[265] "H. O.," Mil., 455. Fortescue (iv, 175) vehemently censures Henry Dundas, but I think without sufficient ground. The letters of David Dundas called for reproof. See Mr. Oscar Browning's "Youth of Napoleon" (App. iv). [266] Pitt MSS., 331; "H. O.," Mil., 455. [267] "Dropmore P.," ii, 476, 477; "Mems. of Sir G. Elliot," ii, 198. [268] Admiralty. Out Letters, xiii. [269] "H. O.," Mil., 455. [270] "H. O.," Adm. Medit., 1794. [271] "F. O.," Austria, 36. Grenville to Eden, 3rd January 1794. [272] Pellew, "Sidmouth," i, 112. [273] "Dropmore P.," ii, 438. CHAPTER VII THE BRITISH JACOBINS The much better way doubtless will be, in this wavering condition of our affairs, to defer the changing or circumscribing of our Senate more than may be done with ease till the Commonwealth be thoroughly settled in peace and safety.--MILTON, _A Free Commonwealth_. But cease, ye fleecing Senators Your country to undo, Or know, we British _sans-culottes_ Hereafter may fleece you. THELWALL, _A Shearing Song_. The outbreak of hostilities often tends to embitter the strife of parties. Those who oppose war find abundant cause for criticism in the conduct of Ministers, who in their turn perforce adopt measures alien to the traditions of Westminster. A system founded on compromise cannot suddenly take on the ways of a military State; and efforts in this direction generally produce more friction than activity. At such times John Bull, flurried and angry, short-sighted but opinionated, bewildered but dogged as ever, is a sight to move the gods to laughter and his counsellors to despair.