military schools, when compared with the fields of battle and the lines of contravallation in which the great commanders of the continental nations have learned their art.”  In reply to these arguments an orator on the other side was so absurd as to declare that he could point out ten Englishmen who, if they were in the French service, would be made Marshals.  Four or five colonels who had been at Steinkirk took part in the debate.  It was said of them that they showed as much modesty in speech as they had shown courage in action; and, from the very imperfect report which has come down to us, the compliment seems to have been not undeserved.  They did not join in the vulgar cry against the Dutch.  They spoke well of the foreign officers generally, and did full justice to the valour and conduct with which Auverquerque had rescued the shattered remains of Mackay’s division from what seemed certain destruction.  But in defence of Solmes not a word was said.  His severity, his haughty manners, and, above all, the indifference with which he had looked on while the English, borne down by overwhelming numbers, were fighting hand to hand with the French household troops, had made him so odious that many members were prepared to vote for an address requesting that he might be removed, and that his place might be filled by Talmash, who, since the disgrace of Marlborough, was universally allowed to be the best officer in the army.  But Talmash’s friends judiciously interfered.  “I have,” said one of them, “a true regard for that gentleman; and I implore you not to do him an injury under the notion of doing him a kindness.  Consider that you are usurping what is peculiarly the King’s prerogative.  You are turning officers out and putting officers in.”  The debate ended without any vote of censure on Solmes.  But a hope was expressed, in language not very parliamentary, that what had been said in the Committee would be reported to the King, and that His Majesty would not disregard the general wish of the representatives of his people.349

The Commons next proceeded to inquire into the naval administration, and very soon came to a quarrel with the Lords on that subject.  That there had been mismanagement somewhere was but too evident.  It was hardly possible to acquit both Russell and Nottingham; and each House stood by its own member.  The Commons had, at the opening of the session, unanimously passed a vote of thanks to Russell for his conduct at La Hogue.  They now, in the Grand Committee of Advice, took into consideration the miscarriages which had followed the battle.  A motion was made so vaguely worded that it could hardly be said to mean any thing.  It was understood however to imply a censure on Nottingham, and was therefore strongly opposed by his friends.  On the division the Ayes were a hundred and sixty-five, the Noes a hundred and sixty-four.350