on
reposed the most unbounded confidence in the courage and discretion,
as well as in the integrity of the minister, who seemed eager upon
prosecuting the war with such vigour and activity as appeared almost
unexampled in the annals of Great Britain. New levies were made,
new ships put in commission, fresh expeditions undertaken, and fresh
conquests projected. Such was the credit of the administration, that
people subscribed to the government loans with surprising eagerness. An
unusual spirit of enterprise and resolution seemed to inspire all the
individuals that constituted the army and navy; and the passion for
military fame diffused itself through all ranks in the civil departments
of life, even to the very dregs of the populace; such a remarkable
change from indolence to activity, from indifference to zeal, from
timorous caution to fearless execution, was effected by the influence
and example of an intelligent and intrepid minister, who, chagrined at
the inactivity and disgraces of the preceding campaign, had on a very
solemn occasion, lately declared his belief that there was a determined
resolution, both in the naval and military commanders, against any
vigorous exertion of the national power in the service of the country.
He affirmed, that though his majesty appeared ready to embrace every
measure proposed by his ministers for the honour and interest of
his British dominions, yet scarce a man could be found with whom the
execution of any one plan in which there was the least appearance of
any danger could with confidence be trusted. He particularised the
inactivity of one general in North America, from whose abilities
and personal bravery the nation had conceived great expectations;
he complained, that this noble commander had expressed the most
contemptuous disregard for the civil power, from which he derived his
authority, by neglecting to transmit, for a considerable length of time,
any other advice of his proceedings but what appeared on a written scrap
of paper; he observed, that with a force by land and sea greater than
ever the nation had heretofore maintained, with a king and ministry
ardently desirous of redeeming her glory, succouring her allies,
and promoting her true interest, a shameful dislike to the service
everywhere prevailed, and few seemed affected with any other zeal
than that of aspiring to the highest posts, and grasping the largest
salaries. The censure levelled at the commander in America w