the English country gentlemen, and
was finally rejected by a majority of one hundred and twelve
against ninety-five. By its opposers the bill was considered both as
unnecessary, and as a dangerous innovation; but the opposition, it would
appear, chiefly arose from national prejudices: Scotsmen might, it was
said, as they were subservient to ministers, if they obtained a militia,
employ it against the liberties and constitution of England. Lord North
supported the bill; but he found himself in the unusual predicament of
voting in the minority.

{GEORGE III. 1775-1776}

THE NAVY AND LAND ESTIMATES.

The number of forces to be employed by sea and land in the ensuing
year indicated great designs: 28,000 seamen, and 50,000 men for the
land-service being voted. Yet great as this force was, it was not
considered sufficient for the emergency even by the opposition, who said
that the establishment was far too great for peace, and far too small
for such a war as ministers were embarking in. This, indeed, was the
opinion of Lord Barrington, secretary at war, who used his utmost
endeavours, both with the ministers and the king, to obtain a force
commensurate with the undertaking. He in particular urged the necessity
of reducing America by means of a powerful fleet, stating it as his
opinion that its reduction could never be accomplished by the army,
which was the staff on which ministers rested. But it was in vain
that Lord Barrington warned and advised his colleagues in office, and
counselled the king. It was held, that at present the naval force must
be accompanied with an army, and the estimates of ministers were made
and carried accordingly. The sentiments of Lord Barrington on this
subject are fully shown in a letter which he wrote at an earlier date
to the Earl of Dartmouth, then secretary for America. In this letter
he remarked:--"First, I doubt whether all the troops in North America,
though probably sufficient for a pitched battle with the strength of the
province, are enow to subdue it, being of great extent and full of men
accustomed to firearms. If the Massachusets--with whom the inhabitants
of Connecticut and Rhode Island are said to have made common cause--were
conquered they must be kept under by large armies and fortresses, the
expense of which would be ruinous and endless. Second, because the most
successful conquest that can be imagined must produce the horrors
and bloodshed of civil war. Third, because