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201] "with a high idea of maintaining their honour "and dignity, you are to assure them that since "the accursed peace of Amiens, they have nei"ther honour nor dignity left to contend for; that "theyhave touched the base string of humility; that "they have received kicks innumerable on the "seat of honour; that they have irretrievably dis"graced their ancestors, and must inevitably be "the scorn of their posterity. This is the argu❝ment to raise a noble spirit in detence of cha"racter and honour."-Here again as before, the question must be begged, viz. that the treaty has Mr. W. had the consequences here mentioned. thinks it has, and therefore, can only act and speak consistently with that opinion. Having therefore, that opinion, I really think that to represent it in the strongest possible light is the very best and most likely way "to inspire them "with a high idea," not "of maintaining," but of recovering "their honour and diguity."" W. thinks it is best; it is therefore, not to be maintained, but to be recovered; but, Mr. S. says, in order to make them recover it, you must by no means tell them that it is lost. Why, pray? forsouth, for fear they should be dispirited, and instead of exerting themselves to recover it, should sit down contented under the loss. Mr. W. on the other hand, in a forcible manner, says to the people of England. "By no fault of yours, but

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by the measures of weak and wicked ministers, "in whom you have placed a mistaken confi"dence, your honour has been betrayed, and your "dignity sacrificed; you have had repeated in❝sults and injuries offered to you, which have "lowered you in the eyes of the present age, and "will disgrace you in the opinion of posterity, "unless, now at length, you betake yourselves to "such measures as will show, that you have lost "nothing of your ancient spirit, courage, and va"lour, and that you are still worthy of the high "name you formerly bore." Which, I ask, which of the above sentiments is honourable, and which is insulting to the country? But Mr. Sheridan proceeds, thirdly, "to encourage the martial hopes "of the nation, knowing that you have but a very "limited force of the line, and that it is abso"lutely impossible to increase it by any force "that has experienced actual service: you are to "endeavour to make it a matter of demonstration "that all efforts of militia, yeomanry, and volun"teer corps, will be perfectly inefficient and con"temptible, when opposed to the experienced " and disciplined armies which alone France will "bring into this country. This is to inspire a "martial confidence in three-fourths of all the "force we have to resist the enemy." And then goes on to his fourth attack as follows; fourthly,

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in order to create a patriotic devotion in all ** ranks of people to offer their purses and persons to the disposal of the government, you are to assure them that every deposit either of wealth or force, placed in such hands, is not only a * perfect waste of the resources of the country, but a mischievous deposit placed in hands utterly incapable of applying them to any beneThese two last I shall consider *ficial purpose" together, because, I conceive the same general arguments apply to each. In the first place, I will observe on them, that if I judge right, (and prove the line of conduct Mr. W. has always pursued in -public life, I apprehend he agrees with me in that -point), the business of a meniber of parliament is purely and solely to consult for the good of the He ought to have no other view. Mr. She

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ridan, will doubtless agree with me, that he would be betraying his trust, if he any ways sought by his conduct in Parliament to curry favour with a mi nister or at court; and I confess, that for my own part, I can see no difference in his behaviour, if the object be favour with the multitude and popular applause. The Parliament I have always looked upon as the great council of the nation. The good of the nation, the end to be pursued by the members, the counsellors. I have always been taught too, to believe, that a counsellor only did his duty properly, when he gave the advice in his mind best calculated to promote the object for which his advice was asked, without at all attending to any ulterior considerations; such as whether it was most palatable, most agreeable, most flattering to the feelings of those who asked the advice or not. According to this doctrine, I really think, that a member of parliament would but betray his trust, if he really thinking that the militia, yeomanry, and volunteer corps, were not fit troops to be opposed to the experienced, disciplined armies of France, he should omit to urge that opinion in Parliament. The question is not whether or not they are fit; the question is, whether Mr. W. thinking them unfit, ought or Mr. S. says no, lest he should damp the martial hopes of the country. The orders of the House say, what is spoken in debate in the House, shall not be made public; how then can he urge in the House, that what is so spoken will damp the hopes of the country? Are the orders of the House disobeyed? Then should Mr. S. insist on these orders being puncThe effect imputed to Mr. tually executed.

ought not to say so.

