British Baltic Fleet 1717

Introduction

When Parliament met in 1717, it was formally resolved by the House of Commons to introduce a Bill to authorise the King to prohibit commerce with Sweden "during such time as his Majesty shall think it necessary for the safety and peace of his kingdom". On March 2nd, the Bill having in the meantime been passed, a proclamation in accordance with its provisions was made public. To properly enforce the prohibition, it was requisite to send another fleet to the Baltic ; and on March 80th, twenty-one ships of the line, with frigates and fireships, sailed for Copenhagen under Admiral Sir George Byng. A few days later, though in face of strong opposition, the Government obtained a grant of a quarter of a million sterling to enable the King to concert such measures with foreign princes and states as may prevent any charge and apprehension from the designs of Sweden for the future. Byng agreed upon a plan of united action with Denmark, and made various dispositions to ensure the carrying out of the objects for which he had been sent to sea ; but his proceedings were, upon the whole, uneventful, the Swedes not venturing outside their ports.
Returning at the beginning of winter, he arrived in the mouth of the Thames on November 15th.