Page:The Annual Register 1758.djvu/131

Rh easily could perceive the most minute thing upon the street. This meteor was likewise seen in several parts of the neighbourhood, and in appearance was much the same as above described.

This meteor was also seen at Dublin, Newcastle, Plymouth, and by three gentlemen in Chelsea fields, near London.

Mr. Speaker, in pursuance of the resolution of the 6th instant, addressed himself to Admiral Boscawen, and gave him the thanks of the house, as he stood in his place, in the following terms:

Admiral Boscawen!

The house have unanimously resolved, that their thanks should be given to you for the services you have done to your King and Country in North-America; and it is my duty to convey their thanks to you.

I wish I could do it in a manner suitable to the occasion, and as they ought to be given to you, now standing in your place, as a member of this house.

But were I able to enumerate and set forth, in the best manner, the great and extensive advantages accruing to this nation from the conquest of Louisbourg, with the islands of Cape Breton and St. John, I could only exhibit a repetition of what has already been, and is, the genuine and uniform sense and language of every part of the kingdom.

Their joy too has been equal to their sentiments upon the interesting event: and in their sentiments and joy they have carried their gratitude also to you, Sir, as a principal instrument in these most important acquisitions.

You are now therefore receiving the acknowledgments of the people, only in a more solemn way—by the voice, the general voice, of their representatives in parliament—The most honourable fame that any man can arrive at, in this, or any other country. It is, on these occasions, a national honour, from a free people; ever cautiously to be conferred, in order to be the more esteemed to be the greater reward; and which ought to be reserved for the most signal services to the state, and the most approved merit in them; such as this house has usually, and very lately, made their objects of public thanks.

The use, I am persuaded, you will make of this just testimony, and high reward of your services and merit, will be the preserving in your own mind a lasting impression of what the Commons of Great Britain are now tendering to you, and in a constant continuance of the zeal and ardour for the glory of your King and Country, which have made you to deserve it.

In obedience to the commands of the house I do, with great pleasure to myself, give you the thanks of the house for the services you have done to your King and Country in North America.

To which Admiral Boscawen answered:

Mr. Speaker!

I am happy in having been able to do my duty; but have not words to express my senfe of the distinguishing reward that has been conferred upon me by this house; nor can I enough thank you, Sir, for the polite and elegant manner, in which you have been pleased to convey to me the resolution of the house.

And then the Speaker acquainted the house, that, in obedience to their commands he had signified to