sink far beneath the dignity of the subject; yet, my Lord, I trust, that the important details which it presents to the Public, will be considered, in some measure, beneficial to the best interests of Society. From faithful History alone, can we derive that Experience, which must ever be esteemed the surest guide both of Rulers and of Subjects, amidst the conflict of human passions and of human interests by which the Political World is so generally agitated.

The important subject upon which I have ventured to treat, is pregnant with the most useful lessons, which, if seriously considered, might on the one hand, guard against all unjust and unnecessary encroachments on the liberties of the People; and on the other, abate that rage for innovation both in Religion and Government, which, still, unhappily possesses the minds of many. In France, ages of misrule had so vitiated the political system, that all the efforts of a virtuous Monarch, aided by all the wisdom of the country, were found inadequate to the task of restoring it to health and vigour ; counteracted as those efforts were, first, by the secret machinations, and afterwards, by the

open violence of the factious and the unprincipled. Determined to try their long meditated experiment, from whence, according to the doctrines of these political regenerators, the happiest consequences were to flow, they set up their idols of Infidelity and Democracy. In their airy visions, the Age of Reason had now commenced, and soon all the evils were to cease, which, for so long a period had emanated from Monarchy and Religion. But these Deities must first be propitiated by the sacrifice of all who refused to acknowledge their usurped sovereignty. The Altar and the Throne fell before them.

The Monarch, the Peerage, the Prelacy, the great, the good, the wise, of both sexes and of every age, were immolated; and this horrible persecution spread devastation throughout the fairest country of Europe, until its fires were extinguished by the mutual slaughter of the execu

tioners.

The iron reign of that Military Despotism which succeeded, and was, perhaps, necessary to the terminution of those dreadful convulsions, abounded with events of the most singular nature; and must be viewed with sensations of no ordinary interest,

as containing the most important part of the History of a Man, endued with vigorous powers of body and mind, which, if properly directed, were highly calculated to serve the best interests of his adopted country and of mankind. But, unhappily perverted by a blind and headstrong ambition from their proper channels, every consideration of justice and humanity was forced to bow to his personal aggrandizement. While France was held in chains, his destroying sword carried desolation through the surrounding nations. Transactions not less extraordinary than afflictive have signalized this period of the History of Europe. The elevation, career, and overthrow of this singular man, must excite the wonder and astonishment of future ages.

To the arms and counsels of Great Britain, under Providence, is chiefly to be attributed the restoration of that tranquillity, which had been, for so long a period, banished from the earth. I have, therefore, devoted a considerable portion of the Work to the detail of those achievements, which have raised her to such an elevation in the scale of nations; and to biographical notices of those emi

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nent Statesmen and Warriors, who steered the Vessel of the State through unexampled perils, and preserved our Constitution and Monarchy unimpaired amidst the general wreck.

Believe me, my Lord, I feel the most sincere and grateful satisfaction, at being graciously permitted to dedicate to your Excellency the first Work on this important subject that has been published in this country, and the only extensive Book which has ever issued from the press of Waterford. May your virtues long continue to ennoble the illustrious house from which you have descended; and while you look back with pleasure on your renowned progenitor, the first EARL of SHREWSBURY and Waterford, who, after defending the rights of his King and Country for more than twenty years, fell gloriously in the plains of Castillon; while you reflect on the noble part taken by the great DUKE of SHREWSBURY in the re-establishment of our liberties, or contemplate the talents and virtues of your more immediate ancestor, LORD CHANCELLOR TALBOT,— may you, my Lord, continue to retain the honour

able name conferred upon your Excellency by the unanimous voice of every rank and party in this country" THE FRIEND OF Ireland."

I have the Honor to be,

MY LORD,

With the greatest Deference and Respect,

Your Excellency's most devoted,

And most humble Servant,

JOHN JAMES M'GREGOR.

WATERFORD, Dec. 1st, 1819.