CHAPTER VII.

EXPEDITIONS TO THE COAST OF FRANCE.

Resignation of the ministers-The King for two or three months his own minister-Various applications-One made to Anson-Lord Hardwicke's advice upon it-Various parties applied to-Duke of Newcastle, Fox, Lord Mansfield, Lord Waldegrave-The King's observations to the latter-Lord Hardwicke sent for-Succeeds, and relates his proceedings to Lord Anson-Commanders appointed to the Channel fleet-Mr. Pitt's plans of annoying the French coasts -First expedition against Rochefort fails-Boscawen sent to North America-Retakes Louisburgh and Cape Breton-Sir Edward Hawke defeats an intended expedition of the enemy-Several expeditions against the French coast-Lord Anson hoists his flag, and takes command of the grand fleet-Howe and the Duke of Marlborough's proceedings against St. Maloes-Third expeditionDestruction of Cherbourg-Fourth expedition-Disastrous result at the bay of St. Cus-Brilliant single actions.

1757 to 1758.

IN the early part of the year 1757 the war was about to recommence on the continent of Europe. The French had made an irruption into Germany, and threatened Hanover. The Duke of Cumberland was entreated by the King to try his fortune once more on that broad field; but he disliked to be in any shape under the control of Mr. Pitt, who would never suffer himself to be controlled. The Duke of Newcastle, the most unhappy man in the world when not breathing the air of St. James's, assumed this

dislike as a fair ground to intrigue with Fox for the dismissal of Pitt; but the latter stood too firmly rooted in popular estimation, both out of doors and in Parliament, to be easily removed. However, both he and the ministry, shortly after this, either resigned or were dismissed; and, "as if to show," says Walpole, "how long a great nation can carry on itself without any government, there were no ministers, even amidst a formidable war, but those baby politicians, the Duke of Devonshire and Lord Holdernesse."

It required not the assistance even of those "baby politicians" to enable Great Britain "to carry on itself." This wonderful and well-organised machine, the British Constitution, in ordinary times and under ordinary circumstances, moves on without the necessity of the constant superintending care of any ministry; its wheels and springs are so well adapted, its movements so well adjusted, that, if left to itself, there is no danger of its stopping: it is damaged only when some experimental bungler, under pretence of improving it, undertakes to introduce some new movement that does not fit, or the displacement of some old one, which was essential to its regularity. But as the most perfect machinery, like all other complicated bodies, is subject to the wear and tear of time, so the British constitution may occasionally require the repair of some of its parts, which, however, is not to be intrusted to any rude and inexperienced hand that may offer itself.

The King, for two or three months, appears to have been his own minister. Lord Mansfield as the Chief Commissioner of the Great Seal, and Legge the Chancellor of the Exchequer, were the moving powers, and were for some time engaged in their endeavours to form an administration. Among others, Lord Anson had been applied to, indirectly, and submitted, as he was wont to do, the overture he had received from Legge to his father-in-law, Lord Hardwicke, who sent him in return the following letter :

Wimpole, April 9th, 1757. "MY DEAR LORD-I think myself much honoured by your confidential and material letter of yesterday; for such I was sure it must be upon opening it, since nothing else could have drawn so much writing from your lordship. You have stated the case very clearly, and I apprehend no difficulty in the only part which your lordship can take upon the overture that has been made to you. But I cannot help being a little diverted at their having found out their great mistake at last; which, to me, who confess myself but a poor politician, was as obvious in theory, when they committed it, as it is now in the event. This made me say those last words to Mr. Pitt, with which I left him,'that, as he was disposed to come into the king's service, and, as a man of sense, if he wished the end, must naturally wish the means, why would he then make it impracticable?' And impracticable he has found it in five months' time. It is also diverting to see them casting the blame upon one another; but I believe there is some truth in what Mr. Legge insinuated to your lordship, that it was

principally owing to the visionary notions of Mr. Pitt; and I think those visionary notions much consisted in the support with which he had flattered himself from the tories. But an opportunity, like time, when once lost, cannot be recalled; and the question is, what ought to be done, and can be done in the present circumstances? Charles,* who came hither last night, tells me that Dr. Warburton called upon him on Wednesday, and talked the like style, though without any higher authority than Mr. Potter. The Duke of Newcastle, from whom I had a despatch this morning by a messenger, informs me that he has had a letter from Lord Halifax, representing, in very strong terms, the like overture from Mr. Legge, as has been made to your lordship. His grace is embarrassed what to do upon it, and asks my advice. I own the case is difficult and delicate. The King is certainly angry with him at present for not joining in this hopeful new scheme, to which there were a thousand objections. His Majesty also suspects him of being in some kind of negociation with Mr. Pitt and Leicester-House, for which I am sure there is no ground; and he has assured the King by a private channel that he is in no such negociation, nor would be in any without his Majesty's privity. But such assurances restrain nobody from hearing; and I think he is at present inclined to see Legge in such a manner as may be most secure against transpiring; and I shall, in my answer, encourage him to it. I shall at the same time acquaint his grace with as much as is proper of your lordship's letter; for I see no use in making a secret of your having communicated it to me, and it will have the greater appearance of openness. I therefore approve entirely of your lordship's thought of going over

*The Lord Chancellor's son.

to Claremont, and acquainting the duke with the whole that was said to you, which, I am sure, he will take very kindly; and this is all which you need do, without going farther, unless he asks any opinion, or desires you to send, or give some answer to Mr. Legge.

"The whole plan of the new administration is manifestly the creation of Mr. Fox, and, I am credibly informed, is extremely unpopular in the city. Lord Egremont is, I know, talked of for Secretary of State. He is a man of sense, but that adds no strength in the House of Commons; and the hastening his going out of town does not look like a present disposition to accept.

"One of the most remarkable parts of your letter is the discourse which your lordship heard from some of the duke's (Cumberland) servants. It will be a curious addition to the extraordinary events of the times, if, after the immediate necessity of the duke's journey has been made the pretence for accelerating this change, his Highness should not go at all. I have no notion of any difficulty in getting to the German army; but if there are difficulties in forming it, I mean in making it strong enough, one of the first mill-stones which this new ministry must take about their necks must be to make it stronger.

During the long interval, in which negociations for forming an administration were carrying on, the King's patience was abundantly tried. He sent for the Duke of Newcastle, who wished to have everything his own way-for Fox, who would have Pitt *Anson's Collection, No. 198.