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OF
GREAT BRITAIN,
FROM
THE DEATH OF GEORGE II.
TO THE
CORONATION OF GEORGE IV.
DESIGNED AS A
CONTINUATION OF HUME AND SMOLLETT.
BY J. R. MILLER.
་་
PHILADELPHIA:
PUBLISHED BY M'CARTY & DAVIS-171 MARKET STREET.
STEREOTYPED BY J. HOWE.
1832.
*
7
DA
30
49.
1832 307360
v. 4
CONTENTS TO MILLER.
CHAP. I.
GEORGE III.
Effects of the late King's partiality to his native Do-
minions-Circumstances attending the Accession
of the new Sovereign-His Majesty's first Speech
to both houses of Parliament-Addresses of the
Lords and Commons-Supply voted-Establishment
of the Civil List-Sums granted for the Support
of the German Confederacy-Subsidy to Prussia-
Vote of Compensation to the Provinces in North
America for their strenuous Efforts-Ballot for
Militia productive of a dreadful Riot at Hexham-
Loan of twelve millions-Violent outcry against
the New Duty on Beer-Bad consequences of the
opposition to the Compulsive Clause in the new
Act of Insolvency-King's Speech for making the
Judges independent of the demise of the Crown-
Ready Concurrence of both Houses in so patriotic
a Proposal-Arthur Onslow, Speaker of the House
of Commons for thirty-three years, retires-Two
remarkable points in his Majesty's Farewell Speech
to the Parliament-Advantageous Position of the
French in their Winter Cantonments-Prince Fer-
dinand's extensive Plan of Attack-Fritzlar and
several Magazines taken-General Sporken's rapid
Progress on the side of Saxony-First Check in this
extraordinary career of Success-Steps taken by
Marshal Broglio to drive the Allies out of Hesse-
Defeat of the Troops under the Hereditary Prince-
The King's Sentiments on the proper use of Con.
quests............
..... Page 11
CHAP. II.
Circumstances which led to the proposal of a Con.
gress at Augsburg-Plausible Reasons for previ
ously setting on foot a distinct Negotiation at Lon.
don and Paris-Mr. Pitt unfavorable to a Peace-
Secret intrigues of the French Ministry at the
Court of Madrid-Difficulties about the mutual re-
taining of Possessions-Survey of hostile opera-
tions during the Suspension of the Treaty-Expe
dition against Belleisle-the Negotiation resumed-
Remarks on the two main Points of Dispute-In-
flexibility of the English Secretary-Some account
of the Family Compact-Candid Inquiries on which
side the chief blame lay-The Treaty finally bro
ken off....
CHAP. III.
..18
Proofs of the King's Exemption from personal or po-
litical Prejudices-His Majesty's Choice of a Con-
sort, the Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburgh-Em-
bassy sent to make the Demand of her most Serene
Highness; with an Account of her Voyage-Her
Journey to London, her Reception and Nuptials-
Preparations made for the Coronation of their Ma.
jesties-Entertainment given to the Royal Family
at Guildhall-Some rising Clouds in the political
Hemisphere The Spanish Ambassador's Explana
tion not deemed satisfactory-Orders sent to the
Earl of Bristol at Madrid-His Excellency's Dis-
patches in Reply-Warm Debates in the Cabinet on
Mr. Pitt's Proposal to attack Spain without farther
Delay-His Resolution, with the President's An-
swer-His Interview with the King, on resigning
the Seals of his office-Lord Temple's Resignation
-Violent Conflict between the Admirers and the
Censurers of Mr. Pitt's Conduct sanctioned by the
Abbe Raynal-Farther Instructions sent by the
new Secretary of State to the British Ambassador
at Madrid-Steps taken by the Ministry-Meeting
of the New Parliament His Majesty's Speech-
Message to the Queen; and the Dowry granted her
in case she should survive his Majesty-Repeal of
the compelling Clause in the Insolvent Act-Alac
the German War-Severe Remarks on the Alli
ances entered into with some of the continental
Powers-Ingenious Defence set up by the Advo-
cates for the German War-Result of this political
Controversy-Effect of the English Ambassador's
Remonstrances at the Court of Madrid-His Con-
jectures on the Causes of a sudden Revolution in
the Spanish Councils-Propriety of his Conduct in
so delicate a Conjuncture-A clear and categorical
Explanation at length insisted upon-General
Wall's Letter-Manifesto delivered by the Count
de Fuentes, and Lord Egremont's Refutation of it 29
CHAP. IV.
