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The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
On August 20 in Kensington, the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons of London presented an address to the King expressing grief over the loss of Minorca's Saint Philip fortress and concerns for American colonies due to war mismanagement, calling for a militia and inquiry into failures. The King responded assuring vigilance and justice.
Merged-components note: Continuation of the address to the King from London Gazette across pages.
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Kensington, Aug. 20. This Day the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Commons of the City of London, in Common Council assembled, waited on his Majesty; and being introduced to his Majesty by his Grace the Duke of Grafton, Lord Chamberlain of his Majesty's Household, Sir William Moreton, the Recorder, made their Compliments in the following Address.
To the KING's most Excellent Majesty.
The humble Address of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons of the City of London, in Common Council assembled.
Most Gracious Sovereign,
We your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects, the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons of the City of London, in Common Council assembled, humbly beg Leave to approach your Sacred Person, and with Hearts full of Gratitude for your Majesty's Paternal Care of the true Interests of your People, to express our Sorrow and Apprehensions for the Disquietudes which our late Losses and Disappointments must create in your Majesty's Royal Mind.
The Loss of the important Fortress of Saint Philip and Island of Minorca (Possessions of the utmost Consequence to the Commerce and Naval Strength of Great-Britain) without any Attempt, by timely and effectual Succours, to prevent or defeat an Attack, after such early Notice of the Enemy's Intentions, and when your Majesty's Navy was so evidently Superior to theirs, will, we fear, be an indelible Reproach on the Honour of the British Nation.
Nor can we help expressing our Apprehensions for the great Danger of your Majesty's Possessions in America, by the Mismanageents and Delays which have attended the Defence of those invaluable Colonies, the Object of the present War, and the principal Source of the Wealth and Strength of these Kingdoms.
Permit us, at the Same Time, Royal Sir, to lament the want of a constitutional and well regulated Militia, the most natural and certain Defence, under Divine Providence, of your Majesty's Sacred Person and Government, against all Invaders whatsoever, as thereby your Majesty's Fleets and Armies may be more Securely employed abroad, to the Annoyance of your Majesty's Enemies; your faithful and loyal Subjects being ready and willing, whenever called upon by your Majesty, to shed the last Drop of their Blood in your Service.
As your Majesty's Reign has ever been distinguished by a Love of Liberty and Justice, we cannot doubt of your Majesty's directing the Authors of our late Losses and Disappointments, to be enquired into and punished, that your Majesty's known Intentions of protecting and defending your Subjects in their Rights and Possessions may be faithfully and vigorously carried into Execution, and that the large Supplies, so necessarily call'd for, and so cheerfully granted, may be religiously applied to the Defence of these Kingdoms and Colonies, and their Commerce, and to the distressing our inveterate and perfidious Enemies, as the only Sure means of obtaining a lasting and honourable Peace.
And we do, with the utmost Sincerity of Heart, assure your Majesty, that your loyal City of London will, at all Times, readily and cheerfully contribute to whatever may be necessary for the Defence of your Majesty, and your illustrious Family, and towards the Attainment of these great and desirable Ends.
To which Address his Majesty was pleased to return this most gracious Answer.
Thank you for these Professions of your Duty to me. My Concern for the Loss of my Island of Minorca, is great and sincere. My utmost Care and Vigilance have been and shall be exerted to maintain the Honour of the Nation, and the Commerce of my Subjects. The Events of War are uncertain; but nothing shall be wanting, on my Part, towards carrying it on with Vigour, in order to a safe and honourable Peace, and for recovering and securing, by the Blessing of God, the Possessions and Rights of my Crown.
I will not fail to do Justice upon any Persons who shall have been wanting in their Duty to me, and their Country; to enforce Obedience and Discipline in my Fleets and Armies, and to support the Authority and Respect due to my Government.
They were received very graciously, and had the Honour to kiss his Majesty's Hand.
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Minorca
Event Date
Aug. 20
Key Persons
Outcome
loss of the fortress of saint philip and island of minorca; apprehensions for american possessions; king's promise of vigilance, justice, and vigorous war conduct.
Event Details
The Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons of London addressed the King expressing sorrow over the loss of Minorca without sufficient defense despite naval superiority, concerns for American colonies due to mismanagement, lament over lack of militia, and call for inquiry into failures and proper use of supplies. The King responded thanking them, expressing concern for Minorca's loss, assuring care for national honor and commerce, commitment to vigorous war for peace and recovery, and justice against those failing in duty.