Born in 1676, died in 1745; entered Parliament in 1701; became a Whig leader and Secretary of War in 1708; expelled from Parliament and sent to the Tower in 1712; returned to Parliament in 1713; Prime Minister 1715–1717; again Prime Minister 1721–1743.
It has been observed by several gentlemen, in vindication of this motion, that if it should be carried, neither my life, liberty, nor estate will be affected. But do the honorable gentlemen consider my character and reputation as of no moment? Is it no imputation to be arraigned before this House, in which I have sat forty years, and to have my name transmitted to posterity with disgrace and infamy? I will not conceal my sentiments that to be named in Parliament as a subject of inquiry is to me a matter of great concern. But I have the satisfaction, at the same time, to reflect that the impression to be
- ↑ Delivered in the House of Commons in February, 1741. Abridged. Among other things Walpole was accused of having made himself "sole and prime minister," which at that time was regarded as an invasion of the rights of his colleags. The motion for his removal was lost by a vote of 106 for to 290 against it.
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