[6] All this time the feeling in favour of a regular force seemed to be growing in the House of Commons.

The resignation of Sunderland had put many honest gentlemen in good humour.

The Whig leaders exerted themselves to rally their followers, held meetings at the "Rose," and represented strongly the dangers to which the country would be exposed, if defended only by a militia.

The opposition asserted that neither bribes nor promises were spared.

The ministers at length flattered themselves that Harley's resolution might be rescinded.