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 THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
DAVIS
..l|\wl\|~1)\1|. ll! . .
 I
v THE .

ANN,UAL REGISTER,
on A VIEW OF THE

H I s T OR Y,
POLITICS,
AND

L I T E R A T U R E,

‘For the YEAR 1817.

LONDON:
PRINTTH) FOR IHXLDVVIN, CRAJDOCK, AIJD JQ11
J. ormncs; J. CUTHELL; LONGMAN, BURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN;
2. JEFFERY; LACKINGTON AND 00.; J. BELL; J- ASPBKNBB AN"
SHERWOOD, NEELY, AND JONES.
/
1818.
I FBRARY
UNIVERSHY OF CALIFORNIA
DAVIS
 _¢

Banaley and Sons,

Bolt €ourt, Fleet Sum, London.
 PR'EFACE.

ONE of the most remarkable occurrences in the

domestic history of the year 1817 was the double re
newal of the bill for the suspension of the Habeas Cor
pus Act, moved first in the two Houses near the close. of
February, and afterwards, upon a fresh alarm, in the
month of June. The majorities by which these mea
sures were carried sufficiently indicated the afl’right
which was spread through the most opulent, and the
most timorous, class of the nation; at the same time
the number was not inconsiderable of those who held
firmly to the maintenance of laws which were regard
ed as the palladium of English liberty. The termina
tion of these disputes threw a degree of discredit upon
the ministry, who, by the employment of spies, seemed
to aggravate the discontents which were already too
prevalent among the inferior ranks of the people.
The preceding year had afforded a happy augury to
the nation, in the union of the daughter of the Prince
Regent to Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg, which
promised a lasting source of domestic felicity. The ‘
connexion was blest with a hope of progeny, which
was brought to maturity early in November; but, to ‘
the unspeakable disappointment of the general expec
tation, the Princess sunk under the effort, and after
having been the mother of a dead child, became her
self the victim. The public feeling was scarcely ever
‘g marked
iv PREFACE.
marked by a more‘universal mourning; and the year
concluded with every expression ‘of regret and com
miseration from a people actuated by a congenial
sentiment.
In the rest of Europe little has occurred to disturb
the general tranquillity. By an otiicial note from the
allied courts presented to the Duke de Richelieu,
notice was given of their intention considerably to re
duce the army by which France was occupied, reckon
ing from the first of April of the current year; and
there is reason to expect that a similar diminution will
take place, till the French nation is entirely relieved
from the load under which it has long laboured.
Spain has partaken in some degree of the disorders
which, from the time of the king’s return, has kept
her in agitation. In January, the cry of the' constitu
tion was raised in the city of Valencia, said to have
been in consequence of a tax on coals. The vigour
of General Elio, however, soon brought it to ‘a close.
In Barcelona a much more dangerous conspiracy was
planned
Lacy andinMilans
the beginning
wereitheofApril,
leaders.ofThe
which the Generals
captain- general

of the province, having obtained timely notice of the

plot, put the'troops in motion, and a few hours were
sufficient to restore tranquillity. Lacy, who was taken
prisoner, was condemned by a court-martial, and was
sent as a captive to Majorca, where an attempt to
escape from his guard was the cause ofhis death.
The Brazilian government, now identified with that
of Portugal, during the course of the last year had
1sent an army to take possession of the Spanish terri- .
tory
 ' PREFACE. v
tory of Montevideo. The courts of Austria, Great
Britain, Prussia, Russia, and France, On being in
formed of this singular transaction, addressed a strong
memorial to the government of Portugal and Brazil,
in which they informed his most Faithful Majesty that
it was impossible for them to look upon the aggression
committed against Spain in any other light than as an
act of hostility. In the mean time an insurrection
broke out at Pernambuco, a province of Brazil, which
assumed a serious aspect, being chiefly encouraged
among the ofi‘icers of Olinda and Recife. A battle,
however, in which the royal forces entirely defeated
the insurgents, soon put an end to the insurrection;
and the result of the application of the European
courts has not yet been given to the public.
Some time after, Portugal itself was threatened
with a revolution, the purpose of which was to estab
lish a government for that country, independent of
South America. Its principal promoters were the
Lieutenant-general Gomez F-reres de Andrade, and
the Baron d’Eben; but before all the preparations had
been made,_the whole plot was discOvered, and an
arrest took place of the persons concerned. The
very slow procedure of the German states, and the
apparent reluctance of several of the members to join
in establishing the principles of free government, has
thrown back to another year the general result of
their deliberations; nor does it yet appear how soon
a desirable conclusion can be brought to effect. Fi
nancial difficulties occur in several of the states; and
till they are settled, it seems in vain to expect a satis
factory solution of their embroiled affairs. Prussia»
1n
vi PREFACE.
in particular, is said to be much incensed against
the excuses and tergiversations of France; and where
the stronger power is reduced to plead an impossibility
of fulfilling her engagements, the weaker power can
scarcely avoid a forced submission.
The King of Wurtemburgh has found it necessary
to dissolve the assembly of his states, in consequence
of their refusal to confirm a constitution proposed to
them by his Majesty; and he took into his own hands
the administration of the finances for the years 1817
and 1818.
The duchy of Saxe Weimar seems to have been the
only German state which has hitherto declared its
adhesion to the true principles of a free constitution;
and a proposition moved by the reigning Duke to the
diet of the empire sitting at Frankfort was formally
placed under the guaranty of the German Confedera
tion by a vote given by Austria, and afterwards con
Curred in by the other powers.
A speech delivered by the president Mr. Monroe to
the American Congress, on the second of December,
announced that the revenue arising from imports and
tonnage, with that from the sale of the public lands,
would be .fully adequate to the support of the civil
government, of the military and naval establishment,
and of the payment of the public debt, without the
aid of internal taxes; for which reason the President
recommended their repeal to the Congress. It was
perhaps scarcely expected, that so soon after a war,
the national balance would appear in a condition which
would admit of so favourable a statement.

CONTENTS.
 CONTENTS.

GENERAL HISTORY.
CHAPTER I.
The Prince Regent’s Speech—Insults ofl‘ered him.—-His Message to both
Houses of Parliament.--Tahen into Consideration by the Houses of Lords
and Commons, and a Secret Committee appointed in each—Report from
the Committee in each House - - - - - - - [l

CHAP. II.

Singular Circumstance respecting the Committee of the Lords.-—Billjor the

SusPension Qflhe Habeas Corpus, moved by Lord Sidmouth in the House of
Lords.—Debates. -Protest.—Lord Castlereagh in the House of Commons
move:for Bills, for the more effectually preventing Seditious Meetings and
Assemblies; for the better prevention and punishment of attempts to seduce
persons in his Majest ’sforces by Sea and Landfrom their allegiance ; and
for making perpetua parts of an act, for the safety and preservation of his
Majesty's person and overnment, including those of the Prince Regent.—
Debates.—Dtfl'erent lauses of the Seditious Meeting: Act gone through.—
The same bill in the House of Lorin—Protest - - - - [20

C H A P. Ill.
War Salaries of the Secretaries of the Admiralty.-—Motion respecting 'the
Lords of the Admiralt .-—Motioufor a Committee on the Public Income and
Eapenditure, by Lori/Castlereagh—First Report of the Committee.—Bills
for abolishing the Ofices of Justice: in Eyre, and for a Compensation for
Civil Services.—-Pass both Houses.-—Irish Peace preservation Bill. [35

CHAP. IV.
Issue of Exchequer Bills for local and temporary ReliefZ—Mr. Tierney's
Motion renewed, for the Abolition of the Oflice of Third Secretary of State
for the Colonies.—Roman Catholic Question.--Houseqf Commorm—House
of Lords. - - - - - - - - - -CH 41-?
viii CONTENTS.
0 H A P. v.
Resignation of the Speaker, and subsequent Proceedings.—-Lord Sidmouth's
circular Leter discussed in both Houses - - - - - [57

C H A P. VI.
Prince Regent's flIessage to both Houses, and Proceedings in consequence [65

C H A P. VII.

The Budget - - - - - - - - - _ [34

C H A P. VIII.
Continuance of Irish Insurrection Act—Mr. W'ilberforce's .Motion for an
Address to the Prince Regent relative to the Foreign Slave Trade.—Par
liament closes.—Prince Regent's Spccch. - - - - '- [92

CHAP. IX.
Domestic Events.-Coursc of the Year.—Dauble suspension of the Hubcas
Corpus.—Celebration qfthe Queen’s and Prince Regent's Birth-Days.—
_'l'rials.—Special Commission held at Derby. - [100

CHAP. X.
France.—Decree respecting Slaves introduced in the Colonies.--Negociatiuns
with the Allied Pumas—Ordinance concerning the Debts of the City of
Paris.—Disturbances at Lyons.—Ro_z/al Ordinances for the creation of
JWajoratsw-Election for the Chamber of Deputies, and Royal SPeech.—
Project of a Law for the Press.—Law for the establishment of Re
ligion - - - - - - - - - - - [103

CHAP. XI.
Spain—Disturbance in Valencia.—Edict prohibiting Books.—-Conspirocy in
Barcelona.—Castanos and his Accomplices condemned—Papal Bull re
sPecting the ProPerly of the Church in Spain.— Queen of Etruria.—Decree
relative to the Culture of Tobacco in the Havannah.—Abolition qfthe Slave
Trade—Portugal.—1rruption of its Army into Montevideo.-—Part taken
by the Allied Powers.—-Defection of Pernambuco, and its Reduction.—
Plot in Portugal - - - - - - - — - [I 16

C H A P. XII.

Russia.--Regulation for the Discharge of the Public Debt.—b‘acilities

granted to lllercantile Men.—Thc Emperor quits his Capital, having first
published a Decree for the Regulation of PTOPTiElll7‘S and Colonists.—
Sweden—Conspiracy against the Crown Prince, and his Address to the
Citizensof Stockholm.—Proclamation by the King respiacting Economy.
——His Address to Prince Guam—Speech read by the Prince.-—Vienna.
--Beilin E r -,- '! P - r '- - - 128
CHAP.
 CONTENTS. ix
C H A P. XIII.
Stutgard.—Sitting of the States.—Their Dissolution.—-The King takes upon
himself the Regulation of the Finances.—Duehy of Saxe-Weimar : Its
admission to the Germanic Confederation—Session qf the States-General of
the United Provinces.—-King's Speech—Dutch Tea-Trade.—Piedmontese
Gazette.-—Constantinople - - - - - - - [136

C H A P. XIV.

America, North and South—Message to the Senate and House of Repre

sentatives from President Madison.-—Votes taken for President and Vice
President.—M0nroe chosen for theformer Ofiee, and his SPeech.—-Second
Speech, on December the 2d.-State of Spanish Aflairs - [14-4

C H A P. XV.
East India Aflairs - - - - - . .. r- . - [162

CHRONICLE. Page 1.
Births - - - - - i - - - . .. . Q 134.

Marriages - - - - - - - - - .. - 13,7
Promotions ’- - - - - . - - . - 140
Deaths - - - - - - - - - . . 14.2
Sheri-HI: - - - - - - - .. - _ p 150

APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE.
ARTICLES FROM THE LONDON ‘GAZETTE.

Treat of Commerce and Navigation between his Britannie Majesty

an his Majest the King of the Two Sieilies - - - - 152
Dispatchesfrom ndia.--Insurrection of Trimhuelgjee Dainglia i- 154

REMARKABLE TRIALS AND LAW CASES.

3
The King v. Thomas Jonathan W'ooler.—Lil:el - - - - 16°
Ditto - - - - - - Ditto . - - - 167
The King v. James hVilliams.—-Ditto - - - - - - 161
The King v. William Hone.—Ditto - - - - - - 175
Hodvson v. Searlett.—-Freedom of Speech at the Bar - - - I79
Trafiieking in Slaves - - - - - 171
George Coo/rev. Colonel Mrwwell.—-Assault and False Imprisonment 180'
Fisher v. Jebb - - - - - - - - lllll
Bouquet v. Sherborne.—Lial:ility of Carriers - (I)
Oram v. Fremont and Others.—Non-Lial:ility of Carrierm ll' > on
Hartley v. Harriman - - - - - . 189
Fieldes v. Hooker - - - - - - - 191
The Rev. Edward Drake Free, Clerk, v. Sir Montague Roger Bur- ‘
goine.—Non-attendanee at Divine W'orship - - - - 199
 2: CONTENTS.
The King, on the Prosecution of James Harris v. the Rev. Robert
PVoodward, Clerk, and others.—Conspiracy - - - 196
Trial of Roger O‘Connor, Esq. - - - - ~ - 203
The King v. Hamilton.—Child Stealing - - ~ - - 213
Preston v. Scarborough—Shah a Letter - - - - - 216
Arnhem—Setting Fire to Hay an Barley Stack: - - - - 219

PUBLIC GENERAL ACTS.

Passed in the Fifth Session of the Fifth Parliament of the United
Ki dam of Great Britain and Ireland, 66 George III
A. .1817 - - - - - - - - - 224
Patents - - - - - - _ - - - - 233
Bill of blortality - - - . - - - - 237
Price of Stocks - - - - - . _ - - _ 238
Table of Bankruptcies - - - - - - - - - 239
Average Price of Com - - ' - - - - - - 240
> Statement of the quantity of Porter brewed in London - - - 240
List of the Prince Regent’s Ministers - - - - - - 24-1
Meteorological Register - - - - - - - 242

STATE PAPERS.
Treaty between
Majesthisthe
Majesty thePortugal,
King of King of France and Aug.
concluded Navarre and
28, 1817 24-3

Translation of t e Bull Zgainst Bible Societies - - - - 244

Tables, Public Income, apenditure, 81'c. - - - - - 246

PARLIAMENTARY REPORTS.
Repart of the Select Committee of the House of Commons on the
Poor Laws - - - - - - _ - - 263
oft/1e Committee on the Employment of Climbing Boys - 302
First Reportfrom the Select Committee on Finance - - - 307
Second Ditto . - - - - - - - ~ - 320
Extents in 4211‘ - - - - - - - ._ - 369

CHARACTERS.
Letters of Benjamin Franklin - - - - - - . 378
Character of the late Robert Fulton, Esq. - - - - -

CLASSES 011‘ PEQPLE

MANNERS, CUSTOMS 8zc. OF NATIONS

Description ofa Sertanejo - i- - - - - - - 400

The Indian Natives - - - - - - - - - 4‘13

Slavery ~ ‘ - . . . _ .. . .. . . 399
 CONTVENTS. xi
I'oyage of his Majesty's late Ship Alceste, to the Yellow Sea, 9’0. 419
Narrative of the Shipwreck of ditto - - - - 432
An Account of the Natives of the Tonga Islands - - - - 44-9
Narrative of a Voyage to New Zealand - - - - - 459
Travels in the Interior qfAmerica - - - - - - 4-65
James's Journal of a Tour in Germany, S’c. - - - - 479
Chinese Drama - - ~ - - - - - 489

' NATURAL HISTORY.

Narrative of a Journey from Chamouni to Mount Blanc 502
Notes of a Mineralogical Excursion to the Giant's Causew
Of Cinnamon as an Article of Commerce - - - - 511
On the Greenland or Polar .lce - - - - 529
Persian Cow—Discovery of Eight Islands - 561
Account qfa Rhinoceros Hunt in India -
Exploits of a Lion Shooting Party -
-
-
..
.
‘é
565
History of the Cocoa: Laccw, or Lac Insect -
Account of the Biddery Ware - - -
Use of the Cocoa-Nut Tree - - - -

MISCELLANIES.
Death of a Parsee at Bombay - - - - - - 577
Account of a Passage across the Bay of Bengal ~' - . - 579
Account of the Funeral Ceremonies of a Barman Pnest - - 582
Geography of Cochin China - - - - - - ‘ 585

POETRY.
Lalla Roohe - - - - - - _ .. . _ 592
The Burial of Sir John Moore - - - - - - .. 604.
Campbell‘s Ode on the Retirement of Mr. J. P. Kemble - - 605

THE
 THE

ANNUAL REGISTER,
For the Year 1817.

GENERAL HISTORY.

CHAPTER I.

The Prince Regent's Speech—Insults ofiered him—His Message to both

Houses of Parliament.—'Taken into Consideration by the Houses of
Lords and Commons, and a Secret Committee appointed in each.—
Report from the Committee in each House.