War declared against Spain-Debate in the Lords-
Protest on a Motion for withdrawing the Troops
from Germany-Popularity of this Protest-Duty
on Beer and Ale causes a Tumult in London-
Amendments of the Militia Laws-An Act for
Registering of Parish Children-Bill for the Exten-
sion of the Duke of Bridgewater's Canals-Account
of Harrison's time-piece and Irwin's Marine-chair
-Addition to the former Grants of the Commons
-His Majesty's Message on the imminent Danger
of Portugal-The Session closed with a Speech
from the Throne-Extraordinary Change in the
King of Prussia's Situation, occasioned by the
Death of the Empress of Russia-Steps immedi-
ately taken by her Successor, Peter III.-Deposition
and Death of Peter III.-Prudent Policy of the
Empress Catherine II.-Sketch of the Prussian
Operations during the remainder of the Campaign
-Victory obtained by the Allies at Graebenstein
-This Action a Prelude to Enterprises in which
Gottingen and Cassel were recovered, and the
French almost totally driven out of Hesse-State
of Portugal when threatened by the Bourbon Con-
federacy-Memorial presented to the Court of Lis-
bon by the Ministers of France and Spain-Reply,
followed by a declaration of War-Immediate and
effectual Assistance afforded by Great Britain-
Lord Tyrawley dissatisfied with the Portuguese
Ministry, and recalled-Plan of the Campaign-
Progress of the Spanish Army under the Marquis
de Sarria-Almeida taken, and a considerable part
of the Province of Beira overrun by Spanish
Troops Good Consequences of the Count de la
Lippe's Arrival in Portugal-Surprise of Valencia
d'Alcantara by General Burgoyne-Another more
decisive blow struck by the same General and Colo-
nel Lee at Villa Velha-The Spaniards forced to
retreat to their own Frontiers-Triumphs of Great
Britain at Sea-Descent on the Island of Martinico
-Surrender of the Island-Submission of the
Grenades, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and other depend-
ent Isles-Armament destined against the Havan-
nah, its Harbor described-Siege of the Moro-
The Moro stormed and carried by assault-Opera-
tions against the Town, and its Surrender-Im-
portance of this Conquest-Capture of the Her-
mione, a Spanish Register-ship-Invasion of the
Philippines designed-Celerity of the Prepara-
tions made for it at Madras-Arrival of the Squad-
ron at Manilla-The Town taken by Storm, but
saved from a justly merited Pillage-The Galleon
from Manilla to Acapulco taken-The only excep
tion to the Universal Success of the British Arms,
the Failure of a private Expedition against Buenos
Ayres-Summary of the Disasters sustained by
Spain during her short Concern in the War-
France involved in the like Calamities-Attempt
to burn the British Squadron in the Bay of Basque
-Newfoundland taken and retaken-A Negotia-
tion the only resource of the House of Bourbon 39
CHAP. V.
rity of the Commons in providing for the service of Causes and Effects of the sincere dispositions of all
the ensuing Year-Debate on the Expediency of
Parties towards Peace-Motives of National Policy
for encouraging Pacific Proposals-Want of perfect |
Harmony in the Cabinet-Changes in Administra-
tion-Dukes of Bedford and Nivernois employed in
the Negotiation-Difference between this and the
Treaty in 1761-Conduct of the Courts with Re-
spect to their German Allies-Change in the Be-
havior of the British Ministry towards the King of
Prussia justified-France guided by the same alter-
ation of Circumstances; and the Peace of Germany
restored-The Article relating to Portugal very
easily settled-Circumstance which facilitated the
Adjustment of Great Britain's direct Concerns-
Extent of her Acquisitions in North America by
this treaty-Terms annexed to the Surrender of St.
Pierre and Miquelon-Spain's Renunciation of her
Pretensions to the Fishery-Arrangement respecting
the French West India Islands-The Havannah re-
stored on very moderate Terms-Cession and Ex-
change of the other Conquests in Africa, the East
Indies, and Europe-Sacrifice made by France to
the honor of Great Britain, in suppressing the old
Claim on Account of Prizes before the Declaration
of War-Preliminaries signed by the British and
French Ministers at Fontainbleau-Disputes con-
cerning the articles of the Peace-Coalition be-
tween the Duke of Newcastle's and Mr. Pitt's Ad-
herents-Meeting of Parliament-Conflict in the
House of Commons-The Security of our Colonies
-Majority in Favor of the Address-Arrival of
three Cherokee Chiefs in England.... ...... 58
CHAP. VI.
