rmies, votes of credit, and foreign
connexions, upon which he had so often expatiated, were now forgotten or
overlooked. He saw nothing but glory, conquest, or acquired dominion. He
set the power of France at defiance; and as if Great Britain had felt no
distress, but teemed with treasure which she could not otherwise
employ, he poured forth her millions with a rash and desperate hand, in
purchasing beggarly allies, and maintaining mercenary armies. The earl
of Stair had arrived in England towards the end of August, and conferred
with his majesty. A privy-council was summoned; and in a few days that
nobleman returned to Holland. Lord Carteret was sent with a commission
to the Hague in September; and when he returned, the baggage of the king
and the duke of Cumberland, which had been shipped for Flanders, was
ordered to be brought on shore. The parliament met on the sixteenth
day of November, when his majesty told them, that he had augmented the
British forces in the low countries with sixteen thousand Hanoverians
and the Hessian auxiliaries, in order to form such a force, in
conjunction with the Austrian troops, as might be of service to the
common cause at all events. He extolled the magnanimity and fortitude
of the queen of Hungary, as well as the resolute conduct of the king of
Sardinia, and that prince's strict adherence to his engagements, though
attacked in his own dominions. He mentioned the requisition made by
Sweden, of his good offices for procuring a peace between that nation
and Eussia; the defensive alliances which he had concluded with the
czarina, and with the king of Prussia; as events which could not have
been expected, if Great Britain had not manifested a seasonable spirit
and vigour in defence and assistance of her ancient allies, and in
maintaining the liberties of Europe. He said the honour and interest
of his crown and kingdoms, the success of the war with Spain, the
re-establishment of the balance and tranquillity of Europe, would
greatly depend on the prudence and vigour of their resolution. The
marquis of Tweedale moved for an address of thanks, which was opposed
by the earl of Chesterfield, for the reasons so often urged on the same
occasion; but supported by lord Carteret on his new-adopted maxims, with
those specious arguments which he could at all times produce, delivered
with amazing serenity and assurance. The motion was agreed to, and the
address presented to his majesty. About this period