PRINCE REGENT’S SPEECH. of the honour of the country

against the government of Algiers,
N January 28th, his Royal have been attended with the most
Highness the Prince Regent complete success.
opened the Parliament with the “ The splendid achievement of
following Speech. his Majesty's fleet, in conjunction
“ My Lords ahd Gentlemen, with a squadron of the king of the
“ It is with deep regret that I Netherlands, under the gallant
am again obliged to announce to and able conduct ot'Adm. Viscount
you, that no alteration has occur Exrnouth, led to the immediate
red in the state of his Majesty‘s and unconditional liberation of all
lamented indisposition. Christian captives then within the
“ I continue to receive from territory of Algiers, and to the
foreign powers the strongest as renunciation by its government of
surances of their friendly dispo the practice of Christian slavery.
sition towards this country, and of “ I am persuaded that you will
their earnest desire to maintain be duly sensible ot' the importance
the general tranquillity. of an arrangement so interesting
“ The hostilities to which I was to humanity, and reflecting, from
compelled to resort, in vindication the manner in which it has been
VOL. LIX. [B] accomplished,
9] ANNUAL REGISTER, l8l7.
accomplished, such signal honour “ My Lords and Gentlemen,
0n the British nation. “ l have the satisfaction of
“ In India, the refusal of the informing you that the arrange
government of Nepaul to ratify ments which were made in the
a treaty of peace which had been last session of parliament, with a
signed by its plenipotentiaries, oc view to a new silver coinage, have
casioned a renewal of military been completed With unprecedent
operations. ed expedition.
" The judicious arrangements “ l have given directions for
of the governor-general, seconded the immediate issue of the new
by the bravery and perseverance coin, and I trust that this mea
of his Majesty's forces, and of sure will be productive of consi
those of the East-India company, derable advantages to the trade
brought the campaign to a speedy and internal transactions of the
and successful issue; and peace country.
has been finally established upon “ The distresses consequent upon
the just and honourable terms of the termination of a. war of such
the original treaty. unusual extent and duration have
“ Gentlemen of the House of been felt, with greater or less se
Commons 5 verity, throughout all the nations
“ I have directed the estimates of Europe ; and have been consi
for the current year to be laid be derably aggravated by the unfa
fore you. vourable state of the season.
“ They have been formed upon a “ Deeply as I lament the pres
full consideration of all the pre sure of these evils upon the coun
sent circumstances of the country, try, I am sensible that they are
with an anxious desire to make of a nature not to admit of an
every reduction in our establish immediate remedy; but whilst I
ments which the safety of the em observe with peculiar satisfaction
pire and sound policy allow. the fortitude with which so many
“ I recommend the state of the privations have been borne, and
public income and expenditure to the active benevolence which has
your early and serious attention. been employed to mitigate them,
“ I regret to be under the ne I am persuaded that the great
cessity of informing you, that sources of our national prosperity
there has been a deficiency in the are essentially unimpaired ; and I
produce of the revenue in the last entertain a confident expectation
year: but I trust that it is to be that the native energy of the coun
ascribed to temporary causes ; try will at no distant period sur
and I have the consolation to be mount all the difiiculties in which
lieve, that you will find it practi we are involved.
cable to provide for the public “ In considering our internal
service of the year, without mak situation, you will, I doubt not,
ing any addition to the burthens feel a just indignation at the at
of the people, and without adept tempts which have been made to
ing any measure injurious to that take advantage of the distresses
system by which the public credit of the country, for the purpose of
of the country has been hitherto exciting a spirit of sedition and
sustained. violence.
" 1 am
 GENERAL HISTORY. [3
“ I am too well convinced of to his Royal Highness was agreed
the loyalty and good sense of the upon, congratulating him upon his
great body of his Majesty’s sub escape. '
Jects, to believe them capable of The further proceedings upon
being perverted by the arts which this subject will appear in the
are employed to seduce them ; but Chronicle of the present year.
I am determined to omit no pre On January 29th, the Speech
cautions for preserving the public ofthe Prince Regent was taken
peace, and for counteracting the into consideration by the House
designs of the disaffected. And I of Lords. The Earl of Dartmouth
rely with the' utmost confidence first moved an address of thanks,
on your cordial support and co which was in the usual form, and
operation, in upholding a system was seconded by the Earl ofRothes.
of law and government, from Earl Grey then rose, and began
which we have derived inestima withdeclaringhis full assent to that
ble advantages, which has enabled part of the speech which gave a
us to conclude, with unexampled tribute of applause to the noble
glory, acontest whereon depended admiral, and his officers and sea
the best interests of mankind, and men, who were engaged in the
which has been hitherto felt by expedition against Algiers ; at the
ourselves, as it is acknowledged same time he could not refrain
by other nations, to be the most from doubting how far the advan
perfect that has ever fallen to the tages arising from the enterprize
lot of any people.” Would be adequate to its expense,
His Royal Highness then re or to its future security. With
tired,and their lordships adjourned respect to the termination of a
till five o’clock. remote war in India, be conceived
After the Prince Regent had it rather too much to ask at the
withdrawn, present moment for an opinion
Lord Viscount Sidmouth rose and concerning the cause and necessity
announced, that before any other of a war, when, to the best of his
matter could be entered upon by knowledge, no information had
the House of Lords, he had one of been laid before their lordships on
the most important communica the subject.
tions to be made to them that had Passing over these topics, the
ever been laid before Parliament. Earl proceeded to take into his
Accordingly, after the strangers consideration the speech from
had withdrawn, he informed them, the. throne, and the speeches of
that when the Prince Regent was other noble lords, respecting the
returning from the House, and probable continuation of peace.
passing at the back of the garden The system of policy on which
of Carlton-House, the glass of the this confidence was founded, ap
carriage had been broken by a peared to him, instead of tending
stone, or by two balls from an air to secure this end, fraught with
gun, which appeared to have been the greatest danger to the peace
aimed at his Royal Highness. - In of Europe. This idea he pursued
the result, a conference was de through various consequences ; and
sired to be held with the House with regard to the policy which
of Commons, at which an Address we had adopted relative to the
[B 9] French
4] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
French nation, he said, that in ing distresses of all classes of his
stead of having reduced its power Majesty's faithful subjects.
within moderate limits, we had “ That we are willing to indulge
generated in them an implacable the hope that these distresscs may
spirit of animosity, the end of be found, in part, to have ori
which would probably be, that ginated from circumstances of a
having placed and supported the temporary nature, and that some
present family on the throne of alleviation of them may be pro
France, that family must ultimate duced by the continuance of peace;
ly re-establish its power by going but that we should ill discharge
to war with this country. our duty to his Royal Highness,
_ His lordship then went on to and be guilty of countenancing a
consider, what be regarded as the most dangerous delusion, were we
most important subject of atten to conceal from him our opinion,
tion in our present circumstances, that the pressure w hich now weighs
our internal situation. This he so heavily on the resources of the
contrasted with all that had taken country, is much more extensive
place in former cases, in order to in its operation, more severe in
shew the much greater difficulties its effects, more deep and general
we vhad now to encounter; and in its causes, and more difiicult to
this led himeto the question of a be removed, than that which has
reduction of the national expen prevailed at the termination of any
diture. After various views on the former war.
subject, he said, this and the other “ That we are firmly persuaded
House of Parliament must impose that the same exemplary patience
on the ministers the duty of re and fortitude with which all ranks
trenchment. We must insist on have hitherto borne ,the difficulties
a retrenchment very different from under which they labour, will
that adverted to in the speech continue to support them under
y from the throne. We must insist such burthens as may be found
upon a rigid unsparing economy, indispensably necessary for the
an economy founded not on what unavoidable exigencies of the pub-
sound policy requires, but on what lic service; but that to maintain
necessity will admit ; not on what this disposition, it is incumbent
government Would have, but on on parliament, by a severe and vi
what the country can alford. If gilant exercise of its powers to
we cannot extend the means to prove that sacrifices, so painfully
meet the expense of the establish obtained, are strictly limited to the
ments, we must contract the es real necessities of the state.
tablishments to meet the means. “ That while we acknowledge
His lordship concluded a long the gracious dispositions announ
speech, by proposing the follow ced in his Royal Highness’s speech
ing amendment : from the throne, we cannot help
“ That we have seen with th'e expressing our regret that his
deepest concern the continued em Royal Highness should not have
barrassments of our agriculture, been sooner advised to adopt mea
manufactures, and commerce 3 the sures of the most rigid economy and
alarming deficiency of the revenue, retrenchment, particularly with re
and the unexampled and increas spect to our military establish
ments.
 ,GENERAL HISTORY. p
monts. That to prompt and effec ment a message to the following
tual reductions in this and every purpose:
other branch of the public expen “ His Royal Highness the
diture, this House must naturally Prince Regent, acting in the name
look, as the first step to relieve and on the behalf of his Majesty,
the distresses and redress the has given orders that there be laid
grievances of which the people so before the House papers contain
justly complain ; and that to ena ing information respecting certain
ble themselves to assist his Royal practices, meetings, and combi
Highness by their advice in the nations in the metropolis, and in
execution of a duty 50 imperiously difl'erent parts of the kingdom,
called for by the present situation evidently calculated to endanger
of the country, they will lose no the public tranquillity, to alienate
time in instituting a strict inquiry the affections of his Majesty’s sub
into the state of the nation.” jects from his Majesty’s person
The speakers who successively and government, and to bring into
followed were the Earl of Har hatred and contempt the whole
rowby, Earl Grosvenor, the Earl system of our laws and constitu
of Aberdeen, Lord St. John, Earltion. His Royal Highness recom
Bathurst, the Marquis Wellesley,mends to the House to take these
Viscount Sidmouth and the Earl papers into their immediate and
of Darnley. It will scarcely be serious consideration."
necessary to remark that the mi On February 4th, Lord Sidmouth
nisters and their Opponents widely 'rosc in the House of Lords to
differed in the conclusions they propose an answer to this commu
were led to draw from the pre-' nication. If the answer should be,
mises. The question was then as he did not question that it
put, and the amendment being would, an agreement with his
negatived without a division, the Royal Highness's proposal, it was
Address was agreed to. his own intention to refer the
In the House of Commons an message to a committee of secrecy;
amendment exactly of the same and all he had to desire, Was that
import was moved by Mr. Pon~ their lordships would abstain from
sonby, to an address to be pre making up their minds till they
sented to the Prince Regent. It were in possession of the informa
engaged many of the principal tion which was to be laid before
speakers on both sides, among them. One remark he further had
whom were Mr. Bathurst, Mr. to make, which was, that the
Lamb, Mr. Charles Grant, Mr. present communicatidn was in no
Curwen, Mr.liankcs, Mr.Canning, degree the consequence of the
Mr. Brougham, and Mr. Tierney. shameful outrage on the Prince,
The amendment was rejected by which was viewed, not only by the
264 to 112, and the original mo parliament, but by the great body
tion was then carried. of the people, with dctestation
and horror.' He concluded with
PRlNCE neoenr‘s Massacre. moving an address of thanks to
On Feb. 3d, the Prince Regent the Prince Regent for his mes
sent to each House of Parlia sa ge. In
6] ANNUAL (REGISTER, 1817.
In some of the subsequent been formed in the metropolis for
speeches, hints were pretty plainly the purpose of overthrowing, by
thrown out of a secret intention means of a general insurrection,
in the ministers to shackle the li the established government, laws,
berty of the subject. At present, and constitution of this kingdom,
however, they kept warily on their and of effecting a general plunder
ground, and the address was car and division of property.
ried unanimously. In the last autumn various con
Lord Sidmouth then moved that sultations were held by persons in
the papers on the table should he the metropolis engaged in this
referred to a committee of secrecy conspiracy. Ditlerent measures of
consisting of eleven lords to be the most extensive and dangerous
chosen by ballot ; which was nature were resolved upon ,- par
agreed to. tial preparations were made for
In the House ofCominons, Lord their execution, and various plans
Castlereagh made a parallel motion were discussed for collecting a
respecting the Prince Regent's force suflicient for that purpose.
message, which was carried with But at a subsequent consultation
out opposition ; as was likewise another plan was adopted, which
that of a secret committee consist was, to get a great number of
ing of twenty-one members. men together to see what force
On the 18th and 19th of Fe could be raised; and it was agreed
bruary, the secret committee in that the best way to get them to
each House made its report of the gether would be to call a public
contents of the papers communi meeting—Spa-Fields was fixed
cated by the Prince Regent. upon as the place affording the
The substance of each was near greatest facilities for entering the
ly alike; but it will probably be town, and attacking the most im
more interesting to our readers if portant points in the city. In
we place both of them in their view. pursuance of this design, and in
order to assemble in the neigh
House of Lords. bourhood of London a great num
By the Lords Committees appoint ber of the poorer classes of the
ed a Secret Committee to in community, and particularly of
quire into certain Meetings and those in whose minds the pressure
Combinations endangering the of the times might be supposed to
public tranquillity, and to re have excited disafi'ection and dis
port to the House as they shall content, advertisements were in
see occasion : serted in newspapers, and hand
Ordered to report, that the com bills were industriously distri
mittee have met, and have pro buted, inviting the distressed nia
ceeded in the examination of the nufacturers, mariners, artisans,
papers referred to them. and others, to assemble at that
Their attention was in the first place on the 15th of November.
instance directed to those which A large body of people accordingly
relate to the metropolis; and they assembled at the time and place
have found therein such evidence prescribed. The most inflamma
8' leaves no doubt in their minds tory language was there held to
that a traitorous conspiracy has the multitude, having a direct
tendency
 GENERAL H 1 s T 0 R Y. [7
tendency to excite them to out the points of attack were distri
rage and violence : and the meet buted. It further appears that“
ing was in fact followed by some the interval between the two meet
acts of plunder and riot. A peti ings was employed with unre
tion to his Royal Highness the mitting assiduity by some of the
Prince Regent was agreed to at most active agitators in taking
that meeting, and an adjournment regular circuits through different
to Palace-Yard on the first day quarters of the town. In these
after the meeting of parliament they either resorted to the esta
was proposed; but the Qd of De blished clubs or societies, or la
- cember was subsequently fixed boured in conversations, appa
upon (on the proposition of one rently casual, at public houses, to
of the persons concerned in the work up the minds of those with
plans already described) for ano whom they conversed into such a
ther meeting in Spa-Fields ; and state of ferment and irritation as
that day appears to have been de to render them, when collected'in
termined upon for the execution sufficient numbers, for whatever
of their design. ostensible purpose, the fit and
Various schemes were formed ready instruments for the execu
for this purpose. Amongst them tion of any project, however rash
was ageneral and forcible lihe and desperate. In the course of
ration of all persons conlined in these circuits one of their chief
the difi‘erent prisons in the metro objects appears to have been to
polis; into some of which, in or take every opportunity of attempt
ing to seduce from their alle
dcr to facilitate its execution, an
address to the prisoners was in giance the soldiers of the different
troduced, assuring them that theirguards and at the barracks. The
liberty Would be restored under a principal persons concerned in
new government ; announcing the this plan actually proceeded to
intended attack upon all the pri Spa-fields on the second of De
sons i'or that day; apprizing the cember, some of them with con
prisoners that arms would be cealed arms, and with ammu
ready for them; exhorting them tion previously prepared; they
to be prepared with the national had also provided themselves
tricolor cockade, and to co-ope with tricolor flags, and with a
rate by the most violent and san standard bearing the following
guinary means'to ensure success. inscription : “ The brave soldiers
It was also proposed to set fire are our brothers ; treat them kind
to various barracks, and steps were ly;" and also with tricolor cock
taken to ascertain and prepare the adcs, evidently adopted as the sig
means of effecting this purpose. nal of revolution. After much in
An attack upon the Tower and flammatory language a direct in
Bank, and other points of importp vitation was by one of these per
ance, was, after previous consul sons addressed to the multitude
tations, finally determined upon. to proceed immediately to actual
Pikes and arms to a certain ex insurrection. And it appears quite
tent Were actually provided, and certain, that the acts of plunder
leaders were named, among whom which were perpetrated for the
purpose
 8] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
purpose of procuring arms, and were intended to be held on the
the other measures of open insur same day.
rection which followed, were not It appears manifest that the
accidental or unpremeditated, but persons engaged in various parts,
had been deliberately pre-con both of England and Scotland, in
certed, as parts of a general plan forwarding the plans of revolu
of rebellion and revolution. There tion, have constantly waited for
appears also strong reason to be the example of the metropolis.
lieve that the execution of those Intelligence of the event of the
projects at that particular time meeting there on the second of
was expected by some of the December was anxiously expect
associations in distant parts of the ed; and as the first report of the
country. The conspirators seem beginning of the disturbance ex
to have had the fullest confidence cited in a high degree the spirits
of success ; and a persuasion has of the disaffected, so its speedy
subsequently been expressed a suppression produced the expres
mongst them, that their plans sion of strong feelings of disap
could have been defeated only by pointment. Had it even partially
casual and unexpected circum succeeded, there seems much rea
stances. Even after the failure of son to believe that it would have
this attempt, the same plans ap been the signal for a more general
pear not to have been abandoned. rising in other parts of the king
Your committee are deeply con dom. Since. that time it appears
cerned to be compelled, in further to be the prevailing impression
execution of their duty, to report amongst the leading malcontents
their full conviction that designs in the country, that it is expe
of this nature have not been con dient for them to wait till the
fined to the capital, but have been whole kingdom shall, according
ilextended and are still extending to their expression, be more com
widely in many other parts of pletely organized, and more ripe
Great Britain, particularly in some for action.
of the most populous and manu What is meant by completely
facturing districts. organizing the country is but too
At the meeting of the second erident from the papers before
of December in Spa-Fields, that the committee. It appears clearly
part of the assembly which had that the object is, by means of
not engaged in the acts of plunder societies or clubs, established, or
and insurrection before men to be established, in all parts of
tioned, came to a resolution to Great Britain, under pretence of
adjourn the meeting to the second parliamentary reform, to infect
Monday after the meeting of Par the minds of all classes of the
liament, namely, the tenth of Community, and particularly of
February; and it appears by the those whose situation most ex
papers referred to the committee, poses them to such impressions,
that meetings in various parts of witha spiritof discontent and dis
the _ country, conformably to a. afl'ection, ot'insubordination, and
plan settled by the leading per, contempt of all law, religion, and
sons in London at an early period, morality, and to hold out to them
the
 GENERAL HISTORY. [9
the plunder and division of all form, but under these words
property, as the main object of understanding universal suffrage
their efforts, and the restoration and annual parliaments : projects
of their natural rights; and no which evidently involve not any
endeavours are omitted to prepare qualified or partial change, but a
them to take up arms on the first total subversion of the British
signal for accomplishing these de constitution.
signs. l t appears that there is a Lon
. It is on these grounds that your don Union Society, and branch
committee have been led to look Unions corresponding with it,
with particular anxiety to the for and affiliated to it. Others of
mation, principles, and conduct these societies have adopted the
of those societies or clubs by name of 'Spencean Philanthro
which the ends of the disaffected pists ; and it was by members of
have been hitherto so much for a club of this description that the
warded, and are expected by them plans of the conspirators in Lon
to be finally accomplished. Many don were discussed and prepared
of these societies pass under the for execution.
denomination of Hampden Clubs. The principles of these last as
Under this title societies of very sociations seem to be spreading
various descriptions appear to have rapidly among the other societies
been formed, all professing their which have been formed, and are
object to be parliamentary reform. daily forming, under that and
This name and their professions other denominations in the coun
may have induced many persons try. Among the persons adopt
to become members of such so ing these principles, it is common
cieties who may not be aware of to disclaim parliamentary reform
the ultimate intentions of many as unworthy of their attention.
of their leaders; and the com Their objects are avowed in a
mittee would by no means ascribe hand-bill dispersed by the society
to all these societies the same ‘of that description in London,
practices and designs which they and in numerous other publica
have found to be but too prevalent tions. These objects are, “ A
amongst a large number of them; Parochial partnership in land, on
but they find that, particularly the principle that the landholders
among the manufacturing and are not proprietors in chief ; that
labouring classes, societies of this they are but the stewards of the
denomination have been most public, that the land is the peo
widely extended, and appear to ple’s farm ; that landed monopoly
have become some of the chief is contrary to the spirit of chris
instruments of disseminating doc tianity, and destructive of the
trines, and of preparing for the independence and morality of
execution of plans, the most dan mankind.”
gerous to the public security and The societies under these dif
peace. . ferent names are so numerous,
Others of these societies are and so various, that it has been
called Union Clubs, professing the difficult to obtain a complete view
same object of parliamentary re of all of them, or to compre
hcnd
 10] ANNUAL REGISTER,
hend them under any general de
scription.
The country societies are prin
cipally to be found in and in
the neighbourhood . of Leices
ter, Loughborough, Nottingham,
Mansfield, Derby, Chesterfield,
Sheffield, Blackburne, Manches
ter, Birmingham, and Norwich,
and in Glasgow and its vicinity;
but they extend and are spreading,
in some parts of the country, to
almost every village. In addition
to all the arts of seduction, resort
is also had to a system of intimi
dation, and threats are held out
to those who refuse to join. Their
combinations are artfully con
trived to secure secrecy in their
proceedings, and to give to the
leading members undisputed au
thority over the rest. Oaths of
secrecy have been frequently ad
ministered, some of which are of
the most atrocious and dreadful
import.
They do not, however, trust to
this security alone to prevent dis
covery; their proceedings are sel
dom reduced to writing; they
pass and are communicated by
word of mouth. The more nu
merous meetings delegate all au
thority to a managing committee;
and by that committee, and by
meetings of delegates from the
committees of different societies,
every thing of importance is trans
acted.
The committees themselves are
also cautious of reducing any of
their proceedings to writing, com
municating with each other only
by delegates and missionaries.
It appears that, in some parts
of the country, arms have been
latelyprocured by individual mem
bers of these societies in consi
1817.
derable quantities, which can only
have been done with a view to the
use of force. Subscriptions are
