under convoy of sir Chaloner Ogle, with a fleet of seren. und-twenty ships of the line, besides fr gate, fire-shi. 8, bomb-ketches, and tenders. They were likewise furnished with hospital ships and store ships, laden with These were assisted almost in their own despite. The diary habitations of the widow, the fi heless, and the unfor one were visited by the Leneficent, who felt for the woes of their fellow-creatures; and to such as refused to receive a portion of the public charity, the neces-provisions, ammunition, all sorts of warlike implements, saries of life were privately conveyed, in such a manner as could least shock the delicacy of their dispositions. MARRIAGE OF THE PRINCESS MARY TO THE and every kind of convenience. Never was an arma ment more completely equipped, and never had the nation more reason to hope for extraordinary success. DEATH OF THE EMPEROR AND CZARINA. On the twentieth day of October, Charles VI., emperor of Germany, the last prince of the house of Austria, died at Vienna, and was succeeded in his hereditary dominions by his eldest daughter, the archduchess Maria Theresa, married to the grand duke of Tuscany. Though this princess succeeded as queen of Hungry, by virtue of the pragmatic sanction guaranteed by all the powers in Europe, her succession produced such contests as kindled a cruel war in the empire. The young king of Prussia was no sooner informed of the emperor's death, than he entered Silesia at the head of twenty thous and men; seized certain fiefs to which his family laid elim; and published a manifesto, declaring that he had no intention to contravene the pragmatic sanction. The elector of Bavaria refused to acknowledge the archduchess as queen of Hungary and Bohemia; alleging, In the beginning of May, the king of Great Britain set out for Hanover, after having appointed a regency, ani concerted vigorous mesures for distressing the enemy. In a few days after his departure, the spousels of the princess Mary were celebrated by proxy, the duke of Cumberland representing the prince of Hesse, and in June the princess embarked for the continent. About the same time, a sloop arrived in England with despitches from admiral Vernon, who, since his adventure at Porto Beilo, hd bombardel Carthagen, and taken the fort of San Lorenzo, on the river of Chagre, in the neighbourhood of his former conquest. This month wis likewise marked by the death of his Prussian majesty, a prince by no means remarkable for great or ariable qualities. He was succeeded on the throne by Fre lerick his eldest son, the late king of that realm, who his so eminently distinguished himself as a war-that he himself had pretensions to those countries, as rior and legislator. In August, the king of Great Britain concluded a treaty with the indgrave of Hesse. who engaged to furnish him with a boly of six thousand men for four years, in consideration of an annual subsidy of two hundred and fifty thousand crowns. STRONG ARMAMENT SENT TO THE WEST the descendant of the emperor Ferdinand I., who was head of the German branch of the house of Austria. Charles VI. was survived but a few days by his ally, the czarina Anne Iwanowna, who died in the forty-fifth year of her age, after having bequeathed her crown to Iwan, or John, the infant son of her niece, the princess Anne of Mecklenburgh, who had been married to Anthony Ulrick, duke of Prunswick Lunenberg-Levern. She appointed the duke of Courland regent of the cmpire, and even guardian of the young czar, though his own parents were alive; but this disposition was not long inaintained. PROCEEDINGS IN PARLIAMENT. Meanwhile, preparations of war were vigorously carried on by the ministry in England. They had wisely resolved to annoy the Spaniards in their American posFessions. Three ships of war, cruising in the bay of Biscay, fell in with a large Spanish ship of the line, strongly manned, and took her after a very obstinate engagement; but the Assogue ships arrived with the The king of Great Britain having returned to Engtreasure in Spain, notwithstanding the vigilance of the land from his German dominions, the session of parlia English commanders, who were stationed in a certain ment was opened in November. His majesty assured title to intercept that flota. One camp was formed them, on this occasion, that he was determined to proen Hounslow-heath; and six thousand marines lately secute the war vigorously, even though France should leviel were encamped on the Isle of Wight, in order to espouse the cause of Spain, as her late conduct seemed be embarked for the West Indies. Intelligence being to favour this supposition. He took notice of the em recsivel that a strong squadron of Spanish ships of war reror's death, as an event which in all likelihood would waited at Ferrol for orders to sail to their American open a new scene of affairs in Europe; he therefore resettlements, sir John Norris sa lel with a powerful fleet commended to their consideration the necessary supples from Spithead to dispute their voyage; and the duke of for putting the nation in such a posture that it shou'd Cumberland serve l in person as a