Although Great Britain, as a guarantee of the balance of
continental power, had, during a past period, exerted her resources
in the cause of her Allies, opposed to the interests of France,
although his Majesty King George the Second, in quality of Elector
of Hanover, had been highly distinguished in the field at the head
of these armies, still a specious cordiality continued to exist
between the two nations.
Since the declaration of hostilities against Spain, our restless
and intriguing neighbours enjoyed all the advantages of war,
without experiencing any of its evils.
At the outset of this year, however, their projects were developed
by the equipment of powerful naval armaments in their ports, and
the assembling of armies upon their sea-coasts; the avowed aim of
which was against the Crown and Liberties of the British Empire.
A Prince, delegated by his Father, and drawn from his retreat in
another country, mild in his temper, and amiable in his manners,
was induced to renew their almost forgotten claims upon our
monarchy, and to revive the quickly decaying prejudices within our
land, in favour of his family and himself.
Unable now no longer to restrain her views, France declared war
upon the 20th day of March, which was answered by a similar
proclamation of the 31st, on the part of England.--That Providence
which has often so signally interposed for our country was now
conspicuous.--The elements were employed in the destruction of
many of their transports and troops at Dunkirk, while our floating
bulwarks chased their covering fleet from our coasts.
At this time the whole property of naval prizes was vested in the
captors, his Majesty having generously relinquished that share
which hitherto had pertained to the Crown.
The arrival of Commodore Anson from his expedition, which was
originally intended to co-operate across the isthmus of Darien,
with the fatal one conducted by Admiral Vernon, diffused a joy into
the nation.
The specie which was gained by his enterprize, courage, and
perseverance was immense; and although it was obtained antecedent
to the royal grant, still it was divided amongst his squadron,
unimpaired by claims.
About three hundred and thirty marines shared in the toils, and the
many debarkations which took place in his tedious progress; having
been drafted from the different regiments to fill up the complement
of his ships, and to supply the place of a number of Invalids
under Lieutenant Colonel Cracherode, who dreading their approaching
hardships, deserted from the service.
Fleets were now detached to every quarter of the globe, and a force
of eleven thousand five hundred and fifty-six Marines, was again
the establishment of 1744.
It falls not within my scope to enlarge upon the wide and mingled
events of this year. A partial affair in the month of May, occurred
in the Mediterranean, in which the party of Marines disembarked
from the Essex signalized themselves. That ship being on a cruize,
gained sight of twenty-six Xebeques and Settees, bound to Antibes,
from whence they were to carry troops to Italy. The former were
a convoy to the latter, which were laden with powder, cannon,
ordnance stores, and provisions. Thirteen having taken refuge in
the Creek of Cassi, the Marines were landed in order to co-operate
with the boats, and to repel any enemy that might appear to retard
their progress. They were soon attacked by a body of Spaniards,
whom they beat back, and thus effected the object on which they
were employed. Eleven vessels were burnt and two captured, which
was a material loss in its consequences.
Nothing further, that properly falls within my notice, appears
within the period of this year: our numerous cruizers were
peculiarly successful, and although few traits of achievement
appear on the face of our public transactions during this limited
era, still both the nation and the individual felt the benefit and
the incitement that resulted from the liberal sacrifice recently
made by their Sovereign, which, while it promoted a general
activity and zeal amongst every class of his subjects, struck deep
also into the commercial vitals of our enemies.
The ten Regiments of Marines, by order of the Secretary at War,
were directed to recruit with expedition, and in order to render
them speedily effective, a number of impressed men were allotted to
each. This expedient was also adopted with regard to many Regiments
of Infantry.
In the Bill for the more easily recruiting his Majesty's Land
Forces and Marines, a clause was inserted, that every one who
should enter voluntarily would be entitled to a bounty of four
pounds, and might require his discharge from the service at the
expiration of three years.
The Parliament met upon the 27th of November, and granted a vote of
£206,253 15 0 to support an establishment of eleven thousand five
hundred and fifty Marines during the ensuing twelve months.