perfons who fuggefted them. The fufpenfion of the convocation, during the laft feflion of par- liament, not only gave a new fpur to the acrimony and intrigues of the violent clergy, whofe intereft had prevailed in the eledtions, but furniflied them with plaufible topics for announcing the perilous condition of the church, and for kindling the zeal of the people in 3B the 370 HISTORY ^F GREAT BRITAIN. C II A P. the feveral diftridls where their charges lay. The right of the \ . - -', _} crown to interfere with the proceedings of the convocation had been '''°^* agitated during the laft padiament, and had made a breach between the court and the convocation ; and, after the recefs, it was obferved, that the leading aflertors of ecclefiaflical rights had been marked out .as the cbjeds of minifterial difpleafure. By fuppreffing the convo- cation, not only the queftion concerning the limitation of its power was decided, but its exiftence annihilated ; and all its incontro- vertible prerogatives transferred to the ftate, under the guidance of minifters fufpeded of inveterate hoftility to the national efta- blifliment. Nor, in the enumeration of perils, was the naturalization bill for- gotten. It had been remarked, that, ever fmce the revolution, the Whigs and diflenters had cordially united in the protedion of the proteftant refugees. In promoting and fupporting the naturalization bill, both difcovered an ardour that had been feldom known to refult from the bare impulfe of benevolence. Was it not notorious, that the refugees, in their own country, adopted do£lrines and forms of worfhip fimilar to thofe of the Englifh diflenters ; and, far from concealing their partiality for that clafs of men, had embraced every opportunity of abetting their meafures, and ftrengthening their poli- tical influence? The conclufion was therefore irrefiftible, that, in all this, the Whigs had a fcheme of increafing the number of their friends at home ; that, by holding out the allurements of the]trade and franchifes of England to encourage the acceflion of emigrants, they were gradually building up their own intereft ; and clandeftinely fapping the foundations of that venerable fabric, which they had once and again afl'ailed with open violence '°. The wide difFufion and pernicious effefts of thefe fentiments there was the greateft reafon to dread, from the ardour and diligence of the perfons who propagated them in private circles ; from the various "" Reftoration of Epifcopacy, p. 5. Loudon, 1705. Salmon, vol. xxvi. p. 26. Cunning- ham, vol. ij. p. 216. publi- QJJ E E N A N N E. 37] publications of the fame tendency, which were fent into every corner C HA p. of the country; and, above all, from the fadious fpirit and intem- u— v—— . perate zeal of many of the clergy, who proflituted the duties of their holy fundtion to the fervice of political warfare. Moll of thefe were of low rank, but they were encouraged and aided by a few who were diftinguifhed for literature and talents, and now commenced the bitter enemies of adminiftration, either upon account of private dif- appointment, or from a fenfe of the indignities, which, they ima- gined, the hierarchy and the national eftablifhment had fuftained from the complexion and tendency of public meafures. Not contented with inculcating, in their public dlfcourfes, a fteady attachment to the worfhip and dodrines of the church, from fair arguments addrefled to the underftanding ; to inflame the paffions of their people, her danger was pathetically defcribed ; perfonal refledlions were pointed againft the charadlers of the minifters, the diffenters were mentioned with virulence, and important conflitutional principles impugned under the authority of ecclefiaftical decrees and homilies ". Among the multitude in holy orders, who flood forth as cham- pions for the church in the hour of her extremity, or, in the lan- guage of another party, as the trumpeters of fedition, there was no one who attained to greater celebrity for his boldnefs, his popularity, his perfecution, and his final triumph, than Henry Sacheveral, rector of St. Saviour's, Southwark. The fafcination of party zeal admo- nifhes the hiftorian, to admit, with dlllruft and abatement, contem- porary delineations of the talents and difpofitions of individuals, who have flourlfhed in a period of political ftrlfe. Setting afide altoge- ther thofe defamatory reprefentations, which we may fuppofe to have been tindured with the refentment of the partlfin"', and fubtrading " Memoirs of the four hft Years, p. 57. generality of tlitm were in the tory intereft. London, 17 12. C\niningham, vol. ii. p. 275. Life of Bohngbroke, p. 128. Atterbiuy, Swift, and Smahidge were the " High Church difplayed, or an Hiftorical mod refpeftable champions for liigh church. Account of Dr. Sacheveral, paffim. Load. It was alledged, that the whig miniftVy dif- 171 1. Oldmixon, vol. ii. p. 429. Burnet, covered, at this time, an indifcreet contempt vol vi. p. ic66. Cunningham, voL ii. p. S2. for the clergy, upon the fuppofition, that the 3 B 2 but 1709. 372 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, but little from the moft favotirable teftimonies tranfmitted to us by his admiring votaries '\ there will remain no Iblid evidence for put- ting a high eftimation either upon the abilities or virtues of Dr. Sa- chevcral. His opponents have charged him with fcandalous hnmo- ralities, while his friends have founded their encomiums, chiefly upon the orthodoxy of his dodtrines, and the fervour with which he propagated them, which muft be reckoned, efpecially in times of violence, very queftionable tefts of merit. From the fpccimens of his public difcourfes, which were committed to the prefs, we may fairly conclude that the extraordinary applaufe with which they were received, and the deep impreffions which they made upon his . audience, muft have been owing to his reputation for zeal, and the graces of his perfon and delivery, rather than to folidlty of argu- ment, originality of fentiment, or elegance of ftyle '*. From the teftimonies of fome of his contemporaries, he feems entitled to the praife of confiftency ; and the pruriency of his bigotry for high church principles, at his outfet in life, was a prelude to the perfe- vering adlivity and keennefs with which he afterwards promulged his favourite fyftem, in the public charadler of a clergyman ". He was •' Defence of Sacheveral. London, 17 10. author of the life of Mr. Addifon, inferted '* He had a melodious voice, a good figure, in a late edition of the Spcftator, ( Robert- and graceful delivery. Cunningham, vol. ii. fon, 1794,) has adopted the fame conclulion. p, 27 c. It were equally fair to invert the conclufion, '5 Hiilorical Account, p. 2. Impartial and to infer from the above fad, that Mr. View of the two laft Parliaments, p. 149,50. Addifon was once a Tory; for, when two The zeal of the doftor was not of the fame contradiftory conclufions may thus be drawn mould with that of his progenitors. John from the fame fad, neither of them can be Sacheveral,hisgrandfather,wasoneofthePref- agreeable to the principles of found logic, byterian minifters filenced by the aftof unifor- In the fuccelRve ftages of human hfe, differ- mity ; and, being afterwards found in a conven- ent taftes and affociations form bonds of tide, fuffered three years imprifonment, which friendfhip, and furnilli incitement to antipa- occafioned his death. Tindal, vol. viii. p. 321. thies. An ardour for fcience and literary im- Mr. Addifon dedicated one of his early provement begets fond attachments among con- poems on the charafter of the Enghfh poets, genial minds, without being produdtive of ill- to H. Sacheveral ; and the author of the life will to contemporaries of inferior genius and of Mr. Addifon, in the late edition of the Bio- accomplishments. Party and political zeal en- graphia Britannica, lays bold of this circum- gender the deepeft hatred and rancour, while ftance as fufficient evidence of Sacheveral's the attachments erefted upon it, however fer- having been a IVhi^ at his outfet in life. The vent for a fcafon, are liuduating and fallacious. In QJJ E E N A N N E. 373 was firft prefented to a finall living in Staffordfliirc, where he became ^ ■^^^* a declared advocate for the high church party, with the leaders of l^ .— ^ which he principally aflbciated, and feemed determined to challenge ' perfecution, by unguarded exprellions in his converfation and public difcourfes, with refped to the memory of king William, the Hano- verian fucceflion, and the condudt and meafures of the queenand her minifters '^ It is a curious fa6t, and will not appear incredible to thofe who attend to the ftrange transformations and veering attach- ments of party-men in their own time, that the edge of Sacheveral's oratory was firft turned againft Mr. Harley, fir Simon Harcourt, and Mr. St. John, who now patronifed him, and made him the tool of their refentment and promotion ". Emboldened by the flattering attention of fome of the Tories of eminent rank, and the applaufc of an enthufiaftic multitude. Dr. Sa- cheveral at length proceeded, on the moft public occafions and in the face of magiftracy, to fuch an extravagant pitch of infolence and fcur- rility, as could no longer efcape the notice and reprehenfion of government. On the 5th of November 1709, being the anniver- fary of the gun-powder plot, and the revolution, he preached before the lord mayor and aldermen, upon the fubjedl of Perils from falfe 2 Corinth. Brethren. The memoi'able events, recalled by the day, were flightly mentioned. The damnable nature of fchifm; the iniquity of for- bearance with tender confciences ; oblique imputations on the me- mory of king William, and the revolution ; the condemnation of the doQ:rine of refiftance ; the treachery of minifters ; and the imminent danger of the church, together with exhortations to the duty of ftanding forth in her defence, were the principal topics upon which the preacher declaimed, in a ftyle of acrimony and paflion, which, not lefs than the matter, inflamed the enthufiafm of one party, and excited the indignation of another. The publication of this fermon. In the period of youth and mental cultiva- gains the afcendant. tion, the influence of the former prevails ; in " Tindal, vol. viii. p. 321. advanced life, that of the latter, alas ! too often " Cunningham, vol. ii. p. 82. with 374 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, •^vith a dedication to fir Samuel Garrard the lord mayor, was an L -.- _j aggravation of infolence and indignity, which offended all the friends ^'^°^' of order and the conftitution as well as the mlnifters ". For the fermon was read with avidity by perfons of every defcription ; and forty thoufand copies were difperfed within a few days. The fub- je£t of it engaged the converfation of every company ; became a {landing topic of colloquial difpute; drew forth innumerable pole- mical pamphlets ; and the approbation or cenfure of this frivolous performance, was deemed an unerring criterion of the political prin- ciples and wiflies of the perfons, by whom they were expreffed. The do£tor was loaded with the moft flattering marks of refpedt and gratitude ; and his abilities extolled in the moft fulfome ftrains of panegyric by the opponents of adminiftration. The minifters were now reduced to the moft embarraffing di- lemma, either of attempting the arduous enterprife of ftemming the torrent of popular prejudice, in which, if they failed, they were likely to be overwhelmed by its violence, or of acquiefcing in calum- nies deftrudive of their own reputation, and incurring, at the fame time, the charge of criminal remiffnefs, by fufferiag dodirines, which ftruck at the very root of the conftitution, to be audacioufly propa- o-ated with impunity. The only probable expedient for extricating themfelves froni thefe prefllng difficulties, and difappointing the malignant expedations of their adverfaries, who were prepared '* Dr. Sacheveral, previous to his preaching the proof of tlie articles of impeachment was before the lord mayor, had publidied a faft- confined to the fermon preached before the dav fermon, delivered before the univerfity of lord mayor in London, and the dedication of Oxford, loth June 1702. Polillcal Union, the fermon preached at Derby. Sir Samuel publifhed the fame month. The CharaSer of Garrard, the lord mayor, moved in the court of a Lonv Church Man. An AJf-^e Sermon, aldermen, that the doftor (hould be thanked preached before the univerfity of Oxon, juf- for his fermon, and deiired to print it. Upon tices, and grand jur)-, 9th March 1704. The the motion being rcjcfted, he was aware of Rights of the Church of England, 1705. An his miftake, and wiflied to withdraw his pa-. Ajjixe Sermon, at Derby, intitled, " Tiie Com- tronage ; but the doftor, who was not want- niunion of Sin," 15th Auguit, 1709, with a ing in prefiimption, confiJered his lordfliip's dedication to George Sacheveral, the high flic- private opinion, as fufficient warrant for pub- riff, who was his relation. All thefe publica- lifliing the difcourfe, with a dedication to him. *■ tions were of the fame fcditious tendency ; but Tindal, vol. viii. p. 323. 4 .to CHAP. XV. 1709. QJJEEN ANNE. 375 to make a common caufe with Sacheveral, was either to refer the offender to the cenfures of the ecclefiaftical judicatories, or to profc- cute him, in common form, before the courts of law. The laft of thefe was ftrenuoufly urged by lord Somers, who forefaw the confe- quences of meafures, bearing an afped of private fpleen ", and invit- ing the public interference of parties. The reft of the minifters> and particularly the duke of Marlborough and lord Sunderland, recommended an impeachment, which, by interefling both the branches of the legillature in the difcuffion of the fubjed, the one in its cenforial, and the other in its judicial capacity, would probably terminate in the moft folemn and public condemnation of princi- ples, in effed: avowed by all who defended Sacheveral's conduct. Unfortunately for the party, the modefty of lord Somers was over- ruled by the importunity of his colleagues; and the refolution for impeaching Sacheveral was adopted by the privy council ". This bufmefs was opened in the houfe of commons by Mr. Dol- ben, who complained of two fermons preached by Dr. Sacheveral, the one at the aflizes at Derby, the other in St. Paul's before the lord mayor j and read fome of the ofFenfive paflages contained in them, which, after a warm debate, were voted fcandalous and feditlous libels. The do£tor being called to the bar, avowed the publications complained of, without any apology or recantation. Upon which, it was refolved, that he fhould be impeached of high crimes and mii- demeanors before the houfe of lords ; and that Mr. Dolben fiiould move the charge in name of all the commons of Great Britain. A committee was appointed to draw up the articles of i4npeachmeut, " The duke of Marlborough, lord Godol- dolphin, aware of the tide of popularity run- pliin, ?nd lord Sunderland were particularly ning againft them, laid hold of this opportu- irritat :d againft the doctor, becaufe, in fome nity to divert the indufti y of oppofilion, which- of hif publications, he had calumniated them would probably have been dlrefted to inquiries under fifiitious naines. vexatious to themfelves. Letter of a Foreign *° Cunningham, vol. ii. p. 277, 8. It was Minifter to Monfieur Pettekum, p. 7, 8. So- fiiid, that the miiiifters, particularly lord Go- metT, vol. ii. p, 244. and 376 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^^^^' and the do£lor was committed to tlie cuftody of the ferjeant at arms *'. As foon as thefe refohitions tranfplred, the fupporters of Dr. Sacheveral, among whom there were many of too much difcernment to efleem the charadler of the man, began to employ every artifice to give a colour of importance to the approaching trial, to which it was but little entitled; and to intereft the paffions of the multitude, by imprefling them with the moft unfavourable views of the profe- cutors, and the fad confequences of their fuccefs in bringing him to punilhment ". With the ignorant and prejudiced, petulant aflertions fupply the place of faft. The mere title given to a caufe or queftion under difcuflion, and the arbitrary conjundlion of terms, are often fufficient to fix an adociation of ideas, which no force of evi- dence can feparate or difannul. Sacheveral and the church were coupled together ; and the device, more fuccefsfully than any argu- ment, kindled the enthufiafm of thoufands, who placed their moft in- terefting hopes upon their attachment to that religious eftablifliment, within the pale of which they had the good fortune to be born *'. The caufe of Sacheveral and of the church were confidered as one and indivifible ; Sacheveral and the church became the favourite toaft of every convivial meeting ; and his deliverance and her prof- perity were conjoined in thofe folemn addreffes prefented to the throne of Heaven, from which every dubious requeft ought to be excluded with the moft fcrupulous delicacy **. The long interval between the impeachment and profecutlon of the dodor, protraded the opportunity of thofe who laboured to poifon and pervert the opinions of the people ^\ In confequence of the *' Journals Commons, 13th December. *' Tindal, vol. viii. p. 332. ** The doftor's anfv/er to the articles of '* Id. Annals Anne, 1709. p. 256. 265. impeachment was handed about by his friends, '^ From the commencement of the profc- in manufcript, before the lords proceeded in cution, the clergy of the dodlor's party often the caafe. Hiftorical Account, p. :i. referred to his cafe in their public difcourfes. The 17IO. QJJ E E N A N N E. 377 the ufual adjournment at Chriftmas, the articles of Impeachment CHAP. n A. V. were poftponed to the 9th of January 1710; and it having been afterwards voted by the commons, that a committee of the whole houfe fhould attend the trial, a new delay became necefTary till Wefl- minfter hall was fitted up for their reception. By the addrefs and induftry of faflion, and the contagion of popular prejudice, fuch an impreffion was made upon the public mind, as aboliihed every hope of the profecution's refulting to public advantage, or the credit of the party who urged it, whatever might be its final determination. After long expeftation, the trial of Dr. Sacheveral commenced before the lords in Weftminfter-hall, on the 27th of February 17 10. The charges againfi him were comprehended in four articles ; namely, he maintained, that the means ufed for bringing about the revolution were unjuftifiable ; that the toleration, granted by law, is unwarrantable ; that the church of England is in great peril under her inajefty ; and that her admlniftratlon tends to the defl-rudion of the conftitution ". It is"hot eafy to prefent in an abridged form, confiftently with per- fpicuity, and the plan of this work, the fubftance of the various ar- guments, contained in the reprefentatlons of the managers for the commons ; in the anfwers and replications made bv the doftor and his council ; and the fpeeches of the judges, which, all together, fill two hundred pages of the journals of the lords. A few fhort and general remarks may convey to thofe readers, who do not choofe to The excelient conftitution of the church, and clianccHor of exchequer; fir James Montague, its imminent danger, were openly inculcated, attorney-general; Robert Eyre, Efq. folicitor- The leaders of oppofition courted the com- general ; Robert Walpole, Efq. treafurer of paiiy of the zealots; invited them to their the navy; fir Jofeph Jekyl, Mr. Lechmere, tables ; and, by their attentloT and hofpitality, Mr. Dolben, fir Thomas Parker, fir Peter during the feafon of fefti'vity, too much fo- King, recorder of the city of London; fir John mented that eflronteiy of licentioufnefs which Holies, lord William Powlet, lord Coningfijy, difgraced the nation. Cunningham, vol. ii. ^^i'- Cowper, Mr. Thomfou, lieutenant-general p. 283. Mordauiit, Mr. Compton, fir David Dal- '* The managers for the commons were fir rymple. — Dr. Sacheveral's council were, fir John Holland, comptroller of her majefty's Simon Harcourt, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Phipps, Mri houfehold; Mr. Secretary Boyle, Mr. Smith, Dee, and Mr. Henchman. , .•• ^ ^^ 3 b fubmit 378 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. fubmit to the drudgery of original information, a juft idea of an event, which forms fo interefting a portion of internal and party hiftory in England, at the period under our confideration. From the general ftrain of reafoning, adopted by the managers in fupport of the impeachment, it is obvious, that the Whigs con- fidered the trial as fubfervient to a revival and public difcufllon of thofe political queftions which divided them and the Tories ; and probably expe£led an opportunity of making an appeal to the public* which might redound to their own popularity. The utmoft inge- nuity and labour were therefore employed in Hating and explaining the principles of the Britifh conftitution, and applying them in de- fence of the revolution, and of the Hanoverian fuccefhon ; fubjed:s, which ought to have been taken for granted by the profecutors, had they intended nothing more, than the convidion and punifhment of the offender. The dodor and his council eluded the faare prepared for them by the moll explicit and unreferved admiffion of all the propofitions, advanced by his accufers, relative to the conftitution, and the necefhty and juftice of the revolution ; and confined their replies merely to difproving the application of the doftor's fermons to the articles charged in the impeachment. The fubftance of their de- fence was, that all the charges were deduced from a forced con- ftrudion ; from words and fentences picked from unconnedled paf- fages of his difcourfes, and arbitrarily joined together. With refpedt to the firft charge, namely, his maintaining the article of non-refift- ance, it was argued, that he did not mean the executive part or branch of government, but the fupreme legiflative power ; and the refiftance at the revolution could not be condemned on that general pofition : — again, that he had laid down a found dodrine, without indeed fpecifying thofe exceptions to it, which relate chiefly to cafes ,of emergency ; and to vindicate the propriety of his doing fo, they appealed to the authority of the fcriptures ; to the ads of parlia- ment ; the articles and homilies of the church ; the opinions of the moft pious proteftant divines j and to the fermons and other publi- cations QJJEEN ANNE. 379 cations of fome of the exlfting dignitaries, who were diftinguiflied ^ ^^ ^• for their orthodoxy and attachment to the conftltution ". To the t— — - -^ fecond charge, namely, that the toleration granted by law is unwar- rantable, it was anfwered, that the word toleration was not found in the ftatute book ; that the dodor entirely approved of the exemp- tion granted by law to the diffenters, and that, when he fpoke in dif- paragement of toleration, he meant fomething beyond this, and therefore had not calumniated the law. To the third, namely, that the church was in danger, he did not retradt the proportion, but attempted to prove it, from the abounding of immorality and blaf- phemy, and from recent publications of an heretical tendency. With refpe£t to the fourth, namely, that her majefty's adminiftration tended to deftroy the conftitution, he denied, that by falfe brethren and chief men, &c. he meant to libel her majefty's minlfters ; and he infifted that all the expreffions, cited to fupport this charge, ought, in fair conftrudlion, and agreeably to the authority of fcripture, to be applied, as he intended, to perfons of rank and influence in ge- neral, of which defcription, too many, in every age, had been ene- mies to religion and the church. He concluded his defence with a folemn appeal to the Searcher of hearts, that he never had any in- tention to calumniate the memory of king William, or to cenfure the Revolution ; or to foment party diftin^Elions, and defame her ma- jefty's adminiftration ; which declaration, being fo contradi(ftory to his notorious principles and condudl, gave great offence to many ferious perfons, who did not enter into the merits of the caufe, either in a religious or political view ^°. The dodlor was found guilty by a majority of feventeen voices, and an arreft of judgment, which was moved by his council, being over-ruled, he was enjoined not to 22dMareh. preach during the term of three years *'. *■' In this corner of his defence, the doftor it is to Introduce political fubjefls into the xvas moil fuccefsful : the doftrine of non-re- pulpit. fiftance had the fanftion of many eminent ^* Sacheveral's Trial, p. 787. Hiftorical names ; and, among thtfe, Dr. Burnet. See Account, p. 358. Tiial, p. 742. This fhews us how dangerous »» Trial, p. 831. 3C 2 This 17 JO- 380 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. This flight and harmlefs punlflimcnt, after the curiofity and the expectation of the public had been wound up to the higheft pitch by the folemnity and prolongation of the trial, was, more than a fnnple acquittal, a fource of triumph to Sacheveral, and of difap- pointment and reproach to his profecutors. For allowing the judges full credit for juftice and integrity in every branch of their proceed- ings, although the do£lor was found guilty, yet how trivial muft have been his offence, and how culpable that perfonal animofity, which alone could induce his accufers to drag him before the higheft tribunal of the nation, as if it had been thereby intended to pre- poffefs the public with the idea of fuigular criminality ? He now reaped all the fame and honour without having endured any of the hardfhips of perfecution for righteoufnefs fake. The minifters, by making themfelves parties in this caufe, confirmed the truth of the fufpicion, which had long run againft them, of being enemies to the church ; and hence it was concluded, that her intereft could never be fecure, till they yielded the reins of government into the hands of thofe, who, by (landing forth in defence of her champion, merited the entire confidence of all her friends ^°. Many circumflances had occurred during the dependence of his trial, which not only announced the declining popularity of the mi- nifters, but exhibited fuch a fpirit of fanaticifm and diforder, as defied the control of authority, and prognofticated the moft violent com- motions, if not immediately appeafed by the preferment of thofe per- fons, who had bafely contributed to its fermentation. A mob daily- attended the dodor as he pafled in his coach to Weftminfter-hall, and conduded him back to his lodgings with loud fhouts of ap- plaufe, and prayers for his deliverance. Perfons of diftindion, walk- ing in the ftreets, and members of parliament in their way to the houfe, were conftrained, by the menaces of a furious rabble, to do obeifance to their idol ; and the fovereign herfelf only efcaped being 3« White Staff. infulted, in it ". Under fuch eminent patronage and example, we are lefs furprifed at the licentioufnefs and riot, into which a dekided multitude was precipitated. On the fecond day of the trial, the crowd which had attended the dodlor, flufhed with the recent experience of their own terrific power, affembled under the fhade of night, broke into many of the diflenting meeting houfes in different parts of the city, and configncd their furniture to the flames. Some of the mofl refpedl- able non-conformifl clergymen, and the bifliop of Salifbury, hated on account of his zeal for toleration, were denounced to vengeance, but fortunately the arrival of the royal guards prevented the perpe- tration of thefe horrid purpofes, as well as the deftrudion of the bank, which was likewife intended '*. It was ftrongly fufpedled, that their outrages were not committed without the connivance, or direct 3' Impartial View, p. 159. 191. As the been diftinguifhcd for the comdiiiefs of Iiis queen was going to Weilminfttr, the people perfon. Prints of him were expofcd in ;ill the gathered about her fcdan, and cried out, " God lliops, and had a rapid fale. " blefs your majefty and the church, we hope ^^ Annals of Anne, p. 22c. Tatler, N' " your majefty is for Dr. Sacheveral." Annals 157. of Anne, p. 265. 3* Addrefs of the Commons to the Queen, 5* Cunningham, vol. ii. p. 292. Annals of 2d March. Cunningham, vol. ii. p. 293, 4. Anne, p. 265. The doftor is faid to have co-ope- 17 10. QJJEEN ANNE. 381 infulted, from their believing that fhe was partial to his Intereft ". ^ xv.^' Nor was this homage always extorted from perfons of high rank, for fome of them voluntarily mingled with the applauding crowd in the ftreets, or many of them faluted the dodlor with profound refpefl: from balconies and windows. Many valuable prefcnts were fent him by his more wealthy admirers. Several ladies of the firft fafliion attended the trial ; and, from the keennefs with which they entered into the caufe, were fometimes betrayed into geftures and cxpreflions difrefpedtful to the court ". While this memorable caufe depended, every little ailembly was converted into a political club, and all rational and facetious converfation Avas fupplanted by the vexatious intruiion of a queftion, which not only divided the opinions, but agitated the pafTions, of every perfon who took a fhare I7!0. 382 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^ ^^ P- co-operation of perfons of better rank, who joined the mob in dif- guife, or, in a way more fafe for themfelves, but not lefs effeftual, llimulated their fury by fupplying them with money and fpirituous Hquors ". Some of the anti-minifterial members of more refpedable charadler, contributed not a Httle upon this occafion to increafe tlije public confternation, by fpreading unfounded rumours of fimilar riots and diforders having happened in other parts of the country ; nor were any of them ever heard to exprefs that concern and indig- nation, which, on fuch an occafion, ought to have fuperfeded all con- fiderations of party Interefl ^*. In the mean while, the dodor feemed to glory in all that he had done, and in all that happened. He received the applaufe of the multitude with an air of haughtinefs and felf-fufficiency, which, as they feldom aflbciate with innocence and merit, always increafe the fufpicion, and the turpitude of guilt. He fcowled upon his accufers, during the trial, with an eye of difdaln, and betrayed fuch petulance and overweening conceit in confulting with his friends, as revealed the emptinefs of the man, and provoked a difguft which they them- felves could not conceal ". After his fentence, he was conducted in triumph to the city, and received the congratulations of thoufands, as if he had refcued the nation from dcftrudion. In the evening, the windows were illuminated, and bonlires kindled in every ftreet, furrounded by the riotous rabble, drinking his health, and obliging all who pafled to pledge them ''. How little does popularity, earned in the field of political flrife, appear the criterion of worth, or the obje£l of defire, when we have 2' Annals of Anne, p. 267. read prayers in the congregations of his tory J6 Idem. brethren. Cunningham, vol. ii. p. 300. Dr. '' Cunningham, vol. ii. p. 290. He pre- Sacheveral was held in great contempt by the fumed to diftate in ever)' company, and de- tory minifters, notwithftanding the ferviccs he livered his opinion on public affairs, as if he had done them. " He hates the new mini- had been the oracle of political wifdom. To «' fters mortally, and they hate him, and pre- indicate his contempt for his fentence, which " tend to defpife him too." Swift's Journal, only seftrained him from preaching, he often 3» Annals of Anne, p. 331. J ^ feen, QJJ E E N A N N E. 3S3 feen, with what profufion it was lavifhed upon the fanatical, aCTum- ^ ^^ ^' ing, and defpicable Dr. Sacheveral ! u -.-.■ ^ This celebrated trial fo entirely occupied both houfes during the feffion 1709 — 10, that little time was left for the profecution of any- other bufinefs. The queen, at the opening of the parliament, by imputing the 15th Nov. failure of peace to the infmcerity of the French king, gave her fanc- tion to the only apology that could be made for her minifters, who had difappointed the general defire of the nation. Their prudence was praifed on account of their not having been feduced into flack- nefs and delay in making preparations for ihe campaign, which had redounded to the glory of the allies, as much as any that had pre- ceded it. Supplies, as ufual, were folicited for the continuance of the war. Both houfes expreffed their fatisfadlion with her majefty's fpeech, and their congratulations upon the fuccefs of her arms. In the courfe of this feffion, the duke of Marlborough received fmgular tefli- monies of the efteem and confidence of the commons. On the firft day of the feffion, they unanimoufly adopted the refolution of de- claring their deep fenfe of the honour and advantage which England and the confederates derived from his eminent fervices ; and, upon information that the negotiations for peace were to be renewed, both houfes voted an addrels to her majefty, reprefenting the importance iSthFeb. of fending him Immediately to Holland, to a£t in the character of her plenipotentiary. As the queen was fecretly alienated from her favourite general, thefe refolutions were intended by his friends to frighten her from yielding to thofe domeftic intrigues which were now carrying on to bring her to an open rupture with the prefent •* minifters. The influence of the clergy upon popular opinion appeared fo confpicuous during Dr. Sacheveral's trial, that the minifters found it expedient to announce their intentions of patronifing and reward- ing fuch of the order, as exerted their talents in the propagation and defence 384 HISTORY 01< GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, defence of found politkal principles. The meritorious fervlces of U ■■■■ -> Mr. Benjamin Hoadley were acknowledged by a vote of thanks from lAth Dec. ^^s commons, and an addrefs to the queen, recommending him for 27th March, preferment^'. Several publications in defence of tory principles were condemned by that houfe, and configned to the flames, together with Dr. Sacheveral's fermons ■*". The confcioufnefs of their ftaggering fituation rendered the mini- flers more forward in adopting meafures for relieving the diftrefles November, of the pooF, occafioned by the prefent fcarcity, and bills were brought paffim. ' in and quickly paffed for prohibiting the exportation of corn, and regulating the afTize of bread. The commons cheerfully granted every demand for the public fervice, and fupplies w^ere voted to the extent of fix millions, one hundred eighty-four thoufand, four hun- dred and fixty thoufand pounds. This feffion is particularly entitled to the grateful remembrance of literary men, for the encouragement given to them, by vefting i2tliDec. authors with an exclufive temporary right, to publifh and fell their •works *'. From a partiality to their own intereft, from which the moil enlarged underftanding is not exempted, fome of them, not- withftanding the advantage derived from this adl, may ftlll complain that, in confeciuence of the advanced price of every neceflary, an in- creafmg indifference about intelledual improvement, and unpro- pltious times, their profits are extremely limited and precarious, and an inadequate recompence for their induftry and time". On the 5th April, her majefty concluded this feffion with a fpeech, expreffing her entire approbation of its proceedings; a language, which, as it foon appeared, ill correfnonded with her inward thoughts. f» 2' The publications of Mr. Hoadley, which the indefeafible hereditary right of princes, attrafted the approbation of the commons, and the doftrine of non-relillancc. ■nere, his Confiderations,' occafuned by the *' By this acl, authors were to have the Billujp of Exeter's Sermon, preached before fole right of printing their own books for tlie her Majelly, March S, 1708, and a Reply to term of fourteen years. the bifliop's anfwer. "* A bill paffed in the houfe of commons *° Among thefe, was the ceitbratcd decree for fecuring the freedom of parliaments, by li- of the univeriity of Oxford, pafied in their miting the number of ofKccrs in that houfe ; convocation, zift July 1683, which aflerted but it was unanimoufly rcjeded by the lorda- QJJEEN ANNE. 3^5 CHAP. xvr. Negotiations for Peace renewed. — Conferences at Gertruedenberg. — Campaign 1 710. — The Fort of Mortaign taken by the Allies. — Motions of the Duke of Marlborough and Prince Eugene. — Siege of Douay. — Motions of Villars.—- JBethune, St. Venant, and Aire, taken by the Allies — A Convoy belonging ta them taken on the Lys. — Campaign on the Upper Rhine — In Italy. — hiadivity of the Duke of Savoy. — The Count Thaun attempts to penetrate into Dauphiny and Provence. — Campaign in Spain. — Early Succefs of King Philip. — ViSlory gaitied by King Charles at Ahnanza — At Saragoffa. — King Philip flies t9 Madrid, which hefoon abandons. — King Charles comes there. — Difaffedion of the Inhabitants to him — Their Loyalty to King Philip. — Exertions made for him. — King Charles goes to Toledo — Soon evacuates it — And marches to Ar- ragon. — The French and Spanifh Army reinforced by the Duke of Vendofme. — General Stanhope defeated at Briheuga. — Battle of Villa Viciofa. — Confe- quences, — Succefs of the Marquis de Bais in Portugal. — Naval Operations. ^TpHE reception of monfieur Pettekum at Paris, as we have already CHAP. feen, not having been fuch as was expe£ted, the deputies were determined to carry on the war with the greateft vigour. The French king, however, ftill continued through the fame agent to make offers, which approached nearer and nearer to the demands of the allies ; he at length agreed to all the preliminaries, except the thirty-feventh article ', he fignlfied his willlngnefs to go farther than he had done In the conferences at the Hague, to remove every difficulty on that point, and requefted the States to fix a place for his plenipotentiaries to meet with theirs, and to renew the confer- ences *. Endeavours were ufed by the Englifli ambalTadors to pre- vent the States from complying with his defire, till he fhould con- fent to the thirty-feventh as explicitly as he had done to all the reft ' Letter from Lord Townfhend to Mr. November 1 709. Scheme of a peace fent Boyle, 21ft. February 1710. MSS. from the court of France to Holland, Febru- * Paper fent by Torcy to Pettekum, 27 th ary 17 10. 3D of 3^^ HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. XVI. ITIO. of the preliminary articles ; but the extreme difficulty of raifing the I iupplies in Holhind, and the evidence which Lewis had given of his fmcerity, by withdrawing his troops from Spain, gave fuch advantage to the party which was clamorous for peace, as convinced the peniionary, that refiftance to another experiment in the way of negotiation muft have proved injurious to the reputation of the Englifii minifters, and the common intereft of the alliance. The Englifh ambadadors were themfelves fatisfied, that yielding fo far to the importunity of Lewis was both prudent and neceflary ^ After fome altercation about the choice of the place for the conferences, the marfhal d'Huxelles and the abbe Polignac were appointed pleni- potentiaries by the French king, and arrived at Gertruedenberg on the 19th March, where they were received by de Buys and Vender Duflen, who were empowered to treat on the part of the States •*. The conferences were opened the next day, and were fpun out till the 13th of July by frequent interruptions, the deputies having, upon different occafions, difcovered an inclination to put an end to them, and the French minifters, agreeably to the frefh inftrudions which they i-eceived from Paris, infifting upon their being continued, and ftill advancing in their conceffions '. It would be tedious to enter into a minute difcuffion of the pro- pofals, referring principally to the thirty-feventh article of the preli- minary treaty, which were the fubjeCt of many fucceffive confer- ences. The profefled obje£l of the French king was to perfuade the allies to ftipulate a certain beneficial provifion for king Philip, to in- ' Letter from Lord Townfhend to Mr. H. by the French king, and had fometimes, in a Walpole. Hague, 31ft January 1710. MSS. rude way, exprelTed their defire of accepting * Tindal, vol. viii. p. ^79. Gertruedenberg them. By carrying on the conferences here, is a fortified town in the United Netherlands, the agents of Lewis were debaned from the inthe jrincipalityof Holland, twelve miles S. E. opportunity of making their propofals known of Dort, and ten miles N. of Breda. The to the people, to whom the plenipotentiaries appointment of this fequeftered place for the would juft communicate fuch reprefentationa eonfererices was deemed an untoward omen by as beft fuited their own private views. Quin- the Fiench. In the preceding year, the cy, torn. vi. p. 314. 355. people at the Hague began to be imprelTed « Torcy, vol. ii. p. 18. with a fenfe of the advantageous terms offered 4 dues QJJ E E N A N N E. 3^7 CHAP. KVI. 1 710. duce him to acqulefce in the refignation of the Spanifh monarchy. ^^^ The kingdoms of Arragon, of Naples and Sicily, of Sardinia, with the fea-ports in Tufcany, were all fucceffively fuggefted by the ple- nipotentiaries for this end ; they at length reftrided his demands to Sicily and Sardinia *; and the deputies feemed willing to agree, upon condition of his giving fecurity for the furrender of Spain and the Weft Indies, to king Charles, within the fpace of two months. The nature or mode of this fecurity remained for fome time the folc objed of difpute '. Lewis had already offered to put four of his towns in Flanders into the hands of the allies, as a pledge not to con- cern himfelf, either diredly or indiredly, with the affairs of Spain ; he had withdrawn his troops from thence, and promifed to forbid his fubjefts to engage themfelves in the fervice of the catholic king'; he agreed, if Philip perfevered in maintaining that monarchy, that he fhould forfeit all claim to the intended indemnification ; and, to all thefe proofs of his fmcerity, he now added the offer of a fum of money % to affift the allies in carrying on the war againft his grand- fon. After having made objedions to the nature of the fecurity propofed by Lewis for the payment of this fum, the deputies re- jeded it altogether as infidious, and as a new evidence of the infm- cerity of Lewis '°. After thefe conferences had been carried on for feveral days, folely between the French plenipotentiaries and the Dutch deputies, fomc of the minifters of the allies at the Hague expreffed a jealoufy, left the interefts of their conftituents fhould be overlooked, and threat- ened to infift upon their right of being prefent, while fubjeds, in which they had fo near a concern, were under difcuffion ". To " Letters from the Duke of Marlborougli » Torcy was inflru<£ied to offer the allies and Lord Townfliend to Mr. Boyle, p. 12. five hundred thoufandlivres (_;^.20,833 : 6 : 8) 25. March I ith. 29th ; April 6th ; 9th, 13th a month ; and if this did not fatisfy them, to May. Letter from Mr. Boyle to Lord advance to a million. Torcy, vol. ii. p. 74. • Townfhend, 7th March. MSS. Refolutions of '° Id. their High Mightinefles, 27th July 1710. " Letter from Lord Townfliend to Mr. ' Torcy, vol. ii. p. 71. Boyle. Hague, 2jth Feb. 1710. MSS. * Scheme of Peace. 3 D 2 divert lyio. 388 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^ -5,^^* divert their interference, great addrefs was ufed by the deputies and lord Townfliend, from an apprehenfion that the French plenipoten- tiaries might thereby be furnifhed with an opportunity of difcovering and fomenting jealoufies among the confederate powers. In order to reconcile them to this reftraint, the minifters of the emperor, the king of PrufTia, and the duke of Savoy, were previotifly confulted on every point by the deputies; and the fubjedts and progrefs of the treaty were regularly communicated to them. In this fituation, the negotiators found it neceflary to throw out hints of certain claims in behalf of their allies, which had not been fpecified in the preliminary articles, and even to exprefs themfelves with greater referve and uncertainty concerning fome of thofe conditions which they had already approved of". The French minifters, thinking themfelves juftified in adopt- ing the fame caution, introduced their conceffions, under the annexed condition of obtaining full fecurity againft any ulterior demands from the refl of the allies, and for the confummation of the peace, after the term fixed for the expiration of the truce '\ The deputies now complained of this conduct as amounting to a full demonftration of the Infmcerity of the French king in every part of the tranfadion. At the laft conference, on the 13th July, they flated their ultimatum, namely, that the French king, alone and unafTifted, fhould compel his grandfon to deliver up the Spanifli monarchy into the hands of king Charles '*; and intimated to the French plenipotentiaries, that •^ Torcy, vol. if. p. 74, &c. Lord Town- " thing that fiiits them ; the execution of ftiend, in a letter to Mr. Boyle, 7th March " the treaty is what they require." Torcy, 1 7 10, gives this reafon for not going to the vol. ii. p. 83. At the fame time, they in- conferences, that the other minifters of the finuated, " that they might, in the way of allies would have infiftcd upon going alfo, " favour, permit their troops in Portugal and which would have rendered it a general con- " Catolonia to co-operate with thofe of grefs ; the very thing the French wanted. " France for facilitating the conquefts of " Id. vol. ii. p. 68. " Spain and the Indies ; but even this aflift- '* " It 58 the will of the allies, that the " ance was to be limited to the fpace of two « French king (hall undertake either to per- »< months ; at the end of which time, if the " fuade his grandfon, or to compel him iin- «« bufmefs was not accomplillied, the truce " gly, and with his own forces, to renounce << vvas to terminate, and they were again to " the Spanifh monarchy. Neither money, " profecutc hollilities againil France." Id. " nor the junftionof the French troops, is the Quincy, torn. vi. p. 359. they 1710. QJJ E E N A N N E. 3^9 they fliould have permiffion to continue fifteen days longer at Gertrue- ^ Jy^.^* denberg till they received a final anfwer from their mafter ". When the French king heard of this, he loft no time in fignifying to the penfionary, that there was no occafion for allowing him any time to deliberate upon this lubjea ; that he had already confented to every condhion in his power for promoting a general peace, but could not engage to execute what he knew it was impofllble for him to per- form ; and on the 24th July, the marfhal d'Huxelles and the abbe Polignac fet out from Gertruedenberg on their return to Paris '*. After the breaking up of the conferences, the French plenipoten- tiaries addreffed a letter to the deputies of the States, imputing the 20^^ J"^T- failure of their attempts for peace entirely to the hard and impof- fible conditions infifted upon by the allies. In anfwer to this, the States-general publiflied extrafts of their refolutions, declaring their 2-^^^- fincere defire for peace, and imputing their difappointment to the infincerity of the French king, manifefted by his evading the capital point for which the negotiations had been opened. By contemporary authors, this important fubjedl has been treated merely as a party difpute ; and, according to their feveral prejudices and attachments, the French king or the allies have been feverally condemned for the continuance of the war. When queftions of this nature and of fuch magnitude occur, it is the duty of later hiftori- ans to be more than commonly anxious to diveft themfelves of all local prepolTeffions, and to inveftigate evidence with confcientious application, in order truly to appreciate the merits and demerits of the parties at iflue. Hiftory, when thus conduced, becomes the inftru- ment of important moral utility, by reminding all thofe who prefide in the affairs of nations, that they are amenable to a future tribunal ; ■' Torcy, vol. ii. p. 83. 85. Letters of compenfation ; upon which the French king Lord Townfhend to Mr. Boyle, July. inftrufted his plenipotentiaries not to iiiiiil 'j I (** Before the conferences were concluded, farther upon an equivalent, but to renew their the king of Spain fignified that he would never offer of fubfidies for afTifting the allies in the •onfent to yield the crown of Spain for any SpaniiTi war. Torcy, vol. ii. p. 8o. ih':. and 1710. 390 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^^^^- and that neither concealment nor mifreprefentat'ion of fafts, nor the partiality and adulation of contemporaries, can fcreen political depra- vity from the condemnation and abhorrence of pofterity. ImprefTed with the ftrongefl defire to adhere to every obligation of truth and candour, I fuggeft the following obfervations relative to the im- portant queftion now under review. I. There appears no folid ground for doubting of the French king's fmcere and ardent defire for peace, when the negotiations were firil opened at the Hague. The deplorable condition of his kingdom annihilated every profpedl of extending his dominions, and gratify- ing that vain glory which had been the ruling paffion of his life ; and expofed him to new mortifications, and his fubjedts to irretriev- able ruin from the prolongation of the war. An empty treafury re- duced him, not only to the neceflity of withdrawing penfions and gratuitous bounties, but of retrenching and abolifliing the falaries of the moft important offices in every department; and even of diflblving that military force, which alone could fecure him againft the nearer approach of his vitlorious and incenfed enemies. There was not any defcription of men, nor a fingle individual, who had any thing to gain, nay, who was not apprehenfive of lof- ing the meager reverfion of all that was dear and valuable by the profecution of the war. The generals, the courtiers, the heir appa- rent to the crown, all concurred in reprefenting to the fovereign the unparalleled diftrefs of the country, and in fupplicating him as their common father to fheath the fword, and make peace upon any terms ". The private converfation and behaviour of Lewis evinced his de- termined purpofe of complying with their defire, and the moft anxious folicitude for obtaining the confent of the allies to thofe • terms which he had authorized .his agents to propofe. To his con- fidential friends, he difcovered a deep fenfe of the abafement into " Cunningham, vol. ii. p. 225. ■which Q^U E E N AN NE. 391 which he had funk, in expreffions, wliich form a perfect contrafl to ^ ^ J^ ^■ the haughty fentiments and domineering fpirit fo offenfive to all fur- < — — -v- iJ rounding States in the preceding years of his reign. His private inftruilions to his ambaffadors warranted conceffions, which pro- bably exceeded the expedlations of his enemies, and faithfully cor- refponded with the language adopted by the former in the public conferences ". The notification of delay and obftrudions, inftead of producing any fymptoms of fatisfadion, which muft have been the cafe if he had been ading a part, and in his heart averfe to peace, only contributed to increafe the depreflion of his fpirits, and to pro- mote the enlargement of his conceffions. The final rejeftion of his offers filled him with all the anguifh which flows from difiippoint- ment, aggravated by the calumnious imputation of hypocrify, while he was confcious of making profeffions which flowed from the dic- tates of his heart ". 2. Upon the firft motion of the French king for beginning the treaty, and during its continuance, every artifice was employed in England and Holland to taint the public mind with a fufpicion of his infincerity, and of his intention to loofen and difconcert the alliance. All the examples of the duplicity and faithleffnefs of Lewis, in the pride of his former profperity, were now brought under re- colledlion. The wretched condition to which France was reduced ; the bankruptcy of her treafury ; the defolation of her provinces, and the miferies of her people, were held forth in the ftrongeft colours, hot to move commiferation, or cherilh thofe relentings which a generous people naturally feel for a vanquifhed enemy, but to ftimu- late that ignoble refentment which rejoices in the unprofitable humi- liation and fufferings of rivals ". 3. From the conduct of the deputies and plenipotentiaries of the combined powers, in every conference, while the negotiations were " Torcy, Duclos, Mefnager, St. Simon, '* Mefnager, p. 23. 25'. Torcr, vol. £. paffira. p. 386. »» Id. p. iS'4. oa 392 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. XVI. 1710. on foot, there is the ftrongeft reafon for concluding, that they had formed a preconcerted plan to impede its progrefs, and to render it finally abortive. Their manner and ftyle were often rude, captious, and overbearing. Sarcaftical refle£tions were repeatedly thrown out againft the French king, and fometimes an intemperance of language adopted by them, as if it had been with the intention of wounding the pride of a monarch who had long arrogated a precedency in the lift of royal names, and of provoking his minifters to break up the conferences with pafhon and precipitancy ". Falfe and fcandalous libels were publifhed to render them contemptible and odious in the eyes of the people ; their perfons were infulted ; their letters were opened in violation of public faith ; they were treated like ftate pri- foners, obliged to keep within the refidence affigned them, and debarred from that fecial Intercourfe, which might have contributed not only to their relaxation and amufement, but to ufeful intelligence relative to the bufinefs in which they were employed ". The deputies affedcd a referve and ambiguity in the difcuillon of every point : they feemed eager to catch at every incident for raifing difficulties, perplexing bufinefs, and exhaufting the patience of their antagonifts. For this purpofe, they were continually varying the arrangement, and (hifting the grounds of the negotiation ; fometimes introducing topics in a defultory way, on which the French plenipo- tentiaries were not prepared to reply, then leaving them unfinifhed by making a fudden tranfition to others, and blending articles which could only be difcuffed feparately, and in fucceffion. They not only introduced demands inconfiftent with the preliminaries fpeclfied by Pettekum upon the authority of the grand penfionary ; but they were continually enlarging their demands; and v>'hen thefe were admitted contrary to their expectations, they reforted to indefinite " The marquis de Torcy, in the courfe of " Letter from the French Plenipotentiaries thefe conferences, was often obferved to facd to the Grand Penfionary. Gertruedenberg, tears, he had the king's honour fo much at 20th July 5710. Duclos, vol. i. p. 17. Tor- heart. Cunningham, vol . ii.p. 241. cy, vol. ii. p. 92. Mefnager, p. 34. conditions QJJEEN ANNE. 393 conditions to which it was Impoflible the French king could confent, ^ HA P, except in the full confidence of candour and generofity, whereof no traits appeared in the characters of thofe who were to explain and enforce them. The deputies were not even afhamcd to confefs that they had ufed dlfTimulation, and were pleafed with its fuccefs in mif- leading de Torcy and Roullle ^^ When at length every elTential demand was yielded by the French king, they ftill exacted fuch fecu- rities for the performance of his engagements, as he could not grant without violating eveiy obligation of honour and afFe -» monies of attachment from the inhabitants, as were the lef§ fufpi- *^'°' cious, becaufe they were given at the ebb of his fortune. Not think- ing it fafe, however, to remain there upon the approach of a vi(£to- rious enemy, he removed to Valladolid with his court and family *'• 9th Sept. After king Charles had taken meafures for fecuring his intereft in Arragon, by changing the public officers, fortifying the principal pofts, and ereding magazines, he advanced with his whole army to September. Madrid '°. Different opinions had been propofed in a council of the general officers, with refpe£t to the mofl effedual fteps for improving their late vidory, fome of them recommending to take polfeffion of the kingdom of Caftile, where his rival had fo rnany friends, and others thinking that the ftability of his good fortune depended upon his returning to Catalonia, and fending detachments to fecure the paffes in Navarre, throijgh which reinforcements were advancing from France to ftrengthen the army of Philip ". Unfortunately, as the event proved, the firft of thefe counfels was preferred, and king . Charles entered the metropolis of Spain a fecond time ; but inftead of 28th. congratulations, he now experienced a mortifying demonftration of the deep-rooted and invincible abhorrence of the Caftilians to his perfon and government. A mournful difguft was painted upon every countenance : the people ran Into their houfes and locked their doors, as if to avoid a fpedlacle of horror. The money, fcattered in the ftreets to bribe the oftentatlon of loyalty, lay untouched and de- fpifed. Many of his foldiers were aflaffinated in the dark. A com- pany of comedians, who had performed in honour of his arrival, ^° Quincy, torn. vi. p. 428. Not only the holding his hated rival triumphant in the me- grandecs and officers of ftate, but multitudes of tvopolis. ' .1! \ ■ the people followed thsir fovereign. Many •" Quincy, totn. vi. p. 427. ' ' ladies of rank, who could not be provided uilh '" Id. p. 43b. Tindal, vol. viii. p. 436, 7. * carriages, performed the journey on foot, that Carleton, p. 258. they might not incur the mortiiication of be- 3 F were 402 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN ^ ^^ ^' were feverely beaten by the mob, and their manager was put to death. The acclamation Five le Philipe refoimded from every quar- ter, and interrupted the filence of the night ". Nor were thefe pro- feflions of attachment circumfcribed within the walls of Madrid, and produtftive only of barren adulation and compliment. The misfor- tunes of their prince, inftead of difheartening his fu!)je£ts, inflamed the ardour of their affedions, and ftimulated the vigour of their efforts. The grandees flocked from every province, loaded with money for the payment of his foldiers. The clergy inculcated lide- lity to their fallen monarch, and fet an example of it by the volun- tary profer of liberal contributions. The province of Andalufia alone replaced his cavalry, which had principally fuftered in the late defeats. The Caftilians of lower ftation, who were vmable to exprefs their loyalty by pecuniary donations, divided with the foldiers the victuals which they had provided for the fuftenance of their own families. Charles, after remaining only one night in the capital, where his life was in danger, moved to Toledo with the intention of refiding there through the approaching winter ". But the fame hof- tility, which lie had experienced in the metropolis, broke out in every part of Caftile ; and, though the army of Philip had not beerv augmented by ftrong reinforcements, muft have rendered his quar- ters there untenable. All the provifions of the country were either, carried off, or concealed by the hoRlle artifices of the inhabitants.. His army was mouldering away, being continually harafled by bodies- '* Quincy, torn. vi. p. 432. Bane, torn. x. played great compnfTioii for tlie iniferies of tlie p. j'jj, people, and undaunted fortitude ami'dft the " Id. The enthufiafm of loyalty defcended greateft dangers. Id. St. Simon, torn, iii., to the mod abandoned of the human race. p. 247. An extraordinary example of the The courtezans difperfed themfclves among fidebty of one of her majefty's valets deferves- the troops of the archduke ; and, by their in- to be recorded. When flying from Madrid, Adious familiarities, deilroyed more than had file intrufled all her jewels, and one of im- falten in any liugle battle. They boafted of menfe value, called the Peregrine, to his care ; their patriolifm in having refufed their favours and he delivered them fafe at Paris. Id. to the king's troops. Duclos, torn. i. p. 21. The archduke, fays Duclos, never under-- The king owed mucli of his popularity to Hood tliat it was impoflible for him to reign the alluring manners of the queen, who dif- till he catered the capital. of QJJEEN ANNE. 403 of the peaiants, led on, and afl'ifted by the French foldiers '*. In thefe CHAP. circumftances, Charles found it neceflary to evacuate Toledo with ■_ - - j fuch precipitancy, that he could not remove the ftores depofited in '^'°' his magazines; and, after having deftroyed them, purfued his march to Arragon, attended by a fmall body of troops, while generals Sta- remberg and Stanhope were dire£led to follow with the whole of the forces ". The duke of Vendofme, having arrived with confidcrable rein- forcements from France, was now at the head of an army fuperior to that of the allies; and to this circumftance, together with the great / popularity and expedition of that general, we may afcribe the change of fortune which fixed the throne of Philip upon impregnable foundations '*. While the confederates were retreating in feparate detachments through Caftile to Arragon, the duke of Vendofme, by marching night and day with the greateft difpatch, came unexpect- edly upon the rear of the army, which was commanded by general Stanhope, at Briheuga. The latter, though far inferior in numbers, attempted to defend the place, in hope of general Staremberg's com- ing up to his relief; but ammunition failing he was forced to furrender. 9th Dec. Seven thoufand Britifh foldiers were made prifoners, and feveral hun- dreds were killed ". Count Staremberg, hearing of the attack made upon Stanhope, marched back with his whole force to fupport him ; but he came too late, and met the French and Spaniards flufhed with vidory, imder the heights of Villa Viclofa, about two leagues from Bri- heuga ". Staremberg found an engagement unavoidable, though he had to enter upon it with manifefl: circumftances of difadvantage. His army was inferior in numbers, and drawn up in an open plain, '* Barre, torn. X. p. 573. Quincy, torn. vi. his flandard. Money, piovifions, and every p- 433. kind cf fupply were abundantly furniflied. 5s Id. p. 442. Cunningham, vol. ii. p. 332. Voltaire, vol. i. p. 347. '* The duke of Vendofme had great popu- " Quincy, torn. vi. p. 444. Cunningham, larity. His arrival kindled an enthufiafm vol. ii. p. 333. among the Spaniards. Multitudes flocked to " Quincy, torn vi. p. 447. 