One set of the petitioners apprehend, “that most of the captures might have been prevented, had a few ships been properly stationed on this side cape Finisterre, and the commanders kept to the strictest duty.”

Other petitioners “are not a little alarmed, not only at the increase and number of the Spanish privateers lately equipped, but at the unexpected great strength the enemy have lately shown in the Mediterranean, by which their trade must become more precarious than ever.”

The last petition delivered in was from the mayor, aldermen, and commons of the city of London, setting forth, “that they had seen a powerful and well-provided fleet remain inactive in our own ports, or more ingloriously putting to sea, without the appearance of any enterprise in view; while our trading vessels were daily exposed to the privateers of an inconsiderable port, and a feeble enemy holds our naval power in derision, to the ruin of trade, the enriching the enemy, and the disgrace of the British name.”

Their general request is, “that they may have regular convoys, and that the commanders be ordered not to desert their charge when in danger, that cruisers be properly stationed, subject to such inspection as shall best answer the end designed.”

They all concluded with praying, “that the house would make such provision for the future security of the navigation and commerce of these kingdoms as they shall think fit.”

The petitions were severally referred to the consideration of a committee of the whole house, and the following orders made for necessary papers to be laid before the house.

1.  An account of his majesty’s ships of war which have been employed since the beginning of last year, as cruisers for the protection of the trade of this kingdom on this side cape Finisterre, the stations of such ships, and how long ordered to continue thereupon, with the times of their going to sea, and their returning into port; when such ships were cleared, and which of them tallowed, and when respectively.

2.  The journals of the commanders of such of his majesty’s ships of war as have been employed since the commencement of the present war, as cruisers for the protection of trade on this side cape Finisterre.

3.  An account of the ships of war built in any of his majesty’s yards, which have been launched since July, 1739, the times when launched, when first put to sea, and on what services employed.

4.  An account of the ships of war built in private yards for his majesty’s service, in the said time; distinguishing the times when contracted for, when launched, when first put to sea, and on what services employed.

5.  An account of the ships and vessels purchased for his majesty’s service since the said time, distinguishing when purchased, when first put to sea, and what services employed in.

6.  An account of the ships of war appointed as convoys to the trade of this kingdom to foreign parts, since the commencement of the present war, distinguishing the ships appointed, and the particular services, together with the notices given to the traders of the time prefixed for their sailing, and the times they sailed respectively.