Orford now complained to the King that Rooke had been in correspondence with the factious opposition which had given so much trouble, and had lent the weight of his professional and official authority to the accusations which had been brought against the naval administration.

The King spoke to Rooke, who declared that Orford had been misinformed.

"I have a great respect for my Lord; and on proper occasions I have not failed to express it in public.

There have certainly been abuses at the Admiralty which I am unable to defend.

When those abuses have been the subject of debate in the House of Commons, I have sate silent.