3 F 2 which 404 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, which afforded no protedion. The French began the attack, and i_ -,-' _■ had the advantage for fome time, by the impreffion which they made '^'°' on the right %ving, and ahnofi: entirely routing the left of the a'llies ; but being repulfed by the valour of the troops in the centre, both wings rallied, and prevailed every where againft the enemy. Such is the account of this battle given by general Staremberg ". On the other hand, the French hiftorians claim the victory ; admitting, at the fame time, every fad honourable for the general and his troops, whofe bravery they praife as exceeding almoft any thing that occurs in the annals of war ^'''. After this battle, count Staremberg found his army fo much reduced, spih Dec. that he durft not hazard a fecond. He firft retreated to Saragofla, but as he could not rely upon the fidelity of his troops, which were de- ferting in whole regiments to the enemy, hanging upon his rear *', he proceeded to Catalonia, and arrived at Barcelona, in the beginning of February. Balaguer and Girona furrendered to the arms of Philip fo that Charles was now confined within the narrow principality of Catalonia, open to the incurfions of the enemy on every fide ". The tide of profperity now began to flow, with wonderful rapi- dity, in favour of king Philip. All the provinces of Spain flrove to " Staremberg's Letter to the King of Spain. Hlftory of Europe, 1710, p. 617. '^ Quincy, torn. vi. p. 449. Barrc, who is by no means partial to the French, not only affigns them the viftory, but a very confider- able capture of cannon, torn. x. p. 575. The French appear to have been fuccefsful for a confiderable time after the engagement began; but the great bravery of Staremberg, in the centre, which is mentioned with admiiation by his enemies, occafioned a favourable turn for the allies, when night coming on, after the engagement had laded above three hours, ren- dered the iifue undecided. Compare Quincy, Hiftoire de Louis, Hillory of Europe. What- ever the immediate, apparent fuccefs of this engagement might be, the confequence proved fatal to the allies, as the lofs of three or four thoufand men, added to the capture of the troops at Briheuga, rendered them incapable of facing the enemy again. Lord Townfhend in a Letter to Mr. St. John, Hague, nth Ja- nuary 171 1, fays, "that the accounts, pub- '■ liflied by the French on this occafion, were " fcandalous and falfe." '■' Qjilncy, torn. vi. p. 452. ''* Tindal, vol. viii. p. 449. Girona is fituated upon the river Ter, twenty-five miles north-eaft of Barcelona, on the road from RoufiUon to Barcelona ; Balaguer, on the river Segra, feventy miles north-weft, on the road from AiTagon to Barcelona. The former was invefted in November, but did not fur- render till 31ft January 17 11. The latter was evacuated by the gairifon, 23d February 171 1, upon the approach of the marqui? de Valdecanas to attack it. Annals Anne, 1 7 10, P- 132. 3- outdo QJJEEN ANNE. 405 outdo one another In tokens of affcdion to their triumphant mo- CHAP. XVI. narch. Recruits, horfes, and provifions poured in from every quar- ■_ -. - J ter, and his army was quickly multipUed to fuch a fuperiority, as ' ' ' conftrained the friends of Charles to defpair of his caufe '\ The marquis de Bais, who commanded the Spanifh forces in Eflramadura, prevented the jundlion of the Portuguefe with the army of Staremberg, and extended his depredations into the heart of Portugal. He made himfelf mafter of the town of Mirando de J'-ly- Douro by furprife, and formed the blockade of Braganza, which was raifed by the marquis de Rifburg. The capture of a few in- eoniiderable villages on the frontiers of Spain, was all that the con- federates had to balance the fuccefs of Philip in Portugal"*. ' During thefe operations fome fhips of war were taken on both fides. Sir John Norris, who commanded the Mediterranean fqua- dron, prevented a defcent, intended by the French and Spaniards upon the ijQand of Sardinia, by making prizes of four Tartanas with four hundred and fifty men, who had landed there ; and afterwards 5th June, of eight large barks, with five hundred men, deftined for the fame ^i^''- purpofe, lying in the gulf Ajazzio''. An expedition was again concerted in favour of the Cevennois. The Englifh troops landed, and eafily got polTeffion of the town of '9'^ J"'y- Agde ; but upon hearing of the approach of the duke of Noailles, they embarked, leaving a fmall garrifon at La Cotte, which became his prifoners °^ A fleet was fent out to Newfoundland, to recover the lofs fuf- tained there the preceding feafon. The garrifon of Port-Royal fur- rendered upon capitulation *^ All the French harbours, on the 2d oa. north fide of Newfoundland, were vifited and deftroyed by the Eng- (h fleet 68 *' Upon hearing of thefe events, the eleftor of Europe, 17 lo. of Hanover fhrewdly remarked, that the union ^5 Lives of the Admirals, vol. iii. p. 244. of France and Spain was the gordian knot, '° Id. p. 246, 7. which it was iffipofiible to unloofe. " Id., p. 252. '* Quincy, torn. vi. p. 428. 465. Hiftory ''^ Id. Upon 1710. 4o6 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^ xvi ^' Upon the review of this campaign, it appears, that the allies had little to boaft of; they added feveral valuable towns to their former conquefls, but were removed farther than ever from the principal objedl: at which they profefled to aim. Their piofpe<£t of fubduin ^ ,_ demeanor, 410 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, demeanor, and the complexion of thofe meafures which flowed from i_ -' . her own uncontrolled diredion. The fervants of the royal houfehold, *7'°" who had been convidled of riotous proceedings during Sacheveral's trial, obtained her majefty's pardon ; fome of the doctor's friends were preferred to benefices in the gift of the crown ; and in the lifts of military promotions, there appeared the names of officers who were piqued at the general, for having been flighted by him in the courfe of their fervices during the war *. The apprehenfions of the minifl:ry were firft excited at the clofe of the lafl: feflfion of parliament by the removal of the marquis of Kent from the ofiice of lord chamberlain, and the appointment of the duke of Shrewfberry as his fucceflbr, who had incurred the dif- pleafure of the Whigs by voting againft them in the affair of Dr. Sa- cheveral \ Although no farther change immediately enfued, yet, from fuch a feries of circumftances ominous to their intereft, the junto were convinced, that the only expedient for retaining their power was to divide the people by turning the torrent of alarm into another channel. The fulfome flattery of prerogative, the avowed preference of her majeft:y's hereditary to her parliamentary right, and the fufpeded chara£ters of many who took the moil atlive part ' Theearlof Portmore was appointed com- " conjunftion, in every vote, with the whole mandev in chief ill Portugal in the room of the " body of the Tories, and in piivate con- earl of Galway, the friend of the duke of " ftant caballing with Mr. Harley in every Marlborough. Lord Windfor, whofe regi- " thing; what confequence can this poffi- nient had been taken from him for voting " bly have, but to make every man that is againit the Whigs, was made a lieutenant- " now in your cabinet uneafy, and to run general. General Webb, who had the priii- " from it as they would do from the plague ?" cipal merit in obtaining the vidory at Wynen- Again, '< Your majefty having taken fuch a dale, was appointed governor of the Ifle of " refolution, of fo much confequence to all Wight. Political State, vol. i. p. 8. Lend. " your affairs, both abroad and at home, with- 11 12,. " out acquainting the duke of Marlborough ' Tindal, vol. ix. p. lO. The alarm of the " or me with it, till after you had taken it,. Whigs, upon her majefty's refolution of bring- " is the leaft part of my mortification in this ing the duke of Shrewfberry into the admi- " affhir, though perhaps the world may think. ftration, is ftrongly marked in a letter from lord " the long and faithful fervices we have con- Godolphin to her majefty, 15th April 1710 : " ftantly and zealoufly endeavoured to do " To bring the duke of Shrewfberry into " your majefty might have dcferved a little " your fervice, and into your bufmefs, at this " more coniideration." " lime, juft after his being in a public, open 5 ^^ QJJEEN ANNE. 4n in fupport of thefe tenets, afforded plaufible grounds for roufing a ^iy^,^' fufpicion of defigns being on foot to fubvert the revolution fettle- ^- — ^~ - i . i'<7io. ment*«and the proteftant fucceffion. The moft fatal confequences to public credit were portended from the difmiflion of minifters, who had hitherto fupported it under every emergency ; and acquired the entire confidence of the monied intereft '. A breach with the allies, and the reverfe of the fuccefs which had hitherto crowned the Britifh arms, were reprefented as certain effeds of difgracing the general, to vvhofe wifdom and valour their attachment and that fuccefs were afcribed. The Dutch and Imperial ambaffadors were inftru£ted, by their refpe£live conftituents, to expoftulate with her majefty con- cerning the mlfchlefs that would accrue to the common caufe, from taking her affairs out of thofe hands by which they had been hitherto fo profperoufly conduced '. Whether it arofe from the queen's being intimidated by thefe reprefentatlons, which feemed to be verified by a concurrent depref- fion in the ftocks ; or that fiie really had intended at this time to make only a partial change of the miniftry, fhe received them at firft with an apparent attention and complaifance, extremely flatter- ing to the hopes of the remonftrants, and gave them pofitive all'ur- ance of her refolution to continue the duke of Marlborough in her fervice "'. Mr. Harley, with whom the queen chiefly confulted about the new arrangements, was probably defirous to unite with the principal members of the whig adminiftration, upon the condition of their agreeing to meafures for compelling the allies to a ftridt perform- ance of their engagements, and of their liftening to reafonable terms of peace, by which it was underfiood, that every poffible fecurity fhould be obtained for the proteftant fucceffion ". Agrce- • The governor and direftors of the bank * Salmon, vol. xxvi. p. 130 — 4. ■of England waited upon her niajelly, and ex- '° Tindal, vol. ix. p. 24. prefled their fears with refpeft to public credit " Political State, vol. i. p. 2. Coiidu — — v— -< advice in the council of war at Valencia, to profecute offenfive hoRi- ,-th'jaa. lities. The lois of the battle of Almanza, the fubfequent calamities ^'°''' of the allies in Spain, and even the mifcarriage of the expedition againft Toulon, were all imputed to the fatal prevalence of his influ- ence ; and the fuppofed advantages of a defenllve war were aiferted with that affurance, which can only be juftified by experience. The earl of Galway 's defence refted upon a ftatement of fads eflentially different from that of the earl of Peterborough, and contained many reaions founded on local circumftances, in vindication of his opi- nion ". After long and warm debates, the teftimony of the earl of Peterborough was implicitly admitted, and the condudl of the earl of Galway cenfured by a great majority ". As it appeared from this inquiry, that the condudl of the latter had been intimately conneded with that of the minifters, who had either advifed or approved of all that he had done, fo the refolution of the lords gave a refpectabi'e fandion to thofe cenfures which the Tories had often thrown out againft public meafures before they came into power.. The thanks of the houfe of lords were afterwards voted to the earl of Peterborough for his remarkable and eminent fervices, and exprelTed, by the lord keeper Harcourt, in a manner that obliquely reflected on the profufion of rewards conferred on the duke of Marl- borough. The lords clofed their proceedings on Spanilh affairs, with an addrefs to the queen, containing a recapitulation of their votes sth FcB* and refolutions ; and infilling, emphatically, on the fervices of ihe '' The opinion of die earl of Galway was Peterborough, by pafling a vote of cenfure, fupported in the council by lord Tyrawly and i6th January, upon a book, inticlod, Re- lord Stanhope, and approved of by the mini- marks on Dr. Friend's Account of the Earl • fters at home. of Peterborough's Conduft, becaufe it de— '' Journals Lords, paffim. Thirty-fix lords traded from his merits; and, on the iQth, . diflented from this refolution. The houfe of ordered the author and publisher to be takea lords dilcovcred their j-artiaUty fur th.e tarl of into cuilody. 5. earl 422 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, garl of Peterborousjb, and the misfortunes which had arifen from XVII. _ _ ^ u- — V — —J following the opinion and counfels of the earl of Galway "^ ' ' The repeated difappointments and calamities which had Iiappened to the allies in Spain, together with an impreffion of the notorious negledl and mifmanagement of the war in that quarter, and an ex- ceffive eftimation of the exploits of the earl of Peterborough, all con- curred to render a majority in the houfe of lords more fubi'ervient to the refentment of the Tories in this queftion, than they were in any other which came before them this feffion, and led them to adopt refolutions nowife juftifiable by the fafts and arguments upon which they were founded. The fervices of lord Galway, which had often been fignally meritorious, ought to have protedled him from the fevere cenfures with which he was now loaded, though his errors or mifcondudl had been eftablifhed by more impartial and fatisfadory evidence than was produced upon this occafion. The moft important meafure of a conftitutional nature, brought forward in the courfe of this feflion, was a new law relative to the 28th Feb. qualiiications of the members of the houfe of commons, enadling that every reprefentative for a county fhould pofTefs an eftate of fix iiundred pounds per annum, clear of all incumbrances, and that every reprefentative for a borough fliould poflefs one amounting, at leaft, to half that fum, to be afcertained by the oath of candidates upon the requlfition of the perfons who had a right to vote at elec- '9 The earl of Galway was cenfured by the fefilon that pafTcd fince the commencement of houfe of lords for not having given the prece- the war, without his having received the 5ence to the Englifli troops after the Portu- thanks of either houfe. When a motion for cuefe army entered into the Spanifh territory, that purpofe was introduced by the earl of though it was well knovi'n that the latter had Scarborough, it was warmly oppofed by the made it a condition of ferving under him out duke of Argyle. When that nobleman pafled of their own country. through the Hague, in his way to Spain in The miuiftcrs durft not make an open at- 171 1, he paid his refpefts to the grand pen- tack upon the duke of Marlborough, but he fionary and lord Townfhend, but did not call was often invldioudy glanced at in the courfe for the duke of Marlborough. f)f thefc proceedings j and~ this was the firil tlons. QJJ E E N ANNE. 423 JO tions '\ This adl was extolled as an additional fecurlty to the con- ftitution, and peculiarly favourable to the landed intereft, which had funk in proportion as the monied had been ralfed by the war. It is unqueftionably of effential importance to the conftitution, that every member of the legiflature fhould have a perfonal and folid in- tereft in its prefervation. But, whether the capacity of being eledted a reprefentative of the people ought to be reftridted to landed pro- perty, and what the extent of that property ought to be, are quef- tions attended with confiderable fpeculative difEcuUies. We can eafily fuppole the extent to be raifed fo high, and the rcftri£lions fo multiplied, as to overlet the balance of the conftitution by the in- creafe of ariftocratic influence ; and, independent of this effeft, to deprive the nation of the fervices of perfons, who, by their abilities and probity, are eminently qualified for promoting its true intereft. Although the new minifters enjoyed both court favour and popu- larity, yet their opponents were not vdthout hopes of their finking' under the embarralTments to which they were expofed from the lan- guifhing ftate of public credit, and their wanting the countenance of the ftockholders, and merchants, who formed an opulent and powerful cJafs of fubjedls. The funds had been gradually falling fince the change of adminiftration ; and feveral perfons of great eftates had fold out of them ". Notwithftanding the moft diligent exertions of miniftry, Mr. Gold, a Whig, was chofen governor of the Bank of England ; and a majority, in the fame intereft, were appointed direiftors of the Bank, and Eaft India Company ". Every expedient was now employed, both privately and in parlia- ment, to re-eftablifti public credit : perfons of property were courted CHAP. XV 11. I" 10, II. Apni. '" By a calculation, founded on the regula- ter npon the Subjeft of the Qualification BiU. tions for railing the militia, it appeared that Lond. lyii. the number of perfons capable of being elefted ^' The merchants in KoUand, at the infti- according to this aft would be twenty-three gation of the ruling pavtv, inftrufted their cct- times more than the number aftually elefted ; refpondents to fell their ilocfcs, which contri and that not lefs than one hundred and fifty buted to their fudden deprsflion. of the prefcnt members of the houfe of com- 3^ political State, vol. i. p. 263. jcons would have been difqaalificd by it. Let- by 424 HISTORY OF CR£AT BRITAIN. ;ha] XVII. CHAP, by the minlflers to purchafe flock, as a tefiimony of their confidence in the profperous management of public affairs. As, from pad ex- 1710, II. . , penence, every hope oi fuccefs in the war was aflbciated with the idea of the duke of Marlborough's merit, the ftrongeft affurances were now repeated of the queen's intention to continue him in the command of the army ; and to gratify him in the appointments of the principal perfons who were to ferve under him ". In order to remove the apprehenfions of ftockholders, the com- mons pledged themfelves, at an early day of the feffion, to difcharge the public debts ; and becaufe the late difcount upon Exchequer bills i6ihjan, had greatly impaired public credit ^^ the fum of forty-five thoufand pounds was granted for eilabling her majefty to make a contrad with the Bank, to accept and circulate thofe bills without any difcount. Among the ways and means for raifmg the fupplies, a lottery was adopted, and the fubfcriptions to it filled with a celerity which ex- ceeded the expectations of the minifters ". As, in private life, individuals often build the mofl fanguine hopes upon the promifes of powerful friends, profered with apparent frank- nefs and zeal, while yet no fpecific obje£t is opened to their view; fo the public credit has been fometimes fuccefsfully buoyed up by afTurance of fome approaching, undefined refource, known only to thofe who are in the fecrets of government. It was now given out, that the miniflers were foon to furprife the public by bringing for- ward new and ample means of fupply ; and, that the chancellor of the Exchequer had prepared an infallible projeft for paying the na- tional debt. The confidence with which thele topics were infilled on by the minifterial agents procured belief and acquiefcence more than any argument or explanation could have done ; and, together ■with the popularity of the meafures carrying on in parliament, con- ^' Political State, vol. i. p. 148. pounds was raifcd in this way. A bill pafTcJ ^* Exchequer bills were three per cent, lefs in the houfe of commons for recalling king in value than the fums- fpecified in them. Hif- William's grants, but it was rejefted by the tory of the Four laft Years, p. 177. lords. ^5 One pillion, five hundred thoufand tributed QJJEEN ANNE. 425. tributed in no fmall degree to reftore the credit of tlie funds. After ^^\^f- ^• the public had been long amufed with conjecture and expectation, i- — ■. j Mr. Harley at length brought forward his plan, by which it was ' propofed to allow all the proprietors of outftanding debts an interell of fix per cent, redeemable by parliament, and to incorporate them for carrying on an exclufive trade to the South Sea. Notwith- flanding that the profit of this corporation was chimerical, as it was to depend upon the future difpofal of the Spanifh Wefl; Indies, and the will and confent of the fovereign in whom they were vefted, yet immenfe expectations were founded upon the idea of fharing in the wealth of Mexico and Peru; and the common interefl; of fix per cent, was reckoned, by men of fanguine hopes, as a very inferior pro- portion of the advantage which they were to obtain from trufting the government with their property ^*. A committee of the houfe of commons was appointed to confider the proper means of providing places of worfhip in London and Weftminfter, proportioned to the increafe of inhabitants ; and, upon receiving their report, a bill was brought in, and pafled both houfes, *oth March. for building and endowing fifty new churches ". The proceedings of the convocation were not interefting during this feflion. The lower houfe drew up a reprefentation concerning the ftate of religion, fo much in the fpirit of party, and containing fuch unwarrantable refleClions on the condudl of the late minifiers, 3* Memoirs of the Four Laft Years, p. 114. three thoufand, two hundred and ninety-three 116,17. The debts, which were funded by pounds, thirteen fhilh'ngs and four-pence this aft, conlifted of the navy debts, from halfpenny, Befides tliis fum, above fix mil- 1702 to Chriftmas 1710, and the intereft due h'ons were granted for carrying on the war, »jpon them to Chriftmas 1 7 1 1 ; debts of the and defraying the ordinary cxpences of go- ordnance, tranfport fervice, fubfiuies to the vernment. elettor of Hanover, and the duke of Zell, 3? Three hundred and fifty thoufand Two millions, feven hundred thoufand pounds pounds were granted for this purpofe,7thMay ; were alfo added, difourfed by the prefent and tlie duty of one (hilling per chaldron upon minillers for the purpofe of bringing the pro- coals was continued for railing it : that duty jeft into effcft. The total fum provided for, had been laid on firft for building the church .- was nine millions, four hundred and eighty- of St. Paul't) which was now finifhed. 3 I that 426 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, tiiat the bifliops refufed to concur with it; and fubftituted another in X. V 1 1 . 1710, II. a moderate ftrain, which the lower hoiafe rejected in their turn ^\ Both houfes were difpofed to adopt fevere meafures in the profe^ cution of the celebrated Mr. Whifton, profeflor of mathematics at Cambridge, who was accufed of reviving the Arian dodtrine ^', but fo many difficulties occurred with refpe£l to the jurifdiftion of the court, and the forms of procedure, that all the convocation could accomplifh, was cenfuring fome heretical propofitions extradled from his book*°. Judging of the internal ftate of adminiftration, from the com- plexion of public meafures, we might naturally be inclined to think favourably of its unanimity and vigour; and that nothing but a con- fidence in their own ftability could have carried the members of it to fuch extreme violence againft their opponents. Notwithftanding thefe favourable fymptoms, jealoufy and difunion had already en- tered into the cabinet, and infpired the party difplaced with the hopes of a fpeedy diffblution of that political combination of which it was formed. Mr. Harley, from the ftream of accidents, and a concur- rence with the Tories while in oppofition, was apparently recon- ciled to them; but he ftill retained an attachment to Whig principles, and was fecretly difgufted at the precipitancy and violence of his colleagues. He difapproved of their urging the difmiffion of fome perfons, whofe moderation and official experience might have con- tributed to the credit of the new adminiftration *'. There was not any ^* Political State, vol. i. p. 330. exalted them. He wirtied to rellrain the im- 3' Mr. Whifton was expelled the univerfity petiiofity, and balance the prominent talents of Cambridge, 30th Oftober 17 10, on account of the lory leaders with the reputation of men of his reviving the doftrine of Arius. Politi- who had long been accuflomed to bufincfs ; cal State, vol. i. p. 358. and the difcoverj' of this, which his colleagues ''° Tindal, vol. ix. p, 91. Life of Whif- called trimming, difgufted them, and fowed ton. thofe feeds of diffenfion which foon diftraftcd *' Mr. Harley did not deftine, for Mr. St. the cabinet. Pamphlets of the Times. Swift's John and fir Simon Harct urt, thofe high de- Letters, paffim. partments to which the pofture of affairs foon «' Harley ufed often to complain to Lord: ^ " L OJJEEN ANNE. 427 any one of the cabinet, who had yet acquired that fupcnority of influ- CHAP, cnce which was neceflary to maintain a confident energy in counfel, '_ - - _j and to control the intrigues of afpiring individuals. The earl of "'^^ ' Rochefter, Mr. Harley, and Mr. St. John, were all ftruggling to obtain the afcendancy in the adminiftration ; and pofleffed peculiar recom- mendations for that honourable diftind:ion. The earl of Rochefter, on account of his long experience, his fteady attachment to the church, and his affinity to the queen, thought himfelf beft entitled to it. Mr. Harley valued himfelf upon his moderation : he had been the principal inftrument of perfuading her majefty to change her meafures, and as he had been the acknowledged head of the party when in oppofition, he expecfted to retain the fame preference after it came into power. Mr. St. John was the leader of that divifion of the Tories, which wifhed for fpirited and bold meafures ; and as he was too ambitious to be contented with a fubordlnate place, he was confcious of talents far fuperior to any of his rivals. The reciprocal animofity, which commenced between the earl of Rochefter and Mr. Harley upon the firft change of the miniftry, was not concealed either from their friends or enemies. Mr. Harley and Mr. St. John were both fecretly making their court to the duke of Marlborough, with a view to fecure his patronage upon the probable event of a new revolution in the cabinet ^\ From fuch internal difunion, it is not likely that Mr. Harley's colleagues would have fubmitted to his obtaining the chief direction of affairs, had it not been for a fmgular occurrence, which interefted the queen more deeply in his favour ; and gave him an unrivalled claim to every mark of preference and honour. The abbe de Bourlie, afterwards known by the name of the mar- quis de Guifcard, having been compelled to abandon his native coun- " L of the Tories haM'ng being cut out of " and he could not do it." Anecdotes of " bufinefs for twenty years, and of their unlit- Lord Oxford. Stuart Papers, 17 14. " nefs for it, and had, therefore, a mind to •** Stuart Papers, 1714. Cuiiningham, " bring over a capable WTiig or two ; b>it the vol. ii, p. 347. " kafl motion of It put the Tories in a flame; 3 I 2 trv. 42S HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, try^ on account of his criminal conduft, proffered his fervlces to the allies, by whom they were readily accepted. He was employed in feveral expeditions on the French coails, in which his fuccefs did not anfvver the expectations raifed by his enterprifing fpirit and vaunting pretenfions. He had, however, in acknowledgment of his zeal, ob- tained a fmall penfion from the States, and the pay of a colonel in a regiment of foreign refugees fent into Spain by the court of Eng- land. From the arrogance of his manners, he loft the favour of the commanders who firft patronifed him. The regiment in which he held his commifTion being cut off at the battle of Almanza, and a fufpicion arifing of his perfidy in maintaining a correfpondence with France, his pay was withdrawn, and he was alfo deprived of his Dutch penfion. He lived in London in the moft deplorable ftate of poverty and defpair, till the change of the miniftry renewed his hopes of being taken into favour by the court. In the days of his profperity he had been introduced to Mr. St. John, and, from a con- genial difpofition, had been made the companion of his pleafures ; he afterwards acquired a fort of political merit by calumniating the whig minifters. Nor were thefe grounds of his pretenfions over- looked. Mr. St. John procured a promife from the queen in his behalf, for a penfion of five hundred pounds per annum, which, when It came to be claimed, Mr. Harley reftri£ted to four hundred. Indignant at this affront, and exafperated againft the queen and Mr. St. John for yielding to Mr. Harley, the marquis formed the defperate refolution of making his peace with the French court by conveying intelligence of what paffed In England. Lord Portmore having dif- covered his treachery, fent Information of it to the miniftry, who finding it corroborated by other proofs, iffued a warrant for appre- hending Guifcard'". During his examination at the Cockpit, he ♦' Political State, vol. i. p. 191. To avoid Paris. His lordfhip, from fome fufpicious fufpicion, Guifcavd had ftnt his letters to circumftances, opened one of the packets, and Portugal, under lord Portmore's cover, to a difcovered the treachery, perfon who conveyed them from Lifbon to J expreffcd QJJEEN ANNE. 429 exprcfTed an earnefl defire to fpeak privately with Mr, St. John, and CHAP, this being refufed, he ftept forward to the council table, and ftruck i.. — -i 1*7 1 1 • Mr. Harley twice upon the breaft with a pen-knife. Mr. St. John, gjjj ^arch. feeing Mr. Harley fall, drew his fword, and made feveral thrufts at Guifcard, who, bleeding with his wounds, was carried to Newgate, isth. where he died in a few days**. This accident, which had nearly proved fatal to Mr. Harley, blafted the hopes of his mlnifterial rivals ; fixed his precedency in the cabinet ; and gave firmnefs to an adminiftration which had been tottering from inherent jealoufies and difunion. Both houfes prefented a joint addrefs to the queen, afcribing the i,th. attempt upon Mr.Harley's life to his extraordinary fidelity in her fer- vice. During his confinement from indifpofition, he was flattered with anxious inquiries about his health by the fovereign, and perfons of the firft diftindtion. An adl immediately pafled upon the fuggef- tion of the queen, making it felony to attempt the life of a privy counfellor in the execution of his office *\ The houfe of commons refolved unanimoufly to congratulate Mr. Harley upon his recovery, mh, 17th which was done by the fpeaker in the higheft terms of compliment. While Mr. Harley's danger and efcape interefled the attention of the public, his fcheme for difcharging the national debt was intro- duced with peculiar advantage ; and, being received with implicit 2d May. approbation, fuperfeded that inveftigation which might have led to a detection of its fallacy, and a forefight of the difappointments with which it was pregnant. It was extolled as an effort of genius and patriotifm furpailing all his former merits; and, in teftimony of her majefty's high approbation of his fervices, he was honoured with a peerage, and appointed lord high treafurer. ^+'^" ** Political State, vol. i. p. 210. dalous prafllce of every fiiccefllve adminiftra- *' A proclamation was publifhed, 17th tion, fiiicc the commencement of the reign of March, to put in execution the laws againft queen Elizabeth, to impute every public evil the Roman catholics. It had been the fcan- to the Roman catholics. On 430 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. XVII, 1711. On the 1 2th of June her majefty came to the houfe of peers, and exprefled her great fatisfadtion with the proceedings of this feffion, after which the lord keeper prorogued the parhament *\ ** Befides the afts already mentioned, the principal ones of a public nature were, an aft for eftablifhing a general poft-ofEce, and an adl for better preventing exceffive and deceitful gaming. Her majefty had announced to both houfes, 20th April, the news of tlie emperor's death, and her purjiofe to ufe her endeavours, in conjunftion with the States, to get the king of Spain made emperor, for which (he received their thanks. Several changes and prorriotions took place during this fefllon. The duke of Marlborough made a refignation of all the duchefs's places at court, 19th January 171 1. She was fucceeded ES groom of the ftole, and keeper of the robes, by the duchefs of Somerfet ; and by Mrs. Mafham as keeper of the privy purfe. The duke of Argyle was appointed ambalTador ex- traordinary, and commander in chief in Spain ; January, The earl of Peterborough was fent to Vienna after the ri(e of the feffion, to en- deavour to accommodate the difputcs between that court and the duke of Savoy, and to at- .tcnd at the eleftion of ihe new emperor. Not- withftanding his fervices to the prefent mini- fters, and their zeal for his honour, yet it ap- pears from his letters, when abroad, that he had not been taken into their fecret with re- fpeft to the peace, the negotiations for which were now begun. He cxpreffes the utmoft aftoniftiment, upon hearing the report abroad concerning the intentions of miniftry to give up the Spanifli monarchy to the iioufe of Bour- bon ; he at length grew fufpicious of the mini- fters employing him at a diilance ; and wrote to them with fome degree of chagrine, exprefF- ing his deCre to be recalled. MSS. Letters of Lord Peterborough. In February a few alterations were made in the commiiTions of the peace, and the moft zealous Whigs turned out. Before the rife of the feflion, the earl of Winchelfea was put at the head of the board for trade and planta- . tions in the room of the earl of Stamford. Mr. Serjeant Bannifter was appointed firfb judge in Upper South Wales, in place of Ser- jeant Whitaker ; and fome alterations were made among the inferior judges. QJJEEN ANNE. 43> CHAP, xviir. Tiezv of Foreign Affairs affeding the Confederacy. — Dlfturbances among the Nor- thern State's — occafion the Allies entering into a Treaty for preferving the Neutrality of the Empire. — Treacherous Conduct cf the Imperial Court with refpe6l to the Duke of Savoy, iffc. — Death of the Emperor fofeph. — Canu paign ly 11,— Motions of the Confederate Army under the Duke of Marl- borough. — Advantages obtained by the French at the Beginning of the Cam- paign, — Stratagem of the Duke of Marlborough for entering the French Liries at Arleux — His Succefs. — Campaign on the Rhine — In Italy— Spain — Portu- gal, — Naval Affairs, 'T^HE advantages which the allies derived from new conquefts, in' p^^^^- the campaign 1710, were more than counterbalanced by the efFe£ls of coincident events in thofe neighbouring ftates which had hitherto remained neutral. The fatal reverfe of fortune, experienced by the king of Sweden after the battle of P'ultowa, foon became pro- du£live of dangers not lefs formidable to the confederate powers than thofe which had been impending during the period of his prof- perlty. The czar, the elector of Saxony, and the king of Denmark, confpired to take advantage of the deprefled condition of their ad- verfary. TTie firfb conquered Livonia ; Auguftus recovered the- throne of Poland ; and the king of Denmark made a defcsnt upon Schonen, and renewed his pretenfions to the duchies of Holftein and Bremen'. The Swedifh general Graffau, at the head of a numerous and well difciplined army, had retired into Svvedilli Pomerania ; and threatened to make an irruption into Saxeny. The count Steen- bock, who commanded another divifion of the Swedes, having ob- tained a vidlory over the Danes at Gadefbufh, was making depre- dations in the dillridt of Holftein Gotorp. To prevent the exten- • Hiftory o£ Europe, 1709, p. 264. 345. Id. 17 10. p. 13. 436.596, 43i HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, fion of the northern war Into Germany, the emperor, the queen of L. —.- mj England, the United States, and fome of the German princes, en- Ma7V7io *S'*sd '^^^^ ^ treaty for maintaining a neutraUty in thofe provinces, belonging to Denmark, Sweden, and king Auguftus, which lay with- in the boundaries of the empire ; and for this end each of the con- tracting powers became bound to furnifli a certain contingent of troops for ferving in the northern frontiers, upon the event of adual danger \ The czar, king Auguftus, and the regency of Sweden, explicitly approved of this meafure ; and the king of Denmark did fo with a few refervations. When king Charles heard of it, he exprcfled the utmoft difpleafure at the conduit of the allied powers; and in- ftructed his ambaffador at Vienna to enter a folemn proteftation, condemning the treaty, and threatening vengeance againft the parties concerned in it, as well as his former declared enemies '. He had already been inftrumental in perfuadlng the fultan to declare war againft the czar, and difpofed as he was for the moft defperate under- takings, his threats were not to be regarded as impotent and defpica- ble ; nor did the apprehenfion of the allies arife merely from the connexion which he had formed with the fultan. The French king, difappointed in the ifTue of his late negotiations for peace, was mov- ing every engine to improve the commotions in the north to his own advantage, by difuniting the members of the confederacy, and raifing new enemies to oppofe it. While one of his mlnifters at the Porte was intriguing with the grand feignior againft the emperor, another in Mufcovy was labouring to conciliate the czar by tender- ing his mafter's fervices to make a peace between him and theTurks*. The * Lettres Hiftoyiques, torn, xxxvii. p. 462. Letter of Lord Towi){hend to Mr. Boyle, 510. Barre, torn. X, p. 582. The troops Oaober 17 11. MSS. After his defeat at Pul- of the neutrality were to a(remble on the banks towa, Charles had fled to the fultan, and v.-as of the Oder. The parties engaged were not to now living at Bender under his proteftion. interfere in the northern war unlefs it extended ♦ Letters from Lord Town/hend to Mr. to Germany. St. John, November and December. MSS. 3 Manifcfto of Charles, 28th January 171 1. Trora the whole correfpondence between the F.nvrlj/li QJJ E E N ANN E. 433 The czar and the French king were both tampering with the king of ^J^^^- Pruffia, and making him tempting oflers to abandon the grand alii- i — v — .«j ly 1 1> ance, and to take an adive part in the northern war. The allies were at the fame time endeavouring to counterv.'ork the intrigues of the French king, and prevent a coalition between him and the czar, by renewing the ftrongeft aflurances of their attachment to the latter, and of their readincfs to mediate in his behalf with the fultan, whofe armies were making incurfions into the eaftern frontier of the Ruffian empire. While the efte(51;s of thefe negotiations were yet depending and un- certain, the Pollfh, Mufcovite, and Imperial minifters, applied to the contracting powers for their ftipulated quotas to preferve the neu- trality of the empire. They enforced their applications by argu- ments, calculated to fpread the alarming apprehenfions with which they themfelves were agitated. While general Craffau was hovering on the borders of Poland, it would be knpoffible for them to oppofe the king of Sweden, with a' fufficient force, on the fide of Turkey, who, if he were fuccefsful, would not only be enabled to effect a revolution in Poland, but to kindle a war in the heart of the German empire '.. , The court of England and the States were now convinced, that they had been too precipitate in acceding to the treaty of neutrality, which was likely to be attended with fuch confequenccs as would oblige them to carry on an ofFenfive war in a new quarter, and Englifh minifters and the ambaiTadors at the " would wound us in a vital part, create an JIagiie, it appears that they were greatly «' immediate divifion in favour of France, and »larmed by the northern diftiirbanccs. " confound tlie whole fyftem of the war." " The affairs of the north, next to thofe of Letter from Mr. St. John to lord Townfhend, *' Spain, demand, and take up, the greateft 29th December, 1710. MSS. " (hare of our attention. The queen's greateft ^ Letter from Mr. St. John to Lord Town- "apprehenfions- arofe from the corps of fliend, s'lft Oaober 1710.' Letter from M. - - " Swedifh troops in Pomerania. An inunda- d'Elorme to Mr. St. John, Oftober 17 10. « tion of Turks and Tartars into Poland and Letter from the Amlsaffadors to Mr. St. " Mufcovy, might indeed affed the common John, 2d Jan\iary 171 1. Letter from Lord " caufe in fome degree ; but the leaft motion Townlhend to Mr. St. John, 3d Feb. 17 1 1. *' of that army, v?hich Craifau- command?, MSS.' :. ' ' ' -' ' ■'•■'■ 2^ detrad 1711. 434 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. C H A P. detracl from the force oppofed to the French king*. It was difficulf X V III, to evade their engagements, and it was no lefs fo to find the means of fulfilling them. The miniflers, who had lately come into power in England, having uniformly accufed their predeceflbrs of wanton- nefs and facility in forming continental alliances, now availed them- felves of every pretext to avoid altogether, or at leaft to delay com- pliance with the requifitions of the reft of the contradling powers ; and contended, that the treaty was not coercive or obligatory, till the German provinces wei*e actually in a ftate of invafion. Afraid, how- ever, of offending the Ruifian and Imperial courts, and having in- formation that the French were concerting meafiares to adt in con- jundion with the Swedes in Pomerania, the maritime powers began to think ferioufly of providing their contingents, agreeably to the terms of the treaty'. But here new difficulties arofe which occafioned. great embarraffment to the Englifli cabinet. As none of the native troops of Britain could be fpared, it was propofed to transfer tha Saxons in her pay to ferve in the neutral army ; but though. Auguf- tus would have been pleafed with this meafure, yet, from th« perfonal attachment of thefe troops to him, >t would have put the neutrality too much in his power, and perhaps have counterafted the very pur- pofe of its formation '. The king of Pruflia was folicitous to have his fon, the prince royal, appointed to the fupreme command of the * Letter /lom Lord TownHiend to Mr.. " are of opinion, that this will be the bell St. John, 31ft Oftober lyio. Letter from " expedient for freeing ourfelves from the en- Mr. St. John to Lord Tovvnrtiend, 29th De- " gagements we lie under on account of the cember 1710. MSS. " neutrality, and getting out of the many " As to the affairs of the north, I carmot " difRcuIties which perplex that matter." Let- «' help thinking, that the Poles and Mufco- ler from Mr. St. John to Lord Tovvnftiendj " vites might well-look upon us as their dupes, 23d January 171 1. MSS. " if we fliould enter into the expence of tlie ' Letter from Mr. St. John to Lord Town- •' guarantee when th» reafon of it does not fhend, 24th, 31ft Oftober, 1710; J3th Fc- " take place." Letter from Mr. St. John to bruaryryil. Letters from the Ambafladors Lord Townfhend, 24th Oftober 1710. to Mr. St. John, l6th December 1710; 20th «• If the king of Poland fhould recall his January, loth March, 171 1. MSS. " troops from Flanders, as fome pofitive ad- ' Id. Letters from Lord Townfhend to «' vices at the Hague fay he is refolved to Mr. St. John, 30th January; 13th, 27th Fc- ** do, tke (^ueen and the lords of the council bruary 171 1. MSS. aeutral QJJ E E N A N N E. 435 neutral army, which was oppofed by the other northern powers chap. from a well founded jealoufy of his felfiflinefs and ambition. The court of England, whatever part it chofe to take in this conteft, muft unavoidably have incurred the difpleafure and reproach of fome of the allies. From all thefe caufes, the commotions in the north of Europe contributed in no fmall degree to impair the colleftive power of the confederacy, and in proportion to raife the hopes of the French king'. Independent of external caufes unfavourable to the confederacy, the jealoufies and difcords, which had long fubfifted among its mem- bers, -were now grown to fuch excefs as rendered it incapable of uni- form and perfevering exertions. While England honourably ful- filled, and even went beyond, her engagements, all the reft of the confederates fell fliort of theirs'". Flence their efforts in the com- mon caufe were not only cramped and enervated by a deficiency in money and troops, but their affed:ion and confidence were alienated from each other by the breach of thofe contradls, into which they had entered as individuals, and which had been a principal allure- ment with fome of them for taking a part in the war. The condudl of the emperor to the duke of Savoy exhibited every form and ag- gravation of perfidy. Some of his engagements he endea\'Gured to elude by refined and fophifticai interpretations of the terms in which they were expreffed, and he delayed the execution of others upon the moll frivolous pretences. In refentment of this ingratitude, the duke grew remifs in his later exertions, and had he not been foft- ened by the attention of the queen of England, and the hopes of her obtaining jullice for him, there can be little doubt but that he would openly have abandoned the confederacy". By refufing the ' In the courfe of the enfuiiig campaign, army ; and, from thefe circumftancas, the beu- the Ruffian army was completely defeated at trality was never carried into execution. Life Pruth, 1 8th July; and peace reftored between of Charles XII. p. 194. tlie fultan and the czar. Hiftoire dc Louis, '° LetttrsofMr. Boyle, Lord Townfhend, torn. vi. p. 553. King Auguftus recalled the and Mr. St. John, 1709, 10, paffini. MSS. Saxon troopsj.vvhich weakened the confederate " /)ppend\n, N^XXX. 3 K 2 ' , ^ eledor lyii. 43^ HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. Sfvni^' ^''^^'^'^ palatine the inveftiture of the upper palatinate, which had been unjuftly transferred to the duke of Bavaria, the emperor pro- voked the former to detain his troops from the afliftance of the allies ". His Imperial majefty brought difgrace upon the alliance by violat- ing faith with neutral powers, as well as with thofe who had acceded to it. The Venetians, the Grifons, and other petty ftates in Italy, not only complained of his former ufurpations, but of his retradling thofe recent conceffions which had induced them to furnifli the armies, oppofed to France, with important accommodation during the war ". The Dutch pleaded the notorious defalcations and faithlefTnefs of the emperor, as an apology for their own deficiencies in troops, which they had engaged to furnifli for carrying on the war on their own frontier ; and they fell in arrears to the king of Portugal for the fuftenance money of his troops, which they were bound to pay jointly with the queen of England '*. The king of Pruffia, abforbed entirely in his own intereft, availed himfelf of every emergency to raife the price of his fervices '\ He took umbrage at the ftates, becaufe they declined interfering with the provincial courts of juftice in cafes where his property was at ftake, and threatened to difband his army, if all his demands were not complied with. Thefe contentions and difputes were a peculiar fource of anxiety and trouble to the queen and her minifters. While flie was remonftrating with all her allies, one by one, for fail- ing in their engagements to the common caufe, they, each in his turn, brought complaints againft the others ; and, as if fhe had been furety for every delinquent, demanded her interpofition for enforcing the redrefs of their wrongs. The whig minifters having always ftood forth as advocates for the allies when cenfured by the Tories, and having exercifed a didatorial authority over the deputies of the " Succeflion of Spain confidered, p. 28. '* Letter from the AmbafTadors to Mr. St. Lond. 1711. John, 26th December 1710. MSS. " Al^psndix, N" XXX. Paragraph fiith. _»' /l^paidiK, N° XXX. Paragraph tenth. States QJJEEN ANNE. 437 States during the recent negotiation for peace, were more anxious ^^^y^j^" than ever to conceal, from the people of England, the felfifhnefs and ^- — "-J -^ injuftice of their continental friends. They indeed inftrudted the plenipotentiaries at the Hague to urge the emperor and the States to perform their engagements ; but they ftill maintained the language of politenefs and refpedl in all their intercourfe with them. The new minifters began their correfpondence with the allies in the fame courtly ftrain. They exprefTed their earneft wifti for the vigorous profecution of the war in the enfuing campaign, and particularly for the recovery of the Spanilh monarchy ; they promifed uncommon exertions on the part of England, and expoftulated with the emperor and the Dutch, in refpeclful terms, upon the juftice and necefHty of making good their feveral engagements as the condition on which thefe exertions were to be expedled '*. But finding them ftill un- complying and evafive, and each of them pleading one another's breach of faith as an excufe for his own, the minifters aflumed a more manly and decifive tone. They declared explicitly that Eng- land would no longer fubmit to be the dupe of the allies ; that fne would not go one ftep beyond the letter of her engagements in car- rying on the war, nor fo far, unlefs her partners amended their conducSt by performing theirs better than they had done in time ~ paft ". Thus, it appears, that, at the opening of the campaign, the confidence of England was entirely withdrawn from the allies ; that it was impoffible for them to a£l together v/ith unanimity and vi- gour ; and this was a principal caufe of the forwardnefs with which the Englifti minifters were now entering into the negotiations for peace. " Appendix, N^XXX. ferted during the campaign 1710. Reafons '' Beiides the caufes of weakening the for putting a fpeedy End to the War, p. 7. gp-and alliance above mentioned, its force was 13. Lond. 171 1. Poll -boy, 20th Septem- greatly diminilhed by the defertion which took, ber 1711. It was computed that, by defer- place in the lall years of the war. Not lefs tion and death, the allies loft forty-five thou- than ten, fome fay twenty thoufand, of the fand mea in the year 17 10. Id. troops ia the pay of Britain asd the allies, de- The 433 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. The death of the emperor Jofeph*, and the approaching fucceffioii L -. - ' of his brother, efrentially changed the nature of the war; and anni- * &h^\ nl h^l^^^'^ ^^"^^ ^'^^y obje£t for the attainment of which the grand alli- ance had been formed. Such an immenfe mafs of power, as muft have accumulated from the union of the empire and Spain, y^as not lefs formidable to the independence of Europe than the extcnfion of the dominion of France. It was vain to expe£l that motives of juf- tice would avail to bridle an ambition, which could fo eafily fur- mount every barrier to gratification. Were fuch an event to take place, the future independence of Europe could be maintained only by an entire inverfion of the fcheme of the confederacy, and by re- ftoring that power to whofe deftruiftion it had hitherto been direded. Although, from the danger of fuddenly dillblving the prefent con- federacy and the difficulty of fubftituting a new one in its place, it appeared expedient to all the parties concerned flill to preferve its form and name, yet; the convidtion, with which all of them were imprcfled, of its original principle and utility being at an end, imme- diately occafioncd a relaxation in its principle and debility of its a£tive force. Aware of thefe circumftances, the French king now made the mod ftrenuous exertions, and brought more men into the field in 1711, than he had done in any campaign fince the com- mencement of the war '\ The genius and talents of the duke of Marlborough ftill rendered the fcene of war bufy and interefting wherever he prefided ; and all the difivdvantages under which he laboured from the revolutions of domellic and foreign politics, inftead of obfcuring or interrupting his glory, only ferved to heighten its luftrc, and to afcertain his tran- fcendant and appropriate merit, •' Memoirs of the Four laft Years, SiC. lieveil that he fecretly wifhed for that event, p. 115.. The French king made the fhevv of knowing that the confederates would be Icfs preparations for oppofing the eleftion of king warm on the article of the Spaiiifh Monarchy. Charles to the Imperial crown ; but, it is be- Felonious Treaty, p. 18. Lond. 171 1. 6 On QJJEEN ANNE. 439 On the 30th of April, the Dutch, Englifli, and auxiliary troops ^-^^f' were colledted under the duke of Marlborough at Orchies, and, after 1 pafling the Scarpe, were pofted along the road from Douay to Va- lenciennes "'. As prince Eugene had withdrawn from the grand army with the Germans to the Upper Rhine, the duke found him- felf unable, for fonie time, to attempt any ofFenfive enterprife againll Villars, who had encamped with a fuperlor force behind the Senfet. Several fkirmifhes happened in which the French had the advan- tage, and fome convoys belonging to the allies were intercepted ", On the 14th June, the duke, having crofled the canal at Arleux, and repaired the Scarpe near Vitry, encamped on the plains of Lens with expedlation of bringing the enemy to a pitched battle. Not being able to accomplifh this, he formed the refolution of attacking their lines, which being covered by Arleux, upon the fide of a morafs, it became neceffary to diflodge their garrifoa from thence. This was carried into execution on the 6th July by a detachment from the garrifon of Douay, which, notwithftanding the fire of the enemy, palTed a deep ditch, and made prifoners of the garrifon ; but before the works were put in a fufficient ftate of defence, Arleux was again retaken by the French*'. The fuperiority of Marlbo- rough's genius, roufed upon this occafion by a fcnfe of affront, ren- dered the triumph of his enemies illufive and tranfient. He ad- vanced with a great body of the army to Villars Brulin, within two leagues of their lines, and made fuch preparations for attacking them there, as imprefled his own troops as well as the French with the perfuafion of his being in earneft. Villars called in all his troops which were in the neighbouring pofts, and made the moft proper difpofitions for repelling the expeded attack ". In the mean while, the ■» Lfdiard, vol. ii. p. 304. courfc of the war; and, when he heard of it, '° Quincy, torn, vi, p. 503-. he was greatly chagrined, and faid he would. *' Hiftory ef Europe, 171 1, p. 311. Le- be revenged upon Villars. Kane, p. 90. diard, vol. ii. p. 308. The retaking of Ar- " Quincy, torn. vi. p. 514. Thefe linas !eux was confsdered as one of the greateft mif- extended from the fource of the Canche to that fortunes that had attemled the d.ike in the of the Scaipe, covered all the country from the fea ^40 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, the duke of Marlborough fent private inftrudlons to general Cado- t_ - - \_j gan, to draw together all the forces ftationed in the vicinity of ''"^' Douay, Lille, and St. Anxand, to move towards Arleux, and endea- vour to pafs the Senfet, while he himfelf fliould advance with the main army towards the fame point. The confederates under the duke, being ftill ignorant of his intention, received orders to llrike their tents on the approach of night ; and to hold themfelves in rea- dlnefs to marcli, each column as direded by the officer who com- 4th Augiift, manded it. At nine in the evening, the v/hole army began to move without beat of drum, and, pufhing forward with uncommon expe- dition, pafled the Scarpe, and joined the detachments in the neigh- bourhood of Arleux within the fpace of ten hours. The paffages on the Senfet and the Schelde were already occupied by general Ca- dogan, the French having withdrawn from them without the leafl fufpicion of the allies comiftg there. Villars, not knowing that the confederates had marched till fix liours after their departure, made all the liafte he could to prevent them from getting within his lines; but he did not come in fight till they had' paffed the defile of Mar- quion, where finding them drawn up and prepared to receive him, lie immediately retreated behind the adjacent morafs ''. The fecrecy of this enterprife, the celerity with which It was con- dudled, its final fuccefs without the lofs of a man, and the great re- nown of Villars, who was completely out-generalled, afforded the fea to the Maefe; and were deemed an im- borough's fuccefs to the orders which Villars pregnable bamer agaiuil the allies penetrating had received from the French court,, which re- into the interior of France. Quincy, torn. vi. ■ {trained him from engaging the allies. Quin- p. 450. Miljt-ajy t^iftorjr of Marlborough, cy, torn. vi. p. 516, 614. The capture of p. Too. ' • Bouchain fufficiently evinced the importance " The duke rode as near the enemies lines of the duke's fuccefs on this occafion ; and, " as their cannon would permit ; he often it is incredible, that Villars, even though he « Hopped, and (hewed the general officers how had been rclbained from aggreffion, (liould 5' he woiild have the army drawn up next not at leaft have done all in his power to de- •' inorniriEi;:»Ed pointed with his cane to the fend himfelf; .and, therefore, his permitting " places -where the attack fliould be made." Marlbarough ,to remain w^tlin the Frfench :OKane, p. 92, 3. lines can be attributed to no other caufe thaa *^ Lediard, vol. ii. p. 315. Kane, p. 92. his inability to prevent it. Appendix, N° XXXI. Quincy imputes Marl- • • friends IJlt. QJJEEN ANNE. " 441 friends of the duke of Marlborough folid ground for boafting of it as ^Jyf\J*' a fignal proof of his military genius, and, as it was his laft, for placing it among his moft brilliant exploits '*. Nor was his prudence, after this adion, lefs confpicuous than his merit in contriving and conducing it. The whole army, in a tranfport of joy for fuccefs fo fudden and important, were impatient to be led into the field to confummate their glory by more adlive and intrepid exertions. The Dutch deputies, who were wont to reprefs the heroic ardour of the duke when it ftimulated him to enterprifes of more eafy attainment, yielded, upon this occafion, to that temerity which is naturally in- fpired by good fortune, and urged him to give battle to the French army. But he knew when to fight, and when to abftain from it. Never was there a general, who compared circumftances, and com- puted chances, with greater difcernment and precifion. Acquainted with the human frame, he could not be ignorant, that its faculties are over-rated, and its expectations deceitfully exalted, by recent fen- fations of joy. His men were not themfelves fenfible how much their ftrength was exhaufted by the fatigues they had already en- dured. The cavalry had only difmounted twice for a ihort interval during the fpace of forty-eight hours. The French were compara- tively frefh, having marched within their lines, while the allies had advanced by a circuitous route to the ground on which they met . The duke now determined to undertake the fiege of Bouchain, important for its fituation at the confluence of the Senfet and the Schelde. It was inverted on the 10th of Auguft, but by the vigor- ous efforts made by Villars in keeping up a communication with the town, it did not furrender till the 1 3th of September ", ** Lediard, vol. ii. p. 317. Spcclator, *' Military Hiftory of the Duke of Marl- N" 139. The duke himfelf had the fame borough, p. 533. Biop;raphia Britannica, opinion of this exploit. See his Letters to the p. 556. Eledor of Hanover. Hanoverian Papers, ' Lediard, vol. ii. p. 328. j^fficndi:;, 171 1. N'XXXI. 3L The 442 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. The feverlty of the feafon, and the fcarcity of provifions, obUged XVIII. ... (_ . ' J the grand armies prematurely to clofc this campaign, which termi- 'r^'i^ natcd the illuftrious career of the Britifh general. The French had greatly augmented their force upon the Rhine, expe£ting that the vacancy of the Imperial throne would furnifh them with a favourable opportunity for invading Germany, and difturbing the approaching eledion. The good conduit of prince Eugene, who now headed the German army, reinforced by all the Imnerial and Palatine troops in Flanders, and the unanimity of the eledors in making choice of Charles to the Imperial fucceffion, fruf- trated their defigns, and left them nothing to boaft of, except the temporary and inconfiderable advantage of fubfifting fome detach- ments at the expence of the Germans"'. Much had been expedled this campaign from the duke of Savoy, who, being gratified in moft of his demands by the emperor, re- J'j!y. fumed the command of the Italian army. He pafled into Savoy, defeated the French army at Conflans ; and purfued his march with the defign of penetrating into Dauphiny and the Lionnois ; but^ being oppofed by the duke of Berwick, who knew well how to take 5th Sept. his ground, the Italians got no farther than Marches, and retreated without having performed any thing worthy of record ". As the Tories, now in power, had often complained of the late miniftry for negledting affairs in Spain, it was expedled that the moft vio"orous exertions w^ould be made in that quarter. A large fupply was provided for the Spanifh fervice ; and the duke of Argyle was appointed to the command of the Britifh troops, with the promife af confiderable reinforcements : but, when he arrived at Barcelona, he found the troops in fuch a wretched condition, as rendered them unfit for the field ; nor was he fupplied with money neceffary for equipping and fuftaining them ''. This negligence, fo unexpeded and *' Barr.', torn. x. p. 596. vol. il. p. 1 1 9. *9 Quiiicy, torn. vi. p. 562. Berwick, '» Tlie duke of Argyle was obliged to rai£e money QJJEEN AN MS. 443 and notorious, afforded the Whigs a fair opportunity of retorting CHAP, upon their fucceflbrs with the very weapons which had been .pointed v— — . — ^ againft themfelves. It ought, however, to be confidered, that the ' death of tlie emperor, which happened after the fupplies were voted for Spain, put a new face upon the politics of Europe, and rendered it at leaft doubtful, how far it would have been proper to continue the ftruggle for throwing additional power into the hands of his brother. The exlvaufted ftatc of Arragon, Valencia and Catalonia, which had been the principal theatre of the war during the preceding campaigns, as well as the diminution of the French and Spanifh armies, by a fucceflion of bloody battles, rendered them unable to * take the field till the feafon was too far advanced to accomplifh any enterprife of moment. The principal adtion in Spain, during this campaign, happened at the important pafs of Prato del Rey, which was attacked by the duke iSthSepu of Vendofme ; but fo bravely defended by the duke of Argyle and marfhal Staremberg, that the French and Spanifh army was forced to retreat with great lofs. The caftles of Arens and Venafque, and the town of Cardona, were the only acquifitions made by the arms of Philip '\ In Portugal, the advantages gained by the French amounted to no- thing more than making fome incurfions into the frontier, and tak- ing a few inconfiderable towns " A French fleet entered the bay of Rio de Janeiro in Brafil, where they burnt the Portuguefe fhips of war in that ftation. They after- wards made themfelves matters of St. Sebaftian, which they retained September, money on his plate and perfonal credit for de- the enemy upon Venafque, Arrens, and Car- fraying a part of the charges of the army, dona to have failed. See Tindal, vol. is. Life of Argyle, p. 69. p. 1 1 j. After reducing the city of Cardona, ^^ Journal of the Campaign in Spain, 171 1, the caftle was bcfieged. but relieved by gene- MSS. Quincy, torn. vi. p. 582. Some hif- ral Staremberg, 22d November. torians inaccurately reprefent the attempt* of ^' Annals of Anne, 171 1. 