W's speeches may be a very good argument to make him do that, but can be no argument at all, why Mr. W. should betray his trust, and not speak his mind. The real fact is, that the House have now gotten into an awkward predicament from having suffered their debates to be made public. Every body feels how awkwardly situated the Privy Council, for instance, would be, it their consultations were hawked about in the streets, cr the public papers, and opinions therein given, commented upon, replied to, argued, refuted, contradicted, &c. in every Gazette in Europe. The same reasoning applies, though, perhaps, with somewhat less force to the consultations of Parliament. The House of Parliament are composed, the one of the hereditary, the other of the elected counsellors of the King; and are accountable for their counsel to none but to God and their country. These houses have unwarily suffered a tribunal to erect itself over them; which, though it begins to be troublesome, has as yet no authority; and to whose proceedings, as they are able to do it, I think they would be wise if they put an immediate stop. Mr. S. does not feel in this case, that it is at all proper for such arguments as Mr. W's, to be urged at all; but he will not deny, that other people may think them such; and if so, at least he will grant me, that those who think so, should be allowed to urge them without being reproached on the one hand, and without damping the hopes of the country on the other.I think, I have now pretty well shown the absurdity of these attacks of Mr. Sheridan's. With respect to the opinious given, they were not at all in dispute, the question is merely, whether these opinions existing in the breast of Mr. Windham, he is or is not justified in urging them. Some of the opinions themselves, I may, perhaps, take some future op. portunity of examining, and I doubt not, that I

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FOREIGN OFFICIAL PAPERS. Letter from Lieut. Gen. Mortier, Commander in Chief of the French Army in Hanover, to the Minister of War.

Head-quarters, Hanover, July 21, 1803. Citizen Minister-I cannot but con mend the order and good faith which have distinguished the Hanoverian army. Fourteen thousand musquets of different calibres, with all the necessary accoutrements, 80 pieces of cannon, and 3868 cavalry horses are at this moment in our possession. add to this, a copy of the stipulations with the Hanoverian army. It is engaged not to serve against France or her allies, until exchanged against an equal number of French prisoners made by England. Three hundred of the finest horses have been selected for the cavalry of the guard. The Hanoverian horses are handsome, and cf a good breed, but they suffered in some degree at Lauenburgh, through the want of forage. All the French artillery taken in the war of 1756 and the following years, is now on its way to France. Eighty flat bottomed boats are about to be constructed on the Elbe and the Weser.-A Russian flotilla is arrived at Rostock, a port belonging to Mechlenberg. It consists of a vessel of 74 guns, three frigates and eleven sloops or gallies. The Russian fleet is generally seen with pleasure in a state of action, as it may prevent the scene before Copen. hagen being renewed; for it is impossible that a measure so arbitrary and so contrary to every principle as that which England has adopted in blockading the Elbe and the Weser, not only against French vessels, but against those of all nations, should not rouse the indignation of all in Europe, who are alive to the honour and sovereignty of nations. Health and respect,

ED. MORTIER.

DOMESTIC OFFICIAL PAPERS. Circular Letter from Lord Hobart to the Lord Lieutenants of Counties.

Downing-Street, July 30, 1803. Mr LORD,- In obedience to his Majesty's commands, I have the honour to transmit a printed copy of the Act "to amend and render more "effectual an Act passed in the present Session "of Parliament, intituled, An Act to enable his "Majesty more effectually to provide for the De"fence and Security of the Realm, during the pre

sent War, and for indemnifying Persons who "may suffer in their Property by such Measures

as may be necessary for that purpose; and to "enable his Majesty more effectually and speedi