volunteer in this ex- have nothing to fear from any emergency. Finally, he pe lition; but, after divers fruitless efforts, he was, by desired them to consider of some proper regulations for contrary winds, obliged to lie inactive for the greatest preventing the exportation of corn, and for more effecpart of the summer in Torbay; and, upon advice that tual methods to man the fleet at this conjuncture. The the French and Spanish squadrons had sailed to the commons, after having voted an address of thanks, West Indies in conjunction, the design against Ferrol brought in a bill for prohibiting the exportation of corn was wholly laid aside. In September, a small squadron and provisions, for a limited time, out of Great Britain, of ships, commanded by commodore Anson, set sail for Ireland, and the American plantations. This was a the South-Sea, in order to act against the enemy on the measure calculated to distress the enemy, who were cost of Chili and Peru, and co-operate occasionally with supposed to be in want of these necessaries. The French edmiral Vernon across the isthmus of Darien. The had contracted for a very large quantity of beef and scheme was well lid, but ruined by unnecessary delays pork in Ireland, for the use of their own and the Spanish ond unforeseen accidents. But the hopes of the nation navy; and an embargo had been laid upon the ships of centered chiefly in a formi lable armament designed for that kingdom. The bill met with a vigorous opposi the northern cost of new Spain, an his etholic ma- tion; yet the house unanimously resolved that his majesty's other settlements on thit side of the Atlantic. jesty should be addressed to lay an immediate embugg Commissions had been issue for raising a regiment of upon all ships laden with corn, grain, starch, rice, beef, four battalions in the English colonies of North America, pork, and other provisions, to be exported to foreign that they might be transported to Jamaica, and join the parts. They likewise resolved that the thanks of the forces from Englan These, consisting of the marmes house shoull be given to vice-admiral Vernon, for the and detachments from some old regiments, were em- services he had done to his king and country in the barked in October at the Isle of Wight, under the com- West Indies. One William Cooley was examined a te mand of lord Cath art, a nobleman of approve l honour, bar of the hon e, and committed to prism, aster having and great expaicuco in the art of war; and they sailed owned himself author of a paper, int.tuled, “(o wideraVOL. 11. tions upon the Embargo on Provision of Victual." The without any interruption from admiral IIaddock, who performance contained many shrewd and severe anim- | commanded the British squadron in the Mediterrancan, adversions upon the government, for having taken a step which, without answering the purpose of distressing the enemy, would prove a grievous discouragement to trade, and ruin all the graziers of Ireland. Notwithstanding the arguments used in this remonstrance, and several petitions that were presented against the cornbill, it passed by mere dint of ministerial influence. The other party endeavoured, by various motions, to set on foot an inquiry into the orders, letters, and instructions, which had been sent to admiral Vernon and admiral Haddock; but all such investigations were carefully avoided. and who was supposed to be restricted by the instruc tions he had received from the ministry, though in fact his want of success was owing to accident. Admiral Vernon had written from the West Indies to his private friends, that he was neglec ́ed, and in danger of being sacrificed. Notwithstanding the numerous navy which the nation maintained, the Spanish privateers made prize of the British merchant ships with impunity. In violation of treaties, and in contempt of that intimate connexion which had been so long cultivated between the French and English ministry, the king of France had ordered the harbour and fortifications of Dunkirk to be repaired; his fleet had sailed to the West Indies in conjunction with that of Spain; and the merchants of England began to tremble for Jamaica; finally, commerce was in a manner suspended, by the practice of pressing sailors into the service, and by the embargo which had been laid upon ships in all the ports of Great Britain and Ireland. These causes of popular discontent, added to other complaints which had been so long repeated against the minister, exaggerated and inculcated by his enemies with unwearied industry, at length rendered him so universally odious, that his name was seldom or never mentioned with decency, except by his own dependents. MOTION FOR REMOVING SIR R. WALPOLE FROM HIS MAJESTY'S COUNCILS. A very hot contest arose from a bill which the ministry brought in, under the specious title of, A bill for the encouragement and increase of seamen, and for the better and speedier manning his majesty's fleet. This was a revival of the oppressive scheme which had been rejected in the former session; a scheme by which the justices of the peace were empowered to issue warrants to constables and