An unaccountable dread pervaded the nation, which the public
measures certainly tended to heighten. In the early part of 1756
the enemy had collected immense forces upon their coasts with the
avowed object of invading England. Foreign auxiliaries were called
in, measures of precaution and defence were adopted, while the real
objects of attack from all their mighty threats, were entirely
forgotten and neglected. Amongst the additional forces voted during
the present year, 9138 Marines were decreed by Parliament; in
order to complete which 30 additional companies were ordered to be
raised. The expedient of a land impress was resorted to, in the
form of an "Act for the more speedy and effectual recruiting his
Majesty's Land Forces and Marines," but which was suspended by a
Royal Order upon the 1st of May, in consequence of the zealous and
patriotic co-operations of the nobility and gentry, who, by their
purses and their energies, rendered it unnecessary.
The real designs of the French having been developed in an
expedition against Minorca, while they continued to amuse the
nation by the terrors of an invasion, produced a declaration of
war upon the 18th of May, against that power. Admiral Byng had
been detached for its relief, and had previously been ordered to
disembark all the Marines from his ships, in order to take on board
a number of land forces destined for the relief of that garrison.
Commodore Edgcumbe, who commanded the British squadron in the
Mediterranean, foreseeing an attack upon the island, had landed
1 Captain, 2 Subalterns, 4 Serjeants, 4 Corporals, 3 Drummers,
and 104 Rank and File, being nearly the whole of his Marines, to
strengthen its defence, who shared in the fatigues and the glory of
that distinguished siege under Lieutenant General Blakeney. Much
spirit and determined bravery was evinced in the course of it.
After more than two months tedious approaches, the enemy stormed,
upon the 25th of June, in different points, but with partial
success. The firing had continued from ten at night until four
upon the following morning, when Marshall Richelieu beat a parley
in order to bury his dead. But he shamefully invaded the interval
of suspension, by reinforcing the lodgments he had gained, which
communicating by subterraneous passages, afforded easy access into
the body of the place itself.
This led to its immediate fall, by capitulation, after seventy days
contest, and is an instance of what little confidence should be
placed in the French character, under every similar occasion.
The Nation, always too apt to despond from slight causes, most
bitterly lamented this event, which was preceded by the very
unwelcome tidings of a drawn battle between the hostile fleets.
Sir Edward Hawke succeeded the unfortunate Admiral, who became a
victim to the strict letter of the law, and the general prejudices
of his Country. From a vast superiority our commerce in those seas
was well protected, while that of the enemy suffered extremely. The
constant threats of descent appeared to paralyse every exertion
but that of domestic security; while the enemy were carrying on
their schemes of distant conquest under the panic which these had
produced.
Towards the close of the year a new Ministry was formed, to which
the Nation looked with confidence and hope.
In this administration that great and manly character, Mr. Pitt,
was one.--No farther details occur under the era of 1756.--The
Marines, in common with their brethren in the British Fleet, shared
in the credit which was gained by some partial actions during the
year.