This was a master-stroke of the Churchman: he knew Lord Kildare did not love the Speaker: yet, being punctilious, the Earl replied, he could not take such a step on his own authority. I have chosen to throw these transactions together, though they took up some months in discussion, lest the reader should be perplexed by the frequent interruption of the narrative. FOOTNOTES: [1] He had formerly written a letter against a Bishop’s sermon, which had carried very high the respect due to that day. [2] Two Papers published weekly by the Opposition against Sir R. Walpole. [3] [St. Michael, Cornwall.] E. CHAPTER II. Commencement of the War with France--War in America--Defeat and Death of General Braddock--Events at Sea--Fears for Hanover--Treaties made there--Dissensions in the Royal Family and in the Ministry--Disunion of Fox and Pitt--Ministers endeavour to procure support in Parliament--Fox made Secretary of State--Resignations and Promotions--Accession of the Bedford Party--Meeting of Parliament--New Opposition of Pitt--Debates on the Treaties--Pitt dismissed--Mr. Fox’s Circular to Members of Parliament--Debates on the number of Seamen. July 15th, came news that three of Admiral Boscawen’s fleet, under the command of Captain Howe, had met, engaged, and taken three French men-of-war. The circumstances of this action were, that the three Frenchmen, on coming up with Howe, had demanded if it was, Peace or war? He replied, he waited for his Admiral’s signal; but advised them to prepare for war. The signal soon appeared for engaging: Howe attacked, and was victorious; but one of the French ships escaped in a fog: nine more were in sight, but, to the great disappointment of England, got safe into the harbour of Louisbourg. The Duke de Mirepoix had still remained in England, writing letters to his Court of our pacific disposition. The Duke of Newcastle, having nobody left at home undeceived, had applied himself to deceive this Minister; and had succeeded. On this hostile action, Monsieur de Mirepoix departed abruptly, without taking leave, and suffered a temporary disgrace at his own Court for his credulity. The Abbé de Bussy, formerly resident here, had been sent after the King to Hanover, with the civilest message that they had hitherto vouchsafed to dictate. Two days after he had delivered it, a courier was dispatched in haste to prevent it, and to recall him, upon the notice of our capture of the two French ships. _They_ had meditated the war; _we_ began it. They affected to call us pirates; their King was made to say, “_Je ne pardonnerai pas les pirateries de cette insolente nation_.” The point was tender, as we had at least prepared no alliances to give strength to such alertness. However, the stroke was struck; and it was deemed policy to follow up the blow. The Martinico fleet was returning: it occasioned great Debates in the Council, whether this too was not to be attacked; but the danger of giving pretence