also generally required, which,
although the amount paid by each
individual may be very small, may
produce, from the large numbers
of the contributors, no inconsi
derable fund. ,
The destructive objects which
the leading members of these so
cieties have in view are demon
strated by their publications and
by their proceedings, all equally
calculated to inflame the minds of
the members, and in general of ‘
the poorer classes of the commu
nity. At the ordinary meetings
of these societies, which are often
continued to a late hour, their
time is principally employed in
listening to speeches tending to
the destruction of social order,
recommending a general equali
zation of property, and at the
same time endeavouring to corrupt
the morals of the hearers, and to
destroy all reverence for religion.
The landholder has been repre
sented as a monster which must
be hunted down, and the fund
holder as a still greater evil; and
both have been described as ra
paeious creatures, who take from
the people fifteen-pence out of
every quartern loaf. They have
been told that parliamentary re
form is no more than a half—
measure, changing only one set
of thieves for another: and that
they must go to the land, as no
thing short of that would avail
them. Another principal employ
ment of their time is, to listen to
publications of the same descrip
tion as the speeches, containing
the same doctrines, and leading to
the same purposes ; and the meet
ings
 GENERAL H I S T O R Y. [11
ings are frequently terminated, even in the exercise of one of the
particularly in London, by pro most important parts of his royal
fane and seditious songs and pa functions.
rodies of parts of the liturgy, in it appears to be an essential
which the responses are chanted part of the system to take advan
by the whole company. By such tage of the opportunities afforded
means, and by the profession of by public meetings , convoked either
open infidelity in which some of by the leaders of these societies,
the members indulge in their or by others, in the metropolis, and
speeches, the minds of those who in populous places and districts,
attend their meetings are tainted to address the multitude in terms
and depraved; they are taught of unprecedented license and vio
contempt for all decency, all law, leuce, amounting even in some
all religion and morality, and are instances to an Open declaration
thus prepared for the most atro that, in case of non-compliance
cious scenes of outrage and vio with their petitions, the sovereign
lence. will have forfeited his claims to
Amongst the most effectual their allegiance. These proceed
means of furthering these dan ings are subsequently printed and
gerous designs, the committee circulated, and thus become a
think it their duty particularly to fresh vehicle for sedition and
call the attention of the House to treason.
the unremitting activity which has By the frequency of these meet
been employed throughout the ings, and by the new practice of
kingdom in circulating to an un— continuing them (under various
precedented extent, at the lowest pretexts) by frequent adjourn
prices or gratuitously, publications ments, the minds of his majesty‘s
of the most seditious and inflam well-disposed and peaceable sub
matory nature, marked with a jects are held in a state of per
peculiar characterof irreligion and petual agitation and alarm. The
blasphemy, and tending not only appointment of such public meet
to overturn the existing form of ings in a variety of different places
government and order of society, on the same day appears to be
but to root out those principles considered as'the most effectual
upon which alone any government means of accomplishing the de
or any society can be supported. signs of the disaffected, and must
The committee cannot but con evidently in a high degree em
sider the late attack upon his royal barrass and impede the exertions
highness the Prince Regent, on of all civil powers applicable to
his way from opening the present the 'suppression of disturbances,
session of parliament, as an ad distract the attention of govern
ditional and melancholy proof of ment, and oblige them so to sub
the efficacy of this system to de divide and harass the military
stroy all reverence for authority, force which it may be necessary
and all sense of duty, and to ex to call in for the assistance of the
pose to insult, indignity, and civil power, as to render it inade
hazard the person of the immedi quate to the maintenance of public
ate representative of the sovereign, tranquillity.
Such
12] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
Such a state of things cannot existing establishments, and in a
be suffered to continue without division of the landed, and ex
hazarding the most imminent and tinction of the funded property of
dreadful evils; and although the the country.
committee do not presume to an This hope and prospect of spo
ticipate the decision of parliament liation have been actively and in
as to the particular measures to dustriously propagated by several
be adopted in the present emer societies, openly existing in the
gency, they feel it to be their duty metropolis, distinguished by the
to express their decided opinion name of Spenceans ; a title which
that further provisions are neces they have assumed in consequence
sary for the preservation of the of having revived the principles,
public peace, and for the protec with some variation, of avisionary
tion of interests in which the hap writer of the name of Spence,
piness of every class of the com which first appeared in a publica
munity is deeply and equally in tion of his near twenty years ago.
volved. It appears that at some of these
societies, held during the last
House of Commons. month,the question was discussed,
The Committee of Secrecy, to whether the meetings for parlia
whom the several Papers, which mentary reform are calculated to
were presented (scaled up) to mislead or enlighten the public.
the House, by Lord Viscount ]n the course of the debates upon
Castlereagh, on the 4th day of which question, it was strongly
February, by command of his urged “ that parliamentary re
Royal Highness the Prince Re form was only n half measure,
gent, were referred, and who that they must look to the land,
Were directed to examine the for nothing short of that would
matters thereof, and report the ever avail them : that we had no
same, as they should appear to constitution, there being no book
them, to the House ;—have una in which it could be found, nor
nimously agreed to the follow any man that could tell what it
ing Report : was." In another discussion upon
It appears to your Committee, the question, “ whetherthe prac
from the most attentive consider tical establishment of Spence‘s
ation of the several documents re plan bean effectual remedy for the
ferred to them, that attempts have present distresses," one of the
been made, in various parts of the doctrines maintained was, that
country, as well as in the metro “the. landholder was a monster
polis, to take advantage of the dis to be hunted down ; but that they
tress in which the labouring and should not suffer themselves to be
manufacturing classes of the com amused ; that there was a greater
munity are at present involved, to evil, namely, the fundholder; that
induce them to look for immediate these were the rapacious wretches,
relief, not only in a reform of that took fifteen-pence out of every
parliament on the plan of uni quartern loaf." '
versal suffrage and annual election, It further appears, that in these
but in a total overthrow of all meetings the most blasphemons
expressions
 GENERAL
expressions and docti'inesareopen
ly and repeatedly advanced: that
as the meetings are professed to
be of a convivial nature, the po
litical debates and readings are
usually followed by songs, in
many of which the most inflam
matory topics are introduced,
some of a seditious and treason
able nature, and others under the
form of profane and indecent pa- I
rodies of the liturgy and of the
holy scriptures. 7
These societies appear to have
extended themselves; and there
are traces of the existence of a
committee called conservative,
directing the operations of the
whole. The doctrines aboveinen
tioned have been systematically
and industriously disseminated
amongst mechanics and manufac
turers, discharged soldiers and
sailors, and labourers of all de
scriptions ; they have been incul
cated at frequent appointed meet
ings,and at various places,by speak
ers, who have made the distresses
of the times topics of excitement
and inflammation ; and they have
been circulated, with incredible
activity and perseverance,in cheap
and often gratuitous publications.
It has been proved, to the entire
satisfaction of your committee,
that. some members of these socie
ties, acting by delegated or as
sumed authority, as an executive
committee of the whole, conceived
the project, and endeavoured to
prepare the means of raising an
insurrection, so formidable from
numbers, as by dint of physical
strength to overpower all resist
ance.
The first step towards the ac
complishment of this object was,
HISTORY. 13]
by the individual exertion of the
members of the committee,to dis
cover and foment the prevalent
distresses and discontents in the
metropolis and its vicinity. Re
turns were made of those who
they thought were to be relied up
on for daring and hazardous en»
terprises.
The design was by a sudden
rising in the dead of the night, to
surprise and overpower the soldiers
in their different barracks. which
were to be set on fire ; at the
same time (plans having been ar
ranged, and some steps- taken
with a view to the acco'mplishment
of that object) to possess them
selves of the artillery, to seize or
destroy the bridges, and to take
possession of the Tower and the
Bank. In furtherance of this de—
sign, a machine was projected for
clearing the streets of cavalry. A
drawing of this machine, fully au
thenticated, and also a manuscript
sketch or plan of various import
ant parts of the Tower, found with
the drawing of the machine, have
been laid before your committee.
This design was however re
linquished a short time before its
intended execution. It was thought
more prudent previously to ascer
tain what force the conspirators
could actually call together, and
this it wastagreed could best be
done by convening a public meet
ing for the ostensible purpose of
obtaining a redress of grievances
in a legal way. The map of Lon
don_was inspected, and Spa-Fields
were selected as the most eligible
spot, from their vicinity to the
Bank and the Tower. Advertise
ments were accordingly prepared,
and written placards circulated, pf
t e
14] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
the most dangerous and inflam of placards and hand-bills: en
matory nature; of one of which deavours were used to raise sub
the following is a copy : scriptions; the expense hitherto
“ Britons to Arms ! i incurred in forwarding the object
“The whole country waits the of the conspiracy, and in support
signal from London to fly to arms ! ing such inferior members of it as
haste, break open gunsmiths and had relinquished their trades and
other likely places to find arms! occupations in order to devote
run all constables who touch a their whole time to the further
man of us; no rise of bread; no ance of the cause, having been
Regent; no Castlereagh, oil‘ with hitherto principally defrayed by
their heads ; no placemen, tythcs, one individual of the committee
or enclosures; no taxes ; no Plans for the seduction of the
bishops, only useless lumber! soldiers were now adopted and
stand true, or be slaves for ever." pursued with unremitting activity;
“ N. B.—Five thousand of these appeals were made to excite their
bills are up in the town, and sympathy, and induce them not to
printed ones, with further parti act against the insurgents; at
culars, will appear in due time." tempts were made to inflame their
At this time, if not before, the hopes by promises of rank and re
intended insurrection assumed the ward, and to alarm their jealousy
symbols of the French revolution; by the absurd fiction of the actual
a committee of public safety, con landing of a considerable foreign
sisting of ‘24, was agreed upon, army, for the purpose of control
including the names of several ling them.
persons, extremely unlikely to The barracks were again recon
lend themselves to such a cause. noitred with a view to attack.
A tricolor flag and cockades were The manufacture of tricolor-rib~
actually prepared; the flag was bon was encouraged, with a view
openly carried and displayed at of rendering it familiar to the eyes
the first meeting which took place of the public.
in Spa-Fields, on the 15th of No Visits were repeated to those
vember. No acts of violence were quarters of the town, where the
however encouraged on that day, distress was considered as the most
though some few instances of prevalent; and warehouses along
plunder occurred after the assem the river, as well as shops in other
bly dispersed, but care was taken places, which were known to con
to adjourn the meeting to the ‘zd tain arms, combustibles, and
of December, by which time it clothing, were examined and noted
was hoped that the preparations down, with the view of seizing
for insurrection would be fully those articles on the proper occa
matured. Not a moment was lost sion. Plans were also formed
in advertising the next meeting, for seducing the sailors on the
and great assiduity was employed river, by ofi'ers of advancement
in circulating the intelligence to high rank under the new
through all the great manufactur government, and for seizing and
ing towns in the country, by means equipping such ships as were ac
cessible.
 GENERAL HISTORY. [l5
cessible. Immediately previous to ostensible business of the day
the day appointed for meeting, commenced in the other part of
arms were provided for the use of the field, the most inflammatory
some of the persons most actively speeches were delivered, tending
engaged. This provision was directly to excite insurrection,
deemed sufficient for the begin and concluded by an appeal to the
ning of the insurrection, as they multitude assembled, whether they
felt confident that if it should be were prepared to redress their own
successful for two hours, as many grievances. A tricolor cockade
arms might be procured as would was then exhibited, and the tri
be necessary, from the depots and color flag was displayed, and a
gunsmiths shops, which had been number of persons followed it out
reconnoitred with that view. of the field.
Your Committee have further The direction which they took
received undoubted information was towards that part of the town
previously designed; gunsmiths
that a large quantity of pike heads
had been ordered of one indivi shops were broken open, addresses
dual, and 250 actually made by and offers were made to the sol
him, and delivered and paid for. diers at the Tower to induce them
It was also undoubtedly intended to open the gates; but from the
to liberate the prisoners in the failure of the numbers expected
principal gaols in or about the to join the insurgents, no attempt
metropolis, in the hope of their was made to force the gates. An
concurrence and assistance in the attack was however made upon
intended insurrection. Addresses the city magistrates assembled in
were introduced into some of the Royal Exchange, a shot fired,
those prisons, and recommended and a tricolor flag and cockade
to be communicated to others, in openly displayed and seized on the
which the persons confined were otfender.
invited, in the name of the tri In reviewing the whole of the
colored committee, to rally round transactions of the 2d of Decem
the. tricolore'd standard, which ber, your committee are firmly
would he erected on Monday, De persuaded, that, however impro- ‘
cember the 2d, and to wear tri bable the success of such a plan
colored cockades themselves. It may appear, it yet was deliberately
was promised that the prisoners premeditated by desperate men,
should be liberated by force, and who calculated without reasonable
arms were stated to be provided ground upon defection in their
for them, and they were directed opposers, and upon active support
to be ready to assist in over from those multitudes, whose dis
powering the turnkeys. A \vaggon tress they had witnessed, and
was hired for the business of the whom they had vainly instigated
day, in which the flags and banner ' to revolt. That consequently it
or standard, which had been pre was not merely the sudden ebul
viously prepared, together with lition of the moment, or the un
some ammunition, were secretly authorized attempt of any un
conveyed to the place of meeting. connected individual.
From this waggon, before the Your Committee are further
convinced,
.16] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
convinced, that notwithstanding don, and are expected to assemble
the failure on the ‘Zd of Decem again early in March. Whatever
ber, the same designs still con may be the real object of these
tinue to be prosecuted with san clubs in general, your Committee
guine hopes of success. have no hesitation in stating, from
Your Committee having thus information on which they place
stated the general result of the full reliance, that in far the greater
evidence which has been laid be number of them, and particularly
fore them, respecting the state in those which are established in
of the metropolis, have now the no the great manufacturing districts
less painful duty of calling the of Lancashire, Leicestershire, Not
attention of the House to ,what tinghamshire, and Derbyshire, and
has been passing during the same which are composed of the lower
period in different parts of the order of artizans, nothing short
country, a subject of equally mo of a revolution is the object ex
mentous consideration. The first pected and avowed.
thing which has here forced itself Your Committee find, from
upon their observation, is theequally undoubted information,
widely diffused ramification of a that the doctrines ofthe Spencean
system of clubs, associated pro clubs have been widely difl'used
fessedly for the purpose of parlia through the country, either by the
mentary reform, upon the most extension of similar societies, or
extended principle of universal more frequently by the interven
suifrage and annual parliaments. tion of missionaries or delegates,
These clubs in general designate whose business it is to propagate
themselves by the same name of those doctrines throughout every
Hampden clubs. ()n the pro society to which they have access:
fessed object of their institution, it is the universal practice of these
they appear to be in communica societies, to require from the
tion and connexion with the club members a small weekly subscrip
of that name in London. tion, which provides a fund for
It appears to be part of the the expenses of these missionaries,
system of these clubs, to promote and also for the purchase of sedi
an extension of clubs of the same tious tracts, which are read and
name and nature, so widely as, if commented on at their meetings.
possible, to include every village Some of these tracts, now before
in the kingdom. The leading your committee, inculcate in the
members are active in the circu most artful manner, the necessity
lation of publications likely to of overturning what they call
promote their object. Petitions, “ the privileged class,” as dis
ready prepared, have been sent tinguished from the people, who
down from the metropolis to all are described as consisting of 1a
societies in the country disposed bourers, artizans, tradesmen, and
to receive them. The communi every profession useful to society.
cation between these clubs takes A new order is declared to be the
place by the mission of delegates ; will of the people ; rebellion is
delegates from these clubs in the justified by the assertion that a
country, have assembled in Lon nation cannot be a rebel 5 and all
religion
 GENERAL H I S T O R Y. [17
religion is disavowed, as well as mon interest which they feel, if
loyalty, by the assertion, in answer
not of the connexion which is
to the question, “ would you live formed with the most implicated
without gods or kings,"-“ we in the outrages committed in the
abjure tyranny of every kind." metropolis, that about Manchester
it seems, indeed, to be a part and some other places, the great
of the system adopted by these so est exultation was manifested pre
cieties. to prepare the minds of vious to the meeting-in Spa-Fields
the people for the destruction of on the 2nd of December 5 and the
the present frame of society, by taking of the Tower, and the ruin
undermining not only their habits of the Bank, were publicly and
of decent and regular subordina confidently predicted. The news
tion, but all the principles of mo of the result was impatiently ex—
rality and religion. Your Com pected, the roads were crowded
mittee find, that there is scarcely during the night with a number
any very numerous society, in the of persons, many of them dele
parts above referred to, of whose gates from the different societies
proceedings they have obtained an in the country, waiting for the
account, in which some of the arrival of the mail coach, and the
leading speakers do not openly disappointment was not concealed,
avow the most seditious opinions, when it was ascertained that the
and do not excite their hearers to riot had been quelled without
be prepared for actual insurrec~ much serious or extensive mis
tion. Topics for discussion are chief.
selected with this view: amongst It appears, that the confidence.
others, the question, whether the of the disafl‘ected is such, that they
jacobin or the loyalist was the best represent the numbers enrolled
friend to his country ? Even where as amounting to several hundred
petitioning is recommended, it is thousand, and that their societies
proposed to be conducted in such are daily increasing ; that in their
a manner, by an immense number lists they distinguish by particular
of delegates attending in London marks those among their sub
at the same time, in several par_ scribers who are able bodied men,
ties, attached to each petition, as and ready to act when required;
might induce an effort to obtain and that they also keep a list of
by force whatever they demanded. those who refuse to join them in
A general idea seems prevalent what they call a “ black boo ,"
among those who compose these and threaten vengeance against
societies, that some fixed day, at these persons when the general in—
no very great distance, is to be surrectionshalltakeplace lnsome
appointed for a general rising. parts of one populous country,
They have been taught to look to where nearly every village has al
the meetings in London as the ready its Hampden club, the mem
signal for their operations, and bers make it no secret that they
have been in the habit of adjourn consider themselves as of no other
ing their own assemblies simulta use than as being ready to act
neously to the same day; and it is whenever they are called upon;
a lamentable instance of the com on their admission they are said
Von. LIX. [0] w
18] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
to be listed, and receive a secretdepend on the simultaneous rising
card with the words “ Be Ready, of the disaffected in England, with
Be Steady." some emissaries from whom occa
The habits and manncrs of sional intercourse appears to have
these persons seem entirely chang taken place; and that some provi
ed: they already calculate upon sion of weapons has been made by
the share of land which each is this association.
to possess, and point out the de Your committee have now sub
struction of the churches, as the mitted to the House, what they
necessary consequence of their conceive to be a fair, and not ex
success. It appears that prepara aggerated statement of the result
tions are in progress, in several of their investigation. They have
places, for providing arms; the thought themselves precluded from
demand upon gunsmiths, for every inserting, in an Appendix, the in
species of fire-arms, has been be formation from which it is drawn,
yond all former example; the in by the consideration, that unless
tention is professed, of having re it were extremely partial and in
course for a still larger supply to complete, they could not make it
those towns where arms are ma public without hazarding the per
nufactured, and where they are to sonal safety of many useful and
be obtained at a very low rate, many respectable individuals, and
from the general cheapness of la in some instances without preju
bour at this time; or in case of dicing the due administration of
necessity they are to be seized by public justice.
force. The facility of converting On a review of the whole, it is
implements of husbandry into of a great satisfaction to your com
fensive weapons, has been sug mittee to observe, that, notwith
gested; and persons have been standing the alarming progress
sent to observe the state of parti which has been made in the sys
cular places, where depots of arms tem of extending disafl‘ection and
for the public service were sup secret societies, its success has
posed to have been formed. been confined to the principal ma
Your committee find that a sys nufacturing districts, where the
tem of secret association has been distress is more prevalent, and
extended to the manufacturing po numbers more easily collected ;
pulation of Glasgow, and some and that even in many of these
other populous towns of Scotland ; districts, privations have been
and although these societies have borne with exemplary patience
availed themselves of the same and resignation, and the attempts
pretext, of parliamentary reform of the disaffected have been dis
on the broadest basis, your com~ appointed ; that few if any of the
mittee are firmly persuaded, from higher orders or even of the mid
the information which has been dle class of society, and scarcely
laid before them, that their ulti A any of' the agricultural population,
mate object is the overthrow by have lent themselves to the more
force of the existing form_ of go violent of these projects. Great
vernment; that the time for at allowance must be made for those
tempting this enterprise was to who, under the pressure of ur
gent
 GENERAL HISTORY.
gent distress, have been led to
listen to plausible and confident
demagogues, in the expectation of
immediate relief. It is to be
hoped, that many of those who
have eng ed, to a certain extent,
in the pro_]ects of the disaffected,
but in whom the principles of
moral and religious duty have not
been extinguished or perverted by
the most profane and miserable
sophistry, would withdraw them
selves before those projects were
pushed to actual insurrection.
But, with all these allowances,
your committee cannot contem
plate the activity and arts of the
leaders in this conspiracy, and the
numbers whom they have already
[19
seduced, and may seduce; the
oaths by which many of them are
bound together; the means sug
gested and prepared for the forci
ble attainment of‘ their objects;
the nature of the objects them
selves, which are not only the
overthrow of all the political in
stitutions of the kingdom, but also
such a subversion of the rights
and principles of property, as must
necessarily lead to general con
fusion, plunder, and bloodshed;
\ without submitting, to the most se
rious attention of the House, the
dangers which exist, and which the
utmost vigilance of government,
under the existing laws, has been
found inadequate to prevent.
[c z] CHAP
20] ANNUAL REGISTER, l8l7.

