sed with general promises
of sending such instructions to the French governor in America, as
should anticipate any cause of complaint for the future; but, far from
having any intention to perform these promises, the court of Versailles,
without all doubt, exhorted la Jonquire to proceed in bringing its
ambitious schemes to perfection.

SESSION OPENED.

Every incident in America seemed to prognosticate war, when the session
of parliament was opened on the fifteenth day of November; yet his
majesty, on this occasion, told them that the events of the year had
not made it necessary for him to offer any thing in particular to their
consideration relating to foreign affairs. He even declared that the
continuance of the public tranquillity, and the general state of Europe,
remained upon the same footing as when they last parted; and assured
them of his steadiness in pursuing the most effectual measures to
preserve to his people the blessings of peace. He expressed uncommon
concern that the horrid crimes of robbery and murder were of late rather
increased than diminished, and earnestly recommended this important
object to their serious attention. Affectionate addresses were
presented by both houses in answer to this harangue; and, what was very
remarkable, they were proposed and passed without question or debate.

The commons continued the same number of seamen and land-forces for
the ensuing year, which had been granted in the last session, and made
suitable provision for all the exigences of the state. The whole supply
amounted to two millions seven hundred and ninety-seven thousand nine
hundred and sixteen pounds, ten shillings and twopence, to be raised by
a land-tax of two shillings in the pound, a malt-tax, a continuation of
certain duties on wine, vinegar, cider, and beer imported, a sum taken
from the sinking-fund, and the overplus of certain grants, funds, and
duties. The provisions made considerably exceeded the grants; but this
excess was chargeable with the interest of what should be borrowed upon
the credit in the land or malt-tax, there being a clause of credit in
both, as also with the deficiency (if any should happen) in the sums
they were computed to produce. The house agreed to all these resolutions
almost unanimously; indeed, no opposition was made to any of them, but
that for continuing the same number of land-forces, which was carried by
a great majority.

{GEORGE II. 1727-1760}

REPEAL OF