source of our riches, and fixed object of my never-failing care and protection, flourishing to an extent unknown in any former war.

GEORGE III.

[CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, MAR. 19, 1761.]

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN.

I cannot put an end to this Session without ings during the course of it. The zeal you have declaring my entire satisfaction in your proceedshown for the honour of my Crown, as well as for my true interest and that of your country, which are ever the same, is the clearest demonstration of that duty and affection to my person and Government of which you so unanimously assured afford me as that I am now able to acquaint you me at your first meeting. Nothing could so much add to the pleasure which these considerations with the great progress made of late by the combined army in Germany, under the command of Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick. I formerly

ful country at such a time, and under such circumstances. My consolation is in the uprightness of my own intentions, your faithful and united assistance, and the blessing of Heaven upon our joint endeavours, which I devoutly implore.

Born and educated in this country, I glory in the name of Briton; and the peculiar happiness of my life will ever consist in promoting the welfare of a people whose loyalty and warm affection to me I consider as the greatest and most permanent security of my throne; and I doubt not but their steadiness in those principles will equal the firmness of my invariable resolution to adhere to, and strengthen, this excellent constitution in Church and State, and to maintain the toleration inviolable. The civil and religious rights of my loving subjects are equally' dear to me with the most valuable prerogatives of my Crown: and, as the surest foundation of the whole, and the best means to draw down the Divine favour on my reign, it is my fixed purpose to countenance and encourage the practice of true religion and virtue.

I reflect with pleasure on the successes with which the British arms have been prospered this last summer. The total reduction of the vast province of Canada, with the city of Montreal, is of the most interesting consequence, and must be as heavy a blow to my enemies as it is a conquest glorious to us; the more glorious, because effected almost without effusion of blood, and with that humanity which makes an amiable part of the character of this nation.

Our advantages gained in the East Indies have been signal; and must greatly diminish the strength and trade of France in those parts, as well as procure the most solid benefits to the commerce and wealth of my subjects.

In Germany, where the whole French force has been employed, the combined army, under the wise and able conduct of my general Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, has not only stopped their progress, but has gained advantages over them, notwithstanding their boasted superiority, and their not having hitherto come to a general engagement.

My good brother and ally the King of Prussia, although surrounded with numerous armies of enemies, has, with a magnanimity and perseverance almost beyond example, not only withstood their various attacks, but has obtained very considerable victories over them.

Of these events I shall say no more at this time, because the nature of the war in those parts has kept the campaign there still depending.

As my navy is the principal article of our natural strength, it gives me much satisfaction to receive it in such good condition; whilst the fleet of France is weakened to such a degree that the small remains of it have continued blocked up by my ships in their own ports; at the same time the French trade is reduced to the lowest ebb; and with joy of heart I see the commerce of my kingdoms, that great

The valour and intrepidity of my officers and forces, both at sea and land, have been distinthat I should be wanting in justice to them if guished so much to the glory of this nation, I did not acknowledge it. This is a merit which I shall constantly encourage and reward; and I take this occasion to declare that the zealous and useful service of the militia, in the present arduous conjuncture, is very acceptable to me. accession to the throne of my ancestors; happy In this state I have found things at my in viewing the prosperous part of it; happier still should I have been had I found my kingdoms, whose true interest I have entirely at injurious encroachments, and dangerous designs of my enemies, rendered the war both just and parts, had kept the campaign there still dependnecessary, and the generous overture, made lasting; and it now appears, to the surprise of my winter, towards a congress for a pacification enemies, that the superior ability and indefatihas not yet produced any suitable return, I am gable activity of my general, and the spirit and determined, with your cheerful and powerful profited of this perseverance, notwithstanding all ardour of my officers and troops, have greatly assistance, to prosecute this war with vigour, in order to that desirable object, a safe and the difficulties arising from the season. honourable peace. For this purpose, it is absolutely incumbent upon us to be early prepared; and I rely upon your zeal and hearty concurrence to support the King of Prussia, and the rest of my allies, and to make ample provision for carrying on the war, as the only means to bring our enemies to equitable terms of accommodation.

By your assistance, I have taken the best care to recruit that army in an effectual manner, and have made such a disposition of my fleet for the

next

summer as may most advantageously defend my kingdoms, protect the commerce of my subjects, maintain and extend our possessions and acquisitions, and annoy the enemy.