3 L 2 for 444 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, for two months, and carried off fix hundred and ten thoufand cru- XVIII. t— — ■- Lj fadoes (67,625!.), befides a great quantity of fugar and rich plunder ". ' ' A fquadron of eleven line of battle fhips, befides frigates and tranf- ports, with feveral regiments on board, were fitted out at great ex- pence, and fent to annoy the French plantations in North America, and to attempt getting pofleffion of the forts in Canada ; an expe- dition which was reprefented as more immediately conducive to the interefl of England than any that had been undertaken in th€ courfe of the war. From the latenefs of the feafon,. the fhortnefs of provi- fions, and the bulk of the veffels, which rendered them unfit for en- tering the rivers, this expedition not only failed, but eight of the izd Auguft. tranfports were caft away in the river St. Laurence, and moil of the men on board perifhed ". ** Quincy, torn. vi. p. 603. "• Lives of the Admirals, vol. iii. p. 270. Political State, vol. ii. p. 567. QUEEN ANNE. 445 CHAP. XIX. Steps towards Peace.— Preliminaries Jtgned by Lord Dartmouth and Mr. St. john.—Difapproved of by the Allies.— The United States confent to the cpening a Treaty at Utrecht. — Meafures of Adminijiralion. — State of Par- ties.— Sejfton of Parliament.— ^een' s Speech, 'zsfc. — Duke of Hamilton's Claim to fit as a Britijh Peer, rcjeft$d.—A6l for better preferving the Church of England. — Addrefs of the Lords relative to the Allies. —Tioel-ve new Peers created, — Mr. Walpole expelled the Houfe of Commons. — Votes againjl the Duke of Marlborough. — Rcprcfentation of the Commons on the Condud cf the Allies. — Addrefs of the Lords againfl the Terms of Peace propofed by the French Plenipotentiaries. — Pritice Eugene comes to England and urges the Continuance of the War.— State of Religion in Scotland. — .^fair of Mr. Greenfhield's. — Ad for preventing the Dijlurbance of Perfons •worjliippirig according to the Engli/}} Liturgy — For refioring the Right of Patronage— For fettling the Precedency of the Princefs Sophia. — Bills pro- pofed.— Supplies.— The Shjccn communicates to both Houfes the Progrefs of the Treaty. — Proceedings of the Convocation. — Campaign 1712. — Myflerious Conduct of the Duke of Qrmond. — Sufperfion of Hcflilities between France and England. — The Duke of Ormond marches to Dunkirk. — .^efnoy taken by Prince Eugene. — Vidory of Villars at Denian — Confequent Succcfs of the French. — Campaign in Spain — Portugal — Italy — on the Rhine. TJEFORE I return to domeftic affairs, it will be necelTary to CHAP. give an account of the fteps towards peace, which coincided ^^^' v;ith the tranfaftions ah'eady mentioned, and materially affected the interefl; of parties, and the ftate of public meafures, during the enfu- ing feffion of parliament. There is no department of hiftory of more difficult inveftigation than that which relates to negotiations and treaties. Being fecret and concealed at their commencement, they become f\ill more intricate and myflerious from the ftujied. fine.ffe with which they are carried on. The few, who are made privy to them, are often but partially informed j and, from a fond- 44<5 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, jiefs to ralfc their own confequencc, fubflltute conieftures In the XIX. ... place of fadts. Many interefling circumftances, relative to the treaty of Utrecht, are fo differently reprefented by the very perfons who had a fliare in conducllng it, that we arc utterly at a lofs to recon- .cile their accounts, otherwife, than upon the fuppofition of their having been kept ignorant of the inftruitions given to their fellow agents, and perhaps of their very names ; and feverally charged with departments, which made them acquainted with different, thoup'h not inconfiftent or irreconcilable circumftances. The ■ il- luftration of this will arife from the narrative upon which I now enter. As the exhaufted condition of France rendered the king ftill de- firous of peace, fo he confidered the change of the niiniftry in Eng- land as propitious to the renewal of negotiations for that end '. After the propofals which had already been rejetled by the States at Ger- trudenberg, with the concurrence of the whig minifters, every hope of accommodation was excluded while the latter remained in power; whereas the inclinations of thofe, who were now at the helm, were favourable to peace ; and the ftability of their influence depended upon its fpeedy accomplifhment. In the month of January, the abbe Gualtier, who had been for fome time carrying on a correfpondence with the French minifters, was fent to Paris by lord Jerfey, with a verbal mefTage, expreffing the pacific difpofition of the Englilh cabinet ; but intimating, at the fame time, their fixed purpofe not to enter upon any treaty with- out the knowledge and participation of their allies \ The mortifi- cations ' Mefnagcr's Negotiations, p. 62. 77. * The abbe Gualtier, chaplain to the count Lond. 1709. Some of the whig hiftorians Gallas, became acquainted with the countefs aflert that Mr. Harley and Mr. St. John had, of Jerfey, who ufually attended the Imperial carried on a fccret correfpondence with the chapel, and ftie recommended him to her huf- Frtnch court about peace fince the year 1707 ; band as a fit perfon to be employed in carry- and that the queen approved of it. Old- ing mefTages to France. Berwick, vol. ii. mixon, vol. ii. p. 475. I have not found p. 114. fufficient evidence for this affcrtion. Mefnager fays, that the firft offers of peace were Q^UEEN ANNE. " 447 cations which the French king had experienced from the confer- C HA P. ences in 1709 and 1710, made him defirous to fct the negotiations i_-—%^—i on foot, without acknowledging the States ; but as this was a point ' in which both tlie honour and popularity of the Englifh minifters were involved, he, at length, upon their urgent entreaties, confented to draw up a memorial, containing the fundamental propofitions 220 April. upon which he was willing to treat, to be communicated through their intervention to the reft of the allies \ As the Englllh minifters began this bufmefs with every proper teftimony of refpedt for their allies, fo the latter were not wanting in profeflions of gratitude to them, while at the fame tline they exprefted their diflatisfaction with the French memorial, as too general, and calculated to fow the feeds of jealoufy among the parties concerned \ Although the nego- tiation began fmoothly, it is certain, that no true confidence now fub- fifted between the allies and the court of England. The former had entered, the lifts againft the Tories, upon the firft furmife of a change in the Englifh cabinet, and were afraid of their refentment now, when feated in power. The queen was exafperated at the States, on account of their impertinent interference in her domeftic arran"-e- ments : her plenipotentiaries, agreeably to their inftruftions, had now begun to remcnftrate fharply with all her allies on account of their dilatorinefs and deficiencies in furnifhing the ftipulated fupplies for carrying on the war : in the difcuffion of the queftions relative to abufes in the management of the revenue during the laft feflion of parliament, the minifterlal partifans had often animadverted on the condufl: of the confederate powers, and particularly that of the United States. Their felfifhnefs, their impofitions upon the good were concerted between him and the marfi^.al * Tindal, voL ix. p. 139. Mr. St. John,. Tallard, p. 116. Whereas de Torcy fays in his letter to lord Raby, 27th April I7II> that the abbe Gualtier was the firft that broke fays, that the terms of the propofitions are the ice; Torcy, vol. ii. p. 179 ; but Torcy very general; and that there is an airof com- probably c!id not know of Mefnagcr's miffion plaifance to England, and the contraiy to to England. Holland, which might he. of ill confcquence^, ' Torcy, vol. ii. p. 12.0. Prior's Hiftory, but can be of none as long ss the queen ani p. 338. States undcrflond each other. 5 nature- 448 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. C H A P. nature and generofity of the Englifh ; and the jarring interefts of C_ — .— ~_j En'^land and Holland, in a commercial view, were often alluded to. ' ' After the recefs of parliament, the fame topics were induftrioufly circulated In converfatlon, and publiflied, under the patronage of minillry, in forms of compofition adapted to perfons of every tafle and ftation. The States, on the other fide, were notorioufly hoftile to the minifters, and did every thing in their power to fupport the cre- dit of the oppofite party ; and while they objefted to the propo- fitions tranfmittcd from the court of England, they were praftifing fecret artifices to engage the confidence of the French court, and to place themfelves at the head of the approaching negotiations '. While the treaty appeared to be at a ftand from the backwardnefs of the Dutch, it was advancing apace, by means of fecret conferences carried on between the private agents of England and France. Mon- fieur Mefnager, v.'ho had come privately over, and continued for fome time incognito in England, found opportunity, by the afliftance of marflial Tallard, to converfe with fome of the perfons who were in minifterial confidence. From throwing out hints apparently loofe and unpremeditated, With refpefl to the means of reftoring peace between England and France, he led them to fuch familiar communications, as enabled him to penetrate into the views and ex- pedations of the court. Mefnager then opened himfelf more freely to thofe with whom he had converfed in a private charadler, and producing fatisfadlory evidence of his being intrufted with the coun- fels of the French king, he was introduced perfonally to the mini- flers. The bufinefs from that time affumed a ferious form; expedients were difcuffed for removing the principal difficulties which ob- ftrudted an open negotiation ; feveral of the moft important articles, relative to the intereft of England and her allies, were fpecified ; and fuch affurances of confidence and good will exchanged, in name of ' Hiftory of the Four Laft Years, p. 277. Spain, and Portupfal, rendered the E:igl»fh Torcy, vol. ii. p. 124. The dilcovery of a miniftcrs more dcfirous to haflen the peace. fecret treaty in agitation, between France, Political State, vol. ii. p. 592, the QJJEEN ANNE. " ^ 443 the two foverelgns, as feemed to enfiire the final fuccefs of the treaty CHAP. Jri. La., as far as they were concerned. Mr. Prior was fecretly difpatched to ;- — ./— — j Paris to notify the difpofition of the EngUfii court ; and to explain more fully the terms upon which, probably, a general peace might be concluded '. Mefnager alfo returned to France, and having com- municated all that had palTed in private conference, he was fent backj Septemb.-r. together with Mr. Prior and the abbe Gualtier, invefted with an oilenfible charader to treat, in the name of the French king, with the perfons commiffioned for that purpofe by the queen of Eng- land ^ Every topic relative to this affair having been already difcuffed* little time was neceiTary for adjufting thofe points which were to be made the bafis of a general treaty; which were accordingly figned on the 27th of September by monfieur Mefnager, Mr. St. John, and the earl of Dartmouth *. When the preliminaries were made known to the Dutch by lord Strafford, the Englilh minifter at the Hague, they not only objeded to them as infufhcient for the bafis of a negotiation, but difpatched de Buys to remonftrate with the court of England, again ft any far- 9th Oft, ther proceedings in this bufmefs, till the French king ihould confent to name the fortified places, which were to conftitute their barrier. The emperor commenced his oppofition to the peace, by meafures no lefs ominous and difcouraging to its well-wifhcrs; he direded * Prior, p. 345'. formed for tlie empire and the houfe of Auf- ' They were all feized as fufpefted perfons tria ; that the works and fortifications of at Cantcrbuiy, in their way to London, but Dunkirk fhould be razed and demohdied after afterwards rtleafed by an order from the fe- tlie conclufion of the peace, on condition of a cretary of ftate. Prior, p. 348. proper equivalent being given to the French ' The fubftance of thefe was, that the king. French king fhould acknowledge the title of The preliminaries were firft communicated to the queen, and the proteftant fettlement ; the public by count Gallas, the Imperial am- 1,^ that he fhould take all juft and reafonable baffador, with the intention of prejudicing the meafures for hindering the crowns of France people againil them. A meffage was fent him and Spain being united; that the Dutch by Mr. St. John to come no more to' court, fiiould be put in pofTeflJon of fortified places Baron Bothmar's Memorial was alfo publiftied in the Netherlands to ferve hereafter for a bar- for the fame purpofe. Political State, vol. ii. rier ; that a fccure barrier fljould alfo be p. 579, 678. 3 M circular J7JI. 450 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^5^^- circular letters, to all the princes of the empire, and addreflfed the States, exhorting them to ftand firm in their adherence to the terms of the grand alliance ; and to join in interceding with the queen of England, to reje-hich communications were acknowledged with the ftrongeft aflurances of gratitude and confi- 18th. , dence in her government. Moft of the meafures introduced during this feflion related to the profecutlon of the late minifters, and to the cenfure of thofe mea- fures which they had directed. Mr. Walpole, the late fecretary, was ^^^ Dec. expelled the houfe of commons, and lent to the Tower, for having corruptly taken money as the price of contra(fl:s granted for foraging her majefty's troops in North Britain ^\ The duke of Marlborough, upon the information of the commif- fioners of accounts, was accufed of having received enormous fums luhDec. every year, by way of gratuity, from the contractors for furnifhing the Britifh troops with bread ; of having received two and a half per cent, out of the pay of the foreign troops in the fervice of Eng- land; and of having allowed Mr. Cardonnel, his fecretary, to exa£t '• He had received five hundred guineas, and found him incapable of being eleSed to fen-c a note for five hundred pounds, on account in the prefent parliament. They alfo refolved, of two contrafts for forage to her majefty's that Samuel Taylor, who had the minority of troops in North Britain. It appears from Mr. votes, was not duly elefted ; and that there- Mann's evidence in the houfe of commons, fore the eledion was void. Journals Com- 17th January-, and Mr. Walpole's vindication mons, 6th March 17 12. of himfelf, that the latter derived no advan- In the difpute relative to the Middlefex tage from thefe fums; that he had received eledion in the year 1769, the minifterial party them on Mr. Mann's account, having before referred to the cafe of Mr. Walpole, as a prece- ftipulated with the contraftors that he was to dent for the repeated espuli'ion of Mr. Wilkes ; be a fharer in this undertaking, at equal profit but oppofition appealed to the fame precedent er lofs, as (hould happen in performing the for refufing to fuftain the eleftion of colonel coBtraft. Lutterel, who had the fmalleft number of He was returned again member for the bo- votes. See this point ftated, Letters of Ju- rough of King's Ljnn, but the commo nius, p. 520. ' fi-ve 46i HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, five 'hundred ducats on every contraft ; and Mr. Sweet, the deptitv pa}'mafler, to deduce one per cent, for all the money he paid to the contra6tors^\ The duke of Marlhorough did not deny thefe charges, and pleaded, in his own vindication, that the premium, which he ■ ' had received from the contradlors, had been formerly allowed as a perquifite to the chief commander in the Low Countries ; that th^ deduction from the pay of the foreign troops had been granted by her majefty's warrant ; and that the emoluments, arifing from both* had been expended for the public fervice in procuring fecret intelli- gence, which had contributed, elTentially, to the fucccfs of thew^ar", Thefe apologies did not fatisfy the houfe of commons, who refolved, that taking money from the contractors was illegal ; that the two and a half per cent, from the pay of foreign troops, was public money, 34tHJaii. and ought to be accounted for; which refolutions, the fpeaker, at- tended by the whole houfe, prefented to her majefty, who gave orders to the attorney-general for profecuting the duke ^*. Several attempts were made to criminate the late "treafurer, but the only fpecious one was founded upon a report of the commif- fioners of accounts, reprefenting that the fum of twenty thoufand i-thOa. pounds had been lent to the Scottifli treafury, during the depend- ence of the union, of which txvelve thoufand had been repaid, and that the remainder ought to be accounted for to the public. Upon a full examination of evidence, it appeared, that the above fum had been remitted for the purpofe of enabling fome of the Scotti(h ^* Journals Commons, 21 ft December. liiments. Cunning}iam, vol. ii. p. 417. -3,5 Marlborough's Letter. Hngue, loth No- ^* The duke had been difmilfed from all vember. Annals Anne, 171 1 ; Appendix, his employments, 31ft December 171 1. The N" I. The value of the gratuities which the reafoii affigned for tliis by her majelly was, the duke had received from the contractors for inquiry depending before the houfe of corn- bread were calculated at fixty-three thoufand, mons relative to his grace's conduft. three hundred and nineteen pounds ; and the A profeeution was inftituted by the attor- .two and a half per cent, dedufted from the ney-general againft the duke ; but he foon payofthemercenary troops,- at the fum of four after went abroad, and it was dropt, which hundred and fixty thoufand, and one poimd. made people believe, cither that the miniftry The duke of Ormond, who fuccceded the mult have failed in evidence,^ or that they durll duke of Marlborough, enjoyed the fame emo- not proceed. Purfe and Mitre, p. 43. aiobillty, 1711, J2. QJJEEN ANNE. 463 nobility, in the confidence of tlie Englifh cabinet, to perform en- ^^jy^* gagements which they had come vmder, to fecure the affiftance of certain individuals in carrying on the union ; but that this bufinefs had been concealed from the treafury, left it {hould have given a handle to the enemies of government there for thwarting the treaty. Lord Godolphin did not materially contradi£t the ftatement of the eommiffioners ; and reprefented, that her majefty had agreed not to exa£t the reverfion of the debt ^\ From the myfterious circum- flances which attended this tranfa£tion, we are warranted to con- clude, that the money had been difpofed of in a way that could not be revealed to the public without bringing fome imputation . of felfifhnefs upon individuals, who had oftenfibly contributed to the fuccefs of the union ; nor will the moft rigid moralift be in- clined to cenfure the perfons then in power for fuch an allot- ment of the public money, when he attends to the value of the obje£t obtained ; and to the juftice of reimburfing the heavy ex- pences, neceflarily incurred by their friends, in countera(fting the plots of ignorant or ill-defigning men, hoftile to the true intereft of their country. By thefe proceedings, the minifters not only gratified their refent- ment, but dildofed the interefled views of their predeceflbrs in op- pofing the peace. This obje£l was ftill more diredly promoted by a feries of inquiries, tending to expofe the ill condudl of the allies towards Britain ; and to bear down thofe fcruples about feparating from them, which the Whigs propagated to render the treaty for peace unpopular. After a full examination of all the treaties, fub- '^ Second Report of the Commiffioneis of lord Godolphin, from the total fupprefTion of Accounts, 17th March. Upon the fidl exa- this bufinefs, after it had been brought for- m'.nation, lord Godolphin acknowledged that ward by a party, who had the inclination and twelve thoufand pounds had been paid back, power to condemn him, if any fliadow of guilt but afterwards correlated his evidence, and faid had appeared. It is a ftrong telliniony in his that it was not paid to him. PoHtical State, favour, that Dr. Swift fays of lu'm ; " / thiiii Tol. i!i. p. 218. We may however infer, that he cantwt ie accufeii of cornif lion" Jii&iiry o( no proof of corruption could be found againll the Four Lafl Years, p. 177, fidies, 4^4 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, fidles, and eftimatcs, in which Britain and the allies were jointly u,— V — —J concerned, the commons paffed various refolutions, expreflive of ''"' '^" their diflatisfadion with the condud: of the latter. Thefe were 4th March, afterwards laid before the queen in the form of a rcprefentation and addrefs'*, in confequence of which, lord Strafford was inftruded to notify to the ftates, that the queen required them to augment tlicir troops in a fair proportion to thofe of England ; and to threaten, if this was not complied with, that fhe would reduce hers to the proportion of thofe adtually furniflied by the States. Among the cenforious votes pafled by the commons, none affeded the honour of the late miniflers more deeply, and gave a greater alarm to the Dutch, than thofe which related to the barrier treaty. After having examined the treaty, and the correfpondence between TiSthFeb. the Englifh miniilers and lord Townfliend, it was refolved, that feveral articles of it were deftrudive to the trade and intereft of Great Britain; that lord Townfhend had no authority for confent- ^' From this reprefentation, compofed by Tit Thomas Hanmer, it appeared, that all the confederates had failed in their flipulations, and particularly in the quotas of men which they were bound to furniOi ; that Britain had always gone beyond her engagements ; and, during the war, had expended nineteen mil- lions by way of furphis, or beyond the fums fhe was bound to pay ; and that the part fhe had borne in the war was equal to that of the whole confederacy. The States prefenteJ a memorial to the queen, 3d April, attempting to refute the grounds upon which the reprefentation of the commons was founded. The fiibicance of it was, that, by the terms of the alliance, both powers had engaged their utmoft force ;i and that they had done all they could do ; they admitted that Grtat Britain had fometimes exceeded the proportion of (hips and men, fettled at the beginning of the campaign ; but that this could furniili no ground of cenfure againft them, while they fulfilled their ftipu- lations ; they objefted to fome of the calcu- lations, and afferted, that the revenue, arifing from the country where their barrier' lay, was over-rated. The faft feems to have been this : Al- though by the grand alliance between Eng- land, the empire, and Holland, the former was bound to affill the other two v/ith its utmoft; force by fea and land, yet, by a fubfequent conveation, the proportion, which the feveral parties were to contribute towards the war, was adjufted in the following manner. The emperor was obliged to furniih ninety thoufand men againft France ; Holland to bring fixty thoufand into the field, and England forty thoufand. In the progrefs of the war, the quotas of the allies were diminifhed, and thofe of England augmented ; and, when this was complained of, the former defended themfelves upon the general terms of the firft convention ; and, though the exiftence of the latter was no- torious and acknowledged, yet it is remark- able, when a fearch was made for it by the tory minifters, no copy of it could be found. Hiftory of the Four Laft Years, p. 148. ing QJJEEN ANNE. 465 Ing to them ; and that he and all who advifed the ratification were ^ ^^ P* enemies to the queen and the kingdom ". u.— >— - ^ 1712. Thefe difcoveries, tending to the difcredlt of the allies, made a deep impreflion upon the great body of her majefty's fubjedts, and united them with the minifters in the defire for peace ; but at the fame time, by widening the breach between the confederates and Britain, increafed the infolence of the French king, and raifed new obftrudlions to the negotiations. The commons, relying entirely on the wlfdom of adminlftratlon, avoided any interference in this bufinefs ; but the lords were by no means fatlsfied with the prelimi- naries which were propofed by the French, and prefented an addrefs 15th Fefe. to her majefty, affuring her, that they would afTift her with their lives and fortunes to carry on the war in conjundllon with the allies, till a fafe and honourable peace could be obtained. The prefence of prince Eugene, who arrived in England in the 5th Jan. beginning of the year, animated the efforts of the Whigs, and filled the court and the minifters with the apprehenfion of dangerous in- trigues for thwarting their meafures ^^ He had authority from the emperor to propofe fuch plans for continuing the war, and for miti- gating the burden of it to England, as began to make a great im- preflion, even upon thofe who had exprefled their earneft wifhes for a fpeedy peace ^'. The minifters of the States not only teazed the court with complaints and remonftrances, but carried their appeal to the people. Their letter to the queen, complaining of the de- 5th June. ^' While the queftion on the barrier treaty civility by the court, and her majefty pre- was depending, the States wrote a letter to the fented him with a fword, enriched with dia- queen, ipch February, exprcffing their will- raonds to the value of four thoufand five hun- ingnefs to explain, and treat upon fuch articles dred pounds. He was warmly carefied by as did not affeft its etTentials, or take away the the Whigs ; and entertained, with great mag- rights which they had acquired. The repeal nificence, by the great men of every party, of the barrier treaty, though perhaps necefTaiy Political State, vol. iii. J>- SSt 5^- for obtaining a peace, was certainly a harfti 3' Prince Eugene's Memorial. Political meafure towards the Dutch, and difhonourable State, vol. iii. p- 95- The emperor's memo- for the queen. rial, by her majeily's order, was commuui- '* Hiftory of the Four Laft Years, p. 56. cated to the commons, Febiaisry 26; ai.d Prince Eugene continued in London till the was made the bafis of reducing her contribu- 17th March. He was received with e.\teinal tions to the war in Spain. -2 O claratlon 466 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^xix'^ claratlon which they had received from the Britifli ambaflador, ' V— J was printed in Plolland, and circulated in England as foon as it was 17 12. 19th June, delivered to the court. The commons addreffed the queen, ex- preffing their fenfc of the indignity offered to her by this public- ation ; and praying that, in future, fhe would be pleafed to decline anfwering any memorials which were printed before being pre^ fented to her majefty. To the great zeal of the niiniflry and commons for the intercfl; of the Englifh church, we are to impute the repeal of fome laws, and the enafting of others, which, however reafonable and juft, gave great offence to the prellDyterians in Scotland. The liberal plans of William, with refpe£t to toleration there, had been greatly ob- ftrufted, not only by the religious bigotry of the people, but by the political principles of thofe who generally adhered to the epifcopa- lian perfuafion *°, and whofe known attachment to king James ren- dered the whig minifters more difpofed to comply with the fevere reftridlions upon religious freedom, which were ungeneroufly fug- gefted by the members of the eftablilhment. Though, from the de- fire of the king, feveral of the minifters, who refufed to conform to the new eftablifhment, ftill continued to officiate in parifhes where they were acceptable to the congregations ; yet this had been always underftood as an indulgence, which they owed to the connivance of the magiftrate, rather than to the intention of the law. As the doc- trinal tenets of the Scottifti epifcopalians and prefbyterians were the fame, and the difference in their forms of worfhip trivial, we are the more aftoniflied at the narrownefs of the latter, in grudging a tole- ration to their proteftant brethren, while they themfelves were vefted with exclufive authority and emoluments as a national eftablifh- ment. About the beginning of the prefent reign, a great change of fen- timent began to operate upon the Scottifh epifcopalians. It was na- *" Letter concerning Toleration. Edinburgh, 1703. tural 41 41 »' Memoirs of the Four Laft Ycai-s, p. 246. " ruks, and ceremonies in tlie worfliip of Queries to the Scotch Innovators. " God in public aflemblies, the introduftion Lond. 1712. The commiffion of the general " whereof was not fo much as once attempted aflembly complained of the ufe of the liturgy, " even during the late prelacy." Aft of the not only becaufe it was a violation of the uni- Commiffion, 5th Augull 1709. formity of vvorftiip fecured by law, but be- There was nothing in the epifcopal worfhip caufe " it introduced the ufe of fet forms, in Scotl.md, to which the prelbytcrians ob- 3 O 2 jefted, 1712. QJJ E E N A N N E. 467 tural for them, in their deprefled condition, to cherifh the idea of a CHAP, relation to that religious community, in the neighbouring kingdom, wliich, under the fandtion of law, enjoyed a conftitution and polity confonant to their own principles ; and this propenfity paved the way for a nearer conformity, by adopting the Englifh modes of worfhip. It was alfo realonable to conclude, that, as the fovereign was herfelf a member of that church and zealous for its intereft, fo, by accepting and ufing the liturgy, they were likely to ftand on fairer ground for obtaining her prote(3;ion when flie had a fafe opportunity of bellowing it. The event of the union contributed ftlll farther to the encourage- ment of thefe hopes ; and accelerated the period of their being rea- lized. The incorporation of the legiflatures, of the two refpe£live kingdoms, feemed highly favourable to the uniformity of their reli- gious eftabliihments ; which would be more eafily accompliflied, if the eplfcopalians in Scotland could be induced to abolifli every dif- tindion, obftrudting their full communion with the church of Eng- land. The fame idea of the importance of a general uniformity, in wor- fhip and government, was fondly cherlfhed by fome dignitaries of the Englifh church, who recommended contributions to purchafe copies of the common prayer book for the ufe of the Scottifh eplfcopa- lians*'. A few of the clergy of that dcfcriptlon, who had been or- dained by the Englifh biHiops, and who officiated in the epifcopa- lian congregations in Scotland, read the prayers of the EnglHli church, though only in more private meetings, and occafionally, be- caufe it was didiked by the generality of their adherents *\ and ex- pofed l-flZ. ^68 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ' CHAP, pofcd the worfliippers to the double danger, of legal penalties, and the fury of a bigotted mob *\ A variety of circumftances contributed, in the progrefe of the pre- fent reign, to forward the profelytifm of the Scottifli epifcopalians to the Englifh forms of worfhip, and to encourage them to make a more open avowal of it. The queen had often exprefled her folicitude to obtain indulgence from the ecclefiaftical courts, in be- half of fuch of the fuperfeded clergy as were well afFeded to the government, and efteemed for their moderation and prudence *\ The enthufiafm which was kindled in England by the affliir of Dr. Sacheveral was conveyed beyond the Tweed, and raifed a congenial fpirit in thofe of fimilar principles in Scotland. The difgrace of the whig minifters who had patronifed the prefbyterians, and the ex- emplary zeal of their fucceffors, allured the attachment of the Scot- tifli epifcopalians, in whofe behalf it was exercifed, and of whofe rifing profperity they themfelves hoped to participate. The mem- bers of that community in Edinburgh now threw off all difguife, and openly attended the Englifli worfhip performed by Mr. Greenfhields, who had been ordained as a prefbyter by the bifhop of Rofs, and afterwards officiated as a curate at Tynan in the diocefe of Armagh. The prefbytery of Edinburgh fummoned him to appear before them, jefted, except the ufe of the Lord's prayer, the principal members of the congregation. the doxology, and the apoftle's creed at bap- Letter of the Chancellor of Scotland, 8th tifm. Apology for the Epifcopal Clergy in March 1703. Minutes of the Privy Council. Scotland. Lond. 1793. The prefbyterian MSS. clergy were more ftrift and rigorous in the ** " You are to prevent as much as pofll- exercife of church difcipline than the epifco- " ble, the turning out of their churches, fnch palians. Id. " of the epifcopal miniftry as are qualified *' A riot happened at Glafgow, 30th Ja- " conform to the aft of parliament." tiuary 1703, in confequence of Mr. Burges, '* You are to encourage any inclinations who had taken the oaths to government, " you find in the alTembly, to aflume fuch of having attempted to perform fervice according " the miniftry who preach under bifhops, and to the form of the church of England. The " are qualified by law," &c. Inftruftions to mob forced open the doors, broke the win- the Earl of Glafgow, Commiffioner to the dows of the meeting, and, had it not been for General Aflembly of the Church of Scotland. the interpofition of the magiftrates, would Kenfington, 22d March 3708. MSS. Paper- probably have proceeded to violence againft office. in QJJ E E N A N N E. 459 in order to Inquire Into his licence and authority to exerclfe minifterial ^ ^,^ ^- fundlions; and, upon his decHning their jurifdidion, prohibited him «-^-v- — — » to exercife any part of the holy miniftry within the bounds and liber- ^'^* ties of Edinburgh, with certification that, if he tranfgrefred, he fhould be imprifoned and fuffer fuch other punifhraent as they fhould think fit to inflicSt. The execution of this fentence was re- mitted to the magiftrates, who called him before them, and, upon his ftill refufing to fubmit to the fentence of the prefbytery, he was fent to prifon, where he lay for feveral months, till he was releafed by a '5tli Sept> fentence of the houfe of lords'". Though this fentence was agree- able to every principle or liberality and juftice, yet it gave great offence to the clergy and members of the eftablifhment, and was com- plained of as injurious to the purity of religion, and contrary to the exifting laws. To remove every doubt upon this point, and to procure a legal fandion for the epifcopalian diflenters to worfhip according to con- fclence, a bill was brought into the houfe of commons, to repeal an 21ft Jan. ad of the Scottilh parliament, which fubjeded them to the difcipline of the kirk courts ; and to prevent their being difturbed in the ufe of the liturgy of the church of England'*. Seventeen only voted againft this bill in the houfe of commons, of whom fourteen were ScottiCh members ; in the houfe of lords, it was oppofed by fome of the bifhops, but carried with a few amendments, which were rejeded by the commons "'. The miniilers of the church of Scotland were •*' State of Mr. GreenniJelds' Cafe. Lond. rrgiirnent, namely, that no rainifter ordained 1711. Cafe of Mr. Greenfhields. Edin. by an exauctorate, i. e. by a bifhop deprived 1710. The fentence of the prefbytery of of authority, has true ordination. Edinburgh was founded upon thefe two argu- ^"^ It was intitled, " An Aft to prevent the raentsi i ft, That he exercifed the miiiiilry difturbing thofe of the Eplfcopal Commu- within the bounds of the prefbytery with- nion, in that Part of Great Britain called Scot- out their allowance, and was an intruder, land, in the Exercife of Religious Worfhip, 2d, That he introduced a form of worfhip and in the Ufe of the Liturgy of the Church contrary to the purity and uniformity of the of England; and for repealing an Aft pafTed church eftablilhed by law. Mr. Greenfhields i" the Parliament of Scotland 1695, againfl, applied to the court of feffion for liberation, irregular Baptifms and Marriages." but was refufed upon the ground of the firft *' Annals Anne, p. 345. 362. greatljr 470 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, greatly alarmed at the defign of tolerating the Englifti worflilp ; and \___ _- J the commiffion of the general aflembly reprefented their cafe to her *^'^' majefty, and petitioned the houfe of lords for leave to flate their objedions to the bill "''. The ftrefs of the argument in this reprefentation was laid upon the feveral a(fl:s*', eftabliihing the prefbyterian government, do£triue, and difcipline, and the confirmation given to thefe by the a£l of fe- curity, which was incorporated with the treaty of union. It com- plained alfo of the injury that would arife to the eftablifliment, by exempting diflenters from the cenfure and penalties of the eccle- i^tliFeb. fiaftical judicatories. It was further urged by the council for the commiflion, that this a£l would be productive of the moft dangerous confequences to the proteflant intereft in general, becaufe, under colour of the toleration granted to epifcopalian minifters, popifh priefts might perform the Romifli fervice withimpunity ■*'. The effed: of the bill, in circumfcribing the power of the prefby- terian church, will appear no valid objedion to thofe, who, in a more enlightened age, are perfuaded of the unfuitablenefs of fuch power for promoting the interefts of true chriflianity. The fecond i6tli. objedion was obviated by an amendment, which reftrided the toleration to fuch minifters as had received holy orders from, the hands of a proteftant bifhop, and who had fubfcribed the oaths of allegiance and abjuration. The legal toleration of epifco- pacy in Scotland, though it reftrained ads of violence, rather tended to inflame than to extinguifh that fpirit of rancour and perfecution, which the prefbyterians had too often indulged againft the proteft- ants who differed from them. The clergy, dreading the increafing progrefs of epifcopacy, from the patronage of the court, and the *' Annals Anne, p, 330. Journals Lords, thereby dimfnifhed the perfonal confequenee 12tli February. of its members. The nobility and gentry at '*' See Acls of tbe Parh'ament of Scotland, that time Hood in awe of the difcipline and 5lh, 1690 ; 29th, 1693; 22d, 1695 ; 3d, 1702. cenfures of the church, from which their ad- "" Political State, vol, iii. p. 40. loi. herence to another communion did not exempt This aft certainly gave a mighty blow to the them. authority of the eccleilailical judicatories, apd opennefs QJJ E E N A N N E. 471 openners with which it was now profefled hi every part of the ^ ^^^ ^• country, nouriflied the deluded zeal of their hearers, by declaiming againfl; the herefies of that fed, and recommending the favourite peculiarities of their own eflabllfhment, rather than the fimple and pradical truths of the Gofpel '°. A more folid and pure ground of difcontent arofe from a claufe in the adl, which obliged the minifters of the ellablifl^ed church to take the oath of abjuration. While their atrachment to the proteftant fucceffion was unlufpeded, they profefTed a confcientious fcruple about fubmitting-to an oath, which was fuperfluous, becaufe the purpofe of it was anfwered by the oath of allegiance ; and which was infnarlng and captious, becaufe it re- ferred to arguments extremely controvertible ; and implied an ap- probation of certain adts of parliament inconfiftent with prefbyterian principles ''. The greater number of the clergy at length took the oath, '° Sermons of the Times. Queries to the Scots Innovators. If any of the minifters conformed, in any point, to the example of the epifcopalians, fuch as by repeating the Lord's prayer verbatim ; or if they omitted to introduce, occafionally, proteftations againft the corruptions of prelacy, they fell under the fufpicion of being concealed friends to its in- tereft. From the foftering of thefe prejudices, fometimes confcientioufly, and fometimes from a mean ambition for popularity, the lower ranks in Scotland hardly knew any diftinftion between prelacy and popery ; and even many of better education confidered the former as removed, but in a fmall degree, from the cor- ruptions of the latter. Pamphlets and infor- mation by perfons of refpeftable charafter who lived in the period referred to. '' The afts of parh'am.ent referred to obliged the fucceffor to the crown to be of the communion of the church of England ; and fome of the minifters thought, that taking the oath implied an approbation of that commu- nion. This aft was the firft of the parliament of Britain that afFefted the ftate of the clergy, and was confidered as an ungracious omen of its future interference. The obeying it was confidered as a recognition of the authority of the Englilh birtiops, which was contrary to the principles of the preftjyterians. The phrafes of the oath were new and ofFenfive ; by fou/, confcience, faith. The oath involved the takers of it in the intricate queftion about hereditary right. They had no fcruple to acknowledge the fole and exclufive right of the proteftant fucceflbr ; but it could not be de- nied that, in the aft of fettlement, the parlia- ment had refpefted blood and defcent. Letter concerningtheOathof Abjuration. Edin. 1712. The perfons who now direfted affairs were aware that many of the Scottifh clergy would not take the oath, and urged the claufe the more on that account, that it might prevent their cenfuring the officers of government for not executing the laws againft the nonjuring clergy of the epifcopalian communion. Mt- moirs of the Four Laft Years, p. 226. 243. The forbearance of the government with the minifters, who did not take the oath, was a great means of reftraining their oppofition to the law of patronage. Such of them as were diffatisfied with that law generally declined taking the oath, and were afraid that a farther oppofition to the raeafures of government would 472 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, oath, In compliance with the authority of government; but many ^— .— ,i Hood out againfi; it ; and this gave rife to infidious diftindlions ' " among the clerical order, and probably would have occafioned a fchifm in the church, if the fervants of government had not, with a prudent tendernefs, abftained from the rigid execution of the law. 13th March, Another ad, which alio pafled in the courfe of this feflion, reftor- ?2dMay. . . . ing to patrons their ancient right of prefenting preachers to vacant churches in Scotland, was confidered as a farther proof of the hoftility of the prefent minifters to prefbytery. The inveterate antipathy of the people in Scotland to the law of patronage became ftronger, from an apprehenfion that the renewal of it arofe from a deep con- certed fcheme to undermine the prefent eftablifhment ; for, as a great proportion of prefentations belonged to the crown, and to landed gentlemen of the epifcopalian perfuafion, it was fufpedled, that both would prefer candidates fecretly favourable to their own fentiments,- which, in progrefs of time, would render a majority of the incum- bents ripe for the adoption of epifcopacy ^\ Thefe fufpicions were 31ft May, increafed by her majefty's bellowing the rents of the late biiliops lands in North Britain, for the fiipport of fuch of the epifcopalian 22rge all dif- tions, had been ratified by the aft fccuring the tions on account of thefe oaths. prelbyterian government, and engrolTed as an 5- A petition from the commiffion of the eiTc-ntial condition In the treaty of union. general afltmbly was prefcntcd to the lords >' As a contempt of holidays was a diftin- agalnR this aa. It was at firft addrelTed to guifhing criterion of the ScottiHi prefhyterians, the peers cf Great Britain, without naming this ad gave great offeiKC to the populace, and QJJEEN ANNE. 473 Other reafons, affigned for the reftoration of patronage, fuggcft a C HA P. XIX. more candid conftrudlion of the motives of the miniftry ; and a fuf- t.ii— ■,- 1^ I 7 I Zc ficient ground for believing, that an alteration in the mode of fettling vacant parifhes, eftablifhed by the aft 1690, was highly expedient, to pi-event difturbances and divifions among the fupporters of the different candidates, which were injurious to the peace of the coun- try, and the interefts of religion ". A bill was prefented in the houfe of lords, in confequence of the royal recommendation, for fettling the precedency of the princefs Sophia, and the eledoral prince of Hanover, which, in teftimony of 17th Jan. refpeft to that illuftrious family, pafled through both houfes with the utmoft difpatch. The repeal of the naturalization a£t, which had been prevented by the lords the preceding felTion, was now obtained " ; and, while pth Feb. it was confidered as a party triumph by the Tories, gave great fatif- fadlion to the Jacobites, who believed, that the fucceffion of the elec- tor of Hanover depended, in a great meafure, upon the importation of foreign troops, who, as the law formerly flood, would have been naturalized upon their arrival in England '*. The houfe of commons, in compliance with her majefty's recom- mendation, entered into refolutions for reftraining the licentioufnefs 12th Feb. of the prefs ; they impofed a heavy tax upon pamphlets, and re- 3d jutf."'* quired, under fevere penalties, that none fhould be expofed to fale ^2^^' without the name and place of abode of the perfon for whom they were publifhed "• Bills and was confidered as expreffive of the hoftility Political State, vol. i. p. 17. of the minifters to the eftablifhed religion of =6 Memorial of Sieur Lamb, April 17 11. Scotland. Stewart Papers. Macpherfon. " Extraft of a Letter from Edinburgh. " Statutes at Large, vol. iv. chap. 19. Political State, vol. iii. p. 162. Minutes of Articles loi. 112. 113. The licentioufnefs the General AfTembly. and perfonal abufe, which iffued from the " The French refugees bad taken an aftive prefs fince the change of the miniltry, ex- part in the Wtftminfter elcdion 1710, for ceeded any former precedent. At the com- general Stanhope, in oppofition to Mr. Crofs, mencement of this feflion, the publications which provoked the refentment of the Tories, againft the peace made fuch an impreffion 3 P upon 474 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. XIX. 1712. 23d Feb. 3d May. 20th. Bills were brought Into parliament In the courfe of this fefTion, for Hmlting the number of perfons In oflice In the houfe of com- mons; and for preventing fraudulent conveyances tor the purpofe of multiplying votes, and many Irregular and corrupt proceedings in eledlions : but whether It was, that the minlfters were not In earneft, or found that they were aiming at a pitch of reformation too refined for the times, none of thefe were brought to effedt. Oftentatious, but InefFeftual attempts were llkewife repeated for recalling king William's Irifli grants; and a bill for this purpofe pafled in the houfc of commons, but It was rejedled by the lords '^ The upon the public, that the minifters began to be afraid of the tide of popularity turning againft them. On the 23d Oflober, being the firft day of the term, fourteen bookfellers, printers, or publi(hers, who had been commit- ted by warrants from the fecretary of ftate for feditious pamphlets, appeared at the bar of the queen's bench. The frauds and abufes of the fervants of government, and the treachery of the allies, which were opened without any referve or pal- liative in the courfe of this fefTion, gave a new direftion to the public fentiment, and again made the late minifters the objefts of popular odium. The prefent minifters derived great advan- tage from the fuperior abilities of the authors engaged in their fervice. Among thefe, the celebrated Dr. Swift was the moft diftin- guiftied for precifion in his ftatement of fafts; perfpicuity of language ; acrimonious ani- madverfion, and force of reafoning. His pamphlet upon the conduft of the allies was read by all ranks with the utmoft avidity ; and not only produced conviAion, but excited a general indignation againft the late minifters and the allies. It pafled through feven edi- tions ; and eleven thoufand copies were fold in lefs than a month. Life of Swift, p. 91. The mafterly pen of Mr. St. John, who compofed all the public ftnte papers, was alfo employed in the polemical publications on the fide of the roiniilers ; and conferred upon them a dignity and intcreft feldom found in publi- cations of that nature. The humorous Dr. Arbuthnot, in the Hiftory of John Bull, defended the minifterial caufe in a ftrain of ridicule obvious to every capacity ; and which, though it may not be a fair teft of truth, affords no defpicable aflift- ance, when employed on its fide, by alluring and amufing the multitude of readers, who are incapable of inveftigating fafts, and deducing conclufions from them. While he lampooned the allies without mercy, he gained the hearts of the Eiiglifh by concealed, but not lefs fuc- cefsfnl flatter)', as if they could be cheated and deceived only from an excefs of good-hearted- nefs and generofity. Mr. Prior, Dr. Friend, Defoe, Abel Roper, Mr. Clements, Mr. Oldf- worth, and Mrs. Manley, the author of the Atlantis, were all vi'riters on the fide of admi- niftration. Mr. St. John himfelf alfo wrote occafionally in the Port Boy, and the Exami- ner. The principal writers, on the other fide, were Richard Steele, Bifhop Kennet, Dr. Hare, Mr. Addifon, Henley,. Maynwarmg, Oldmixon, and Ridpath. ^^ It was intitlcd, " A Bill for appointing CommifTioners to examine into the Value of all Lands, and other Interefts, granted by the Crown fince 13th February 1688, and upon what Confiderations they had been made." The minifters were not unfriendly to the bill, but the whole weight of the oppofition was againft it. It was- believed, that the fup- porters QJJEEN ANNE. 475 The fupplies granted this feffion amounted to three millions, one ^ HA P. hundred and thirty-four thoufand, eight hundred and twenty-nine > .~ ■»< pounds, two {hillings ; of which fum live hundred and thirty-five thoufand, three hundred and thirty-two pounds, one fliiiling, was to be applied to make good, for fervices of the navy, the like fum, 18th Jan. which in the year commencing from Chriflmas 171 1, was to be paid by the treafurer of the navy to the South Sea company, and two thoufand five hundred pounds for building a church for the ufe 19^^ March. of the Englifh proteftants at Rotterdam. It was mtimated to the emperor, that, agreeably to the propofal made by prince Eugene in his name, her majefty confidered her- felf obliged to pay no more than one-third of four millions for car- rying on the war in Spain ". Since the opening of the congrefs at Utrecht, the opinions of the people had been in a conftant fluduation, with refpedl to the great affairs agitated in it, and their wifhes had alternately inclined to peace or war^°, according to the nature of circumftances which came within their knowledge. The difcovery of the felfifh and faithlefs condu£l of the allies excited indignation, and promoted a general defire for peace. The infolent behaviour of the French king, and thp extravagant terms infifted upon by his plenipoten- tiaries in the progrefs of the treaty, foftened that indignation ; and again reconciled them to the continuance of the war. The unac- countable inacftivity of the duke of Ormond, after the opening of the campaign, was mortifying to thofe who recoil edled how much the pride of EngliChmen had been gratified by the uninterrupted vi(fl;o- ries of his ilkiftrious predeceflbr ; and who were jealous of the fruits of this fuccels being thrown away by a precipitate treaty with Fi'ance. In conformity to thele fentiments out of doors, a motion was made zSth May. porters of the bill had no other intention than called in queftion from time to time. Hif- that of taxing the grants with about three tory of the Four Laft Years, p. 238. years purchale, and ellablilhing the grantees *' Journals Commons, paffim. in the pofleffion for ever, which would have *° Cunningham, vol. ii. p. 413. been better for them than having their titles .;.-;! -j ,;;;.',; .•■., .. 3P 2 in 1712. 476 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^^-^■^- In both houfes for addreffing her majefty, to lay before them the orders flie had fent her general ; and to dh-e£t him to a.Q. offen- fively in conjundlion with the allies; but, upon affurance from the minifters, that fhe intended, voluntarily, to communicate to them the flate of the negotiations, and the conditions upon which peace might be obtained, the motion was negatived by a great majo- rity". In compliance with her promife, the fulfilment of which was impatiently expedted, her majefty came to the houfe of lords, and ftated to parliament thofe articles of peace which had been agreed upon between her and the French king, fo far as related to the interefl: of England ; and fhe promifed her befl: endeavours for procuring fatisfadion to her allies. An addrefs of thanks to her majefty was voted in both houfes ; but the terms of peace men- tioned by her, falling fo much fhort of expedtation, occafioned a general depreffion and difcontent ; and, if the parliament had con- tinued to fit, muft have afforded oppofition new grounds for ar- raigning the meafures of minifters '\ The few remaining days of the feffion were dedicated to the cenfuring of fuch publications, as reflefted upon the conduct of the latter, probably with a view to check that torrent of abufe which was about to be let loofe againft them upon the approaching vacation; and on the 21ft June, her majefty, after a fhort fpeech, direded the lord keeper to adjourn the parliament *'. The proceedings of the convocation, during this feftion, were as little interefting as in that which preceded it. A motion was made in the lower houfe for cenfuring a fermon upon the remiflion of •' A proteft by the lords who had fup- ^' A preface to four fermons published by ported this motion was printed and circulated the bifhop of St. Afaph, reflefting on the pre- wjth ffreat induftry ; upon which it was ex- fent adminiftration of pubh'c affairs, was cen- punged from the journals 13th June ; and an fured by the commons 10th June, and ordered addrefs was prefentcd to the queen, f 4th June, to be burnt by the hands of the common praying that the wouW direft fuch methods as hangman ; and, the fame day, the letter from fhe thought proper for difcovering and punifh- the ftates-general to the queen being read, the ing the printer. Commons made the refolutions mentioned.. ** Political State, vol. iii. p. 336. fins, publiflied by Dr. Brett, which feemed to carry the pretenfions CHAP L712. QV E E N A N N E. 477 . Brett, which feemed to carry the pretertfions of the Englifh church upon that point, as far as thofe of Rome ; but it was over-ruled by the high church party, which, without avowedly defending the fermon, difcovered a flrong inclination to admit every imaginable apology for the preacher and his dodrine. In the fame fpirit, the lower houfe declined to concur with the bifhops, in admitting the validity of baptifm, adminiftered by proteft- ant clergymen, who were not of their communion. The purpofe of the bifhops was to control that propenfity for reviving obfolete and arrogant claims of ecclefiaftical authority, which, fince the triumph of the high church party in the affair of Sacheveral, began to fpread among men of a violent fpirit; and gave jufl alarm to the enlight- ened friends of religion and the church °*. After the rife of parliament, many addrefles were prefented to the queen, expreffing an ardent defire for peace ; and fome of them even approving of thofe conditions which were moft exceptionable and unpopular *'. During the continuance of the fefTion, the minifters were under a conftant dread of the current of popular opinion being turned againft them ; and even of violence being offered to their perfons in confequence of the refentful machinations of the Whigs. The dif- miffion of the duke of Marlborough, it has been afferted, did not arife from imaginary apprehenfions, or from a calculation of the probable effeifls of his weight in the fcale of oppofition, but from the cleared evidence of criminal defigns againft the government,, which he was then purfuing in combination with the whig leaders and the agents of the allies. It has been reprefented, that the whig junto, finding all open endeavours to obftrudl the peace ineffectual had, in concert with count Galias, de Buys, and baron Bothmar entered into a confpiracy to place the elector of Hanover immedi- ately upon the throne ; that to pave the way for this, he fhould bt •♦ Political State, vol. iii. p. 104. iSg. *' Id, ToLiii. p. 365. placed 478 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, placed at the head of the Imperial army ; that the duke of Marlbo- 't_ .- rough, if continued in the command of the Englifti troops, flwuld '''^' draw together two or three thoufand men to the neighbourhood of the metropolis, and make himfelf mafter of the perfon of the queen, while an infurredtion of the mob was to be encouraged upon 4tli Nov. the anniverfary of the gunpowder plot, when it was intended to burn the effigies of the devil, the pope, and the pretender. This plan having been rendered abortive by the vigilance of the magif- trates, a new infurreftion was projedled upon the queen's birth- 4th March, day, which afforded a lefs fufpicious occafion for afl'embling the people. Another plan for the fame purpofe is alfo fald to have been agitated. A few defperate perfons, devoted to the Whigs, were in- fligated to begin mifchief in the way of no(3:urnal frolic, to be gra- dually improved into ilmguinary violence, and directed againft the leading men in adminiftration. Prince Eugene was invited to Lon- don for the purpofe of abetting confpiracy ; and, after his arrival, difcovered an inclination to go beyond the violence of his friends. For'he propofed to fet fire to the metropolis in different places ; and that in the midft of the confufion, the duke of Marlborough Ihould appear at the head of a party in arras ; poffefs himi'elf of the tower? the bank, the exchequer; feize the perfon of the queen, difiblve the prefent parliament, and call a new one to inquire into the treachery of the minlfters. Thefe feveral fads, though confidently afferted both by earlier and later hiftorians ", are not fupported with, fuflicient evidence to in- duce the belief of any perfon, difengaged from the influence of party prejudice. The apprehenfions of the tory minlfters, concerning the violent proceedings of their antagonifts, before they were even fup- pofed to exifl, incUned them to put the word conftrudion upon the confultations and intrigues of the Whigs after they adually hap- " Torcy, vol. ii. p. 205, paflTim. Annals p. 175. PoU; Boy, November 8th. Mac- Anne, p. 278. Polilical Slate, vol. iii. pherfon, vol. ii. p..477- pened ; 1 7 12. Q^U E E N A N N E. 479 pened ; and, upon frivolous proofs, to accufe them of the moft atro- ^ J^^^- cious defigns. In every party, individuals are to be found, who are . capaWe of conceiving and recommending the moft defperate projects to forward their own ambitious views ; and when fuch have tran- fpired, it is too common to implicate, in their guilt, perfons of more refpedlable charader, with whom they have been politically con- neded *'. The *' We are informed by Mefnager that tlie nobleman, who began the private conferences with him about the peace, exprefsly required, that the French king fhould bind himfelf by a fecret article to affill the queen and her mi- nifters, in cafe of any violence being offered to their perfons by the inftigation of her dil- affefted fubjecls. From a comparifon of dates, it is evident that this converfation took place feveral months previous to the projefted confpiracies mentioned by Torcy, Plunket &c. Mefnager, p. i66. Torcy, vol. ii. p. 205. The evidence of thefe confpij;acies refts en- tirely upon the teftimony of de Torcy, of Plunket, who vvas the confident of £Ount Gal- las, but afterwards employed as a fpy by the minifters ; and of fome anonymeus letters con- tained in Macpherfon's CoUeftion of State Papers. Torcy, vol. ii. p. 205. 208. 221. 261. 272. Stuart Papers, 17 12. Political State, vol. iv. p. 292. 329, &c. De Torcy, and the correfpondents of the court of St. Germains, derived all their infor- mation from the partial, inflamed accounts of ministers ; and therefore the fafts which they have tranfmitted may be queftioned, though their perfonal integrity ftands unimpeached. This obfervation is juftified by the expreffions of de Torcy, which indicate a diilruil of the authority from which he received the fafts he recites. "If we can' depend upon the rela- " tions of fome people who perhaps were " mifinformed," &c. Torcy, vol. ii. p. 273. '• Agaiii. The miniftry received advices of " real, or fiaitious plots," &c. " Thefe ad- " vices perhaps were grcundlefs." Id. p. 277. I Among the number of perfons inftigated by refentment againil the minifters, it is not furprifing that projefts, of a fanguinary nature, were propofed by fome, which were generally- abhorred and reprobated by the party. That this was aAually the cafe, appears from the teftimony of the hiflorian already alluded to, who gives credit to the whig leaders for hav- ing difapproved of thofe fchemes of violence which were fuggefted by fome of their parti- fans. Torcy, vol. ii. p. 274. The information of Plimket was derived from count Gallas, at that time forbidden the court, and infpired with the moft violent re- fentment againft the tory minifters. He Jpoke'ifrom paffion ; communicated to his frie^id, for fuch he believed him to be, hisown withes and fchemes ; and, probably, without warrant, reprefented his aflociates as accefibry to them ; or at leaft Plunket might do fo, to acquire greater confequence and merit with his employers. The minifters themfclves feem to have dif- trufted the evidence againft their anta^oi-.ifts, fo far as it related to their having entered into criminal confpiracies, notwithftanding their pretending to believe it, and their taking mea- fures for preventing them. The earl of Ox- ford, to whom Plunket revealed his difcoveries, oppofed his being examined by the privy coun- cil. Macpherfoii', voK il. pi' 483. What reafon can we pofiibly aflign for this conduit, when the fubjeil was of fuch moment, bvit either his fufpefting that his informer would ■ not have adhered to his teftimony, or that it was nut deferving of credit? As the minilUrs had no inclinauon, neither could I7I2. 