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The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
London parliamentary news: Militia Bill passes Commons unopposed. Diplomatic papers, including from Sir Benjamin Keene in Madrid, reveal French invasion plans for Minorca in early 1756 with 12 ships and 18,000 troops at Toulon. Inquiry set for April 10; motion for triennial parliaments expected amid spending criticisms.
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Extract of a private Letter from London. March 26.
"The Militia Bill hath passed the Commons without Opposition.
Many Papers and Instructions to and from Ambassadors,
Governors, Admirals and General Officers, have been, and are to
be laid before the House. By those from Sir Benjamin Keene,
at Madrid, it appears, that he sent Accounts very early in February,
1756, that the French did actually intend to invade Minorca;
that they had 12 Ships of the Line compleatly manned and
rigged, besides Frigates and Transports, and 18000 Men all
at Toulon, ready for that Purpose. These Letters have opened a
surprizing Scene, which will be very strictly enquired into this
10th of April, when there will be a Call of the House, and such
Members as do not attend that Day, Will be taken into Custody.
It is confidently asserted, that a Motion will soon be made, to
have only triennial Parliaments for the future than some
Enquiries lately made, a certain great Member said, There was
so much Profusion and squandering away of Money of late Years
that even the Stationery Ware of the Government and Parliament,
amounted yearly to more Money, than was granted to Queen
Elizabeth, to oppose the Spanish Armada."
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Where did it happen?
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Minorca
Event Date
March 26, 1756
Key Persons
Outcome
french invasion plans revealed, leading to strict parliamentary inquiry on april 10; no battle occurred in report.
Event Details
Militia Bill passed Commons without opposition. Papers from ambassadors including Sir Benjamin Keene in Madrid show French intended to invade Minorca early February 1756 with 12 ships of the line, frigates, transports, and 18,000 men at Toulon. Letters prompt inquiry on April 10 with house call. Motion expected for triennial parliaments; criticism of government spending exceeding Queen Elizabeth's Armada funds.