As in all my measures I have nothing in view but the security and felicity of my dominions, the support of my allies, and the restoring of the public tranquillity, I trust in the divine Providence to give a happy issue to our farther operations.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,

I cannot sufficiently thank you for your unanimity and despatch in providing for the expenses of my civil government, and the honour and dignity of the Crown; and I think myself as much obliged to you for the prudent use which, in framing that provision, you have made of my consent to leave my own hereditary revenues to such disposition of Parliament as might best public, as for what more immediately concerns conduce to the utility and satisfaction of the myself.

and extensive supplies which you have granted In making my acknowledgments for the large me this Session, I am at a loss whether most to applaud your cheerfulness in giving, or your wisdom in proportioning them to the extraordinary occasions of the public, notwithstanding those uncommon burthens, which I heartily regret. No care shall be wanting, on my part, to see them duly applied to the national ends for which you intended them.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

The expiration of this Parliament now drawing very near, I will forthwith give the necessary orders for calling a new one; but I cannot take my leave of you without returning my thanks for the many eminent proofs you have given of your fidelity and affection to my family and government, and of your zeal for this happy and excellent constitution.

During this Parliament, the flame of war was kindled by the injurious encroachments and usurpations of our enemies; and therefore it became just and necessary on our part. In the prosecution of it you have given such support to my royal grandfather and myself, and such assistance to our allies, as have manifested your publicspirited concern for the honour of the nation and the maintenance of its undoubted rights and possessions, and been attended with glorious successes, and great acquisitions, in various parts of the world; particularly the entire reduction of

Canada, a conquest of the utmost importance to the security of our colonies in North America, and to the extension of the commerce and navigation of my subjects.

May God Almighty grant continuance to these successes! The use which I propose to make of them is to secure and promote the welfare of my kingdoms, and to carry on the war with vigour, in order to procure to them the blessings of peace, on safe and honourable conditions for me and my allies, to which I have been always ready to hearken.

Firm in these resolutions, I do, with entire confidence, rely on the good dispositions of my faithful subjects in the choice of their representatives; and I make no doubt but they will thereby demonstrate the sincerity of those assurances, which have been so cordially and universally given me, in the loyal, affectionate, and unanimous aldresses of my people.

GEORGE III.

[OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, Nov. 6. 1761.]
MY LORDS AND Gentlemen,

At the opening of the first Parliament summoned and elected under my authority, I with pleasure take notice of an event which has made me completely happy, and given universal joy to my loving subjects. My marriage with a princess, eminently distinguished by every virtue and amiable endowment, whilst it affords me all possible domestic comfort, cannot but highly contribute to the happiness of my kingdoms; which has been, and always shall be, my first object in every action of my life.

It has been my earnest wish that this first period of my reign might be marked with another felicity; the restoring of the blessings of peace to my people, and putting an end to the calamities of war, under which so great a part of Europe suffers. But though overtures were made to me, and my good brother and ally the King of Prussia, by the several belligerent Powers, in order to a general pacification, for which purpose a Congress was appointed, and propositions were made to me by France for a particular peace with that Crown, which were followed by an actual negotiation; yet that Congress hath not hitherto taken place, and that negotiation with France is entirely broken off.

The sincerity of my disposition to effectuate this good work has been manifested in the progress of it; and I have the consolation to reflect that the continuance of the war, and the farther effusion of Christian blood, to which it was the desire of my heart to put a stop, cannot with justice be imputed to me.

Our military operations have been in no degree suspended or delayed; and it has pleased God to grant us further important successes, by the conquests of the islands of Belleisle and Dominica; and by the reduction of Pondicherry, which hath in a manner annihilated the French power in the East Indies. In other parts, where the enemy's numbers were greatly superior, their principal designs and projects have been generally disappointed by a conduct which does the highest honour to the distinguished capacity of my general Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, and by the valour of my troops. The magnanimity and ability of the King of Prussia have eminently appeared, in resisting such numerous armies and surmounting so great difficulties.

In this situation, I am glad to have an opportunity of receiving the truest information of the sense of my people by a new choice of their representatives. I am fully persuaded you will

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,

I am heartily sorry that the necessity of large supplies appears so clearly from what has already been mentioned. The proper estimates for the services of the ensuing year shall be laid before you; and I desire you to grant me such supplies as may enable me to prosecute the war with vigour, and as your own welfare and security in the present critical conjuncture require; that we may happily put the last hand to this great work. Whatsoever you give, shall be duly and faithfully applied.