48o HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. •phe campaign 1 7 1 2 was on the part of England a piece of ftu- •died diflimulation, diflionourable for the miniftry, and infulting to the allies. The inflrudions given to the duke of Ormond, upon his departure to the continent, were, to communicate, to the dates, the queen's refolution of prefling the war with all poflible vigour; and to concert proper meafures with the generals of the allies for en- tering upon adion. He had no fooner done this, than he received other inftrudtions, which amounted almoft to a prohibition from fighting. Within a few pods after, the fame orders were repeated with an extenfion of his command over all the troops in the Britifh pay ; and he was at length explicitly enjoined to take no part what- ever in any fiege or battle ''^ It is impoffible to conceive a fituation more embarrafling and dif- trefsful to a man of honour and fenfibility, than that in which the duke of Ormond was now placed. By his public commifTion, he was empowered to co-operate with the allies, and, by his private in- ftrudlions, he was reftrained from rendering them any effedlual afTift- ance. He was to employ every artifice and pretext to conceal, from prince Eugene, his refolution not to a£l, and at the fame time to make intimation of it to the French general, that the latter might not infer any danger from hoftile preparations on the part of Eng- could tliey have a folid realon for concealing pagate a ftor;'-, to the difhonour of the Whigs, any thing that redounded to the difcredit of that had not the fliadovv of tiuth, if they had their enemies. They were at the greatefl been poirefTed of fafts, fuftained by proofs, pains to exaggerate the accounts of the Mo- wliich would have overpowered all fcepticifm, hawks ; one of the devices faid to have been and put their enemies to confufion ? Political contrived for their deftrutlion. But, not- State, vol. iii. p. 175. Speftator, N° 324. wilhftanding of proclamations and premiums 347. Swift's Letters to Mrs. Johnfon, 9th, offered for difcoveries, and examinations con- 12th, 17th, i8th, 26th March 1712. dufted with the eager defire of bringing them ^^ Inftruftions to the Duke of Ormond, to effeft, the ftory of the Mohawks remained 12th April. Letters from Mr. St. John to fo bare of evidence, that it never gave any the Duke, 25th April, 12th May, &c. After alarm, or gained any credit, but among the the difniiffion of the duke of Marlborough, minifterial partifans. The believing, or not prince Eugene was appointed commander in believing. In their exiftence, was the criterion chief of all the troops in the fervfce of the cf a man's being a Whig or a Tory. Why United States. jhould the tory minifters have laboured to pro- lan d= QJJEEN ANNE. 481 land ". This deceitful dealing could not long efcape the pene- ^ U A p. tration of the allied general. He was determined to put his col- 1 . — ^ league to the teft, by propofing a joint attack upon the French camp, jn-'h May. The fufpicions of prince Eugene and the deputies were confirmed by the duke's declining to comply with this propofal, upon the pre- text of waiting for letters from England ; and by the palpable re- milTnefs of Villars ; who ufed no precautions adequate to the appa- rent danger of his fituation '"'. The prince and deputies now pre- fented a memorial to the duke, complaining of his inadive, incom- prehenfible conduct, and peremptorily demanding the immediate fervice of all the troops in the joint pay of England and Holland. This demand the duke could not, with any fliadow of juftice, evade; but while he profelled to comply with it, he took care to communi- cate to the French general fuch an explanation of his conduft, as might exculpate the miniflers from the charge of any deviation from thole a.nicable difpofitions, which they had fecretly announced to the French king ". All occafion for hypocrify and difguifc was at length fuperfeded by orders from England, to proclaim a fufpenfion of hoftilities during the fpace of two months, to which the allies 17th July. were invited to accede ; while the duke was diretSed to march, with all the troops in the pay of England, to take poflefTion of Dunkirk, as an earned of approaching peace. *' Letters from Mr. St. John, 25th May. tide of impeachment, agrees with the firfl Conduft of the Duke of Ormond, p. II, 12. part of this account ; and infmuates, that the 14. 20,21.46. Lord HarJvvicke fays, that rcftraining orders flowed entirely from the lord Boh'nghroke afTured a late great minifter, motion of the queen. Hillory of Impeach- that queen Anne herfelf, in council, propofed ments, p. 287. the reftraining orders fent to the duke of Or- '"" Hiftory of the Four Laft Years, p. 297. mond ; and lord Boliiigbroke farther infi- A few days only intervened between the iiuated, that this advice had been fuggefted ilTuing thefc contradictor)- orders ; the former wholly by lord Oxford, and that he had this being dated 12th, and the latter 25th May, anecdote from the perfon to whom lord Bo- and loth June. Examination of the Conduct lingbroke told it. Hardwicke's Collcdion, of the Duke of Ormond. Load. 1712. vol. ii. p. 482. '' Hilloire de Hollaude. Tiadal, vol. ix. Lord Oxford, in hlo anfwer to the 9th ar- p. 294. 3 0^ , The 4^2 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, XIX. 171Z. The Dutch and Englifli foldiers were filled with indignation upon hearing thefe orders '\ The mercenaries abfohitely refufed to obey the duke of Orniond ; and '( -ne of the towns, belonging to the States, denied admittance to the Englifh in the progrefs of their march. After expoftiilation and threats, the Dutch were at length prevailed upon to drop their oppofition, and the duke, attended by the Englifh and a fmall part of the foreign troops, purfued his march ■i^d, 24th to Ghent and Bruges, from whence he fent a detachment to rein- •^" ^' force the Britifh garrifon already arrived at Dunkirk '\ In the mean while prince Eugene perfevered in carrying on aa offenfive war, by fending detachments into Champaigne to lay wafte the country ; and laid fiege to Quefnoy, which furrendered to him 19th July '*. This was the fum and conclufion of the fuccefs of the allies. Mar- fhal Villars began his career of profperity with a vidlory over one of J4th. their largeft detachments, under the command of the earl of Albe- marle, which was encamped at Denain, for the purpofe of keeping open the communication between the confederates employed in the fiege of Landrecy, and their magazines at Marchiennes. About two thoufand of the allies fell by the fword, or perifhed in the Schelde, and as many were made prifoners ". This was a prelude to the rapid and uninterrupted fuccefs of the arms of France. The polls of Mortaign, St. Amand, fort Knoque '* Pn'nce Eugene was followed by all the '^ London Gazette. Danes, Pruffians, Saxons, Hanoverians, and '* Tindal, vol. ix. p. 363. other auxiliaries in the Britifh pay, except " Berwick, vol. ii. p. 141. The French four fquadrons of Vandernath, and a battalion general anticipated certain fuccefs upon the of Berner, of the troops of Holftien Got- withdrawing of the Britifh troops, not only torp, and baron Walef's regiment of dragoons, on account of its weakening the force of his Tindal, vol. ix. p. 378. enemies, but becaufe the many defeats the Upon the duke of Ormond reprefenting French had fuftained in the courfe of the war thefe circuniflances, brigadier Hill was fent off had been principally afcribed to the (kUl of with troops from England, 6th July, to take the Britifh general?, and the courage of their pofleflTmn of Dunkirk. Political State, vol. iv. men. Hiftory of the Four Lafl Years, p. 345. p. 23. 15 '' and QJJEEN ANNE. 4^: and Marchiennes, where the allies had one of their heft furniflied ^^ix^' magazines, fell into the hands of the enemy. The army of prince >- ^'— — Eugene was now cut off from provifions, and daily mouldering away by defertion, which obliged him to raife the fiege of Landrccy. Douay, Quefnoy, Bouchain, Landau, and Friburg, were all re- taken "*. Philip, having a near profpecl of obtaining the whole kingdom of Spain by negotiation, was not inclined to profecute adive hoftilitles during this campaign. As the court of Portugal, at the commence- ment of the treaty of Utrecht, concurred with the emperor and the States to fruftrate its fuccefs, a confiderable force, under the com- mand of the marquis de Bais, was fent to inveft Campo Major, a ftrong fortified town on the frontier of Alentejo j but it was de- fended with fuch bravery, that the marquis found it neceffary to raife the fiege after having loft a great number of men. The objed: zpth oa. of the attack was however anfwered, and the court of Portugal, alarmed by the irruption of their enemies, when their means of de- fence were diminifticd by the departure of the Engllfh auxiliaries, fent inftrudlions to their plenipotentiaries at Utrecht to agree to a 7th Not. fufpenfion of arms after the example of England ". In Italy the Imperialifts took Porto Hercule. In Dauphiny and Savoy the armies did not come to an engagement. On the Upper Rhine, the Imperial general failed of his defign to penetrate Into Alface. The emperor, confiding in the accefTion of his ftrength from hav- ing made peace with his Hungarian fubjeds, had refolved to ftand alone againft the power of France ; he was afterward convinced of his inferiority by the lofs of Landau and Friburg, and llftened to over- tures of peace, which was concluded at Ranftadt 6th May 1714". ^^ Qnlncy. " Hiftoire de Louis, torn. vi. p. 553. ^' Political State, vol. iv. p. 274. 484 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. XX. The Conferences opened at Utrecht — Interrupted —Privately carried on betwetn the Englijh and French Plenipotentiaries. — The States prevailed upon to reneiv the Conferences, which are again interrupted. —The Continumice of the War urged at the Affembly of the States General. — The French King inffis upon the Rejloration of Tour nay, which is opprfed by the Engliffj. — The Events of the Campaign induce the States to acquiefce in the Terms of Peace. — New Ob' jedions raifed to it on the Part of France. — The Treaty figned by all the Confederate Minijlers except the Emperor's. — Review of Circutnjlatices imfa- vourable to the Allies at the Commenceincnt, and during the Progrefs of the Treaty. — The Terms of it as offering the Interefis of the feveral confede- rate Powers confidered. — Caufes of the Delay of Peace with Spain. CHAP. '"pHE conferences upon the treaty of peace were opened at y_ - _ ' Utrecht on the 12th January 17 12; but no eflential bufinefs ''''^' was tranfaded till the arrival of the German minifters on the 29th of that month '. The Dutch plenipotentiaries then propofed to » Political State, vol. iii. p. 78, &c. The plenipotentiaries for England, were Dr. Ro- binfon, lord privy feal, the earl of Strafford, and Mr. Henry Watkins fecretary. For the err.peror, count Zinzendorf, the fieur Conf- bruck, and count Corfana. For France, the marfhal d'Huxelles, the abbot de Poligaac, aud monficur Mefnager. For king Philip, the duke d'Offona, count Bergeick, and the marquis de Monteleon. Holland had two, and all the reft, of the United States, one mi- nifter prefent at the congrefs. Minifters alfo attended, not only for all the other princes and ftates who had acceded to the alliance, but for the neotral powers, and for the French refugees. Eight minifters of the allies, name- ly, the two Britifti, four of the Stales General, two of the duke of Savoy's, and the three French plenipotentiaries, were prefent at the firft conference. Mr. St. John had wanr.ly recommended Mr. Prior to be joined in tt>€ commiffion with the earl of Strafford and the lord pnvy feal ; but the former threatened to lay down his com- miflion rather than to be alTociated with a perfon who had been in a mean condition. Mr. Prior was the fon of a joiner of a tefpeft- able tharafter, but having loft his father while an infant, he was educated by an uncle, a vint- ner at Charing- crofs, and hence the ftory of his having been originally a waiter in a tavern. Letter of Mr. St. John to the Queen, 20th Sept. 171 1. Humphrey's Life of Prior. Mr. Prior notwithftandin^ was much confulted, as he had been employed feveral years before as fecretary to an embalfy in Holland, and had an intimate knowledge of affairs there. MSS. Characters, p. -214. He afterwards attended lord Bolingbroke to France, Sept. 1 712, and was left by him to treat about fuch matters as were ftiU unfettled, though he did not af- fume a public character till lord Shrewftniry's arrival. Prior's Hiftor)-, p. 364, Lond. 1740. begin 1712. QJJ E E N A N N E. 485 begin with thofe points, which had been left unfettlcd when the ncgo- C HA P. tiations broke up the preceding year at Gertruedenberg ; but the French minifters abfolutely rejeded this, and delivered a ipecific ex- planation of the offers, upon which their mafter was willing to con- clude a general peace. Thefe differed fo widely, not only from the plan infifted upon by the allies in 1 709 and 1710, but from the volun- tary conceffions then made by France, that they were received with a ■ marked diffatisfadlion by all their minifters \ The imperial pleni- potentiary immediately entered a proteftation againft them'; and upon their tranfpiring in England, the houfe of lords, in conformity to the general temper of the nation, prefented the addrefs mentioned i6th Feb. in the preceding chapter. After various confultations among the confederate minifters, In which their mutual and feparate interefts were adjufted, it was at length agreed, that their refpedive demands fhould be ftated in dif- tind memorials, to be prefented at the next general meeting of the congrefs, on the 5th of March ■*. The French plenipotentiaries, in their turn, affeded furprife at the extravagance of the terms fpecihed by the allies, and declined any farther difcuflion till they had an opportunity of receiving new inftrudions from the courts of Paris and Madrid *. After waiting for advice from thence till 30th March, the nego- tiations were refumed, when a new difficulty arofe, which long re- tarded their progrefs. The Dutch and Imperial ambaffadors Infifted, that the demands and anfwers of the feveral parties fhould be com- mitted to writing ; and the French refufed to comply till they re- ceived authority for that purpofe from their conftituents. Both contended for the advantages of the methods which they XeveralLy * Inftead of reftoringtlie Spanifh monarchy p. 232. Loud. 1713. to the houfe of Anfliia, no pofitive engage- ' Id. ment was offtred for preventing the union of * The emperor and tlic king- of Portugal the French and Spanifh monarchies; and Lifle alone infifted upon fiurendering the whole and Tournay were demanded for the demoh- Spanith monarchy to the houfe of Auftria, tion of Dunkirk. Hiftory of the Treaty, ' Political State, vol. iii. p. l^S- propofed ; 4^6 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^ Xjf^' P''°P°^^^J ^""^ neither yielding to the other, the conferences were •Vb- — <^-—^ dilcontinued for three months*. The court of England was perhaps the only party concerned, that ferioufly regretted this paufe in the negotiations. The emperor and the States were fecretly pleafed with every obftrudlon to a bufmcfs which fet out with fuch an untoward afpe£l for them, while it was precipitated by that party in England which they had laboured to difplace. The emperor was determined to maintain his pretenfions to the Spanifli monarchy: the -Dutch were dliratisfied with the repeal of the barrier treaty, and jealous of the commercial advantages which the court of England had fecured by her com- plaifance to king Philip '. Nor was the French king, after he had once fixed the bufmefs of negotiation, at all defirous to haften its conclufion. He was no ftranger to the anlmofitie&.fubfilVmg among the allies, which, in proportion as the negotiation was protracted, were likely to divide them more and more, and enable him to obtain better terms than thofe prevloufly held out by his agents to the Bri- tifh cabinet. No fooner was the campaign opened, than the allies began to grow fufplcious of the fidelity of England ; but the influence of prince Eugene, who urged the profecution of offenfive war with the utmofl; confidence of fuccefs, the infirm health of the queen, and the ap- proach of a new parliament, events propitious to the relloration of the Whigs, ftlll cherlfhed the hopes of the States, and confirmed * HlftoiT- of the Treaty. The EnglilTi upon Englilh goods, fent to the Spanili dotni- plenipotentiuiies were inclined to agree to the nions, which the French king offerfd her in method propufed by the French, but were name of his graiidfon. Hiftory of the Four over -ruled by their colleagues. Hiftory of Laft Years of the Q^een. The States Infifted the Impeachments of the laft Miniftry. upon having an equal {hare with Engknd in By the minutes of the protocol, to which the affiento trade, as the condition of their the French minifters appealed, they were confenting to king Philip's retaining the Spa- under no obligation to comply with this re- nifti monarchy. The Preient Miniftry Juftificd, quifition. Somers, vol. ii. p. 88. Account of the fe- ^ In order to induce the States to enter veral Treaties of Poace. Journals Com. 14th cordially into the treaty, her majelly was wil- April 1 7 id- ling to refign the fifteen per cent, advantage their Q^UEEN ANNE. 487 their refolutlon to wait the ifTue of the campaign, rather than to ^^^^' clofe with offers fo much inferior to thofe which they had formerly 1 — .— ^ rejected °, The ftrange condudt of the duke of Ormond in firft de- laying, and afterwards refufing to co-operate with the allied arms, 7th Julv. the furrender of Dunkirk, and the fubfequent armiftice, agreed to by England and France, gave occafion to espoftulations an ! remon- ftrances, which ftill farther widened the breach between the confede- rates ; and, by encouraging the infolence of the French king, re- tarded the progrefs of the treaty '. Notwithflandinj the averfion of the emperor and the States to peace, and their endeavours to thwart it, the negotiations were ftill carried on between the French and Englifti minifters '". To prevent the union of the French and Spanifti monarchies, to procure the kingdom of Sicily for the duke of Savoy, and a barrier for the States, were the principal articles under difcufTion at thefe detached conferences, which were held during the continuance of the cam- paign. Although the feparation of the French and Spanifh monarr- chies had been underftood as a preliminary condition fettled be- tween the courts of France and England, antecedent to their inviting the allies to take a part in the negotiations, yet the French king now began to evade it, by raifing objedlions which he pretended it was impoffible for him to remove. He fuggefted, with an air of can- dour, that the ancient laws of France had provided againft any re- ftridtion to the royal fucceffion ; and he wifhed the court of Eng- l-ind to be aware that no deed of his own could be valid for that purpofe ". The difficulty of bringing king Philip to acquiefee in a point, fo intimately conneded with the aggrandizement of his family, was farther infifted upon as an apology for the French king's * Hiftoryof the Four Laft Years, p. 286— mercial treaty. Torcy, -vol. ii. p. 294. 291. " Torcy, vol. ii. p. 286,7,8— 292. The 9 Tindal, vol. ix. p. 296. French court was fo averfe to the renunciation, *° To remove the offence to the allies, occa- that if the fuccefs at Denian had happened lioned by this intercourfc, it was given out, that iooner, they probably would not have con- thefe conierences referred merely to a com- fented to it. Duclos, vol. i, p. 51 — 54. hefuating 488 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^ yy''^" hefitating about a ftipulation, which the Englidi muiifters conficlered *i u - ■■ » < him as bound in honour to make good. They now found it necef- fary to affume a tone of firmnefs and declfion, very different from that facility and complailance which they had difcovered in their early correfpondence with the court of France '*. Maintaining the balance of power was the primary objedi of the grand alHance: if the danger, with which it was threatened, from the near but traa- Tient affinity between the fovereigns of France and Spain, had been deemed a juftifiable ground for entering into the war, what had they not to fear from the permanent jundion of thefe kingdoms under :one fupreme head; an event approaching ahnoft to certainty, from ■that fudden defolation with which Providence had vilited the family of the parent monarch '\ Under the awe of public icfionfibility, and after fuch fhameful inconfiftency on the part of France, neither the minifters nor the plenipotentiaries dared to proceed a lingle ftep in the treaty, or agree to the fubftitutipn of any alternative in the place of A reciprocal renunciation by thj two monarch?, confirmed by every fandion neceffary to render it effedual '*. Mr. Harley, 8th April, the coufin of the treafurer, was fent to Utrecht, to intimate the in- flexible refolution of the Englifh cabinet to adhere to this demand ; .and the earl of Strafford was recalled till the purport of the French kin"-'s anfwer fhould be made known ". At the fame time, to re- move every objedion on the part of king Philip, the Englilh mini- fters gave him his choice, either of renouncing for ever his rever- fionary right to the crown of France, and poffefling the SpaniHi monarchy with the Indies; or of receiving in exchange for them the kingdoms of Sicily and Naples, the territories of the duke of Savoy, the duchies of Montferrat and Mantua, all of which, except Sicily, " Letter fiom Mr. St. Juhn to Torcy, dkd, and !u a few days after his eldefl fon, jnth April. fo that his furviviiig fon, an infant two years " O . the 14th A jiifk7t'lVthe dauphin died old, apparently weak and in a dying condition, of the fmall p6"x', leaving three fonR, the duke a-id the duke of Berry, were the only interven. of 'Oavguiidy, the king of Spain, and the duke ingheirsbetweenPhtlipandthecrowii of France, of Beriy. O.i the iSth of February 1712, '* Prior's Hiftory, p. 362. the duke of Burgundy, then dauphin, alfo '* Torcy, vol. ii. p. 286. 303 — 10. ;.ii>.jj.- were QJJ E E N A N N E. 4^9 were to be annexed to the French monarchy, upon the event of Its ^ H^ P. defcendino; to his pofterity. The two monarchs, being at length l_— v— »j • • • 1 I J 1712. convinced that England was in earned on this point, yielded to neceflity ; and gave fatisfadory aflurances of their readinefs to enter into a formal renunciation of the contingent fuccefflons of the two crowns, after the other important articles of the treaty were fet- tled ". The untradablenefs of the Dutch and the emperor, who were pufliing the war with as much ardour as if the negociations had never begun, rendered the queen more anxious to feparate the duke of Savoy from the grand alliance. For this purpofe, his in- tereft, next to her own, was attended to; and infifted upon by her majefty's plenipotentiaries at each fucceffive conference. It feems to have been her intention to furprife that prince, and to attach him to her, by the fpontaneous and unexpected generofity of her de- mands ". The kingdom of Sicily, and the fucceffion to the Spanifh '* Torcy, vol. ii. p. 296, 7. " Id. p. 190. 284. 335-40. " Of all •' the allies there is none whofe intereft " the queen has fo much at heart as the " duke of Savoy's." Letter from Mr. St. John to Torcy, October 1712. The gratitude of the duke, however, does not ap- pear to have anfwered the expeftation of the court of England. Torcy fays, that the demand of Sicily in his behalf was made with- out his knowledge, and that he was much concerned when tlic earl of Peterborough gave him notice of it. He probably expefted the Spanifh monarchy to be immediatelv con- figned to himfclf, othervvife he could not have been fo anxious about having it taken from the duke of Anjou. " The duke does not " rail at the treaty as others do, though the " idle report that Spain and the Indies are to "_ remain with the duke of Anjou are not « agreeable to him, and would highly dif- " plcafe him, were they not highly improba- " blc." Extrad of a Letter from the Earl of Peterborough, Venice, 28th January 17 12. MSS. The Whigs imputed the queen's zeal 3 for the duke of Savoy to her defire for her brother's fucceffion. The duke was next lineal heir to the crown of Britain after the family of Stuart ; the more, therefore, that his power was increafed, lie would be better enabled to maintain the right of the cheva- lier, which, ill a reverfionary view, was his own. Cunningham, vol. ii. p. 411. Hiftory of Impeiichments, S:c. 56. The queen's partiality for the duke of Savoy was equalled by that of the French king for the elector of Bavaria. Torcy, vol. ii. p. 341—5. 354. Mr. Prior carried a letter from Lewis to the queen, 12th October 17 1 2, reprefeiiting the farther advances he was ready to m.ake for facilitating the con- clufion of peace, and befeeching her in return to intereft herfclf for the cle£lor, as the mod pleaf- ing acknowledgment of his friendfliip to her. Th^ queen returned an anfwer by Mr. Prior, Kfth November, i:i flattering terms; and faid, that, from the inftrudlions (he had given to her minillers at Utrecht, it would appear, that fli< did all in her power to favour a prince whofe interetl was fupported by his generofity. Prior's Hillory. R - monarchy, 4^o HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, monarchy, upon the failure of the Spanilli branch of the houfe of ^_ - _ _» Bourbon, were articles, in his behalf, which the Englifh minifters '^'^' urged with perfevering importunity. Mr. St. John, lately created 4th July, lord Bolingbroke, attended by Mr. Prior, was fent ambaflador to Paris, with a principal view to promote the duke's intereft ; and to fettle fuch points as were flill difputed, refpedling the particular de- mands of England ; and, upon receiving fatisfa£tory anfwers, he was empowered to agree to a cefTation of hoftilities ". The higheft cfleem and attachment were profeffed by the French court for the queen of England ; and the minifters and nobility vied with each other in doing honour to her aml>affador. Lord Bolingbroke had feveral private conferences with the king, and though the fubjeft of them did not tranfpire, yet, as the fufpenfion of arms between England and France was proclaimed before he left Paris, it was un- derftood, that every obftruftion to peace was removed, without re- gard to the confent of the reft of the allies '°. The States were greatly alarmed at this event, from the fear of its being produdive of a peace difadvantageous to them. While under this impreffion they were urged, on the one hand, by the earl of Strafford and the bifliop of Briftol to accede to the armiftice, and on the other, by the emperor, to break up the negociations and con- tinue the war". They endeavoured to compromife the bufmefs, by fuch divided meafures, as might prevent their being utterly feparated from either '^ Prior's Hiftory, 359. It was moved in perfon of peneti-ation, poffefTed in the higheft the cabinet, tliat lord Bolingbroke Ihould be degree the art of plcafing, which made a empowered to agree to a feparate peace with great impreffion upon all the ambafladors fent France, but lord Oxford oppofed it. Torcy, to his com-t. Buys, who had thrown out vol. ii. p. ^48. ^''fi moft virulent reproaches againft him, in '» Hiftory of the Treaty; p. 422. Torcy, t^e conferences 1709, 10, was afterwards Tol. ii. p. 356. Lord Bolingbroke was much fent by the States to Paris, and was fo much flattered with, the civilities he met with at captivated with the manners of Lewis, that he Paris, and particularly fiom the king, who became one of his moft pafliunate admirers. made him a prcfent of a ring worth four Duclos, torn. i. p. 56. thoufand pounds. Political State, vol. iv. '° Barrc, torn. x. p. 680. p. 103. Lewis, thougli far from being a of Q^UEEN ANNE. ^91 of their allies. They ftill flood out againft the ceflation of hoftilities ; C H A i\ but they agreed to drop the objedion, upon which the negociations l, — .— - ^ 1712. had been To long fufpended, and to enter into verbal conferences with the French minifters"". Thefe conferences, however, had not continued many days when they were again interrupted, by a ridiculous quarrel between the fervants of Monf. Mefnager and the count de Rechteren, plenipotentiary for Over Iflel; and as the States ^d Auguft. had before broke off the negociations becaufe the French king had refufed to comply with the method of treating propofed by them, fo, in his turn, he demanded the moft rigid ternis of fatisfadtion, as the condition of permitting his minifters to continue any official intercourfe with thofe of the States". Neither were the latter ferioufly difappolnted by this new interruption of the treaty, and they did not difcover any anxiety to remove it, becaufe they flill cherifhed the hope of fome change in the political ftate of England, or the fuccefs of the campaign, which might enable them to treat with independence and a greater refped: to their own intereft ; while, on the other hand, the French king concluded, that every paufe in the treaty would augment his influence in the Britilh cabinet". At the opening of the aflembly of the States, the penfionary 13th Sept. Heinfius avowed the moft fearful apprehenhons concerning the infidious defigns of the French king; he reprefented fuch a peace as was now in agitation to be utterly ruinous to their liberties; and recommended the moft vigorous efforts for carrying on the war, in conjundion with the emperor and the German States'*. While 21 " Torcy, vo!. ii. p. 349. court of France, Mefnager was iiiftruiflcd to " Tindal, vol. ix. p. 413. Rechteren was admit of no intercenion or accommodation, offended on account of Mefnager's fervants unl^-fs Rechteren was difiniflcd by the States, having infnlted himfelf and his attendants by and his condutt condemned by all the reft of laughing and offenfive geftures, as he hap- the deputies, which was at length complied pened to pafs Mefnager's door. The latter with, 1 8th January i 713, after the altercation being dilatory in making any inquiry upon the had been carried on for above four months, fubjcft, Rechteren advifed his fervants to Political State, vol. iv. p. 113, S:c. Torcy, avenge the affront, which they did by ftriking vol. ii. 360. 373. Mefnager's, the firft time they met them on •' Hillory of the Four.Laft Years, p. 347. the ftreet. Notice of this being fcnt to the =+ Tindal, vol. ix. p. 414. 3 R 2 this I7I2. 492 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. this contradiftory condud provoked tlie court of England, the French plenipotentiaries perceived, as they imagined, a tavourable opportunity for retracing thofe concefFions in behalf of the Dutch, to which their mafi:er had agreed in compliment to the queen ; and they not only made exceptions to the barrier, wliich fhe had en- gaged to procure for her allies, but infilled upon the reftitution of Tournay, already in their poirefTion". The Englifh minifters now found themfelves under the neceflity of .making a fiand upon a point, for which the honour-of their fovereign was folemnly pledged; and from which fhe could not depart, without incurring the re- proaches of her own fubjedls, as well as of the States". They re- prefented to the French king, that if he infifted upon the reftitution of Tournay, the whole bufinefs of the treaty would be overfet; and that they themfelves, after having made fo many ftretches to ferve him, muft fall a facrifice to the vengeance of their incenfed fellow- fubjeds". The ill ftate of his health, more perhaps than any fenfe of juftice or gratitude to his friends, prevailed upon Lewis to yield to their importunity, and relinquifli his claim to the refti- tution of Tournay". They did not fail to make the moft of their fuccefs, to haften the conclufion of the treaty ; and explicitly an- aoth Nov. nounced to the Dutch plenipotentiaries, that if they did not lign the peace within the fpace of three weeks, her majefty was deter- mined to do it without them, and to abftain from all future inter- ference in their concerns ''. The events of the campaign, which have been already recited, had now wrought a mighty change upon the views and dlfpofitions *^ Torcy, vol. ii. p. 309. with them at the peace ; but he now infifted ='■ Bolingbruke's Letter to Prior, loth upon having it reftored as an equivalent for the September 17 12. Oxford's Anfwer to the demoh'tion of Dunkirk. Memorial delivered eleventh Article of Impeachment. HIft;ory of by the Abbe Gualtier, 1 8th November 171 1. the Impeachment, p. 292. The French king Torcy, vol. ii. paflim. had promifed not to infiil upon refloring '' Bolingbrokc's Letters to Prior. 'fournay, and, upon the faith of this, the " Torcy, vol. ii. p. 363 —5. tiueen had affured the Stales of its remaining *» Tindal, vol. ix. p. 454. of 1712. QJLJEEN ANNE. 493 of the Dutch. The hopes held out to them by the emperor and prince Eugene had proved deceitful ; they were on the eve of being coiifigned to the vengeance of their ambitious neighbour, without any hope of the interpofition of that power which had repeatedly refcued them from deftruiStion. The States of Utrecht accepted the i3tl> Dec. propofitions agreed to by the Englilh plenipotentiaries, and the new barrier treaty, without any reftrldtion ; and in a few days all the re(l of the provinces fignified their content, with fome exceptions, which, however, were underftood to depend entirely upon the good will of the queen of England ^°. The concluilon of the treaty feemed now to be juft at hand, when new difficulties arofe, which, coming from a quarter that was little expected, were the more mortifying to the Englifh minifters, and upbraided their ralhnefs and want of difcernment. Engroffed by the fingle obje£t of bringing the States to confent to the peace, they had relied implicitly on the honour of the French king; and ne- glected to require that precifion of engagement, with refped to their own demands, which alone could guard them againfl; the fubter- fuges and cavils of a dilhonourable treater. Lewis, finding that he had lefs to fear from the court of England than from any of the confederates, began to draw back from his proraifes to it, and to elude the verbal engagements of his minifters ^'. '" Tindal, vol. ix. p. 457. The States de- inferted in the reglfters of the parL'ament of fired her majefly to iiiterpofe for tliC reftoration Paris, 15th March 1 7 13, in prefence of the of Straftiurg to the emperor ; for adding officers of ftalt, the principal peers of France^ Conde to tlieir barrier; and for fettling their the duke of Shriwftury, and the duke d'Of- trade on the tariff 1664. But thefe demands funa, king Philip's ambaffador. Idem, vol. vi. were refufed by France. p. 102. The king of Spain's renunciation of the ^' Hiitor)' of the Four Laft Years, p. 357;. crown of France was figned 5th November '< The French prefs us to conclude, that they 1712, and conlirmed by his oath in prefence " may have others at their mercy j and at the of the council of {late,- the clijtf nobility, and " fame time they chicane with us, about the lord Lexington, the Englifh ambaffador. Po- " mod effential article of all our treaty, and litical State, vol. iv. p. 267. The renuncia- " endeavour to elude an agrecraent made, lio--. of the dukes of Berry and Orleans to the " repeated, and confirmed." Letter fioia crown of Spain, together with the French Lord Bolingbroke to Mr. Prior. king's letters patent confirming them, were The 494 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. "yUq principal points, flill in agitation, related to the colonial pofieflions of France and England in North America ; and to the articles of a commercial treaty which was to take place after the peace ". The fcene of bufniefs was now transferred from Utrecht to Paris, where the duke of Shrewfbury refided as ambaiTador ; and aded in conformity to the inftruclions he received from lord Boling- broke. The correfpondence between the ambaiTador and the fecre- tary exhibits a curious fpecimen of the chicane and treachery of the French court, and of the inconfiftency and diftradtion of the Englifh miniftry. Amidfl: all the bluftering and recrimination affeded by the latter, we difcern a progreffive conceffion to the court of France ; fo that, in the refult, fhe modelled every thing that remained un- decided, agreeably to her own intereft, without any tendernefs for the tranquillity and honour of the Englifh minifters, who had been fo precipitately and fervently devoted to her fervice ". After the difputes between the two courts were fettled, new ob- ftrudions again arofe, when the bufinefs was remitted to Utrecht. Treading in the footfteps of their raafter, the French plenipoten-. tiaries became more arrogant and captious than they had been in any former ftage of the treaty, and abfolutely refufed to comply with feveral articles, which the Dutch underftood to be already granted ; and, as they had been led to this perfuaficn by the aflur- ance of the Englifh plenipotentiaries in the name of the queen, the latter were now reduced to fuch a ftate of perplexity and dlllrefs, '* The French iiififted for the right of fidi- pare 13th Aiticle of the Peace, and the Hif- ing on the banks of Newfoundland ; and that torj' of Impeachments, p. 119. the duties payable in France by the fubjccfs ^' Letter from Mr. Prior to Lord Boling- of Great Britain for goods imported and ex- bioke, January 1713. Prior's Hiftory, p. 381. ported (liould be agreeable to the tariff 1664. Tindal, vol. ix. p. 465—83. While the ne- Letters from Mr. Prior to the Earl of Oxford gociations were going on, advice arrived that and Lord Bollngbroke. They alfo iufided a French fleet, under Monf. Caflart, was mak- ■upon having the ifland of Cape Breton, though ing depredations in the Englifh fugar iflands; underftood to belong to Nova Scotia, which an inftance of treachery, which made the mi- the queen had affured the parliament, 6th nifters afhamed of having confided fo much in June 17 iz, was to be ceded to her. Cora- their new friend. as QJJ E E N A N N E, 495 as made it impoflible for them to continue that confidential inter- CHAP. XX. coiirfe with the French minifters, with which the reft of the confe- < . _' _f derates had all along been juftl)'- offended". In vain they remon- ''''S- ftrated againft the injuftice and duplicity of the French ; and com- plained of the fhame and difhonour to which they were expofed from the refiedions and iipbraidings of the allies. In thefe they only participated with the members of the Britifli cabinet, who had brought themfelves into fuch a fituation by their impetuofity and mifplaced confidence, that there remained no alternative but their own difgracc, or the fpeedy confummation of the peace '*. The fa£lion at home, which had been averfe to enter upon the treaty, loft credit with the people, who were well pleafed to fee it fet on foot ; but, from the many hindrances which it met with afterwards, and the long paufe it fuftained, when apparently brought near a conclufion, the hopes and the courage of its oppofers revived ; and they expeded, in the approaching feffion, to render their antagonifts unpopular, and to expofe the difgrace and danger in which they had involved their country, by deferting her allies, and relying impli- citly upon the faith of their common enemy. The friends of the minifters were difgufted and wearied with delays, the caufes of which could not with propriety be difclofed ; and, from the prolongation of the treaty beyond any former precedent, they began to doubt of their capacity for carrying it into effedl. The members of parlia- ment had been fummoned to attend their duty at the beginning of the year, with afllirance that every thing relative to the peace would then be finally concluded. While, by repeated fhort adjournments,, they were detained in town, idle, infignificant, and excluded from; ^' Tindal, vol. ix. p. 483. Swift to Mrs. " the allies ; and how hard it is for us to ob- Jonfon, February 1713. " We could fay a " tain here, what, to your lordfhip, feems im- " great deal to juftify our cautious proceedings " pofTible the French fliould make any diffi- " with the French, and are fatisficd tliat your " culty to grant." Letter from the Plenipo- " lordfiiip will be of the fame opinion if you tentiaries to Lord Bolingbvokc, March 1713. " were to fee their way of negocir.ting with '" Swift to Mrs. Dingley, June, the 496 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, the fecrets of government, their patience and confidence began to fail, and their ill- humour and refentment became a ferious objedl of '''^' miuifterial alarm ". The moft pofitive orders were difpatched to the Englifh plenipotentiaries to depart from every fcrnple and objec- tion, and to fign the treaty without farther delay. On the i ith of April 1 71 3, the treaty of Utrecht was accordingly figned, in name of their feveral conftituents, by the minifters of England, France, Savoy, Portugal, Pruffia, and the States-General ". Before I proceed to a clofer examination of the merits of this peace, it may be proper to mention peculiar circumftances of difad- vantage which attended its commencement and progrefs, and por- tended an unfavourable conclufion for the allies. I. From the fa£ts already recited, it muft occur to every attentive reader, that the Englifh minifters entered upon the negociations for peace with a precipitancy and opennefs, which rendered them too much dependent upon the court of France. In order to fuftain confiflency of fentiment, and to bend the inclinations of the people to their meafures, they found themfelves under the necefTity of ex- pofmg, in the flrongeft colours, the exhaufled flate of the country, and the extreme difficulty of finding refources for the war. Wliile they were in oppofition, fuch reprefentations were imputed to the (lander of difappointed ambition ; but when the fame language was held after their advancement to power, it acquired that flamp of credit which revived the expiring arrogance of the French monarch, and infpired him with the hope^ of obtaining more favourable terms of peace than he could have expeded from the deprefTion of his affairs. So fenfible indeed was Lewis of the benefits which he de- rived from the ground on which the new minifters began their courfe, that he changed his firft purpofe of fending agents to Eng- land; and forefaw, that, inflead of being an humble fupplicant to " Tindal, vol. ix. p. 490. Swift's Let- nipotentiaries, 31ft March. ten, pafiiin. Letter from Oxford to the Pie- s" Jppendix, N XXXIII. that i7'3- QJJEEN ANNE. 497 that court, he would treat upon a more advantageous footing by re- C H Ap. ceiving overtures from thence . After the French agent had arrived in England, upon the aflurance of meeting with a welcome reception, the queen and her minifters not only betrayed a violent fondnefs for peace, but imprudently dif- clofed fuch intentions with refpedl to official arrangements, as de- livered the French king from uneafy apprehenfions about the conti- nuance of the war. While the duke of Marlborough remained at the head of the army, neither the private inclinations of the queen, nor the complaifance of the cabinet to France, could arreft the pro- grefs of his vidlories, or mitigate the calamities of the vanquifhed enemy ; but, v/hen the miuLfters of England wantonly communi- cated their purpofe of fupej-'feding that invincible general, the con- tinuation of the war was no longer terrible to Lewis, and he became more difficult to treat with about terms of peace *°. 2. From the unguarded communications which had efcaped them at the very outfet of the bufmefs, the Englifh minifters found them- felves fo much entangled, that more enlarged confidence, and more fervile complaifance became neceffary to enfure the fuccefs of the treaty, and to prevent the returning triumph and power of their rivals at home. The moft flattering exprefSons of kindnefs were reciprocally exchanged between the two courts, by which the Eng- liih minifters were unwarily feduced to impart fecrets of the moft delicate nature, and to exadt, upon their own perfonal account, fuch private ftipulations from the agents of France as could neither be -9 Mefnager, p. 66, 7. Mefnager ftyles the duke of Marlborough, he added the following prefent minifters the French king's pknipotcn- words with his own hand in the difpatches tiaries. The Spar.ifh ambaffador defired fir to his agents at the court of London. "The William Wyndham to tell Dr. Swift, that his " affair of difplacing the duke of Marlbo- mafter and the king of France were more " rough will do all for us we defire." Mef- obliged to him than any man in Europe, nager, p. 1S5, 6. See a Letter to the l^iector Swift's Letters, vol. i. p. 168. Lond. 1767. of Bavaria from his Minifter at Verfailles, 18th ♦"Mefnager, .p. 171. 185. When the Odober 1710. French king heard of the difniifTioii of the 1 3 S ^^concealed 498 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, concealed nor fulfilled but by the event of a peace *'. They were made acquainted with the animolities which fubimed among parties in England, and the dangerous effedts wdiich the prefent rulers appre- hended from the intrigues and refentment of their predeceffors. The French king voluntarily entered into the moft folemn engage- ments to interpofe, for the protedlion of the queen and her fervants, in cafe of any infurre£tion or violence, inftigated by the Whigs and allies, to force her into meafures contrary to her own inclinations, and to the pacific fyftem which fhe was determined to obferve dur- ing the refidue of her days. In return, it was promifed in name of the queen, that, if her endeavours for bringing the allies to a treaty fhould prove ineffe£lual, (he was to withdraw all her troops from the confederacy, and make a feparate peace *\ After fuch perverfe aflb- ciation of intereft with the French king, the minifters w^ere in eifedt fubjefted to his power, and devoted to his fervice. Whatever alter- cations might occur in the courfe of the treaty, and whatever re- monftrances they might find it expedient to make for fupporting their pretenfions to fidelity, yet the refult of the negotiations was altogether in the hands of that crafty monarch. They had nothing but his perfonal honour interpofed between themfelves and confe- quences, more fatal than could arife from an inadequate and unpo- pular peace. 3. The jealoufies and mifunderftandings, fubfifting among the members of the confederacy, gave great advantage to France ; and, ♦' Letter from the French King to Queen pendence of the treaty, not onTy gave leave to Anne, April 28th, 1712. From the Qiiecn to the merchants to fail into France, but dif- him, 14th November 1712. From Doling- patched fecret orders, to fir John Leake in the broke to Torcy. Hifloiy of Impeachments, Mediterranean, to permit French fliips loaded p; 21. 55. 57. Prior's Letter to Boling- with corn to pafs into France unmolefted. broke, 28th December 1712. Hardwick's Even private perfons in France made intereft CoUeftion, vol. ii. p. 489. After the peace for the reftitution of their (hips wliich had of Utrecht, queen Anne offered the garter to been taken by the Englilh fleet during the Lewis, which he declined, lell it fhould give war. Cunningham, vol. ii. p. 416, 17. offence to queen Mary. Duclos, torn. i. *^ Mefnager, p. 166, 7, 8. 202. Hiftory p. 63. The Englifh miniflers, during the de- of Impeachments, p. 104. though i7'3- QJJ E E N A N N E. 499 ■ tliougli England had not been fettered by premature engagements, C ii A p muft have proved no lefs mjurious to her intereft than to that of the allies, who did all they could to poftpone and fruftrate the treaty'"- We have had occafion to observe, from the fa£ls mentioned in the preceding pages of this work, that the efficient exertions of combined dates fel- dom amoui'.t to the computation, founded upon their refpeftive re- fources. The caufes of this difproportion invariably operate with greater effed, after the objesTr of their union has been attained, and when the per-iod of their feparation approaches. By war the knot of fellovN^fhip is more clofely drawn : during their joint profecution of hofiiilitics againft the common foe, they have one fimple and pre- cife objed: in view, their own defence and his deftrudion. But as foon as they enter upon negotiations afFeding their feparate and per- manent interefts, jealoufies and felfifh confiderations, which were dormant during the buftle of war and the incumbency of danger, awaken and difturb that mutual confidence, which alone can fecure to them the fruits of vidory and fuccefs. In this view, a fmgle, felf-united ftate muft ever enjoy great advantage in conduding a treaty over a confederacy loofely compaded, moved by jarring inte- refts, and diftraded by internal fufpicions. Sound policy, therefore, fhould fuggeft to confederate bodies, for their common intereft, the importance of maintaining, at leaft, the appearance of amity and confidence in each other, while negotiations are depending. But the reverfe was the cafe during every ftage of the negotiations of which I have been giving an account. The prefent minifters in England, both before and after their acceffion to power, did every thing to forfeit the good opinion of the allies ; and to provoke that diftruft which retarded and embarrafled the treaty. Their chief arguments in oppofition to the Whigs had arraigned the fidelity and honour of the allies ; and after entering into office, they were fo far from re- trading their afperity, that they urged the breach of engagements *' Jiiftification of the prefent Minifters. Somers, p. 28S. Conduft of Oxford, p. 82. 3S2 by I7I3- 500 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^ ^^ ^- by the States, and the unfair advantages at which tliey were grafp- ing, as the ftrongeft motives for haftening the conclufion of the war. The confequences were juft fuch as might have been expedled. The alUes, afraid to truft their interefts in the hands of men who had ca- lumniated them, became partifims of the difplaced faction, and, with no lefs irapohcy than officioufnefs, befiegcd her majefty, with en- treaties and threatenings, to reinftate them in her fervice. From thefe circumftances, it was not Hkely that the minifters who infti- tuted the negotiations, though they held the language of friendfhip towards the allies, could be ferioufly concerned about their intereft ; or confider it as an infurmountable obftacle to a peace upon which their own political exiftence depended "*. The premature rernon- ftrances of the Dutch againft fo much as entering upon the treaty j their refradtory fpirit during its progrefs, and ftrong fufpicions of their tampering fecretly with the French king, that they might wreft the negotiations out of the hands of the Englifli, provoked the fer- vants of the queen to break through all reftraints of decorum ; and to fpeak of this ally in terms of contempt and upbraiding, but too grateful to their common enemy"". They patronifed declamatory publications, and did every thing in their power to turn the current of popular odium againft the Dutch ■". All the fucceffive fteps, in the courfe of the treaty, contributed to foment reciprocal animofity, till the fufpenfron of arms between England and France, and the fur- render of Dunkirk, brought the former to the verge of hoftility with tthe reft of the allies *'. The confequence was, that all of them were fubjedted to the mercy of their vanquifhed adverfary, who exulted ^* Torcy, vol. ii. p. 290. When the Dutch the Four Laft Years, p. 357. minifters began to refume the fame language *'' Political State, vol. iii p. 359 363. at Utrecht, that they had ufed at Gertrue- '" " They were not backward, fpeaking* denberg, the abbe Poliguac replied, " Mef- " of the Engjifii miiiifters, to acknowledge, " fieurs, Ics circomllances font changecs, il " that the having Dunkirk put into their «' faut changer le tone ; nous traiterons chez " hands was the more agreeable to them, as *' vous, des Tious, et fans vous." Duclos, " they knew it would be a fenfible mortifi- vol. i. p. 47. " cation to the States." Mefijager, p. 144. ♦5 Torcy, vol. if. p. 124, 5. Hiftory of V' in Q^UEEN ANNE. 501 in their difcoids, and did not negled to improve fuch an obvious CHAP, advantage, by retrading and narrowing the conceflions which he had i— — _j already made; and modelHng and adjufting, as he pleafed, every ''^" point that remained unfettled and difputable. 4. The dil'agreement among the members of the EngUfli cabinet, though hitherto not fo material as to divide its counfels, unqueftion- ably degraded its authority, and deprefled that high fpirit and energy, which were neccflary to bear down the charadleriilic infolence of the monarch with whom they were now treating. The jealoufy and hatred, fubfifting between the earl of Oxford and lord Boling- broke, not orrly deftroyed reciprocal confidence, but interrupted that eafy and frequent intercourfe, which would have contributed to the fpeedy adjuftment of various points referred to their advice by their agents on the continent. The accomplifhment of a peace was equally agreeable to the inclinations and interefts of both, but their mutual jealoufies reftrained all freedom of fpeech, and made them, afraid of hazarding any opinion or propofal, that might afford, ground of crimination upon the probable dilTolution of their poli- tical union *'. Nor were the fubordinate and oftenfible managers of the treaty endowed with talents adequate to the fingular difficulty of the truft committed to them. Though lord Strafford had been long em- ployed in the diplomatic line, his manners were referved, unaccom-- modating, and ill calculated to gain the good opinion of foreign mi-- nifters, and fometimes expnfed him to the infults of the Dutch po- pulace"'. The formality and flownel's of the biiliop of Briflol too •"* Condud of Oxford, p. 58. 6^, 6. 82. becaufe the vacant ribbon was not conferred When the twelve peers were created, Mr. St. upon him after his return from Francv. Thefe John confenttd, upon the promife of being difappointments he imputed to the envy and ennobled afterwards, to remain in the houfe jealoufy of lord Oxford, who rcprefsnts the of commons, where he had great fway, till differences between him and Bolingbroke, as the conclufion of the treaty. He expefted having originated at an earlier period, and an earldom, which had formerly been in one from caufes highly dilhonourable to the latter. of the branches of his family ; and was mor- Oxford's Letter to the Queen, tified when he found that his patent was only *» Tind. vol. ix. p. 415. for a, vifcount's title. He was alfo difpleafed much; 502 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, much coincided with the procraftinating, difputatious temper of the v_ - _ -' _■ States. Neither were tlie two Britifn plenipotentiaries united to ^^'^' each other by that mutual efteem and confidence, which, in their dehcate fituation, were equally necefl'ary for maintaining their per- fonal dignity, and- for giving authority and firmnefs to their reib- lutions '°, I now pafs from general oblervations, to a particular lur- I'ey of the treaty. In order to eftimate, with precifion, the merits of the peace of Utrecht, and to appreciate the meafure of praife or cenfure due to thofe who condudled it, we ought to compare it with the obj^£ts for which the allies entered into the war ; and the fuccefs which at- tended their arms. Did the terms or advantages, obtained by the allies, correfpond with the objeds for which the war was under- taken ? Were they adequate to the fuccefs with which it was at- tended ? With refpcdt to the laft of thefe queftions, the anfwer is fo ob- vious, as to fuperfede all argument or difcuflion. The terms of the peace, procured for the allies in general, were not in proportion to the extent of their fuccefs, and particularly for Britain, which prin- cipally contributed to it by the immenfe wafte of her treafure and blood, and by the unmatched talents of her general. Examples of profitable war, or of its placing the conquerors in a better condition than they would have been, had they never engaged in it, are per- haps fewer than have been generally fuppofed. When the interefts of virtue and humanity are taken into account, the number of fuch examples would be ftill more contradied than upon a calculation, condudled folely with a refpe£l to political advantage. Setting afide all moral confiderations, found and liberal policy will always reftrain intemperance of demand ; and even fuggeft the expediency of facri- ficing valuable acquifitions, which have been obtained by the prqfe- cution of righteous war, when they manlfeflly endanger the future '° Swift's Journal, 15th Feb. 1711. fecurity QJJ E E N A N N E. 503 fecurlty and independence of the vidlorious nation. To apply this CHAP. remark to the cafe under our furvev. Thou^^h the confederates had reafon to expedl better terms than thofe which were obtained by the treaty of Utrecht, yet it is not cafy to form the conception of a fcheme of peace, approaching to what may be defined an adequate or juft compenfation, that would have contributed to the folid and per- manent advantage of all concerned, or that would not have overfet the balance of power, and confequently counteracted the defign for which the war was undertaken. The proof of this obfervation will appear from the inveftigation of the other qucftion, namely, whether, and how far, were the terms of the peace anfwerable to the objecS of the confederacy? In general, it may be anfwered, that they were not fo deficient and exceptionable, as might have been expected from the unfavourable circumftances attending the negotiation, and certainly not to that degree which has been aflerted by the enemies of the tory adminiftration, and the greatefl number of contempo- rary authors. If there was any purpofe of the war v/hich might be denoted pri- mary and fupreme, or any fingle point or maxim in w'hich the views of all the confederates centered, it w^as to obtain a juft and reafon- able fatisfadlion to the houfe of Auftria, in relation to the SpanilTi fucceflion ; and what neceffarily coincided with this, to circumfcrlbe 'and weaken the power of the French monarchy. That fatisfadion, not having been defined in the articles of the grand alliance, muft be colleded from the probable motives of the contracfting parties, and their open and declared fentiments. As the breach of faith, com- mitted by Lewis, in departing from the fecond partition treaty, and retracing his renunciation of the Spanifh monarchy, in name of his family, or his acceptance of the will of king Charles, in behalf of his grandfon, was the moving caufe of the grand alliance, fo it may be fairly inferred, that to bring him back to his former engagements,, was its ultimate obje6t. Had he propofed to abide by the partition treaty, upon intimation of the refolutions formed by the confede- rates,. ■13. 504 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, rates, we liave no reafon to doubt of their havina: been fatisfied -with XX i_^ - .. the propofal, as amounting to an adequate fatisfadion to the houfe '''■^' of Auftria ". Such v/ere the views of tlie confederates before they entered upon hoftilities. In proportion to their fucccfs In the courfo of the war, their profped of advantage expanded, and a more en- larged interpretation of the fatisfadlion to be given to the houfe of Auftria was adopted, not only by that family and their continental friends, but alfo by England, though flie had leaft: at ftake in the depending conteft. The whig minifters obtained the fan£tion of parliament for rejeding a peace, upon any terms, exclufive of the reftoration of the entire Spanlfh monarchy to the heirs of the em- peror Leopold. Suppofing that no alteration in foreign politics had taken place during the war, or Intervened between the framing of the grand alliance and the commencement of the negotiations for peace, even In that cafe, none of the contrading parties could have "been authorized to ftretch their demands upon the reft, or to exadt a iurplus of engagement, in confequence of refolutions formed with- in the interior councils of any feparate power. The ftate which made fuch refolutions might recall and cancel them at pleafure, be- caufe, upon every fair and eftabllfhed principle of jurifprudence, the confent of others cannot be neceflary to abrogate any law, or to re- trad any meafure, to which it had not originally contributed. The reftoration of the entire Spanifh monarchy to the houfe of Auftria -was an excefs of demand, which, not being exprefled in the original articles of the grand alliance, could not be binding upon England '' The States, in the conferences at the By the 21 ft article of the alh'ance with Por- Hague 1701, when the confederacy was form- tiigal, it was agreed, that no peace (hould be «d, aflerted, that though they had acknow- conchidcd, while any piince of French ex- led^ed Philip as king of Spain, yet fnch an traftion continued on the throne of Spain, acknowledgment was not contrary to the de- The Portuguefe minil^ers, therefore, at the mand of a reafonable fatisfadlion to the em- beginning of the treaty of Utrecht, demanded peror, for his pretenfions to the Spanifh fuc- the refignation of king Philip ; but they ceflion ; which was, in eflfeft, to declare, that afterwards departed from it, and it was even .the fatisfaftion demanded was not incompati- fufpefted that they were privately treating tie with Philip's retaining the pofleffion of the with Lewis upon this very bafis, namely, that "Spanifh monarchy.. Hiftory of Impeach- his fon fhould fit on the throne of Spain. Bients, p. 267. from QJJEEN ANNE. 505 from the requifition of any foreign power. It was, however, com- CHAP, petent for parties at home to reconimend, to the exifting minifters, 1 a due refpe£t for the decrees of the legiflature, and efpecially if the circumftances on which they were founded had remained unaltered ; but, by the recent changes in the political flate of Europe at the time to which I allude, the transfer of the Spanifli monarchy to the houfe of Auftria became incompatible with the fpirit and defign of the grand alliance. King Charles had not only fucceeded to the kingdom of Hungary and all the hereditary dominions of the houfe of Auftria, but was eledled to the Imperial crown, upon the death of his brother Jofeph; and he wanted only the addition of the Spanifh monarchy, to have raifed him to an exuberance of power, equal to that of his anceftor Charles V. '' Had he obtained it, the balance of power, which had been the capital object of the wars and treaties in Europe during the two preceding centuries, would have been deftroyed. The only prince, who could have counterpoifed fuch a vaft accumulation of empire, was exhaufted by a long and unprofperous war : to main- tain the political balance of Europe, by circumfcribing his expand- ing dominion, was the leading principle of the grand alliance, to '^ The confederacy was formed to fecure varia, their eldcfl fifter's fon, that too great a pofterity from the exorbitant incroachment of proportion of power might not fall into the any power. The French greatnefs was its hands of the Imperial family. It is affirmed, immediate obje£l ; but the future fafety of by the author of the felonious treaty, Dc Foe, Europe its main end. This feems to have that the reafon for king W'illiani's acknow- been the fundamental maxim which regulated ledging the duke of Anjou king of Spain was the political conduft of king William, and to the emperor's beginning the war in his own which he adhered in all the treaties and wars name and right, making no declaration of his in which he engaged. While the treaty of intention of giving- the crown of Spain to a Nimeguen was depending, the prince of younger branch of his houfe, and king Wil- Orange faid to fir William Temple, that if the ham thought it more reafonable to confign it emperor endeavoured to pufh the French be- to the duke of Anjou than to the emperor. yond the treaty of the Pyrennees, he {liould. Felonious Treaty, London 171 1, p. 33. For from that time, become a Frenchman as much thefe reafons it was no longer poffible to keep as he was then a Spaniard. Temple's Me- the grand alliance united on the principle of moirs, p. 82. By the firft partition treaty, recovering the Spanilh monarchy for the houfe the two fons of Leopold, Jofeph and Charles, of Auftria. Vindication of the prefent Minif- were paffed over, and the dominions of Spain try, London 1 7 1 1 . were aiTigned to the eleftoral prince of Ba- 2 T \vliich 5o6 HISTOliY OF GREAT BRITAIN. C IT A P. which all the fpeclfic conditions, compriied in it, were adapted, aS L - _t far as the wlldom of its framers could extend. The validity of fuch conditions therefore, according to the fpirit of the treaty, fubfiftcd only as long as the fulfilment of them could contribute to that end ; but when, from a change in the ftate of Europe furpafhng the ordi- nary latitude of contingency, they tended to contravene the defign for which they were framed, and to throw fo much additional weight into the fcale which already preponderated, could the juftice and propriety of adhering to them be ferioufly contended for, by the candid and difceming politician ? There is not, perhaps, in the record of ages, a more flriking ex- ample of the hlindnefs and fatality of human policy, than that under confideration. A confederacy is formed for adjufling the po- litical balance of Europe, agreeably to a fpecific plan, concerted and approved by the aggregate wifdom of various ftates ; that plan is profecuted at the expenceof not lefs than a million of lives, and of in- calculable, attendant calamities. The dellre cf the belligerent con- federates is at length on the point of accomplilhment, their objedl is jufl: brought withi'*! reach, when behold, its complexion is changed; it appears pregnant with the very mifchiefs which it wns intended to prevent ; and the attainment of It would be ruin certain, and irre- ti'ievable. Thus, fruftrating, by events imforefeen and unexpe£led, plans of policy, formed upon the moft fpecioas grounds of wifdom, and perhaps of juftice, providence admonifhes the rulers of nations to lay a greater ftrcfs, than they are inclined to do in the moment of refentment and alarm, upon thofe cafual events, which may change the nature and quality of the objeds purfued ; and upon the inter- vening means by which they muft necelTarily be acquired. It was obje£led to Britain, that fhe had violated the eighth article 7th Sept. of the grand alliance, by entering into a treaty with France, without ''°*' the participation and confent of the other confederates ". With re- !