"ly to exercise his ancient and undoubted prero"gative in requiring the Military Services of his "liege subjects in case of invasion of the Realm," and to direct your Lordship to take immediate measures for carrying the provisions of it into effect in the county of Sussex.-In adverting to the 29th clause of the Act, your Lordship will ob serve, that, in order to prevent the delay, which must necessarily arise, if the training and exercise in the respective counties should be protracted until the several returns of the different classes required by the Act have been completed, provision has been made by Parliament that a certain proportion may be trained in the first instance, and I have it in command from his Majesty to direct that the proportion should not be less than six times the amount of the Militia ordered to be raised under the forty second of the King, exclu sive of the Supplementary quota.-The Officer in the command of the District will be directed to furnish your Lordship with a plan of instructions for Drill and Exercise, which will be recommended for general adoption.With a view to the further progress of this important measure, it is the decided opinion of his Majesty's confidential Ser vants, that, in all places where Volunteer Corps can be formed, upon such conditions as his Majesty shall approve, it would be desirable that every encouragement should be given for that purpose; such an arrangement being calculated to concentrate the force, to promote the convenience of the public, and to render it unnecessary to have recourse to the compulsory clauses of the Act. It can scarcely be necessary for me to point out to your Lordship the difficulty of issuing Arms from his Majesty's stores for the extensive training and exercise required under this Act, without material injury to the other essential branches of his Military Service; I must therefore, earnestly recommend to your Lordship to resort to the real and public spirit of the inhabi tants of the county under your charge, for the purpose of procuring a return of the arms in their possession, in order that, with their consent, they may for a time be applied to the service of the country, and that your Lordship would take measures for distributing them in the manner that may appear to you most conducive to the object in view; twenty-five firelocks being considered sufficient for the purpose of drilling one hundred men. This information will materially assist Government in forming the necessary arrangements with a view to such a further supply of arms as circum stances may require.Your Lordship will be sensible that the effect of this Act must in a great degree depend upon the activity and exertion which are applied in carrying the provisions of it into execution; and I am persuaded that in a conjuncture like the present your Lordship will experience the most zealous co-operation and assistance from the gentlemen of the county of Sussex, as well as from individuals of every description. The object of the Act is to obtain such a force, in addition to that which has already been provided, as may enable his Majesty to avert or frustrate the attack with which this country is threatened, and by combining economy with vigour, to continue the contest so long as it may be necessary for the honour and security of the British Empire.Your Lordship will understand that this communication is made under the impression of the inex pediency of establishing a Voluntary Force, to the extent now proposed, upon the allowances specified in the printed regulations transmitted in the

* course of this year, and I am persuaded that in the offers for service when your Lordship will be called upon to submit for his Majesty's acceptance, fresh proofs will be afforded of the liberality and public spirit which have been so justly excited by the inordinate ambition and avowed intentions of the enemy. -I have the honour to be, &c. &c. &c. HOBART. To the Lord Lieutenant of the County of Sus ex.

Address from the Lord Lieutenant of Sussex to the Nobility, Gentlemen, and other Inhabitants of the County. In obedience to the directions of the foregoing letter, and of the Act of Parliament therein refer red to, I lose no time in most earnestly fecommeading to the Nobility and Gentlemen of the County of Sussex, to promote offers for raising Volunteer Corps, in all places where they can be formed, upon such conditions as his Majesty shall approve, such arrangement being calculated to concentrate the force, to promote the convenience of the public, and to render it unnecessary to have recourse to the compulsory clauses of the Act. These Corps furnishing as much as possible their own arms, or such as the zeal and public spirit of their neighbours having in their possession such as may be fit for this purpose, may supply them with, twenty-five firelocks being considered sufficient by Government, in the nrst instance, for drilling one hundred men, and as it is deemed inExpedient to establish a voluntary force to the cxtent now proposed, upon the allowances specified in the printed regulations that were transmitted in the course of this year, it is on the liberality and public spirit of the County that I must, and do, confidently rely, for such offers of service as I shall have to submit for his Majesty's acceptance.