I dare say your affectionate regard for me and the Queen makes you go before me in what I am next to mention; the making an adequate and honourable provision for her support, in case she should survive me. This is what not only her royal dignity, but her own merit calls for; and I earnestly recommend it to your consideration.*

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

I have such a confidence in the zeal and good affections of this Parliament, that I think it quite superfluous to use any exhortations to excite you to a right conduct. I will only add that there never was a situation in which unanimity, firmness, and dispatch, were more necessary for the safety, honour, and true interest of Great Britain.

GEORGE III.

were

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, When I consider the ample supplies which you have granted I cannot but lament the heavy burthens which the necessities of the public service have obliged you to impose upon my people. From this consideration, 1 have endeavoured, in every instance, to restrain my demands within as narrow bounds as the difficulties in which I found myself involved, would allow. From the same motive, my utmost care shall be employed to the most exact economy, consistent with the safety of my kingdoms, and the good faith and honour of my Crown.

I return you my particular thanks for the proof which you have given of your regard to me and to my family, in the ample provision you have made for the Queen; whose virtues and affection to this country will, I am confident, be found to deserve it.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

I have the fullest persuasion that you will continue to diffuse in your several counties that spirit of concord which you have yourselves so steadily exerted in Parliament: and you may be assured that I will, on my part, return your zeal and affection for my person and government tribute to the ease of my subjects; and that, it by a constant attention to whatever may conis my ardent wish to found the glories of my reign on the union of my people, and on the welfare and prosperity of these my kingdoms.

GEORGE III.

[OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, Nov. 25, 1762.]
MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

I found on my accession to the throne these my kingdoms engaged in a bloody and expensive war. I resolved to prosecute it with the utmost vigour; determined, however, to consent to peace, upon just and honourable terms, whenever the events of war should incline the enemy to the same pacific disposition. A negotiation was accordingly begun last year, which proved ineffectual. The war became afterwards more

general by the resolution of the Court of Madrid to take part with the enemy, notwithstanding my best endeavours to prevent it.

This, with the unexpected attack of my natural and good ally the King of Portugal, greatly affected our commerce, multiplied the objects of our military operations, and increased our difficulties, by adding to the heavy burthens under which this country already laboured.

My object still continued the same, to attain an honourable peace, by pursuing this more extensive war in the most vigorous manner. I embraced therefore an occasion offered me of renewing the negotiation; but at the same time I exerted so effectually the strength which you had put into my hands, and have been so well served by my fleets and armies in the furnish examples of greater glory, or greater execution of my plans, that history cannot advantages acquired by the arms of this, or any other nation, in so short a period of time. My general Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, and my army in Germany, have gained immortal honour, by many signal advantages obtained during the course of this campaign over an enemy French and Spanish arms in Portugal has been superior in numbers. The progress of the stopped; and that kingdom preserved by the firmness and resolution of its Sovereign, and La Lippe, seconded by the valour of the by the military talents of the reigning Count troops under his command. Martinico and

exertion of our most vigorous efforts, in every part where the enemy may still be attacked with advantage, is the only means that can be productive of such a peace, as may with reason be expected from our successes. It is therefore my fixed resolution, with your concurrence and support, to carry on the war in the most effectual manner for the interest and advantage of my kingdoms; and to maintain to the utmost of my power, the good faith and honour of my Crown, by adhering firmly to the engagements entered into with my allies. In this I will persevere, until my enemies, moved by their own losses and distresses, and touched with the miseries of so many nations, shall yield to the equitable conditions of an honourable peace; in which

I

distressed. The signal success of my arms in the conquest of Martinico, and the acquisition Indies, have, under the blessing of God, been of many other valuable settlements in the West the happy consequences of these measures. trust in the Divine Providence that they will be attended with still farther advantages, until the Powers at war with us shall be disposed to such rights of my Crown, the future security and terms of accommodation as the dignity and just commercial interests of my subjects, will permit me to accept.

The grant to the late Queen, in case she should survive his Majesty, was £100,000 per annum, with Somerset-house and the lodge in Richmond-park.

conquered; the Havannah, a place of the sion; and with it great treasures, and a very utmost importance to Spain, is in my possesconsiderable part of the navy of Spain are fallen into our hands.

I cannot mention these achievements, which reflect such honour on my Crown, without giving my public testimony to the unwearied perseverrepeated proofs, have shown that no climate, no and private men, by sea and land, who, by ance and unparalleled bravery of my officers hardships, no dangers can check the ardour or resist the valour of the British arms.

