The first period of British rule lasted for nearly half a century, from 1708 to 1757, when there was a catastrophe.
The Seven Years’ War commenced in March 1756, and the first enterprise of the French was designed against Minorca. The preparations at Toulon were, however, concealed from a dull and apathetic English Ministry by pretended activity in the ports of the Channel, to instil a belief that an invasion of England was intended. Newcastle was Prime Minister, Anson at the Admiralty, and Henry Fox Secretary of State. Pitt did not take office until the following year. The English Ministers were completely duped. Meanwhile the French had got ready thirteen sail of the line and fifteen thousand troops; and at last, when the danger of losing Minorca became apparent, hurry and confusion took the place of sloth and apathy.
Even then only ten ships were ordered to the Mediterranean, incompletely manned and without hospital or fire ships. The command was given to Admiral John Byng, fourth son of Lord Torrington, who had served under his father on board the _Superbe_ at the defeat of the Spanish fleet off Cape Passaro. Byng sailed from Spithead on April 7, 1756, arriving at Gibraltar on May 2. Here he found the _Louisa_, Captain Edgcombe, who reported that he had been driven from Minorca by a French fleet of thirteen sail of the line, commanded by Admiral Galissonière, who had landed the Duc de Richelieu on the island with fifteen thousand men. Byng demanded a battalion of infantry from General Fowke, the Governor of Gibraltar, to reinforce the Minorca garrison. After consulting a council of war, this demand was refused by the Governor. There was one regiment, commanded by Lord Robert Bertie, in the fleet, and about thirty officers who had been on leave, including General Stuart, Lord Effingham, and Colonel Cornwallis, coming out to rejoin their regiments at Minorca.
While Byng was on his way, General Blakeney, the Governor of the island, was besieged by the Due de Richelieu in the castle of San Felipe. Byng sailed on May 8, and was off Majorca on the 10th, where he was joined by the _Phœnix_ (Captain Hervey), who confirmed the news brought by Captain Edgcomb to Gibraltar. Byng’s fleet consisted of the--