-I am forthwith directed, and request from the zeal of the inhabitants, a return of such arms (fit for Volunteer Corps) as may be in their possession, in order that, with their consent they may for time be applied to the service of the country. They will be pleased to send such returns to Mr. William Ellis, at Horsham, the Clerk of the General Meetings of the Lieutenancy.We have every reason to be thankful for this Act, referred to in the above letter, which, with a just attention to public economy and without taking individuals from their necessary avocations, or subjecting them to further burthens, is so well calcu lated to repel invasion, tho' ever so powerful, by arming the whole people in their own defence, and perfectly sensible, as is expressed in the above letter, that the effect of this Act must in a great degree depend upon the activity and exertion which are applied in carrying the provisions of it into execution. I am persuaded with his Majesty's Government, that, in a conjuncture like the present, I shall experience the most zealous co operation and assistance from the gentlemen of this County, as well as from individuals of every description; I have only to add, that no effort that I may remain capable of, shall ever he wanting to give effect to the zeal and excrtions of this county, or to assist in any way in which I can hope to be useful for its defence, in conformity to those sentiments which have lately been so fully expressed in the dutiful and unanimous address of this county to his Majesty, on the present state of the country. I have the honour to be, &c. &c. RICHMOND, &c.

Whitehall, August 2, 1803.

Circular Letter from the Admiralty to the Commander of Fencible districts, c.

Adminalty-ffice, August 6, 1803. SIR,- My Lords Commissioners of the Admiral y being desirous of obtaining the best possible information respecting the Coasts of this Kingdom I have it in command from their Lord ships to signify their direction to you, to proceed along that part of the coast within the limits of the district under your command, and, having made a careful examination thereof, to lose no time in transmitting to me, for their Lordships' in formation, a particular and circumstantial account of such situations as may appear to you to be most exposed to the landing of an enemy-the difficulty or casiness of access thereto-with your remarks upon the winds which may occasion more or less surf upon that part of the coast-and also, with what winds, and in what place or places, a landing may be effected by boats, with the tide most suitable for that purpose.You ar", at the same time, to point out such parts of the coast within your district as may be rendered by nature difficult of approach; and to make such other observations relative to the Creeks and Rivers, with in the said limits, as may be necessary for their Lordships' information.

Captain

I am, Sir, &. &c. Commanding the Fencible District, &c. &c.

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CIRCULAR.-Downing-Street, Aug. 3, 1803. MY LORD,In my letter of the 30th uit. I signified to your grace the opinion of His Majesty's confidential servants, that it would be inexpedient to establish a volunteer force to the extent proposed under the Act of the 43d of the KING, cap. 96, upon the allowances specified in the printed regulations; and although in many instances the persons forming new corps have intimated their intention of putting the government to no expense, it could not be expected, however liberal and public spirited the disposition of individuals may be, that such an arrangement would become general-I am, therefore, in obedience to His Majesty's commands, to acquaint your grace, that volunteer corps of Infantry, to be established in conformity to the provisions of the before recited act, will be at liberty to draw the following allowances:-Twenty shillings per man for clothing once in every three years, and one shilling per day for twenty days exercise within the year; provided such an allowance be not drawn for any exercise on a Sunday, not for any man exercising on a week day, who shall not also have been trained on the preceding Sunday, unless prevented by illness, or such other cause as shal be deemed satisfactory by the commanding officer of the corps, and certiñed accordingly In addi tion to these allowances your grace will observe, that every person belonging to the respective corps raised under the said act, will be entitled, if called out into actual service, to the several sums specified in the 59th and 60th clauses thereof -The necessity of the earliest attention being given to the training and exercise is so generally felt, that I am persuaded your grace's instructions for that purpose will have their due weight, and that they will be framed with a proper regard, as far as is consi-tent with the urgency of the present conjuncture, to local circumstances, and to the course of industry and cultivation within the county of Sussex.-1 am further to acquaint your grace,

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that no allowance will be made for clothing and appointments to any persons who may, from this time, enter into the yeomanry corps; but as by the 31st clause of the act it is provided, that any person who shall repair on horseback properly

mounted, armed and accoutred, at his own expence, may serve in any regiment or corps of cavalry, and shall not be compelled to serve in any regiment or corps of infantry, I am to signify His Majesty's pleasure, that the corps of yeo. manry already established should be permitted to receive individuals so mounted, armed and accoutred, into their several corps, or that seperate corps of yeomanry may be formed of the persons so willing to serve, provided that no additional charge, under the head of contingencies, is brought upon government beyond that which is authorised by the existing regulations. I have the honour to be, &e. HOBART.

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INTELLIGENCE.