Next to the assistance of Almighty God, it is owing to their conduct and courage that my enemies have been brought to accept of peace

on such terms as, I trust, will give my Parliament entire satisfaction. Preliminary articles have been signed by my Minister, with those of France and Spain, which I will order in due time to be laid before you.

The conditions of these are such that there is not only an immense territory added to the empire of Great Britain, but a solid foundation laid for the incerase of trade and commerce; and the utmost care has been taken to remove all occasions of future disputes between my subjects and those of France and Spain, and thereby to add security and permanency to the blessings of peace.

While I carefully attended to the essential interests of my own kingdoms, I have had the utmost regard to the good faith of my Crown, and the interest of my allies. I have made peace for the King of Portugal, securing to him all his dominions; and all the territories of the King of Prussia, as well as my other allies in Germany, or elsewhere, occupied by the armies of France, are to be immediately evacuated.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,

I have ordered the proper estimates to be laid before you; and shall, without delay, proceed to make reductions to the utmost extent, wherever they may be found consistent with wisdom and sound policy. It is the greatest affliction for me to find that, though the war is at an end, our expenses cannot imme liately be so much lessened as I desire; but as nothing could have carried us through the great and arduous difficulties surrounding us but the most vigorous and expensive efforts, we must expect for some time to feel the consequences of them to a considerable degree.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

It was impossible to execute what this nation has so gloriously performed in all parts of the world, without the loss of great numbers of men. When you consider this loss, whether on the principles of policy or humanity, you will see one of the many reasons which induced me to enter early into negotiation, so as to make a considerable progress in it, before the fate of many operations was determined; and now to hasten the conclusion of it, to prevent the necessity of making preparations for another campaign. As by this peace my territories are greatly augmented, and new sources opened for trade and manufactures, it is my earnest desire that you would consider of such methods in the settlements of our new acquisitions as shall most effectually tend to the security of those countries, and to the improvement of the commerce and navigation of Great Britain. I cannot mention our acquisitions without earnestly recommending to your care and attention my gallant subjects by whose valour they were made.

We could never have carried on this extensive war without the greatest union at home. You will find the same union peculiarly necessary in order to make the best use of the great advantages acquired by the peace; and to lay the foundation of that economy which we owe to ourselves, and to our posterity, and which can alone relieve this nation from the heavy burthens brought upon it by the necessities of this long and expensive war.

GEORGE III.

[CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, APRIL 19, 1763.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

I cannot put an end to this Session of Parliament without expressing my thanks for the signal zeal and dispatch which you have manifested in your proceedings, and which make it unnecessary for me to continue it any longer.

I informed you at your first meeting, that preliminary articles were signed by my Minister and those of France and Spain; I ordered them to be laid before you, and the satisfaction I felt at the approaching re-establishment of peace, upon conditions so honourable to my Crown, and so beneficial to my people, was highly increased by my receiving from both Houses of Parliament the strongest and most grateful expressions of their entire approbation. These articles have been established, and even rendered still more advantageous to my subjects, by the definitive treaty, and my expectations have been fully

I have directed, as I promised at the end of last Session of Parliament, that the money arising from the sale of the prizes vested in the Crown should be applied to the public service. It is my intention to reserve, for the same use, whatever sums shall be produced by the sale of any of the lands belonging to me in the islands in the West Indies, which were ceded to us by the late treaty.

The improvement of the public revenue, by such regulations as shall be judged most expedient for that purpose, deserves your serious consideration. This will be the surest means of reducing the National Debt, and of relieving my subjects from those burthens which the expenses of the late war have brought upon them; and will, at the same time, establish the public credit upon the most solid foundation.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

As the interests and prosperity of my people are the sole objects of my care, I have only to desire that you will pursue such measures as are conducive to those ends, with dispatch and unanimity. Domestic union will be essentially necessary to remedy those evils which are the consequences of war, to enable us to reap the most permanent advantages from the conclusion of the peace, and to discourage that licentious spirit which is repugnant to the true principles of liberty and of this happy constitution. In this opinion I trust that my subjects will be confirmed by your example, and that they will be taught by your proceedings to unite their utmost endeavours to support such measures as may equally tend to the honour and dignity of my Crown, and to their own security and happiness.

GEORGE III.

[CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, APRIL 19, 1764.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

I cannot put an end to this Session of Parliament without returning you my thanks for the prudent and salutary measures which you have taken to extend the commerce and secure the happiness of my kingdoms.

