The Nation, always too apt to despond from slight causes, most bitterly lamented this event, which was preceded by the very unwelcome tidings of a drawn battle between the hostile fleets. Sir Edward Hawke succeeded the unfortunate Admiral, who became a victim to the strict letter of the law, and the general prejudices of his Country. From a vast superiority our commerce in those seas was well protected, while that of the enemy suffered extremely. The constant threats of descent appeared to paralyse every exertion but that of domestic security; while the enemy were carrying on their schemes of distant conquest under the panic which these had produced.
Towards the close of the year a new Ministry was formed, to which the Nation looked with confidence and hope.
In this administration that great and manly character, Mr. Pitt, was one.—No farther details occur under the era of 1756.—The Marines, in common with their brethren in the British Fleet, shared in the credit which was gained by some partial actions during the year.
[CHAP. XX.]
An addition of twenty companies was ordered early in the year 1757, to complete the parliamentary vote of eleven thousand four hundred and nineteen marines.
The happy change which had taken place in the councils of the nation seemed to extend its effects through every department.—That vigor and unanimity was, however, again suspended by intrigue and faction, of which the enemy availed themselves, by detaching with impunity, reinforcements to their distant dominions.
A coalition of parties having been accomplished, re-animated the country, but nothing peculiarly interesting or falling within my scope, can be remarked within the current incidents of this year. Some partial naval actions, which did honor to the leaders, and which reflected credit upon all the subordinates who had a share, were fought within this period. They evinced that our spirit was not extinguished, but that it only awaited the auspices of some guiding hand, and a higher occasion, to render it of substantial benefit to the public.