d, that the
king approved of their conduct, and returned them his thanks for their
condescension; that the hopes he had conceived of their surmounting the
difficulties which lay in the way, were founded on the wisdom, zeal, and
affection of so good a parliament, and that his expectations were
fully answered; that they had considered the war in all its parts,
and notwithstanding its long continuance, through the obstinacy of the
enemy, had made such provision for the many different operations as
ought to convince the adversaries of Great Britain, that it would be
for their interest, as well as for the ease and relief of all Europe, to
embrace equitable and honourable terms of accommodation. They were
told that, by their assistance, the combined army in Germany had
been completed; powerful squadrons, as well as numerous bodies of
land-forces, were employed in America, in order to maintain the British
rights and possessions, and annoy the enemy in the most sensible maimer
in that country: that, as France was making considerable preparations in
her different ports, he had taken care to put his fleet at home in the
best condition, both of strength and situation, to guard against and
repel any attempts that might be meditated against his kingdoms: that
all his measures had been directed to assert the honour of his crown;
to preserve the essential interests of his faithful subjects; to support
the cause of the protestant religion, and public liberty: he therefore
trusted that the uprightness of his intentions would draw down the
blessing of heaven upon his endeavours. He expressed his hope, that the
precautions they had taken to prevent and correct the excesses of the
privateers would produce the desired effect: a consideration which the
king had much at heart; for, though sensible of the utility of that
service, when under proper regulations, he was determined to do his
utmost to prevent any injuries or hardships which might be sustained
by the subjects of neutral powers, as far as might be practicable and
consistent with his majesty's just right to hinder the trade of his
enemies from being collusively and fraudulently covered. He not only
thanked the commons, but applauded the firmness and vigour with
which they had acted, as well as their prudence in judging, that
notwithstanding the present burdens, the making ample provision for
carrying on the war was the most probable means to bring it to an
honourable and happy conclus