FOREIGN. Early in last February a great battle was fought, in the East, between the army of the King of Cochin China, and that of the King of Tonquin The action continued for three days, and, after the slaughter of 20,000 men, terminated in favour of the King of Tonquin. The King of Cochin China is supported by the Emperor: and the King of Burmah, having assembled a large force, sent a deputation to Langione to induce the King of Laos to join the league against the Cochin Chinese. Mana Ibrahim, the Turkish robber, whose appearance on the frontiers of Wallachia had spread such terror throughout the province, has been attacked in his rear by Sarpenik Oglou, a rival bandit, and been compelled to retire into Moldavia.-The new French Envoy, Cardinal and Archbishop Fesch, arrived at Rome on the 1st of Jast month; and a public consistory was held on the 7th, when he took the customary oath as Cardinal, and received, from the hands of the Pope, the symbols of his dignity. A squadron is fitting out, at Venice, to protect the Austrian trade in the Adriatic, against the pirates who infest that sea-M Karpoff late secretary of legation to the Russian embassy at the Court of the King of Sardinia, has departed for Naples, where he will reside as Chargé d'Affaires in behalf of the Emperor.-A very general impressment of men, for both the land and sea services, has been made throughout the kingdom of Spain.-The First Consul is now on his return to Paris, where, it is thought, he will remain but a short time; and then set out, on a tour to Brittany.-It is said that M. Schimmelpenninck, lately ambassador at the Court of London, will hold some very important office in the Batavian Republic.

DOMESTIC. The tumults which lately disturbed Ireland have subsided; and, although the examinations which daily take place, bring to light some new ramifications of the conspiracy, yet there is reason to believe that the measures which government is now enforcing in that country will prevent any immediate rebellion. Military law has been declared, and, in several parts, the suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act has been proclaimed, and, the yeomanry ordered on permanent duty. More of the conspirators are constantly apprehended, and a reward of £50 each has been offered for the first hundred persons who may be discovered to have been engaged in the insurrection of the 23d of July. On Sunday last, the inhabitants of Portsmouth and its vicinity were alarmed at the appearance of a strange fleet in the Channel. The most active measures for defence were immediately began the troops hastened to the beach, and the sea fencibles were instantly embarked. But, in the midst of all this zealous preparation, it was discovered that the cause of their terror was a fleet of Coasters and Americans.-On the 8th instant, a motion was brought forward, in the House of Peers, by the Earl of Suffolk, for the appointment of a military council, and, after some discussion, was negatived without a division. On the 10th, after a long debate, the thanks of the House of Commons were

voted, on the motion of Mr. Sheridan, to the

volunteers who had come forward in defence of the kingdom. The Hon. Mr. Hutchinson brought forward a motion in the House of Commons, on the 11th, for in formation respecting the late rebellion is Ireland, and the present state of that country; this motion after a long debate was negatived. On the 12th His Majesty went in state, to the House of Peers, and prorogued Parliament to Thursday the sixth of October next.

MILITARY.-On the 3d of July Gen. St. Cyr left Naples, where he had been received with the most distinguished respect, to join that part of the Gallo-Italian army of observation, which is stationed in the province of Apuglia. A large division still remains in the Abruzzos, and an additional force of 80,000 men is on its march.-Gen. Mortier states, in a letter to the minister of war, that the French army in Hanover is in good condition; that 14,000 muskets, 80 pieces of artillery, and 3,868 horses belonging to the Hanoverian troops are in its possession; and that preparations are making on the Elbe and the Weser, for con

structing 80 flat-bottomed boats, for the invasion of England.—In some of the German Gazettes, it is stated that 5,000 French troops are to be sent into Minden; that 15,000 are on their march, by Zwoll, Meppen, and Haselune, to Vechte, whither 10,000 more are to follow; that a powerful division has been ordered to occupy the Duchy of Bremen; and that a strong camp will be formed near Cuxhaven.-The present regular force in Ireland, comprizes the 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 21st, 32d, 36th, 38th, 44th, 45th, 45th, 50th, 56th, 5Sib, 62d, 67th, 71st. 72d, 79th, 82d, 89th, 90th, 93d, and 96th Regiments, and Queen's German Regiment, four Garrison Battalions, several Corps of Horse and Foot Artillery, the 2d and 4th Dragoon Guards, the 3d, 12th, 15th, 16th, 17th, and 21st Light Dragoons. The Garrison of Dublin consists of the 21st, 32d, and 62d Regiments of Dragoon Guards, and 16th Light Dragoons, and Cavan Militia. In addition to this force, government is now employed in sending considerable reinforcements from England.

