At a crisis so important to the interests of my people, I derive great
satisfaction from being enabled, for the first time, to avail myself
of the advice and assistance of the parliament of my united kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland.
This memorable era, distinguished by the accomplishment of a measure
calculated to augment and consolidate the strength and resources of the
empire, and to cement more closely the interests and affections of my
subjects, will, I trust, be equally marked by that vigour, energy, and
firmness, which the circumstances of our present situation peculiarly
require.
The unfortunate course of events on the continent, and the consequences
which must be expected to result from it, cannot fail to be matter of
anxiety and concern, to all who have a just feeling for the security
and independence of Europe.
Your astonishment, as well as your regret, must be excited by the
conduct of those powers, whose attention, at such a period, appears to
be more engaged in endeavours to weaken the naval force of the British
empire, which has hitherto opposed so powerful an obstacle to the
inordinate ambition of France, than in concerting the means of mutual
defence against their common and increasing danger.
The representations which I directed to be made to the court of
Petersburgh, in consequence of the outrages committed against the
ships, property, and persons of my subjects, have been treated with the
utmost disrespect: and the proceedings of which I complained have been
aggravated by subsequent acts of injustice and violence. Under these
circumstances, a convention has been concluded by that court, with
those of Copenhagen and Stockholm; the object of which, as avowed by
one of the contracting parties, is to renew their former engagements
for establishing by force a new code of maritime law, inconsistent with
the rights, and hostile to the interests of this country.
In this situation I could not hesitate as to the conduct which it
became me to pursue.
I have taken the earliest measures to repel the aggressions of this
hostile confederacy, and to support those principles which are
essential to the maintenance of our naval strength, and which are
grounded on the system of public law so long established and recognised
in Europe. I have, at the same time, given such assurances as manifest
my disposition to renew my ancient relations with those powers,
whenever it can be done consistently with the honour of my crown, and
with a just regard to the safety of my subjects.
You will, I am persuaded, omit nothing on your part that can afford me
the most vigorous and effectual support, in my firm determination to
maintain, to the utmost, against every attack, the naval rights and the
interests of my empire.