The recapitulation of many speeches may perhaps weary the reader, but, in equity, he must remember that at this period at least it was essential to detail them. When Mr. Pitt was driven from the management of the war, he existed as a public man; but in his speeches and past services, his own defence of his measures was necessary from his own mouth. Libels on libels were published against him, and he wrote none. I am sensible that I do not do justice to his arguments, and less to his eloquence; but what I give was faithfully taken from his own mouth in the House of Commons; and unless better transcripts appear, this rude sketch may be welcome to posterity. No flattery is intended to him. When I thought him blameable, I have marked it, as will appear hereafter, with the same impartiality. The debates, too, of a free nation, arrived at the summit of its glory, may be worthy the attention of future times. Our descendants will see what their ancestors were in arms and eloquence, and what liberty they enjoyed of discussing their own interests. Grant, Heaven, they may not read it with a sigh; reading it in bondage and ignominy! CHAPTER VIII. Mr. Pitt’s Enemies.--Debates in Parliament on the German war, and on our Affairs with Spain.--Speeches of the leading Members.--Mr. Pitt’s Defence of himself.--Colonel Barré’s insulting conduct to Mr. Pitt.--Libellous Pamphlets against that Statesman, by the Rev. Philip Francis.--Justification of Mr. Pitt’s Measures.--Family compact between France and Spain.--Portugal invaded by Charles the Third of Spain.--The Queen’s desire that her Brother should come to England.--Pratt compelled to be Chief Justice of the Common Pleas.--Lord Hardwicke and his Son. Mr. Pitt’s enemies did not content themselves with traducing him in pamphlets and satires. A deeper blow was meditated, which, though not carried to the extent which the projectors hoped, could not but wound his mind, and did to a degree lower him in the opinion of some men, though the brutality with which it was conceived and executed, raised almost general indignation. I will just touch the surprize it wrought on me, which may convey some idea of what effect it must have had on others.