3 - War minister
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 30 September 2009
Summary
I was always of opinion that the greatest strength and solidity in His Majesty's councils would be wanting to carry on the present unequal war with any prospect of success; but a still greater strength will, certainly, be necessary whenever any event shall fortunately make a peace practicable, and as, in that peace, the King's German dominions must be included, prejudices are to be combatted; popular clamour will be raised, and ought to be withstood; but can only be conquered by a solid and strong administration.
Earl of Holdernesse, June 1757Fye Billy, so Naughtily thus to behave,
What just Dub'd a Freeman, and List for a Slave
With Pelham and Anson those true Packhorse Peers,
And Fox the Trained War-Horse, to draw in the Geers
The Presents of Britons, so meanly Abuse,
Turn again, a Court Hack, for a Stall in the meuse
As Sarah's ten Thousand, came just in the Nick,
Will you Play a whole Nation, the same scurvy Trick.
She knew not indeed, how Her Legacy Sped;
But the Nation is Living, tho' Sarah is Dead.
Anon., The Poets Address to the Right Dis-honourable William Pitt, summer 1757Pitt's claim to fame rests on British success during the Seven Years War and this chapter will concentrate on British policy and Pitt's role during that conflict, but it is first necessary to consider his position and strength as minister.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Pitt the Elder , pp. 129 - 225Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 1992