head-boroughs, to search by day or night for such seafaring men as should conceal themselves within their respective jurisdictions. These searchers were vested with authority to force open doors in case of resistance; and encouraged to this violence by a reward for every seaman they should discover; while the unhappy wretches so discovered were dragged into the service, and their names entered in a register to be kept at the navy or the admiralty-office. Such a plan of tyranny did not pass uncensured. Every exceptionable clause produced a warm debate, in which The country party in parliament seized this opporsir John Barnard, Mr. Pulteney, Mr. Sandys, lord Gage, | tunity of vengeance. Mr. Sandys went up to sir RoMr. Pitt, and Mr. Lyttelton, signalized themselves nobly bert Walpole in the house, and told him, that on Friday in defending the liberties of their fellow-subjects. Mr. next he should bring a charge against him in public. Pitt having expressed a laudable indignation at such a The minister seemed to be surprised at this unexpected large stride towards despotic power, in justification of intimation; but, after a short pause, thanked him politely which nothing could be urged but the plea of necessity, for this previous notice, and said he desired no favour, Mr. Horatio Walpole thought proper to attack him with but fair play.* Mr. Sandys, at the time which he had some personal sarcasms. He reflected upon his youth; appointed for this accusation, stood up, and in a studied and observed that the discovery of truth was very little speech entered into a long deduction of the minister's promoted by pompous diction and theatrical emotion. misconduct. He insisted upon the discontents of the These insinuations exposed him to a severe reply. Mr. nation, in consequence of the measures which had been Pitt standing up again, said, "He would not undertake for many years pursued at home and abroad. He proto determine whether youth could be justly imputed to fessed his belief that there was not a gentleman in the any man as a reproach; but he affirmed that the wretch, house who did not know that one single person in the who, after having seen the consequences of repeated administration was the chief, if not the sole adviser and errors, continues still to blunder, and whose age has promoter of al! those measures. "This," added he, "is only added obstinacy to stupidity, is surely the object of known without doors, as well as within; therefore, the either abhorrence or contempt, and deserves not that his discontents, the reproaches, and even the curses of the grey head should secure him from insults; much more people, are all directed against that single person. They is he to be abhorred, who, as he has advanced in age, complain of present measures; they have suffered by has receded from virtue, and becomes more wicked with past measures; they expect no redress; they expect no less temptation; who prostitutes himself for money alteration or amendinent, whilst he has a share in directwhich he cannot enjoy; and spends the remains of his ing or advising our future administration. These, sir. life in the ruin of his country."- Petitions were pre- are the sentiments of the people in regard to that minsented from the city of London and county of Glouces- ister; these sentiments we are in honour and duty bound ter against the bill, as detrimental to the trade and to represent to his majesty; and the proper method for navigation of the kingdom, by discouraging rather than doing this, as established by our constitution, is to adencouraging sailors, and destructive to the liberties of dress his majesty to remove him from his councils." He the subject; but they were both rejected as insults upon then proceeded to explain the particulars of the minthe house of commons. After very long debates, main-ister's misconduct in the whole series of his negotiations tained on both sides with extraordinary ardour and emotion, the severe clauses were dropped, and the bill passed with amendments. abroad. He charged him with having endeavoured to support his own interest, and to erect a kind of despotic government, by the practice of corruption; with having betrayed the interest and honour of Great Britain in the DISCONTENTS AGAINST THE MINISTRY. late convention; with having neglected to proscente the war against Spain; and he concluded with a motion for But the most remarkable incident of this session was an address to the king, that he would be pleased to rean open and personal attack upon the minister, who was move sir Robert Walpole from his presence and councils become extremely unpopular all over the kingdom. The for ever. He was answered by Mr. Pelham, who un people were now, more than ever, sensible of the gric-dertook to defend or excuse all the measures which the vous taxes under which they groaned; and saw their burdens daily increasing. No effectual attempts had as yet been made to annoy the enemy. Expensivo squadrons had been equipped; had made excursions, and returned without striking a blow. The Spanish fleet had sailed first from Cadiz, and then from Ferrol, other had condemned; and