The Government was determined to do nothing by halves, and, as the law of nations had not yet condemned the practice, they (on the 12th February) caused to be issued, by the Admiralty, letters of marque,[1] and reprisals against the French shipping--whilst pressgangs scoured the streets and boarded all vessels for seamen. As, for instance (16th February), "A press broke out in the river yesterday morning, all the seamen were taken from the colliers, and the gangs were very successful." And every means were taken to get sailors to volunteer, vide the following extract out of a letter from Rochester, 15th February:--"Three guineas are given to an able-bodied seaman, two guineas to an ordinary seaman, and one guinea to a landsman (above the King's bounty), to those who shall enter within a month in this city; being the voluntary generosity of the Mayor and corporation here." And this example was followed by many other corporations. [Footnote 1: Power, license, or extraordinary commission, granted by a State to its subjects, to make reprisals at sea on the subjects of another, under pretence of indemnification for injuries received.] War being declared, preparations for it were carried on with the utmost vigour. The Duke of York, colonel of the Guards (afterwards on 12th April made general), addressed the three regiments on parade, told them that he would accompany them to Holland, and asked for volunteers. This met with an unanimous response, but the number required being limited, such men, only, were selected, who were judged fittest for the service, and they started on their expedition on 25th February, after having been inspected by the King. It is no part of the scheme of this book to follow the fortunes of the war, and, as there is little else noteworthy in the year 1793, we pass to the next year. * * * * * On the 22nd February, 1794, His Majesty sent a message to Parliament, calling attention to the expediency of increasing the land forces, and, consequently, a large increase in the militia, and an addition to the fencible corps, were voted, and the Secretary of State sent a circular to all the Lords-lieutenant of Counties, recommending them to solicit voluntary contributions towards carrying on the war.