CHAPTER ll.

Singular Circumstance respecting the Committee of the Lords.--Bill

for the Suspension of the Habm Corpus, moved by Lord didmouth
in the House of Lords.—Debatee.—Protest.—-Lord Castlereagh in the
House of Common: moves for Bills, for the more efi'ectually preventing
Sedition: Meetings and Assemblies; for the better prevention and
punishment of attempts to seduce person: in his Majesty's forces by Sea
and Land from their allegiance; and for making perpetual parts a an
act, for the safety and preservation of his Majesty‘: person an! govern
ment, including those of the Prince Regent—Debutea—Dtflerent
Clause: of the Sedition: Meetings Act gone through—The same bill in
the House of Lords—Protest.

swoon/m cracumnncs m humility, that your petitioner of

'rnn LORDS fers himself to the notice of, and
REMA RK A BLE circum prays for a hearing from your
stance occurred, respecting right honourable House; but that
the report of the Secret Committee your petitioner, though a very
drawn up by the House of Lords. humble individual, feels himself
Mr. Cleary, secretary to the Lon impelled by a sense of imperious
don Union Society, having seen in duty, to beseech your right ho
a report laid before their Lord nourable House to pause, and to
ships, a clause relative to the hear further evidence, before your
above society, which appeared to right honourable House proceed
connect it with the societies of to adopt legislative measures upon
Spencean Philanthropists, was in the report, now on the table of
duced to present a petition to the your righthonourable House, from
House, in which he gave a cor your late secret committee.
rected statement of the society and “ Your petitioner begs permis
its proceedings. This petition was sion humbly to state to your right
put into the hands of Earl Gros honourable House, that he has
venor, who, on February ‘Zlst, read in the aforementioned report
read it to the House, as follows : of the secret committee of your
lordships, the following passage,
“ To the Right Hon. the Lords to Wit :
Spiritual and Temporal of the " ‘ Others of these societies are
United Kingdom of Great Bri called Union Clubs, professing the
tain and Ireland in Parliament same object of parliamentary re
assembled. form, but under these words un
“ The Petition of Thomas Cleary, derstanding universal sufl’rage and
Secretary to the London Union annual parliaments-projectlwhich .
Society, evidently involve not any qualified
“ Humbly showeth, That it is or partial change, but a total sub
with great reluctance, as well as version of the British constitution.
It
 GENERAL HISTORY. [21
It appears that there is a London so closely connected the ‘ London
Union Society, and branch Unions Union Society' with the societies
corresponding with it, and affi of ‘ Spencean Philanthropists;'
liated to it. Others of these so but your petitioner humbly begs
cieties have adopted the name of leave to assure your lordships, that
Spencean Philanthropists; and it he is ready and able to prove at
was by members of a club of this the bar of your lordships, that
description that the plans of the there never has existed, between
conspirators in London were dis these societies, the smallest con
cussed» and prepared for execu nexion of any sort, either in per
tion." ' son or design, the object of the
“ Your petitioner presumes not former being to obtain “ a parlia
to oppose his opinions against mentary reform, according to the
those of a committee of your right constitution," while that of the
honourable House; but he hopes, latter, as appears from the report
that he may be humbly permitted of your lordships committee, has
to state, that when a bill was been to obtain a common part
brought before your right honour nership in the land; and that,
able House by the late duke of the: efore, any evidence which may
Richmond, laying it down as a have been laid before the secret
matter of principle,,that annual committee of your lordships to
parliaments and universal suii'rage establish this connexion, is, as
were the inherent and unalienable your petitioner is ready to prove
rights of Englishmen, the noble at the bar of your lordships, wholly
duke was not accused of a desire destitute of truth.
to produt-c “ a total subversion of “ But the facts to which your v
the British constitution." petitioner is most anxious humbly
“ It is not, however, on mat- to endeavour to obtain the patient
ters of opinion, but on matters of attention of your right honourable
most important fact, that your pe House, relate to that affiliation
titioner humbly appeals to the can and correspondence. which your
dour, the wisdom, and the justice lordships secret committee have
of your right honourable House, been pleased to impute to the
and on matters of fact, too, with London Union Society, by observ
regard to which your petitioner is ing that “ it appears that there is
able to submit to your right ho a London Union Society, and
nourable House the clearest and Branch Unions, corresponding
most indubitable testimony. with it, and afliliated to it," a
“ Your petitioner‘s entire igno description which seems, in the
rance of the views of the secret humble conception of your peti
committee of your right honour tioner, to resemble that which was
able Honse, as well as his pro given of the London Correspondé
found respect and extreme defer ing Society, in 1795, and which,
ence for every thing done within as your petitioner humbly con
the walls of your right honourable ceives, point to measures of a
House. are more than sufficient to nature similar to those which were
~ restrain your petitioner from at then adopted; and your petitioner,
tempting eren to guess at the rea though with all humility, ventures
sons for your committee‘s having to express his confidence, that the
evidence
22.] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
evidence which he doubts not has correspondence, infusing life into
been produced to your lordships societies of Spencean Philanthro
secret committee to justify this pists, and producing, by these
description, is wholly and entirely means, plans of conspiracy, revo
false, as your petitioner is ready lution, and treason! and though
to prove, in the most satisfactory your petitioner is too well assured
manner, at the bar of your right of the upright views and of the
honourable House. justice of every committee con
“ Upon this important point sisting of members of your noble
your petitioner humbly begs leave and right honourable House not to
to represent to your right ho be convinced that very strong evi
nourable House, that the London dence in support of these charges
Union Society was founded in must have been produced to your
1812 by Mr. Edward Bolton Clive, lordships secret committee, your
Mr. Walter Fawkes, the late co petitioner cannot, nevertheless,
lonel Bosville, Mr. Montague refrain from expressing most hum
Burgoyne, the present lord mayor, bly his deep regret, that your
Mr. Alderman Goodbehere, Mr. lordships committee should not
Francis Canning, Mr. William have deigned to send for the
Hallet, sir Francis Burdett, major books and other testimonials of
Cartwright, Mr. Robert Slade, the character and proceedings of
Mr. Timothy Brown, Mr. J.J. the London Union Society; and
Clarke, and several other indivi your petitioner humbly begs leave
duals equally respectable; that it to observe, that this omission ap
continued to hold meetings but a pears singularly unfortunate for
very short time ; that it never did the London Union Society, seeing
any act except the publishing of that the secret committee of your
one address to the nation on the lordships appear, in another part
subject of reform; that it never of their report, to lament the want
had any one “ Branch," that it of means of obtaining the written
never held any correspondence proceedings of societies, and seeing
either written or verbal with any that it was natural to expect, that
society of any sort; that it never a society having branches, an
was affiliated to any society, or affiliation, and an active corre
branch, or any body of men what spondence, had also a copious col
soever; finally. that it has not lection of written documents.
met for nearly three years and a " Your petitioner is aware, that
half last past; and, of course, he has trespassed too long on the
that it is not now in existence. patience of your lordships ; but,
“ What, then, must have been well knowing that your lordships
the surprise and the pain of your seek only for truth as the basis
humble petitioner, when he saw, of your proceedings, he humbly
in the report of your lordships hopes that you will be pleased to
secret committee, this London excuse the earnestness of his pre- '
Union Society represented, not sent representation, and he also
only as being still in existence, presumes humbly to express his
but busily and extensively at hope, that your lordships will be
work, establishing branches and pleased, in your great tenderness
affiliations, carrying on an active for the character and' liberties of
his
 GENERAL
his majesty‘s faithful subjects, to
consider whether it be not pos
sible that your secret committee
may have been misled, by what
they may have deemed good evi
dence, as to other parts of their
recent report; and, at the least,
your petitioner humbly prays that
your lordships will, in your great
condescension, be pleased to per
mit your petitioner to produce‘all
the books and papers of the Lon
don Union Society at the bar of
your right honourable House,
where your petitioner confidently
assures your lordships that he is
ready to prove all and singular
the allegations, contained in this
his most humble petition.
“ And your petitioner will ever
pray. “ THOMAS CLEARY."
Some words applied by the Earl
after he had read the petition,
produced a warm attack upon
him for the violation of order, in
which other speakers defended
him. At length, upon his motion,
that it should lie upon the table,
a debate ensued, when Earl Grey
moved for an adjournment to the
following Friday. This was dis
posed of by Contents, 18; Non
Contents, 64. The motion for
laying the petition on the table,
was then put and negatived.
On February 24th, Earl Gros
venor appeared again with Mr.
Cleary's petition, respecting which
he said, that the learned Lord on
the Woolsack had declared, that
the petition could not be received,
because it alluded to the report of
the House, of which the petitioner
could not be cognizant, neither
had it as yet been brought before
the House. It was now tendered
in such a shape as, he trusted,
would remove any objection, all
HISTORY. [as
notice of the secret committee
being omitted. No opposition was
accordingly made to its reception;
though not till several lords had
taken the opportunity of discuss
ing the conduct of the committee,
by way of attack and defence.
BILL FOR SUSPENSION OF
HABEAS CORPUS.
On February 24th, a bill for the
suspension of the Habeas Corpus
act was moved in the House of
Lords. It was introduced by
Lord Sidmouth, who began his
speech by an eulogy upon the
manner in which the secret com
mittee had laid its discoveries
before the House. There were
three principal features to which
he would advert: I. That no
doubt was left in the minds of
the committee, that a traitorous
correspondence existed in the me
tropolis, for the purpose of over
throwing the established govern
ment 5 2. That the committee are
deeply concerned to report their
full conviction, that designs of
this nature have not been confined
to the capital, but are extending
widely through the most'populous
and manufacturing districts: 3.
That such a state of things cannot
be suffered to continue without
hazarding the most imminent and
dreadful evils. After descanting
upon these points, his lordship
proceeded to set in a strong light
the actual danger into which the
public welfare wiis'hrought; and
he touched upon the riot in the -
capital on December 2d, and upon
his own active services in sup
pressing it He was thence led to
take into consideration certain
provisions of former legislatures,
to guard against public evils; and
he
94] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
he intimated the intention of the tion, namely, a comparison be
present ministers, to renew some tween the present day, with the
measures of this kind. In fine, period of 1795; of which there
he came to the direct point of the was the leading and undeniable
suspension of the Habeas Corpus, distinction, that in the first case,
of which he said he was sincerely all the mischiefs against which the
grieved to be the instrument, enlargement of the powers of the
especially in a time of profound crown went to provide, sprung
peace. But it was one extraor mainly from the French revolu
dinary quality of the British con tion. From France the dangers
stitution, that the powers of the were apprehended, and to the
executive government could be machinations of agents from that
enlarged, if by such means that country, the energies of the go
constitution would be better se vernment were directed. But to
cured. He required the suspen what were the principles of our
sion of the Habeas Corpus act, in modern system of policy directed,
pity to the peaceable and loyal in when our army in Spain was en
habitants of the country, for the gaged in a succession of triumphs,
protection of the two Houses of and when the nations of the con
Parliament, for the maintenance tinent, in imitation of our ex
of our liberties, and for the se ample, were resolved to make a
curity of the blessings of the con determined struggle for their in
stitution. It was not merely the dependence ? It was to this—that
lower orders which had united in we had actually extinguished the
these conspiracies ; individuals of spirit of Jacobiuism, and that the
great activity, resolution, and ‘ war had assumed a diderent com
energy, were engaged in the con plexion. The peace followed, and
test. it was one which the noble mar
The Marquis Wellesley said, that quis severely reprobated. To the
when parliament was called upon want of stipulations in favour of
to alter the existing laws of the England, he attributed the revival
land, ministers should be able to of Jacobinism; but how did it
lay before it a plain distinct case, happen, said he, that ministers,
founded upon powerful and irre when they had ascertained the ex
sistible evidence, in order that it istence of a presumed traitorous
should be justified in. doing that conspiracy in the metropolis, and
which in ordinary circumstances were aware, as they now profess,
would be a direct infringement of that the provisions of the law
the public freedom. Unless the were incompetent to control it,
ministers of the crown could un did not at once resort to measures
questionably prove, that such a to put it down ?
case cannot be restrained by the After variousother observations,
ordinary course of law, they are which it is unnecessary‘here to re
not warranted in demanding the peat, the Marquis concluded with
extension of extraordinary powers. affirming, that he must conscien
This subject led him to consider tiously declare, that up to the
what he must regard. as the grand moment he was then speaking, he
and prominent part of the ques had not seen such evidence as
convinced
 GENERAL HISTORY. [25
convinced him that the danger be considered was, whether a
was so alarming as had been re sufficient cause now existed for
presented. Great discontents un the suspension of the Habeas
doubtedly existed ; seditious prac Corpus? ()n the present occasion
tices evidently prevailed; yet he government had the fullest proof
was not satisfied, that they existed (if they Were to believe‘the report)
in that shape and character which of a treasonable conspiracy in the
justified the suspension of the metropolis to overturn the consti
Habeas Corpus. tution, and that the same system
The Earl of Liverpool, in his was spread Over a great part of
reply to the Marquis, began with the country. Was it then too
absolutely denying, that the dis much to contend, that under such
content and distress under which circumstances it was proper to
we laboured, were attributable to recur to the course which our
the late peace ; and he believed it ancestors had pursued in similar
never entered into the heads of dangers? He felt all the import
any one to imagine that such was ance of the measure that was now
the consequence. So far from the proposed; but he would not allow
fact being such as the Marquis any imputations that might be in
stated, our trade and manufac sinuated to preclude him from the
tures were never so extensive as conscientious discharge of his
during the years l8|4 and 18l5. duty. What he asked of parlia—
The origin of our distress was to ment was to entrust the Prince
be traced to a totally different Regent‘s ministers with that
cause from that of foreign trade ; power for a short time—a most
in fact it might be originally odious one, he agreed—and which
traced to the distress of our agri ought not to be confided to any
cultural interest. The next topic man. or any set of men, except in
of the Marquis‘s complaint was such cases as now, he apprhended,
the meeting of parliament, and it justified him in calling for it.
was asked, why it was not earlier Earl Grey, after various preli
assembled, when ministers must minary remarks against the pro
have known the dangers of the posed motion, argued in the first
country: it did not however follow, place, that any conspiracy attended
that because there were clubs, with an utter improbability of
meetings, and publications of a success, as the present was al
dangerous nature, that therefore lowed 10 be, was not a case that
there were distinct proofs of a called for a suspension of the
conspiracy upon which govern Habeas Corpus. Who were the
ment might proceed capitally. In chief actors in this conspiracy?
fact, it was not till within three Were they persons of great con
weeks of the actual meeting of sequence and co .nexions in the
parliament, that ministers were country? No. They were miserable
in possession of that knowledge. wretches reduced to the lowest
The Earl then proceeded to poverty and distress. What was
touch upon the question more im their object? To produce insur
mediately before their lordships ; rection by calling persons toge
and he said, that the real point to ther on the pretext of parliamen
tary
26] ANNUAL REGISTER, l817.
tary reform, without any pre temporary suspension of the
vious concert and design, and Habeas Corpus act.
trusting wholly to chance for sti After these and some other
mulating their instruments in the lords had given their sentiments
work of sedition. This was the on the bill, the House divided for
whole extent of the plot, and the its second reading, which was
attempt was made in the way that carried by Content 84, Proxies 66,
was projected. Those formidable Total. 150; against, Not Content
rioters tied at the very mention of 28, Proxies 12, Total 85. Majo
a dragoon. They did not wait to rity 115.
see their horses’ heads at the top A protest was then entered upon
of a street, so admirable were the the Journals to the following
military arrangements of that able effect: “ Dissentient. liecause it
commander, general lord viscount does not appear to us that, in the
Sidlnouth. - report of the Secret Committee,
The Earl then took a review of there has been stated such a. case
the different societies designated of imminent and pressing danger
in the report, and observed that as may not be sufliciently pro
there were acts of parliament, vided against by the powers of the
chiefly of modern date, under executive government under the
which all these otfences might be existing IaWs, and'as requires the
prosecuted and punished. He suspension of the most important
would,_ however, have consented security of the liberty of the
to a new law for preventing meet country." It was signed by eigh
ings in the open air without a teen peers.
previous notice to a magistrate;
and would also cheerfully have BlLL FOR PREVENTING SEDITIOUS
MEETINGS.
agreed to a bill for the better secu
rity of the person of the Prince Re On the same day, February 24th,
gent. These two measures would, Lord Castlereagh rose in the House
he conceived, together‘ with the of Commons. He began with
existing laws, have been amply assuring that assembly, that in
sufficient to have met all the evils the whole course of his life, he
dwelt upon in'the report. had never performed a more
Lord Grenville considered the painful duty than that which he
question before their lordships to was then called upon to discharge.
be one of the most important that He should have hoped, that alter
had ever engaged the attention of the dreadful record which the
parliament He felt it his bounden French revolution had afforded of
duty to declare, that the present the destruction brought upon its
situation of the country appeared country, no individual could be
to him one of extreme danger, found in Great Britain so dead to
and that some extraordinary legis a sense of private feeling, or
lative measures were absolutely public duty, as to engage in
necessary. S\l('h being the serious schemes which would render the
conviction of his mind, he was immediate and powerful aid of
compelled to give his cordial, parliament necessary for securing
though reluctant support for the the public peace. Looking to the
~ ‘ history
 GENERAL HISTORY. [27
history of the revolutionary spirit purpose of parliamentary reform.
in this country, it appeared to Such being t-hedangers against
have gradually descended from which parliament had to contend,
the higher and better informed they were now to be informed of
ranks in which it formerly be the measures which the King’s
trayed itself, to those lower orders ministers had thought proper to
in which it was now principally to propose to them for meeting that
be found. danger. These, after having been
After-some severe animadver— commented on by his lordship
sion upon those superior classes seriatim, were summed up in a
of reformists, who appeared to general statement;
his lordship to have excited the The measures, he said, which
lower ranks to mischief, he went he should propose as the wisest
on to give the House " a fair and which parliament could adopt,
not exaggerated description of the were, 1. The temporary suspen
dangers which now menaced the sion of the Habeas Corpus. 2.
country, and to direct its atten The extending the act of 1795,
tion to the remedies to be pro for the security of his Majesty‘s
posed by the ministers." He ob person, to his Royal Highness the
served, that although the conspi Prince Regent, as the person ex
rators had not been joined to the ercising the functions of royalty.
extent that they expected, yet that .3. To embody into one act the
the general means they had pro provisions of the act of 1795, re
vided, were sufficient to enable lative to tumultuous meetings and
them to make the attempt with a debating societies, and the pro
rational prospect of success. It visions of the act of the 39th of