* After the commencement of the war, pence wItTiout tlie advice and participation of noae of the allies (hall be pcimitted to tr«at of the reft. !^e-■ -j I 7 I ^» which was made in England ; and, confequently, the tax being ad- jufi-cd to meafure, that the Scots were in reality to pay it in a double, or triple proportion '°. To the exafperated Scotfman, nothing lefs than a diflblution of the union appeared an adequate retribution for opprefTively fubjeding his country a few months prematurely, or, in an aggravated pro- portion, to an impofition which could not be finally eluded. And now we behold a ftriking example of that ftrange viciffitude of fen- liment, and dereliction of principle, which render the hiftory of faftion fo difgufting to every pure mind. The whig miniflers, and fome of the moft diftlnguifhed perfons among the Scottifh nobility, who had, by their joint efforts, accomplifhed the arduous work of uniting the two kingdoms, now confpired to overturn it, and to fport away the honours which they had acquired by rendering this meritorious fervice to their country ". The grievances of Scotland having been introduced in the courfa of a debate on the ftate of the nation, a motion was afterwards made by lord Seafield for leave to bring in a bill to diflblve the union, and to fecure the proteftant fuccefhon in the houfe of Hanover, which ift June, was vehemently fupported by the Whigs and the Scottifl^ peers ; while the Tories, who had originally oppofed the union, fpoke againft '° Memoirs of the Four Laft Year?, p. 222. the queen and declared, that laying fuch an " " The Tories, who voted with the lord infupportable burden, as the malt-tax, upon treafurer againft the diflblution of the union, Scotland, would raife difcontents there to fuch were under perplexity, left they fliould be a height, as to prompt them to declare the viftorious ; and. the Scots, who voted for a union difl'olved. Pohtical State, vol. v. p. 3_|.8. diflblution, were under agonies left they Though the queftion was carried againft tlfe ftiould carry the point they pretended to Scots, the queen was fo much alarmed by defire." Swift's Letters, vol. i. p. 239. their threats, that aflurances wei-e privately Letter 96, ad June 1713. given them that the tax fhould nolbe exaded. The duke of Argyle, the earl of Marr, Mr. Memoirs of the Four Laft Year?, p. 225. Lofkhart, and Mr. Cockburn, waited upon againft. 5iS HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. C H A P. Jts cUnblution. The latter were fairly entitled to plead, that there was L. "- ■ ' _ an obvious and wide diftindlion between oppofing any contradl or '''^' tranfadion while yet in dependence, and cancelling and undoing it after it had been once eftablifhed. No fuch apology can be made for the Inconfiftency of the Whigs. The folemnity with which the union had been tranfaded, and the incompetency of the legiflature to repeal it, were the chief argu- ments ufed by the members who oppofed the motion. The griev- ances of the Scots were urged by its fupporters ; and, whereas the fecurity of the Hanoverian fucceflion had been infilled upon, as the ftrongefl reafon for incorporating the two kingdoms, it was now pled with a fophiilical effrontery, that their feparation would mofl effec- tually contribute to that end. By recognifing the proteftant fettle- raent, Scotland would become a guarantee for its execution ; and, in cafe of the ill defigns now afcribed to the minifters, afford a refuge to the friends of the houfe of Hanover '\ As the danger of the proteftant fucceflion was the fitteft engine for roufing the paffions of the people, the Whigs loft no opportunity 30th June, to bring it forward. Two addreffes to the queen were prefented by and 3d July, ^j^^ houfe of lords, and one by the commons, bcfeeching her to ufe the moft prefTmg inftances with the duke of Lorrain, and all the other princes in amity with her, not to fuffer the pretender to refide within their dominions. Although the queen anfwered thefe ad- dreffes in exprefTions of courtefy, they could not fail to give her deep concern. They were calculated to excite fufpicions concerning the truth of the declarations which fhe had often repeated relative to the proteftant fucceffion ; and, fuppofing that (he had no intention to change it, yet what muft fhe have felt, when conftrained to do violence to nature ; and to condemn, to a ftate of vagrancy and per- iecution, a brother unfortunate and degraded, not for any demerits •* Life of Arg>'le, p. 156. Hiftory and Defence of the Lift Parliament, p. 250. Lend. 1713. 6 of QJJEEN ANNE. 519 of his own, but on account of the infatuation and mlfcondud of C H A P. XXI. their common parent ". t_ ' _' 1 A meflage was fent by the queen to the commons, reprefenting, 'Z'/'ue that flie had been under the neccffity of running into arrears in the payments due upon the civil hit ; for defraying which, fhe trufted ^o the generofity of her people. The Whigs did not negledt the op- portunity, afibrded by this unexpected application, of deriding the pretenfions to moderation and oeconomy, to which the prefent mini- fters were fo much indebted for the good opinion of the country gentlemen. It was afferted by Mr. Smith, one of the tellers of the exchequer, that the debts of the civil lift, now ftated at four hundred thouland pounds, had not amounted to the half of that fum, two months before the date of the prefent eftimate ; and, as the minifte- rial influence had been privately exerted to counteract an addrefs from the commons for exhibiting a ftatement of the arrears of the civil lift funds, and the debts ftanding out againft it, and no an- fwer had been given to the addrefs when prefented, it was fufpedted, that the money wanted had either been fquandered on fome fecret fervice, or that it was deftined for fupporting the minifterial candi- dates at the enfuing elections '\ A bill however was brought in, to 26th Juoe.- enable her majefty to raife a fum of five hundred thoufand pounds for difcharging thefe arrears, and conjoined with the bill for raifm-^ " The queen, on ditFerent occafions, dif- borough, and Godolphin, &c. in truft for covered a tendernefs for her brother. Sir his queen. By an aft of parh'ameut, after George Byng, when he was fent after the the revolution, thefe fums had been appro- French fleet in 1708, had no inflruAions re- priated for the ufe of the royal houfehold ; but Intive to the perfcn of the pretender. When as the adl contained a faving claufe, in behalf the fubjeft was taken into conlideration by the of all who had any juft claim upon that part of privy council, the queen appeared greatly agi- the revenue to which it referred, her iriajefty tated, and (hed tears, which prevented all thought herfelf juftlfiable in granting a war- further deliberation, and the council broke up rant direfled to the lord treafurer for paying in great confufion. Tindal, vol. x. p. 243. it according to its original dellination, which, * The einban-afTments in the civil Hit were confequently, occafioned a deficiency in the probably occafioned by her majefty having money neceflary for the houfehold expences. privately agreed to pay the dowager queen the Compare Article 20th of Lord Oxford's Im- arrears of certain fums, which the late king peachment with his Anfwcr. Hillory of Im- James, by letters patent, 28th Augufti685, peachments, p. 210, 313. had granted to the earls of Rotheller, Peter- one ^2o HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, one million two hundred thoufand pounds for the circulation of XXI exchequer bills. Owing to this circumftance, it pafled more eafily than was expeded from the oppofition it met with at firfl ,". Party fpirit ftill continued to rage in the convocation during this feffion, and betrayed the lower houfe into irregularities highly difrefpedful to their fuperlors. They refufed to concur with the addrefs of the bifhops to the queen, and affigned fuch reafons for their refufal, as amounted to an impeachment of the loyalty of its authors. They complained, that the addrefs was deficient in ex- prefTions of confidence in her majefty ; and could not admit of any a,lterations, to render it worthy of their concurrence ; and they lubftituted a form of their own, to wliich they folicited the alTent of the upper houfe. In going thus far, they advanced to the utmofl: pitch of arrogance, authorized by precedent. But here they did not flop ; for, after a prorogation for the purpofe of reftoring harmony to that aflembly, their prolocutor, attended by a number of the members, prefented their addrefs to the queen, which, to the mortification of the bifhops, met with a gracious reception. En- couraged by this mark of royal favour, they entered upon a vindica- tion of their own condu£l, and appointed a committee to draw up an account of their proceedings in the two former feflions, in order to fl;»ew the averfion of the bifhops to concur with their ardent pro- feffions of loyalty ; and with their defire to promote internal re- formation and extenfion of difcipllne, which was the peculiar and appropriate province of the convocation '". This report, which was ■5 A bill to prevent duelling was brought '* Political State, vol. v. p. 294, &c. in and once read in the houfe of commons, The lower houfe of convocation difcover- 16th May, but afterwards dropt. It was ed great zeal for reftoring the vigour of occafioned by a duel between the duke of ecckfiaftical difcipline, which was probably Hamilton and lord Mahon, in which both fell, the caufe of a bill being introduced in the 15th November 1713; and as this happened houfe of lords, for preventing the frequent foon after the duke's being appointed ambaf- denunciation of excommunication. It pafled fador extraordinary to the court of France, there, and was returned from the commons 29th Auguft, it was malicioufly imputed to with fome amendments, but afterwards de- the Wlu'gs, as if they had been afraid of his laycd from time to time, and finally dropt. promoting the intereft of the pretender. Poll- Journals Lords and Commons, July. tical State, vol. iv. p. 299. publiflied QJJEEN ANNE. 521 publiflied and difperfed with great induftry, had the dcfired effeft of ^ ^^ ^' attrading the attention of the laity, and confounding ecclefiaftical l— — v-— j dlfputes with thofe of a political nature. While the Tories juflified the conduiS: of the lower houfe, the Whigs condemned it, as con- trary to the conftitution of the Englifh church, and the fundamental principles of an epifcopalian eftablifliment ". From the hiftory of this feflion of parliament, we have feen, that the minifters were lofing ground in the houfe of lords ; and that, upon the occurrence of more interefting queftions, their fuperiority in the commons was more precarious than it had been during the two preceding years. Their influence however was ftill kept alive by the preferments bellowed upon their adherents", and by the fatisfacflion which the queen teftified with their meafures at the pro- rogation of parliament. She thanked both houfcs for the good i6thjuly. fervice they had done the public ; and acknowledged particular obligations to the commons for their affe£lion and duty to her, and for their regard to the interefl of their country, by which they had fhewn themfelves the true reprefentatives of a loyal people. As this parliament was not to meet again, thefe exprefTions were under- ftood, as an earneft, though indired; recommendation from her ma- jefty to the eledors, in behalf of the fame members, and fuch as ad- hered to their principles. The houfe of commons, in the fifth parliament of the queen, was chiefly compofed of country gentlemen, in the tory intereft, who were ftrongly prepoflrefl"ed for every meafure tending to the cenfure of the whig minifters, and the future deprefllon of that party. Their zeal for thefe objeds rather furpaffed that of the new cabinet, and conftrained fome of its members to deviate from the moderation " It appeared inconfiftent with the futjec cinque ports ; Dr. Attcrburr, bifliop of Ro- tionof prefbyters to bifhops, to contend for the chefter ; Dr. Snialridge, dean of Chriil's jndependtnt rights of the lower houfe of con. Church. In January. 1718, lieutenant-general vocation. Cumpton was made lieutenant of the Tower in •* On the 30th April, the duke of Athole the room of lieutenant-general Cadogan. Id was made privy fcal for Scotland ; on the 10th April, the lotd-keeper Harcouit was appointed of June, the duke of Ormoud warden of the charcjllor of Great Britain. 3 ^ which. »7i3- 522 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. XXI. which, after having eftablifhed their own authority, they were in- clined to exercife towards their predeceflbrs. Impatient at the flow pace with which lord Oxford profecuted the difmifllon of the Whigs, the tory members, after the firfl feffion, entered into clubs and aflb- ciations, which were not lefs alarming to the miniflers than the oppofition they met with from the party difplaced ; and hardly left them any choice, but the refignation of their power, or a thorough compliance ■with, violent meafures, urged by their abettors. Hence^ during the fecond feflion, abufes were inveftigated with the mofl eager and acrimonious diligence. Such proceedings, however, mufl not be afcribed entirely to the pique and rage of party. Individuals, and collective bodies, even when actuated by the befl intentions, are too prone to judge of the ftatc of public affairs by the ftandard of their own private intereft and feelings. The burdens of the war fell heavy upon the gentlemen of landed property : their rents were cur- tailed ; and their pride was offended, with a new fet of men, under the patronage of their antagonifls, rifing above them in opulence and power. They obferved, that the whig miniflers, deriving acceffion of fl:reng):h from the monied interefl, were bent upon the continu- ance of the war, increafing in expence every campaign, while both' the attainment and advantage of the objedV, for which it was pur- fued, became more precarious and contravertible. Under the influ- ence of patriotifm, tinged however with felfiflmefs and prejudice,, they were unfortunately open to the fnares of fupinenefs and negli-- gence on one fide, and of intemperance and precipitancy on the other. Anxious for peace, they trufted too much to the difcretion of the agents employed to accompllfh it. Provoked at the late mini- , flers for prolonging the war, to the injury of their private fortunes and the public good, they believed all the delinquencies imputed to them without a fcrupulous examination of evidence ; and became,, in fome inftances, the inciters, and, in others, the tools of miniflerlal refentment againfl individuals who had merited well of their coun- try ; or, in the worfl vlewj> who were culpable only for their coa- niving QJJ E E N ANNE. 523 n'lvhig at abufes committed by fome of their partlflins, undeferving ^ HA P. of their confidence, or of any public truft. ^-' — - — -J 1713. It cannot be denied, that to throw contempt on the Whigs, this houfe of commons fometimes defcended into mean partiaUties, de- grading to the dignity of the legiflative body "'. But, with all their prejudices and imperfedtions, they rendered eminent fervices to the public, and fuch as could not have been performed by their prede* ceflbrs without depaiting from the political fyftem to which they had always adhered. The circumftances of the nation loudly called for peace; and the treaty of Utrecht, though liable to many objedions, was certainly preferable to the continuance of the war, which muft have happened, if the whig parliament had been prolonged to its legal term of diffolution. It ought alfo to be mentioned in honour of this houfe of commons, that, though fond of peace, they did not withhold or delay the neceflary fupplies while the war lafted ; and that they difcovered a manly independence, by rejeding the com- mercial treaty to the great mortification of the miniftry. As the majority of the houfe were of high church principles, they were inclined to go every length againfl: the difi^enters ; but, while the miniflers paufed, the Whigs anticipated the defire of the bigots; and, by the bill for better fecuring the church of England, participated of that illiberal fpirit, which had hitherto been confidered as the diftinc- tive reproach of the Tories. The a£ls, which affedled the flate of religion in Scotland, originated in the houfe of commons, and pro- ceeded from their partiality for epifcopacy ; but they certainly did not exceed that extent of indulgence, which, in conformity to the wifeft maxims of policy, as well as of juftice, every legiflature ought to grant to diffenters who are not inimical to the ftate. '' They defired Dr. Sacheveral to preach according to form, thanked him for his fermoii. Ikfore them on the 29th May, being the anni-' Journals Commons, 2d and 30tli May. yerfary of the reftoratioa of Charles II. ;[ and, , 3X 7. 5^4 HISTORr OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. XXII. State of Parties in Ireland. — Viezvs of the DiJJ'enters. — Inirodudion of High and Low Church Party. — Tl>e Earl of Wharton appointed Lard Lieutenant.— A Sexton of Parliament. — Addrefs of the Commons in Behalf cf Trinity CoU lege Dublin — Againfi the Reverfal of Attainders. — Proceedings againfi Roman Catholics. — Convocation. — Parliament prorogued. — Another SeJJion. — Turbulent Spirit of the People. — Ki)ig William's Statue defaced. — Dui'e of Ormond appointed Lord Lieutenant. — His Popularity. — The Tories increafe. — Scffwn of Parliament. — Addreffcs. — Supplies, 'iffc. — Thc Commo}u cevfure the Addrefs of the Lords — Inftitute an Inquiry into the Confpiracy in Wefi- ineath. — Difpuics between the two Houfes on this SubjeB. — Circumjiayices tending to the Difcouragement of the Whigs.— Interference of the Privy Coun- cil in the EleSlion of the Magiflrates of Dublin. — Partiality and Violence of Sir ConJ^antine Phipps. — Licentioufnefs of the Prefs. — Cafe of Mr. Higgins. — Proceedings of the Lords. — Convocation. — Survey of this Parliament.'— Struggle of Parties. — The Duke of Shrewfb'ury appointed Lord Lieutenant — Encourages the Whigs. — Eledions for a new Parliament. — // meets. — The Commons make Refolutions cenfuring the Condu£l of the Privy Council— Ad- drefs the ^leen againfi Sir Conjlantine Phipps. — Counter -Refolutions of the Lords. — Parliament prorogued. CHAP. 'T~^HE divifion of parties in Ireland, for fome confiderable time after the revolution, was founded folely upon religious prin- ciples. The great fuperiority of the Roman catholics, in number, over-awed the proteftants, and controlled that fedarian zeal and in- tolerant difpofition among themfelves, which would have weakened their ftrength, and increafed their common danger. Whatever might be the private fentiments of fome among the eftabllfhed clergy, yet a fenfe of intereft required their ading upon the maxims of low church, and obferving moderation and lenity in their condudl to- wards the proteftant diffenters. A few indeed of the lower order, having been educated in England and expeding to be recalled to preferment QJJEEN ANNE. 5*5 preferment under the patronage of the Tories, made feme attempts ^-1^^^* to infpire their adherents with a jealoufy and hatred of the prefbyt-e- >■ ■--.— ■i ^ rians ; and to propagate thofe diilinftions among the members of the Irifh church, which had been nurtured by enthufiafm and fac- tion, in the neighbouring kingdom. This fpirit, which began to manifeft itfelf in the convocation at Dublin in the year 1704, was fuccefsfully checked by the whig minifters, who entirely engrofled the court intereft, during the 2d and 3d feffions of parliament held there in the courfe of this reign. The fame influence, however, which countera£ted the endeavours of the high-chureh party, ini'pired the proteftant diflenters with the hopes of extending their political power, and participating in the official benefits which had hitherto been reftri£ted to the members of the eftablifhment. The appointment of the earl of Wharton, a dif- 5th Nov., tlnguifhed patron of religious liberty, to the office of the lieutenancy, ' feemed to furnifh them with the moft favourable opportunity for J realizing their hopes, and fiiggefted the idea of applying to the Bri- tlfh parliament for a repeal of the teft aCt ; and for a more liberal toleration to the Irifti nonconformifts, than what was enjoyed by perfons of the fame defcriptlon in England '. The triumph of the high church party in the affair of Dr. Sache- veral, and the fublequent change of the miniffry, not only thwarted the expedlations of the Irifh dllfenters, but roufed and fomented a fpirit of rancour againft them, which difplayed itfelf in all the future meetings of the convocation. Nor was it long confined to the ecclefiaflical body : the country gentlemen began to be diflinguifhed by the names of high and low church ; and a confiderable party in the houfe of lords efpoufed a fyftem of meafures, evidently calcu- lated for the depreffion of the difl'enjing interefl. The vacant oflices in Ireland were filled, by the Englifh minifters, with perfons whofe political fentiments were congenial with their own; and the Irifh ' Archbifhop of DiiWin's 'Letter to TXr. to the faiTlc, Feb. lo, 1709. Swift, 20th Nov. 1708. ArchbilliOp King's proteftants •526 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, 'proteftants were divided, and embroiled with all the party zeal and c- v^ — i»> contention which prevailed in the mother country. The fa^^s, ' ''' which I am going to recite, will illuftrate thefe aflertions. 1709. The earl of Wharton, appointed fuccefTor to the earl of Pembroke, opened the fourth feffion of the Irifh parliament on the 5th May 1 709*. After recommending the neceffary fupplies ; putting the for- tifications in a better ftate of defence ; and {)roviding a fuflicienj quantity of warlike flores ; he called their attention, particularly, to the great inequality between the Roman catholics and the proteft- ants with refped to numbers; and reminded them of the fangui- nary difpofition of the former as often as they had an opportunity to gratify \t\ 6th May. Both houfes addreffed the queen, expreffing congratulatiqns for the fuccefs of her majefty's councils and arms, with affurauces of their loyalty and entire fatisfadion with the appointment of the earl of X2th and 23d \Vharton. A fupply.of feventy five thoufand pounds was voted for ^^' the neceffary branches of the eftablillmient, and for buying arms, ammunition, and warlike ftores for the militia. * The earl of Wharton's father was a prcf- Wharton, and after his arrival at Dublin be- ■byterian, and, though the fon prbfcfled him- came acquainted with Dr. Swift, whofe poli- felf a churchman, yet he was a .warm friend to tical principles, at this tinje, were fuppofed to tlie ditfent^rs ; and it is faid, made the aban- be the fame with his 'own. In teflimony of doning of the bill againft occafional conform- his eftedm and friendfliip for Swift, Mr. Addi- jty a condition of fupporting the earl of Go- fon recommended him warmly to tlic patron- dolphin. Life of Wharton, p. 37. 40. He age of the lord lieutenant, who appointed him had been a great inftrument of the revolution, his chaplain. Oldmixon, vol. ii. p. 415 — 26, and was made comptroller of the houfehold, IJfe of Wharton, p. 64. Politics divide the which he held during king William's reign, deareft friends, and unite perfons of the moil but never was trufted with any minifterial of- difcordant affeftions. The prmciples and tem- fice. He was difmiffed, and his name ftruck per of the earl of Wharton and Mr. Addifon out of the lift of the privy council, foon after form a perfedt contraft to each other, but the the queen's acceflion, but promoted to a higher fecretary was a warm abettor of all the mea- rank in the peerage, and rcftored to place, fures patroiiifed by his mafter. Swift's Let- when the miniftry affumed the charafter of ters, vol. i. p. 223. Molefworth's Letters, Whigs. Id. p. 36. 56. " The earl had fine p. 44- Lond. 1721. " talents and great wit, but all was thrown ^ Annals Anne, May 1709. His excel- «' away by his want of principle and levity." lency, with an irony unbecoming the folemnity Walpole's I. atalogue, vol, ii. p. 130. of fuch an addrefs, called it the gooti nature The celebrated Mr. Addifon entered firll of this fort of naen, namely, ihc Roman into public office as fecretary to the ^arl oi Catholics. ziar.fiZic:- An 1799- QJJEEN ANNE. " 5-27- An accident, which had lately happened in the univerfity of Tri- ^^■^^^ nity college near Dublin, gave the commons an opportunity of i fhe'wing their attachment to revolution principles ; and for rebuking that defedlion from them which had lately broke out with alarming violence in every part of the kingdom. Edward Forbes, a fellow of that college, had been expelled by his colleagues for fpeaking difhonour-- ably of the memory of king William. Such an example of patriotic zeal, at a feafon when many were fufpe£ted of difloyalty, the com- mons thought deferving of forae marked teflimony of praife, and addrefled" the lord' lieutenant, to lay before her majefty their humble defire, that five thoufand pounds might be conferred on the provoft and fellows, for ereifling a public library there to encourage found literature, and revolution principles. The refolutions of the lower houfe, relative to the palatines, who had lately arrived from England, contained the fulleft approbation of the fentlments of thofe who fent them, and who ilill held the reins of government. The commons expreffed a tender regard for thofe ■unfortunate men, whofe principles and fufferings claimed the hofpi- tality of the humane in every country ; and particularly of the Irifh piroteftants, who had themfelves fuffered under the rod of oppreflioa. - They rejoiced in the acceffion of abody of proteftant fubjefls, as con- tributing to the intereft of true rerigion,and the fecurity of the king- dom ; and to encourage them to fettle in Ireland, voted a fum of five thoufand pounds per annum, to be diftributed among them, and to be made good in the next aids granted to her majefty *. So far the commons afted uponprinciples of generous policy ; but other meafures, profecuted by them in the courfe of this feffion, dif- c-overed a fpirit of felf-intereft and vindictive feverity, which cer- tainly detracted /rora the applaufe due to the meafures now recited. ♦ Journ. Com. paffim. 23d and 24th Au-> eight hundred were fent to Ireland. Report! guft. The Englifh miniftry rather trefpafTed of the Sub-Committee appointed to infpcft . upon the generofity of the Irifli commons ; the Accounts of Money difburfed for the Pa- - and, inftead of five hundred palatme tamilies, latines. Joura. Com. 28th July 1711. the number expefted and provided for, above They 528 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. XXII. 1709. 3d and 20th June. 23d and 30th " Auguft. They entreated her majefty not to liften to any felicitations in behalf of thofe perfons, who had been attainted for treafon in the year 1641 and the year 1688, though it was well known that many of them had been condemned upon deficient and falfe evidence. Under the title of an ad for explaining a former one to prevent the farther growth of popery, they gave new ferocity and more extenfive fcope to every exifting law, again ft the numerous and unfortunate votaries of that religion '. The houfe of lords concurred with the zeal of the commons ; and, to recommend themfelves to the favour of the lord lieutenant, who abhorred every taint of fuperftition, they committed the bifliop of Raphoe to prifon, becaufe he had protefted againft their doing bufi- nefs on the 28th of June, which was the anniverfary of the feftival of St. Peter and St. Paul \ » By tKis aft, Roman catholic proprietors were made incapable of mutilating or alienat- ing their eftates, which, in terms of the adl of the fecond year of her majefty's reign, were to defcend to the next proteftant heir, by fettling annuities upon their popifh children orrelations. The high court of chancery was empow- ered, from time to time, to afcertain the value of the eftates poffeffcd by Roman catholics ; and to make a proportional provifion, both for the immediate und future maintenance of fuch of their children as had been converted to the proteftant religion. Perfons who profefTed to turn from the po- pifh to the proteftant religion, were not to enjoy the benefits of converfion, unlefs, bc- fides producing the certificate of the bifhop of the diocefe as direfled by a former aft, they received the facrament of the Lord's Supper, according to the order and ufe of the church of Ireland, within fix months after making their declaration. To encourage the wives of the Roman ca- tholics to abandon the religion of their huf- bands, they were, upon their deceafe, to be fntitltd to fuch provifion and jointure out of their eftates and perfonal effefts, as the lord chancellor (hould think reafoaable and fit, notwithftanding any teftament, alicp.ation, or difpofition to the contrary, made in the life- time of the hulband. AH papifts, convifted of teaching fchools, or of affifting as ufhcrs to proteftant fchool- mafters, were to be fubjefted to the fame pc. nalties as popifh regular clergymen. The former afts for preventing popifh priefts coming into the kingdom, which had only a temporary authority, were made per- petual. High rewards vyere enafted, for encourag- ing informers againft Roman catholic delin- quents. The powers of juftices of peace^ to apprehend fufpefted perfons, were greatly ex- tended. Great encouragement was given to ftiip-mafters for tranfporting convifted perfons to foreign plantations. No papift permitted to follow any craft or trade, within the king- dom, was allowed to keep more than two ap- prentices at a time. * The lord lieutenant was blamed for this wanton feverity. As he did not himfelf profefs any reverence for holidays, this mea- fure, if not fuggefted by, was fuppofed to be highly acceptable, to him. Not= QJJEEN ANNE. 529 Notwithftanding thefe difcouragements, the fplrit of toryifm was ^^J^ ^ ftill alive in the ecclefiaftical aneinbly, which now began to enter, v.— -%—--.« with great warmth, into the fame tra<5l of difputation that had been purfued by the Enghlh convocation; but it was rendered abortive by an order for prorogation, while the parliament yet continued 5'hAugufl, fitting. After the feveral ways and means for furnifliing the fup- plies were voted, tlie lord lieutenant expreflcd the fuUeft fatisfadion with the proceedings of this feffion; and having clofed it by proro- gation on tlie 30th Auguft, in a few days thereafter returned to England '., The whig intereft was greatly advanced in Ireland, under the government of the earl of Wharton, by the preferments conferred upon its adherents, and the admiffion of fuch of them as were moft diftinguillied for rank and influence into the privy council \ The Lfluc of Dr. Sacheveral's trial, and the increafing popularity of their friends in England, again elevated the hopes of the Iriili Tories; but before they had time to form any plan for colledling their ftrength, or making any public efforts as a party, they were confounded and difappointed by the arrival of the earl of Wharton, who was fent Ma>-i7io. back to open another fefTion of parliament'. 7 Tlie lord lieutenant concluded his fpeech of their officers for pafllng private bills; and ».t the prorogation of p;irliament, hy declaring tliat it Ihould be one-fourth lefs than in to them that it was her majcfty's will and inten- Britain. tlon, that diffenters fhould not be perfecuted " I-ife of Wharton, p. 78. or molefted in the exercife of their religion. " From the earl of Wharton's bein- adminiftration. Secret Hiftory of the prefent Miniftry, p. 10, Sheridan's Life of Sv\nft. &c. Lond. 17 15. Dr. Swift was undoubtedly Dr. Swift, prior to this period, had been re- piqued on account of his merits being over- puled a Whig ; and, when the Irifti clergy, looked by the earl of Wharton, from whom who liad fent him to London to foUcit the he expefted more beneficial promotion than remiflion of the firft fnn'ts, heard of the change being made one of the royal chaplains. Tindal, cf the miniftry, they were afraid that he would vol. ix. p. 143. but. Q_UEEN ANNE. 533 but, on being vindicated from this conftrudlion, they were fufFered CHAP. to remain". The addrefs of the lords ran in a higher drain of com- i_ -.— ,^ pHnient than that of the commons, and obliquely conveyed their ' partiality to the principles of the new miniftry, as well as their dif- approbation of thofe motives which had induced the other houfe, in a preceding feffion of parliament, to folicit her majefty's bounty in behalf of the college of Dublin '^ The commons, that they might not be fufpe£ted of any abate- ment of loyalty, cheerfully granted the fupplies (167,023/.) and 2d Auguft. difpofed of all the public bufinefs before they entered upon fuch meafures as appeared neceflary for defending their own honour, and for maintaining their firm adherence to thofe political principles, which, were lofmg credit in the mother country. They even exceeded ia generofity by voting funds fufficient to fupport the neceflary 30th July, branches of the eftablifhment for two years to come; and brought in '' feveral important bills for promoting the fair difpenfation of juftice, fecuring the continuance of domeftic order and peace ; and accelerat- ing the progrefs of every public improvement". The fuccefs of thefe, however, was defeated by the animofity which arofe between the two houfes, and tainted all their proceed- ings during the remainder of this feffion. The lords embraced every opportunity of profeffing their attachment to the principles of the new minifters; and, in that part of their addrefs which related to the extenfion of the royal bounty to Dublin college, had caft a refledlion upon the other houfe, by imputing their application for it to difhonourable motives. The commons, after paffing the fevered •' The words were, " Nor have your coun- " the college of Dublin, at fuch a junfture, •' cils been lels mindful to preferve credit to " as mull teftify to the world, that it was not " this, than to reftore it to the Britilh nation." " given to promote thofe principles upon The addrefs had been drawn up by the friends " which it was fi.-ft applied for ; but to en- of the court, and the majority of the com- " courage univeriity education, the negletft of mons, being Whigs, were unwilling to admit " whichhsd been a great occafion of thofe loofe any infinuations tending to the difparagement ''• and wild tei-.ets, vhiih hai' been induftri- of the late miniftry. •« oufly fpread, to" the e-idai-.gering the ftatcj 16 The expreflions ufed by the lords were, " and undcminir.g :dl religion." ** That her majefty had extended her favour to " Journals Commons, paffim. cenfures 5J4 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^^^^Z"- ccnfures upon this addrefs, complained to her majefty, that the lords '*»-— V J had grofsly milVeprelented their intentions in applying for this 4tl/, 9th bounty, and her majefty's condefcenfion in conferring it; they "°"' ■ avowed their adherence to found revolution principles; and dif- claimed, with the utmoft abhorrence, every wiih or defign, tending to the diminution of her majefty's authority. The lords, in their turn, addrefted the queen repeatedly on the fame fubje£t; and par- ticularly inveighed againft the unprecedented precipitancy and rudc- nefs of the commons, for having carried the bittereft penfures of their condudt to the throne, without having pi-evloufly demanded a con- ference, or given them any opportunity to explain themfelves if they had been miftaken ; and, at the fame time, gave frefli provocation to the commons, by accufing them to her m.ajefty of patronifmg poli- tical publications of the moft dangerous tendency. Another, coincident difpute contributed farther to inflame that ^rancour which now fubfifted between the two houfes. Jealous for the honour of the proteftants, the commons inftituted an inquiry s^ih. June, concerning information, which had been lately communicated to the privy council, relative to a confpiracy againft the government by fome gentlemen of Weftmeath, which was attended, as they believed, ■with fuch circum.ftances, as to give ground for fufpedling that it had originated from the malice of the Tories. Do mi nick Langton, the informer, had been originally a popifh prieft, and though, upon his renunciation of that religion, he had been received into the eftablifh- ment, yet his faith and fincerity were extremely dubious, which, together with the officious and clandeftine manner of delivering his evidence, excited their apprehenfion of its being fictitious and ma- levolent. To proceed in this inquiry with becoming candour and fairnefs, they fent a meffage to the lords, rcquefting permiffion for Mr. Juftice Coote, who had examined Langton and his witneftes, to attend a committee of the commons; but the lords not only .xefufed to comply with this defire, but pafted a vote for taking the examination of this affair entirely into their own hands. This con- dud Q^UEEN ANNE. ^35 du£t \vas confidered by the commons as an infult offered to their CHAP. ... . . XXII. dignity, aggravated with the intention of fcreening from difgrace a l— — _j perfon who had undertaken the part of a fpy, that he might be the ' inftrument of bringing the befl friends of the conftitution into trou- ble". They refolved, that the charges brought by Langton againll the gentlemen of Weftmeath were falfe and malicious; and ad- drefled the lord lieutenant to ufe his good offices with the queen, to get Dominick Langton ftruck off the lift of the eftablifhment '". With a view to allay thefe heats, the lord lieutenant interrupted the proceedings of parliament by fucceffive adjournments, from the nth of Auguft to the 4th of Odober. The animofity of the two houfes was too violent to admit of any abatement from the ceffation of political intercourfe; and fome intervening circumftances fur- niflied new materials for fomenting their difcords, and fharpening the acrimony of adverfe factions. The privy council repeatedly refufed to confirm the eledlion of the city magiftrates, returned by the lord mayor and aldermen, of Dublin. Although, agreeably to the ftriift interpretation of law, the affent of her majefty's council was necef- fary to confirm the eledlions of the lord mayor and fheriffs; and the refufal was founded upon a complaint againft the electors, on ac- count of certain irregularities in their conduct ; yet, as a complaint upon the fame ground had been difregarded by the earl of Wharton, and was now brought forward at the inftance of a violent partifan of the Tories, the attention paid to it was confidered as a ftrong proof of the partiality of the court to them. The lord lieutenant after- wards received a letter from the fecretary of ftate, intimating her 27th Sept.. majefty's approbation of the condudt of the privy council, in affert- ing the rights of the crown, when they faw proper reafons to con- trol the eledions made by the court of aldermen". The " Journals Commons, 6tli Auguft, King's ^^ King's Letter to Swift, 15th May, lit Letter to Swift, ift September 171 1. September 171 1. The dilpute between the '» Idem, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th November. crown and the corporatioa of the city of Dub- lin Si6 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. ^-^^Y^^'- The private demeanour and official condudl of Sir Conftantlnc ! ^, — . — ^ Phipps, the prefent lord chancellor, confirmed all the unfavourable prepofleffions againft him, which the Whigs in Ireland had conceived from his zeal and adivity in defence of Dr. Sacheveral. He aflb- ciated only with Tories and churchmen, and was entertained by the nobility and gentlemen of that defcription with the moft magnificent hofpitality: he received the congratulations and thanks of the clergy as the patron of their order, and the champion of the rights of the church". Under the aufpices of fuch a judge, every legal check upon the licentioufnefs of the party which he patronifed was fuf- pended. The moft malignant attacks upon the diflenters daily ilTued from the prefs, and even thofe publications, which had been con- demned in England for their feditious tendency, were reprinted and difperfed, without any reprehenfion from the Irifh miniflers. Mr. Higgins, a clergyman, who had been turned out of the commiffion of the peace by the late chancellor Coxe, on account of his indecent and turbulent behaviour, was now reftored to his feat by Sir Con- ftantine Phipps. On the very day of refuming his authority, he gave fuch offence to his colleagues by his infolence and unguarded expreffions, that he was prefented, by the grand jury of the county of Dublin, as a fower of fedition and groundlefs jealoufies among jothNov. her majefty's proteftant fubjedTis; but he was acquitted by the lord iin turned upon nn old bye law of the corpora. of|dIfpenfing with the law, or of contrary prac- tion made in the reign of queen Elizabeth, tices, were produced. The difpute had been by which the aldermen, according to their agitated for two years among the different ancientry, are required to keep the mayoralty, parties in the city, on which a< count the earl A confiderable ambiguity arofe with refpcft to of Wharton had prudently abftained from inter- the extent of this requifition, becaufe, though fcring in it; but now thefacftion that was baffled, 4he aldermen might be bound /oyffc/i the mayor- headed by Mr. Conftantine, the difappointed alty, or ferve as mayors when elefted, the candidate, declared their zeal for high-church ■eleftors might not thereby be obliged to pre- principles, in order to allure the patronage of fer them, or put the office upon them. A the new minifters. King's Letters to Swift, change of circumftances had alfo fuperfeded ijth May, ift September 17 1 1, the reafon of this law ; for the office, con- *' Tindal, vol. x. p. 83. Condud of the fidered formerly as a burden, was now fought Purfe in Ireland, Lond. 1 7 14. for by ambitious citizens. Several inftances lieutenant QJJEEN ANNE. 537 lieutenant and privy council, to the great joy of the high-church CHAP, parry . ^ - - _j The events and proceedings, now recited, exafperated the Whigs, ''"" encouraged the infoience of the Tories, and occafioned fuch violent dlfputes between the two houfes when they met again after the adjournment, as diftrafled their attention from all public bufinefs. In the commons, a motion was made to addrefs the lord lieutenant 29t^>0^' to lay before them a lift of the feveral returns of the magiftrates in corporations, againft whom petitions had been prefented ; and alfo the fecretary of ftate's letter, containing her majefty's inftrudiions on that fubjed. This motion, by the utmoft exertion of minifterial influence, was rejeded only by a fmgle vote. To ftigmatize the houfe of lords for the exprcflions in their addrefs to her majefty, relative to her bounty beftowed on Trinity college, they refolved, 8th Nov. that whofoever, by fpeaking or writing, arraigned the principles of the revolution 1688, fhould be deemed an enemy to the queen, the conftitution, and the Hanoverian fucceffion. They were debating on a motion for burning the memorial of the church of England, which the Tories now circulated with great induftry, when all far- ther proceedings were interrupted by the prorogation of parlia- 9th Nov. ment. The proceedings of the lords ran Into an oppofite, and more dangerous extreme of party violence. They prefented a fecond addrefs to the queen, in defence of their former one upon the affair of Trinity college; and charged the commons, in dired terms, with patronifing men of a fadious and feditious temper. They agreed, upon a motion from the bifliops, to another addrefs againft the proteftant dlflenters, arraigning their principles and condud, with the *' Annals Anne, p. 192, 3. Mr. Hig- was the author of feveral fcurrilous trafis gins had been a co-adjutor of Dr. Sache- againft the diffenters, and fufpedled of having veral in England; and rivalled him in the drawn up a narrative concerning the confpiiacy vehemence with which he declaimed upon the of the proteilant^ in Wcllmeath, which con- danger of the church, and the treachery of the tained reflections injurious ta all the whiij mir.ifters. Cunningham, vol. ii. p. 275. He gentlemen in Ireland. 3 ^ view 538 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, view of perfuading her majefty to withdraw the royal bounty 'i_ _ I _r ufually conferred upon their clergy"; and condemned to the flames '"* feveral fermons, which had been preached by them on public oc- cafions. The zeal of the lower houfe of convocation ftill furpafled that of 9tli Oa. the lords. They publifhed an atteftation in behalf of their cham- pion, Mr. Higgins, bearing, that he had always fhewn himfelf a good chriftian and a loyal fubjedt; and they prefented their thanks to Sir Conftantine Phipps, for the many eminent fervices he had rendered the church. The duke of Ormond, after proroguing the parliament, departed for England, devolving the care of the govern- ment upon Sir Conftantine Phipps and general Ingoldfby, as lords juftices'*. The condu£l of both houfes. In this feffion, exhibits a new afpe(3; of an Irifh parliament. From the zeal with which they fupported their different fyftems, and the keennefs of their oppofition to each other, it appears, that the commons had formed a ftrong attachment to the late miniflers ; and that the houfe of lords had generally imbibed the tory and high-church principles, which had now ob- tained the afcendancy at court. As the former difcovered an in- flexible adherence to the Whigs, and as the fupplies had been grant- ed for two years, commencing from the 24th of June 171 1, the meeting of parliament was fufpended by frequent prorogations 1711— 12. during that period. In the meanwhile the war of parties was car- ried on with unabated violence; and affeded every order of fociety. The members of the corporations were in general firm in the whig intereft; but their influence was daily more and more controlled by the interference of the privy council, uniformly difapproving of the eledion of magiilrates, who were of that party ; and thereby drain- ing the power of diflent into that of a nomination. The vacant " The fum of 1200/. per annum, was firft king William and queen Anne, beftowed by Charles II. upon diflenting miniT- ** Annals Anne, p. 81. ters in Ireland, and had been continued by 2 offices I7I2. QJJ E E N A N N E. s^g offices were all fupplied with violent Tories: aflbclations were ^2V^t^* formed, and meafures adopted by them, to deprefs the diffenters by crampnig their bufinefs and trade; and, while there was a palpable relaxation in the execution of the laws againfl: the Roman catholics, the former were profecuted for the flighted crimes, and puniftied with the utmoft rigour". The fituation of the army in England requiring the conflant at- tendance of the duke of Ormond, the duke of Shrewfbury was ap- pointed his fuccefTor, and fent to Ireland to hold another feffion of Sept. 1713. pariiamcnt, which became neceflary upon the expiration of the fup- plies. A proclamation was publilhed to dilTolve the exifting parlia- ment, and from the augmented influence of the Tories, and the patronage of the court, it was expelled that a new houfe of com- mons would be found more obfequious to the meafures of adminif- tration. The eledtions were carried on by the rival fa£tIons, with the moH eager and violent contention. Riots happened in many of the towns, and, during the poll In Dublin, the contefl: was fo furious, that the interference of the troops became neceflary to prevent bloodflied". The drooping fpirlts of the Whigs were in fome meafure revived by the fentiments and condu£l of the duke of Shrewfberry, which, as they did not correfpond with the temper and meafures of the. Engllfli minifters, excited great uneafinefs among thofe who had been principally concerned in the late violent proceedings. He omitted no opportunity of profefllng his warm and unfliaken attach- ment to revolution principles, and all who befriended them; and at the opening of the parliament afliired them, that her majefty had 25th Nov. nothing more at heart than the fccurity of the protcftant fuccefllon; and earncftly recommended, that as all proteftants had the fame common interefl:, they would wifely co-operate for its fupport, by- laying afide all animofities and refcntments among thcmfelves. *' Tind. vol. ;■:. p. 765. CanJuA of the PiuTe ni Ireland. ** Political State, vol. vi. p. 267. 3 Z 2 The 540 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. The ftrength of parties was immediately tried by the choice of the fpeaker m the houle of commons; and Allen Broderick, the fa- vourite of the Whigs, was preferred by a majority of four voices. The commons congratulated her majefty upon the fuccefs of her endeavours in procuring a fafe and honourable peace; and exprelTed a deep fenfe of her goodnefs in taking care to preferve their rights, by fecuring the proteftant fucceflion in the illuftrious houfe of Ha- nover. The neceflary fupplies were granted with unanimity and difpatch. In examining the ftate of controverted returns, many abufes were traced to the late reftraints upon corporations, which occafioned various refolutlons, .cenfuring the condudt of the privy council, particularly for their interference in the eledion of the lord 19th Dec. mayor and fheriffs of Dublin *\ A committee was appointed to prepare an addrefs to her majefty, befeeching her not to grant licences to Roman catholics, who were defirous to return to Ire- *3°" land ; and a bill was brought in for attainting the pretender and all his adherents, with a promife of a reward for apprehending him. An inquiry was inftituted concerning the proceedings of the courts of juftice in fome of the late trials, with the defign of charging them with criminal remiflhefs and partiality ''. All thefe corruptions and abufes ^' They refolved, that for many years pad had been convi£led of publifhing a feditioiK a defign had been carrying on to fubvert the libel, entitled the Memoiis of the Clievalier cpnftitution, and alter the government of the de St. George, but the procefs had been flopt «i:y of Dublin. They fpecified inftances of by the lords juftices, upon a petition from corrupt attempts made in fnpport of this de- Lloyd, and a letter from the dukeof Ormond,. fign, and afcribed the ccnfufion and diforder to them, in which he ufed this exprefTion, That which prevailed in the city of Dublin, to the the man had no evil intention in publifliing the privy council's difapproving of ptrfons who had book. been elefted magiftrates of the city, notwith- The other cafe was that of Dudley flanding their known attachment to her ma- Moore, who had been at the head of a whig jefty's perfon and government, ar.d the con- riot. The aftors in the Dublin theatre hav- ftitution of church and ilate. Journals Cam- ing refufed to gratifyjthe audience with a pro- mons, 22d, 23d, 2<5.th December. logue to the tragedy of Tamerlane, written by '" Journals Commons, i8th, 22d Decern- Dr. Garth, which had been formerly applaued ber. The two cafes which the commons had by them, but prohibited by government r.pon in their eye, particularly, were thofe of Ed- the profpcA of peace, becaufe it invited her ward iloyd and Dudley Mccre. The former majcfty's fubjci\s to continue the war with France, QJJEEN ANNE. 54* abufes being afcribed to the influence of the prefent lord chancellor, CHAP, the commons addrefled her majefty to remove him from office. u- — - m j The attention of the upper houfe was principally occupied in countera£ting thefe proceedings. They went over the fame grounds with the commons, and, in the form of refolutions, fpecified vari- ous fads, tending to place the conduct of the privy council and the chancellor in the moft favourable light ; and prefented an addrefs to the queen, teflifying their v^'armeft approbation of the honour and integrity, with which the latter had acquitted himfelf in the important office which he filled. The fupplies, the great objed of calling a parliament, having been obtained, and the counter-proceedings of the two houfes only fomenting thofe heats which fruftrated the pro- fecution of ufeful bufmefs, and threatening to embroil the kingdom, the loi'd lieutenant put an end to this feffion on the 24th of Decem- ber. The lord chancellor Phipps, and the archbifhops of Armagh and of Tuara, were appointed lords juftices of Ireland. No ad paffed this feffion, which was confidered as a rebuke from the fovereign to the commons, for their perfeverance in meafures which deeply affeded the charaders of her favourite fervants. France, Moore got upon the ftage antl re- proceedings ngainft him, the crown lawyers,. peated the prologue himfelf. He was inditted encouraged by the cliancellor, Hill perfifted in for this offence before the queen's bench, and the profeeution. Journals Commons, i8th. though there were znany infcnnaliiics ia the Dtcetnber. Political State, vol. vi. p. 358. 54? HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. XXIII. The Hopes of the Whigs revive upon the Dijfolution of Parliament. — The ElcSlar «/" Hanover declines interfering in the Eledions. — Cir(umjlances hurtful to the Inter ejis of the Minifters. — Parliament ?neets. — Sir Thomas Hanmer chofcn Speaker in the Houfe of Commons. — The ^een's Speech.— Addreffes. — Coni' plaint in the Houfe of Lords agairft a Pamphlet, entitled. The Public Spirit cf the Whigs — Proceedings upon it. — Complaint in the Houfe of Commons ogainfl fever al Pamphlets publifhed by Mr. Steele — He is expelled the Houfe. —Delicate Situation of the Shiecn in ^leflions relative to the Succcffton.-— Motion concerning the Danger of the Proteflant Succejfion — Negatived in both Hoifes. — Addrefs for removing the Pretender from Lorrain, Sffr. — Baron Schutz demands a Writ for the Eledoral Prince — EffeSls of this. — Inquiries in the Houfe of Lords relative to Dunkirk. — The Catalonians. — The Condud . of the Lord Treafurer for giving Money to the High/and Clans. — Proclama- iion for apprehending the Pretender. — A Bill for preventing the Growth of Schifni — Debates upon it — Paffcs. — Reports of the Commijfioners of Accounts. — A Bill for a new CommifJ'ton carried in the Hoife of Commons — Rejeded by the Lords. — Addrefs of the Lords approving of the Peace. — Inquiry con- cerning the Commercial Treaty with Spain — Concerning the AJfiento Trade.— Prorogation of Parliament. — Obfervations . — Proceedings of the Convocation, —Confultaiions and Meafures of the Whig Leaders. — Difcords in the Cabinet, —The Earl of Oxford dif miffed. — The S^ueen taken ill. — Proceedings of the Privy Council. — The Duke of Shrewfbury appointed Lord High Treafurer.'— Death of the ^een — Her Character. CHAP. XXIII. TTPON the diflblution of parliament, the hopes of the Whigs re- vived ; and they looked forward to the approaching elections as '''^^' a favourable crifis for their reftoration to power. Aware, that the vifible decline of the queen's health would increafe the influence of the party patronifed by the family next in fucceffion, they were at great pains to blend their own caufe with that of the court of Hano- ver, and to reprefent the fuccefs of their friends as eflential to the fecuritjr QUEEN ANNE. 543 fecuritv of the proteflant fettlement. They folicited the eledor of CHAP. Hanover to take an active part in the depending canvas ; and even u --.- ^ to furnilh them with large fums of money, without which they ' could not depend upon the fidelity of fome of their indigent friends, befieged by the promifes and importunity of their antagonifts '. But though thefe applications were urged with the warmeft pro^ feflions of attachment to the elector, and fometimes accompanied with menaces to defert a caufe about which he feemed himfelf to be fo little intere:^ed, he prudently abftained from any premature, and indelicate interference in the difputes of faction *. The Whigs fucceeded in procuring the return of their adherents in a few places, which had been formerly reprefented by Tories ; but the latter generally flood their ground, and their majority was little inferior to what it had been in the laft parliament'. Al- though the minifters ftill retained their intereft at court, and had loft few of their friends in the eledions, yet a variety of circum- ftances now concurred to leflen their reputation, and to render the fupport, which they expeded in both houfes during, the enfuing feffion, more feeble and precarious than it had hitherto been. I. The flow progrefs of the treaty at Utrecht, the conceffion of almoft every difputed point to the French plenipotentiaries, and the - difproportion of the terms, obtained for Britain, to the high expedl- ations which had been cheriihed by fuch a feries of fplendid vic- tories, were topics well calculated for turning the tide of popular favour againft the party, to which all thefe inftances of mifcondutt were imputed. The objedions to the commercial treaty with France affeded the interefts, and came home to the underftanding, of the moft illiterate manufadurers and traders ; and its having been rejeded by the houfe of commons gave the highelt landion to their difapprobation ; and furniflied an authoritative proof of the error, or ill intention of its framers. " Letter of I'Hermitagc to Bothmar, * Id. 1713, pafEm. 