France, having but little occupation for her armies, turned her attention to England and matured arrangements on a scale of surpassing magnitude for its invasion. In this country all ranks and orders of men were affected by the threat; and such was the spirit of military ardour it induced, that corps of volunteers were rapidly embodied to meet the exigency of the times. Throughout the kingdom the wealthy contributed largely to assist the measures for defence; and the army, influenced by the popular feeling, joined in the demonstration and tendered subscriptions to the Government to aid in the realization of its purposes. The corps of military artificers also, prompted as well by a desire to relieve the general burden of the nation as from gratitude to the King for the recent addition to their pay, gave, in February, a contribution of three days' pay to the Treasury, to be applied as should be considered best for the defence of the state.[106] In acknowledging the letter conveying the gift, General Morse, the Colonel-Commandant, writes under date of 13th February, “their loyal and laudable offer has afforded me great satisfaction.” ----- Footnote 106: The following is a copy of the letter of the Woolwich company, offering the contribution above alluded to:— _Woolwich, 12th February, 1798_. SIR, At a time when the exigencies of the State appear to require the assistance of every good subject to alleviate the general burden our fellow-subjects bear, it is the unanimous wish of the non-commissioned officers, artificers, and labourers of the corps of Royal Military Artificers, &c., at this place, to manifest the gratitude they owe their King and country for the late increase of pay, as well as their attachment to His Majesty’s person and government, and their zeal for the service in which the country is engaged, by offering a contribution of three days' pay, to be applied as may be thought best to the defence of the State. We request you will be pleased to lay this our wish before the Colonel Commandant of the corps for his approbation. Signed on behalf of the artificers and labourers, &c., of the corps of Royal Military Artificers, &c., at Woolwich, and with their unanimous consent. THOS. FORTUNE, Sergeant-major.[106a] JAMES DOUGLAS, } JOHN LEVICK, } Sergeants. EDWARD WATSON, } ROBT. HUTCHINSON, } Corporals. JOHN YOUNG, } BENJ. ROBERTS, } WILLIAM BAIN, } Lance-Corporals. HUGH KINNAIRD, } Captain CHARLES HOLLOWAY, Commanding the Royal Military Artificers, &c., at Woolwich. Footnote 106a: