The Virginia Gazette

WILLIAMSBURG, March 4.

The British KING's SPEECH, of the 18th of November, to both HOUSES of PARLIAMENT received by a vessel in a short passage from the West Indies.

My Lords and Gentlemen,

I meet you in Parliament at a time when we are called upon by every principle of duty, and every consideration of interest, to exert our united efforts in the support and defence of our country s attacked by an unjust and unprovoked war, and contending with one of the most dangerous confederacies that ever was formed against the Crown and people of Great Britain.

The designs and attempts of our enemies to invade this kingdom, have, by the blessing of Providence, been hitherto frustrated and disappointed. They still menace us with great armaments and preparations, but we are, I trust, on our part, well prepared to resist every attack, and repel every insult. I know the character of my brave people. The menaces of their enemies, and the approach of danger, have no other effect on their minds, but to animate their courage, and to call forth their national spirit which has so often checked and defeated the projects of ambition and injustice, and enabled the British fleets and armies to protect their own country, to protect their own rights, and at the same time to uphold and preserve the liberties of Europe from the restless and encroaching power of the House of Bourbon. In the midst of my care and solicitude for the safety and welfare of this country, I have not been inattentive to the state of my loyal and faithful kingdom of Ireland. I have, in consequence of your addresses presented to me in the last session, ordered such papers to be collected and laid before you, as may assist your deliberations on this important business; and I recommend it to you to consider what farther benefits and advantages may be intended to that kingdom, by such regulations, and such methods as may most effectually promote the common strength, wealth, and interests of all my dominions.

Gentlemen of the House of Commons,

The proper estimates shall in due time be laid before you. I see with extreme concern, that the necessary establishments of my naval and military Forces, and the various service and operations of the ensuing year must inevitably be attended with great and heavy expense; but I rely on your wisdom and publick spirit for such supplies as the circumstances and exigencies of our affairs shall be found to require.

My Lords and Gentlemen,

I have great satisfaction in renewing the assurance of my entire approbation of the good conduct and discipline of the militia, and of their ready perseverance in their duty. And I return my cordial thanks, to all ranks of my loyal subjects, who have stood forth in this arduous conjuncture, and by their zeal, their influence, and their personal service, have given confidence, as well as strength, to the national defence. Trusting in the Divine Providence, and in the justice of my cause, I am firmly resolved to prosecute the war with vigour, and to make every exertion in order to compel our enemies to listen to equitable terms of peace and accommodation.