4^i_k.

WILLIAM AND MA11T, 167

to England, and that his accounts and papers might be secured.With this request the King readily complied; hut the Whig-majority was not satisfied. By whom had Shales been recom-mended for so important a place as that of Commissary General?He had been a favourite at Whitehall in the worst times. Hehad been zealous for the Declaration of Indulgence. Why hadthis creature of James been entrusted with the business ofcatering for the army of William? It was proposed by some ofthose who were bent on driving all Tories and Trimmers fromoffice to ask His Majesty by whose advice a man so undeservingof the royal confidence had been employed. The most moderateand judicious Whigs pointed out the indecency and impolicy ofinterrogating the King, and of forcing him either to accuse hisministers or to quarrel with the representatives of his people.“Advise His Majesty, if you will,” said Somers, “to withdrawhis confidence from the counsellors who recommended this un-fortunate appointment. Such advice, given, as we shouldprobably give it, unanimously, must have great weight withhim. But do not put to him a question such as no privategentleman would willingly answer. Do not force him, in de-fence of his own personal dignity, to protect the very men whomyou wish him to discard.” After a hard fight of two days, andseveral divisions, the address was carried by a hundred andninety five votes to a hundred and forty six.* The King, asmight have been foreseen, coldly refused to turn informer; andthe House did not press him further.** To another address,which requested that a Commission might be sent to examineinto the state of things in Ireland, William returned a verygracious answer, and desired the Commons to name the Com-missioners. The Commons, not to be outdone in courtesy,

CITAP.

iv.

1689 .

* Commons’ Journals and Grey’s Debates, November 2G. and 27. 1689.

** Commons’ Journals, November 28., December 2. 1689.