SX PREFACE. Τι HE Hiftory of the year 1778, is more confined in its nature than that of many others. It is more properly the History of the British Nation, however feparated, or into whatever divifions unhappily thrown, than that of the world in general, or of Europe in particular. If it is therefore less interefting to Foreigners, it is proportionally the more fo to English men. It records matters in which they are all concerned. No man, nor no ftation, can be free from their confequences. No common apathy can afford an indifferectator. We are exhibited upon the eatre of action, to perform a part confpicuous and perilous, and the ftill in a gaze for the event. Although |