Walpole was at that time prime minister, and, although essentially a man of peace, he found it impossible to stem the tide, and public sentiment compelled him to declare war against Spain. This war, however, was productive of but little result one way or the other. But before long another struggle ensued, which was far more reaching in its consequences. In 1756, what is known in history as the Seven Years War, broke out. This seems to have been a mere struggle for territory, and, besides a duel between France and England, involved Austria, with its allies, France, Russia and the German princes against the new kingdom of Prussia. This naturally led to an alliance between England and Prussia. Towards the end of the war, early in 1762, hostilities were declared against Spain. An English fleet and army, under Lord Albemarle, were sent to Cuba. The former consisted of more than two hundred vessels of all classes, and the latter of fourteen thousand and forty-one men. The opposing Spanish force numbered twenty-seven thousand six hundred and ten men. With the English, were a large number of Americans, some of whom figured later more or less prominently in the war of the Revolution. Israel Putnam, the hero of the breakneck ride at Horseneck, and General Lyman, under whom Putnam eventually served, were among these, as was also Lawrence Washington, a brother of "The Father of His Country." By the way, the American loss in Cuba during this campaign was heavy. Very few, either officers or men, ever returned home. Most of those who were spared by the Spanish bullets succumbed to the rigors of the tropical climate, to which they were unaccustomed and ill-prepared for. May this experience of our forefathers in the last century not be repeated in the persons of our brothers of the present! The defense of Havana was excessively obstinate, and the Cuban volunteers covered themselves with glory. But, in spite of the superior force of the Spanish, the English were finally successful. Taking all things into consideration, it was a wonderful feat of arms, one of which only the Anglo-Saxon race is capable. Nevertheless, it was only after a prolonged struggle that the victory was complete. At last, on the 30th of July, Morro Castle surrendered, and about two weeks afterward, the city of Havana capitulated. The spoil divided among the captors amounted to about four million seven hundred thousand dollars. The English remained in possession of Cuba for something like six mouths, and during that time instituted many important and far-reaching reforms, so much so in fact that when the Spaniards regained possession, they found it very difficult to re-establish their former restrictive and tyrannous system.