The house went into a committee of supply, on the motion of lord Henry Petty. The king's message of Monday relative to Prussia having been read,
§ Lord Henry Pettystated, that it was unnecessary for him to recall to the recollection of the house the circumstances under which lord Hutchinson had left this country for the continent, and the state of the continent at that period. That noble lord had been dispatched, as well for the purpose of communicating such information as might be necessary to this country, as to afford such aid as could be conveniently granted to the king of Prussia in the unfortunate circumstances in which he was then placed. Shortly after his arrival at his destination, he had made an advance of 80,000l. to that monarch, for a purpose the importance of which the house would, he had no doubt, readily admit, namely, the defence of the remaining fortresses. Strong representations had been made to him, that, without such an advance, it would not be possible to pay the army intended for the defence of those fortresses, some of which however, had since unfortunately been taken. He did not feel it necessary to say more than to move, that it be the opinion of the committee that a sum, not exceeding 80,000l. be granted to his majesty, to make good a like sum advanced to the king of Prussia, in consequence of the urgency of the state of affairs on the continent.
§ Mr. Bankeswished to know when the noble lord intended that the report of the committee should be brought up, as he had some observations to make upon this subject.
§ Lord H. Pettyanswered, that it was his intention to have it reported to-morrow; but if it should be wished, he had no objec- 1075 tion to propose its being postponed till the day following. No reply being made, the resolution was agreed to, and the report ordered to be received to morrow.