The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

LONDON. October 12.

Notwithstanding the absence of Lord Bute and the Princess Dowager of Wales, their influence over every department of the state remains; and it is exerted in as full and ample a manner, and with as much indignity to every branch of Government, as when they were actually on the spot. Their agents, Mackenzie, Elliot, Jenkinson, North, Dyson, &c. execute all their orders; while the nominal ministers, Gower, Rochford, Weymouth, &c. are too necessitous to shew the least spark of spirit or resistance. Hence the repeated insults on our character as a nation ; which, from being but the other day the terror of all Europe, is now contemned by every petty prince on the continent. And why are these things so ? Because L. Bute made the peace ; and any declaration of war would be an impeachment of his great and immaculate wisdom. If the little junto above-named were not ordered to avoid a war ; if the hungry Bloomsbury gang were not determined to cling to their offices to the last moment, would not a declaration of war have followed immediately after the arrival of the Favourite from Falkland's Island ? But the injured, insulted people of this country are to be amused with an idle tale of the island being taken without orders. Was there ever such nonsense ? Our people are first ordered to quit the island. They do not. Some time after an armed force comes ; three or four ships of war. and a number of regular troops, with a train of artillery, &c. Then the English are compelled to yield. Let it be seriously asked, Would any Governor act in this manner without orders ? Certainly not. Then why negotiate after such a flagrant act of hostility: Because Lord Bute's peace must not be broke. We will set up any thing for an excuse, to avoid going to war. France is in no condition to go to war. And Spain will not begin without France ; therefore a Memorial will do. Thus they reason.--- A messenger (one of Lord Bute's trusty confidents, Potter) carried the memorial But Oh, Folly ! and, as if they were determined to be consistent in nothing but blunders, there is no minister at Madrid to give dignity to the memorial or enforce its contents. The only representative of our Court at Madrid, since Sir James Gray came from thence, two years ago, is the Secretary of the Embassy, Mr. Harris, a very young man. The haughty Spaniard might well say, We will give no answer to a Secretary or a messenger. Thus are we suffering insult after insult, while the Spaniards are gaining time to make preparations for further hostilities, and the French will have an opportunity of striking their long meditated blow in the East-Indies.