now, that the openness and
dignity of mind which has incited him to declare his opinion with so
much freedom, will induce him likewise to retract it, when he shall be
convinced, that he has been deceived by false representations, or that
he has formed his conclusions too hastily, without an attentive
examination of the question in its whole extent.

I shall, therefore, endeavour to explain the motives upon which all
these measures have been formed which we have heard so warmly
censured; and show, that they were the consequences not of haste and
negligence, but of vigilance and circumspection; that they were formed
upon a deliberate survey of the complicated interests of the European
powers, and dictated not by a partiality to Hanover, but a faithful
attention to the interest of Britain.

It has been already observed by a noble lord, that there was no choice
allowed us; that the state of Europe required that we should not sit
unactive; and that yet there was no other method of acting, by which
we could benefit our allies, or injure our enemies; and that,
therefore, though our interposition had not produced all the effects
which our zeal might incline us to wish, yet our conduct ought not to
be condemned; because, though we did not press forward through the
nearest path to the great object of our pursuit, we exerted our utmost
speed in the only way that was left open. This, my lords, is, in my
opinion, a very just apology; nor do I see, that this vindication can
be confuted or invalidated, otherwise than by showing, that some
different measures, measures equally reasonable, were equally in our
power.

But because the plea of necessity may, perhaps, be evaded; and because
it is, at least, pleasing to discover, that what was necessary was
likewise convenient, I shall endeavour to show, that our measures have
produced already such effects as have sufficiently rewarded our
expenses; and that we may yet reasonably hope, that greater advantages
will arise from them.

There are, indeed, some whom it will not be easy to satisfy, some who
declare not against the manner in which the war is prosecuted, but
against the war itself; who think the power of France too formidable
to be opposed, and the British people too much exhausted or enervated
to hold any longer the balance of the continent.

I have, indeed, my lords, always declared myself of a different
opinion, and have frequently endeavoured to rouse others from a kind
of