acquitted himself as a warm friend and unshaken adherent. Against this champion Up n this occasion he misquoted Horace. As I am not coo scions of any e ime," said he, “I do not doubt of being able to make a proper defence. Nil csere sibi wa pulueserve cup." He and actually laid a wager on the justness of the quotation. corrected by Mr. Pulteney; but insisted on his being in the tight, ! sir John Barnard entered the lists, and was sustained by Mr. Pulteney, who, with equal spirit and precision, pointed out and exposed all the material errors and malpractices of the administration. Sir Robert Walpole | spoke with great temper and deliberation in behalf of himself. With respect to the article of bribery and corruption, he said if any one instance had been mentioned; if it had been shown that he ever offered a reward to any member of either house, or ever threatened to de-ence of the minister, by multiplying his dependents. prive any member of his office or employment, in order to influence his voting in parliament, there might have been some ground for this charge; but when it was so generally laid, he did not know what he could say to it, unless to deny it as generally and as positively as it had been asserted. Such a declaration as this, in the hear-short though warm contention. This was the fate of ing of so many persons, who not only knew, but subsisted by his wages of corruption, was a strong proof of the minister's being dead to all sense of shame, and all regard to veracity. The debate was protracted by the court members till three o'clock in the morning, when about sixty of the opposite party having retired, the motion was rejected by a considerable majority. DEBATE ON THE MUTINY BILL A bill was brought in for prohibiting the practice of insuring ships belonging to the enemies of the nation; but it was vigorously opposed by sir John Barnard and Mr. Willimot, who demonstrated that this kind of traflic was advantageous to the kingdom; and the scheme was dropped. Another warm contest arose upon a clause of the mutiny bill, relating to the quartering of soldiers upon innkeepers and publicans, who complained of their being distressed in furnishing those guests with provisions and necessaries at the rates prescribed by law or custom. There were not wanting advocates to expatiate upon the nature of this grievance, which, however, was not redressed. A new trade was at this time opened with Persia, through the dominions of the czar, and vested with an exclusive privilege in the Russian company, by an act of parliament. The commons voted forty thousand seamen for the service of the ensuing year, and about thirty thousand men for the establishment of land-forces. They provided for the subsidies granted to the king of Denmark and the landgrave of Hesse-Cassel; and took every step which was suggested for the ease and the convenience of the government. ever. istry. When the house took into consideration the stato PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS. The partics in the house of lords were influenced by the same motives which actuated the commons. The duke of Argyle, who had by this time resigned all his places, declared open war against the ministry. In the beginning of the session, the king's speech was no sooner reported by the chancellor, than this nobleman stood up and moved that a general address of thanks should be presented to his majesty, instead of a recapitulation of every paragraph of the king's speech, re-echoed from the parliament to the throne, with expressions of blind approbation, implying a general concurrence with all the measures of the minister. He spoke on this subject with an astonishing impetuosity of cloquence, that rolled like a river which had overflowed its banks and deluged the whole adjacent country. The motion was supported by krd Bathurst, lord Carteret, the earl of Chesterfield, and lord Gower, who, though they displayed all the talents of oratory, were outvoted by the opposite party, headed by the duke of Newcastle, the earl of Cholmon-carried. deley, lord Hervey, and the lord-chancellor. The mo- In the beginning of April, the king repairing to the tion was rejected, and the address composed in the usual house of peers, passed some acts that were ready for the strain. The same motions for an inquiry into orders royal assent. Then, in his speech to both houses, he and instructions which had miscarried in the lower gave them to understand, that the queen of Hungary house, were here repeated with the same bad success; | had made a requisition of the twelve thousand men in the debates which ensued, the young earls of Halifax stipulated by treaty; and that he had ordered the suband Sandwich acquired a considerable share of reputa-sidy troops of Denmark and Hesse-Cassel to be in cadition, for the strength of argument and elocution withness to march to her assistance. He observed, that in which they contended against the adherents of the min- this complicated and uncertain stato of affairs, many incidents might arise, and rendor it necessary for him to ingar extraordinary expenses for maintaining tho pragmatic