ections for erecting batteries, with proper cover, on the sides
of the said harbour, in the most convenient places for guarding the
entrance called Hubber-stone-road, and also such other fortifications
as might be necessary to secure the interior parts of the harbour, and
that, until such batteries and fortifications could be completed, some
temporary defence might be provided for the immediate protection of the
ships and vessels lying in the said harbour; finally, they assured him
the house would make good to his majesty all such expenses as should be
incurred for these purposes. The address met with a gracious reception,
and a promise that such directions should be given. The harbour was
actually surveyed, the places were pitched upon for batteries, and the
estimates prepared, but no further progress hath since been made.

SESSION CLOSED.

We have now finished the detail of all the material transactions of
this session, except what relates to the fate of admiral Byng, which
now claims our attention. In the meantime, we may observe, that on the
fourth day of July the session was closed with his majesty's harangue,
the most remarkable and pleasing paragraph of which turned upon his
royal assurance, that the succour and preservation of his dominions in
America had been his constant care, and, next to the security of his
kingdoms, should continue to be his great and principal object. He told
them he had taken such measures as, he trusted, by the blessing of God,
might effectually disappoint the designs of the enemy in those parts;
that he had no further view but to vindicate the just rights of his
crown and subjects from the most injurious encroachments; to preserve
tranquillity, as far as the circumstances of things might admit; to
prevent the true friends of Britain, and the liberties of Europe,
from being oppressed and endangered by any unprovoked and unnatural
conjunction.

[Illustration: 400.jpg PORTSMOUTH HARBOUR]

TRIAL OF ADMIRAL BYNG.

Of all the transactions that distinguished this year, the most
extraordinary was the sentence executed on admiral Byng, the son of that
great officer who had acquired such honour by his naval exploits in the
preceding reign, and was ennobled for his services by the title of lord
viscount Torrington. His second son, John Byng, had from his earliest
youth been trained to his father's profession; and was generally
esteemed one of the best officers in the navy, when he