would be confining the extent of the King, which declared the
the peril within too narrow limits illegality of all societies bound
to consider it as sprung from the together by secret oaths, or if not
meeting of December 2d alone. by secret oaths, which extended
Others were at that very moment themselves by fraternized branches
going on under the pretence of over the kingdom ; and to make
seeking parliamentary reform. it enact, that the nominating de
He would not deny that many in legates or commissioners, under
dividuals throughout the country any pretext, to any other societies
had such a reform actually in of the kind, should be considered
view ; but most of them looked at as sufficient proof of the illegality
it merely as a half measure, or a of such societies or associations.
veil to the prosecuting of their 4. To make such enactments as
designs. It had been clearly made should be thought most effectual
out, that a wicked conspiracy ex to punish with the utmost rigour,
isted in the country for the sub any attempt to gain over soldiers
version of the constitution and or sailors to act with any asso
state; and it appeared that the ciation or set of men, and with
individuals who were deeply im~ draw them from their allegiance.
plicated ‘in the crime of treason Lord Castlereagh concluded with
had been the most active to pro moving, “ That leave be given to
cure meetings for the apparent bring in a bill for the more etfec
. tually
as] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
tually preventing Seditious Meet pressions and doctrines were
ings and Assemblies." Openly advanced in the denounced
A considerable number of speak meetings. Blasphemy, he said,
ers r0se to give their opinions on was what he abhorred as much
the subject; but this being little as any man; but he thought our
more than a prelude to a closer present laws “ere sufficient for
engagement, we shall only men the purpose of restraining it.
tion at present, that on a divi The next thing to which he would
sion of the House, the leave re advert was that part of the report
quested was granted by 190 votes which stated, that the disatfected
against l4. looked out for those people among
Lord Castlereagh then obtained whom the greatest distress pre
leave to bring in a bill to rain vailed, in order to excite discon
and make perpetual an act for tent. If they looked for distress,
the better prevention and punish he was sorry to say they might
ment of attempts to seduce per too easily find it; but from what
sons serving in his Majesty's forces himself had seen. and many hon.
by sea or land from their alleg - members had described, there was
ance; and also a bill to make no other food for discontent ne
perpetual certain parts of an act cessary, nor any occasion for ha
for the safety and preservation of ranguingthe disafl‘ected to heighten
his Majesty's per-on and govern complaints, or to point out the
ment, includ.ng that of the Prince means of relief.
Regent. These three bills were After various other observa
then brought in and read a first tions, partly serious and partly
time. ludicrous, the hon. member was
Petitionswere in the meantime unwarily led to speak of ministers
pt‘epfll‘luy; n- the capital, and else who had “ already embruednheir
\\ here. against the suspension of hands in the blood of their coun
the Habe's Corpus act. They try. and who had been guilty of
were presented to the House of the most criminal cruelties "
Commons .on February 26th, the This charge called up Lord Castle
day when Lord Castlereagh moved reagh, \\ ho desired Mr. B. to state
the order For the first reading of which individuaLmeinber of the
the bill for suspending the Habeas present government he meant to
Corpus. accuse. The result was, _ that
Mr. Bennet said he Would oppose, after an. awkward apology, he de
in every Slflgt‘ this arbitrary, im clared that. he did not mean to
politic, and uncalled-for measure. pursue the subject.
After some serere' remarks upon The Lord Advocate of Scotland
the noble. lord‘s public conduct, thought it his duty to commuui
he entered into a brief examina cate to the House a circumstance
tion of some parts of the com which had lately come within his
mittee's report. and the alarm it knowledge. A secret conspiracy
was calculated to spread. The had been organized in Glasgow,
list thing that he would remark which had communications with
upon was that part which stated. so~ieties in the country. The
that the most blasphemous ex conspiracy was held together by
means
 GENERAL
means of a secret oath which he
would read to the House It ran
as follows. “ In the awful pre
sence of God, I, A. B. do volun
tarily swear, that I will persevere
in my endeavours to form a bro
therhood of affection amongst
Britons of every description who
are considered worthy of conii~
dence; and that] will persevere
in my endeavours to obtain for all
the people of Great Britain and
Ireland, not disqualified by crimes
or insanity, the elective franchise
at the age of twenty-one, with
free and equal representation and
annual Parliaments; and that 1
will support the same to the ut
most of my power, either by mo
ral or physical strength as the
case may require: and I do fur
ther swear, that neither hopes,
fears, rewards, or punishments
shall induce me to inform, or give
evidence, against any member or
members, collectively or intlivi~
dually, for any act or expression
done or made, in or out of this or
similar societies,under the punish
ment of death, to be inflicted on
me by any member or members
of such society. So help me God,
and keep me stedfast." - tionable: the dangers might be
This oath (said the learned
member) was administered to
many hundred individuals in the
city of Glasgow and its neigh
bourhood. Some persons to whom
it was about to be given felt scru
' pulous about that part which re
lated to the using of physical
strength. A meeting was imme
diately called, and a motion was
made to leave out those words,
but it was rejected unanimously.
The result, however, had been
that a variety of persons were
now apprehended ; and he pledged
a I s T o R Y. [99
his character as a public officer,
that when these individuals were
taken, it was known to govern
ment that there were others mov
ing in a very difi‘erent sphere of
life connected with the conspi
racy, Some of whom, he trusted,
would yet be apprehended.
SIT Samuel Romilly spoke with
considerable severity of the negli
gence of the ministers, who had
suti'ered all these libellnus and
blasphemons publications to be
industriously circulated among the
lower orders without instituting
a single prosecution against the
authors. Speaking of the infor
mation communicated by the lord
atlvocate'of Scotland, he said,
were ministers aware that the
most severe punishment known to
the law might be inflicted upon
individuals subs ribing that oath?
Did they not know that it was
felony without benefit of clergy,
unless the person taking the oath,
within fourteen days afterwards,
abandoned his associates, and be
trayed their purposes. He con
cluded a vigorous speech by say
ing, that in every point of view
he thought the suspension objec
great, but the existing laws had
not yet been tried; and if tried,
he was convinced that they would
be found sufficient for every pur
pose of national protection.
It is unnecessary to carry fur
ther the debates on this subject,
since they were little more than
repetitions of the arguments on
both sides of the question, which
have already been detailed in the
sketch given from the House of
Lords. After repeated calls for the
question, the House divided, when
there appeared for the first read.
mg
 30] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
ing .of the bill, Yeas ‘278, Noes 98:irons, 810. which was negatived
Majority I75. without a division.
The order of the day for the Mr. William Smith next moved
third reading of the bill took place a clause, securing the right of
on the 28th of February. In the action against the persons who
speeches on the occasion, Mr. should issue warrants of commit
Lamb, as a member of the secret ment under the act, if the persons
committee, among other argu committed should be dismissed
ments said, that the ordinary without trial, provided the action
course of the law might be suffi were brought within a month
cient, if the law were suffered to after the expiration of the act;
take its course; but he believed which was also negatived without a
it to be stopped and arrested by division.
the system of threats and menaces Mr. Pomonby then proposed a
which intimidated jurors and wit clause, fixing the 20th of May for
nesses. the expiration of the bill, instead
Sir Arthur Pigott expressed him of the lst of July, on which the
self much surprised that the House divided: for the clause 97,
hon. gentleman should defend the against it 289.
suspension of the Habeas Corpus Sir Sam. Romilly brought in an
on the ground that the country amendment to the bill, the pur
was at present in such a_state that pose of which was to limit its
the existing laws could not be operation in Scotland, as well as
carried into execution. Were this in England, to persons committed
the real state of things, a point of to prison for treason, or suspicion
so much importance ought to be of treason, upon a warrant signed
established on evidence very dif by six privy counsellors, or one of
ferent from that which was laid the principal secretaries of state;
before the. committee of secrecy. whereas, as the bill now stood, it
How bad the hon. gentleman been extended in Scotland to persons
satisfied, that the situation of thecommitted by any subordinate
country was such as he had de magistrate.
scribed it to be? Had it appeared The House of Lords was moved
to the committee that such was by Lord Sidmoulh on March 3d,
the fact, they would not have to take into its consideration the
closed their report without ‘di amendments which the House of
rectly mentioning it. Commons had introduced into the
The whole of the question being Habeas Corpus bill. The Earl of
at length disposed of, the House Damley, as a final effort for set
divided on the third reading, ting the bill aside, made a motion
which was carried by 265 to 103: for referring it to that day three
majority 162. months, which was negatived
Sir Francis Burdett then pro without a division. Some further
posed a clause, that no person discussion occurred respecting the
detained under this act shall be rapidity with which it had passed
shut up in a dungeon, or other the House of Lords, after which
unwholesome place, or deprived the amendments in the Commons
of air and exercise, or loaded with were agreed to.
On
 GENERAL
On March 3d, the second read
ing of the bill, to prevent sedi
tious meetings, was moved in the
House of Commons by the Solici
tor General. Bef‘ore he made his
motion, he said he would briefly
explain the reasons of its passing,
and the different enactments which
it contained. Of the various
means employed by the fomentors
of discontent, one of the most
efficacious was to call together a
number of persons, to inflame
them by harangues, and to per
suade them that the evils of the
times would be remedied by their
application to parliament, which
they had a right to force to com
ply with their demands. Those
meetings the bill was intended
to control by some regulations
precisely of the same kind as those
adopted at other critical periods.
In the committee, however, it was
his intention to propose a clause, quillity, would tend‘to bring the
which he would now mention, as legislature into that hatred with
it partly involved new matter, the people which the act alluded to.
though by no means contrary to
the avowed spirit and purpose of up this idea, said that unless he
the bill. The object of the clause received a satisfactory answer, he
was to prevent such meetings,
convened by seven householders,
from being adjourned to any other
time or place than what should be
at first specified; for if that evil
were not guarded against, it might
be contended that the original
meeting having been declared le
gal, an adjourned meeting would
become equally so. Another ob
ject of the bill would be to prevent
the existence of debating societies,
lecture rooms, reading rooms, &c.
for admission to which money was
received. A similar measure was
enacted in 1796 and 1799; but
neither of these touched the evil
as it existed in the societies now
formed. A further object would
HISTORY. [31
be to suppress a particular so
ciety calling themselves .the Spen
ceans, or Spencean philanthropists,
which, whether it employed de
legates or not, was condemned by
the very doctrines which it pro
mulgated.
After some severe remarks upon
parts of the proposed bill, it was
read a second time, and ordered
to be committed.
On March 10th, on the motion
of the Solicitor General, this bill
was recommitted. When the
clause was read, inflicting the
punishment of death on such per—
sons as shall not disperse after
being required so to do; Mr.
Gurney rose and declared it. as his
decided conviction, that these
clauses, being abhorrent to the
common sense and feeling of man
kind, so far from having any ten
dency to secure the public tran
Sir James Mackintosh, following
would move toysubstitute trans
portation to the punishment of
death.
The Solicitor General saw no
reason for the amendment sug
gested by the hon. gentleman.
As—the object of the bill was to
prevent riot, it must be regarded
as wise and proper to put the
offence contemplated in the clause
on the same footing as resist
ance to a proclamation under the
riot act.
Mr. W. Smith said, that there
was no comparison between the .
offence against which the riot act
was directed, andthat which is now
before the committee. The first
supposed that those against whorr;
. 1
32] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
it was aimed were violating the persons offending as above de
public peace. and committing scribed, Sir Samuel Romilly pro
outragev The second subjected posed to leave it out altogether;
those who did not disperse within contending that as at present
an hour after proclamation, to the framed and understood, it might
same punishment as if they had give some officious magistrates a
been guilty of the most aggra pretence for denouncing the most
vated crimes. peaceable and constitutional meet
Sir James Mackintosh, after va ings, and would rather tend to
rious observations had been made, occasion riot and confusion, than
moved as his amendment, that to prevent sedition and rebellion.
instead of the words “ .~hall suti'er The clause was defended by the
death as in case of felony, without ministers, who carried it by 46
benefit of clergy," the words against 16.'
“ shall sufl'er transportation for Sir James Mackintosh next pro
the term of seien years," should posed, that the exemptions ex
be substituted in~ their stead. tending to lectures in the univer
The committee thereupon divided, sities, in the inns of court, and in
when there appeared. for the Gresham college, should also in
amendment ‘26; against it 70. clude the East India college, and
Sir James Mackintosh then said lectures in medicine, surgery,
that he had another amendment chemistry, and all others hona
to propose in that important title intended for the improvement
clause relative to public meetings. of learning, the sciences, and the
As it now stood, a power was arts. This amendment was also
given in the case of propositions, rejected. with the exception of the
stirring up the people to hatred East India college.
or contempt of the government or All the clauses being gone
constitution of this realm as by through, the House was resumed,
law established. No man in this and the bill was ordered to be
House would say that there was reprinted.
any intention of using the word On March 14th, the order of
government in any sense where it the day standing for the third
might be confounded with admi reading of the bill for the more
nistration. But if that were true, etl'ectually preienting Seditious
what was the use of inserting the Meetings and Assemblies, Sir M.
word "government?" The use of W. Ridley, aftera speech in “hlCl'l
the word in this clause could have he declared it to be his duty to
no tendency but to create the oppose the passing into a law an
most dangerous misapprehensions. act wholly uncalled for by the
He would therefore propose the isting circumstances of the coun
omission of the words “ or the try, moved as an amendment, to
government," leaving the passage leave out the word “ now," and
to run, "or the con-titution of insert after the words “ be read
this realm as by law established." a third time," the words “ this day
After some conversation, this six months."
amendment was negatived. This being the last day in which
On the reading of the next the two parties had an open field
clause, for the apprehension of for contention, the principal forcef
o
 GENERAL HISTORY. [33
of each was mustered, though no should be inserted in the bill
doubt could be entertained how “ two or more justices," which
the decision would terminate. In was also negatived.
fact, nothing was left but the He next moved, that instead of
mere repetition of exhausted ar the words “constitution and go
guments ; and Mr. Canning found vernment," there should be in
it necessary to revert to former serted the word "constitution"
displays of oratory, by saying, “ It only; which was also negatived.
is in this view only that we re The bill was then passed.
commend to the House of Com On the 2 lst of March the House
mons to pass the present bill; of Lords went into a committee
not (as I have so often said, but on the bill relative to Seditious
as cannot be too often repeated) Meetings. 011 reading the clause
for the extinction of the sacred from the Commons concerning
right of petition, but for its pro whatwould constitute the assembly
tection and preservation." - unlawful, Lord St. John observed,
After the amendment had been that as the words now stood, if
disposed of, the third reading the clerk of the peace should neg
was carried by 179 to 44- A lect to communicate the notice re
clause having been introduced in ceived of an intended meeting,
to the bill by the Attorney Gene signed by seven householders, to
ral, enacting that it should not three magistiates, it might be
extend. to Ireland, 'Sir John New deemed an unlawful assembly,
port opposed it, with a view of although the persons calling it
keeping down the Orange men ; had complied in every respect
but the original question was with the enactments of the clause,
carried. and would, in consequence, be
On the introduction of the pre come subject to the punishment
amble of the bill, Sir M. W. Rid of death. The Lord Chancellor,
ley moved the following amend though he had no doubt that the
ment: “ \Vhereas assemblies of omission of the clerk of the peace
divers persons collected for the would not invalidate the legality
purpose of exercisingr their un of the meeting, said that he had
doubted right of ofl'ering petitions,
no objection to an amendment
complaints, remons‘rances, de which would render the clause
clarations, or other addresses to more clear; and it was agreed
his royal highness the Prince that the words “in such case"
Regent, or to both houses, or should be omitted.
to either house of parliament, Lord Holland moved that the
have of late taken place; and words “imposing the punishment
whereas riots may be apprehended of death" shouldbe left out, as he
from large meetings of persons considered it as glaringly dispro
suil'eriug under the pressure of portionate to the crime. This
distress at the present time." amendment was negative l .
This amendment was negatived. At a meeting of the committee
Mr. Ponsonby then moved, that on March 24th, when the clause
instead of the words “one or respecting licences to be granted
more justice or ju~tices,” there to lecture rooms and-debating so
VOL. LlX. LD] cieties
 34] AN NUAL REGISTER, 1817.
cieties was read, the Earl cf.Lau such a question required, and
derdale observed, that the excep which was anticipated in the
tions from the operation of this House of Commons. We shall
clause did not extend far enough, therefore refer to the proceedings
and that there could be no objec of the latter House for all that we
tion to include among the excep have thought necessary to extract
tions lectures merely on physical upon the general ground of discus
science. He then moved a clause sion, from the field of debate.
to exempt from the operation of It was mentioned on the pre
the licencing enactments, lectures ceding day that Lord Sidmoulh had
on anatomy, astronomy, chemis introduced a clause into the bill
try, or other branches of physical for the prevention of meetings
science. The Earl of Liverpool within a mile of Westminster-hall.
opposed the clause, on the ground He had since considered that the
that it was not to be supposed that place for holding elections for
magistrates, from any private \Vestminster was within its pre
motives, would prevent the de cincts; and also that the borough
livery of such lectures. The of Southwark did not form any of
clause_was put and negatived. the usual avenues to parliament.
An amendment proposed by He therefore proposed to with
Earl Grosvenor to limit the du draw the clause, and add as an
ration of the bill to the first of amendment, “ saving and except
July 1817 was negatived. ing in St. Paul‘s Covent-garden,
Lord Sidmouth proposed a clause and the borough of Southwark."
to prohibit public meetings within This clause was adopted without
a mile of the tuo houses of par a division.
liament when sitting, or of the The Earl of Liverpool then
courts of justice when sitting at moved that the bill do pass; on
Westminster. Aftersomediscus which the House divided: Con
sion, this clause‘was agreed to; tents, lll ; Non-contents, 23 :
and all the amendments being Majority, 88.
gone through, the .bill was ordered The following protest of eight
to be read a third time to-morrow. peers was entered on the Journals.
On the 25th of March, the or “ Dissentient. ,Because it appears
der of the day standing for the to us that this statute, in inflicting
third reading of this bill, Lord the penalty of death, is unjustly
Erskine rose, and began with the severe; that it gives to magis
consideration, first, what evidence trates a formidable and unneces
the House had of impending dan sary power, improperly controlling
gers which justified the passing of the general expression of opinion,
an act of the kind now before and interfering both with the pub -
them 5 and secondly, whether ad lie and private meetings of they
mitting all the facts collected by people, in times of which we
the report, the bill was either a consider the danger. to be much
necessary or a proper remedy. exaggerated, and which we think
_ It is evident that this was the call for measures of conciliation
natural line oFCargument which and relief, and not for coercion.”

cnA'P
 GENERAL HISTORY. [35

P
CHAPTER III.

