ne
of seventy, four of sixty-six, one of sixty-four, thirty-three of
sixty, three of fifty-four, twenty-eight of fifty, four of forty-four,
thirty-five of forty, and forty-two of twenty, four sloops of war of
eighteen guns each, two of sixteen, eleven of fourteen, thirteen
of twelve, and one of ten, besides a great number of bomb-ketches,
fire-ships, and tenders; a force sufficient to oppose the united
maritime strength of all the powers in Europe; whilst that of the
French, even at the end of this year, and including the ships then
upon the stocks, amounted to no more than six ships of eighty guns,
twenty-one of seventy-four, one of seventy-two, four of seventy,
thirty-one of sixty-four, two of sixty, six of fifty, and thirty-two
frigates.

SESSION OPENED.

Such was the situation of the two kingdoms, when, on the thirteenth of
November, the parliament met, and his majesty opened the session with
a speech from the throne, in which he acquainted them--"That the most
proper measures had been taken to protect our possessions in America,
and to regain such parts thereof as had been encroached upon, or
invaded; that to preserve his people from the calamities of war, as well
as to prevent a general war from being lighted up in Europe, he had been
always ready to accept reasonable and honourable terms of accommodation,
but that none such had been proposed by France; that he had also
confined his views and operations to hinder France from making new
encroachments, or supporting those already made; to exert his people's
right to a satisfaction for hostilities committed in time of profound
peace, and to disappoint such designs, as, from various appearances
and preparations, there was reason to think had been formed against
his kingdoms and dominions; that the king of Spain earnestly wished the
preservation of the public tranquillity, and had given assurances of his
intention to continue in the same pacific sentiments; that he himself
had greatly increased his naval armaments, and augmented his land-forces
in such a manner as might be least burdensome; and, finally, that he
had concluded a treaty with the empress of Russia, and another with the
landgrave of Hesse-Cassel, which should be laid before them."

REMARKABLE ADDRESSES OF BOTH HOUSES.

In answer to this speech, both houses voted most loyal addresses,
but not without a warm opposition, in each, to some of the particular
expressions; for it having been propo