The assurances which I have received of the pacific disposition of the several Powers with whom we were lately at war,and of their resolution to adhere inviolably to the terms of the late treaty, promise the continuance of peace abroad; and the firm and temperate exertion of your authority, joined to the constitutional and public-spirited conduct which you have manifested on every occasion during the present obedience to the laws, reverence to the legislaSession, will, I trust, establish at home due ture, and domestic union.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,

I thank you for the supplies which you have so cheerfully and unanimously granted. The ample provision you have made for the several services recommended to you, and especially for maintaining my fleet in a respectable state, will, I am confident, preserve to this nation its proper weight and influence, and give strength and security to all my dominions.

The wise regulations which have been established to augment the public revenues, to unite the interests of the most distant possessions of my Crown, and to encourage and secure their commerce with Great Britain, call for my hearty approbation.

Your regard to public credit, in discharging a part of the heavy debt contracted and unprovided for during the late war, without imposing on this kingdom the burthen of any new taxes, is particularly pleasing to me, from the tender concern which I feel for my people.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

It is the proper employment of this season of tranquillity to consider of the most effectual means for perfecting those works of peace and plans of public utility which have been so widely and happily begun.

I recommend these important objects to your consideration during the recess. You may depend upon my constant endeavours for the success of these good purposes, as I shall ever esteem it my truest glory to employ that power with which the constitution hath entrusted me, in promoting your real interests and lasting happiness.

GEORGE III.

[OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, JAN. 10. 1765.]

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

The situation of affairs, both at home and abroad, has enabled me to allow you that recess which has been usual in times of public tranquillity.

I have now the satisfaction to inform you that I have agreed with my good brother the King of Denmark to cement the union which has long subsisted between the two Crowns, by the marriage of the Prince Royal of Denmark with my sister the Princess Caroline Matilda, which is to be solemnized as soon as their respective ages will permit.

I observe with pleasure that the events which have happened in the course of the last year give us reason to hope for the duration of that peace which has been so happily established, and which it is my resolution strictly to maintain. The Courts of France and Spain have given me fresh assurances of their good dispositions. The future quiet of the empire has been confirmed by the unanimous choice of a successor to the imperial dignity: and the peaceable election of the King of Poland has prevented those fatal consequences which, upon similar occasions, have so frequently been destructive to the repose of Europe. I am happy, therefore, to meet my Parliament at a time when no foreign disturbances interrupt their consultations for the internal good order and prosperity of my kingdoms.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I shall ask of you, for the current service of the year, no other supplies than such as are necessary for those establishments which have already met with your approbation; and I will order the proper estimates for this purpose to be laid before you.

I must, however, earnestly recommend to you the continuance of that attention, which you have hitherto shown for the improvement of the public revenue and the diminution of the National Debt. For these desirable and necessary ends, I am persuaded that you will pursue every proper measure which the state of my dominions, and the circumstances of the times, may require.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

The experience which I have had of your former conduct makes me rely on your wisdom and firmness in promoting that obedience to the laws, and respect to the legislative authority of this kingdom, which is essentially necessary for the safety of the whole; and in establishing such regulations as may best connect and strengthen every part of my dominions for their mutual benefit and support.

The affection which I bear to my people excites my earnest wishes that every Session of Parliament may be distinguished by some plans for the public advantage, and for their relief from those difficulties which an expensive war has brought upon them. My concurrence and encouragement shall never be wanting where their welfare is concerned; and I trust that for the attainment of that great object you will proceed with temper, unanimity, and dispatch.

GEORGE III. [CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, MAY 25, 1765.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

The dispatch, which you have given, with so much zeal and wisdom, to the public business, enables me now to put a period to this Session of Parliament.

No alteration in the state of foreign affairs has happened since your meeting to disturb the general peace; and it is with pleasure that I inform you that the present dispositions of the several Powers of Europe promise the continuance of this blessing.

