vi PREFACE. 



nearly annihilated, and unprecedented sums were 

 voted for subsidies and other military purposes with 

 scarcely a dissentient voice. The ministry, without 

 any important addition to their external strength, 

 remained firm on their seats. The public credit of 

 the nation stood high, and heavy loans were nego- 

 ciated without difficulty. Peace, how desirable so- 

 ever,for alleviating the public burthens, was scarcely 

 mentioned, it being the general impression, that it 

 must be conquered, to be enjoyed with security. 