War Salaries of the Secretaries of the Admiralty—Motion respecting

the Lords of the Admiralty—Motion for a Committee on the Public
Income and Expenditure, by Lord Castlereagh—First Report of the
Committee—Bills for abolishing the Ojices of Justices in Eyre, .and
for a Compensation for Civil Services—Pass both Houses—Irish
Peace preservation Bill.

sncnsnarzs or ran ADMIRALTY. made out to the sense of any man

that the time for which the in
0RD Milton, in rising '~ on creased salary had been given was
February 17th, to call the what could fairly be understood
attention of the House of Com as a case of War? Lord Ex
mons to the increase made in the mouth was sent to Algiers in the
salaries of the secretaries of the double quality of a negociator and
Admiralty, in consequence of the commander. When the attack
war with Algiers, began with ob was finally made and had succeed
serving the different light in which ed, what did Lord Exmouth say?
objects were regarded, according " Thus has a provoked warof two
to the difference of the mind and days existence been attended with
disposition of the person by whom a complete victory." A quarter's
they were vieWed. Having in salary on the war establishment
stanced the Prince Regent. and was claimed by the secretary, for a
Marquis Camden as those who war said by the commander who
could relinquish a part of their conducted it to be of two days du
salaries, when the public service ration. lt‘ the commencement of
required it, he said, with what this Algiers war was difficult to
difl'erent eyes must the admiralty be settled, and had been settled
or their secretary have beheld the wrong, its termination was no
symptoms of the times, when they less curious: it was dated from
conceived the autumn of 1816 the the reception of the treaty at the
most convenient opportunity for Admiralty. These dates of the
taking advantage of a single ex fitting out of the expedition and
pedition to bestow an increase of the arrival of the treaty in London
salary on their servants. The might tally with the duration of
ground on which this claim had the salary 3 but they could not be
been set up was an order of coun said to constitute the commence»
cil of January 1.5, 1800, by which, ment‘ and termination of a war,
on account of increase of duty in during the existence of which a
time of war, the secretary and war salary might be claimed. The
some other persons were to have navy pay-office, not thinking that
an increased salary. But the the attack on Algiers constituted
question was, had it been fairly this country in a state of war
L1) <1] within
as] ANNUAL REGISTER, l8l7.
within the meaning of the order fees of the secretaries of the Ad
of 1800, refused to pay the war miralty were very considerable,
salary till they had consulted with and in lieu of them it gave an in
the Admiralty. The nary-office crease of salary. He never de
by their question clearly thought manded this increase as a favour,
that there was no title made out but as a pure right.
to an increase of emoluments on Sir Joseph Yorke observed, that
account of the expedition to Al the question to be decided was ex
giers. The utmost duration of tremely simple. The salary of
the war, according to the admiral‘s the first secretary was fixed at
statement, was two days, which, 30001. per annum during peace,
computing the rate of increase, with an additional 1000l. in time
entitled the hon. secretary to of war : that of the second secre
5l. 3s. 9d. It might have happened tary was 1500]. in peace, and
that Lord Exmouth would have 200511. in war. The commissioners
found the Dey ready to comply of the navy did not send to the
with the demands of the British Admiralty to know whether this
government without coming to country was at war or not, but to
extremities; and what would have ascertain at what time the war
been the situation of the secretary salary should commence. The
then? There would have been no answer of the Admiralty was, that
war, nor any additional allowance. it should be paid from the 29th of
His lordship concluded with June to the 94th of September,
moving, "That the issue of the the day on which the treaty was
war salaries to the secretaries of signed. He had no hesitation in
the Admiralty, and certain other signing the paper for the increase
persons connected with the navy of salary, and should do the same
and dock-yards, in consideration thing if the paper were put again
of the expedition to Algiers, which before him.
terminated in hostilities with that Admiral Mar/diam said, that his
government, is uncalled for by opinion remained as at first, which
the order in council of January was, that the secretary was not
15th, 1800, and therefore an im entitled to the war salary. If
proper application of the public this was to be called a state of
money. ‘ war, what was am armament? in.
Mr. ‘rokcr said, that he was the case of Nootka Sound, had
quite above denying the part- he the order of council existed at that
had taken in this matter. He had period, was‘it to be supposed that
made the demand, because he the secretary of that time would
thought it a matter of right, and be entitled to demand an additional
due to the office. This right it salary? The expedition required
was his duty first to establish, and no additional trouble: there was
then he might come forward and nothing to be completed but the
give up what the necessities of the armament.
times might seem to require. The The essential point of argument
question rested upon the construc on this occasion was the question
tion of the order of council. That whether this was a case of declared
order stated, that during war the war, or only, till the time of the
commencement
 GENERAL H’ISTORY. [37
commencement of hostilities, of would be graciously pleased to
a threatening armament? It was give directions, that the lords
decided in favour of the ministry, commissioners of the Admiralty
but by a majority considerably may be reduced to such a number
less than their usual numbers. as the exigencies of the public
Lord Milton's motion was de service may actually require."
feated by 169 to 114. This motion being evidently,
as the hon. baronet acknowledged,
MOTION RESPECTXNG THE LORDS
a trial of strength between the
OF THE ADMIRALTY. parties, it was 'argued chiefly up
On February 25th Sir Matthew on that ground ; the ministers and
W. Ridley rose to move an address their friends strongly resisting
to the Prince Regent, requesting any further attempts to limit the
him to remove such of the lords power of the crown; whilst it
commissioners of the Admiralty as was still considered as abundantly
could be spared without detriment too high in the nation at large, by
to the public service. After some the advocates for independence
observations respecting the former , The previous question being put,
conduct of government, when the House divided, when a majo
they were prodigal in their pro rity appeared for the ministers oi
mises of economy, and as prodigal 208 to 152.
in their waste of the public money',
he said that he did not expect MOTION ON THE PUBLIC INCOME
AND EXPENDITURE.
much from the measure he now
proposed, but it would be laying Lord Castlereagh, on February
the foundation of a system of re 7th, began his motion by causing
duction by which the undue in the clerk of the H ouseof Commons
fluence of the ministers might be to read such part of the speech of
abridged. He then went through the Prince Regent as was particu
a cursory view of the formation larly addressed to that House, and
and progress of the navy-board ; which referred to the distress con
and having attempted to shew that ‘sequent upon the war, and his
the present number of six lords of > own confident expectation that at
the Admiralty was much beyond no distant period the native energy
the wants of the otlice now that of the country would enable it to
the number of seamen was re surmount its (lifiiculties.
duced from 140,000 to l9,000, he The time, said Lord C. was
concluded with the following mo now come, when the House ought
tion : “ That an humble address to consider what would be a pro
he presented to his royal highncss per permanent system for a peace
the Prince Regent, to Ppresent establishment; and be trusted
to his royal highness, that his that gentlemen would bring to the
Majesty's faithful Commons, re subject that combination of firm
lying upon the gracious disposition ness and wisdom which they so
of his royal highness to make eminently exhibited in the course
' every reduction in our establish of that arduous contest in which
ments which the safety of the em Great Britain had been so long
pire and sound policy allow, hum involved. The House would go
bly pray, that his Royal Highness along with him when he. laid down
. as
as] ANNUA L REGISTER, 1.817.
as an incontrovertible maxim, that the number of the government
no country, especially one so much troops in India to be reduced from
involved in debt, could consider 20,000 to 17,000. In the esti
its prosperity in time of peace es mates there would appear a sum
tablished on a firm foundation, of 220,0001. to be provided for On
unless its expenditure was reduced account of regiments which had
not only to the level, but below not yet returned from abroad, but
the level, of its revenue. ' were on their way home, and in
It was not his intention to go a course of reduction. The whole
minutely through the several heads of the army estimates, with
of expenditure in the different certain contingent expenses, and
branches of our establishments that of the militia, would amount
for the present year; but he was to 7,050,0001. ; to which the com—
desirous to state, that in order to missariat in Great Britain will add
prevent the House from being 500,0001. The barrack establish
fettered by the votes which it ment has been reduced from
might be necessary to call for, 178,000 to 70 or 80,000. The
they would not be required to fur army extraordinaries for this year
nish sums for more than some will be 1,300,0001. Total charge
months, so that the public service for the army 9,230,0001. For the
might be carried on in the mean navy, the House had last year
time. To this circumstance, after voted 33,000 men, of which, as
some general observations, his 10,000 were in the progress of re—
lordship now proceeded. duction, it was understood that
He first requested the attention only 23,000 would be the perma
of the House to the subject of the nent establishment for the pre
army expenditure. The number sent year. But upon further con
of the land forces during the last sideration, it has been determined
year, (excluding those in France that a larger reduction was prac
and India, which were otherwise ticable, and 19,000 men have
provided for) was 99,000 men, been proposed as the vote of the
namely 53,000 for the home ser present year. The reduction of
vice, and 46,000 for the foreign the wear and tear, ship-building,
establishment. This was to be and other expenses, would, of
reduced in the present year by course, be very considerable. On
18,000; that at home by 5000, the whole,the aggregate ofcharges,
and that in the colonies, &c.lby comprehending all the various
13,000 : and thus the comparison branches of the public service, will
between the two years would stand stand thus: ‘
from 99,000 to 81,016. The total Army,. . . . . . . . :5 7,050,000
number for which a vote had been Commissariat and
taken in the former year was Barracks . . . . . 880,000
150,000 men ; and the total num Extraordinaries 1 ,300,000
ber for this year would be pro Ordinance. . . . . . . 1,246,000
posed at only 123,000. The reason Miscellaneous.
Navy . . . - . . o ,- .1 .s - 1,500,000
for this was, that by the conven
tion with France the number of
our troops there was to be reduced Gross total of charge 18,373,000
from 30,000 men to 25,000 5 and
This
 GENERAL HISTORY. [39
This was the sum which. his times, he begged that they would
Majesty's ministers would pro always separate the charges which
pose to the House for the service were wholly unconnected with the
of the present year; but it would service of the present year.
be unfair to themselves not tode- . The right hon. member then
sire them to distinguish between passed an eulogium on 'the Prince
those items which might be. more Regent, who had resigned to the
durable, from those which, al public about a fifth of his whole
though voted for the present year, receipts, namely, fifty thousand
would in all probability not again pounds; and he stated that the
recur. For the army, for ex public servants of the crown were
ample, the sum of 220,000]. was also anxious to ofier their assist
for the purpose of defraying the ance by contributing what the
expense of regiments all which property-tax, had it been con
were actually in a progress of tinued, would have taken from
reduction. The extraordinaries, them. In conclusion, he proposed
as well as could be anticipated, the formation of a select cOmmit
would be reduced by 300,0001. tee to inquire into and state the
and the ordinance by 50,0001. In income and expenditure of the
the navy, he had stated, that united kingdom for the year ended
500,000l. of the sum proposed to the 5th of January, 1817; and
be. voted was for the liquidation of also to consider and state the
a transport debt. These several probable income and expenditure
items added togetherwould amount (so far as the same can now be
to 1,070,0001. which would di~ estimated) for the years ending
minish the future charge of the the 5th of January, 1818, and the
year to the same value. ~ 5th of January, 1819, respectively;
There was another view of the and ~to report the same, together
subject which he was desirous that with their observations thereupon,
the House should take—that be to the House; and also to con
tween charges which were for sider what‘ further measures may
services that had been performed, be adopted for the relief of the
and charges for services still to be country from any part of the said
performed. He had already stated expenditure, without detriment to
that the army estimates contained the public interest."
a sum of 2,551,0001. for services Mr. Brand said, that with re-,
that had actually been performed. spect to the first part of the noble
If charges of the same kind were lord’s motion he had nothing at
separated from the navy estimates, present to observe; but as to the
they would amount to 1,271,0001. second part, he thought that
Those in the ordnance service when, at such a conjuncture as
were 2‘28,00()l. ; and the three the present, the House was about
services put together would a to inquire what reductions ought
mount to 4,045,0001. \Vhen the totake place in the public expen
House was therefore occupied in diture, placemen and persons
contemplating the great existing holding siuecure-ofiices ought not
charge of the army and navy, to be on the committee. He should
compared with those of former therefore move as an amendment,
“ That
40] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
“That the select committee to be had therefore repeatedly supported
appointed, should inquire into the propositions brought forward
what reductions since the year by his friend the member for Corfe
1798 had taken place in the salaries ('astlc (Mr. Bankes). The system
and emoluments of the different was peculiarly liable to the charge
persons holding public oflices, and of'favouritism; and another strong
to consider what farther measures obiection to it was its being grant
might be instituted for further re— ed in reversion, which always ap
ducing the expenditure of the peared to him a great abuse. It
country." might be objected, that no great
The Speaker having suggested savings would result to the public
to Mr. B. that it would be neces from the abolition of those offices.
sary for him first to more, by wny The present savings indeed could
of amendment, that the second not be much, because it was ne
part of the noble lord's motion cessary that good faith should be
should be omitted, he shaped his kept with those who had vested
motion accordingly. interests; but in the course of a
After a considerable number (If few years a material benefit would
members, had given their opinions, be effected. When the committee
M r. Brand's motion was put, and recommended that certain offices
was negatived by 210 to UT. should no longer be sutfered to
exist, it was necessary that they
REPORT OF FINANCE COMMITTEE,
should point out some other mode
The names of the members of by which his Majesty Could rc
the committee was at length ap ward meritorious services. With
pointed, when they slood as fol this view a system was recom
lows: Lord Castlereagh, Mr. mended, which, under certain re
Bankes, Mr. Tierney, the Chan strictions, would answer every
cellor of the Exchequer, Lord purpose. He alluded to the grant
Binning, Mr. Boolle Wilbraham, ing of pensions for services per
Sir John Newport, Mr. Peele, formed, the time during which
Mr. Hurt Davis, Sir George Clerk, individuals had occupied their
Mr. Frankland Lewis, Mr. Hus offices being one of the criteria by
ltinson, Mr. Tremaine, Mr- Ni which the crown was to be guided
cholson Calvert, Mr. Davies Gil in rewarding the exertions of pub—
bert, Mr. Cartright, Mr. Holford, lic officers. if the committee
Mr. F. Littleton, Lord Clive, Mr.‘ agreed to the motion with which
Gooch, Sir T. Ackland. he should conclude, namely,
On May 5th, the first report of "That the chairman should be
the Finance Committee, relating directed to apply to the House for
to the Abolition of Sinecures, be leave to bring in certain bills for
ing laid before the House, Mr. carryin into effect the recom
Davies Gilbert rose to address the mendations contained in the re
committee. He began with ob port," they would then have the
serving that he had uniformly con— subject introduced to them in a
sidered the existence of sinecure more detailed shape. After some
places as a great blot and blemish further explanations, he moved
in the system of this country, and “ That the chairman be directed
to
I
 GENERAL HISTORY. '[h
to move for leave to bring in a. by which the noble lord supported
bill to abolish the offices of the the measure. lts recommenda
\Vardens, Chief Justices, and Jus tions were, that it did not in the
tices in Eyre, north and south of slightest degree affect the influ
Trent." ence of the crown; that it ef
Lord Castlereagh began by say fected no economy; but that it was
ing, that although on a former adapted to the cure of the poison
occasion he had stated his objec ed public mind. To the noble
tions to the principle and object lord, therefore, he must confine
of a measure somewhat similar to his congratulations; and he was
the present, he was now willing the more decidedly of his opinion,
to give his support to that laid when he recollected the purposes
before them. The power of the for which the committee had been
crown, he admitted, had increased appointed. At the first part of the
since the war began ; but on the session the noble lord hurried
return of peace, though they forward, so that he superseded
could not be restored to the state the chancellor of the exchequer;
in which they were left before and at length came an investiga
1792, it had been more than pro tion of the difliculties and re
portionally reduced. The patron sources of the country. For three
age of the crown was by no means months, excepting three days,
excessive; for which reason he had the committee been occupied
would support the present mea with this subject, and the result
sure, because it did not bear upon of their long and painful investiga
the influence of the crown. His tion was this report. They had been
lordship then went into a severe going over the ground that other
criticism upon Mr. Bankes's bill, committees had trod before them,
which he charged with tending to and recommending paltry savings
augment the burthcns of the instead of executing the business
country, and with seeming to before them. After a number of
countenance the delusion which remarks, partly serious and partly
had spread through the people, sarcastical, respecting what had
who regarded sinecurcs as the and what had not been done by
chief evils of the nation. Motives, the committee, Mr. G. concluded
however, had grown up which by saying, that with respect to
induced him to favour the abo the present motion, he certainly
lition of sinecures._ It was very would not oppose it: it was to
desirable to correct the false ex him a matter of perfect indif
pectations which had been che ference, and as such he was per
rished, and the present measure suaded it would be felt by the
would have that efiect. It would people, whose delusion, according
not, indeed, be a great saving; to the noble lord, it was destined
but sinecures being bad in_ princi to remove.
ple, it would operate as a cure. to the
Several other members spoke in
impression which had gone abroad. the debate, which assumed much
_ Mr. J. P. Grant said that he of personal attack. Mr. Gilbert‘s
could not congratulate the House resolution being at length agreed
or the country upon the reasons to, he moved various other reso
' lutions
I 42]
ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
lutions for the purpose of carrying Mr. Calcrqft moved a clause,
into efl'ect the objects of the re " That any person who may ac
port. The House having resumed, cept apension under this act, shall
leave was given to bring in the vacate his seat in parliament."
several bills. The House divided upon this
.clause, when it was rejected by
JUSTICE! IN EYRE.
64 against Q7.
On May 19th, the bill for abo It was then moved, that the bill
lishing the offices of Justices in be read a third time to-morrow.
Eyre was moved to be read a se The House again divided, Yeas
cond time. It met with no other 75; Noes 20: Majority 55.
opposition, except a speech from In the House of Lords, on
Mr. Boswell, on the ground of his June 80th, the bills for the aboli
unwillingness to stripthe crown of tion of certain offices, and the
a power to reward public services; compensation for civil services,
and after a reply from Lord Milton, were introduced by the Earl of
the second reading was carried. Liverpool. His lordship, in his
At the same time a motion was speech on this occasion, recom
made for the second reading of mended the bills to the attention
another bill belonging to this class, of the House, on two principles;
entitled the Civil Services Com lst, That whatever regulation of
pensation Bill. Various objections this kind might be adopted, there
were raised to this bill, and the was a necessity for reserving to
House was divided, when there the crown the means of rewarding
appeared, For the second reading public services: 2dly, That these
105; Against it 45 : Majority 60. means should be at the disposal of
On the 6th of June, the order the crown. These principles, he
of the day standing for a commit attempted to shew, were suffi
tee on this bill, Mr. Calcmft said, ciently secured by the present
that if he knew of a better plan bills. As to the sinecures bill, he
of getting rid of sinecures, he said it was fit they should be given
would be ready, as a member of up, on two grounds—that the
the committee who had recom crown should have the power of
mended this bill, to adopt it 3 but rewarding services by direct, in
he knew of none. Considering, stead of indirect, compensation;
however, that by its provisions and that the abolition would do
the crown gave up 90 or 100,0001. away much of the unreasonable
and received back only 492,0001. prejudice existing on this point.
he conceived it to be a good bar He then stated to the House the
gain for the public. saving which would accrue to the
The House then resolved itself public from the measures now
into a committee, in which a con proposed.
versation took place on the several The bills were opposed upon
clauses of the bill. diti'erent grounds; and especially
The report was brought up on because they seemed founded upon
June 10th, when Mr. D. Gilbert a forced concession in which the
moved several clauses, which were ministers were induced to act in
agreed to. ' direct opposition to the interests
of
 GENERAL HISTORY; fiS
of the crown. 'I‘heiirst bill being tary force, that he now asked for
offered for committal, a division leave to amend- the act. As the
took place, in which it was carried law at present stood, it Was ne
by Contents 27 ; Non-contents 7. cessary on the appointment of a
certain number of peace Officers,
IRISH PEACE PKESERI'ATION BILL. to create a superintendent magis-_.
On March 11th, 'Mr. . Peel asked trate, who should act as the ma
for leave to amend an act of the gistrate of the newly disturbed
54th of the King, for enabling district. To prevent this accu
the ldrd-lieutenant of Ireland to mulation of magistrates, he should
appoint superintendant magis propose, that difl'erent bodies: of
trates and constables in those dis constables belonging to difi'erent
tricts of Ireland which might be districts, should be allowed to act
come the scene of disturbance. under the same magistrate. He
The object of that bill was to sup should next propose, that the
ply a deficiency in the civil power, lord-lieutenant and council should
and to introduce something like have the power of apportioning
an effective police, instead of hav what part of the expense incurred
ing recourse on every occasion to by a disturbed district should be
a standing army. In the year paid by the inhabitants, and what
1814, when the right hon. gentle should come out of the public
man brought forward the measure funds. This last amendment would
which he now wished to amend, direct, that in all cases where the
he proposed that the lord-lieute act was introduced, an account
nant in council should have the should be laid before parliament
power of placing in disturbed dis of the expense to be defrayed by
tricts magistrates specially appoint the public, and also of the ap
ed, and copstables to assist them pointments made under it. IVith
in preserving the peace. This mea respect to the objections relative '
sure met with the almost unani to expense which might be urged
mous approbation of the House, against the bill, if it were said
and it was in three instances car that it would be better not to pay
ried into execution, where it was constables to preserve the peace,
found to produce a most beneficial but to leave it for the population
efi'ect. Under this act, the whole in general to exert themselves to
expense was to be defrayed by the keep the peace, he should answer,
disturbed districts; a mode of that such a system could not at
proceeding which might operate present be effectual; in which
very well in some parts of Ireland; statement he'would be borne out
but others were so poor and ex by every gentleman connected with
hausted, that they were unable to Ireland. He had further the sa
bear this expense, and it was tisfaction of being able to» state
therefore impossible to carry it that a considerable reduction was
into effect in those districts. It proposed to be made in the army
was to provide against the recur of that country. Instead of 25,000
rence of cases of this kind, and men, it would be reduced to
to render it, as far as possible, 22,000; and the seven brigades
unnecessary to employ the mili of ordnance which now consisted
of
4+] ANNUAL REGISTER,
of 400 guns, would be brought
down to 9.00 guns. Thus a great
expense would be removed; and,
what was much more important,
a foundation would be laid of im
spiring the people with an habi
tual obedience to the law.
The right hon gentleman con—
cluded by moving, “ That leave
be given to bring in a bill to
amend the act 54 Geo. 3d. c. 131.
to provide for the better execution
1817.
of the laws in Ireland, by appoint
ing superintending magistrates
and additional constables in cer
tain cases."
Mr. Carew, Mr. Chichester, and
Mr. V. Fitzgerald, expressed their
approbation of the proposed mea
sure. Leave was then given to
bring in the bill; and there is no
notice of its being opposed in
either House.
CHAPTER
 GENERAL HISTORY. [u

