the object of
their expedition. Fox concluded by moving, that there had been gross
mismanagement of naval affairs during the year 1781. This motion
was supported by Lord Howe and Mr. Pitt; but Lord Sandwich was again
defended by Lord Mulgrave; and on a division, it was lost by a majority
of twenty-two: a majority, however, which showed that there was a change
of opinion in the house.

MOTIONS OF INQUIRY IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS.

In the house of Lords, after parliament had reassembled, the Duke of
Richmond moved for an inquiry into the execution of Colonel Hayne,
at Charlestown; but his grace was outvoted by seventy-three against
twenty-five. Subsequently, the Duke of Chandos moved for an inquiry into
the cause which led to the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, and also
for all copies of the correspondence between ministers and Sir Henry
Clinton, during the preceding year. These propositions were agreed to,
but no results arose therefrom.

DEBATES ON LORD GEORGE GERMAINE'S ELEVATION TO THE PEERAGE.

About this time, Lord George Germaine resigned office, and undeterred
by his unpopularity, his majesty created him Viscount Sackville. On
the report of this proceeding, the Marquess of Carmarthen brought
the subject before the Lords, and moved a resolution, "that it was
derogatory to the honour of that house; that any person labouring under
the censure of a court-martial, should be recommended to the crown to
be raised to the dignity of a peerage." In moving this resolution, the
marquess read the sentence of the court-martial, which had been passed
upon Lord George Germaine, together with the public orders issued upon
it by George II. Several speeches were made, reflecting on the character
of the embryo peer, and threatening him with impeachment; but the motion
was objected to on the part of the ministers, as interfering with the
prerogative of the crown; and the question of adjournment was carried
by a large majority. On the 18th of February, Lord George, as Viscount
Sackville, took his seat among the peers, when the Marquess of
Carmarthen repeated his motion. The new-made peer defended himself
with great spirit and dignity; and he was also defended by the lord
chancellor and several other peers, so that, when the motion was put
to the vote, it was lost by a majority of ninety-three against
twenty-eight. Nine peers entered a protest on the journals, repeating
the motion, sentence, and public orders, and declaring "