Philosophical Survey of Europe at the Close of the
War-State of Russia-Of Denmark-Of Sweden
-The King of Prussia and the Empress-Internal
Distractions of France-Situation of Spain; and
Security of Great Britain-Multiplied Concerns of
the English Government-Plan of Economy pur-
sued by the Ministers-Scheme of the Supplies-
Proposed System of Finance censured by the Oppo-
sition-Instructions and Petitions of the city of
London against the Cider Tax-Earl of Bute's
Resignation-His Majesty's Speech at the Close of
the Session-Some Account of Mr. Wilkes, and of
the Libel entitled the "North Briton"-Wilkes's
Commitment to the Tower-Writ of Habeas Corpus
for bringing Wilkes before the Court of Common
Pleas-He is remanded to the Tower-His second
Speech at the Bar of the Court-Mr. Wilkes's Case
considered under three heads by Lord Chief-Justice|
Pratt Commitment not illegal-The Specification
of Passages in the Libel not necessary in the War-
rant-Validity of the Plea of Privilege allowed in
Cases of Libels-Attempts to bring about a Coali-
tion of Parties - Promotions occasioned by Lord
Egremont's Death-King's Speech at the Meeting
of Parliament-Message about Wilkes to the House
of Commons-The North Briton voted a Libel-
Wilkes's Complaint of a Breach of Privilege-De-
bate on the adjourned consideration of his Ma-
jesty's Message-Pitt's Speech on the Surrender of
Privilege Other Arguments in support of Parlia
mentary Privilege-The Resolution, "That Privi-
lege does not extend to Libels," carried in the Com-
mons, and concurred in by the Lords-Concurrence
of the Lords in other Resolutions of the Lower
House concerning the Libel-The Sheriffs obstruct-
ed in burning the North Briton-Duel between
Martin and Wilkes-The King's Message on the
Marriage of the Princess Augusta to the Hereditary
Prince (now Duke) of Brunswick-Verdict obtained
by Wilkes in the Court of Common Pleas-Lord
Chief Justice's Opinion on the Illegality of General
Warrants-Proceedings of the Commons to ascer-
tain the State of Wilkes's Health - His Letter
from Paris deemed nugatory, and he himself found
guilty of a Contempt of the Authority of Parlia-
ment-Convicted of being the Author of the con-
demned Libel, and expelled-His "Essay on Wo-
men" laid before the House of Lords, who proceed
against him for a Breach of Privilege, while he is
indicted in the Courts below for Blasphemy-The
Ministry very hard pushed in the Debate on Gene-
ral Warrants-New Plan of National Supplies-
Resolutions concerning the American Trade-Bill
for restraining Abuses and Frauds in the Practice
of Franking-Observations on General Conway's
Dismission
67
CHAP. VII.
Inquiry into the Causes of the Renewal of Hostili-
ties with the Savage Tribes of America-Extent of
the Governments of Quebec, of East and West
Florida-Incitements to War on the Part of the
Indians-Military operations against the Indians,
and Peace with them-Impolitic Suppression of
the commercial Intercourse between the British
and Spanish Plantations, and between the Ameri-
can Colonies and the French Islands-Colonists
refuse Compensation for the Stamp Duties-State
of the British Logwood-cutters in the Bay of Hon-
duras-French atone for outrage at Turks Island
-Progress of American Stamp Act through both
Houses-Prevention of Smuggling-Purchase of
the Sovereignty of the Isle of Man-A Regency
Bill recommended by his Majesty-New Adminis
tration formed by the Duke of Cumberland..... 83
CHAP. VIII.
Mir Cossim's Endeavors to shake off the India Com-
pany's yoke-Military Operations which effected
the entire Conquest of Bengal-Appointment and
departure of a select Committee for Bengal-Treaty
concluded by Lord Clive with the Nabob of Oude-
Violent Proceedings against the Stamp Act in
North America-Debates and Proceedings in Eng-
land as to the right of Taxing the Colonies-Causes
of a sudden Change in the Ministry............ 92
CHAP. IX.
