had no other shelter but that of shrinking under the extended shield
of Great Britain: that the reluctance expressed by the German princes to
undertake the defence of these dominions, flowed from a firm persuasion,
founded on experience, that England would interpose as a principal,
and not only draw her sword against the enemies of the electorate, but
concentrate her chief strength in that object, and waste her treasures
in purchasing their concurrence; that exclusive of an ample revenue
drained from the sweat of the people, great part of which had been
expended in continental efforts, the whole national debt incurred, since
the accession of the late king, had been contracted in pursuance of
measures totally foreign to the interest of these kingdoms: that, since
Hanover was the favourite object, England would save money, and great
quantities of British blood, by allowing France to take possession of
the electorate, paying its ransom at the peace, and indemnifying the
inhabitants for the damage they might sustain; an expedient that would
be productive of another good consequence, it would rouse the German
princes from their affected indifference, and oblige them to exert
themselves with vigour, in order to avoid the detested neighbourhood of
such an enterprising invader.

MESSAGES FROM THE KING TO THE PARLIAMENT.

The article of the supply relating to the army of observation, took rise
from a message signed by his majesty, and presented by Mr. Pitt, now
promoted to the office of principal secretary of state; a gentleman who
had, upon sundry occasions, combated the gigantic plan of continental
connexions with all the strength of reason, and all the powers of
eloquence. He now imparted to the house an intimation, importing, it was
always with reluctance that his majesty asked extraordinary supplies of
his people; but as the united councils, and formidable preparations
of France and her allies threatened Europe in general with the most
alarming consequence; and as these unjust and vindictive designs were
particularly and immediately bent against his majesty's electoral
dominions, and those of his good ally the king of Prussia, his majesty
confided in the experienced zeal and affection of his faithful commons,
that they would cheerfully assist him in forming and maintaining an army
of observation, for the just and necessary defence and preservation of
those territories, and enable him to fulfil his engagements with his