13th July 1713. Hanoverian Papers. ' Political State, vol. vi. p. i£8i The i7«3- .544 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. The delay and reludance, with which the French king pro- ceeded in demolifhing the harbour of Dunkirk, and the repeated ap- plications which he made to the court of England, for difpenfing with the rigid performance of an article more gratifying than all the reft to the pride and refentment of the people, excited a fufpicion of col- lufive dealings between that prince and the prefent minifters *. The popular difcontents and jealoufies were heightened by the arguments urged for appeafing them. The importance of demolilhing Dun- kirk was diminifhed ; the queen's prerogative to difpenfe with it vindicated, and her exertion of it in the prefent cafe reprefented as an a£t of mercy to the inhabitants of that city ' ; the fears, which the people had been wont to indulge concerning the ambitious de- ' figns of the French king, were treated with ridicule, and imputed to the calumny of a difappointed fadion. The extravagant encomiums on the peace, circulated by the minifterial agents, only ferved to rivet the convidion of their employers being confcious to themfelves of mifcondud:, which they wiihed to conceal under the glare of felf- aflumed and fidtitious merit. The intercourfe of kindncfs between the French and Engliih courts, after the conclufion of the peace, was fo contradidory to the bent of national prejudice, that it roufed a general indignation, and was confidered as a prelude to fome dire- ful revolution °. The intereft and wifhes of the Frer.ch king, it was faid, were too obvious to efcape the blunteft conception ; he had been attempting, during the courfe of a long reign, alternately, by open war and fecret intrigue, to diftraft and weaken England, the only power that could fet bounds to his ufurpations. How could his views be more effedually promoted than by a contraverted fuc- ceflion to her crown ? Could he omit fo favourable an opportunity, as that which he now derived from his influence in the Engllfh cabi- ♦ Political Papers, vol. vi. p. 1 83. vol. vii. fpeech of d' Aumont when Introduced to the p. 64. Hillory of Impeachments, p. 104. queen, 4th July J713. He afterwards pre- * Memoirs of the Four Laft Years, p. 240. fented her majefty with a fct of fine coach ' Crifis. Pamphlet of the Times. See the horfes. Bet, QJJEEN ANNE. 545 net, to pave the way for the exaltation of a prince, who had been ^^^P:^^' educated under his tuition, and whofe prejudices would all run in l- — — - ~j favour of his political defigns. The eleftor of Hanover, the rival heir, by remonftrating againft the peace and ftill continuing the war in conjunction with the emperor, had become peculiarly obnoxious to the refentment of Lewis, and might lay his account with every obftrudlion, which that monarch could throw in the way of his fuc- ceffion. Nor was it to be expedted, that the States, irritated by the ill treatment they had met with from England in the courfe of the negociations, would hazard any perilous or coflly exertions for mak- ing good the guarantee of the proteftant fettlement'. The predominant fears of the people for the proteftant religion difpofed them, to interpret every incident and public meafure to the difcredit of thofe who had the prefent direction of affairs. Taking it for granted, that a defign was on foot for altering the fucceffion, they were eafily perfuaded, that this was the principal bufmefs upon, which the duke d'Aumont had been fent as ambaffador extraordinary from France to the court of London. Inftead of thofe acclamations of joy, with which he had at iirft been received by the multitude, as the meffenger of peace, he was expofed to infult and danger as often as he appeared in public. They aflembled in a turbulent manner for feveral fucceflive days at the gates of his houfe in Ormond-ftreet • and, after being difperfed by the conftables, returned, under night, to exhibit monuments of their contempt for the ambaffador and his mailer '. His houfe was at length burnt to the ground j and, as he 26th Jan. had received letters warning him of that event, there was ftronf reafon to conclude that it had been occafioned by malicious contri- ig vance '. ^ Cunningham, vol. ii. paflim. Oldmixon, door in tlie night-time, alluding to a popular voh ii. p. 509. calumny, that wines, filks, and French goods ' The people ufed to exclaim whenever they were fold at his houfe, duty free, for his owii ■faw him, " No papift, no pretender." They and his mailer's profit. Tiiidal, vol. x. p. 60. put up the fign of a bunch of grapes at his » Id. p. 6(. 4 A The 54^ HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. The treaty, between the French king and the emperor, was at- u_ . — ._; tended with circumftances which added to the public alarm. The '''^' Englifli and the Dutch plenipotentiaries were entirely excluded from the negociations at Ranftadt ; and, notwithftanding that the French king was now in the career of viilory, having taken Friburg and Landau, which made it eafy for him to penetrate into Germany, he granted the emperor more favourable terms of peace than he had offered at Utrecht. What other motive could be affigned for fuch conduft, but his wifliing to be in a condition to render more effec- tual affiftance to the pretender upon the event of the queen's death ? The joint refolution of Lewis and the emperor, to refufe the pro- teftants in Germany the privileges, which the Englifli and Dutch had every reafon to expe, -.- _j domeftic confpiracies and foreign intrigues^'. The bill, after having ' ''^ undergone feveral amendments, was carried in the houfc of commons by- two hundred and thirty-feven votes againft one hundred and twenty- fix, and in the houfe of lords by the fmall majority of eight ". The firft report of the commiffioners of accounts, which was de- 13th April. livered to the houfe of commons early in the feflion, expofed many examples of abufe and extravagance in the foreign fervice, and fome in the management of the revenue of Scotland, under the preceding adminiftration ; but, whether it arofe from the want of evidence to fupport the charges alleged, or becaufe the prefent minifters, on the eve of a rupture among themfelves, were looking forward to a coali- tion with their opponents, no refolutions were adopted on the fub- je(ft. As the former commiflion had now expired, a bill paffed in the houfe of commons for appointing a new one ; but it was thrown i-th June, out by the lords, who confidered this inquifitorial committee as a 7th July, two-edged weapon, fitted for the purpofe of minifterial vengeance, as well as of public juftice and reformation. The example of the laft parliament in overturning the commer- cial treaty with France, while the minifters were in the height of their power, furnifhed the oppofition with a profped: of fuccefs in ^' Letter to a Member of Parliament againft long poftponed fome marked exprefllon of the Schifm Bill. Memoirs of the Four Laft their zeal for the eftablifhment. The conduct Years, p. 297. Journals Lords, 15th June. of lord Oxford, with refpeft to this bill, was '* Journals Lords, ift. Journals Commons, irrefolute and ambiguous. In the cabinet he 13th June. In the conrfe of debate upon propofed foftening the rigorous claufes; his this bill, in the houfe of commons, a mo- relations took different fides when it came un- tion was made by a tory member to drop it, der the difcufiion of parliament ; and he him- on the condition of the houfe agreeing to felf was abfent from the houfe on the day of its fubftitute another in its place, for rendering final decifion. Political State, vol. vii. p. 501, diffenters incapable of voting at elections, or &c. Hiftory of the Two Laft Seffions of Par- being themfelves eleifled reprefentatives to par- liament, p. 73. The queen died on the day liament; from which it appears, that to weaken fixed for the commencement of this a£l;. poli- the influence of the Whigs was the principal tics taking a different turn, the execution of dcfign of thebill. It was probably intended at it was fufpendcd; and it was afterwards re- the fame time, by the minifters, as an atone- pealed in the year 1718. Hient to the higli-cliurch party, for having fo 4 C impeaching 562 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, inipeaching a limllar one with Spain, wliich was deemed unfavour- L -. _f able to the mercantile intcreft of Britain '*. When the trade of Eng- '' '^' hind with Spain and the Weft Indies came under difcuffion in the Articles 3. houfe of lords, objeGions were made to explanations of fome ar- ■ ^" °" tides which had been adopted at Madrid, potterior to the figning sd July, of the treaty at Utrecht ". A.n addrefs was prefented, befeeching the queen to inform the houfe in what manner, and by whofe advice, the alteration of thefe articles had been brought about. Her ma- 5tli. jefty ordered the papers relative to the treaty to be laid before them, but faid nothing concerning the perfons who advifcd it. Independent of any official information upon this fubjedt, the lords found fufficient documents for cenfuring thofe articles which related to commerce, and for fufpetSling the felfiQi condudl of the perfons who advlfed her majefty to approve of them. At the com- mencement of this feffion, feveral of the moft refpe6tal)le members' of the South-Sea company had made a motion, to decline her ma- jefty's offer of configning to them the exclufive occupation of the Affiento trade, becaufe they had underftood that one-half of the profits arifing from it was to be withheld. After a warm debate, her ma- jefty's offer was accepted, which however was imputed to poli- tical influence, rather than to a perfuafion of its redounding to the benefit of the company ^°. Mr. Arthur Moore, who had been em- ployed by lord Bolingbroke to negotiate the commercial treaty vv^lth Spain, gave fuch contradictory anfwers relative to this tranfadion at the bar of the houfe of lords, that it became more. myft:erious and. '* By the treaty cf commerce it was agreed, chants were alfo fulijeifled to other reflriftions tliat the trade with Spain fliould be pnt on the adverfe to the trade with Spain. fame foot as in the reign of Charles II. of " The treaty of peace with Spain was figned Spain; and that all new duties, exaded fince 13th July 1713 ; but the commercial treaty the war, iliould be annulled; but, by thetlirce was not concluded till the 17th Nov. explanatory articles added to this treaty, a duty ^^ Political State, vol. vii. p. 17 I. DifTent. of 10 per cent, ad -valorem was to be laid on all Lords Journals, 8th July. One-fourth of the commodities exported or imported by the fub- contraft was to be referved for her majefty, jc£ls of Great Britain, inftead of the old duties befides pereiuifites to individuals, deduced from tn the above mentioned reign; which duty was the profits of the company. higher than the old duties: the Britifti mer- 1 fufpcCled J 1714- QJJ E E N A N N E. ^Gj fufpedcd : and, while the bufinefs v/as flill dependino-, the South- CHAP. ^ ' ' . . , . XXIII. Sea company, from a full convidlion of Mr. Moore s duplicity and breach of truft, declared him incapable of holding any employment in their fervice ". In the farther profecution of this inquiry, it wa^ dlfcovered by the lords, that a fourth part of the profits of the Alfi- ento contra£t had been referved for her majefty ; and there was every reafon for believing that this had been done by the advice of fome of her favourites, who were themfelves to reap the fruits of it ". A motion was made for addrcfling her majefty to refign her fliare to the company ; and, though it was rejeded, other motions were in- troduced with the hope of rendering the inquiry fubfervient to the difgrace of the perfons principally concerned in this bufmefs ; but, while thefe were in agitation, the queen unexpecledly came to the houfe, and put an end to the feffion *'. 5th July. The circumftances attending this inquiry, and the fudden inter- ruption of it, were public proofs of that mifunderftanding which had taken place between the earl of Oxford and lord Bolingbroke, as well as of the partiality of her majefty to the latter. The earl and his friends had been eager in promoting an inquiry, which tended to expofe the clandeftine pradices, and to thwart the afpiring pro- je£ls of his colleague. Her majefty refcued the fecretary by the fudden prorogation of parliament. A remarkable change was obferved in the temper of the members in the lower houfe of convocation, which met together with this par- liament. In queftions of a political nature, their refolutions were temperate and guarded; and they unanlmoufly joined in the addrefs rtiU March, of the billiops to the queen. Their moderation was not equally con- ^' Journals Lords, 2d, 5th, 6th, 8th July, he thought it unjuft to the company. Tiudal, voL X. p. 216. *' Political State, vol. vii. p. 570. Her *° Lord Boh'ngbroke, lady Mafham, and majefty, after this bufinefs was introduced, Mr. Arthur Moore were the perfons fufpefted. made over to the company her own fhare of Tindal, vol. x. p. 217. Lord Oxford, if we the contraA ; and received the tlianks of the may behere his apologifts, declined the ac- lords for doing it, Sth July. ceptance of any fliarc of tlie pn.fits, becaufe 4 C 2 fpicuou=: J7'4- 564 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, fplcuous in thofe proceedingp, which related to theological coiitro- verfy and ecclefiaflical difcipliiie. They gave in a reprefentation lo the bifhops, complaining of certain publications by the celebrated Dr. Samuel Clarke, which contained affertions contrary to the faith of the church of England concerning the Trinity "'. The dodor de- livered a paper to the bilhops, dating his opinions on the point in queftion, and exprefling his anxiety to preferve the peace of the church, by avoiding to publifh any more upon the fubje£t which had given offence "'. The bifhops were fo far latisfied with this concef- fion, that they thought it inexpedient to profecute the complaint. The lower houfe did not acquiefce in this moderate refolution, be- caufe the dodor had not made an explicit recantation of his opinions : the conclufion of the feffion put a flop to their proceedings **. The fudden prorogation of parliament became the fubjedl of gene- ral difcuflion, and was applauded or condemned, according to the difierent views which were entertained concerning the motives from which it proceeded, and the effeds of which it might be produdive. The friends of the exiled family were well pleafed with the interrup- tion of a feries of meafures, which multiplied the obftrudions to every attempt in favour of the lineal heir. Many, well affeded to the proteftant fuccellion, were of opinion, that the lords had carried their jealoufies too far ; and, fympathifing with the feelings of the queen, thought fhe had done well in adopting a fair expedient for obtaining a refpite from the perplexity and diflrefs, to which Ihe was continually expofed during the fitting of parliament. But the pro- rogation of parliament gave a ferious alarm to others, who believed that the proteftant fucceflion was in danger ; and that the minifters ♦' Political State, vol. Tii. p. 49^. ted at the morning prayers for the fake of *' Hiftory of the Firft and Second SefTion brevity, at the difcretion of the curate, and not of the Laft Parliament, p. 20. The doctor by his appointment. Idem, p. 20, 21. The declared, that he never had omitted the 3d queen was greatly offended with the doftor, and 4th petitions of the litany when he per- and ftruck him out of the lift of chaplains, formed public fervice ; and that the Atha- ■♦+ Political State, vol. vii. p. 561, Sec. nafian creed had only been occafionally omit- only OUEEN ANNE. 565 only wiihed to have full fcope for purfuing their clandeftlne fchemes in favour of the pretender, which had hitherto heen reftrained by the vigilance and aftivity of the legiflature. This perfuafion became ftronger from obferving, that the courfe of promotions had been running for fome time in favour of perfons, fufpedled of an attach- ment to the houfe of Stuart ; and that feveral officers of the army, the bed: affeded to the proteftant fettlement, had been lately deprived of their commiffions'". Roufed by thefe alarming circumftances, the leaders of the Whigs now began to hold frequent confultations, and to concert meafures for countera£ling thofe defigns which they believed to have been formed by their enemies. The duke of Argyle, general Cadogan, and general Stanhope, were a£l:ive in preparing the officers, whom they knew to be friendly to the Hanoverian fucceffion, for taking the mofl: likely fteps to fecure the allegiance of the Englifh army, while the agents of the cledor negotiated with the States and other foreign powers for a fupply of troops and fhips, in cafe of his finding it necefl'ary to ufe force for eftablilliing his claim to the crown of Britain. A fcheme was formed for feizing the tower upon the firft approach of danger ; and an aflbciation was entered into by feveral whig leaders for defending the proteftant fettlement **. After ~^ The duke of Argyle was removed from Ti'ndal, vol. x. p. 143. Thefe proceedings all his pbces, April, and the command of did not efcape the notice of the minillers ;. the Scottilh guards was given to the carl of and, in the courfe of the laft ftffion, loid Ox- Dundonald ; upon which the duke received ford had moved for a bill to inakc it treafon to ten thoufand pounds. Colond Egerton and bring foreign troops into the kingdom, lyih colonel Sydney were ordered to fell their March. The motion was ridiculed by the companies in the foot-guards, for the fum of Whigs, bccaufc foreign troops, if not bi ought a thoufand pounds each ; and M. General into the kingdom with the permifllon of the Devenport, to fell his poft of lieutenant of the legiflature, were open enemies; but, as the firft troop of life-guards. The difmiffed offi- treafurer could not be ignorant of this, his cers urged the difgrace they had endured^ as a intention probably was, to convey to the teft of their fidelity to the houfe of Hanover, WTiigs a hint of his being acquainted with upon the arrival of George I. Memorial of their defigns. the Duke of Marlborough. Hardwicke's It is a curious fadl, that the duke of Marl- Colleftion, vol. ii. p. 522. borough refufcd to fign the whig aflbciation, ♦* Memoirsof the Four Laft Years, p. 313. Tind;-.!, vol. x. p. 144.- From this circum- ftance. CHAP. XXHI. J714. ^65 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. After the dillblution of parliament, the difcords of the cabinet XXllI. . 1_ - . - '_/ dally increafed ; and at length arofe to the moft indecent violence. 1714- Yhe rival minifters wei-e now incapable of refleding that their caufe was ftill indivifible, and that they mufi; ftand or fall together. •Every confideration of private intereft and reputation was abibrbed by the fury of refentment ; and for the fake of gratifying it, they put all to hazard"*'. The earl of Oxford and lord Bohngbroke ftrove to deprive each other of the good opinion and patronage of the queen; and each of them grew more tenacious of his place from the defire of ■mortifying the other. The treafurer complained of the turbulence, the infolence, and rapacioufnefs of his rival. The fecretary accufed the treafurer of betraying the honour of his miftrefs ; of intriguing with the friends and family of the fucceflbr, and of concurring with her majefty's enemies at home, to retrench her prerogative and ex- pofe her reputation, together with that of her faithful fervants, to public infamy. The latter found a powerful auxiliary in lady Mafham, whofe refentment rendered her now no lefs eager to dif- grace the earl of Oxford, than her ambition had formerly to advance him to pre-eminence in adminillration *'. The ftance, there feems ground to conclude, that *' Life of Bolingbroke. Oxford's Letter he was ftiU wavering, and chofe to referve to the Qjjeen. Pohtical State, vol. vii. p. 6)4. himfelf for the junfture of circumftances, at The confcioufnefs of her efFeftual afiiftance, in the opening of the fucceffion. raifing lord Oxford to power, rendered lady The princefs Sophia died on the 9th June, Mafham impatient of his minifterial control an event which was reckoned favourable to in any cafe where her private intereft was con - the proteflant fucceffion, becaufe her fon, cerned, and created expe6iations, which he vefted with royalty, would be enabled to acV could not gratify confiftently^ with honour and with greater promptitude and vigour than he duty. Her difpleafure was firll excited could under delegated alithority. againft him by his oppofing the Canada cxpe- *' Political State, vol. vii. p. 624 — 6. dition, 17 11, the command of which was The earl of Oxford was fupported by the duke given to her brother; and, as lord Boling- of Shrewlbury, lord Bingley, the duke of broke had a Joint ftakc in that affair, it natu- Buckinghamfhire, and thofe of the Tories rally promoted a coalition between him and who were fuppofed to be friendly to the pro- the lady, for the purpofe of fubverting the ■■teftant fucceffion : lord Bolingbroke was fup- treafurer's influence with the queen. The ported by lady Mafham, the duke of Ormond, cai-1 of Oxford farther incurred lady Ma- thc lord high chancellor Harcourt, the biflicp (haini's refentment, by difapproving of the of RocheiUr, and others of the higli-church queen's geneiofity in granting her a penfion party. Cunningham, vol. ii. p. 440. of fifteen hundred pounds per annum ; and her CLUE EN ANNE. ^Sj Tfie cabinet at length became a theatre of wrangh'nc; and fcurrilkv. ^ ^^ -^ ?- XXIII Reproaches and recriminations, vented by the indignant rivals in the ■ ^''- - '_> very prefence of the fovereign, infulted her dignity, and filled hec ^""^^ with perplexity and difmay. A regard to public bufmefs, as well as to her own tranquillity, left her no alternative but the difmiffion of one or both of the contending minifters. The ftaff was takca from the earl of Oxlord, at Windfor,. on. the evening.of the 27th July", before her majefty had yet fixed upon his fuccefibr. His removal did not reflore that interior harmony whith was expedted. For, after it had been agreed to-put the treafury into commiffion, the privy counfellors prefent were divided in their opinions about the perfons fitted for that important truft. The heat of their difputes, prolonged' till two in the morning in her majefty's prefence, threw her into dreadful agitation^ which was followed by fuch an alarming- diforder as rendered her unable to come to the council next day, when {he intended tO' fettle the new arrangements '^ On the 29th, the fymptoms of danger increafed, and indicated, on the day follow^ ihg, a fpeedy approach of her difi~olution. The duke of Somerfet, and the duke of Argyle, when they were. informed of the queen's fituation, repaired immediately to Ken-> nngton, where the privy council was fitting; and readily accepted her indignah'on againfl liim lofe beyond' all' lord Oxford's inviting the duke of Mjrlho, biHiiids, for his promoting the inquiry into .the rough to come to England, and of his maknip-' AiTieiito contract, which deprived her of the known the queen's counfels ,to the .coiirt of inimenfe profit, .whicli (lie expefted to derive Hanover, was the immediate caufe of her from being a partner in if under the royal majefty's difpleafiire. Political State, vol. vil. name. " He has been," 'fays fhe in a letter p. 623. The day the treafurer's ilaiT was to Dr. Swift, 29th July 1 7 14, giving him taken from, lord Oxford, lord Boh'ngbrpke the nickname of the Dragon, " the moft un- gave an entertainment to generals Stanhope^ " grateful man to the queen, and to all his Cadogan, and Palmer^ Sir William Wyndhajii, " bell friends, that ever was born." Mr. Craggs, and feveral Whigs. "» Lord Oxford fays, in a letter to Dr. so -phe queen afcribed her illnefs to the STivift, that he had no power in the cabinet agitation of her fpirits ; and liiid tojone of her fuice the 25th July 1713. Swift's Letters, phyficians, that (lie ftiould not outlive iti N" 147. Both he and lord Bolingbroke had Tindal, vol. x.- p.- 227.- Swift's Letters, for fome time pall been courting the whig j>^o j .g j ,_^ lords; and it was faid, that the dilcovcry of • , , , of 568 HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP, of an invitation from the minifters to affiil with their advice at the XXIII. i, - - ' _ f prelent interefting jundture. It appeared of the greateft importance, ^^^'^' that the office of treafurer fhould be filled ; and the council unani- j I (I July, moufly agreed to recommend the duke of Shrewfl>ury to her ma- jefty as the fitted perfon for that appointment ; which being inti- mated to her, at an interval of eafe, ihe put the treafurer's ftaff into his hands, and exprefled her entire fatisfadion with the difpofal of it ". All the privy counfellors in London were called to give their at- tendance in council. The mofl expeditious meafures were con- certed for fecuring the city, and for flrengthening all the forts and maritime towns. Mr. Craggs was difpatched to the court of Ha- nover, that the elector might be prepared to fet out for England upon the firft notice of the queen's death. In the evening, after fhe » had appointed the new treafurer, her majefty fell into a lethargy, and continued infenfible till fhe expired on the morning of the ift of Auguft, in the fiftieth year of her age. Mildnefs, timidity, and anxiety were conftitutional ingredients In the temper of this princefs ; and to their influence, chiefly, we may afcribe moft of the interefting occurrences in her government, and private life. While flie relied implicitly upon the counfels of her favourites, they were not reftrained, by the fear of her refentment, from abufing indulged power, and violating the obligations of gra- titude. Although file had imbibed all the keennefs of a party fpirlt, yet fhe was deterred from purfuing its Impulfe by the firft appear- ance of danger. She difcarded the Tories, who, from the confidence of her patronage at the beginning of her reign, were running into a courfe of meafures, tending to the difunion of her fubjedls, and the danger of the proteftant fucceffion. Under the awe of a ruling junto, fhe gave her fandion to the continuance of the M^ar, con- trary to the bent of her own judgment and feelings, at a time when '' Tinda)) vol. x. p. 229. fhe QJJEEN ANNE. 5^9 fhe had the opportunity of putting an end to it, upon terms more ^^^ ^- advantageous for Britain, than thofe which were finally obtained, u -,-■ .J Harafled at the clofe of her days by the jealoufies of the Whigs, and their urging fecurities for the proteflant fettlement, which did violence to her affedlions, fhe was prevented by the apprehenfion of perfonal danger, more than by principle or inclination, from taking any refolute Reps for transferring the fucceffion of the crown to her brother. She had high notions of prerogative, which however produced no worfe efFe£l, than rendering her partial to its advocates. The ingratitude of her firft favourites rendered queen Anne more fufpicious and guarded, after their difmiflion ; and a diftruft of her minifters, and an unwillingnefs to yield to their advice in the laft years of her reign, were one caufe of their ilownefs in the profe- cution of that fyftem of meafures, which was expeded from the promifes they had made to the Tories, before they came into power. They had gained the queen's favour by recommending to her the exercife of independent authority ; and this made her afterwards the more pofitive in refifting any propofal which did not immediately meet witli her approbation ". This " This view of the queen's chaiaifter, " with her even in the moft rcafonable things, which has not'been attended to by any hifto- " and fuch as were neceffaiy for her fervice, rian, is authenticated by Dr. Swift, who had " nor would let them be done, until Ihe fell •the beft accefs.to -know her from tlie inform- " into the humour of it lierfelF." Swift's ation of her miniflers. " I will tell you one Memorial on the Change of Minillry 1710. •" great-ftatefecret: The queen, fenfible how « !„ difpenfing her favours, fhe was ex- " much fhe was governed by the late miniftry, « tremely cautious and flow j and, after the -" runs a little into tiie other extreme, and is « uf„al miftake of thofe who think they hare " jealous in tlrat point, even of thofe who » been impofed on, became fo very fufpicious " •« got her out of the other's hands." Journal " that fhe overfhot the mark, and erred on JO SteUa, February 171 1. " the other extreme. When a perfon hap- " The queen grew fo jealous upon the " pened to be recommended to her as ufefij " change of her fervants, that often, from " for her fcivice, or proper to be obliged, «' fear of being impofed on and over caution, " perhaps, after a long delay, (he would con- " fhe would impofe upon herfelf. She took " fcnt ; but if the treafurer offered at the " a delight in refufing thofe who were " fame time a warrant, or other inftrument to "'.thought to have had the grcateft power " her, already prepared, iu order to be figned, 4 D " beca'ife 1714- 57© HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN. CHAP. •phis princefs has had the fingular fate of being both pralfed, and condemned, for her condu A letter from Mr. Lefley to a member of Political State, vol. vii, p. 488. parliament was openly handtd about. It cou- From IN THE LAST YEARS OF Q^ ANNE'S REIGN. 571} From their firft entrance into power, they had been accufed of giving too much countenance to men of ill-reputation for political principles; but, after the confirmation of the peace, their indulgence to the friends of the court of St. Germains was openly exercifed in violation of law, and to the manifell prejudice of the Hanoverian intereft. Many, who had left the kingdom to avoid profecution for treafon, and fome, who had been adually attainted, returned with impunity to England and Ireland. Sir Patrick Lawlefs, formerly in the fervice of king James and fufpeiled of being employed as his fon's agent in London, appeared at court, and it was confidently reported that he had been admitted to a private conference with the queen '^ Emboldened by fuch teftimonies of minifterial favour, the Jacobites threw off all difguife, and took a more active part in political affairs than they had done at any period fince the revolu- tion. Their influence in every part of the country, during the elec- tion, was exerted in favour of the candidates, befriended by the minifters ; and the interference and anxiety which the Roman catholics difcovered upon the fame fide, contrary to all the rules of prudence and decorum, were public evidences, how well they un- derftood, that their own intereft hinged entirely upon the eftablifhed fuperiority of the Tories. But, what above all was alarming to the "Whigs, and fufficient to fuperfede and cancel all legal fecurities for the proteftant fucceffion, was a fcheme of new-modelling the army, in which the minifters feemed to be advancing with rapid fteps. Many whig officers were difmiffed, and their commiffions given to thofe who were fufpeded of attachment to the houfe of Stuart'*. Befides the prefumptive evidence of danger, arifing from the fitua- tion and difpofitions of foreign ftates, and the meafures and conduct of minifters, the Hanoverian agents received the ftrongeft declarations and affurances from their friends in England, that the principal members of " Detection of the Staff, p. 2. 14. '+ Schutz's Letter to Robethon, 1 6th Jan. Schutz's Letter to Robethon, 6th Februr.ry 17 14. Political State, vol. vii. p. 263. 1714. 4 E 2 admini- jSo DANGER OF THE PROTESTANT SUCCESSION adminiftration were entirely devoted to the intereft of the rival heirj that they correfponded with him, and with the court of France ; that they prefcribed plans to his agents for rendering his fucceffion more eafy and certain; and that the queen herielf had become anxioufly defirous to devolve the crown upon her brother '\ Such is the fubftance of the evidence, upon which the fears of the Whigs for the proteftant fuccefHon were founded. Remote from the period of prejudice, and furnifhed with additional information, we are enabled to corred the mifreprefenlation of fome fads ; to fupply what is wanting in others ; to appropriate to every clrcumftance its proper weight, and to approach nearer to a true conclufion con- cerning a point of chief importance in the hiftory of this reign. It will be readily admitted, that no confiderable ftrefs ought to be laid either upon the letters from England, containing aflurances of attachment to the court of St. Germains, or upon verbal declarations to the fame purpofe. The exiled prince had many friends, who were difpofed to ferve him from the pure influence of attachment; but, as his caufe, upon a fair calculation of chances, could not be reckoned hopelefs, we cannot doubt, but that interefted men, of every defcrip- tion, would anxioufly willi that he might be imprefl'ed with favour- able views of their inclinations towards him. Upon this bafis, is founded the intelligence, which the Stuart agents communicated to the court of St. Germains, concerning the dlfpofitions of many per- fons of dlftlnaion in England. The conclufion of the war was an event favourable to the cheva- lier, i^o far as it removed the difFiculties of correfponding with his friends, and reftored to the French king the opportunity of negotiat- ing and intriguing for his intereft, of which he had been deprived while at open enmity with Britain. But this cannot be admitted as fair ground for fufpeding the tory adminiftration, becaufe it would •5 Schutz's Letter to Robethon, 2 2d Sept. fame, i8th; Marlborough's to Robethon, 3otIi 17 13 5 to Eothmar, 29th iJeptcmber ; to the November. Hanoverian Papers. 171 3. a ^ certainly IN THE LAST YEARS OF Q^ ANNE'S REIGN. - 581 certainly have been a bad argument for continuing the war, to have aflerted, that it contributed to the fecurity of the proteftant fuccef- fion. The queftion, material to the point at iflue, is this, whether any thing was done at the peace, by fecret ftipulation or by verbal agree-- ment, between the treating powers, for promoting theintereft of the chevalier. When the firft motion for peace was made In the French court, his caufe does not appear to have met with the fmalleft attention or regard, notwithftanding thofe flattering promifes of friendlhip to his fon, with which Lewis had confoled the abdicated king in his laft hours. In confequence of the anxious importunity of the queen mother, perhaps, from fome impulfe of compaflion, and certainly from political confiderations, the French king was at length prevailed upon to charge Mefnager, when he was fent the fecond time into England, with inftrudions relative to the intereft of the chevalier. Thefe, however, were to general and fo guarded, that it was evident Lewis was but little interefled in their fuccefs ; and that he was refolved to make no fcruple about facrificing the caufe of his relation, if It fhould be found to obftrud the peace '*. Mefnager, however, had this bufmefs at heart more than his mafter. In the eourfe of his private conferences with an Englifh nobleman, who was in the con- fidence of the court and minifters, he watched every opportunity of learning from him their private fentlments, relative to the fuc- cefTion. The preliminary article of the peace, recognlfing the queen's title, afforded him occafion of coming diredly to the point, and ex- preffmg his hopes of the queen's inclination to reftorc her brother. The perfon, whom he addrefled, difcovered emotions of furprife and •* Mefnager, p. 205. " It will be accept- " the treaty requires h, and the queen infills «' able to me if you can render the young king " upon it, you muft ghe him up to his better •' any fervice; and bring the new miniftry " fortunes, we muft not be ruined on his ac- " and queen into his intereft; and make way " count. Enindez, "vous, faid the king twice •' for his being placed on tlie throne after the together." Mefiwger, p. 211. See Report of " q^ueen; but remember, if the main affair of the Secret Committee, p. 128. alanu 583 DANGER OF THE PROTESTANT SUCCESSION alarm upon his introducing this topic ; but foon made him under- fland that he was not difplcafed with It, and that the Ihynefs and backwardnefs of the minlfters arofe from their fears and jealoufies of one another, rather than from any want of efteem and affedlion for the chevalier ; and that the propofitions to be publicly urged, relative to his cafe, were merely for the fake of form, and to fave appear- ances '\ This difcovery fuggefted, to the French agent, the expedient of propofmg a fecret article, to be figned by the queen, difengaging Lewis from any obligation concerning the fucceflion, which he might be required to agree to openly In the courfe of the treaty ". After feveral converfations to the fame purpofe, which were of fo delicate a nature, that none of the minlfters had the refolution to take a part in them, the French agent was introduced to a lady in high favour with the queen, in whofe Information and promifes he was encouraged to place entire confidence. From her he learned what, from other concurrent circumftances, we may believe to be a true account of the temper of the minifters, and of the queen, namely, that whatever they thought or inclined, they were all ftruck dumb with fear ; that not one dared to mention to another, or to the queen herfelf, the fubjed of the fucceffion, except In expreflions ftri£tly conformed to the law ; that the queen was vexed and offended at their darknefs and referve, becaufe fhe entertained friendly fenti- ments in behalf of her brother ; but flie was not lefs afraid than her minifters to give vent to them, and It would be a relief to her mind, if any expedient could be contrived, for mitigating and undoing the hard condition, refpedlng the exiled prince, to which fhe herfelf and the French king were conftrained to fubmit ; and that, after all, it muft be left to him to devife fuch an expedient, as her majefty was fo much frightened, that fhe durfl not exprefs any concern about •' Mefnager, p. 246. ** Idem, p- 250. her IN THE LAST YEARS OF Q^ ANNE'S REIGN. 5^3 her brother, or even name him to any of her minlfters". After various confultations, to which none but the agent and lady were privy, they both agreed, that no fpecific meafure could be adopted with propriety and fafety, in the prefent ftage of the bufmefs ; but that, while the treaty was depending, inftructions fhould be fent to the Englilh plenipotentiaries at Utrecht, and communicated at the fame time to the French king, from which it might be underftood, that, notwithftanding his feeming defertion of the chevalier's intereft, by the articles of the treaty which were to be made public, yet he fhould not be prevented from ufing his beft endeavours, upon her majefty's deceafe, to place that prince upon the throne of his fathers". Mefnager repaired to Utrecht, where he was to a6t as a plenipoten- tiary of France. The treaty advanced apace. The Englifli mini- fters peremptorily infifted upon the French king's coming under the moft explicit and folemn obligations to maintain the proteftant fuc- ceffion. Mefnager hoped that they would relax in this point, being afTured by his female correfpondent, that inftrudlions fhould ftill be fent to them for that purpofe from the court of England, but they continued tenacious and inflexible in adhering to their firfl pro- pofitions". The French king, determined to follow rather than to prompt the court of England upon this affair, w^as furprifed more than concerned at the courfe in which it ran, and without any men- tal reiervation or fubterfuge, authorized by the court of England^ became bound to give no difturbance to the a£t of fettlement".. A coincident event, which contributed to difappoint the fchemes; of Mefnager and his correfpondent, affords another il:riking ex^imple of that fatality which ever purfued the houfe of Stuart.. The dowager queen, mortified with the indifference of the French king; '9 Mefnager, p. 254, 5. 272. 282, & paflim.. haTC been alT along moft hearty In the intereft It 13 probable that the earl of Jerfcy was the of the chevalier. Berwick, vol. ii. p. 192. Bobkrr.an with whom Mefnager carried on thcfe *^ Mefnager, p. 276. fecret conferences. Mrs. Ma(ham certainly was *' Idem, p. 291. the lady to whom lie alludes ; as flie fecms to " Idsm, p. 309. to 5S4 DANGER OF THE PROTESTANT SUCCESSION to her fon at the beglnnhig of the treat)", and relying but little upon the intercefllons of his agent with the Englifh minifter, fet on foot another fecret negotiation upon a larger fcale ^^ The abbe Gual- tier was intrufted with a commiflion, not only to make attempts upon the court and minifters, but to confult with the friends of her fon in general, for turning the enfuing peace to his advantage. The abbe was utterly deftitute of every qualification for conducting an affair, fo difficult from its intiinfic importance, and from the reftraints impofed upon thofe who were to condudl it, as well as from the jealoufy, the acute penetration, and inceffant vigilance of the pcr- fons who were likely to thwart it. Intoxicated with the moment- ous nature of the bufmefs in which he was employed, he could not conceal it : overrating his own abilities, he vaunted of anticipated fuccefs, and was debarred from that intercourfe which was neceffary to its accomplifhment ''*. When he arrived in England, he commu- nicated his inflrudllons to the earl of Oxford, who, of all the mini- fters, was certainly leaft inclined to repeal the a£t of fettlement, and, . who, by amufmg the abbe' and his conftituents, became mafter of their fecrets, and traverfed their plots. In the progrefs of thefe clandeftlne negotiations, the queen-mother afterwards afTociated another ag^nt, who was not behind the abbe in rafhnefs and im- prudence, which at length gave fuch general alarm, that the mini- fters, in order to fave their own reputation, w^ere conftrained to take every ftep, which the utmoft fmcerity and ardour could have dic- tated, for fecuring the Hanoverian fuccelTion "'. From " Mefnager, p. 207. 314. Cunningham, Mefnager, p. 301. 310. 314. Ihave not been ^•ol. ii. p. 411. able to difcover who this fecond agent was; *+ Mefnager, p. 208. " He fancied," fays Mefnager fays that he was a Scotfman, who Mefnager, " that if he had libeity of fpeak- pretended to have great intereft with a Scot- *< ing to her majefty, fhe would be unable to ti/h lord, an officer of ftate in England. The " refifl: the arguments by which he would duke of Hamilton is moft probably meant by « pro\e to her, that (he could never enjoy the the laft defcription. The fum of his negotia- <' kingdom of heaven unlefs flie delivered the tions was this : " He fpent a great deal of " crown to him whofe right it was." « money and ruined the bufmefs. A Scotf- *' Mrs. Mafham's Letter to JlefnEger. " man from St. Germains and a Scotfman in your IN THE LAST YEARS OF Q^ ANNE'S REIGN. 585 From the detail of all the circumflances relative to thefe nego- tiations, it appears, that the zeal of 'the agents far ftirpafled that of their employers. The French plenipotentiary, and the lady, feem to have gone beyond the limits of their comraiffion ; and, from the partiality, in which they coincided, for the interefl: of the young prince, were grievoufly difappointed in finding their united projeds for ferving him counteradied by the daftardly policy of the refpedtive courts, which were to carry them into execution. The behaviour of the French king is perfectly in chara£l:er. He did not wifli to ferve his unfortunate gueft at the fmalleft rifk to himfelf, and as little to be tied down from doing it, when an opportunity fhould offer of making his interference fubfervient to his own intereft. Nor did the condu£l of the queen deviate from what might have been expecfted in her peculiar fituation. Divided between fear and affec- tion, fhe did not wifh to take any ftep either for her brother or againfl; him. The profcription of his title, which was fuggefted by his minifters at the outfet of the treaty, hurt her tendcrnefs and de- licacy. She certainly wifhed to avert it, but fhe had not fortitude either to propofe, or to adopt any pofitive or diredl meafure for raif^ ing him to the throne ; and, in any thing that pointed at this, flie was puflied forward by her female confident. For, it muft be ob- ferved, that, as all the accounts relative to the behaviour of the queen are given upon the authority of this lady, her own partial affedion would naturally lead her to flate them in the ftrofigefl light, in favour of its object ^°. Upon the whole, there appears no evidence for imputing, to the treaty, either public or fecret, or to the minifters, fo fiir as can be coUeded from their conduct in every ftage of it, any confpiracy " your court have deceived one another, and " they make of their agent, that he has not " abufed their mafters. As to inquiring " only expofed his errand, but his employer." " with whom the fecret has remained, they Mefnager's Letter to Mrs. Mafham, p, 31A " confefs, at St. Germains, that it has re- — 16. " mained with nobody; fo ill a choice did *'' Mefnager, p. 323. 4 r againfl 586 DANGER OF THE PROTESTANT SUCCESSION agalnft the ad of fettlement, or any defign for reftoring the exiled prince. Whatever party had been in the feat of power, or ^vhatever their inclinations, with refped to the competitors for the crown, had been, it was naturally to be expeded, upon the opening of a treaty for peace, that overtures would be obtruded from the quarter of St. Germains ; that, for preferving the fhow of confiftency and honour, they would at leaft be connived at by Lewis ; and that they would meet with a cordial reception from fome individuals, of power and confequence in England, who were attached to the houfe of Stuart. As the event fhewed, that the French king was not fmcere In the promifes he made to the queen-mother, fo he had now many ftrong inducements for adhering to his public engagements. His dominions were depopulated, and his treafures exhaufted by a long and unfuccefsful war : the difappointment of all his afpiring projeds, and the rapid accumulation of family calamities, together with the infirmities of age, broke his fpirit, and yielded a firmer bond for his performing his obligations, and fpending the reverfion of his days in peace, than could have been expeded from his probity and honour. If there was nothing in the treaty itfelf, or in the condud of mi- nifters, during its dependence, that could fuftain the charge of their having any intention of fubverting the proteftant fettlement, was it fair to augur danger from their peculiar principles ? They were Tories, and therefore fufpeded of a partiality to the lineal heir. No perfon, well read in political hiftory, needs to be informed, that parties are in a conftant fluduation ; and that, during the ftate of conflid and agitation, individuals often change their fide from mo- tives of caprice, paflion, and intereft, infomuch, that unlefs we take their own word for it, we Ihould be utterly at a lofs to afcertain ; their true charader and defignation. Some of the principal leaders in oppofition, towards the end of this reign, calling themfelves Whigs, ftarted, in their political career, under the banners of the Tories 5 and fome of the minifters, if there was any merit annexed 7 to IN THE LAST YEARS OF Q. ANNE'S REIGN. 587 to it, had, both from the prejudices of education and their former condudt, the beft pretenfions to the name of Whigs ". But the minifters, whatever they had been, or were, in their hearts, from the courfe of events, now found themfelves at tlic head of the Tories ; and, having failed in all their endeavours to compound with the Whigs, depended entirely upon the fupport of the former. Taking the charge upon this foot, how does the evidence ftand? Had not the Tories invariably profefled their attachment to the pro- teftant fucceflion ; had they not, when in power, vindicated their fincerity by their deeds, and contributed, by the meafures which they purfued, to its fecurity ? Did not their prejudices intereft them upon the fame fide ? and did not the zeal of many of them, for the church of England, make them revolt with horror from the idea of a popifh fuccefFor ? There remains therefore no authentic argument for deducing danger, merely, from the political principles of the afcend- ant party ". But though no proof of guilt refults from the examination, either of the perfonal attachments or political principles of the minifters, yet does not their coalition with the avowed friends of the houfe of Stuart wear a fufpicious afpe£t ? Were not many of the Jacobites, particularly in Scotland, fuccefsful candidates, at the general election, under the aufpices of minifters ? Were not fome of them promoted to offices of truft ; and did they not, on every occafion, ftand for- ward in fupport of their patrons ? That all this fhould be true, will not appear furprifmg, nor any ground of criminal imputation againfl: the minifters, when we advert to the criticaj fituation in which they found themfelves foon after their acceffion to power. The Whigs, upon their difmlffion, formed an union fo well concerted and fo firm, that it was impoffible to deftroy it. The bufinefs of the peace, ■which had been the principal motive with the queen for raifing the " The duke of Marlborough and the earl *" See Earl of Strafford's Letter to the of Godolphin were Toriei ; and Oxford a Princefs Sophia, 23d February 17 14. Hano- Whig. verian Papers. 4F 2 Tories 588 DANGER OF THE PROTESTANT SUCCESSION Tories to fuperiority, was of the moft arduous nature ; and, how- ever well managed, was likely to furnifh many handles for cenforial inveftigation. Aware of this, the miniftcrs thought it fair to avail themfelves of every affiftance tendered to them, perhaps were not even honcftly fcrupulous about the means they ufed for obtaining it; and, if they did not flatter, neither did they undeceive, the expcda- tions of the Jacobites, nor refute the interpretation which they fondly put upon the confidence repofed in them. The defenders of the condud of the earl of Oxford aflert, that this temporary, external communication and intercourfe with fufpeded perfons, was one of the wifeft meafures of his adminiftration. It fufpended their fecret plans and confpiracies ; it made him acquainted with their ftrength and their views, and enabled him, while the Jacobites were fupine and inadive, to take effedual meafures for undermining their influ- ence and fortifying the efl:ablifhed government ". The plan of new-modelling the army, and the movements of the French troops, may be obvioufly accounted for, without fuppofing them to have any reference to a defign of bringing in the pretender. There is undoubted evidence of a confpiracy having been in embryo among the Whigs, for rendering the proteilant fucceflion efFedual, by other means than the fecurities of law ; and, though it was not digefted or generally approved of, yet it pointed at fomething violent. ; It was ferioufly alarming to the queen and to the minifters. Of an ■ ■ aflfociation having been fet on foot for defending the Hanoverian fuc- ceflTion, there exifts not the fmalleft doubt. Thefe tranfadions ren- dered the changes of the army a fair meafure of felf-defence, and fuggefled the neceflTity of removing, from fl:ations of high command, military men who were devoted to the Whigs, and the fufpeded *» Conduft of Oxford, pafiim. His Let- " receiving which, they fortified the fuggefi- ter to the Qiicen. " The great political " tions of their opponents, and did more to- *i error of this adminiftration, was their giv- " wards their deftruftion tlian all the ftiil and " ing encouragement to a party whofe in- " addrefs of their enemies." Life of Boling- " tercft they never meant to ferve, whofe broke, p. 265". <• affillance did them very little good, and by authors IN THE LAST YEARS OF Q^ ANNE'S REIGN. 589 authors of the fchemes which gave alarm ^°. Nor would it have been extraordinary, if, under the impreflion of terror, which might exaggerate the idea of their perfonal danger, jufl as much as the jealoufy of the Whigs exaggerated their fears for the proteftant fuc- cefTion, the minifters fliould look forward to the French king for their refuge, and give him diftant hints of putting his forces in fuch a pofture, as might yield them fpeedy fuccour in cafe of their being reduced to emergency by any premature attempt upon the crown. But as no fatisfadory evidence of this appears, we are not warranted to afcribe the arrangements of the French army to any previous concert with the court of England. The domeftic tranquillity of France, and its perfed fecurity on the fide of Spain, rendered it no longer neceflary to retain a larger proportion of troops in the inte- rior provinces, or on the fouthern frontier of the kingdom. The divided fentiments of the people, and the violence of fadtlon in England, made it extremely probable, that a difputed fucceflion, upon the demife of the queen, would attradl the interference of the continental powers, independent of any previous concert with the minifters and court of England. Fair policy might fuggeft, to the French king, the augmentation and reinforcement of his garrifons on the frontiers, neareft to the fcene of adion. Nor did he perhaps relinquifh the idea of giving the chevalier afllftance, if an opportu- nity fhould occur of his doing it with effed, and with advantage to himfelf. Admitting the full weight of thefe arguments, it is at the fame time certain, that the court of Hanover was imprefled with a ^° The duke of Argyle, who was difmiffed Robethon, September and Oftober 171?. Of from his regiment, had fupported the tory mi- all the party with whom he now joined, he nifters when they firft came into power. He feems to have been the moft bent upon violent .' hated the duke of Marlborough, and perhaps meafures, and even tlireatened to abandon the expefted to be advanced to the head of the caufe of the eleftor if he did not comply with army. He certainly did not obtain the pro- the requeft of his friends in coming to Endoubtedly attached to the proteftant fettlement, yet he is the only one of the minifters, who is charged, on plaufible evidence, with the ^' Schutz's JLetters, pafiim. Hanoverian Papers, 1714- ilefign IN THE LAST YEARS OF Q^ ANNE'S REIGN. 591 defign of overturning it, and of bringing in the pretender. The abbe' Gualtier, as early as the arrangements of the new miniftry were «7,ii.. fettled, brought a meflage from Mr. Harley to the duke of Berwick, expreffing his defire to concert meafures for reftoring the chevalier, and fpecifying the conditions upon which he was willing to co- operate in this delicate bufinefs ". In an extract from Carte's Memorandum Book, we have a traditional anecdote of the abbe' hav- ing received a paper, written by the treafurer, defcribing the con- du(£l which the king, fo he is called, ought to obferve in order to enfure fuccefs ". How then can this nobleman be exculpated from a charge fo fpecloufly fupported, or his condu£t be reconciled to the profeffions he made to the houfe of Hanover, and to the mea- * fures which he purfued, both when he was in oppofition, and in place, for eftablifhing the proteftant fucceffion ? Artifice or cunning was the charadleriftical feature of Oxford's adminiftration. He was but little fcrupulous about pradlifing diffi- mulation when he found it fubfervient to his minifterial plans, and to the maintaining the afcendancy which he had obtained in the cabinet. He had two objedls in view by deceiving the court or St. Germains. ift, He obtained the confidence and vigorous fup— port of all their friends in England ^*. 2dly, He intercepted their intelligence, and retarded and traverfed all their fchemes, which, if he had kept aloof, might have been intrufted to fome of his colleagues better difpofed to conduit them to a fuccefsful iflue. He always found fome pretext for delay when urged to make good his engage-- ments ; which convinced the duke of Berwick and Mefnager, that. ^* Berwick, vol. ii. p. 182. The condi- ^* " In order to fliew that we would omit - tions fpecified by Oxford, were, ift, Thatno " nothing, and to give proofs of our llncerity,, perfon at St. Germains fhould be privy to the " we wrote to all the Jacobites to join with - matter. 2d, That the queen (hould enjoy the " the court. This contributed to make the.; crown during her life. 3d, That fecurity " queen's party fo fuperlor in the houfe of fllould be given for the prefervation of the " conunons, that every thing was carried ac- church of England, and the liberties of the «« cording to her wiflies." Berwick, vol. ii, . kingdom. Berwick, vol. ii. p. 182. p. 183. " Stuart Papers, May 1714. 592 DANGER OF THE PROTESTANT SUCCESSION he never had entered fmcerely into their views, and had cajoled them with the purpofe of betraying them ". I do not mean, from thefe obfervations, to afleit, that all the Tories, or that all the members of adminiftration, were free from a predilection for the hereditary line of fucceflion, or that fome of them did not even ardently wifh for its refloration ; but what I have ea- deavoured to eftablifh, is this, that there was no plan concerted or agreed to by the tory minifters, colledlively, in the laft years of the queen, for defeating the proteftant fettlement; that there is no evidence in fupport of any charge, to the Aime eftedt, againll indi- viduals who were in trull under government ; that, with refpedl to the cafe of the premier, though fpecious at firft view, it fails upon thorough inveftigation ; and that he ftands acquitted by the explicit teftimony of witnefles, whofe authority is decifive in the point aX iffue '\ It happened fortunately for the houfe of Hanover, that, from the very day the Whigs were diimifled, jealoufy, diftruft, and envy haunted the cabinet. Like a band of fpies, the minifters watched and dreaded each other. This internal difcord was the fafeguard and palladium of the proteftant fettlement. Fortified by the fandlions of law, not one of them, whatever he thought or inclined, durft whifper a wifli or drop a hint againft it, becaufe it would have fur- niftiied his internal enemy with the certain means of his deftrudlion ". But fuppofe the minifters had been united among themfelves, there ftill remained infurmountable obftrudions to every attempt for re- verfing the adl of fettlement, arifmg from the intereft of perfons of rank and fortune ; the general inclinations of the people j and the peculiar temper of the queen herfelf. " Compare Berwick's Memoirs, vol. ii. wick, vol. ii. p. 184. Whiteftaff, p. 2. 14. p. 184. with Lady Mafham's Letter to Mef- ^' The earl of Oxford and lord Bolingbroke nager, 2d March 1712. reciprocally accufe one another to the Hano- ^* The duke of Berwick was at length con- veriaii agents. Hanoverian Papers, paflim, ■vinced that Oxford never had any other Inten- particularly Letter from Galke to Robethon, -lion than to amufe and deceive them. Ber- 4th May 1714. The IN THE LAST YEARS OF Q^ ANNE'S REIGN. 593 The landed intereft mufl: always lofe fomething, and ilfk all, by every political convulfion ; and though there might be many of that defcription whofe prejudices were for the pretender, few of them defired his fuccefs at the expence of a civil war, without which there was hardly a poffibillty of its ever being accomplifhed ". The good wiflies of his moft difmterefted friends were aflbciated with the hope of his renouncing the Roman catholic religion ; and his in- flexibility, in that point, alienated their affedlions, and prevented their endeavours to ferve him ". The monied intereft had now become extenfive and powerful, and, as its fecurity was interwoven with the proteftant fucceffion, fo it was capable of yielding the mod prompt and vigorous exertion for defending it. The fufFrages of the people of England, if they could have been colleded, would certainly have preponderated in favour of the nroteftant competitor. For the truth of this aflertion, I require no better evidence than the language and engagements of the tory candidates during the de- pendence of the eledions for the laft parliament. The declarations of candidates, at that crifis, are not fo much to be confidered as a criterion of their own genuine fentiments, as of thofe of their ele£lors. And what were the declarations of the candidates ? In porportion to the fufpicions that attached to their party, or principles, they were affiduous in difclaiming every intention hoftile to the proteftant fettlement, and in coming under the moft folcmn engage- ments to fupport it *°. . Nor was the timidity of the queen, lefs than any of the circum- ftances now mentioned, an obftru Sept' 1704- Shrcwfbuiy T have already own'd, by mine of the 28"" paii, the recit of your Graces ■*• letter the 26"' of Jully, as I muft do that of the 30"" Auguft, which M' Stepney, who has been fo kind as to Come and make me a viflet from Vienna, delivred to me the lad weeke. I cannot be enough thankful! for the obliging terms you are pleafed to ufe, nor can I expreffe the fatisfaftion I have in the hopes you feem to give of feeing you in England ; Tis what I have longed for a great while, as wel as many other of your friends, but I dare fay none would injoye more real pleafure in it than my Self, by my lafl I told your grace we were haftning towardes the Rhine, we pafled that river at Philipfbourg fooner by fome days, then the enemy expeded, however thay pretend'd to give us battaile on the Spireback, and had actually ported, and fortefied themfelves on the Queich in order to difput our Coming to Landau, but upon our approch they always retired with great precipitation and left us at lad entier mailers of the Siege, which the king of the Romans is carrying on, while P. Eugene and myfelf Cover it, as your Grace will already have been informed ; the Continued rains we have had for feveral days paft, have been fome obflruftion to us, but now that faire weather feems to be fett in againe, the fiege will be carryed on with greater vigor, fo that we hope to be mafters of the place in about three weekes, after which if the feafon feavour us, I flial endeavour to feize Trarback, and extend our Winter Quarters to Treves and along the Mofelle and fo end the Campagne. I have a letter from the lad pofl: by M' Secretary Harley, in which he. gives me his privat thoughts, that this might be a proper junQure to fee on foot a negotiation with the Venetians, for bringing them into the grand allyance, wherein I am confident, if you wou'd give yourfelf the trouble, your knowlidge and interefl in thofe parts might be of great ufe, and I am as fure Her Ma''' wou'd readily come into any meafures you fhou'd propofe, therefore I beg that by your next you wil pleafe to give me your opinion of this APPENDIX, N" III. 609 this matter, with what hopes there may be of fuccefs, and the mofl; likely means of bringing it to pafs. Wee have been keep' a long time in fufpence about the fuccefs of the engagement between the two fleets in the Mcdi- teranien, and are ftil without any relation that can be depend'd on, but by vnhat we have from France, we have reafon to beleive, the advantage has been on our fide. I am with great truth and refpecl MY LORD Your Graces mofl obedient humble Servant MARLBOROUGH. N° IV. 0- The following Letter from the Duke of Marlborough to the Duke of Shrewsbury, gives a Ihort view of his fituation at the beginning of this Campaign, and corrobo- rates the account I have g^ven of it. MY LORD Maeftricht June 30"' 1 705. "T>Y the failure of our friends in all they promis'd me on the Mofelle I Shrewfijury ■*-^ have been obliged to march back to the Meufe. I was 15 days to- gether in the camp of Elft without being joined by any troupes but what were in the englifh and Du,tch pay, though I was to have been considerably reinfore'd ,by the Germaios immediately upon my taking the field, and finding already a fcarcity of Forage, by the unfeafonable cold weather, which had deftroy'd all the grafe and oates, with no maner of hopes of being fuplied ill any reafonable time with horfes and carriages promis'd for bringinn- up pwr gregt artillery for the fiege of Saar Lewis, where if we had been once ported, we fliould have been plentifully fupplyed with fubfiftance out of Loraine, all thefe difappointments obliged mee to yield to the prefling in. fiances' of the ftates and their Generals, to come hethcr to their relief, Mon' de Villeroy had already taken Huy, and was come before Liege where he had begun to raife his batteries, and was threatning Limbourg & Collogne by detachments att the fame time, but upon our approach he ■drew of his canon, & fent it back to Namur, retiring with his army to Tongres, whtreit was refolved to have march'd dereclly to him to-morrow, but I have jufl now advice that he is marched this morning to INIontenac 4. 