The History of England, from the Accession of James II — Volume 5

From the opening

Altered Position of the Ministry The Elections First Partition Treaty Domestic Discontent Littleton chosen Speaker King's Speech; Proceedings relating to the Amount of the Land Force Unpopularity of Montague Bill for Disbanding the Army The King's Speech Death of the Electoral Prince of Bavaria. Renewed Discussion of the Army Question Naval Administration Commission on Irish Forfeitures. Prorogation of Parliament Changes in the Ministry and Household Spanish Succession Darien

Trial of Spencer Cowper Duels Discontent of the Nation Captain Kidd Meeting of Parliament Attacks on Burnet Renewed Attack on Somers Question of the Irish Forfeitures: Dispute between the Houses Somers again attacked Prorogation of Parliament Death of James the Second The Pretender recognised as King Return of the King General Election Death of William

I HAVE thought it right to publish that portion of the continuation of the "History of England" which was fairly transcribed and revised by Lord Macaulay. It is given to the world precisely as it was left: no connecting link has been added; no reference verified; no authority sought for or examined. It would indeed have been possible, with the help I might have obtained from his friends, to have supplied much that is wanting; but I preferred, and I believe the public will prefer, that the last thoughts of the great mind passed away from among us should be preserved sacred from any touch but his own. Besides the revised manuscript, a few pages containing the first rough sketch of the last two months of William's reign are all that is left. From this I have with some difficulty deciphered the account of the death of William. No attempt has been made to join it on to the preceding part, or to supply the corrections which would have been given by the improving hand of the author. But, imperfect as it must be, I believe it will be received with pleasure and interest as a fit conclusion to the life of his great hero.

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