Alarming Scarcity of Provisions-Dispute between
the Proprietors and the Directors of the East India
Company-Substance of the King's Speech at the
Meeting of Parliament-Bill of Indemnity-Reduc-
tion of the Land-tax carried against the Minister
-The India Company's Right to Territorial Ac-
quisitions debated-Proposals of the Company ac-
cepted-Bill for regulating India Dividends-Duties
laid on certain Imports from Great Britain to
America; and measures taken to restrain the tur-
bulent Spirit of the Assembly of New-York-Some
Changes in the Great Offices of the State-The
Ministry strongly opposed on the Nullum Tempus
Bill-Corporation of Oxford reprimanded for
Venality-Popularity in Ireland of the Octennial
.105
Bill
General Election-View of Wilkes's Conduct and
Adventures since his Flight from Justice-Violent
Opposition to the Port-duties in America-Acts of
the Convention-Debate-Wilkes's Petition to the
Commons; and his Appeal to the Lords on a Writ
of Error-Institution of the Royal Academy-De-
bate on the American Affairs-Civil-List Debt-
Hearing of Wilkes's alleged Grievances - Suc-
cessive Expulsions of Mr. Wilkes-War with
Hyder Ally in the East Indies-Non-importation
Agreement, and other Proceedings in America-
Desertions from Ministry-Changes that followed
-Endeavors of the Opposition to aggravate Dis
content-London Remonstrance, and his Majesty's
Answer-Grenville's Bill for regulating the Pro-
ceedings on controverted Elections-Partial Re-
peal of the American Port-duties-Affray between
the Townsmen of Boston and the Troops......113
CHAP. XI.
Another Remonstrance from the City of London;
with the King's Answer, and Beckford's Reply-
View of Wilkes's political Career-Dispute with
Spain relative to Falkland Islands-Proceedings
of the Commons against Printers; and Commit-
ment of the Lord Mayor, and of Alderman Oliver,
to the Tower-Bill for disfranchising the Members
of the Christian Club at New Shoreham - More
Remonstrances to the Throne from the City of Lon
don-Unsuccessful Attempts to enlarge religious
Liberty-Act for restraining the future Marriages
of the Royal Family-Carolina Matilda falls a
Victim to the intrigues of the Queen Dowager of
Denmark-Changes in the British Ministry-Com-
mittee of Secrecy - The Embarrassments of the
East India Company --Charges brought against
Lord Clive; his Acquittal; and Suicide-Bill for
Management of the East India Company's Affairs
-Summary of other proceedings of the Sessions-
Expedition against the Caribbs in St. Vincent-
Alarming Events in America-Measures adopted
by Parliament for maintaining the Authority of
Great Britain over the Colonies-Proceedings of
the General Congress at Philadelphia-The Sense
of the Nation taken, by dissolving the Parliament
at this Juncture-Dr. Franklin's Conciliatory Plan
-Petition of the City of London-State of Affairs
in America-Battle of Lexington-Battle of Bun-
ker's Hill-Meeting and Proceedings of Congress
-General Washington appointed Commander-in-
chief-His Character-Expedition to Canada-Forts
taken-Quebec besieged-General Montgomery de-
feated and killed..
CHAP. XII.
..130
Fatal Effects of the War-Meeting of Parliament-
Defection of the Duke of Grafton and General Con.
way from the Ministry-Introduction of foreign
Troops-Prohibitory Bill-Changes in the Ministry
-Affairs of Ireland-Debates on foreign Troops-
Conclusion of the Session-Boston Evacuated by
the British-Siege of Quebec raised-Americans
defeated on the Lakes-Unsuccessful Attempt upon
Charlestown-Preparations against New-York-
Declaration of Independence-Americans defeated
at Long Island-New-York taken-Americans re-
treat to the Jerseys and over the Delaware-Rhode-
Island reduced-General Lee made Prisoner-Hes-
sians cut off at Trenton-British defeated at Prince-
ton
........159
CHAP. XIII.
State of Great Britain in the Summer of 1776-
Meeting of Parliament-Debate on the Proclama-
tion of the American Commissioners - Secession
of the Minority-Habeas Corpus Act suspended-
Fire in Portsmouth Dock-Yard-Shameful Profusion
of Ministers--Debates on the Augmentation of the
Civil-List-Address of the Speaker, Sir F. Norton,
to the King-Censured by Ministry-Dispute with
Holland-Campaign in America-Action on the
Brandywine-Philadelphia taken Battle of Ger-
man Town-American Forts taken-Progress of
General Burgoyne-Ticonderoga evacuated-Brit
ish repulsed at Fort Schuyler-Defeat of Colonel
Baum-Actions at Stillwater, &c.-Surrender of
Burgoyne-Conclusion of the Campaign
..185
CHAP. XIV.
