rsued? why the descent had not been made? and why
the trade had not been better protected from the enemy's cruisers? The
admiral having justified his own conduct, they commanded the lords of
the admiralty to produce copies of all the letters and orders which had
been sent to the admiral; they ordered Russel to lay before them his
answers; and the commissioners of the transports, victuallers, and
office of ordnance, to deliver in an account of their proceedings. They
then presented addresses to the king and queen, acknowledging the favour
of God in restoring him to his people; congratulating him upon his
deliverance from the snares of his open and secret enemies; and assuring
him they would, according to his majesty's desire in his most gracious
speech, be always ready to advise and assist him in the support of
his government. The queen was thanked for her gracious and prudent
administration during his majesty's absence; they congratulated her on
their signal deliverance from a bold and cruel design formed for their
destruction, as well as on the glorious victory which her fleet had
gained; and they assured her that the grateful sense they had of their
happiness under her government, should always be manifested in constant
returns of duty and obedience.

After this formal compliment, the house, instead of proceeding to the
supplies, insisted upon perusing the treaties, public accounts, and
estimates, that they might be in a condition to advise as well as to
assist his majesty. Being indulged with those papers, they passed a
previous vote that a supply should be given; then they began to concert
their articles of advice. Some of the members loudly complained of
partiality to foreign generals, and particularly reflected upon the
insolence of count Solmes, and his misconduct at Steenkirk. After some
warm altercation, the house resolved one article of their advice should
be, that his majesty would be pleased to fill up the vacancies that
should happen among the general officers, with such only as were natives
of his dominions, and that the commander-in-chief of the English should
be an Englishman. Their next resolution implied, that many of the great
affairs of the government having been for some time past unsuccessfully
managed, the house should advise his majesty to prevent such mischiefs
for the future, by employing men of knowledge, ability, and integrity.
Individual members inveighed bitterly against cabinet councils, as