was one of expediency, which detracts materially from its
glory.

{GEORGE III. 1778-1779}

MOTION OF CENSURE ON LORD GEORGE GERMAINE, ETC.

On the 19th of March, during the sitting of the committee of the whole
house on the state of the nation, Mr. Fox moved a resolution of censure
on Lord George Germaine, as the chief author of Burgoyne's disaster.
This motion was rejected, and the solicitor-general then proposed that
the house should exonerate the noble secretary from all blame. A vote to
the effect that the failure of the expedition from Canada was not caused
by any neglect of the secretary of state was carried, but the resolution
was not reported. By this time Burgoyne, who was a member of parliament,
and who had been permitted to return home upon parole, was in his place
to speak for himself. He had an opportunity of explaining the whole
matter on the 26th of May, when a motion was made for a select committee
to consider the transactions of the northern army, the convention of
Saratoga, and the means by which the general of that army had obtained
his release. In supporting the motion, Burgoyne vindicated his conduct
at great length, and complained bitterly of fabrications which injured
his own honour and the honour of the army, as well as of his treatment
in parliament during his absence, and his treatment generally since his
return to England. He solicited a full inquiry, asserting that he put
his fortune, his honour, and his head on the issue. The reply of Lord
George Germaine was brief, and he concluded by saying that the house was
not the proper tribunal to decide upon the campaign, and therefore he
could not see the propriety of parliamentary interference. The motion
was rejected.

In the course of the debate, Mr. Temple Luttrell adduced the story of
the court-martial which had sat upon Lord George Germaine himself,
after the battle of Minden, and made an insulting comparison between his
conduct in that battle, and the conduct of the brave and enterprising
Burgoyne. In a paroxysm of rage, Lord George asserted that he did not
merit such an attack; that he would for once descend to a level with the
wretched character and malice of his assailant; and that, old as he was,
he would meet the fighting gentleman and be revenged. The house called
to order, and the speaker reprimanded both members, and insisted that
the affair should proceed no further. Lord George immediately apologized
for his warmth, but Lu