Page:American Historical Review, Volume 12.djvu/675

 Kimball : Cori-espoiidencc of Jlllliaiii Pitt 665 thousands of miles were the settlements of the British people who came to stay, to make homes and seek more lands where and when they needed them. Alleged aggression and trespass on the one hand and alleged interference on the other soon occasioned collisions and con- flicts; local in their character at first, but gradually assuming serious proportions, while each country was preparing for the more serious fray. At last the stronger nation, stronger at sea as well as on land, stronger in her institutions and in her material resources, aroused herself under the influence of Pitt, who decided upon the conquest of Canada and found the men and the means to make it an accomplished fact. Eighteen days after entering upon his duties, he gave an indication of his policy regarding North America. Writing to Lawrence on De- cember 22, he said : " The Dangers to which North America stands exposed have determined the King to take vigorous and effectual Measures to stop the Progress of the Enemy, and to annoy them, if possible, in their own Possessions. It is therefore the King's Intention to cause a Squadron of Ships of War, together with a considerable Land Force, to proceed shortly to North America, whereof 2,000 Men will be forthwith sent to Halifax ; and . . . that you do follow such Directions, as you shall receive from the Earl of Loudoun" (I. i). England was far less happy in the choice of her commander-in- chief than France. Loudoun, who had been appointed at the outbreak of the war, was no match for the brilliant and tactful Montcalm. He arrived in Albany two months after he was expected by his chief officers, Webb and Abercromby, and found a condition of affairs similar to those which Montcalm had experienced in Quebec — jealousy be- tween colonials and regulars. Loudoun was a man of indecision, and never seemed able to decide upon any plan of attack, and much valu- able time was consequently consumed. In June, 1757, with nearly 12,- 000 men before Louisbourg, he could not determine whether it were Detter to attack the place or return home. After spending a whole month in considering, or, as Lord Charles Howe said, " In keeping the courage of His Majesty's soldiers at bay, and in expending the nation's wealth in making sham battles and in planting cabbages ", he returned to New York, having covered himself with ridicule and greatly amused the French. Pitt no doubt was disgusted, although he does not appear to have passed any comment on his action. On December 30, 1757, he wrote : " I am with Concern to acquaint Your Lordship, that the King has judged proper, that your Lordship should return to England: And His Majesty [has] been pleased to appoint Major General Abercromby to succeed your Lordship as Commander in Chief of the King's forces in America" (I. 133-134). It was in Quebec, however, that Pitt expected to strike the blow which would decide the fate of New France ; and after the operations of 1758, which had been so satisfactory to England and so dishearten- ing to her rival, he was more determined than ever to humble France, rob her of her colonies, destroy her navy, capture her trade, and