CHAPTER 1".
Issue of Exchequer Bill: for local and temporary Relief—Mr. Tierney's
Motion renewed, for the Abolition of the Oflice of Third Secretary of
State for the Colonies—Roman Catholic Question.—Ilouse of Common:—
House of Lords.

zxcuscuex BILLS. In this last resolution there was a

N April 28th, the House of
Commons having resolved
itself into a committee for the
purpose of considering the best
mode of issuing exchequer bills
for the relief of temporary dis
tresses, the Chancellor of the E1:
rhequer said, that before he pro
ceeded to explain the object of the
proposition which he had to sub
mit to the committee, he Would
read the two resolutions in which
that proposition was comprised.
The first was, “ That it is the
opinion of this connnittee, that
his Majesty be enabled to direct
an issue of exchequer bills to an
amount not exceeding 500,000l.
to commissioners, to be by them
advanced towards the completion
of public works, now in progress,
or about to be commenced; to
encourage the lisheries, and to
employ the poor in different pa
rishes in Great-Britain, on due
security being given for the re
payment of the sums so advanced."
The second was, “ That the lord
lieutenant of Ireland be empow
ered to advance out of the conso
lidated fund of that kingdom a
sum not exceeding £250,000]. for
the completion of public works,
or the encouragement of fisheries,
in Ireland, under condition of re
payment in a time to be limited." the purpose of making harbours
difl'erence as to form, on account
of some circumstances which he
should afterwards explain.
The right hon. gentleman then
went into an explanation of his
plan. In former cases a special_
committee had been appointed to
inquire into the existing distress;
but in the present case such a
plan was unnecessary, as the House
was but too well acquainted with
the extent of the prevailing evil.
The commissioners who were to
have the disposal of this money
would particularly consider the
influence that the prosecution of
any public work would have upon
the employment of the present un
employed population. There were
a great variety of such works which
had already received the sanction
of parliament, of which many
parts were finished, but were use
less until the whole were com
pleted. To these the attention of
parliament had been intended to
be called in a direct manner;
but it was now considered that
it would be more beneficial if
the money were placed at the dis
posal of commissioners quite un
connected with government. He
Would propose that those commis
sioners should be empowered to
advance sums, by way of loans, to
corporations and other bodies- for
or
46] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
or canals, or to trustees of roads, for the use of the allies, which
or to any persons engaged in pub amounted to no less than three
lic works now in progress, or a millions during the war. That the
bout to undertake them. The as general demand of goods for the
sociations for the encouragement foreign trade had not suffered in
of the fisheries would likewise be an equal proportion, he concluded
a Very proper institution to receive from the official value of the ex
aid. In Ireland it would not be ports of steel and iron from the
practicable to nominate a similar year 1814. From the persons best
commission without such a delay acquainted with the trade of the
as would defeat the purpose of the country, he thought that a loan
grant. It would be necessary to of 80 or 40,0001. t0 the manfac
enter into a correspondence with turers of Birmingham would be
that country to know what gen of material service in the present
tleman would, undertake a duty exigence. The right hon. gentle
which would entail some trouble man concluded with proposing his
without any prospect of reward. first resolution.
To avoid that delay, the sum ap Several members found it ne
propriated to that country would cessary to desire explanations from
be placed at the disposal of the _ the Chancellor of theExchequer re
lord-lieutenant. - specting difl'erent subjects; whilst
With respect to advances on the others were very doubtful whether
security of the poor-rates, he had any good would be the result of
never thought that any thing could his project. The resolution was,
be done towards the relief of the however, put and carried; as was
agricultural population by the loan also the second concerning Ire
of any such sum as he then pro land.
posed to advance. He was also On the 14th of May, the Chan
afraid that loans to the agricultu cellor of the Exchequer rose to
ral districts in aid of the poor move the order of the day, that
rates, would encourage the prac the House would resolve itself
tice of curtailing the fair wages into a committee, to take into
of labour, and supplying the de consideration the bill for'the Em
ficiency from such asource. When ployment of the Poor. He said
the bill came before the House he had introduced a considerable
there would be found clauses number of amendments into the
which would guard against such bill, which he thought would re
an idea. The advance to be grant move some of the objections raised
ed to parishes was never to ex to it. He would not at present
ceed the half of therlast year's enter into the merits of these
rate, and ,no advance was to be amendments, as a better oppor
made to any parish except where tunity would hereafter occur.
the rate was double the average of Some additional observations
the two preceding years. Speak were made upon the bill; after
ing of the particular distresses of which the report was brought up,
Birmingham, he attributed a com and a day was appointed for a
siderable part of it to the falling far-ther consideration.
oil“ of the supply of small arms 'On the 21st of May, on the
motion
 GENERAL H I s T o R Y. [41
motion for recommitting this bill, that he had the previous sanction
various objections were made to of his Majesty‘s ministers ; for
its principle, which were replied a committee of their own appoint
to by its friends. The House then ment had been namedin the last year
went into a committee, and a by the lords of the treasury for pur
desultory conversation took place poses under which this subject par~
on its several clauses; The bill ticularly fell. They were confined
afterwards passed. in their operations to all ofiices
In the House of Lords it was created since the commencement
introduced by the Earl of Liver of the war in 1793. The office of
pool, who briefly stated its objects, third secretary of state had been
on June 10th. The Earl of Lau created in 1794 ; and how it could
derdale spoke against it, but no escape the notice of the committee
division being proposed, the bill was to him quite unintelligible.
was read a third time, and passed. All (the right hon. gentleman
It is observable, that when the said) that he had now to do, was
first mention was made of an in to make out a case strong enough
tention of introducing such a bill, to refer the subject to the exami
by the Chancellor of the Exche nation of a committee. The in
quer, the sum of money which he crease of colonies since 1792, was
spoke of proposing was between all that be had to meet. These
one and two millions. But the .were, in fact, nine in number, for
actual sum contained in his two‘ he would not include Heligoland,
resolutions amounts only to nor yet St. Helena. Four of these
7 50,0001. and it does not'appear were in the West Indies, three in
that any thing farther was re the East Indies, and two in the
quired. Mediterranean. Those in the
West Indies were nowise con
THIRD SECRETARY OF STATE FOR
nected with those in the East
COLONIE$
Indies, and neither of them with
those in the Mediterranean. His
On April 29th, Mr. Tierney rose proposal was therefore to make
to renew, in point of substance, over the four first to the home
though not of form, a motion re department; the three next to the
lative to the abolition of the office board of control, and (said he)
of third secretary of state for the they might add St. Helena, though
colonies, in which he had been de it would not give much additional
feated during the sessions of the trouble; as it might rather be
last year. He now intended to considered as a gaol under the
move for asubject;
into thatv committee
not,to he
inquire
said, care of the police of Europe.
Malta should belong to the foreign
that there were any doubts in his secretary. As to the Ionian
own mind as to the propriety of islands, he scarcely knew how to
abolishing the oflice ; but because speak, whether they were our own
he saw that in questions of this or not ; but he apprehended that
kind, he had not the smallest the nature of Sir Thomas Mait
chance of success in any other land's connexion with them was
way. One great inducement for not colonial, but purely political.
him to undertake this subject was, After various other observations
Q
‘ on
4s] ANNUAL REGlSTER. 1317.
on the subject, partly serious and but the fact was otherwise; for
partly sarcastic, he concluded by the war had only made a differ
moving, “ That a committee be ence of about 500 pages pcl‘
appointed to take into considera annum, and the remainder was
tion the business now remaining occasioned by the ordinary influx
to be executed by the secretary of of business. This difl‘ercnce, in a
state for the war and colonial de~ great degree, was imputed by the
partment, and to report their opi right hon. gentleman to the ox
nion, whether the continuance of tcnsion of education in every quar
the same be any longer necessary; ter of the empire, which has af
and whether the dutics performed forded to almost every person in
by the said department may with public life, the opportunity of ad
out inconvenience to the public dressing the diii'erent oflices of
service be transferred to any other government. It was this which
ofiices, and with what diminution had created the necessity for a.
of charge." third secretary of state, and had
Mr. Goulbum said, that the increased the public business be
period which had elapsed between. yond all former precedent.
the first institution of the colonial Mr. Wilberforce declared, that
department in [768 and 178?, from all he knew and heard of
would form a lit subject of com the office in question, it was ever
parison with that which had loaded with business; and such,
elapsed between 1802 and 1816; from what he understood, was
for which purpose he would take the case in the home department.
the pages of entry in the books of The House then should duly con
office as a fair criterion. In the sider, whether the business of
14 years of the first period, the the colonies would be exposed to
number of pages for twelve colo any neglect by acceding to the
nies amounted to 3139, giving an proposed arrangement. He was
average of about 2‘24 for ca h of opinion that it required an in
year. The same twelve colonies dividual of great consideration to
in the second period filled a num look after concerns so important
ber of pages amounting to 6098, to the public interests: a person
forming an average of about 4:45 who should hold a high station in
for each year; so that the quan the public eye. The saving of
tity of business in these colonies 12,000]. a year was, doubtless, a.
was nearly doubled. But if the serious consideration ; but the
whole business of the North Ame question was, whether the saving
rican colonies be added to that of of 12,000l. a year would not be
the twelve above stated, and op much too dearly purchased by
posed to each other in the two liazarding the good government
periods, the disparity would be of the colonies. it appeared to
found infinitely greater. The num him, that the superintendence of
ber of pages written from 1768 our colonial concerns should con
to l78‘2, averages 446 per annum; stitute the business of a distinct,
Whilst that from 1802 to 1816 efficient, and dignified depart
rises to l994. it might be sup ment.
posed that the increase in the latter Mr. Ponsonby, in allusion to the
period was occasioned by the war; last speaker, and the compliments
he
 GENERAL HISTORY. [49
he had bestowed upon the mover having been applied to by the
of the question, said he was one Roman Catholics of Ireland to
who would give any thing to a bring their case under the consi
man but his vote. He proceeded deration of the House, he now
to say, that there was only one proceeded to discharge the duty
solid reason that could be urged he had undertaken. The resolu
against the present motion, and tion which he intended to move
that was, that the departments was the same which was carried
among which the business of the in l8l3, and does no more than
colonies was proposed to be di to pledge the House to examine
vided, were already over-worked , the penal laws, with a view to re
with their own separate concerns. lieve the Catholics, to give every
But none of those persons stepped security possible to the Protestant
forward to make such a declara establishment, and ultimately to
tion, because they knew full well satisfy all ranks and orders of
that the state of the case would men in the empire. He proceeded
not bear them out. After all to say, that the present question
(said he) what was the motion? was not about the means by which
Did it invite the House at once to securities might be elfected, but
abolish the office? All his right whether any securities whatever
Hon. Friend wanted was, that they will be received. There is a com
should go into an inquiry whether munication between the Pope and
they could save 12,000]. a year to the Catholic clergy, which must
the country. end either in incorporation with
After some other speakers had the see of Rome, or connexion
delivered their opinion on both with the government of Eng
sides. the House divided, when land ; and if the latter be refused,
there appeared, For the mo will be dangerous to the safety
tion 87, Against it 190: Ma of England.
jority 103. The right hon. gentleman, who
reserved himself for a reply, now
ROMAN CATHOLIC QUESTlON. moved, “ That this House will re
solve itself into a committee of
On May 9th, Mr. Grattan, on the whole House, to take into
rising to submit to the House of its most serious consideration the
Commons his motion on the sub state of the laws affecting his
ject of the Roman Catholic claims, Majesty's Roman Catholic subjects
moved that the petition of the in Great Britain and Ireland, with '
Roman Catholics of Ireland to a view to such final and concilia—
the House, presented on April 26, tory adjustment as may be con
"£16, should be read. This being ducive to the peace and strength
done accordingly, Mr. W. Elliot of the United Kingdom, to the
next moved, that the petition of stability of the Protestant estab
the Roman Catholics of England lishment, and to the general satis
presented on May the 21st, l816, faction and concord of all classes
should also be read; which was of his Majesty's subjects."
done. The motion having been se
Mr. Grattan then said, that conded and put from the chair,
‘VOL. LIX. ' AMT
 50] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
Mr. Leslie Foster rose, and after treated by the difierent powers of
stating the character of the two Europe, which he. borrov'ved from
parties into which the Irish Ca the Work of Sir J. C. Hippaley.
tholics were divided during the He concluded, _We have thus, Sir,
last year, he proceeded to show looked around Europe, and seen
what the conditions are on which Calvinists, and Lutherans, and
they seem now agreed. The no Roman Gatholics, and Christians
mination of the Bishops has for a of the Greek communion, agree
long time been as practically do ing in two propositions: first,
mestic as any possible arrange that the patronage of the higher
ment can make its When a see stations of the Catholic clergy
is vacant, -a recommendation is must be vested in the state, and
forwarded to Rome from lrelsnd, secondly, that the most vigorous
and .within memory not more superintendence must be exer
than two or three instances have cised over all their communica
occurred of any diihculty in con tions with the see of Rome. And
firming this choice. Lately, itis therefore, when the right honour
fluid, the persons .thus nominated able gentleman asks, whether this
inilljelond have been the 'coadjus country will continue to be the
tors of the deceased bishop, who only great nation that shall per
has been selected by the bishop in sist in intolerance, I say, that his
his life-time. The transmission question rather ought to be, whe
of the episcopal rank has there .ther this nation will determine to
fore, in practice, been a mere be the only one in Europe which
matter of testamentary bequest. shall consent to place the Roman
Some persons, it seems, now pro Catholic religion in a situation so
pose that the elections shall here free from all practical control, as
after hemade by the deans and to form a complete imperium in
chapters ; but if they should, will imperio within its bosom.
this made be either loss domestic, Mr. Yorke said, that the great
or more conducive to give satis dificulty he had always found of
faction to .s Protestant, than the bringing this question to a satis
spresenti - -T>he proposition of do factory result was the foreign in
,mestic nomination is distinctly fluence ; and no consideration
',3hi5.1—-m‘ :the Protestants and could induce him to yield in any
litholics having. each much to material degree to the petitions of
:Jgwehlind muchtogive up, the .the Roman Catholics, but the pros
Jfrotgtontsare to cede ,all that pect of security to the Protestant
Jotriaifls, and ithc, Catholics are to establishment from such an influ
Jpake, the single concessionof re ence. ln formerly giving his
maining exactly as they are,as the opinion 0n,this subject, he had
ground of being admitted ,to a always said, that he thought it could
.complete participation of poli onlylbe usefully. taken up when
-ticsl power. ' . the Pope was master of himself.
, After some discussion of the ,This. was now the case; and the
principle of the veto, Mr. L. E. question appeared to stand upon
proceeded to the consideration of more favourable ground with re
,thegmiuincrinwhiah the Pope is spect to any communications that
"I: might
It
 GENERAL HI ST 0 R Y. [51
might be necessary with the holy done. “In order to understand
see; it also appeared to stand' exactly the proposed plan of do
more favourably with respect to mestic nomination of all future
the petitioners themselves. First, bishops, it was ne'cesSary that the
they stated themselves to be will House should know the proceed
ing to acquiesce in the form of ings which now took place for
the oath proposed to them in the filling a bishop's see when vacant.
bill of 1813. Secondly, as to the‘ The bishops'of the province in
nomination of bishops, it was,'in which he had been situated as
his opinion, necessary to take away sembled together, and having con
from the Pope the virtual nomi sulted with the priest of the vacant
nation of the Catholic bishops in diocese, named certain persons as
this kingdom; and if this plan fit, to be chosen by the Pope for
were adopted, he was not inclined the new bishop. It had been
to forebode more danger to the nearly the constant practice of the
church establishment from hence, Pope to choose the person whose
than from the elections without name stood first on the list ; but
the inteiference of government in there was no law to compel him
the church of Scotland. There to do‘so. It was to exclude the
was a third point not taken notice possibility of any such proceed
of in the Catholic petitions, which ing, and to render all future ap
appeared to him of importance pointments entirely those of the
with regard to security; which Catholic Irish priests and bishops,
was that of the regium exequatur, that it was now proposed that the
or regium placitum, which ad Pope should issue a concordat by
mitted the right of all govern which he should bind himself to
ments to inspect every bull, re appoint no person to be a bishop
script, orother document coming in Ireland, except such as should
from Rome, previous to publica be in the first place elected by the
tion, and of authorising it (except Irish clergy themselves. It was
in cases relating merely to points then proposed by the Catholic
of conscience) . in the same manner bishops to have the following pro
as in all the other states of Eu visions inserted in every bill.
rope, Catholic or Non-Catholic. [These were provisos stipulating
This, be supposed, would not be that no Roman Catholic clergy
objected to by any rational Roman man shall be elected a bish0p who
Catholic as a measure of security, is not a native of his Majesty's
to which he, for one, looked for dominions, and who has not taken
ward as an essential part of any an elective oath guarding church
future arrangement. and state from any future dan
Sir Henry Parnell returned gers.] As the Pope had commu
thanks to Mr. Yorke for his very nicated his readiness to give his
valuable, cordial, and conciliating consent to this plan of electing
speech 3 and he hoped to be able the bishops by a larger number
to satisfy him that the Catholics of clergy than had hitherto been
were perfectly willing to do all concerned in the nomination, and
those things which the right hon. also to grant the necessary con
gentleman required should be eordatum to bind himself to give
[ E 2] institution
52] ANNUAL REGISTER, 18l7.
institution to the person so elected, curity, he declared that he found
all possibility of foreign influ himself, as on former occasions,
ence in the appointment would bound in duty to support his right
be completely excluded, and the honourable friend's motion . He was
selection of a proper person would persuaded that the question could
be secured by the oath above not be otherwise got rid of. He
mentioned. saw no danger in the measure;
Mr. Webber in a long speech and he did not believe that the
gave a detailed view of all that quantum of power which it would
had occurred respecting the Ro give the Catholics Would enable
man ('atholics of Ireland, from them to do mischief, even if they
which he drew the inference, that were so disposed.