sanction, at a time when he could, not pos sibly have recourse to the advice and assistance of his parliament. He therefore demanded of the commons such a supply as might be requisite for these ends; and promised to manage it with all possible frugality. The lower house, in their address, approved of all his measures; declared they would effectually support him gainst all insults and attacks that might be made upon any of his territories, though not belonging to the crown of Great Britain; and that they would enable him to contribute, in the most effectual manner, to the support of the queen of Hungary. Sir Robert Walpole moved, ¦ that an aid of two hundred thousand pounds should be granted to that princess. Mr. Shippen protested against any interposition in the affairs of Germany. He expressed his dislike of the promise which had been made to defend his majesty's foreign dominions; a promise, in his opinion, inconsistent with that important and inviolable law, the act of settlement; a promise which, | could it have been fo cknown, would perhaps have for ever precluded from the succession that i listjons family to which the nation owed such numberless blessings, such continued felicity. The motion however passed, though not without further opposition; and the house resolved, that three hundred thousand pounds should be granted to his majesty, to enable him effectually to support the queen of Hungary. Towards the expense of this year, a million was deducted from the sinking fuud; and the land-tax continued at four shillings in the pound. The preparations for this war had already cost five millions. The session was closed on the twenty-fifth day of April, when the king took his leave of this parliament with warm expressions of tenderness and satisfaction. Henry Bromley, Stephen Fox, and John Howe, three members of the lower house who had signalized themselves in defence of the minister, were now ennobled, and created birons of Montford, Ilchester, and Chedworth. A camp was formed near Colchester; and the king having appointed a regency. set out in May for his German dominions.* CHAPTER IV. The Army ender Lord Catheart and Sir Chaloner Ogle proceed to the West Indies-Nature of the Climate on the Spanish Main-- Admiral Vernon sails to Carthagena-- Attack of Fort Lazar-- Exjudition to Cuba-Kupture between the Queen of Hungary and the king of Prussia--Eattle of Molwitz --The king of Great Britain concludes a Treaty of Neutrality with France of Bavaria-- He is crowned kind of Bohemia at Prague Fidelity of the for the Flectorate of Hanover--A Body of French Forces join the Elector admiral De Torres, in attacking and distressing the English ships and colonies. War was not yet declared between France and England; therefore hostilitics ceased; the English and French commanders complimented each other; excused themselves mutually for the mistake which had happened; and parted friends, with a considerable loss of men on both sides. Hungmians War between Russia and Sweden--Revolution in Russia The Spanish and French Squadrons pass om lested by the English Adndral in the Mediterranean--Inactivity of the naval Power of Great Bri trin--0 stinste Struggle in electing Menders in the new Parliament-Remarkable Motion in the House of Commons by Lord Noel Somerset-The Country Party obtain a Majority in the House of Commons Sir Ro- NATURE OF THE CLIMATE ON THE SPANISH bert Walpolerated Earl of Orford-- (1 ange in the Ministry--Inquiry Into the Administration of Sir Robert Walpole--obstructed by the new ninistry-R peits of the Secret Committee The elector of Eavaria chosen Emperor--The king of I russia gains the battle at Cza-low--Treaty at Preslan-The French Troops retire under the Cannon of Prague——A resh Hey sent with the Mareschal de Mallebois to bring them off--Ex traordinary retreat of M de Belli le- The Hitg of Great Bitrin forms an Army in Fle noters--Progress of the War between Russia and Sweden Spaniards in Italy and Savoy-Conduct of Admiral Matthews in the Medi --The King of Sardinia declares for the House of Au-tria--Motions of the terranean-- Operations in the West Indies The Attention of the Minis. try turned chiefly on the Affairs of the Contin nt-- Extraordinary Motion In the House of Lords by Earl Stanhope-- Warm and obstinate Debate on the Repeal of the Gin-Act-Fill for quieting Corporations—- Converti, n Letween the Emperor and the Queen of Hungary-- Difference between the King of Prussia and the tetor of Pepor--The king of Gent Erain obtain a victory over the French at Dettingen -- Treaty of Worms ARMY UNDER LORD CATHCART AND SIR THE Eritish armament had by this time proceeded to MAIN. In the meantime sir Chaloner Ogle arrived at Jamaica, where he joined vice-admiral Vernon, who now found himself at the head of the most formidable fleet and army that ever visited those seas, with full power to act at discretion. The conjoined squadrons consisted of nine-and-twenty ships of the line, with almost an equal number of frigates, fire-ships, and bomb-ketches, well manned, and 1 lentifully supplied with all kinds of provisions, stores, and necessaries. The number of