This Representation (supposed to be the work of Sir Thomas Hanmer’s[16] pen) is written with much energy and spirit, and will be a very useful authentic record, for the assistance of those who at any time shall undertake to write the history of the present times.

[Footnote 16:  But to which the Dean himself contributed a large share. [S.] Swift writes in his “Journal,” under date February 21st:  “I left them at 7, being engaged to go to Sir Tho.  Hanmer, who desired I would see him at that hour.  His business was, that I would help him to draw up the representation, which I consented to do” (vol. ii., p. 340). [W.S.J.]]

I did intend, for brevity sake, to have given the reader only an abstract of it; but, upon trial, found myself unequal to such a task, without injuring so excellent a piece.  And although I think historical relations are but ill patched up with long transcripts already printed, which, upon that account, I have hitherto avoided; yet this being the sum of all debates and resolutions of the House of Commons in that great affair of the war, I conceived it could not well be omitted.[1]

[Footnote 17:  This “Representation” was printed by S. Keble by order of the Speaker, and is also to be found in the “Journals of the House of Commons,” vol. xvii., pp. 119-123. [W.S.J.]]

“MOST GRACIOUS SOVEREIGN,

“We your Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of Great Britain in Parliament assembled, having nothing so much at heart, as to enable your Majesty to bring this long and expensive war to an honourable and happy conclusion, have taken it into our most serious consideration, how the necessary supplies to be provided by us may be best applied, and the common cause may in the most effectual manner be carried on, by the united force of the whole confederacy; we have thought ourselves obliged, in duty to your Majesty, and in discharge of the trust reposed in us, to inquire into the true state of the war, in all its parts; we have examined what stipulations have been entered into between your Majesty and your allies; and how far such engagements have on each side been made good.  We have considered the different interests which the confederates have in the success of this war, and the different shares they have contributed to its support:  we have with our utmost care and diligence endeavoured to discover the nature, extent, and charge of it, to the end, that by comparing the weight thereof with our own strength, we might adapt the one to the other in such measure, as neither to continue your Majesty’s subjects under a heavier burden, than in reason and justice they ought to bear; nor deceive your Majesty, your allies, and ourselves, by undertaking more than the nation in its present circumstances is able to perform.