to persist in their depredations, and
encouraged the court of Madrid to disregard the remonstrances of the
British ambassador. But this apprehension of war did not proceed from
Spain only; the two branches of the house of Bourbon were now united by
politics, as well as by consanguinity; and he did not doubt that in
case of a rupture with Spain, they would join their forces against
Great Britain. Petitions were delivered to the house by merchants from
different parts of the kingdom, explaining the repeated violences to
which they had been exposed, and imploring relief of the parliament.
These were referred to a committee of the whole house; and an order was
made to admit the petitioners, if they should think fit, to be heard by
themselves or by counsel. Sir John Barnard moved for an address to
the king, that all the memorials and papers relating to the Spanish
depredations should be laid before the house; and this, with some
alteration proposed by sir Robert Walpole, was actually presented.
In compliance with the request, an enormous multitude of letters and
memorials was produced.

The house, in a grand committee, proceeded to hear counsel for the
merchants, and examine evidence; by which it appeared that amazing acts
of wanton cruelty and injustice had been perpetrated by Spaniards on
the subjects of Great Britain. Mr. Pulteney expatiated upon these
circumstances of barbarity. He demonstrated, from treaties, the right
of the British traders to the logwood of Campeachy, and to the salt of
Tortugas; he exposed the pusillanimity of the minister, and the futility
of his negotiations; he moved for such resolutions as would evince the
resentment of an injured nation, and the vigour of a British parliament.
These were warmly combated by sir Robert Walpole, who affirmed, that
they would cramp the ministers in their endeavours to compromise these
differences; that they would frustrate their negotiations, intrench upon
the king's prerogative, and precipitate the nation into an unnecessary
and expensive war. Answers produced replies, and a general debate
ensued. A resolution was reported; but the question being put for
recommitting it, was carried in the negative. The house, however, agreed
to an address, beseeching his majesty to use his endeavours to obtain
effectual relief for his injured subjects, to convince the court of
Spain that his majesty could no longer suffer such constant and repeated
insults and injuries to be carr