seamen amounted to fifteen thousand; that of the landforces, including the American regiment of four battalions, and a body of negroes enlisted at Jamaica, did not fall short of twelve thousand. Had this armament been ready to act in the proper season of the year, under the conduct of wise experienced officers, united in councils, and steadily attached to the interest and hon the whole is land of Cuba, might have been easily reduced; the whole treasure of the Spanish West Indies would have been intercepted; and Spain must have Leen humbled into the most abjcct submission. Eut several unfavourable circumstances concurred to frustrate the hopes of the public. The ministry had detained sir Chaloner Ogle at Spithead without any visible cause, until the season for action was almost exhausted; for, on the continent of new Spain, the periodical rains begin about the end of April; and this change in the atmosphere is always attended with epidemical distempers which render the climate extremely unhealthy; besides, the rain is so excessive, that for the space of two mouths no army can keep the field. sailed from Spithead, had been overtaken by a tempest in the Bay of Fiscay, by which the flect, consisting of about one hundred and seventy sail, were scattered and dispersed. Nevertheless he prosecuted his voyage, and anchored with a view to provide wood and water, in the neutral island of Dominica, where the intended expedition sustained a terrible shock in the death of the gallant lord Cathcart, who was carried off by a dysentery. The loss of this nobleman was the more severely felt, as the command of the land-forces devolved upon general Wentworth, an officer without experience, authority, and resolution. As the fleet sailed along the island of Hispaniola, in its way to Jamaica, four large ships of war were discovered; and sir Chaloner detached an equal number of his squadron to give them chase, while he himself proceeded on his voyage. As those * Sir William Wyndham died the preceding year, deeply regretstrange ships refused to bring to, lord Augustus Fitz-ted as an orator, a patriot, and a man, the constant assertor of British roy, the commodore of the four British ships, saluted one liber, and one of the chief ermanents of the English ta'i n.—Ja the course of the same year, general Oglethorpe, governor of Georg a of them with a broadside, and a smart engagement en-had, with some succours obtained from the colony of Carolina, toi a sued. After they had fought during the best part of small squadron of king's ships, made an attempt upen Fort Augus time, the capital of Spanish Florica; and actually reduced sine is all the night, the enemy hoisted their colours in the mornforts in the neighbourhood of the place; but the Carolinians withgant appeared to be part of the French squadron, drawing in disgus, dissensions preva ling (mong the sex - #ves which sailed from Europe und the command of sply and rif cement, he abandoned the ente free and les the licone happra bing, and the enemy living re eived the marquis d'Antia, with orders to ass st the Spanish turned to Georia. . 1 ADMIRAL VERNON SAILS TO CARTHAGENA. | taking the place by sea, sent in the Gallicia, one of the Sir Chaloner Ugle arrived at Jamaica on the ninth day of January; and admiral Vernon did not sail on his intended expedition till towards the end of the month. Instead of directing his course towards the Havannah, which lay to leeward, and might have been reached in less than three days, he resolved to beat up gainst the wind to Hispaniola, in order to observe the motion of the French squadron, commanded by the marquis d'Antin. The fifteenth day of February had elapsed before he received certain information that the French admiral had sailed for Europe, in great distress for want of men and provisions, which he could not procure in the West Indies. Admiral Vernon thus disappointel, called a council of war, in which it was determined to proceed for Carthagen. The fleet being supplied with wood and water at Hispaniola, set sail for the continent of New Spain, and on the fourth of Marchi, anchored in Playa Grande, to the windward of Carthagena. Admiral de Torres had already sailed to the Havannah; but Carthagena was strongly fortified, and the garrison reinforced by the crews of a small squadron of large ships, commanded by don Plas de Lesco, an officer of experience and reputation. Here the English admiral lay inactive till the ninth, when the troops were landed on the island of Tierra Bomba, near the mouth of the harbour, known by the name of Boca-chica, or Little-mouth, which was surprisingly fortified with castles, batteries, booms, chains, cables, and ships of war. The British forces erected a battery on shore, with which they made a breach in the principal fort, while the admiral sent in a number of ships to divide the fire of the enemy, and co-operate with the endeavours of the army. Lord Aubrey Peauclerc, a gallant officer who commanded one of these ships, was slain on this occasion. The breach being deemed practicable, the forces advanced to the attack; but the forts and batteries were abandoned; the