ur in the administration. The defeat of
Braddock, the reduction of Oswego, and other forts in America, the delay
of armaments, the neglect of opportunities, ineffectual cruises, absurd
dispositions of fleets and squadrons, the disgrace in the Mediterranean,
and the loss of Minorca, were numbered among the misfortunes that flowed
from the crude designs of a weak dispirited ministry; and the prospect
of their acquiescing in a continental war brought them still farther
in contempt and detestation with the body of the people. In order to
conciliate the good-will of those whom their conduct had disobliged, to
acquire a fresh stock of credit with their fellow-subjects, and remove
from their own shoulders part of what future censure might ensue, they
admitted into a share of the administration a certain set of gentlemen,
remarkable for their talents and popularity, headed by Mr. Pitt and
Mr. Legge, esteemed the two most illustrious patriots of Great Britain,
alike distinguished and admired for their unconquerable spirit and
untainted integrity. The former of these was appointed secretary of
state, and the other chancellor of the exchequer; and their friends were
vested with other honourable though subordinate offices.

So far the people were charmed with the promotion of individuals, upon
whose virtues and abilities they had the most perfect reliance; but
these new ingredients would never thoroughly mix with the old leaven.
The administration became an emblem of the image that Nebuchadnezzar
saw in his dream, the leg was of iron, and the foot was of clay. The
old junta found their new associates very unfit for their purposes. They
could neither persuade, cajole, nor intimidate them into measures which
they thought repugnant to the true interest of their country. The new
ministers combated in council every such plan, however patronised; they
openly opposed in parliament every design which they deemed unworthy of
the crown, or prejudicial to the people, even though distinguished by
the predilection of the sovereign. Far from bargaining for their places,
and surrendering their principles by capitulation, they maintained
in office their independency and candour with the most vigilant
circumspection, and seemed determined to show, that he is the best
minister to the sovereign who acts with the greatest probity towards the
subject. Those who immediately surrounded the throne were supposed to
have concealed the true characters of thes