ENGLAND, though now secure from all successful attacks of the Lancastrian party, who began to be efficiently crushed, was yet labouring under all the inconvenience of an heavily expensive war; but resolved, if possible, to humble France, and the English, almost to a man, appeared very little / to wish for a peace, which they knew must be dishonourable for their own country, and only afford means to the ambitious ruler of France to carry on all his projects against this nation with success.

The Lancastrians, aided by a factious cabal in the house of commons, instigated their own native county, and the northern provinces adjoining, earnestly to petition the king for a peace: urging the distresses of their families, ruined by so long a war. They set forth the destruction of the trade and manufactures of the country, and represented all the horrors of numerous families of artisans perishing for want, when deprived of the resources of commerce. The ministry, however, firm and unshaken by these insidious attacks, continued to arm against the foe / with increased alacrity: expeditions of considerable force were fitted out, to protect and defend the country, and the king gave his royal sanction in the most determined manner, to continue the war against France.

Louis found he had internal enemies also in his own dominions. His tyranny and oppression rendered him the object of each man's detestation.† Passionate, to a degree of frenzy, his courtiers dared not take courage to address him; but his prime minister and confidant ventured to tell him, how requisite, and indeed, how important it was to him to endeavour by every means to accomplish a peace with the English, at that momentous crisis, which threatened a rebellion at home.