I have seen, with the most perfect approbation, that you have employed this season of tranquillity in promoting those objects which I had recommended to your attention; and in framing such regulations as may best enforce

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, The cheerfulness and prudence which you have shown, in providing for the necessary expenses of the present year, deserve my particular acknowledgments. The many bills which you have formed for the improvement and augmentation of the revenue in its several branches, and the early care which you have taken to discharge a part of the National Debt, are the most effectual methods to establish the public credit upon the surest foundations, and to alleviate by degrees the burthens of my people.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, The provisions which have been made for the administration of the Government, in case the Crown should descend to any of my children under the age of eighteen years, whilst they add strength and security to our present establishment, give me the kindest and most convincing proof of your confidence. The sense which I have of the important trust reposed in me and my desire to repay this mark of your affection by discharging my part, agreeably to your intentions, in the manner most beneficial to my people, have concurred to make me execute without delay the powers with which you have entrusted me. This is already done, and you may be assured that, as far as it depends upon me, those salutary provisions shall never be ineffectual. It is my ardent wish, and shall be my constant endeavour, on this and every other occasion, to perpetuate the happiness of my subjects, and to transmit to posterity the blessings of our invaluable constitution.

GEORGE III.

[OPENING OF PARLIAMENT, JAN. 14, 1766.] MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, When I met you last I acquainted you that matters of importance had happened in America, which would demand the most serious attention of Parliament.

That no information which could serve to direct your deliberations in so interesting a concern might be wanting, I have ordered all the papers that give any light into the origin, the progress, or the tendency of the disturbances which have of late prevailed in some of the northern colonies, to be immediately laid before you.

No time has been lost, on the first advice of these disturbances, to issue orders to the governors of my provinces, and to the commanders of my forces in America, for the exertion of all the powers of government in the suppression of riots and tumults, and in the effectual support of lawful authority.

Whatever remains to be done on this occasion I commit to your wisdom; not doubting but your zeal for the honour of my Crown, your attention to the just rights and authority of the British legislature, and your affection and concern for the welfare and prosperity of all my people, will guide you to such sound and prudent resolutions, as may tend at once to preserve those constitutional rights over the colonies, and to restore to them that harmony and tranquillity, which have lately been interrupted by riots and disorders of the most dangerous nature.

If any alterations should be wanting in the commercial economy of the plantations which may tend to enlarge and secure the mutual and beneficial intercourse of my kingdoms and colonies, they will deserve your most serious consideration. In effectuating purposes worthy of your wisdom and public spirit, you may depend upon my most hearty concurrence and support. The present happy tranquillity now subsisting in Europe will enable you to pursue such objects of our interior policy with a more uninterrupted attention.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,

I have ordered the proper estimates for the current service of the year to be laid before you. Such supplies as you may grant shall be duly applied with the utmost fidelity, and shall be dispensed with the strictest economy.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

I earnestly recommend to you to proceed in your deliberations with temper and unanimity. The time requires, and I doubt not but your own inclinations will lead you to those salutary dispositions. I have nothing at heart but the assertion of legal authority, the preservation of the liberties of all my subjects, the equity and good order of my government, and the concord and prosperity of all parts of my dominions.

GEORGE III.

[CLOSING OF PARLIAMENT, JUNE 6, 1766.]
MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

It is with the utmost satisfaction that I have observed the wisdom and moderation which have uniformly guided you through the many important deliberations in which you have been engaged during the course of this long and interesting Session of Parliament. I persuade myself that the most salutary effects must be the natural result of deliberations conducted upon such principles.

GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,

I thank you for the supplies which you have so cheerfully given for the several establishments and for the support of public credit; and you may rest assured that no economy will be wanting to render them effectual for the purposes for which they were granted.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

The present general disposition of all the Powers of Europe seems to indicate a continuance of peace, and it is my earnest desire to preserve the general tranquillity, by fulfilling, on my part, all the engagements I am under by treaties. And on this foundation, I may reasonably hope and expect the same strict performance of those engagements, which other Powers are under to my Crown.

The many regulations which you have made for extending and promoting the trade and manufactures of Great Britain, and for settling the mutual intercourse of my kingdoms and plantations in such a manner as to provide for the improvement of the colonies, on a plan of due subordination to the commercial interests of the mother country, are the strongest proofs of your equitable and comprehensive regard to the welfare of all my dominions; an object truly worthy of a British Parliament.

It shall be my endeavour that such care be taken as may tend to secure and improve the advantages which may be expected from such wise and salutary provisions.

I have nothing further to recommend to you than that you will exert your best endeavours in your respective counties, to enforce the execution of the laws, and to promote good manners and good order among my people; whose true and lasting happiness shall be my constant care, and upon whose affections I shall always firmly rely.

I receive your condolence on the melancholy event of my brother's death as a mark of your affection and loyalty.

I shall be careful that my conduct shall justify the confidence you so affectionately express, in my applying properly such supplies as you may find necessary for the public service.

GEORGE III.