1 towards 6id APPEND! X, N* IV. tOTvards their lyns ; fo that the firft thing we fhall do wil be to retake Huy. When I march'd from Treves, I left there fixtien battalions of foot, and 15 Squadrons of horfe for the fecurity of that place, in hopes I might have been able to have returned to the Mofelle in five or fix weeks, but I have receiv'd advife that thofe troupes have already abandoned the place without being attack'd ; when I have the fatisfa(R;ion of feeing your Grace I flial tel you a great deal more of the ufige I have met with, in the mean time I heartily wifli you a good jorny, and am with the greatefl truth, and fincerity ' MY LORD Your Graces mofl obedient humble Servant MARLBOROUGH. N'' V. 6:5" The following Letter to the Duke of Shrewsbury fhews how deeply the Duke of Marlborough felt the difap- pointment occafioned by the timidity of his Dutch col- leagues. MY LORD Camp at Corbals 24^^ Auguft 1705-. Shrew/bury T WAS flattering myfelf with hopes of the long expefted happinefs of feeing papers. _|_ ^^^j. Q^zce in thefe parts, when I received the honour of your letter of the 10"' Inftant, with an account of your being hiid up with a fitt of the "out, I affure you I take great fhare in whatever you fuffer, & am the more concerned at your prefent illnefs, becaufe it deprives me of the fole fatisfaiflion ' In tlie above letters, the orthography of ards, will appear exceedingly deficient in this the original manufcripts in the duke of Marl- accomplifhment of a fcholar. All the duke's borough's own hand, is literally adhered to. letters are written in that concife and perfpi- Several authors have noticed the incorreft cuoiis ftyle which indicates a clear and manly fpelling which occurs in the duke's letters, as underftanding ; fome of them, which were if it had been peculiar to him, and a proof of compofed with deliberation, and on great his being firrgularly illiterate ; but it ought to occafions, are diftinguifhed for elegance and be confidcrcd, that there was no regular and refined addrefs ; and far lefs cenfurable for eftablidied fyllem of orthography at the period inaccurate orthography than the fpecimens In which he lived ; and even fome of his here produced, learned contemporaiiesj if tried by later Hand- A P P E N D I X, N* V. Cn fatisfaftlon I had propofed to myfelf for the reft of the Campagnc, for wliich lofs however I fhould think myfelf fufficiently recompenfed if for a tranfient fitt you fhould at length get ridd of your old diftemper. Our army is in a manner laid up too by a difeafe for which I fee no cure, otherwife there is great reafon to believe we might have made a confiderable progrefs in the enemy's country, in order to which I had at the camp at Meldert with great difficulty got together a provifion of about ten days bread, and having marcht four days together through feveral defiles and part of the Bois de Loignies, the army came the 18'^ Inftant into a fpacious plain with only the Yfche between us and the enemy, about noon we were formed in order of battle, and having vifited the pofts with Mons' D'Auverquerque, v/e refolv'd to attack, thinldng there was no more to do but to oi'der the troops to advance. When the deputies of the ftates hav- ing confulted their other Generals would not give their confent, fo that I was with great regret obliged to quit the enterprize, which promifed all imaginable fuccefs, and to march back with the melancholy profpedl of being able to do nothing more this campagne, whereof fo much ftill re- mains behind, than make the fiege of Leeuwe, and demolifh the lines. This difappointment at a time when our expectations are fo little anfwered elfe where makes me very uneafy, & fmce all my remaining confolation is in your good company I hope affoon as you have your health no thing will hinder you from haflening this way '°. MY LORD Your Graces mod faithful! and mofl Obedient humble Servant MARLBOROUGH. •° The above letter is written in Mr. Car- " that I am dead with the headake, which I donel's hand, and the duke fubjoins the fol- " hope will prevaile with you to pardon my lowing poftfcript with his own hand : «« making life of Mr. Cardonels hand." " This lafl difappointment vexes me fo much 4! 2 (jI2 A P P E N D I X, N' VI. N° VI. Tiie following Letters from' Lord Halifax are a part of the Hardwlokc Colledlion, and having never been before pub- ■lifhed, will be acceptable to fome of my readers, on account of the eminent Uterary charadler of the author, as well as their reference to his embafly to the court of Hanover ". LETTER from Lord Halifax to Mr. Harley. SIR . Hanover 8 th May 1706. T HAVE received this morning the honour of 3'our letter of the ^^ May, -'■ by which I hear the glorious fuccefs of the Duke of Marlborough has reached England. I am confident you are all in raptures. I look upon the war at an end, that France will be obliged to make peace on what terms the Queen pleafes to demand, and that my meflage to this place win quickly be made more certain by the Prince of Wales's journey to Rome. In obedience to my inftrutlions, I have had private audiences of the Elector, the Electrefs, the Prince, and Princefs Eleftoral, and of Duke Erneil. I repeated to them all, the aflurances I had before given them of the efteem, affection, and friendfhip that the Queen has for them ; and they have ordered " Tliisgreat man was one of the pillars of the whigparty,and would havebeen ctn ornament to any : he was irreproachable, on the heads of in- confifteucy, duplicity, and corruption. He was the great friend and confident of lord Somers, and as the regency bill was framed by the latter, it is no wonder that lord Halifax was thought by him the moft proper bearer of it to Hanover. It has been faid by thofe who knew him, that he had a mixture of vanity andaffeftation in his charafter,whichfometimes cxpofed him to ridicule ; and when he was at the eleftoral court on this commiffion, he en- tertained them, not io his own credit, with a favourite Italian air which Nicolini had fung in England. If this is true, it fhews the foi- ble of human nature in the moft Ihining cha- rafters. It is believed that, on the acceffion jof the Hanover family, he expefted to have been lord treafurer, and was greatly morti- fied by being only appointed firft commlflioner of the treafury. I heard the duke of New- caftle fay, that lord Halifax's firft levee at the auditor's exchequer-houfe was the raoft crowded and brilliant he ever faw. It may be fairly afferted, that the admini- flration, which lord Halifax fioundied in, were the greateft encouragers of men of real talents and ingenuity of any we have had in England. Addifon, Prior, Locke, Steel, and Congreve were all promoted under it, and when it is alfo remembered, that fir Ifaac Newton was at that period (viz. in 1699) made mafter of the mint, verbum nan amplius addam as to pa- tronage of merit. The above anecdotes were communicated to me by lord Hardwicke, and compofed, I conjecture, by his uncle the late lord Hard- wicke. me APPENDIX, N' VI. 6ij me to affure her majefty that they have all the duty and refpect imaginable for her. When I waited on the Eleclrefs, I carried to her printed copies of the ads in Englifli : fhe gave me leave to read them to her, and I endea- voured to explain to her highnefs the neceffity and ufe of all the parts of them. I gave the Elector a tranflation of the a.£t in french, and gave him a fliort account of the proceedings upon it in parliament, and the motives and grounds that the houfes had for preferring fuch an eftablifhment to the mo- tion of the invitation, which he affured me he never approved'*. He defired the miniflers might have a conference with me upon the laft aft, and accord- ingly the Count Platte, Count Berndorff, Mons' Gufitz, Mons' Buleau Mons' Oberg and Mons' Elfe, came to my houfe on Saturday. I had M' How with me and they brought Mons'' Robethon who was inter- preter betwixt us. I explained to them all the claufes in the act, as it feemed to their fatisfadion. They made a report of what had pafled to the Eleclor and Eledrefs, and I am told they are now fully fatisfied of the care and prudence of the Queen and parliament in maldng fuch an eftabhflament, and will omit nothing on their part to fliew their approbation of it, and to make it more effectual. The Eleclrefs will fuddenly fend over three inftru- ments whereby fhe will nominate fome perfons to be Lords' juftices purfuant to the ad. 1 hope I have now fully executed the Queens commands in this particular, and when the ceremony of the garter is over, I fhall take leave of this court and return for England. Lord Marlborough's conquefts will make my flay on this fide the water much longer than I thought. I pro- mifed to bring him an account ot this court, and my negotiation when I thought I fhould find him in the neighbourhood of Liege or Maeftricht ; but where fhall I now follow him ? The King of Pruffia will be here next week, and tho' I would not have gone far out of the way to meet him, I think I mufl: not run away from him now he is coming. They expect he will pro. pofe a match betwixt the Princefs of Hanover and his fon, which are both nearly related to the crown of England. I wifh you much joy of all this gOod fuccefs, and hope in a fliort time I fliall have the honour of killing your hands. I am Sec. (Signed) HALIFAX. •* This is true : the elector difapproved of the inch'natlons of the princefa Sophia. Ar- the forwardnefs of his whig friends in this cherly's Cafe, MSS. bulincfs, though it was perfeftly agreeable to 6i4 A P P E N D I X, N° VII. VIII. N'' VII. From ihe Same to the Same. SIR Hanover, /gth June 1706- QiNCE my lafl of the 15th, the King of Pruflia is arrived here ; and yefter- *^ day morning a marriage was concluded between the Prince Royal and the Princefs of Hanover. Both the courts feem extremely pleafed with this match ; the acquaintance & good correfpondence that ufed to be among them being in a manner broke off by the death of the Queen of Pruflia ; but this new alliance will probably put all right, and make the aifeftion and friendfhip between the two houfes more hearty and fmcere than it was at the latter end of the Queens life. I cannot but think the Queen and the Eng- lifli will be very well fatisfied, that a Prince and Princefs, that are related to England, are thus joined together, and that all the mofl confiderable protefl- ant intereft is fo firmly united. I have faid this as my own opinion, and I believe it would be mighty acceptable to them if the Queen's miniftry were inftrufted to exprefs her majefty's fatisfaftion in it. The Eleftrefs fent me the inclofed for the Queen which I beg you will prefent to her majefty with my mofl humble duty j I am confident they would have afked the Queens confent in form before now if any certain meafure could have been taken of the Kings humour. His flay here will keep me till this day kn'.^ aight tho' I had fixed my journy for Tuefday. I am &c. (Signed) HALIFAX,. N" VIII. The Same to the Same, SIR, Hague 1 6th July 1 7off. ■TN my laft Igave you an account of my lafl conference with the miniffers of "^ Hanover, & how that commifTion was concluded which I had to that court. Since I came hither, I have endeavoured to do what I could in promoting the treaty which the Duke of Marlborough began ", and I hope I have done fome good. The ftates of the province of Holland had it under the Exaraen, as they call it, to day ; and their opinion (or advice) is in favour of The Barrier Treaty. Jt5 APPENDIX, iWIII. li- lt ; but according to their forms it mud be propofed in the feveral towns before it is offered to the States General. They were fworn to fecrecy in this aftair, but by what I can learn they have agreed, That the Queen lliall be ac- knowledged as a preliminary, and her miniftry received as fuch by the treaty, for they could not anfwer the Arguments upon that head. They have alfo agreed that the fucceffion fhall be fettled k acknowledged in the Treaty ; but then as a fecurity to them they would have the Queen promife that their barrier fhall be fettled and fpecified according to the 5''' Article In the Grand alliance. But I believe they are not fully agreed how this article fhall be drawn. Some would have it conceived in General words, in which there would not be much difficulty ; others would have the tow-ns named, which they think ought to be put Into their hands to fecure their frontier, but that may not be fo proper, efpeclally fince the mofl confiderable of then) are not yet in their power. And after they have turned It feveral ways, 1 believe It will end in defiring the Queen to be guarantee to them, that at the conclufion of the peace they lliall have fuch a barrier given them as they fhall think fufficlent for their fafety and fecurity. If the Queen Is pleafed to give them this Covenant as an equivalent for their being guarantees of the fucceffion, I hope the thing Is done ; & I cannot doubt but this will be approved. The terms are equally reafonable on both fides ; for fecuring our fucceffion is truly their Intereft, and their barrier Is our fecurity. Hav- ing brought this great aftair to this point I know no further fervlce that I can do. The ftates of Holland adjourn to-morrow, and then I fhall fet for- ward upon my journy to wait upon L"* Marlborough. He has been pleafed to flop the Henrietta Yatcht to flay for L'' Hertford and me : M' Cardonel has written to M' Burchet for his Royal Highneffes approbation j here are alfo two frigates, the Haftlngs and Rocheller prize. I vv^ould hum- bly beg that they might flay to convoy us over. When I am In Flanders, I fhall have no pretence to take this liberty of troubling you in this manner, and I beg leave to return you a thoufand thanks for the honour of your correfpondence ; and when I come to England I will wait upon you to defire the continuance of your favonr & frlendflilp, which I value & efteem extremely. I am &c. (Signed) HALIFAX. 0i6 APPENDIX, N'lX. X. N« IX. The Same to the Same* SIR, Hague loth Auguil 1706. T RECEIVED the hoiiour of your letter of the 16''' July at the camp, -^ where I had little leifure and lefs convenience to make anfwer. I met another from you of the 3'' Augufl at my return to this place. I am very much obliged to you for the good opinion you have of my care for the fue- cefs of the treaty, which meets with more difficulty than I expefted. All the towns of Holland have agreed to it except Leyden : The deputy of that town has yet fonie difficulties which are not to be underftood, and feem to be rather humour & perverfenefs than any folid reafons. I have done my bed to fatisfy him, but it has not yet had its effect. Tomorrow morning they take it under confideration again & I hope will finifh it ; I hope to take the advantage of a convoy that brought over Lady Effex, h that I fiiall be able in a fhort time to return you thanks for the honour of your cor- refpondence, &; to affure you with what fmcerity & refped, I am &c. (Signed) HiiLIFAX. N° X. Kj" The two following Letters throw light on the debates which took place in the Englilh Parliament, after the pafling the Scotch Ad of Security ; and alfo on the ftate of parties at this period. LETTER from Mr. Vernon to the Duke of Shrewsbury.. i •■ rM i iky; «' . , ■'. • r Some think My L*" advanced -too far, & gave a handle againfl hirafelf to be charged as the advifer of pafTmg the bill ; but I can't but think he had well confidered what he would fay. The queen, who was prefent at the de^ bate, might expeft fomething fhould be faid in her behalf, as far as fhe wa3 .concerned, and I mufl always remember the partition treaty, which I thinkj could never have been pufhed fo far, if every body would have owned, af frrfl, what they knew of it, and faid as much for it as it would bear &c. &c. '' The confent of the queen to .theadl of was not an accidental and unfprefeen.confe- fecurlty gave great oftence to her fuhjccts in qiience of the'atl of fecurity j'an^' contrived England, and brought a torrent of odium upon pofterior to the aft, to prevent-iVs 31 cotifi lord Godolphin, who was believed to be the quences ; but that the former was predeter- advifer of that mealure. From tlie above let- mined, and intended to bring about the latter, ter, it appears, that lord Godolphin did not It is curious, that the very woYd remedy, uli i difown his having advifed the queen to ratify by lord Godolphin, is alfo'ufed W fir John the acl of fecurityv on' account of the critical Clerk^ upon the fame fubjed. ^' ThtH' thefnl •fituation of affairs of Scotland; that' he fore- " felves, namely, the miiiillers, inv en Kd or eii- fav.- the inconveniences ariling from it, but " couraged a formidable act in Scotland, -.iu thought they vyere riot without a rfm«(v The " order to frighten the parliament of Eng^ remedy to which lord Godolphin referred was " land, to provide a fpecdy remedy agaiiift if i undoubtedly the union ; and hence there is " This remedy, as I have before noticed, plaufibk'ground for concluding, that the union •' was the union." Sir John Clerk's MSS, 4K 6i8 A P P E N D I X, N' XI. N° XI. LETTER y/-o?» Mr. Vernon to the Duke o/* Shrewsbury. 8"" Dec 1704- Shre\v(bury T ACQUAINTED you laft Week with the firft overture of the Scotch bufinefs Papers. 1 jj^ ^y^^ houfe of Lords. They were upon it again on Wednefday laft, and it proceeds, gradually, according to the plan already hinted at. The Lords that entered the lifts on Wednefday were the Earl of Rochefter, the Earl of Notingham, and Lord Haverfliam on one fide, and my Lord Somers, Lord Wharton, and Lord Halifax, on the other, her majefty being again prefent at the debate. The three firft; mentioned Lords prefled the houfe to pafs a judgement on the fcotch aft of fecurity, that it was of pernicious con- fequence, tending to defeat the proteftant fucceffion, and to alienate the two kingdoms from one another, fome of them came out with it in the debate, that this queftion being carried would lead them to enquire, who gave the advice for pafting it, and it was likewife faid, that from whomfoever the advice came the queen ought to have withftood it. The other three Lords oppofed that queftion, thinking they ought rather to apply themfelves to find out the beft remedy they could, they were not for telling the Scots, they ought not to pafs any ad that houfe Ihould not like, but leaving them to their own freedom and independence, which they {hewed fuch a jealoufy of. When they faw any thing done this kingdom might be affeded with, it feemed more parliamentary, to obviate it in a legiflative way, and therefore my Lord Somers moved, that they fliould go by way of bill, wherein they might fliew, that if the Scots pretended to fet up a feparate kingdom, they, in probability, would be the greateft lofers by it; and fince they had fo mean an efteem of the advantages they had by their prefent union with England, perhaps the generality there might have a better opinion of them when they faw any danger of their being loft, and, in order hereto, he propofed that the houfe ftiould go into a grand committee on Monday to confider of proper heads for fuch a bill, or bills. My Lord Trea- furer came into this motion, as the moft likely means to obtain what they aimed at from Scotland. Some Lords anticipated the debate appointed for Monday, and hinted at fome heads they thought proper, fuch as prohibiting fcotch cattle to be brought into England, the fupprefling their hawkers and 4 pedlarsj APPENDIX, N° XI, 619 pedlars '*, & incapacitating Scotfmen from having any employment here civil or military ; & as they opened it, they would not have this to operate immediately, but that there Ihould be a competent time allowed in the bill before it fliould take place. Whereby is undcrftood, that if the parliament of Scotland in their next fefllon fliall come to a better temper, thefe a£ls may likewife be reverfed at our next parliament without being put in execution. My Lord Halifax, I hear fpoke long and very well. He put them upon con- fidering how this ill blood had been breeding in Scotland for feveral years ever fince the Darien projed was fet on foot, and he remarked that the fame gentleman, meaning Mr. Johnflon", who had fo principal a hand in promot- ing that aft, was no fooner advanced to the miniftry again, but we fee another notorious breach made upon the good underftanding between the two kingdoms. My Lord Pawlett faid fomething in vindication of his kinf- man, Johnflon, but clofed with the motion for proceeding by bill. My Lord Peterborough likewife fpoke in favour of Johnfton, and carried his difcourfe farther than there feemed to be any occafion for, towards an apologizing for the miniftry, who he thought were to be pitied in having fuch a load upon them, as to be contefting, at the fame time, with the folly of Portugal, the obflinacy of the Emperor, the Selfilhnefs of the Dutch, and the madnefs of Scotland, all fuperadded to the power of France. The Bifiiop of Salifbury faid nothing that day. The Lords, who propofed the firfl; queftion, infifted pretty much upon having it put, but the houfe fliowed no difpofition towards it, infomuch that my Lord Notingham told them, they were not for going to the bottom of the fore, to which Lord Mohun replied, they would go as far as was neceffary for healing the wound, and afked his Lordlhip if he were for rubbing it to a gangrene. Matters being thus well prepared in the houfe of Lords, the great expeftation is, whether the commons will go on in the fame method, when they enter upon the confideration of it, on tuefday next. If they concur, I hope the two kingdoms, as well as the adminiftration will find their quiet by it. S:c. &c. ■* See p. 191, of the Hiftory, in the note. and was much truHed by the earl of Godol- " He was made fecrctary of ftate for Scot- phin. He was fiifpefted of being friendly to land, by king Williajn, in the year one thou- the pretender; and it was faid by his enemies, fand fix hundred and nincty-two, and had the that though he had received public inftruotions principal influence in perfuading his majefty to f,om the t'rcafurer to promote the jrotcftant pafs the aft .in favour of the Darien company; fucccffion, yet he was privately,' pwhap* not and was difmifled upon that bufmefs being en. without the connirancc of their:iutl)qr, ufing quired into and, refenttd by the Englilh parlia- the utmoft endeavours to. ,th\Yar{; i{,. Jsi- vol. v. ment. Buriwts vol. iv. p. 166. 303. He had p. •jgO. lately been made 'lord regifter in Scotland, jdi at L3}j;;!4)^ ihrr.i: 620 appendix; ' N° XII. XIII. N° XII. L'E'tTER://-f;w the _ Duke 0/ Marlborough to the Duke of Shrewsbury. MY LORD, Mcldert, July 27''', 1707."' ,^hre\v(bury y yk.we forborn veruniin,^ your Grace my thankes for yours by Mr. Irons,- in hopes to have had feme good news, to have fent you from this armyj- but the force of the enemy has made us fo very cautious, that I defpaire of doing any thing confiderable this campagne, and having received an exprefs yefterday from P'. Eugene, I wou'd not lofe any time in letting you know that they have entered Provence without any loffe, and have refolv'd to begine with the fiege of Toulon, if they fucccd France will be a great while recbvering this blow, we fhall know by to-morrows letters from the Rhin, if it be from that the Marefhal de Villars has detached 30 fquadrons and 24 battalions, that joyn'd with what may march from Rouffiliion muft make the Marefhal de Tefiee army ftronger than the Duke of Savoys, but as the Duke of Savoyp is like to have one months time before thefe detachements can jbyne the Marefhal; I hope his R. H. will have taken the town, by which he may be in a good condition to ventur a battaile, the gaine of it, may haften my waiiting on you, to your new building, for I long to be at quiet in Oxfordfliire. I have had it in my power*'' to make Mr. Irons a capt. with- out doing much injuftice. I beg my mofl humble refpefts may be given to the duchelTe of Shrewfbury, and that you will believe me what I am with much truth, MY LORD, Your Graces mofl obedient humble Servant MARLBOROUGH. N° XIII. LETTER yr©»! the Duke 0/ Marlborough to the Duke of Shrewsbury. MY LORD, Soigni'es, Augt i6'N 1707. Shrewfbury T RECEIVED laft night the honour of your Grace's letter, and would loofe Papers. A uo time in returning my thankes for it. I can't helpe wifhing, when you were fo near, you wou'd have made your compliments att court, being fure '' The vvord power is omitted in the original. • APPENDIX, N' XIII. 621 it would have been taken kindly, and am fure none that knows you could have put any fmiftei conftruftion upon it, I hope you will alow me leave to make the bcfl: ufe of what you write to me on that fubjeft. We have been marching for five days together, with a defign to bring the enemy to a battle, we were twice in hopes of it, one of them was the anniverfary of Blenheim, and if the enemy wou'd have ftood, with the blefTmg of God, we might have had the like good fuccefs, but they continually retired before us, and yeftcrday got to the Camp of Cambron, but this march has cod them above two thoufaud deferters, befides what they fuIFered by the fatigue of their march for want of bread for three days together; hearing your houfe may be ready before mine, I have confented that the Eaft part may be made habitable, fo that I may have the honour and happynefs of being near you. I am very much obliged to my Lady Dutchefs for her remembrance, and pray you will aflure her Grace of my mofl humble fervice. I am with truth and refped, MY LORD, Your Graces mofl obedient humble Servant MARLBOROUGH, N° XIV. Kj" The following Letters exhibit the commencement and pro- grefs of that difagreement which took place between Lord Godolphin and Mr. Harley, and give an infight into the trimming fyftem of the latter, and the flate of cabinet pohtics at the period referred to. Lord Godolphin to Mr. Harley. SIR, loth Aiiguft 1706. I HEREWITH return the letters and papers you fent me, with many thanks Hardwicke for the favour of your letter, and your being fo particular in the matter Papers, upon which I defired your thoughts, tho' I diSer in opinion. I think the matter of eleftions was but a pretext taken in the laft feflion'^; there was an , ,- - < , " "■ He phjbably refers to the notorious par- the aufpices of the prefent minifters, and gave, tiality and injnftice relative to qiieftions of con- great oflence to perlons of probity and honour traverted ■ eloftionSj which took place, under of eveiy party, averfeneis 622 A P P E N D I X, N" XIV, averfenefs at bottom to do any thing that they thought would give merit to the whigs, the' it was and is a dcmonftration, that without them and their being entire, the Queen cannot be lerved; but the leaning to what I take to be an impoflibility will, I doubt, make them jealous and uneafy, and at befl but paflive ; the confequence of which Is, that the majority will be againfl; us upon every occafion of confequence. I hope, however, the Queen's fervice will go on, and for myfclf I am as little concerned as one need to be upon fuch an occafion, but I am not blind nor afleep. The Topics you mention would not hurt us alone, if there were not a pre- paration to make thofe uneafy and jealous, from whom only we can have or hope for any frlendfliip ''. I think you do very well to have a watch upon Robinfon, as to the affair of Mr. Clement I fhall be Saturday night at London, fo I beg it may be de- ferred till then. I wifli the convoy might be difpatched that is to bring over the D. of Marlborough. ^ (Signed) GODOLPHIN N" XV. LETTER from Mr. Harley lo Lord Godolphin. MY LORD, Brampton, ij"- Augull 1706. Hardwi'cke T RECEIVED this morning the honour of your Lordfhip's letter of the loth Papers. 1 ^j arrived here but laft night late,) with other letters from London. 1 received a private letter from the D. of Marlborough, with one enclofed from the Eledor of Hannover to his Grace, which I fend herewith to your Lordfliip. The public letters are delivered to Mr. Secretary Hedges, who, I doubt not, hath attended your Lordfliip with them. Your Lordfhip may pleafe to remember that Mr. Schuts faid, there was no fuch treaty defigned by his mafl:er, as the King of Pruflia would fet on foot; and that it was only a tentative of that court to fifli out the inclinations of the Queen and the Eleftor, and to fet on foot fome fort of negociation with Sweden, by which he might get fomething ". '' Lord Somers and lord Halifax are, I originally Tories, though they now found it think, the perfons whom he has in his view; to be their intereft to difclaim their former they were, for fome confidernble time, exceed- principles, and coalefce with the Whigs, ingly jealous of the duke of Marlborough and *° The king of Pruflia was never out of a the earl of Godolphin, becaufe, they had been plot for extending his own power and intereft. As APPENDIX, N° XV. ^23 As to the other particulars the Duke mentions, about the treaty for the fucceflion and the barrier, as alfo for guaranteeing the peace, I wrote as fully as I could to my Lord M. Thurfday fen'night; and think mentioned the fame to your Lordlhip, that I humbly conceive thefe treaties fliould be finifhed as foon as poffible, as alfo the affair of the minifter, for thofe two points are made ufe of by the ill intended in Holland to the prejudice of England; the projedt Lord Halifax brought over I have left fealed up with Mr. Lewis ", who will bring it to your Lordfliip whenever you will pleafe to command it. I think the objedions my Lord Halifax makes to the barriers being too generally expreifed, and that it ought to be more particularly fpecified, are very juft; but if they are obftinate in it under pretence they cannot decently particu- larife places which are not in their power, I humbly propofed to my Lord Duke to confider whether that matter might not be accomodated by putting the particulars into a fecret article. But I doubt not his grace will find out a proper method to fettle that point. As to home affairs, what I wrote to your Lordfhip was in the fincerity of my heart, and what I could colleft from my converfation with both parties, and of which I am at any time ready to give your Lordfhip the particulars : ^ but far be it from me to efpoufe any opinion of my own^ or to differ from your Lordfhip's judgement. I ihall always be ready when required, and never but then, to give my poor thoughts and fuch reafons as I have, and when I have done that, I know myfelf too well to be fond of any notions of my own, with that attachment to your Lordfhip and Lord Marlborough which I fhall always preferve. The reafon I mentioned Eledions in my letter was becaufe the occafion of ftumbling is in a great meafure removed, and from the little experience I have had, the attempting to bend every body in one meafure in the affair hath proved one of the greatefl means of ruining the expedation of that party which hath attempted it, and I have often feenthe foundation laid of blowing up each of the factions by that very method ; and the reafon is plain, for thofe very Gentle- men who think themfelves to be independent, and would be thought to be fo, but yet would fupport the Queen and ferve her miniflers, expeft their conipli- ance therein fhould be accepted, and that they fiiouid be left to themfelves in perfonal friendfhips and matters which I will always think remote from the government obfervation, and that if they vote for the public fervice of the government and fupport the miniflers, more ought not to be expefted of them: indeed 1 have not been able to anfwer them when they have faid, why fhould not every body's fervice be accepted of as far as they will go, and it is not *' He was under fecretan- of flatc impoflible 624- A P P E N D I X, N° XV. ImpofTible hut one ftcp may draw on another; this I am certain, that many of the nioft flaunch whigs (not whimfical) have and do frequently lameijt the fury of their leaders, and have rejoiced when their prefumption was humbled; and to ufe an expreffion of one of them, that if they were gra- tified in all they defire they would immediately be undone. I am very far from making them jealous, I did not mean their places fhould be given to others, but I was humbly of opinion, that whoever would come in a Volun- teer to the Service fliould be accepted as far as he would go, and I am the more confirmed in the opinion, becaufe thofe who call themfelves whigs, if united, are the inferior numbers, and that they will not follow thofe who make themfelves their Leaders, but yet may be united in the Queens fervice .by her minifters, and yet at the fame time they would make every one elfe defperate; nay to ufe the words of one of themfelves, they have at prefent a great many, who never differed yet from them, and as to thofe who came unto them, fome whereof have furrcndercd themfelves and gave eleftions to them and laid themfelves at their feet, and yet they will not be contented with them and every one who have helped to refcue them from the malice and rage of their adverfarres; and to make them a majority, have been made fenfible, that all that went for nothing, and they were told more than once or twice exprefsly, that they hoped in a little time to caft them off and do without them. 1 have with grief obferved that the leaders (or zealots rather) of both parties are frequent even now in their reflexions on the Queens minifters, I mean your Lordfliip and my Lord M. I cannot but apprehend danger from both fides in the extreme, and therefore am humbly of opinion to increafe the number of thofe, who would devote themfelves to the Queens and your fervice, would be the beft, and I the rather mention this becaufe fo many have been lately obliged to pay their acknowledgements to, and real dependence, on other people; as to myfelf I have made all the application imaginable to thofe who would be thought the chiefs of their faflion, and there is nothing I will not do for the Queens fervice and the fupport of her minifters ; neither would I have troubled your Lordfhip with this long fcribble, but that your Lordfliips indulgence has encouraged me to tell you the truth & what you may, when you pleafe, have confirmed from the mouths of thofe of that very partv who have no little intereft in both houfes**: And now I have faid this, I believe your Lcrdftiip will be fo juft to me as to be affured I have no meafures, nor will have any, but what fliall be fub- '"^ Mr. Ilarlcy's pulitical condufl was per- conuecTtions promoted Jiis views in afpirinp at fcflly agreeably to tlie principles which he the ofnce of prime niinlfter ; but foon difoblig- profefffS, and the advice which he propofes in ed his colleagues and weakened his anthoiity, thia letter. His modtration and nniiccllancous after he had arrived at that dignity. mittcd A P P E N D I X, N' XV. 625 mitted to the tefl of your better judgement, and that you will have the goodnefs to impute it to my zeal, when I cannot forbear faying that this enfuing feflion may be made very eafy or difficult by either giving or fparing a few good v/ords, without any further engagement, than to let thofe who are not ftigmatized by any particular folly, know that they need not be def- perate. I have now tired your Lord (hips patience with my impertinence, and will add nothing more than that having fhot my bolt, there remains nothing further for me than to obey your commands. &c. &c. N° XVI. LETTER from Air. Harley /-o/« the Duke o/' Marlborough to Mr. Secretary St. John. SIR Camp before Bouchain 20th Aug- 17 1 1. TjY my lafl of the ly'*" I acquainted you we had carried our hne of Cir- Hardwicke ■'-^ cumvallation down to the Senfet, whereby the Enemys communication with ^¥'^^- the Town was in a great meafure cut off. They were (till worldng hard in the morafs & had made a large Parapet with Fafcines guarded by 400 Granadiers, fupported by the Brigade du Roi, and a httle time after would have carried their work fo far that it might have been difficuk to have dif- pofTefied them, therefore I ordered them to be attacked the next morning by 400 Grenadiers of ours fupported by Eight BattaUions. Our men waded a great way up to the middle in water, and receiving their fire by which we had only five or fix men killed or wounded, they continued advancing towards them, whereupon the Enemy quitted their Works and retired, fo that the Communication with the Town is entirely cut off, — We have fmce been ufing all poffible diligence in bringing up our Artillery and Ammunition for the Siege, great part of which is already near at hand, and I hope in two or three days we fliall be in fuch forvvardnefs as to open our Trenches. Finding a notion fpread abroad that we omitted an opportunity of attack- ing the Enemy the day after we paffcd the Enemy s Lines, and which has, and always will be our principal view where it is prafticable, I cannot but take notice to you, and pray you will lay before the Queen and my Lords the little grounds there is for thefe reports as well as the fallacy of the Paris Gazette of the 14th Inftant, in the article from Cambrav on this fubjeft; and, that it might not make any falfe impreflion on peoples mind, fhould be glad fome notice were taken of it in our Gazette at home. It is pretended a great rain hindered the two Armys from engaging- the 6"'. That we made ufe of the obfcurity of the night to pafs the Schelde, and that the Marfhal de Villars fent the Compte de Broglio, to fecure the Pofl of Denain; all which is fo notorioully falfe, that we had not one drop of rain that whole day, tho' a great deal the night following. — We made our Bridges over the Schelde before noon, and at two in the afternoon the left la'ing of the army was on their march, and the greateft part of the whole pafled 646 APPENDIX, N' XXXII. pafTed before night ; We immediately poflefTed ourfelves of the Poll of Denain with 300 men, where they have remained ever fnice without the leafl: attempt to diflodge them. The day we pafled the lines, Monfieur Villars appeared with the head of his Army behind the morafs of Marquion, where he encamped that night, and the next morning conlinuhig his marcli towards Cambray in four Columns, being covered by that morafs, which begins at the village of Inchi, within a league and a half of Cambrav, as- his Troops pafled this village, they formed to the right towards C.ambray behind the villages of Sally and Rolencourts, and the hollow Roads and Precipices whereof that part of the Country is full, by which means his right flank was fecured by the Town of Cambray, his center by thofe villages and hollow Roads, and his left by the morafs of Inchi — It not be- ing prafticable to attack him in this fituation, we were obliged to haften our paflage of the Schelde to prevent the Imemy's doing it before us, which would entirely have defeated all the fruits we may hope to reap from the pafliage of the lines. I am &'. MARLBOROUGH. N° XXXIII. LETTER from the Duke of Marlborough to Lord Oxford. MY LORD Oa'19— 1711. Hardwicke T HAVE had fo many marks of your Lordfhips friend fhip, and have fo Paperi. A fmcerely endeavoured to deferve a continuance of it, that I apply myfelf to you in the tenderefl; part of it, and lay open my private griefs to you with the fame freedom you allow me in what regards the public. There are two papers lately publifhed on your fide, and fome copies are already got here, the tittle of one is Bouchain, and the other an anfwer to it". I do not know whether " After the change of the minilliy, many more confequence to the allies than a pigcon- fcunilous pamphlets were publifhed againft hoiife. Several anfwers to thefc were pub- the duke of Marlborough. His military ta- lidied; and one, particularly, under the title lents were difparaged, and the paffing the lines of Bouchain, or a Dialogue between the Med- of Arleux, one of the moil brilliant exploits ley and the Examiner, which refledled on the of his life, was principally imputed to general charafter of the duke's antagonifts, and moft Hompefch. The fiege of Bouchain was re- feverely on tliat of lord Oxford. To this pub- prefented to have been purchafed by the lofs lication the duke alludes, of fixt^n thoufand men, and after all, of no your APPENDIX, N' XXXIII. 647 ■your Lordfliip looks into fuch papers, and I heartily wifli they had been kept from me. I um fure you cannot hear of one without the otiier, and when I proted to you I am no way concerned in the former, I doubt not but you will have fome feeling of what I fuffer from the latter; as I have had all the reafon in the world to be fatisfied with every thing your Lordfliip has done in regard to myfelf, ever fmce I left you, and particularly your punftual remittances for the Troops. I have taken all occafions to make my fatisfaftion as publickly known, as all the officers of the Army can bear me witnefs, and it is fo much the more mortifying to find myfelf and family- treated in fuch a manner, when I had fo much reafon to hope the fpirit from whence it proceeds was quite fuppreffed. I find it is infmuated that the provocation came from that fide, and from the pen of one that has been long near me"; but upon examination he has fo fully cleared himfelf that I am perfectly fatisfyed of his innocence, and nobody can wifli more than I do that fuch writings could be fuppreffed, but if they can't be, it is very hard, that, when any body will ufe my name, I fliould be reviled in fuch a manner. The authors of thefe papers, as well the one as the other, are not only my enemies, they are your's too, my Lord; they are enemies to the Queen and poifon to her fubje<5ts ; and it would be worth the while to make a flrifl: fearch after them, that the punifliment they deferve may be infiided upon them ; but all the remedy, all the eafe I can at prefent exi^d under this mortification, is that you, my Lord, would do me the juflice to believe me in no way an abettor or encourager of what has given me a mortal wound j but I will endeavour to bear up under it, I have that confolation from you, and as every thing elfe I could defire from you has been hitherto granted before I could afk it, I flatter myfelf you will not deny me this fatif. fadion, no more than that of believing me ever with the greatefl truth, MY LORD, Yours &c. MARLBOROUGH. '+ He probably means Di". Hare, who was his chaplain, aad had written many pamphlets in his defence. 648 A P P E N D I X, N' XXXIV. N° XXXIV. LETTER from the Duke c/" Marlborough to Z,or^ Oxford, MY LORD Hague Novem' 10. 1711. Hardwickc ^yHE friendly part your Lordfliip took in the grievance I lately laid before lapcis. X you", gives me encouragement to have recourfe once more to your Lordfhip, in a matter differing from the former in its Circum.ftances, but fuch as neverthelefs gives me a very fenfible concern. Upon my arrival here I had notice that my name was brought before the Commiirioners of Accounts, poffibly without any defign to do me a prejudice : however to prevent any ill imprefTion it might make, I have written a letter to thofe Gentlemen fetting the matter in its true light, which M' Craggs will deliver, and when you have taken the pains to read the enclofed Copy ^°, I pray you will be fo kind as to employ your good offices fo as that it may be known I have the advantage of your friendfhip. No one knows better than your Lordfliip, the great ufe and expence of Intelligence, and no one can better explain it; and it is for that reafon I take the liberty to add a further requeft, that you will be fo kind as to lay the whole upon fome fitting op- portunity before the Queen; being very well perfuaded, her majefly, who has fo far approved and fo well rewarded my fervices, would not be willing they fhould now be publickly reflected upon when it would be fo unjuft and cruel to me : You fee My Lord I make no fcruple to give you a Httle trouble, which to a temper like yours rather increafcs than diniinifhes the pleafure of doing a good office— I do therefore boldly claim the benefit of your friendfhip, ^' In vindicating liim from the calumnious mud be difficult, often impoffible, to eftimate afperfions of which he complains in liis letter, its amount, and to decide concerning the dif- 19th Oftober. intereftednefs and fidelity of individuals who ^* In his letter to the commiffioners the have been intrufted with the difpofal of it. If, duke affirms, that the emoluments he derived however, fuccefs is to be admitted as a proof from the contracts for bread would alone have of difmtereftednefs and fidelity, and it is the been inadequate to the expences he incurred on only one we can have in fuch a cafe, the account of fecret fervice, and that the two duke of Marlborough is fully entitled to the and a half per cent, deduced from the pay credit of tliefe virtues. No commander was of the foreign troops in the Engli(h fervice, ever more fuccefsful in procuring intelligence was alfo faithfully applied for the fame pur- of the enemy's motions and dcfigns, and to pofe. There is no branch of the public ex- this the unparalleled good fortune of the allies, penditure more ncceflary and important, in in the courfe of the ,war, may, in a great ' the time of war, than that which is laid out meafure, be afcribed. upon fecret fervict, but, from its nature, it 10 and APPENDIX, N'' XXXV. C^c^ , and am fo fanguine as to expeft the good efFedts of it, which I fhall make it my conftant bufinefs to deferve. The endeavours of our enemies to deftroy the good underllanding between us will double mine to continue and im- prove it, & I now have the greater defire to be at home that I may explain to you what I cannot fo well write I am &c. MARLBOROUGH. N° XXXV. Sitbjlance of the Articles of the Treaty of Peace bet-ween Great Britain and France. I, 2, 3, rpHERE {hall be a fmcere fnendfliip between the two nations; that all difcorJs and wars fhall ceafe ; and all offences and injuries be buried in oblivion. 4. The French king acknowledges the aft limiting the fucceflion to the kingdom of Great Britain; promifes that no one befides the queen herfelf, and her fucceffors, according to faid limitation, fhall ever by him or his heirs be reputed king of Great Britain ; and will take all poffible care that the perfon, who had taken upon him the title of king of Great Britain, fliall not at any time hereafter return into the kingdom of France, or any of the dominions thereof. 5. The French king promifes, in his own name and that of his fucceffors, not to difturb her majefty, nor her fucceffors in the proteflant line ; nor to give any kind of affiftance to any other perfon who fhall hereafter oppofe the faid fucceflion. 6. The French king engages, for himfelf and his fucceffors, to ufe all endeavours that the feparation of the French and Spanifli crowns fliail for- ever remain unfhaken and untouched. 7. A free ufe of 'navigation and commerce fhall fubfifl: between the two nations as formerly before the declaration of war. 8. The ordinary diftribution of juftice between the two nations to be revived according to the laws of each kingdom. 9. The French king promifes to demolifli the fortifications of Dunkirk within* five months after the conclufion of the peace. 4 O I ,?, The 6^-o A P P E N D I X, N" XXXV. lo. The moft Chriftian king obliges himfelf to reftore, to Great Britain, the bay and (traits of Hudfon, with the lands, feas, fea-coa(t, rivers, and places fituated in the faid bay or ftraits ; with the fortreiTes there erefted, with all the cannon, &c. ; provided, that the fvibjects of France have liberty to remove themfelves and their effecls. ~ 1 1. Satisfa£lion fliall be given to the Englifii company trading to Hudfon 's Bay, for all depredations of the French in time of peace: and fatisfaclion fliall alfo be given to the Frenchj for any damage done them by the Britilh fub- je8:s in time of peace. 12. Theiflandof St, Chriflophcr's, Nova Scotia, or Acadie, Port Royal, or Anapolis Royal, with their lands and dependences, are entirely made over to Great Britain, in fuch ample manner, that the fubjefts of France fhall be hereafter excluded from all kind of fifhing in the faid feas, bays, and other places on the coafts of Nova Scotia. 1 3. The ifland of Newfoundland with the adjacent iflands fliall belong of rioht wholly to Britain: but the fubjefts of France fhall be allowed to catch fifh, and dry them on the land, in that part only of the faid ifland which flretches from the place called Cape Bonavifta to the northern point of the faid ifland, and from thence running down by the wefliern fide, reaches as far as the place called Point Riche; but the French fliall not fortify any place in Newfoundland, or ered any buildings there, or refort to the faid ifland beyond the time neceflary for fifliing. The ifland called Cape Breton, and all others in the mouth of the river St. Lawrence, and in the gulf of that name, fhall belong to the French. 14. The fubjecls of France are to be allowed a whole year to remove themfelves and their efiefts from the places yielded to Great Britain; but thofe who choofe to remain may enjoy the exercife of the Romifli religion as far as the laws of Great Britain allow. 15. The French, inhabiting Canada, and other countries in America, fhall give no difturbance to the five nations of Indians, fubje(51: to Britain, or to other natives of America, their friends ; and the Britifh fubjefts fliall behave themfelves peaceably towards the Americans who are fubjecls or friends of France; and there fhall be a free intercourfe of trade between the French and Englifli, and the natives of thofe countries. 16. All letters of mart and reprifal are to be made void; the petition of the injured perfoiis firfl; to be fliewn to the minifl:er of either prince, &c. 17. The condition of the fufpenfion of arms, about reftoring of goods taken, to ftand in force. 18. The fubjefls of either crown who do any thing contrary to this treaty fhall be aufwerable, and the peace not to be interrupted. 19. In APPENDIX, N° XXXV. 651 1 9. In cafe of another war between the two nations, fix months fliall be allowed to each for felling or removing effects, and retiring out of either kingdom. 20. Juft and reafonable fatisfadion fhall be given to the allies of Great Britain in thofe matters which they have a right to demand of France. 21. The flate of religion fhall be fettled in the empire, conformably to the treaty of Weftphalia. 22. Satisfaction fliall be given to the family of Hamilton, the duke of Richmond, and Charles Douglas, as to their feveral demands in France. 2 •?. Prifoners of each nation to be fet at liberty. 24. The treaty between France and Portugal is confirmed, and her Britifli majefly takes upon her the guarantee of the fame. 25. The treaty between France and Savoy confirmed," and the queen of Great Britain to be guarantee of the fame. 26. The king of Sweden, the duke of Tufcany, the republic of Genoa, and the duke of Parma, are included in this treaty. 27. The Hanfe towns are alfo comprehended in this trfaty-, and are to enjoy their ancient advantages in point of trade. 28. All thofe fhall be comprehended in this treaty, that are named by- common confent in fix months. 29. Ratifications to be exchanged in a month. 30. In witnefs whereof, Sec. the ambaffadors extraordinary and plenipo- tentiaries of the two princes fet their hands and feals. Dated 3ifT:March7 nth April 5 '713- Signed L. 8. JOHN BRISTOL, L. P. S. L. S. STRAFFORD. L.S. HUXELLES. L. S. MESNAGER. The emperor ordered his miniflers to withdraw from Utrecht before the reft of the allies figned the treaty ; but it was flipulated by the contrafting powers, that he fhould be allowed to deliberate to the ifl of June, whether he would accede to it or not. A convention for the neutrality of Italy and the evacuation of Spain was executed 14th March, by her majefly 's mini- fters, in behalf of the emperor, and by thofe of France and Spain, for their refpeclive maflers. Political State, vol. vii. p. 393 — 8. Her majefly flrug- gled hard to obtain, by this convention, their ancient privileges to the Catalans, 4 O 2 bute 6si A P P E N D I X, N° XXXV. but, upon their refufing to transfer their allegiance from the emperor to king Philip, this article was left undetermined, referving to her majefty a right to infill upon it when the emperor lliould treat of peace with Spain. Idem. The plenipotentiaries of the four aflbciated circles of Germany gave in a memorial to the Britilh minifters, reprefenting, that they had entered into the confederacy upon the invitation of king William, and had incurred great expence and endured many calamities in profecution of the war ; and yet they now heard, to their unfpeakable grief, that a peace was to be concluded without any ftipulation for indemnifying them, or fecuring their barrier in future. The minifters anfwered, that the evils of which they complained, were owing to the emperors having failed in his engagements to Britain during the war, and their own backwardnefs in not entering into the queen's ineafures for peace. Tindal, vol. ix. p. 462. Some of the ftates of Italy were alfo conftrained to fubmit to thofe ufurpations of the emperor, from which they would have been extricated, had he acceded to the terms propofed in their behalf by the French and • allied plenipotentiaries at Utrecht. Barre, torn. x. p. 686. It was deeply regretted by the friends of the reformed religion, that all the endeavours of the queen, the ftates, and the king of Pruflla, to melio- rate the condition of the proteftants in Germany, proved abortive. The fe- veral objefts, purfued for this end during the negotiations, were, to obtain a repeal of fome claufes in the fourth article of the treaty between the empire and France at Ryfwick, which fubverted the eflablifhed rights of proteftants in the palatinate ; to obtain leave for the French refugees to return to their own country and refume their eftates ; and to procure a releafe of thofe, who had been fentenced to the galleys merely on account of their religion. The French plenipotentiaries firft evaded, and afterwards gave an unfavourable anfwer with refpeft to the two laft of thefe articles ; they exprefled their willingnefs to content to the indulgence defired for the German proteftants, but as the emperor did not come into the peace, the fourth claufe in the treaty of Ryfwick remained unaltered. It was unfortunate, that the fan- guhiary fpirit of fome of the Englllh ftatutes, agalnfl the Roman catholics, atibrdid the French plenlpotenliaries too fpecious a handle for retorting, upon thofe of England, the reproach of that feverity of which the foreign proteftants juflly complained. None of the confederates entered more anxicufly into this bufmefs than the king of PrufTia ; and, upon the ap- proach APPENDIX, N° XXXV. 6s3 proach of his death, which happened before the conclufion of the treaty, zad Feb. he wrote a letter to the queen, requefting, in the mofl: afFeftionate terms, her attention to the interefl: of the foreign proteftants. Hiftory of the Treaty, p. 264. Tindal, vol. ix. p. 462. Before exchanging the ratification of the treaties at Utrecht, a printed letter, in name of James III. was fent to all the miniflers, containing his pro- teflation againft whatever had been tranfadled to the prejudice of his right. Political State, vol. v. p. 283. By a private agreement with Lewis, queen Anne engaged to pay 750,000 livres of dowry (31,250!.) to the widow of king James ; and to remove every difficulty, it was agreed that the latter Ihould fign fimply Marie Reigne. Duclos, torn. i. p. 152. N° XXXVI. ty Perhaps there never was in the annals of political literature a book more univerfally read, or fo much the fubjedl of converfation, as the Cr'ifis^ a work believed by the public to be written by Sir Richard Steele. To prove that Sir Richard was not the author of that celebrated performance, the following Letter will not only evince how the vrorld was at that time deceived, but difcover the real author, and his motives for a temporary concealment of his name and pro- feflion. The Letter is addrefled to the late Lord Mac- clesfield, then Lord Chancellor. MY LORD, June 6, 17 16. TT AM partly encouraged by Mr. Solicitor General, but chiefly by your •* Lordlhip's known candour and humanity, humbly to lay my cafe before you, and to beg your Lordfliip's patronage. When the memorial of the Sieur Tuggbe, relative to Dunkirk, was given graus about the ftreets, one of them chanced to be put into my hands j it raifed in me, on the firft reading, a juft indignation, when I found how my 654 A P P E N D I X, N° XXXVI. my country was intended to be impofed upon in the only article of a vile peace, that feemed to carry any vakie with it, and thereupon fent to Mr. Steele immediately, who then wrote a paper, called The Guardian, and fliew- ing him the memorial, I fate down and wrote ivith him the Guardian of Dun- kirk. After that, I wrote feveral of his papers, called the Eng/iJIoman, re- lating to our conftitution, which I thought openly invaded by the then mi- niftry ; and when I found the fucceflion impudently attacked, not only by pamphlets and papers that came out weekly, but by a book in folio, of Here- ditary Right, ftuffed with quotations out of the Harlean library, and pomp- oufly pviblifhed in the Gazette ; I then thought it an honeft office to at- tempt fomething that might prove an antidote to that intended poifon. After fome thoughts fpent thereon, I obferved, that the mifchiefs threatened, proceeded as well from an inattention in the common people to the obligations they lay under, both civil and religious, to jthe moft illuf- trious houfe of Hanover, as from a forgetfulnefs of the dangers our religion, laws and liberties were expofed to, in the reign of the late K. James ; and thereupon concluded, that to print the laws relating to the abdication of that king, and the fubfequent fettlements of the crown, with a proper introduc- tion, and a well urged and forcible conclufion in fo fniall a volume as to put it in the power of the meaneft fubjed to be mafter of, would be the mofl effectual method to undeceive the common people. This gave occafion to my writing the Crijis, which appeared under the name of Mr. Steele ; and had matters been carried to extremities againfl; that gentleman, on account of that book, my fate would certainly have been more fevere than his, for my profeffion as a lawyer would have been efteemed an aggravation of my crime by the then miniftry, and confequently of my punifliment. On his majelly's acceffion to the throne, I flattered myfelf with the hopes of having fome fmall ray of his royal favour ftine upon me ; and therefore addrefled myfelf to the late Lord Halifax, defiring his Lordfliip to do me the honour of prefenting me to the King ; who, with a generous franknefs, was pleafed to fay, he would firft provide for me, and then pre- fent me to his Majefly: and but two days before the illnefs of which he died, his Lordfliip alTured me he would, in a week's time, give me what would be pleafmg to me — but his death prevented it. I then addreffed Count Bothmar, who was pleafed to do me the honour to recommend me to my Lord Townfhend and Mr. Walpole, who have both affured me of their favour ; and Mr. Walpole feveral months ago told me I (hould be a CommifTioner for the forfeited eflates, and has often been pleafed 7 to APPENDIX, N' XXXVr. 655 to repeat the fame thing to me, till lately, when he told me, they would be all members of the Houfe of Commons. I thereupon defired that I might be named by him for Regijier, and he has been fo g(Jod as to promife me his interefl: in it. If it is not too great prefumption, I would humbly beg your Lordfhip's joint interefl with that of Mr. Solicitor-General in my favour; a kind word from your Lordfhip to Mr. Walpole, and my Lord Townfliend cannot fail of fuccefs. My bufmefs, for feveral years, has been wholly conveyancing in my chambers ; and though it has in a manner rendered me unfit for the bar, I prefume it will the better qualify me for that fervice, matters relating to the titles and eftates feeming to be the chief bufmefs of that commiffion. If I have no adive merit in writing the above papers in defence of the Proteftant fucceffion in the moft illuflrious houfe of Hanover, I alTure your Lordfhip I have a great deal of pajfive : for my being known to have written them, has turned very much to my detriment from the malice of the Tories, not only in the bufmefs of my profefTion, but in my other private affairs j upon which head I have taken fome freedom with Mr. Sollicitor-General j and I hope your Lordfhip, who appeared with the greateft fortitude at the head of thofe who were affertors of the fucceffion in the mofl illuflrious houfe of Hanover at a time of danger in the late reign, will think it hard for me, though a fubaltern in the fame glorious caufe, to be a fufierer on that ac- count in this. I humbly beg a thoufand pardons for this prefumption; and that I may have the honour to be, my Lord, your Lordfhip's mofl humble, mofl obedient, and mofl devoted fervant, W. MOORE. N. B. Any per/on doubtful of the authenticity of the above letter, or defirous of feeing the original, may be fatisfed by applying to the printers of this Manizine. O The above Letter and the Note were publifhed in the St. James's Ma. gazine, in March 1774. 6,-6 APPENDIX, N° XXXVII. N° XXXVII. LETTER from the Duke o/" Marlborough to Lord Boling- BROKE. MY LORD Antwerp Dec 4'h 1712. I AM got fafe to this place, having avoided going to Bruges & Ghent. When I had the honor of feeing you laft I then told you the difappoint- ment of M' Cudagans Company would hinder my going to Italy this feafon. Your I.ordfliip in then promifing me your afllftance in getting him leave makes me thus early to beg that you will give my humble duty to the C)ueen, and requeft that I may have this mark of her goodnefs towards me of giving him leave to be with me, which will be a great eafe to me in my retire- ment, finding myfelf very much out of order. I have written to Lady Marlboro' to lofe no time in coming to Aix la Chapelle, by which I fhall have the advantage of one month of the Hot Baths, which are as I am told as good in this feafon as in any time of the year, and from thence I fliall go into Germany, and in the Spring go to the Lake of Geneva, where I will take the beft houfe I can get, in order to live as much retired as is poflible. It will be apleafure if I may fometimes hear from you, particularly that you are fo much mailer of your own aftions, that I may depend upon being eafy and quiet at Woodftock, which I recommend to your friendfhip and care, h at the fame time affure you of my being with much truth and refpe(51:. Yours &'. MARLBOROUGH ". 