to war for the security of the country, and that it would truly be a
war _pro aris et focis_. Fox, and some of his friends deprecated such a
measure, and endeavoured to show that war was not necessary, and might
be avoided; but Pitt's motion was carried without a division, An address
to the same effect was also voted by the lords.

DECLARATION OF WAR BY THE FRENCH, ETC.

A few days after the above proceedings of parliament, intelligence was
received that France had declared war against Great Britain and Ireland.
On the 11th of February, indeed, his majesty sent a royal message to
the two houses, announcing that the national convention, had, without
previous notice, directed acts of hostility to be committed against the
persons and property of his majesty's subjects, in breach of the law of
nations, and of the positive stipulations of treaty; and that since they
had given these directions, they had actually declared war against his
majesty and the United Provinces. The message continued--"Under the
circumstances of this wanton and unprovoked aggression, his majesty has
taken the necessary steps to maintain the honour of his crown, and
to vindicate the rights of his people; and his majesty relies with
confidence on the firm and effectual support of the house of commons,
and on the zealous exertions of a brave and loyal people, in prosecuting
a just and necessary war; and in endeavouring, under the blessing of
Providence, to oppose an effectual barrier to the progress of a system
which strikes at the security and peace of all independent nations,
and is pursued in open defiance of every principle of moderation, good
faith, humanity, and justice. In a cause of such general concern, his
majesty has every reason to hope for the cordial cooperation of those
powers who are united with his majesty by the ties of alliance, or who
feel an interest in preventing the extension of anarchy and confusion,
and in contributing to the security and tranquillity of Europe." This
message was taken into consideration on the next day, when Pitt gave
a detailed statement of our transactions with France, and of our
endeavours to preserve a strict neutrality as long as it was possible.
In adverting to those insults which the French supposed they had
received from England, and which they stated as grounds for their
declaration of war, he said that he found in them nothing but pretexts
and allegations too weak to require refutation. These ins