y have lately shown in the
Mediterranean, by which their trade must become more precarious than
ever."

The last petition delivered in was from the mayor, aldermen, and commons
of the city of London, setting forth, "that they had seen a powerful and
well-provided fleet remain inactive in our own ports, or more
ingloriously putting to sea, without the appearance of any enterprise in
view; while our trading vessels were daily exposed to the privateers of
an inconsiderable port, and a feeble enemy holds our naval power in
derision, to the ruin of trade, the enriching the enemy, and the
disgrace of the British name."

Their general request is, "that they may have regular convoys, and that
the commanders be ordered not to desert their charge when in danger,
that cruisers be properly stationed, subject to such inspection as shall
best answer the end designed."

They all concluded with praying, "that the house would make such
provision for the future security of the navigation and commerce of
these kingdoms as they shall think fit."

The petitions were severally referred to the consideration of a
committee of the whole house, and the following orders made for
necessary papers to be laid before the house.

1. An account of his majesty's ships of war which have been employed
since the beginning of last year, as cruisers for the protection of the
trade of this kingdom on this side cape Finisterre, the stations of such
ships, and how long ordered to continue thereupon, with the times of
their going to sea, and their returning into port; when such ships were
cleared, and which of them tallowed, and when respectively.

2. The journals of the commanders of such of his majesty's ships of war
as have been employed since the commencement of the present war, as
cruisers for the protection of trade on this side cape Finisterre.

3. An account of the ships of war built in any of his majesty's yards,
which have been launched since July, 1739, the times when launched, when
first put to sea, and on what services employed.

4. An account of the ships of war built in private yards for his
majesty's service, in the said time; distinguishing the times when
contracted for, when launched, when first put to sea, and on what
services employed.

5. An account of the ships and vessels purchased for his majesty's
service since the said time, distinguishing when purchased, when first
put to sea, and what services employed in.

6. An account