Page:The reign of George VI - 1763.djvu/55

 fleet. The general despondence which prevailed throughout the nation, upon account of the debt increased the shades of this sad picture. The riches of individuals were now found to be of but little avail to the good of the state, and while we enjoyed a more extensive trade than ever, the nation was upon the brink of ruin. The Russians threw all their force into their royal navy, so that our commerce had suffered very little from privateers.

The parliament being assembled in the greatest haste and confusion, the King went to the house, and, in a sensible and nervous speech, laid before them the dangerous situation of the nation, painted to them, in the strongest colours, the absolute necessity for some vigorous measures to preserve them from their impending ruin. He informed them the enemy was landed, and on the march to York; that the only de- Rh