1

religion in danger from papists when the test act BOOK V. was passed, cannot be applicable to the dissenters 1704 at present. On the contrary, manifest inconveniences result from this exclusion."

taken at the

Act of Se

The attention of the house was soon transferred Alarm to a subject of much higher importance-the Scottish transactions of the Scottish parliament during curity. their last session; and the discontented party, both whigs and tories, were loud in their exclamations against the English ministry, by whose criminal supineness, or perhaps connivance, such fatal measures had been suffered to pass. Lord Haversham, a whig out of place and out of humour, observed, "that, although the succession to the crown in the protestant line was the main thing recommended in the royal letter, yet it was so postponed and baffled that it came to nothing, partly from the weakness of the ministers, and partly from a received opinion that the succession itself was never sincerely and cordially intended. At the opening of the session, the secretary of state had made extraordinary distinctions between the secret and revealed will of the sovereign; and upon the 4th sederunt, a motion was made for a bill of exclusion-virtually such, though it bore the title of an Act of Security. Is it possible, that those who advised the passing of such a bill could ever be really friends to the protestant settlement? Who can answer for the conse

BOOK V. quences of such a state of things? It is an 1704. apothegm of lord Bacon, Let men beware how they neglect or suffer matter of trouble to be prepared, for no man can forbid the sparks that may set all on fire."" Lord Wharton practised on the political terrors of Godolphin, by openly boasting, "that since the act of security passed, he had the treasurer's head in a bag." The earls of Nottingham and Rochester seconded with great energy the censures of lord Haversham. It being said, that the act of security was granted to prevent the danger of a rebellion; a clause was pointed out in the act, by which the Scottish peers and chieftains were authorised to arm and discipline their vassals; and it was remarked, that, if the Scots had rebelled before the passing of this act, they would have rebelled without the means of supporting their rebellion; but now they were furnished both with incitement and sanction for resistance. The house appeared much agitated and inflamed; and though lord Godolphin's friends were too numerous to suffer a direct vote of censure to pass, they agreed to a variety of resolutions, which sufficiently indicated the general resentment and apprehension."

First, that the queen be enabled by act of parliament to nominate commissioners, the former commission having expired, to treat concerning an union with Scotland. 2dly, That the natives

1704.

of Scotland should not enjoy the privileges of BOOK V. Englishmen, until an union be effected, or the succession settled as in England, 3dly, That the bringing of cattle from Scotland into England be prevented. 4thly, That the lord high-admiral be required to issue orders for capturing such Scottish vessels as shall be found trading to the ports of France, or any other of her majesty's enemies, 5thly, That the exportation of English wool into Scotland be prohibited." Their lordships also presented an address to the queen, desiring that speedy and effectual orders might be given for putting the town of Newcastle in a state of defence, and likewise for securing the port of Tinmouth, and for repairing the fortifications of Carlisle and Hull, They aisa besought her majesty to cause the militia of the four northern counties to be disciplined and provided with arms and ammunition, and a competent number of regular troops to be stationed upon the borders. To all these particulars the queen expressed her ready assent; and the course of things seemed rapidly tending to open hostility and war. A bill founded upon the resolutions of the lords, being framed, was in a short time sent down to the commons, who, though not less enraged, scrupled to pass it, under the fastidious notion of its being a money bill, in consequence of the pecuniary penalties engrafted in it; but

BOOK V. they forthwith framed a bill of their own, nearby 1704. similar, which they transmitted to the lords. The

Honor of Woodstock conferred

on the Duke

of Marl borough.

chief amendments were the prohibition of Scottish linen into England or Ireland, and the permission to the protestant freeholders of the six northern counties to furnish themselves with arms. The lords passed the bill without delay or difficulty, and on the following Christmas-day, 1705, it was to take effect. Lord Godolphin now found himself in a very critical situation: the act of security was to him an act of peril and of dread, On the first passing of it, lord Stair went with all expedition to London, and told the treasurer that he was on the brink of a precipice, and the two countries on that of a civil war. This he now found alarmingly verified; and from this moment, forgetful of his Jacobitical principles, he determined to exert himself vigorously and effectually to accomplish the great work of an union of the British kingdoms.

In consequence of an address of the house of commons, beseeching the queen to consider of some proper means to perpetuate the memory of the great services performed by the duke of Marlborough, she declared her resolution to bestow upon his grace the honor of Woodstock, with the parks and manors appertaining thereto; where a magnificent palace was erected at the public expence, to which the name of Bleinheim

House was given, in commemoration of the glo- BOOK V. rious victory gained at that place.

1704.

into naval

During this session an enquiry took place in Enquiry the house of lords relative to various mismanage- tactics ments in the navy and admiralty departments; which were chiefly under the direction of sir George Rooke, an officer of undoubted skill and courage, but strongly attached to the tories, upon which account the house of commons had with a too partial indulgence passed over all neglects. Twenty-two vessels were employed in cruising with so little success, that three ships, commanded by diligent officers, might have performed more; as was proved by a sort of numerical calculation. Even treachery was suspected; for, a French privateer being captured, instructions were found on board, so exactly quadrating with the orders issued by the admiralty, as to preclude the supposition of accidental coincidence. An elaborate representation was presented by the lords to the queen, on these and other heads of misconduct; and the whig interest having now obtained the ascendency at court, sir George Rooke, whom the voice of faction had raised to an invidious rivalship with Marlborough, was dismissed from his offices, and sir Cloudesley Shovel appointed to the command of the fleet.

This parliament is distinguished in the English Case of annals by the perpetual misunderstandings which why and

Ashby

White.