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HISTORY OF MARINE ARCHITECTURE.

restrained, so completely, from acting decisively against an inveterate, though im-potent, enemy, that, as is justly remarked by historians, those squadrons, which,on their first appearance, had been objects of universal terror to the Spaniards,became, long ere their departure, those of mirth only.

This was more particularly the case in the instance of admiral Ilozier ; and themind of posterity will, perhaps, be in some degree puzzled, w hether they shouldattribute the moderate conduct of Britain to consummate benevolence, or a muchless meritorious cause, indolence and ridiculous timidity. This dispute was notthoroughly disposed of, when a renewal of attack,said to be meditated by theCzarina,against Sweden, caused Sir John Norris to be once more sent into the Baltic withthe accustomed palliative, which had been so often used with success, in thatquarter, in the settlement of national disputes. These measures were effectual,and instantaneously so. The Spaniards, cured of their unquiet conduct, by somany proofs of their impotence, were glad to rest contented, in that rank among,nations, which Providence had allotted them ; and Russia, from the experience ofthe inefficacy which attended her former dispositions toward Sweden, resolved toconduct herself with more temper, and behave less unneighbourly than she had,for some time, been in the habit of doing.

Britain, of course, enjoyed an uninterrupted tranquillity for seven years ; norwas it then invaded, except in the most trivial manner *. A dispute of a very

futile

* Her navy consisted, in 1730, of 119 ships of three and two decks; and though no less than 44'of the latter mounted only 54 guns each, yet they were, at that time, considered as vessels fit to be"stationed in a line of battle, and were ranked accordingly. — To enter into more minute particulars, in’the British marine were enumerated —

Seven first rates; the Victory, of 110 guns; the Britannia, Royal Anne, Royal George, Royal’Sovereign, Royal William, and London, of 100 guns each.

The second-rates were 13 in number, all of them mounting 90 guns each; the Marlborough, -Blenheim, Barfleur, St. George, Prince George, Prince, Princess, Vanguard, Neptune, Union,Namur, Sandwich, Ramilies.

The third-rates were nearly three times more extensive, as to their numbers, than both of thepreceding taken collectively. They amounted to fifty-five sail; fourteen of these, the Cornwall,Boyne, Dorsetshire, Devonshire, Cumberland, Shrewsbury, Russel, Norfolk, Chichester, Humber,Newark, Lancaster, Ranelagh, and Torbay, were of 80 guns.

Twenty-three of 70; the Lenox, Nassau, Royal-Oak, Northumberland, Ipswich, Kent, Bedford,Bredah, Berwick, Hampton-Court, Prince-Frederic, Grafton, Edinburgh, Essex, Captain, Eliza-beth, Buckingham, Burford, Revenge, Qrford, Stirling-Castle, Suffolk, Yarmouth.

One of 66 ; the Monmouth.

Sixteen