NAVAL. On the 28th of May, Captain Sutton, in the Victory, captured the French frigate l'Ambuscade, of 32 guns and 187 men; thirty days from Cape François and bound to Rochfort. On the 28th of June, Capt. De Putron, in the Alarm, captured the French schooner La Legere, of 14 brass swivels, 2 brass 4-pounders and 36 men; bound from Rochfort to Senegal. On the 16th July, Capt. Paget, in the Endymion, captured the French Store-ship L'Ardour, of 20 guns; bound from Martinique to Rochfort. On the 24th Capt. Hammond, in the Plantagenet, captured the French privateer Le Courier de Terre Neuve, of 4 guns and 50 men, nine days from Abreverack. On the 27th Capt. Hamond also captured the French privateer L'Atalante, of 22 guns and 120 men, six days from Bourdeaux. On the same day, Capt. Fleming, in the Egyptienne, captured the French brig L'Epervoir, of 10 guns and 90 men, bound from Guadaloupe to L'Orient.-Letters from Naples state that Lord Nelson, immediately on his arrival at Malta, took measures to prevent all communication with Sicily, and to command the two channels leading from the Archipelago and the Adriatic. Lordship, in the Amphion frigate, joined the Mediterranean fleet off Toulon on the 8th ult. The squadron, then under his command, consisted of the Kent, 74, Adm. Sir R. Bickerton and Capt. O'Bryen; Done gal, 80, Adm. Sir R. J. Sirachan; Superb, 74, Capt. Keats; Triumph, 74, Capt, Sir R.

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Barlow; Monmouth, 64, Capt. Hart; Gibraltar, 80, Capt. Ryves; Agincourt, 64, Capt. Briggs; Belleisle, 74, Capt. Whitby; Renown, 74, Capt. White; the Medusa, Amphion, and Termagant frigates; and the Weasel brig: the Victory and Capt. Campbell, were daily expec ed to join them. They were constantly within two miles of the enemy's fleet, which consisted of nine sail of the line, and five frigates.

SUMMARY OF POLITICS.

VOTE OF THANKS TO THE VOLUNTEER CORPS. This is, perhaps, at once the most foolish and the most fatal measure that ever was adopted even by the present ministry. Of the motives, from which it was brought forward and from which was consented to by the ministers I shall speak byand-by at present I beg the reader to follow me through a few observations on the debate, to which the motion gave rise, and on the effect, which its adoption will produce.—MR. SHERIDAN, who made the motion, stated, amongst other things, that Volunteer Corps, were the natural force of the country, a force the most congenial to the constitution, a force less likely to be corrupted than a regular army, and that, the persons composing the Volunteer Corps now existing, having come forward in so patriotic and gallant manner, merited the thanks of the Parliament.-Mr. Windham was willing to join in commending the zeal of those persons who had enrolled themselves in Volunteer Corps, but he disliked the vote of thanks, because such a vote was premature; it was to thank men before they had done any thing more than to obey the law and to seek their own preservation; it was to render cheap that which had long been regarded as one of the highest honours; it was to make an invidious distinction between the regular army and the volunteers; and, it was to give such a sanction to the system of Volunteer Corps as would nullify all the provisions lately made for the purpose of obtaining a more efficient force, and for infusing into the people a martial spirit. Mr. WILBERFORCE, Mr. WILLIAM SMITH, and COLONEL CRAUFURD, expressed their objections to the motion upon grounds similar to those taken by Mr. WINDHAM. Lord HAWKESBURY, speaking for the ministry, approved of the motion, not because the volunteers had done any thing worthy of thanks (for he expressly stated, that they had only obeyed the law), but because the vote was "founded in a wise policy;" not because the persons,

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