Meeting of the British Parliament-Debates on the
Address-News arrives of Burgoyne's Defeat-De-
bates on that Subject-Lord North's conciliatory
Bills-Alliance between France and America-
Debates on the French War-Ways and Means-
Address for a War with France-Death and Char-
acter of Lord Chatham-Relief of the Trade of
Ireland-To the Roman Catholics-Toulon squad-
ron sails for America-Termination of the Session
-Transactions of the Royal Commissioners in
America-Arrival of D'Estaing-Philadelphia evac
uated-Ambassador from France to America-At-
tempt on Rhode Island-Expedition against East
Florida-Savannah taken by the British-Naval
preparations-Engagement between Keppel and
D'Orvilliers-Trial of Keppel-Trial of Sir H. Pal-
liser
......209
Alarm from the appearance of the combined Fleet
off the Coast-Irish Volunteers- Proceedings of
the Irish Parliament-Depredations of Paul Jones
-Takes the Serapis - Engagement between the
Quebec and Surveillante-Secret Enmity between
the States-General and the English Cabinet-Meet-
ing of Parliament-Debates on the Address-De-
Causes which produced a Rupture with Holland-
Armed Neutrality-Count Byland's Squadron taken
-Capture of Mr. Laurens-Declaration of War-
Affairs of East Indies-Mr. Cornwall chosen Speak-
er-Dutch War-India Affairs-Burke's Reform Bill
-Petition of Delegates from Counties-Bill to re-
peal the Marriage Act-Motion on American War
-Session concluded - Attack upon Jersey-Siege
of Gibraltar-Capture of St. Eustatia-Campaign
in America-Revolt of Pennsylvania Line-Ar
nold's Expedition to Virginia-General Greene ap.
pointed to the command in Carolina-Tarleton de-
feated by Morgan-Masterly Retreat of the Amer-
icans-Battle of Guildford-Lord Cornwallis pro-
ceeds to Virginia-Operations in Virginia-Cap-
ture of Lord Cornwallis-Expedition of Commo
dore Johnstone-Operations in the West Indies-
Tobago taken-St. Eustatia Convoy taken-East
Indies-Hyder Ally defeated-Cheyt Sing-Engage-
ment with the Dutch- Combined Fleets in the
Channel.........
.....269
CHAP. XVIII.
Decline of Lord North's influence-Session of Parlia
ment-King's Speech - Motion against offensive
War with America-Petitions against the War-
Misconduct of Admiralty-General Conway's Mo-
tion against the War-Dissolution of the Ministry
-New Ministry - Popular Measures-Affairs of
Ireland Reform Bills-Minorca taken - French
Fleet in the West Indies defeated by Rodney-Mis-
fortunes of the West India Fleet-Bahamas taken
by the Spaniards-Defeat of Spaniards at Gibraltar
-New Administration.....
.293
CHAP. XIX.
Motives for a general Peace-Preliminaries Signed
with America-With France, Spain, &c.-Meeting
of Parliament-Debates on the Peace-Resolutions
carried against Ministry-Lord Shelburne resigns
-Coalition Ministry-Bill preventing appeals from
Ireland-India Affairs-Pitt's Motion on the Sub-
ject of a Parliamentary Reform-The Quakers pe-
tition the House of Commons against the Slave
Trade-Fox introduces his India Bill-A second
Bill for the internal Government of the British Do-
minions in India-The Bill lost in the House of
Peers Contest between the Crown and Commons
-The Conduct of the High-Bailiff of Westminster
in refusing to return Fox brought before the House
of Commons-Pitt's India Bill-The Commutation
Tax-Bill for the Restoration of the Estates for-
feited in Scotland in 1715 and 1745, passed.....304
CHAP. XX.
Meeting of Parliament - Westminster Scrutiny re-
sumed by the Commons-Parliamentary Reform-
The Shop Tax-The Hawkers' and Pedlars' Tax-
both unjust and oppressive-The Irish Commercial
Propositions passed the Commons-carried to the
Lords-amended by the Lords-returned to the
Commons-finally passed-Reflections on the sys-
tem of Commercial Intercourse held out by the Irish
Propositions Plan of Fortifications submitted to
the House of Commons-Proposal of a Sinking-
Fund-Bill passed-The Civil-List in Arrears —
Burke commences his Charges against Warren
Hastings-Attempt to assassinate the King by
Margaret Nicholson - Treaty of Commerce with
France signed-A Convention with Spain respect-
ing the British Settlements on the Mosquito Shore,
and the Coast of Honduras-Consideration of the
French Commercial Treaty-Embarrassed Circum-
stances of the Prince of Wales - Hastings' Im-
peachment resumed by the Commons-Interference
of the Courts of London and Berlin in the Affairs
of Holland-Meeting of Parliament-The East In-
H