The New Hampshire Gazette

His Majesty's most gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament on Thursday the First Day of December, 1757.

My Lords and Gentlemen,

It would have given Me the greatest Pleasure to have acquainted you, at the Opening of this Session, that Our Success in carrying on the War had been equal to the Justice of our Cause, and the Extent and Vigour of the Measures formed for that Purpose.

I have the firmest Confidence, that the Spirit and Bravery of this Nation, renowned in all Times, and which have formerly surmounted so many Difficulties, are not to be abated by some Disappointments. These, I trust, by the Blessing of God, and your Zeal and Ardour for My Honour, and the Welfare of your Country, may be retrieved. It is My fixed Resolution to apply My utmost Efforts for the Security of My Kingdoms, and for the Recovery and Protection of the Possessions and Rights of My Crown and Subjects in America and elsewhere; as well by the strongest Exertion of Our Naval Force, as by all other Methods. Another great Object, which I have at Heart, is the Preservation of the Protestant Religion, and the Liberties of Europe; and, in that View, to adhere to, and encourage My Allies.

For this Cause, I shall decline no Inconveniences; and, in this Cause, I earnestly desire your hearty Concurrence, and vigorous Assistance. The late signal Success in Germany has given a happy Turn to Affairs, which it is incumbent upon us to improve; and in this critical Conjuncture, the Eyes of all Europe are upon you. In particular, I must recommend it to you, that My good Brother and Ally, the King of Prussia, may be supported in such a Manner, as His Magnanimity and active Zeal for the Common Cause deserve.

Gentlemen of the House of Commons,

It gives Me the utmost Concern, that the large Supplies, which you have already granted for carrying on the War, have not produced such Effects as we had reason to hope for. But I have so great a Reliance on your Wisdom, as not to doubt of your Perseverance. I only desire such Supplies as shall be necessary for the Publick Service; and to that End, have ordered the proper Estimates to be laid before you. You may depend upon it, that the best and most faithful Oeconomy shall be used.

My Lords and Gentlemen.

I have had such ample Experience of the Loyalty and good Affections of My faithful Subjects towards Me, My Family, and Government, in all Circumstances; that I am confident they are not to be shaken. But I cannot avoid taking Notice of that Spirit of Disorder, which has shewn itself amongst the Common People, in some Parts of the Kingdom. Let me recommend to you to do your Part in discouraging and suppressing such Abuses, and for maintaining the Laws, and lawful Authority. If any Thing shall be found wanting, to explain or enforce what may have been misunderstood or misrepresented, I am persuaded it will not escape your Attention.

Nothing can be so conducive to the Defence of all that is dear to Us, as well as for reducing our Enemies to Reason, as Union and Harmony amongst Ourselves.