ts to the disadvantage
of the ministry. They expressed their apprehension, that the loss of the
important fortress of St. Philip and island of Minorca, possessions
of the utmost consequence to the commerce and naval strength of Great
Britain, without any attempt by timely and effectual succours to prevent
or defeat an attack, after such early notice of the enemy's intentions,
and when his majesty's navy was so evidently superior to theirs, would
be an indelible reproach on the honour of the British nation. They
expatiated upon the imminent danger to which the British possessions in
America were exposed, by the mismanagement and delays which had attended
the defence of those invaluable colonies, the object of the present war,
the principal source of the wealth and strength of these kingdoms. They
lamented the want of a constitutional and well-regulated militia, the
most natural and certain defence against all invaders whatsoever.
They signified their hope, that the authors of the late losses and
disappointments would be detected, and brought to condign punishment;
that his majesty's known intentions of protecting and defending his
subjects in their rights and possessions, might be faithfully
and vigorously carried into execution; and the large supplies, so
necessarily demanded, and so cheerfully granted, might be religiously
applied to the defence of these kingdoms, their colonies, and their
commerce, as well as to the annoyance of their inveterate and perfidious
enemies, the only sure means of obtaining a lasting and honourable
peace. In answer to this address, the king assured them that he would
not fail to do justice upon any persons who should have been wanting in
their duty to him and their country; to enforce obedience and discipline
in his fleets and armies; and to support the authority and respect due
to his government. Remonstrances of the same kind were presented by
different counties and corporations; and the populace clamoured aloud
for inquiry and justice.

TRIAL OF GENERAL FOWKE.

The first victim offered to the enraged multitude was the unfortunate
general Fowke, who had been deputy-governor of Gibraltar, and behaved
with remarkable conduct and integrity in the exercise of that important
office, till that period when he fell under the displeasure of the
government. He was now brought to trial before a board of general
officers, and accused of having disobeyed the orders he had received
from the sec