David Carnegie Andrew Agnew

“ The Earl of Rochester observing that the petitions were improper both as to matter and time, Lord Somers replied, that the petitions were neither improper nor given in at any improper time; that it would be too late for the petitioners to apply to the Lords after they were come to a resolution; and it was but natural justice that men in danger of being censured should have time to justify themselves. ”

“ And Lord Somers said, that the ill success of the battle of Almanza was no good argument against the counsel for an offensive war, for if they judged of opinions by subsequent events, no man would be safe. ”

“ As to Lord Galway, the votes amounted to no real censure, opinions given in a council of war being privileged, and the primary responsibility of fighting having been accepted by Lord Sunderland in name of the late ministry. The Harley- Bolingbroke ministry, therefore, were anxious to carry some other vote, which the outer world might believe to be a censure. The reader will remember that the Portuguese formed the right wing at the battle of Almanza; this post of honour they occupied during the whole war, both in their own country and in Spain. ”

“ The view which carried the day was expressed by the Earl of Nottingham: “The petitioners have already been heard and been allowed time to add anything to their former declarations. The lords are not now enquiring into facts, but forming their judgments upon them. The admitting of Lords Galway and Tyrawley to take notice of what passes in this House would be admitting them to a co-ordination with the Lords.” The petitions were rejected by a majority of 57 to 46. ”

“ Il dit qu’il n’avoit pas cru de voir sacrifier tous les avantages, que la Grande Alliance pouvoit retirer de la marche de l’Armeé Portuguaise, à un point d’honneur qui, bien que fort delicat, ne pouvoit entrer en balance avec la necessité de cette marche, d’ou dependoit l’acquisition ou la perte de toute l’Espagne. ”

“ These questions were five in number, which were put to and answered by Lord Peterborough on Thursday, January 4th, in the absence of Lords Galway and Tyrawley.
The next day the persecuted lords appeared. Lord Galway, having a chair appointed for him “by reason of his infirmities,” sat outside the bar; and the House being in committee (the Earl of Abingdon in the chair) , he was desired by the chairman to give the lords an account of what he knew concerning the affairs of Spain. ”

“ And on being recalled, Lord Tyrawley, the question having been simply repeated, said, “Being apprehensive that I might be accused, I thought I ought to be on my guard, but as I hope this illustrious assembly will not take advantage of anything I may say, I will frankly acquaint them with all I know about that council of war. It is a hard matter to charge one’s memory with things so far distant (1707) , but I remember in general that several schemes were proposed for the ensuing campaign. An offensive war was resolved upon by a majority of voices. Besides the Lord Galway, Mr. ”