Minorca, abandoned by the home government, fell before superior strength, as has been seen to fall, one by one, the less important of the English Antilles.

The position of England from the time that France and Spain opened their maritime war was everywhere defensive, except in North America; and was therefore, from the military point of view, essentially false.

She everywhere awaited attacks which the enemies, superior in every case, could make at their own choice and their own time.

North America was really no exception to this rule, despite some offensive operations which in no way injured her real, that is her naval, foes.
Thus situated, and putting aside questions of national pride or sensitiveness, what did military wisdom prescribe to England?
The question would afford an admirable study to a military inquirer, and is not to be answered off-hand, but certain evident truths may be pointed out.

In the first place, it should have been determined what part of the assailed empire was most necessary to be preserved.