3' The duke of Marlborough left England in the end of Nov. 17 12, and was foon fol- lowed by the duchefs and the reft of his fa- mily. They refided moftly at Aix la cha- pelle, but made feveral vifits to his principa- lity at Mindelheim, and fomc principal towns in Germany, where he was received with creat honour. Lord Onflow was feut over o to the duke vj-ith the whig aflbciation in July 1 7 14, which, as I have obferved in the hif- tory, the duke refufcd to fign. It is pro. bable, however, that the account which he re- ceived from him concerning the ftate of par- ties, fixed the duke's refolution of returning to England, where he arrived the day before the queen's death, and the next day made a public entry into London, attended by fome hundreds of the inhabitants of Southvvark, with their member at their head. It has been eonjeftured, that the duke of Marl- borough was invited to return to England by lord Bolingbioke, who, after his rupture with lord Oxford, made his court to the Whigs. APPENDIX, isr XXXVIII. g^y N° XXXVIII. LETTER /ro;« Mr. Harley to Sir Rowland Gwynne ". SIR) November 2 1 " 1 7 1 o. HAVE received the honour of your letter, but of fo long a date, that I fear my Silence will be condemn'd as a fault, which would be my misfor. tune, being very much obliged to you for the favorable opinion you are pleafed to entertain of me. I can aflure you that the changes the Queen hath made in her miniftry, are founded upon honeft and truly Englilh principles : and you will fee, that thofe whom her IMajefty hath thought fit to employ, will fhew by their adions that they are very jealous in all refpedls tofupport the Alliance, to purfue the war with a view to obtain a fure and honourable peace, and effedually to fecure the fucceflion in the mofl ferene houfe of Hanover. Thefe are principles that I know you approve, and I will never forfeit the good opinion you have of me, by neglecting to do every thing in my power that may contribute to thefe happy ends. I am with the greateft refped, SIR, &c. R HARLEM. LETTER y5-o;« Sir Rowland Gwynne to Robethon. SIR Hamburg Dec' lo 17 lo. I HAVE lately receiv'd a letter from M' Harley which I fend you, that you may fee upon what principles the new Miniftry declare they will aft, and I hope that they will keep up to them. If they doe I think that thofe who wifh well to England cannot defire more, but that they may appeafe the ani- mofityes, and unite us to confider our true interefl. I believe that they have got a Houfe of Comons to their minde, but the queflion is whether they can govern them when they are met, and reftraine them from unreafonable demands, yet the Houfe of Lords will be a cheque upon them. " The following letters fliew, that though ftood to be in its confidence ; and Mr. Harley the court of Hanover had teftified its difap- apphed to him as the fitteft inftrument to im- probation of the efficacious zeal of Sir Row- prefs that court with favorable fentiments of land, fee chap. vi. p. 122., he was Hill under- his admijiiltration. 4P M' <5^g A P P E N D I X, N° XXXVIII. M' Harley is certainly one of the chiefe in the prefent Miniftry, and hath had a very great influence in the late change, but the tree is to be known by its fruit, and we ought to hope the beft. You may if you think fit fliew M' Harley's letter to his Eledoral High, nefs, but I defire that you will return it to me. I {hall take it for a great favour if you will obteine an order, that I may have a couple of wild Swine to make merry with my friends at Chriftmas. I am with perfeft truth and refpeft SIR Your mofl obedient and moll faithful humble Servt R GWYNNE. I INDEX. N D E X. y^BjuliATTON, proceedingrs on the bill for enlarging the time for taking it, page 30. jlbruzxo, earthquakes there, 38, note. jiiils. — For enlarging the time for taking the oath of abjuration, 30. AQ. for fecuring England againft dangers from Scotland, 76. Ait for fecuring her majefty's government and the fucceflion of the crown, 115. Aft for improving the union of the two kingdoms, 333. A£t for fecuring the privileges of fo- reign ambafTadors, 336. A£l to prohibit po- litical wagers, 337. A£l of grace, 338. Adl for the fecurity of literary property, 384. The South Sea company incorporated, 425. A£t for building fifty new churches in London, ib. Aft for the free ufe of the Englilh liturgy in Scotland, 469. Aft to prevent the growth of fchifm, 560. jlddlfon^ Mr. remarks on his early attachment to Dr. Sacheveral, 372, note. His firlt introduftion to public office, 526, note. Adminijlrations^ minifterial, general conduft of new ones, 453. Changes in, 109. 268. 270. 410. 412, note. 430. 565. 567. Advocates, faculty of, at Edinburgh, difavow the acceptance of the duchefs of Gordon's medal, 452, note, A'tch, taken by ftorm by the duke of Marlbo- rough, 58. A'tUJhury eleftors, difputes in parliament con- cerning, 53. 77. Aire, taken by the confederates, 398. Albemarle-, earl of, is defeated by marfhal Vil- lars at Denain, 48?. Alcantara, is reduced by the earl of Galway, 140. Al'tci-nt., thecartleof, reduced by the French, 352. Alliei ; fee England, Germany, Holland, &c. Almanara, battle of, between the contending kings of Spain, Philip and Charles, 400. Farther account of this battle, 636. Almanza, battle of, between the duke of Ber- wick and the earl of Galway, 237. Anne, queen, general fatisfaftion of the nation at her acceflion, i. Her attachment to the Tories, and prejudice againlt the Whigs, 2. Her official arrangements, 3. Her regard for her brother regulated by her attachment to the proteftant religion, 5. Influence of lord and lady Churchill over her, how founded, ib. Is empowered to appoint commiffioners for treating of an union with Scotland, 7. Countenances refleftions on the memory of king William, 8. Removes the bifhop of Worcefter from his office as lord high al- moner, 24. Gives her fanftion to the pre- judices againft difTenters, 33. Gives up her right to firft fruits, for the augmentation of fmall livings, 55. DifTolves the parliament to get rid of the difputes about the Aylef- bury eleftors, 79. Becomes difgufted with the Tories, 1 1 2. Her inftruftions to the mar- quis of Tweedale, her high commiffioner to the Scottifh parliament, 184. Remarks on her conduft towards Scotland in this in- ftance, 185. Gives her afTent to the Scot- tifli aft of fecurity, 190. Makes the duke of Argyle high commiffioner, 193. Ratifies the treaty of union between the two king- doms, 230. Removes her tory minifters, 256. How alienated from the duchefs of Rlarlborough, 258. Her political dilgufls, 264. Her private interviews with Harley, 266. Heads of her fpeech to the firlt par- liament of Great Britain, 286. Her dif- pofal of army preferments overruled by Marl- borough and Godolphin, 407. Her early prejudices againft the Whigs revived by the profecution of Dr. Sacheveral, 408. She removes them all, 412, Diflblves the parliament, 413. Her fpeech to the new parliament, 414. Her minifterial ar- rangements, 430, note. Difcontents between the queen and her allies, 447. Her fpeech to the parliament, 457. Creates twelve new peers in one day, 4(30. States the articles 4P 2 ef 66o INDEX. of peace agreed upon with France to her par- liament, 4.76. Rumours of a whig conlpi- racy to depofe her, 477. Reftrains the operations of the duke of Ormond, 481. Her partiality for the interefts of the duke of Savoy accounted for, 48g. Imprudence of her private negociations with Louis du- ring the treaty of Utrecht, 498. Her addrefs to parliament after the peace, 510. Her mea- fures to advance the proteftant interefl: in Ire- land, 532. Precarious Hate of her health, 547. Her fpeech to the parliament, 549. Prejudiced againft Dr. Swift, 551, note. Averfe to any meafures relative to the fuc- ceffion, 553. Difpleafed with the appli- cation for the electoral prince taking his feat in the houfe of peers, 557. Is con- ftrained to ifl'ue a proclamation for appre- hending the pretender, 559. Removes Dr. Clarke from being one of her chaplains, 564, mte. Takes the treafurer's ftafF from lord Oxford, 567. And gives it to the duke of Shrewfbury, 568. Her death and cha- radler, ib, Diflertation on the danger of the proteftant fucceflion during the laft years of her reign, 573. Her afFeflion to her bro- ther countera£led by her timidity, 594. Pays a dowry to the widow of king James, 653. ArhuthnoU Dr. charafler of his Hillory of John Bull, 4745 note. jtrgyle, duke of, is made high commillioner for Scotland, 193. His charader, 194. Opens tht' parliament, 196. His intrepid condudt at the battle of Malplaquet, 351, note. Is appointed ambaffador and commander in chief in Spain, 43°' "'"^- defends the pafs of Prato del Re;' againtt the duke de Vendoime, 44'j. Is removed from all his places, 565, note. His fluauation in party attachments, 589, w/^. Jrleux, taken by the duke of Marlborough, and retaken by the French, 439. The French lines there furprired by Marlborough, 440. Jfgill^ iVlr. expelled the houfe of commons for'publifting heterodox opinions, 301. JJhby, Matthew, a voter for Aylefbury, de- cifion of his caufe by the houfe of lords, 53. Alhlone, earl of, his convoy of military ftores furprifed by the marquis de Ravignan, 3.!8. Augfourg., is taken by the efeftor of Bavaria, 41. Is abandoned, 64. AuzuJIus, king of Poland, is depofed by Charles Xil. ot Sweden, 70. 146. Recovers the kingdom, 431. Aumont, due dc, the French ambafTador, ill treated, and his houfe burned by the mob, 5+5- Authors, their exclufive right to their own works fecured to them by law, 384. B Baden, prince of, the Imperial general, is joined by the duke of A'larlborough, and forces the intrenchments of count d'Arco in Bavaria, 58. Reafons of the duke for detaching him to the fiege of Ingolftadt, 59, note. Ob- flrufls the operations of the war by his tena- cioufnefs of precedency, 93. Is driven from Germerfheim by marfhal Villars, 143. His death, 236. Bank of E'igland, the charter extended, and the capital doubled, 334. Barcelona, unfuccefsful attempt on, by fir George Rooke, 70. Is taken by the earl of Peter- borough, 103. The fiege of, by the French, raifed, 138. Barr?, the French refident at the Hague, his endeavours to diffradf the Dutch counfe!?, counteracted by the earl of Mailborough, 6. Barrier treaty concluded with the Dutch, 358. Is cenfured by the houfe of commons, 464. Bavaria, eleCior of, how induced to declare for France againft the allies, 16. Takes the city of Ulm by ftratagem, 17. Takes Newburg, 36. 1^ oppofed by the counts Schlick and Stirum, 37. His operations checked by the peafants of Tyrol, 38. Takes Augfburg, 41. His country ravaged, and his family reduced, 65. His lines forced by the duke of Marlborough, 95, Applies to the duke propofing conferences for peace, 233. Baxter, Richard, the famous prefoyterian mini- fter, an occalional conformift, 29, note. Benbo-u, admiral, his unfuccefsful engagement with the French admiral Le CafTe, 22. Berivick, duke of, defeats the earl of Galway at Almanza, 237. His opinion of the politi- cal conduft of the earl of Oxford, 591. Bcthune, taken by the allies, 397. Blenheim, battle of, betwt-en the duke of Marl- borough and count Tallard, 60. Bolingbroke, lord ; fee St. John. Bonn, is befieged and reduced by the duke of Marlborough, 41. c Bouchiin^ INDEX. 65i Bouchain, taken by the duke of Marlborough, 441. BoufiJers, marflial, pillages and lay? wafte the duchy of Cleves, 15. Joins Villeroy, and reduces Tongres, 42. Defends Lifle againft the confederates, 318. Boyle, Mr. letter from, to the duke of Marl- borough, 633. Vo lord Townfhend, ih. Brabant, the llates of, acknowledge Charles king of Spain, 135. Brett, Dr. his fermon on the remiffion of fins, motion in the lower houfe of convoca- tion for cenfuring, 476. Briha/ga, genera! Stanhope defeated there by the duke de Vendcfme, 4C3. Brcderick, Allen, is made chief juftice of the queen's bench in Ireland, 530. Is chofen fpeaker of the houfe of commons there, 5:10. Bromley, Mr. chofen fpeaker of the houle of commons, 414. Bruce, fir Alexander, is expelled the Seottifli parliament for fpeaking difrefpe<5lfully of prefbvtery, 159, nUe. Buckingham, duke of, letters between him and the duke of Shrewfbury, bi(). Burgundy, duke of, takes Old Brifach, 40. Cadiz, fir George Rooke's expedition againfl-, how fruflrated, 21. Cadogan, major-general, diftinguifhes himfelf at the battle of Malplaquet, 35 i , note, Cambridge, duke of, application of baron Schutz for his taking his feat in the houfe of peers, 556. Cameronians, the intended rifing of, to cppofe the union, how guarded againft by the duke of Queenfberry, 219. Carolina, petition of the inhabitants of, againft fome regulations of the governor and afiembly refpefling religion, i?0. Carpenter, general, his letter to Mr, Walpole, on events in the Spanifh war, 638. Carte, his character eflimated, 273, no!e. Carthagena, is reduced by the Englifh admiral, ilr John Leake, 144. Cajliglione, battle of, between the count de Medavid and the landgrave of Hefle, 138. Cfl/a/«n/a, expedition to, 101. Hard fate of the Catalans after the peace, 546. Apolog\ foi the conduct of miniflers tov/ards them, ibid, natty. Cevennois, unprotefled by the duke of Savoy, renewtheir allegiance lothekingof France, 70. CharUi, archduke of Auflria, caufes of the inefficient co-operation of the Ponuguefe in his pretenfions to the crown of Spain, 66. He is conveyed to Lifbon by ihe F^i^ilifh fleet, 67. He difgufts his Spanifh fubjecls, 101. Is incapable of improving bis ad- vantaoes, 130. His intereft flrengthentd in the Netherlands by the viilory at Ramil- lies, 135. Sets out from Barcelona for Ma- drid, 139. His iiifatuated indolence, 141. Battle of Almanza, 237. His caufe ne- gleiled by the allies, 321. Uefea'S Philip at Almanara, 400. And at Saratolla, ib. Inveterate prejudice of the Spani^irds againft him, 401. Is ele£led emperor of Germany, 442 Oppofes the French propofitions for peace, 449. Charles XII. king of Sweden, overruns Saxony, and depofes Auguffus king of Poland, 145. His conferences with the duke of Marlbo- roush, 243, Is deeated by the czar Peter at Pultowa, and retires to Bender, 354, «;//. Chrijhpher, St. and Nevis, plundered by the French, 144, Church of Scotland, intolerance of, toward the epifcopalian difTenters, 466. Reprefentations of the general affembly againft the a£l for allowing the ufe of the Englifh li:urgy, 470. The right of patronage reftored, 472. Churches, aft for building fifty new ones in the metropolis, 425. Churchill, lord, circumftances that favoured his promotion on the acceffion of queen Anne, 5. See Marlborough. Cl'arke, Dr. Samuel, proceedings of the lower houfe of convocation againft him for his opi- nions, 564. Is ftruck out of the lid of the queen's chaplains, tb. note. Clerk, iir John, his opinion "i the Darien pro- ject in Scotland, 148, note. Aiid cf the bcotch act of fecurity, 617, note. Cleves, is pillaged and laid walte by marfhal B- ufflers, 14. Commons, houfe of, throw out the bill againft occalional conformity, 30. Laudable pr.)- ceedings of, 32. Their difputes wi'h the houfe of lords concerning their privileges, 49. Cenfure the decifion of the lords, in the cafe or Matthew Afhby, 53. Pais the bill againit occafional contonnny, 7S> Dif- putes concernmg the Aylefbury elc£tors,. 77. Mr. 662 INDEX. Mr. Smith choren fpeaicer in the fecond par- liament of queen Anne, no. Lancaftiire petition, 119. Cenfure fir Rowland Gwyne's letter, 122. Mr. Afgill expelled, 301. Sir Richard Onflow chofen fpeaker, 326. Ar- guments for and againft the bill for natu ralizing foreign protellants, 329. Thanks voted to general Webbe, 335. Impeach- ment of Dr. Sacheveral, 375. Mr. Brom- ley chofen fpeaker, 414.. Inquiry into the mifmanagement of the revenue, 416. Qua- lification of the members for countits and boroughs fixed, 422. Mr. Walpole, late fecretary at war, expelled the houfe and fent to the Tower for corruption, 461. The duke of Marlborough charged with corruption in contraifls, ib. Attempts at criminating lord Godolphin, 462. The barrier treaty cen- fured, 46 + . Refolutions againft the licen- tioufnefsof the prefs, 473. Examination into the commercial treaty with France, 514. The bill for making it efteflual rejeflemblies of, with their feparate jurifdiilions, 8j. The privilege of the clergy of taxing ihcmfelves apart from the laity, when refigned, ib. note. The two houfes of, af- fume parliamentary privileges, 84. Topics of difcuflion in the firft convocation under queen Anne, 85. DKputes between the two houfes of, 86, 124. The proceedings of the convocation fufpended by repeated pro- rogations, Ii6. Is not permitted to enter upon bu'ineff, 338. Difcontents generated by this interference of the crown, 369. Vio- lent fpirit of, againft the late whig miniftry, 425. DifTcnfion between the two houfes of, 520. Proceedings relative to Dr. Clarke, 563. Crifts, Mr. Steele expelled the houfe of com- mons for writing that pamphlet, 552. Was not the author of it, 653. D D'Arco, count, his intrenchments forced by the duke of Marlborough, 58. Darien company in Scotland, how ruined, 148. De Bais, marquis, his fucceffes in Portugal aijainft the allies, 405. Is forced to abandon the fiege of Campo Major, 483 Debts of the civil lift, the queen applies to parli- ament tor defraying them, 519. Funded by the South Sea fcheme, 425. Of England and Scotland at the union, 603. De Buys, (f nt by the Dutch ftates to London, to remonftrate againft the negociations for peace with France, 449- Defoe, Daniel, gave great afliftance to the com- miffioners for forming the union between England and Scotland, 224, note. Democratic influence in the Britifh conftitution, evidences of, 361. Denmark, prince George of, is appointed gene- raliffimo of the forces on the acceffion of queen Anne, 3, note. Penfion fettled on him, 33. His death and charddler, 323. Denmark, prince Charles of. His difpute with the duke of Holftein, concerning the fuc- ceflion to the bifliopric of Lubec, 129, note. Dilkes, rear admiral, takes and deftroys a fleet of French merchant fhips off Granville, 45. Takes three Spaniili men of war, 70. Douay, befieged and taken by the allies, 397. Drufenheim, taken by the Imperialifis, 97. Dunkirk, is taken poffellion of, by the duke of Ormond, 481, Eckeren, battle of, between marfhal Villeroy and the confederates, 42. Edward 1. of England, his fcheme for an union with Scotland, 20&, note. England, proportion of troops and fhips to be furniftied by, toward the war with Frince, Hf note, T he union with Scotland effected, 230. INDEX. 663 230. Different fentiments of the two na- tions on this event, 284. Eftimate of the advantages which fhe gained by the peace of Utrecht, 508. Population of, at the union, 605, note. Epifcopatinns in Scotland, intolerance of the preibyttrians toward them, 466. They adopt the Englifh liturgy, 467. Cafe of Mr. Greenfhields, 468. Adt pafTeJ for their fe- curity, 469. Reprefentations of the general aiTembly againft this ac^, 47O. Eugene, puna, befieges and takes Keyferfwaert, 13. Engages the duke of Villars at Frid- lengen, 17. Takes pofleflionof Villa Franca, and blockades Mantua, 19. Engages Philip of Spain at Luzarra, 20. Is joined by the duke of Marlborough, 60. Battle of Blen- heim, 6r. His operations in Italy, 98. Defeats the duke de la Feuillade at Turin, 137. Co-operates in the attack of Toulon, 240. Battle of Oudenarde, 315. Under- takes the fiege of Lifle, 318. Reduces it, 319. Tournay taken, 348. Battle of Mal- plaquet, 349. Why averfe to peace with France, 395. His arrival in England, 465. Enters into a confpiracy againft the queen, 478. Is appointed commander in chief of the Dutch troops, 480, note. Difcovers the duplicity of the duke of Ormond's condudf, 481. Reduces Qi^iefnoy, 482. Is obliged to raife the fiege of Landrecy, 483. Feuillade, duke de la, his fucceffes in Italy, 98. Befieges Turin, 136. Is defeated by prince Eugene, 137. Flrjl fruits, the right of the crown to them, given up by queen Anne for the augmenta- tion of fmall livings, 55. Fletcher, of Sditon, review of his political con- du£t and chara£ter, 203. Forbin, count de, his inefFedlual attempt to in- vade Scotland, 31 r. France, alliance of England, Germany, and Holland to engage in war with, 6. Their alleged motives to this war, 9. Strength o( France at the commencement of hLftili- ties, 12. Battle of Blenhemi, 60. Diitrefs brought on that country by the war, 91. Speedy recovery of, from the lolTes fultaincd at Blenheim, i2y. The court of, oppojes the union of England and Scotland, 223, note. Advantages which fhe derived from the want of cordiality among the allies, 305. Battle of Oudenarde, 315. Wretched con- dition of the country, 339. Sufpeiifion of hoftilities with England, 490. The com- mercial treaty with, rejt£ted by the Britilh houfe of commons, 514. Subflance of the treaty of peace with B.itain, 649. Frafer, captain Simon, of Beaufort, his over- tures to the court of St. Ge; mains, 175, Sent to Scotland, i'-6. Charafler of the me- moirs of lord Lovat, id. note. Offers to betray his iruft to the Scottifh miniftry, 177. His interview with the duke of Queeiifberry, 179. Is committed prifoner to the Baftdc at Paris, i8i. French prophets from the Cevennes, account of, 302. They are punlfhed, 304. Fridlengen, battle of, between prince Eugens and the duke of Viilars, 17. Gadejbujh, viftory of the Swedes over the Danes there, 43 r. Gneta, is taken by florm, by count Thaun, 242. Gallas, count, the Imperial ambaffador, forbid the Britifh court, 449, note. Galway, earl of, fucceeds the duke of Schom- berg in the command of the Britifh forces fent to Portugal, 68. Reduces Alcantara, 140. Is defeated by the duke of Berwick at Almanza, 237. Refult of the inquiry into his ill (uccels, 291, note. Is defeated by the marquis de Bais near Badajox, 35 ^. His condu(£t arraigned in the houfe of iords, by the earl of Peterborough, 421. Gambia, thecolonyof, reduced bvthePrench, 354. Germany, unites with England and Holl.md, in war againfl France, 7. Declared .-no- tives of tne emperor, g. Number of the Imperial troops, 13, vote. Languid opera- tions of the Imperialilfs, 31;, 36. Unfa- vourable circumftances of the emperor for vigorous exertions, 235. He difgults the al- lies hy his I'elhlhnels and in(olence, -^06. Treaty for mavntaining the neutrality of ine empire, 4 <2. Treacherous condud or' the em- peror to the duke of Savoy, 35. L)eath t)t the emperor Joreph, 4^8. Election of the arch- duke Charles, 442. Gcrtnud- 664 INDEX. Gertrvedenhtrg, conferences there between the Hiinifters of France, and thofe of the allies, for peace, 386. The conferences broken up, 389. Remarks on the conduct of both par- ties at thefe conferences, 390- Ghent, is fezed by the French by ftratagem, 314. Is reduced by the duke of Marlbo- rough, 319. Gibraltar, taken for the Englifti by the prince of Heire, 71. InefFeftual attempt on, by the marquis Viliadorias, 72. Glnfgoiu, riot there, occafioned by the introduc- tion of the Englifh liturey, 468, note. Godolphin, lord, appointed lord high treafurer, 248. His charafler as a ftatefman, 253. Is obliged to court the Whiizs, 263. How far involved in intrigues with the court of St. Germains, 272. The evidence of a fuppofed letter written byhim to that court, examined, 331, note. His alarm on the duke of Shrewf- bury coming into adminiftration, 410, note. Is difmifled, 412, note. Attempts of the houfe of commons to criminate him, 462. Letters from, to Mr. Harley, 621. Gordon, duchefs of, fends a jacobitical medal to the dean of the facolty of advocates at Edin- burgh, 452, note. Graydon, vice-admiral, his inefFeflual expedi- tion to Placentia, 44. Is difmifled on a par- liamentary inquiry into his conduct, 54, Greenjhidds, Mr. his proffcution by the pref- bytery of Edinburgh, 468. Cuarialoupe, defcent on the ifland of, by colonel Codrington, 43. Gualtier, abbe, his miffion to Paris with over- tures for a negociation of peace, 446. Is employed by the queen dowager in fecret negociations in favour of her fon the pre- tender, 584. Guelders, is taken by the Pruflians, 43. Guifcard, marquis de, his hiftory, 427. Stabs Mr. Harley at the council-table, 429. Gwynne, fir Rowland, his letter cenfured by the houfe of commons, 1 22. His letter to Monf. Robethon, 657. H Hague, conferences for peace there, between France and the confederates, 340. 354. Hagienau, reduced by the Imperialifts, 97. Is taken by marfiial ViUars, 143. Halifax, lord, is removed from the privy council at the acceflion of queen Anne, 3. Is charged with breach of trult and neglect of duty by the commons, but acquitted by the lords, 31. His motion for inquiring into the danger of the church, 117. Is fcnt ambaflador to the , ekfloral court of Hanover, 126. His merit as a (fatefman, 256. His charadler, 61 2, «5/^. Hamilton, duke of, his proteftation againlt the meeting of the firft Scottifh parli.^ment under queen Anne, 155. His inconfiftent oppo- fition to the miniftr)', 201. Apology for his conduft by the author of the 'J'ranfactions during the Reign of Qiieen Anne examined, 202, note. His claim to a feat in the Briiifh houfe of peers fet afide, 458. Kilkd in a duel by lord Mahon, 520. Hanover, elector of, his reafons for refigning the command of the German army, 398. His memorial to the Britifh court refpediing the French overtures for peace, 450. Ru- mours of a confpiracy to depofe the queen and place him on the throne, 478. Prudently declines interfering in party difputes, 543. Caules of the refentment of Louis XIV. againfl: him, 545. Application of baron Schutz for the eleftoral prince taking his feat in the houfe of peers, 556. Harcourt, fir Simon, his eledlion for Abingdon, partially decided againft him, 327, note. Is made attorney general, 412, r,ote. Is ap- pointed lord chancellor, 521. Harley, Mr. his political charadler and condu£f, 249. Caufc of his enmity to the duke and duchefs of Marlborough, 261. Avails him- felf of popular difcontents to projedf a change of admimltration, 262. His private inter- views with the queen, 266. His firft; open oppofition to the duke of Marlborough, 268. His difgrace and refignation, 270. His fa- vour with the queen revives on the profecu- tion of Dr. Sacheveral, 409. Wiflies to unite with the principal members o( the whig adminiftration, 411. Is made prime mini- fter, 412, note. Brings forward his fcheme for paying off the national debt, 425. Mu- tual difgulls between him and his more vio- lent afTociates, 426. Is ftabbed at the coun- cil-table by the marquis de Guifcard, 420. Public honours paid to him on this occalion, ib. Is created a peer, and appointed lord high treafurer, ib. Difgufts between him and Mr. St. John, 457. Difcredits the plot dif- clofed INDEX. 66s clofed to him by Plunkef-, 4.70, mte. Mutual difcord between him and Bolingbroke, 54.7. His ambiguous conduct refpeiWng the fchifm act, 561, note. The ftafF taken from him, 567. Is vindicated from the charge of fa- vouring the pretender, 588. Artifice, the charadteriftical feature of his adminiflration, 591. Letters between him and lord Gcdol- phin, 621. Haverjham, lord, his fpeech in the houfe of lords, upon the Hate of the nation, iii. Anecdotes of fcis political life, 630, note. HehiftU!., the Dutch plenipotentiary at the con- ferences at Gertruedenberg, his political con- dud how influenced, 394. Henry VIII. of England, the independence of the church abolifbed by him, 82. His fcheme for an union with Scotland, 207, note. Hejfe, prince of, commands the land forces at the fiege of Gibraltar, 71. Is killed before Barcelona, 103. Higglns, a turbulent clergyman, is patrondife by the lord chancellor of Ireland, fir Con- ftantine Phipps, 536. And by the lower houfe of convocaiion, 538. High church, and low church, origin of thefe diflinclions, 87, note. Hill, Mrs. Abigail, account of her firft intro- dudion to the court of queen Anne, 265. Marries Mr. Mafham, 266. See Mcijham. Hill, lieutenant colonel, his promotion in the army obflruiSled by the duke of Marlborough, 4.07. Is fent to take poiTeflion of Dunkirk, 482, tiote. Hotidley, the rev. Benjamin, recommended hy the commons to the queen for preferment, 384. Hockjlet, battle of, between the duke of Marl- borough and count Tallard, 60. Holland, joins the alliance of England and Ger- many againil France, 6. Manifefto of the States, 5. The Spanifli Netherlands, why garrifoned at the expence of the Dutch, 10, n:te. Advantages gained by the States in this war, 56. Oppofe the union of England and Scotland, 223, note. Conferences at the Hague, 340. 354. Barrier treaty con- cluded with England, 358. Conferences at Gertruedenberg, 386. Difcontents be- tween the Britilh court and the States, 447. T he States reludantly agree to a congreis for peace at Utrecht, 450, The conferences openedj 484. Peace iigned, 496. The mu- tual difcords between the Dutch and the Eng- lifh injurious to their interefts in this treaty, 500. Holftcln Gottorpt duke of, his difpute with prince Charlts of Denmark about the fucceflion to the bifhopricof Lubec, 129, note. Hiniburg, is taken by the marquis deConflans,97. Hooke, colonel, is fcnt from France to Scotland, to concert meafures f^r reftoring the preten- der, 309. James I. of England, his apology for partiality to his countrymen, 208, note. James II. the dowry to his widow paid by queen Anne, 653. Ingoljiadt, is befieged by the prince of Baden, 59. Surrenders, 64. Infpruck. is laid under contribution by the elec- tor of Bavaria, 38. JohnJJon, Mr. fecrctary of ftate for Scotland un- der king William, anecdotes of, 619, note. Jofeph, emperor of Germany, his treacherous conduit toward the duke of Savoy, 435. Violates his faith with the neutral powers, 436. His death, 438. Ireland, ftate of, in the early part of the reign of queen Anne, 275. ProceeJings in the par- liament of, 27!;. Severe laws pafled againft the papifts, 277. Difl'enfions between the church and protcflant difTenters, 279. Poy- ning's law, 282.- The diftinction of high church and low church parties introduced there, 525. The earl of Wharton lord lieutenant, 526. Harfli meafures of the commons in the a£t to prevent the farther growth of popery, 528. The whig intereft greatlv advanced under the earl of Wharton's government, 529. He leaves the country, 530. Tory riots, ib. The duke of Ormond made lord lieutenant, 53 r. Meafures to promote the proteltant intereft, 532. Dif- pute between the two houfes of parliament,533. Difpute between the crown and the corporation of Dublin, 535. The lord chancellor, lir Conftantine Phipps, diftinguiflies himfelf by tory zeal and adtivity, 536. Zeal of the houfe of lords againlt the difTenters, 537. The duke of Shrewfbury lord lieutenant, 539. The houfe of commons addrefs the queen to remove the lord chancellor Phipps, 541. 4 Q. McOf 666 INDEX. Jvica, fubmlts to the Englifli admiral fir John Leake, 144. Junto, occallon of the firft political application of that term, 261, note. Kehl, fort, invefted by marflial Villars, 36. Kent, marquis of, removed from the ofHce of lord chamberlain, 410. Keyferfwaert, befieged and taken by prince Eu- gene, 13. Lancajhire petition, debated in the houfe of com- mons, I ig. Landau, taken by the prince of Baden, 15. Is recovered by count Tallard, 4.0. Is retaken by the confederates, 64. Landrecy, iiiefFeaually befieged by prince Eu- gene, 483. . .„ . , Langton, Dominic, the Irilh informer, his charges againft the gentlemen of Weftmeath voted falfeand malicious by the Irifti houfe of commons, 535. Laubanie, the French governor of Landau, his gallant defence againfl the confederates, 64. Law, John, his parentage, and firft fymptoms of his projedting genius, 198, note. Leake, admiral, deftroys the French fettlements in Newfoundland, 22. Relieves Gibraltar, and defeats the French, 73. Reheves Barce- Jona, 139. His faccefres in the Mediter- ranean, 144. Reduces Sardinia, 322. And Minorca, ib. Leopold emperor of Germany, his death and character, 106, note. Lerida, the city and caftle of, taken by the duke of Orleans, 238. Levies of men for queen Anne's wars, hardfliip of, and popular difcontents at, 362. Liege, the citadel of, taken by the allies by ftorm, 16, note. The city taken by the French, 9+. Lijle, the fiege of, undertaken by prince Eugene, 318. Surrenders upon capitulation, 319. Literary property, adt for the fecurity of, 384. Livonia, is conquered by the czar Peter of Muf- covy, 431. Lockhart, charafler of him and of his me- moirs, 156, nott. Lords, houfe of, their difputes with the commons concerning their privileges, 49. Decifiou of, in the cafe of Matthew Afhby, 53- Inftitute an inquiry into the conduct of admiral Gray- don, 54. Throw out the bill againft occa- fional conformity, 76. Profecute an inquiry into the flate of the navy, ib, Difputes con- cerning the Aylefbury ele£lors, 77. Ufeful- nefs of the houfe of lords to the public, 80. Debate on lord Halifax's motion for inquiring into the danger of the church, 117. Carolina petition, 121. Inquiry into the mifcondudt of the navy, 287. The duke of Queenf- berry's vote for theeledlion of Scottifh peers, why fet afide, 328. Inquiry into the ftate of the nation, 331. Trial of Dr. Sacheveral, 377. Inquiry into the management of the war in Spain, 419. Twelve peers created in one day, 460. Addrefs the queen for the removal of the pretender from the dominions of the duke of Lorrain, 554. Addrefs the queen on the peace, 559. Difcuffion of the commercial treaty with Spain, 562. Lovat, lord, charadler of his memoirs, 176, nots. Louis XIV. fee France. His feveral attempts to enter into negociations with the confede- rates for peace, 233. Applies to the pope for his mediation, 234. Sends over colonel Hooke to negociate with the Scots Jacobites, 309. Sues for peace, 34.0. His great con- ceffions, 34F. His private offers to the duke of Marlborough, 344, note. Refufes the pre- liminaries offered lo him, 346. Continues his negociations, 354. Conferences at Ger- truedenberg, 385. Evidences of his fincere defire for peace, 390. His minifters ill- treated by the allied negociators, 392. SecreJ caufe of the failure of thefe conferences, 396, vote. His memorial in reply to the Englifli overtures through the abbe CJualtier, 447. Congrefs at Utrecht, 461. 484. The am- bafTadors at his court highly pleafed with his engaging manners, 490, note. Endeavours to elude his engagements with Britain, 493. Peace figned, 496. His advantages during the negociation, ib. His fatisfadlion at the difmiffion of the duke of Marlbo- rough, 497, note. Why inveterate againft the eledtor of Hanover, 545. His treaty with the emperor, 546. Was but little inte- terefted in favour of the pretender to the Briiifli crown, 581. 585. Subftance of his treaty with Great Britain, 649. LubeCi INDEX. 667 Luhec, difpute between the duke of Holtiein Gottorp and prince Charles of Denmark, about the fucceflion to the biftiopric of, 129, ncte. Ljizarroy battle of, between Philip king of i)pain and prince Eugene, 20. M Madrid, fubmits to king Charles, 141. Is re- covered by king Philip, 142. Majorcoy is reduced by the Englifh admiral fir John Leake, 144. Malplaquet, batcle of, between the duke of A-larloorough and marflial Villars, 349. JMalt tax, difcontents arifing from the extenfion of, to Scotland, 516. Manchefler, earl of, his embafly to Vienna and Venice, 245. Is unable to engage the Ve- netians in the war againft France, 246. Mantua, duke of, fentence of confifcation pro- nounced againft him, for furrendering Man- tua to the French, ig. Marchiennes, the magazines of the allies there, feized by the French, 483. Marchmoiit, earl of, difcontents in the Scottifh parliament, on his introducing a bill for ab- juring the pretender, 159. Marion, Elias, the French prophet, fome ac- count of, 302. He is puniQied, 304. Marlborough, John Churchill earl of, is fent by queen Anne ambaffador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the Hague, 6. His in- fluence extended by the marriages of his children, ib. note. Commands the allied army, and drives the duke of Burgundy be- fore him, 15. The queen's recommendation of a penfion for him, refufed by the com- mons, 32. Is created a duke, ib. note. Be- fieges and reduces Bonn, 41, Takes Huy and Limburg, 43. Labours to undermine the influence of the Tories over the queen, 48. Deceives tl^e French, and relieves Ger- many, 57. Joins the prince of Baden, and forces the intrenchments of count d'Arco in Bavaria, 58. Defeats count Tallard at Blen- heim, 60. Is created a prince of the empire, 62, note. Goes to Berlin, and negociates a treaty with the king of Pruflia, 73. Re- ceives the thanks of both houfes of parlia- ment, 77. Woodftock manor and Blen- heim houfe conferred on him, ib. note. Thwarted in his plan of carrying the war to the frontiers of France, 93. Marches to the Netherlands, 94. Reduces Huy, and forces the lines of marfhal Villeroy and the ele£lor of Bavaria, 95. Is prevented from profe- cuting his fuccefs by the oppofition of the States, 96. Goes to Vienna to confult the emperor, 106. Vifits the courts of Pruffia and Hanover, 107. Defeats maiflial Ville- roy at Ramillies, 132. Is thanked by both houfes of parliament, and receives farther honours, 231. His conferences with Charles XII. of Sweden, 24.3. His cha- radler, 251. Enmity of the Tories to- ward him, 254. State of his offices and emoluments, 260. His firft ftruggle with Mr. Harley, 268. How far involved in intrigues with the court of St. Germains, 272. Defeats the French at Oudenarde, 315. Covers the fiege of Lifle, 318. Re- duces Ghent, 319. His artful behaviour to the marquis de Torcy, in the confi;rences at the Hague, 345. Reduces Tournay, 348. Battle of Malplaquet, 3 19. His temerity in this battle cenfured, 351, note. He and lord Townfhend conclude the barrier treaty with the Dutch, 358. Public difcontents at his great emoluments and rapacious difpofition, 362. Receives teftjmonies of parliamentary elteem and confidence, 383. Was the prin- cipal arbiter of the negociations at the Hague and Gertruedenberg, 395. Caufe of his private pique againlt Louis XIV. 396, note. Overrules the queen's inclination in the dif- pofal of army preferments, 407. Inflances of the decline of his popularity, 422, note. Takes Arleux, which is retaken by the French, 439. Surprifes marflial Villars in his lines there, 440. Reduce* Bouchain, 441. Is accufed of corruption by the houfe of commons, 461. Is difmifled from all his employments, 462, note. RejeiSts all terms of conciliation with the earl of Oxford, 547. Retufes to fign the whig afibciation at the clofe of the queen's reign, 565, note. Letters from, to the Britifli minifters, 607. 643. 656. Marlborough, Sarah duchefs of, her charadter, and how flie loft the afFeaions and confidence of queen Anne, 258. Patronifes Mrs. Abi- gail Hill, 265. is difgufted at her fecret marriage with Air. Malham, 266. Inter- feres in minifterial arrangements, 269. Re- figns her employments, 430, note. 4 Q. a Majharn, 668 INDEX. MaJJiam, Mrs. her early hiftory, 265. Origin of the difgufts between her and the duchefs of Marlborough, 266. Is made keeper of the privy purfe, 430, note. Joins the intereft of lord Bolingbroke againft the earl of Ox- ford, 566. Is fuppofed to be the lady with whom M. Mefnager carried on fecret confe- rences in behalf of the pretender, 583, 7!ote. Mattneof, count de, the Ruffian ambaffador, arrefted for debt in the flreets of London, 336. Mefnager, monfieur, his private million from the court of France to that of Great Britain with pacific overtures, 448. Signs the bafis of a general treaty, 449. Is fent plenipoten- tiary to Utrecht, 484, note. The conferences fufpended by the indifcreet behaviour of his do- nieftics, a,(^\,note. His accountof fecret nego- ciations for the intereft of the pretender, 581. Minijiers, whig, the Dutch and Imperial am- bafladors expoftulate with the^queen not to difmifs them, 41 1. Jl^inorca, is reduced by general Stanhope and fir John Leake, 322. Jl^irandola, duke of, ftripped of his dominions by the Imperiaiiffs, 69. The town of, taken by the French, (, 8. H^itchel, fir David, the firft propofer of naval promotion by feniority, 324, note. Modena, duke of, flripped of his dominions by the French, 69. Mons, furrenders to the confederates, 352. Moore., Mr. a conveyancer, his letter to the earl of Macclesfield, confeiTing himfelf tobe the au- thor of the Crifis, imputed to Mr. Steele, 653. Murray., captain John, is joined with captain Simon Frafer in a commiffion from the court of St. Germains, to cultivate the pretender's intereft in Scotland, 176. Is difappointed in his expe£lations, 181. N Naples, impolitic attack of, by the emperor, 241. Is furrendered to him by treachery, 242. Naturalizatiot! of foreign proteftants, arguments for and againft the bill for, 329. Arrival of German refugees under the fanciion of it, 365. This meafure how conftrued by the Tories, 370. The naturalization act re- pealed, 473. Navigation a£l in England, its operation on Scotland, 149. Navy, Englifh, the fupport of, only a fubordinate confideration to queen Anne's whig miniftry, '45' . Negocintions, difficulties attending the hiftorical detail of, 445. Negociations entered into for peace, 340. 386. Congrefs at Utrecht, 46r. 484. Neutrality, treaty for maintaining the neutra- lity of the empire, 432. Newburg, taken by the elector of Ravaria, 36. Newfoundland, the French fettlements there deftroyed by admiral i.eake, 22. The fort of St. John reduced by the French, 353. The French harbours there deftroyed by the Englifh, 405. Nice, the caftle of, furrenders to the duke of Berwick, 135. Noaitles, duke de, reduces the Englifh at La Cotte, 405. Norris, fir John, his fuccefTes againft the French and Spaniards in the Mediterranean, 405. Northern powers, difturbances among thera threatening to the Allies, 431. Nottingham, earl of, his bill for preferving the Proteftant religion, 459. O Orleans, duke of, takes the city and caftle of Lerida, 238. Ormond, duke of, his obftinacy, the caufe of the failure of fir George Rooke's expedition againft Cadiz, 21. Succeeds the duke of Marlborough in his military appointments, 462, note. His inconfiftent inftru£lions, 48c. His reftraining orders traced up to the queen, 481, note. Takes pofTeffion of Dunkirk, 482. Is made lord lieutenant of Ireland, 531. His charadler, ib. Oudenarde, battle of, between the allies and the French, 315. Oxford, earl of. See Harley.. Palatinate, diftrefles of, by famine, occafioned by the war, 365. Arrival of refugees from in England, ib. Palatines, arrival of great numbers in Eng- land, with their generous reception, 365. Prejudices againft them, 367. Prcvi- 2 fioa INDEX. 669 fion made for them by the Irifli parliament, 527. Papacy, all the prerogatives of, vefted in the crown of England, under Henry VIII. '^7. Parliament, firft meafures of, on the acceffion of queen Anne, 7. Vindicates the m-mory of king William, 8. Influence and zeal of the Tories in queen Anne's firft parliament, 24. Debates on the bill againft occafional conformity, 27. Bill for enlarging the time for talcing the oath of abjuration, 30. Lau- dable proceedings of the commons, 32. Dif- fenfions between the two houies of, 49. The bill againll occafional conformity ag.^in thrown out, 75. ASt for fecuring England againft dangers from Scotland, 76. Dif- putes concerning the Aylefbury e]e£tors, 77. Is difTolved on this account, 75, Cha- raiSer of this parliament, ib. Meeting of the fecond parliament of queen Anne, log. A£t for fecuring her majefty's government and the fucceflion of the crown, 115. Pru- dence and moderation of, in meafures re- fpedling Scotland, igi. Predominance of the whig intereft in, 258. A'leeting of the firft parliament of Great Britain, 286. The privy council of Scotland aboliflied, 298. Meeting of the fecond Parliament of Great Britain, 326. The treafon laws of Scotland reformed, 333. A£t for fecuring the privi- leges of foreign ambafladors, 336. Act to prohibit political wagers, 337. Act of grace, 338. Aft for the Cecurity of literary pro- perty, 384. I'^ diflblved on the difmiffion of the whig miniftry, 413. Meeting of the third parliament of Great Britain, 414. The qualification of members of the houfe of com- mons fixed, 422. A£t for building fifty new churches in London, 425. Adt for the free ufeof the Englifh liturgy in Scotland, 469. Charafler of the third parliament of Greit Britain, 521. Meeting of the fourth parlia- ment, 549. A6t to prevent the growth of fchifm, 560. Parties, ever in a conftant ftate of fluctuation, 586. State of, 247. 360. 451. 565, 566. Faterfon, Mr. projedtor cf the Scots Darien company, indemnified by parliament, 30 (. Patronage, the right of, in ocotland, leltored, 472. Peers, twelve created in one day, 460. Philip duke of Anjou, his pretenfions to the crown of Spain oppofcd by the archduke Charles, 67. He difgufts his Spanlfli fub- jeds, 1 01. The earl of Peterborough's ex- pedition into Catalonia, ib. Barcelona taken by the combined army, 103. The fiege of Barcelona by the French, raifed by the En- glifh admiral fir John Leake, 139. Reco- vers Madrid from the archduke Charles, 142. Battle of Almanza, 237. Battle of Alma- nara, 400. Battle of SaragofTa, ib. Strono- inftances of Spanifh loyalty to him, 402. 404. His competitor Charles ele(fled em- peror of Germany, 442. Renounces his fucceflion to the crown of Prance, 493, note. Peace figned at Utrecht, 496. Peter I. czar of Ruffia, his refentment at the in- dignity offered to his ambaffador at London, 336. Defeats Cnarles XII. of Sweden at Pultowa, 354, note. Conquers Livonia, 431, Peterborough, earl of, his expedition to Catalo- nia, 10 r. Beheges Barcelona, 102. Takes the town, and overruns the province, 103. Relieves Barcelona, 139. Inquiry into his condufJ, 291. Imputes the ill fuccefs in Spain to the earl of Galway, 421. Receives the thanks of the houfe of lords for his fer- vices, ib. Is fent ambaffador to Vienna, 430, note. Pettekum, M. refident of the duke of Holftein Gottorp at the Hague, undertakes to propofe negociations between France and the allies, 340. His fruitlefs million to Paris, 357. Phipps, fir Conftantine, lord chancellor of Ire- land, is notorious far his tory principles, 536. The Irifh commons addrefs the queen to re- move him, 541, Piedmont, is laid wafte by the duke of Vendofme 39- Pignattllt, cardinal, confpires with the duke of Monteleon, to deliver up Naples to the em- peror, 242. Poland, Auguftus king of, depofed, and Stanif- laus Leezinkfki eleded king, 70. 146. Au- guftus recovers the throne of Poland, 431. Porta Hercule, taken by the Imperialifts, 4S3. Portugal, king of, joins the coniederates ao-ainft t ranee, 34. Caiiles of the languid and abortive co-operation of the Portuguefe, 65. How delivered from the French aiul Spanifh invaders, 68. Indifpofition of the kin^, and regency of the queen- dowager of En''- land, 130, note. Tne Portuguel'e ihips ac Rio de Janeiro in Brazil burned by ths French, 443. All the Portuguefe claims in South. S'jo INDEX. South America confirmed by the peace of Utrecht, 508. Poyntng's]iw, its operation in Ireland, 2^2, note. Prefs, refolutions of the houfc of commons againft the hcentioufnefs of, 473. Pretender-, the intrigues in favour of, during the reign of queen Anne, inquiry into the nature and extent of, 270. Colonel Hooke's nego- ciations in Scotland, 309. His ineffcdlual attempt to land in Scotland, 311. His gal- lant behaviour at the battle of Oudenarde, 315, note. Diftinguifhes himfelf at the battle ©f Malplaquer, 351, note. Parliamentary meafures for removing him from the domi- nions of the duke of Lorrain, 554. Procla- mation iflued for apprehending him, 559. Indications of his intentions to change bis religion, 577. Secret negotiations in his favour conduced by mcnfieur Mefnager, 581. And by the abbe Guakier, 584. No ferious intentions in his favour formed by queen Anne's tory miniftry, 588. Nor by the people at large, 593. Prato del Rey, the pafs of, attacked by the duke of Vendofme, and defended by the duke of Argyle, 443. t, ■ ■ u Prior, Mr. his private commiflion to Pans with pacific propofitions, 449. Why not fent to Utrecht as a plenipotentiary, 484, note. Privy council of Scotland, the power of, how abufed, 296. Is abolifhed on the union, 298. Pr«^(j,kingof,inwhatrefpeaa gainer by the peace of Utrecht, 508. His felfifhnefs, 436. 642. Pultoiua, battle of, between the czar Peter I. and Charles Xil. of Sweden, 354> «"'*• ^ueenjberryy duke of, bis difEculties on re- ceiving overtures of difcovery of jacobitical plots from captain Simon Frafer of Lovat, 178. His interview with Frafer, 179. Lofes credit by countenancing Frafer, 18?. Is made lord privy feal, 193. His charader and preferments, i ;4. Popular refentment againft him on account of the plot, 198. His fuccefs in quieting the Canieronians, 219. His diligence in promoting the union, 224. Honours beftowed on him by the En^l'.fh on th.it occafion, 285, note. His vote for the «le6lion of Scottifh parliamentaiy peers, why fet afide, 328. ^ufnoyy is befieged and taken by prince Eugene, 455 2. Ragotzil, prince, his fuccefTes againft the Im- perialifts, 56. Ramillies, battle of, between the duke of Marl- borough and marfhal Vilieroy, 132. Ranelagh, lord, paymafter of the forces, expelled the houle of commons, 31. Ranjladt, negociations there for a treaty between Louis XIV. and the emperor Charles, 546. Raphoe, bifhop of, committed to prifon by the Irifh houfe of lords, for protefting againft their doing bufinefs on the feftival of St. Peter and St, Paul, 52S, Ravignan, marquis de, furprifes a convoy of mi- litary (tores, under the earl of Athlone, 398. Rebender, the Italian general, defeated by the French, 352. Reformation of the Englifh church under king Henry VIII. the plan of, 82. Rio de Janeiro, the Portuguefe (hips there burned by the French, 443. Rochejier, earl of, ftrenuoufly oppofes England becoming a principal in the continental war, 4. His reafons, ib. note Rooke, fir George, his cxprdition againft Cadiz, how fruftrated, 21. His fuccefsful capture of Spanifh galleons at Vigo, 22. Retires from fervice, 44- Convey? king Charles to Lifbon, and makes an unluccefsful attempt on Barcelona, 70. Gibraltar taken, 71. His engagement with the French fleet near Malaga, 72. Roxburgh, duke of, his bold declaration on the re/ufal of the royal afTent to the adl of fecu- rity in Scotland, 172, note. Rujjia, refentment of the czar Peter I. at the violation of the privileges of his ambalTadof at London, 336. Sacheveral, Dr. Henry^ his charafler, 371. His fam-.ius (ermon on Perils from Faife Brethreny 373, Other party publications by him, 374, note. Is impeached by the commons, 375. 1 he particular charges againft him, 377. Summary of the arguments on both fides, 378. Is INDEX. 671 Is filenced for three years, 379. Honours conferred on him by the populace, 380. Outrages of the mob, 381. His triumphant infoiencc, 382. EfFtds of his trial, 406. His triumphant journey into Wales, 413. St. yohn, Mr. his political principles and con- duct, 251. Refigns his place as fecretary at war, 270, «ote. Is made fecretary of ftate, 412, ««/St, 561, note. Schomberg, duke of, the jealoufy and rivalfliip between him and M. Fagel, injurious to their co-operation in Portugal, 67. Schutz, baron, the Hanoverian envoy, his appli- cation for the eledloral prince to take his feat in the houfe of peers, 556. Scotland, queen Anne impowered to appoint commiilioners for treating of an union with, 7. The feeds of rebellion diicovered there, 48. Violent proceedings in the parliament of, 76. DeprefTed ftate after the union of the two crowns 147. The Darien company, 148. EfFefts of the Englifli navigation aiS, 149. Difcontents at the continuation of the conven- tion parliament, 151. Parties there, 153. Amount of the falaries of the principal offices of ftate in, ib. note. Motives of queen Anne's ca- binet for continuing to employ the minifters intruded by king William, J54. Duke Hamilton's proteftation againft the meeting of the firft parliament under queen Anne, 155. State of the cefs or land tax, 159; 6oo. Meeting of the commiffioners for treating of an union, 160. A new parlia- ment called, 163. A new miniftry ap- pointed, ib. note. Nature of the aflbciation called the Squadrone Volante, 167. All the proceedings of the convention parliament ra- tified, 169- Strenuous oppofition to pre- lacy, ib. Meafures propofed for extending the trade, independence, and opulence of Scotland, 170. Bold meafure* on the refufal of the royal aflent to the aft of fecurity, 172. The queen's inftruftions to the marquis of Tweedale, her high commiflioner to the Scoitifh parliament, 184. The aft of fecu- rity, and the fupply connefted together by the Scottifh patriots, 188. Military ftrength of the kingdom, 189, note. The aft of fe- curity palled, 190. Examination of its ten- dency, ib. Review of the trade with Eng- land at this time, igi, note. The feilion of parliament clofed by the high com- miflioner, 192. The duke of Argyle made high commiiEoner, 193. Difcordant ftate of the parliament, 197. The treaty of union unexpeftedly brought forward, igg. Review of the motives of the oppofition in parlia- ment, 202. General difcontent of the Scots on the profpeft of the union, 205. Religious prejudices alarmed at the confequences of if, 212. Apprehenfions of taxes, and ruin of trade, 214. Litr^itations of parliamentary reprefentation, 215. Thefe prejudices againit the union, how counterafted, 217-. The terms of the union literal toward Scotland, 222- The union oppofed by tiic Dutch and the French, 223, note. Prudent modeiation of the minifters of the church of Scotland, in this bufi'-.efs, 225. Advantages derived from the union, 228. Moral eftefts of the union, 229, tute. Different fentiments of the union enter- 672 INDEX. entertained by the two nations, 284. Com- mercial difcontents, 293. AQ.S of fecurity, and anent peace and war, repealed^ 29(3. Tlie privy council aboliflied, ii/. Colonel Hooke's negociiuions with the Jacobites there, 309. Abortive attempt of the pre- tender to invade the kingdom, 311. The laws relating to treafon there reformed, 332. The bill for regulating the militia lofl-, 333. Evidences of jacobitical principles there, 452. Intolerance of the prefbyterians toward the epifcopalians, 466. Cafe of Mr. Greenfnields, 468. A61 for the free ufe of the Englifli liturgy, 469. The right of pa- trons to prefent to vacant churches reftored, 4y2. Difcontents ariling frum the exienGon of the malt tax to Scotland, 516. Seba/lian, St. in Brazil, taken by the French, 443- Secuiily, afl of, agitated in Scotland, 170. Lold meafures on the refufal of the royal alTent to it, 172. Motion for uniting it with the fup- ply, 188. Is pafTed, 19O. Is repealed, 296. How it was received by the Englifh miniderf, 617. Shovel, fir Claudfley, fucceeds fir George Rooke in the command of the Englifli fleet, 44. Joins him in an attempt on Barcelona, 70- Gibraltar taken, 71. His attack on Toulon, 240. Is fliipwrecked on the rocks of Scilly, 244. His charadler, ib. note. Shrew/bury, duke of, made lord chamberlain to the queen, 410. Is appointed lord lieute- nant of Ireland, 539- He recommends con- ciliatory conduiSf, ib. Succeeds the earl of Oxford as lord high treafurer, 568. Letters from the duke of Marlborough to him, 607. Letters between him and the duke of Buck- ingham, 629. Somers, lord, is removed from the privy council at the .acceflion of queen Anne, 3. His chara£ler, 257. Exerts himfelf to abolifh the privy council of Scotland, 297. Is dif- mified, 412, note. Somerjet, duke of, his defedion from queen Anne's tory miniftry, 457. Sophia, princefs, her name added to the public prayers for the royal family, 7. Motion for inviting her to England, iii. She and her iflue naturalized, 115. Her precedency fettled, 473. Dies, 566, 7iote. South Sea fcheme, 425. Spain, caufes of the inefficient cc-operation cf the Portuguefe in the caufe of kin* Charles, 66. I'iiig Charles arrives at Lifbon, 67. King Philip difgulls his Spanifli fubjeiSls, 1 01. The earl of Peterborough's expedition to Catalonia, ib. Barcelona taken, 103. The fiege of Barcelona by the French raifed. 138. Madrid fubmits to king Charles, 141. But is recovered by king Phihp, 142. Battle of Almanza, -237. B.mle of Almanar?., 400. King Charles enters Madrid, 401. Charles eledled emperor of Germany, 442. Philip renounces his fucceffion to the crown of France, 493, note. Peace (igned at Utrecht, 496. Hard fate of the Catalan?, 546. Squadrore Folanie, a Scottifli alTociation, on what principles formed, 167. They gain the confidence of the court, and acquire the principal minifterial ofKces in Scotland, 184. Stanhope, general, his letter to Mr. Walpole, giving an account of the battle of Almanara, 636. Staremberg, count, his engagement with the French at Villa Viciofa, 403. Steele, Mr. expelled the houfe of commons, 552. Suabia, great part of the circle of, overrun and pillaged by marfhal Villars, 238. Sunderland, lord, is appointed fecretary of ftate in the room of fir Charles Hedges, 26IJ. Is removed, 412, note. Sufa, the town and caftle.of, taken by the duke of Savoy, 241- Swift, Dr. didinguifhes himfelf by writing tor queen Anne's tory minifters, 474, note. His prirjciples doubtful, 532, note. Was the fuppofed writer of the Public Spirit of the Whigs, 550. His want of preferment ac- counted for, 551, note. Synod, ecclefiaftical, in England, plan of its firfl inftitution, 82. Tallard, count, his operations againfl the allies, 18. Defeats the prince of Hefl?, and takes Landau, 40. Defeat of, by the duke of Marlborougii at Blenheim, 60. Thaun, count, his fuccefsful enterprifes in Sa- voy, 352. Is appointed commander of the troops in Piedmont. 399. Tongres, is taken by the French under Villeroy and Bijufflers, 42. Torcy, marquis de, is fent by Louis XIV. to negociate INDEX. 673 negociate at the Hague for peace with the confederates, 343, 355. His negociations renewed, 385. His account of a confpiracy to depofe queen Anne, in favour of the eleflur of Hanover, 477. Tories, motives of qijeen Anne's attachment to them, 2. The firft parliament of queen Anne the ftrongeft tcry parliament fince the revo- lution, 79 Are joined by the clergy, icg. Their oppcfition to the union between Eng- land and Scotland, how cramped, 22,.. Their enmity againft the duke of Marlbo- rough, 254. Their various fubdivifions, 269, note. Their espe<^ations not an- fivered by the queen, 36B. 7 hey inflame the minds of the people againft the AVhigs, 369. EfFecls of the trial of Dr, Sacheveral, 406. Enumeration of their principal writers, 474, note. The Tories vindicated from any intention of fubverting the proteftant fettle- ment, :b. Tcuicn, attack of, by the confederates, 240. Tounhiy, reduced by the duke of Marlborough and prince Eugene, 348. Trarbach, is reduced by the prince of Hcfle Cailel, 65. Treafon laws of England extended to Scotland, 332- Treaty, commercial, with France rejcded by the houfe of commons, 514. Of Utrecht, 496. 649. Treves, is evacuated by the French on the ap- proach of the allies, 65. Trinity college Dublin, the patriotic zeal of, ac- knowledged by the liifh houfe of commons, 527- Turin, is befieged by the duke de la Feuillade, 136. The duke deieated by prince Eugene, ^37- Tweedale, marquis of, is appointed by queen Anne, her high commiffioner for Scotland, 18 i-- His charafter, ib. note. Remarks on his inftruftions, 185. Pafl'es the adt of fe- curity, 190. Checks the refraftory pro- ceedings of parliament, by clofing the fef- fion, 192. Venant, St. taken by the allies, 397. Vendofme, duke of, takes St. Benedetto, and Berfello, 39. Lays Piedmont wafte, ib. 69. Checks the fucceflcs of prince Eugene, gg. Is recalled from Italy to command in the Ne- therlands, 135. His chara(51er, ib. note. Battle of Oudenarde, 315. Defeats general Stanhope at Briheuga, 403. His unfuccefT- ful attack of Prato del Rey, 443. Venlo, is taken by the allies, 16, note. Venice, the republic of, preferves a neutrality be- tween France and the confederates, 244. Withftands the offers of the earl of Man- cheller to take part againft France, 246. Verceili in Piedmont, taken by the duke of Ven- dofme, 69- Vigo, fuccefsful capture of Spanifh galleons there by fir George Rooke, 22. Villa Franca, feized by prince Eugene, ig. Is retaken by the duke de la Feuillade, 98. Villars, duke of, engages prince Eugene at Fridlingen, 17. Invefls fort Kehl, 36. Joins the eleSor of Bavaria, 37. Forces the Imperial lines at Weiflemburg, 97. Pur- fues the prince of Baden and takes Hague- nau, 143. Overruns great part of the circle of Suabia, 238. Is repulfed by the eledlor of Hanover, 239. Reduces Warneion, 349. Battle of Malplaquet, 349. Retakes Arleux. from the duke of Marlborough, 439. Js furprifed in his lines by Marlborough, 440. Gains a viflory over the earl of Albemarle at Denain, 482. Filler y, the French general, reduces Tongres,, 42. His intrenchments forced by the con- federates, 43. His lines forced by the duke of Marlborough, 95. Is defeated by the duke at Ramiilies, 132. Vim, taken by ftratagem by the eleclor of Ba- varia, 17. is retaken by the confederates, 64. Union between England and Scotland, the queen empowered to appoint commiffioners for ne- gociating it, by parliament, 7. 76, note. The commiffioners meet, 160. The treaty of, unexpectedly biought forward in the Scot- tifii parliament, 199. General difcontent of the Scots on this fubjedl, 205. Alarms on account of religion, 212. Apprehenfions of taxes, and ruin of trade, 214. Limitation of parliamentary reprefentation, 215. Thefe prejudices how counteracftd, 217. Liberal terms conceded to Scotland, 222. The union oppofed by the Dutch and the French, 223, notet The prefbyteiian religion fecu- redj ib. Advantages of the union to Scot- 4 R land. 6/4 INDEX. land, 228. Moral effefls of the union, 229, note' Is ratified by the queen, 23"'. Lift of the commifSoners for England and Scotland, 597, note. Abridgment of the articles of, with remarks, ib. Utrecht, conferences for peace there, between the allies and France, 461, 484. Name; of the refpe£tive plenipotentiaries, lb. note. Ob- ftruflions to the negoci.ition, 485. Evafive condtiil of the French negociators, 493. The treaty figned, 496. Difadvantageous circumftances attending the allies in the ne- gociation, ib. The merits of the treaty dif- cufTed, 502. Subftance of the treaty, with remarks, 649. W Wager., commodore, his fuccefsful attack of the Spanifh galleons, 323. IValpole, iMr. Robert, appointed fecretary of war, 270, note. Is removed, 412, note. Is expelled the houfe of commons, and fent to the tower for corruption, 461. General Carpenter's letter to him, 638. Webb, general, his gallant engagement of the count de la Motte at Wynendale, 318, note. Receives the thanks of the houfe of com- mons, 335. Wharton, earl of, difparages the queen's here- ditary title in her prefence, in the houfe of peers, 408, note. Is declared by tiie houfe of commons guilty of fcandalous corrup- tion, 512. Is made lord lieutenant of Ire- land, 526. His character, and brief anec- dotes of him, ib. note. The whig intereft advanced under his government, 529. He leaves Ireland, 530. JVI}'igs, the acceflion of queen Anne, why an- propitious to them, 2. I'he proteftant dif- fenters unite in intereft with them, 109.^ Diftinflion between old Whigs and new Whigs, how founded, 255. Strength of the whig intereft in queen Anne's fecond parlia- ment, 258. Their various fubdivifions, 269, note. Their influence in conteited eleftions,, 327. Its decline, and the caufes, 361. Afperfions on their conduct propagated hy the Tories, 369. Decline of their influence on the profecution of Dr. Sacheveral, 410. The whig miniftry removed, 412, note. Enu- meration of their principal writers, 474, note. Are accufed of a confpiracy to depofe the queen, 477. Endeavour to prejudice the lory miniftry at the court of Hanover, 590. Whijion, Mr. expelled the univerficy of Cam- bridge for his Arian principles, 426, note. William III. caufes that weakened the attach- ment of his Englifh fubjedts to him, 2. His memory vindicated by parliament, 8. Why averfe to calling the convocation, 85. Dif- contents in Scotland at his prolongation of the convention parliament, 152. His reli- gious iincerity why queftioned by the high- church party, 367. Bill introduced for re- calling his Irifh grants, rejeded by the lords, 474- WorceJJer, bifliop of, deprived of his office as lord high aimoner by tory intereft, 24. 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