Their whole attention was now centered in the article of assistance.

They granted about two millions for the maintenance of three-and-thirty thousand seamen, the building of some additional ships of war, and the finishing of Plymouth dock; and seven hundred and fifty thousand pounds to supply the deficiency of the quarterly poll.

The estimates of the land-service were not discussed without tedious debates and warm disputes.

The ministry demanded fifty-four thousand men, twenty thousand of whom should be kept at home for the defence of the nation, while the rest should serve abroad in the allied army.

Many members declared their aversion to a foreign war, in which the nation had no immediate concern and so little prospect of success.