Spanish ships that lay athwart the harbour's mouth were destroyed or taken, the passage was opened, and the fleet entered without further opposition. Then the forces were reembarked with the artillery, and linded within a mile of Carthagena, where they were opposed by about seven hundred Spaniards, whom they obliged to retire. The admiral and general had contracted a hearty contempt for each other, and took all opportunities of expressing their mutual dislike; far from acting vigorously in concert for the advantage of the community, they main tained a mutual reserve, and separate cabals; and each provel more eager for the disgrace of his rival, than zealous for the honour of the nation. The general complained that the fleet lay idle while his troops were harassed and diminished by hard duty and distemper. The admiral affirmed, that his ships could not lie near enough to batter the town of Carthagena; he upbraided the general with inactivity and want of resolution to attack the fort of Saint Lazar which commanded the town, and might be taken by seil ude. Wentworth, stimulated by these reproaches, resolved to try the experiment. His forces marched up to the attack; but the guides being slain, they mistook their route, and advanced to the strongest part of the fortification, where they were moreover exposed to the fire of the town. Colonel Grant, who commanded the grenadiers, was mortally wounded; the scaling. Idders were found too short; the officers were perplexed for want of orders and directions; yet the soldiers sustained a severe fire for several hours with surprising intrepidity, and at length retreated, leaving about six hundred killed or wounded on the spot. Their number was now so much reduced, that they could no longer maintain their footing on shore; beides, the rainy season had begun with such violence, as rendered it impossible for them to live in camp. They were, therefore, re-embarked; and all hope of fuither success immediately vanished. The admiral, however, in order to demonstrate the impracticability of Spanish ships which had been taken at Boca-chica, to cannonade the town, with sixteen guns mounted on one side, like a floating battery. This vessel, manned by detachments of volunteers from different ships, and commanded by captain Hore, was warped into the inner harlour, and moored before day, at a considerable distance from the walls, in very shallow water. In this position she stood the fire of several batterics for some hours, without doing or sustaining much damage; then the admiral ordered the men to be brought off in boats, and the cables to be cut; so that she drove with the sea-b:eeze upon a shoal, where she was soon filled with water. This exploit was absurd, and the inference which the admiral drew from it altogether fallacious. He said it plainly proved that there was not depth of water in the inner harbour sufficient to admit irge ships near enough to batter the town with any prospect of success. This indeed was the case in that part of the harbour to which the Gallicia was conducted; but a little farther to the left he might have stationed four or five of his largest ships abreast, within pistol shot of the walls; and if this step had been taken when the land-forces marched to the attack of Saint Lazar, in all probability the town would have been surrendered. EXPEDITION TO CUBA. After the re-embarkation of the troops, the distempers peculiar to the climate and season began to rage with redoubled fury; and great numbers of those who escaped the vengeance of the enemy perished by a more painful and inglorious fate. Nothing was heard but complaints and execrations; the groans of the dying, and the service for the dead; nothing was seen but objects of woe, and images of dejection. The conductors of this unfortunate expedition agreed in nothing but the expediency of a speedy retreat from this scene of misery and disgrace. The fortifications of the harbour were demolished, and the fleet returned to Jamaica.-The miscarriage of this expedition, which had cost the nation an immense sum of money, was no sooner known in England, than the kingdom was filled with murmurs and discontent, and the people were depressed in proportion to that sanguine hope by which they had been elevated. Admiral Vernon, instead of undertaking any enterprise which might have retrieved the honour of the British arms, set sail from Jamaica with the forces in July, and anchored at the south-east part of Cuba, in a bay, on which he bestowed the appellation of Cumbeiland harbour. The troops were landed, and encamped at the distance of twenty miles farther up the river, where they remained totally inactive, and subsisted chiefly on salt and damaged provisions, till the month of November, when, being considerably diminished by sickness, they were put on board again, and re-conveyed to Jamaica. He was afterwards reinforced from England by four ships of war, and about three thousand soldiers; but he performed nothing worthy of the repu tation he had acquired; and the people began to per ceive that they had mistaken his character. RUPTURE BETWEEN THE QUEEN OF HUN- |