Editing William Pitt the Younger (section)

====Spithead mutiny====
In April 1797, the [[Spithead and Nore mutinies|mutiny of the entire Spithead fleet]] shook the government (sailors demanded a pay increase to match inflation). This mutiny occurred at the same moment that the Franco-Dutch alliance were preparing an invasion of Britain. To regain control of the fleet, Pitt agreed to navy pay increases and had [[Royal prerogative of mercy|George III pardon]] the mutineers.{{Citation needed|date=April 2018}} By contrast, the more political "floating republic" [[Spithead and Nore mutinies|naval mutiny at the Nore]] in June 1797 led by [[Richard Parker (mutineer)|Richard Parker]] was handled more repressively. Pitt refused to negotiate with Parker, whom he wanted to see hanged as a mutineer.{{Citation needed|date=April 2018}} In response to the 1797 mutinies, Pitt passed the [[Incitement to Mutiny Act 1797]] making it unlawful to advocate breaking oaths to the Crown. In 1798, he passed the Defence of the Realm act, which further restricted civil liberties.{{sfn|Evans|2002|p=57}} Despite the major concerns to Britain's defences when the navy mutinied Pitt remained calm and in control. He was confident that the matter would be resolved. Lord Spencer, the First Lord of the Admiralty recalled how calm Pitt was. Very late one evening after visiting the Minister with desperate news of the fleet, as Spencer proceeded away from Downing Street, he remembered he had some more information to give to Pitt. He immediately returned to Number 10 only to be informed that Pitt was fast asleep. Henry Dundas, who was President of the Board of Control, Treasurer of the Navy, Secretary at War and a close friend of Pitt, envied the First Minister for his ability to sleep well in all crcumstances.<ref>Alter 'Pitt' Volume 1 (2024) p 390</ref>