the measure now proposed is Mr. Peel, after some prelimi
utterly hopeless as a plan of nary observations, said, that there
conciliation. are two systems possible to he
Mr. Bathzirst, in speakingagainst adopted in Ireland, between which
the motion, said, that one of the we must make our choice: the
most extraordinary assumptions one is that on which we are act
in the arguments on this occasion ing at present, the other that which
was, that things were now brought we are called upon to substitute
to such a state, that some change in its place. By the first we give
must be effected in the laws re every toleration to the faith of
specting the Roman Catholics. the majority, but maintain that
This he denied in toto ,- and main of the minority as the religion
tained, that unless the House was of the state. We exclude them
prepared to overtum the funda from ofiices which are immedi
mental principles of the constitu ately connected with the govern
tion, it was impossible to accede ment of the country, admitting
to the concession called for. them generally to all other offices
Lord Castlereagh said, that one and distinctions. This system it
of the difliculties which attended is proposed to replace by another,
this discussion was, that it was which shall equally profess to
scarcely possible to adduce one maintain the religion of the mi
new argument or new topic which nority, as the established religion,
was not already exhausted on each but shall open to the Roman Cu.—
side of the question. At the same tholics both Houses of Parlia
time it was not the less necessary ment, and every office in Ireland,
that Parliament should, with all exclusive of that lord lieutenant.
convenient speed, deliver itself It will be my purpose to prove
from the agitation of this painful that the law we are now acting
subject. It was, however, to be upon is preferable to that which
recollected, that there was no pro it is proposed to substitute in its
bability that this question could room. Do not suppose (said Mr.
be laid asleep, by persisting in a P.) that I think that they consti
system of permanent exclusion. tute in the abstract 8. perfect sys
After the noble lord had delivered tem, or that l rejoice in the ex
his opinion with respect to the clusions and disabilities which
subjects of concession and se they induce. I regret that they
are
I
 GENERAL HISTORY. [53
are necessary, but I firmly believe whom it is placed ? This is a sys—
that you cannot alter them in any tem which cannot last: depend
essential point for the better. upon it that it cannot. If you
Mr. P. then entered into an exa exclude the people from connex
mination of the existing laws, ion with their own state, they
with those meant to be proposed will in the natural course of
to supply their places, and in things attach themselves else
every instance he attempted to where. One part of the Irish po
show, that remaining just where pulation is morbid and excluded ;
we are is the only safe and solid another is unnaturally vivacious.
ground of defence. Let a new order of things mark
Mr. Gratlan made a concluding the times in which we live; and
speech with much force and ani let an immediate and efl'ectual ter
mation. He began with posi mination be put to any clandestine
tively denying that there was any intercourse between the Catholics
general disposition in the Catho and the see of Rome.
lics to obiect to any security ; for The right hon. gentleman‘s pero
what is for the good of the whole ration was to the following effect:
is for the good of the Catholic. “ When I see Britain grown up in
After pursuing this idea to a con to a mightyenipire; when I behold
siderable length, he said, some her at the head of the nations of
honourable gentlemen speak of the the earth ; when] contemplate her
constitution, the state, aml reli power and majesty; I own that I
gion, asropposite to the motion. am deeply astonished to find her
Let them state in what the dan descending from her elevation to
gers consist. Until they do so, mix in the disputes of sehoolmen
their arguments are of no avail. and the wrangling of theologians,
Without the foundation of facts who, while they seek for their
they prophesy consequences, for own purposes to torture their
the purpose of perpetuating dis countrymen, endanger the secu
qualifications on their fellow sub rity of their common country."
jects. The Catholic claims have The question being at length
now been agitating for nine-and loudly called for, there appeared
thirty years. They have gone For the motion 221
through every kind of considera Against it. 245
tion, and their interest doubles at
every discussion. In these dis Majority ‘24
cussions no doubt individual irri
tation has occasionally appeared, On May 16, the Earl qf Don
and poison has occasionally been oughmore rose in the House of
infused into the minds of the Irish Lords to move for a committee
population. Is this state of things to consider the petitions of his
to he allowed to exist any longer? Majesty‘s Roman Catholic sub
Are we to continue that sort of jects. He said, that he had caused
English connexion in Ireland, to be placed upon their lordships
which is called a settlement, and table twv petitions which he had
which must be defended by an the honour of presenting to the
army paid by the people over House during the last session, (1)111
t I:
 54] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
the same subject. One of these the present practice, yet a great
was that of the Roman Catholic deal is given in confirming for
nobility and other respectable ever the principle of domestic no
persons of the laity; the other that mination. As to the veto, his
of the prelates and clergy of the lordship acknowledged he cannot
Roman Catholic church. Both of oifer that, since he certainly dis
these parties were equally desirous approves of it as a member of
of again ofl'ering their petitions Parliament, being convinced that
to the view of their lordships; it it would commit the Catholic
is necessary, therefore (said the prelacy and priesthood 'most eil‘ec
Earl) that the House should be tually to the Irish provincial go
perfectly aware that they have now vernment. He objected also to the
before them the whole Catholic payment of the Catholic church
people of Ireland, represented by by the- state, as a mode which
these, their humble petitioners. would destroy the just reward
His lordship proceeded to say, which they receive for their reli
that thinking, it his duty to ab gious labours. My measure, said
stain as much as possible from all his lordship, is a direct and abso
generalities, he should prefer lay lute nomination, which is what I
ing the case of the petitioners mean to propose if you shall be
before the Phase in the shape of pleased to go into a committee.
a refutation of ithose calumnies The Earl then answered those
with which they have been so in arguments which he found scat
dustriously loaded. In the course tered here and there in different
which he had chalked out for publications relative to the sub-‘
himself, the first objection which ject. In general they seemed to
occurred might seem rather to require little attention; but one,
suit the period when their lord which bears hard on the Pope
ships had gone into a committee. for his anathemas against sending
The Catholics 'might previously forth the Scriptures among Catho
be asked, “ What is your object? lics without a commentary, re
\Ve will not go into a committee to ceived a retort which, as respect
grope our way in the dark, and ing the Pope, appears unanswer
seek out principles for you." But able. If it can be shown (says
it appears from the public press his lordship) that reverend divines
that securities of a threefold na of high rank in this country have
ture have been deviSed; namely, held a similar principle, then this
domestic nomination; the secu act cannot be alleged against the
rity called the veto ; and the pay head of the Catholic church as an
me'nt-by' government of the Ca intolerant one. There are, my
tholic church. With respect to Lords, two members of that re
domestic nomination, the enemies verend ' bench who are most
of the Catholics say that this is no
strongly opposed to the system of
new security at all, for such has disseminating the Bible without
been the ancient-mode of electing a suitable comment. I wish to
Catholic'<~bis'hops almost without avoid any possible misrepresenta
an exception. But though this is tion, and to pay every mark of
- giving nothing new, looking to respect to the right reverend pre-
late
 TGENBRA‘L HISTORY. [55
lite opptiliiteiniéj afidhav'e there' With moving, " That this Home
fore copied: from the pamphlet, as resolve itself into a committee
published by him oh the subject of the time House, 06 consider
of Bible societies, his awn wards. the petitions of his Majesty's Ro
The Words made use of by the man Catholic subjects.‘! .
right rev. Prelirte, (the Bishop of The speeches on each side were
Landalf) are these. “ But his upon the whole so similar to those
urged, if you sail require that the delivered in the House of Com
Bible, hovinerer eitensively you mqiis‘, that little addition by Way
may wish to distribute it; should of argument can be expected from
be accompanied by the liturgy; them. It may, however, vbe de'-_
you must certainly suspect that sirable to givia'view of what the
there is danger is the calamities Earl of Liverpool, regarded as the
chureh' froth the distribution (if prime-minister at this country,“
the Biblelalon‘e. ; Here let the ask, doiiside‘réd asthe leading point. '
whether the was itself is not _ Inuit dams (saw- his‘ lordship)
capable of perversion? Whether to the main question: Are the
the best of books rhay not he Cathdiiesentitied to enjoy pri'vi
misapplied to thegworst of pure ieges squat. ts these enjoyed bg
poses. -Have 'we' not inspired the members bf ms e'st'ablishe
authority for answering this ques religidn 2‘; it htli ‘beén well 653
tion in'the aflirrnativeP—But if serVed, that in pbimsr abstrset
we neglect to pr0vide the poor of principle, no description or per:
the establishment with the book sons can complain of uneqws'l pri=
of Common Prayer as well aswith vileges Who Voluntarily place
the Bible, we certainly neglect themselves in a Situation by which
the means of preventing their they forfeit their right to equal
seduction from the established privileges. I ask, not only as it
church. The dissenters remain afi'ects the Catholics, but as it
dissenters, because they use not afl‘ects every other body of dis
the liturgy; and churchmen will senters from the establishment ; do
become dissenters if they likewise they, when they require equal pri
neglect to use it with the people. vileges, oii'er equal conditions?
Have the persons to whom Bibles If they do not, can it be con
are gratuitously distributed either tended that there is any injustice
the leisure, or the inclination, or in distinguishing between them?
the ability, to weigh the argu I have always considered that the
ments for religious opinions ? Do civil establishment was necessa
they possess the knowledge or the rily interwoven with the church
iudgment which are necessary to establishment. This will be found
direct men in the choice of their a leading and unalienable princi
religion ? Must they not learn it, ple in the earlier periods of our
therefore, from their instructors? history. lt-.was the leading prin
And can there be a better in~ ciple at the period of the Revolu
structor, in the opinion of church tion, when the connexion between
men, than the book of Common the state and the church was so
Prayer?" lemnly rerognized. On that I
The Earl concluded his speech rest: to that I will adhere. The
moment
56] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
moment you throw open the door
to equal and general concession,
and say that the only difference
between the churches of the dis
senters and the churches of the
establishment is the ecclesiastical
establishment of the latter, that
moment you will cease to possess
the means of maintaining what is
essential to the security of your
establishment. Parliament will
immediately cease to be a Protes
tant parliament.
To this strain of reasoning,
Earl Grey made the following
reply. The noble Earl opposite
has stated one danger, but it is of
a nature somewhat unsubstantial,
although he earnestly calls your
Lordships attention to it. It is,
that if the Catholics shall be ad
mitted into full participation of
the privileges of the British con
stitution, the Parliament of this
country can no longer be called
exclusively a Protestant Parlia
ment. Really, my Lords, this is
the first time that I have heard
the name of a thing prized beyond
the substance. The noble Earl
argues in this manner. He thinks
that though the Parliament would
be substantially the same, great
danger is to be apprehended if
two or three Catholic representa
tives should be admitted into the
other House, and two or three
Catholic peers restored to their
hereditary seats in this House.'
Surely never did the wit of man
devise a danger more futile and
imaginary than this!
The House being at length di
vided upon Lord Donoughmore‘s
motion, the numbers stood as
follows:
Contents, present . . 54
Proxies . . . 86
—-—- 90
Non-contents, present 82
Proxies . . . 60
——l4‘2
Majority against the
motion . . . . 52
(illAl‘
 GENERAL
CHAPTER V.
Resignation of the Speaker, and subsequent Proceedings—Lord Sidmouth
circular Letter discussed in both Houses.
srzixsa‘s RESIGNATION.
N May 80th, the following
letter was read from the
Speaker of the House of Com
mons, addressed to Jeremiah Dy
son, Esq. deputy clerkoftheHouse.
SIR,
IT is with the sincerest con~
cern and regret that I feel myself
obliged to request that you will
inform the House of Commons at
their meeting this day, of my in
abilityfrom continued illness, to at
tend any longer upon their service.
After holding the high oifice to
which I have been raised by that
favour in five successive Parlia
ments, it is impossible that I
should resign so honourable and
distinguished a situation without
feeling the deepest gratitude for
the constant kindness with which
they have been pleased to accept
and assist my humble endeavours
to discharge its various and ar
duous duties.
It was my earnest wish and
hope to have continued longer in
the service of the House, if such
were their pleasures but the in
terruption of public business which
has been already occasioned by
my state of health, and the appre
hension of the same cause recur
ring, which might again expose
the House to the like inconve
nience, have made me deem it
necessary that I should retire at
this time, and have left me now
HISTORY. [57
no further duty to perform than
to return my heartfelt acknow
ledgments to the House for all
the favours they have bestowed
upon me, and to express my fer
vent wishes for tht perpetual
maintenance and preservation of
its rights, its privileges, and its
independence. lam, Sir,
always most truly your's,
CHARLES Annor.
Lord Castlereagh then proposed
that the House should adjourn
till Monday next, when it was
probable they would receive a
communication from the Prince
Regent on the subject—Ad
joul'netl.
On June ‘2, there being an un
usually full attendance of mem
bers, Lord Castlereagh rose, and
said that he was commanded by
the Prince Regent to acquaint the
House, that being anxious that
no further delay should arise in
the progress of public business,
he was desirous that they should
immediately proceed to the elec
tion of a new Speaker.
Sir J. Nicholl, addressing him
self to the deputy clerk, then
arose, and after paying a well
merited compliment to the Speak
er, he presented the Right Hon.
Charles Manners Sutton to the
choice of this House.
He was seconded by Mr. E. J.
Litlteton. '
Mr. Dickinson then rose to re
commend Mr. Charles Watkin
Williams
58] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
Williams Wynn to the same post, adopted by the advisers of the crown
in which he was seconded by Sir on this occasion. No one could
M. W. Ridley. concur more willingly in a vote
The two candidates having paid of thiulks to Lord Colchester than
their proper respects to the himself 3 but why did the crown
House, each party proceeded to interfere to prevent the House
election, when Mr. Manners Sut from going further, and from ori
ton was chosen by 812 to 150. ginating any other reward which
On the following day the appro was due to his acknowledged me
bation of the Prince Regent was rits? His services had been per
signified to him by his Majesty's formedin that House; and from
commissioners in the House of it, therefore, ought their recom
Lords. pencev to proceed. It was not a
On the same day, Lord Castle matter 0f indifference that persons
reagh presented the following sitting in that chair should be
message from the Prince Regent. accustomed to look to the crown
“The Prince Regent, acting in for the reward of their exertions
the name and in the behalf of his in it. [Iliad the message been
Majesty, thinks it right to inform preceded by an address, every ob-l
the House of Commons, that hav jection would have been pre-,
ing taken into his consideration eluded ; but the services in ques
the eminent and distinguished ser tion were of that nature which,
vices of the Right Honourable for peculiar reasons, ought in the
Charles Abbot, during the long first instance to be fully recog
an eventful period in which he nized and appreciated by the
ha filled the situation of Speaker House.
of that House, has conferred upon Lord Castlereagh said, that the
him the dignity of a baron of the ri ht hon. person having been
united kingdom by the title of raised to the dignity of the peer
Baron Colchester, of Colchester, age, the ptnrport of the message
in the county of Essex; and the ought to be understood as inviting
Prince Regent recommends to the the Hpuse to make a provision in
House of Commons to enable him consequence of the title, and not
to make such provision for Charles of his services as Speaker. 7 H
Lord Colchester,,and for the heir , Mr.Pomonby was surprisedlat
male of his body who may next the nOble lord's explanation, who
succeed to the title, as shall under might find from the very Words, of
all the circumstances, be Judged the message, that it was, founded
just and reasonable." upon those services. .
Gnomes, P. R. After I several other observa
The Chancellor of the Exchequer tions, Mr. Wynn repeated his anq
moved, that the message of the xious wish that the motion should
Prince Regent respecting a pro be withdrawn, and another sub
vision for Lord Colchester be stituted that would meet the
taken into consideration on Thurs wishes of every member in that
day next. House.
Mr. Wynn expressed his asto The Chancellor of the Exchequer
nishment at the mode ofproceeding admitted the candour of the hon.
member‘s
 GENERAL H I STORY. {59
member's intimation. He appre mark of the royal favour upon
hended that it might ‘be the most Charles Lord »Colchester, late
satisfactory course that he should Speaker of this House, for his
withdraw the motion he had al great‘and eminent. services per
ready made, and give notice of his formed to his country during the
intention to move an address to long and important period 'in
the 'crown on this subject on which he has,v With such distin
Thursday next. guished ability and integrity, pre
The motion was accordingly sided in the chair of this House;
withdrawn. ' a ' and to assure his Royall-Highness,
On June 5th, Lord Castlereagh that whatever' expense his Rb’ya'i
rose in the House, and after a Highness shall think proper to be
handsome compliment to the late incurred upoii that account, this
Speaker, he moved, “ That. the House will make good the same."
thanks of this House be expressed Mr. Ponsonby said, that the
to the Right Hon. Charles Abbot, House Was already in one diffi
now Baron Colchester, for his culty, and he‘Was afraid that the '
eminent and distinguished services wording of the address was cal
during the long and eventful pe culated to produce another. The
riod in which he discharged the objection on' a former day was
duties of Speaker with a zeal that the' crotvn should be the first
and ability alike honourable to proposer of the grant; and they
himself, and advantageous'to the were now told that the crown
service of this 'House: that he ought to determine the amount. ‘
be assured that the proofs he has After some discussion upon this
uniformly given of attachment to matter, the motion was agreed to
his King and Country; the exem am. elm; -'
plary firmness with which he has The Speaker, on the next day,
maintained the dignity and privi reportedl‘LOrd Colchester’s answer
leges of this House; the ability, to the resolution of the House of
integrity, and unremitting atten Commons.
tion to parliamentary business, Lord Castlereagh then laid be;
which have marked the whole of fore the House the answer of the
his conduct; justly entitle him to Prince'Regent to their address,
the approbation, respect, and gra which Was to the following pur
titude of this House." pose:
This motion was agreed to, “ The Prince Regent has the
and the Speaker was directed to justest sense of the long services
communicate the resolution to and great merit of Charles Lord
Lord Colchester. ' Colchester, late Speaker of the
Lord Castlereagh then moved, House of Commons: and in the
“ That an humble address be name and on the behalf of his
presented to his royal highness Majesty has already taken the
the Prince Regent, to beseech his same into his consideration. The
Royal Highness that he will be Prince Regent is desirous, ‘ in
graciously pleased, acting in the compliance with the wishes of his
name and on the behalf of his Majesty's faithful Commons, to
Majesty, to confer some signal confer upon the said Lord Col
cheater
60] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
chester some further signal mark extension of the reversionary grant
of his favour; but as the same to the late Speaker, to two lives 5
cannot be effectually granted and which was negatived.
secured without the concurrence
of Parliament, his Royal Highness LORD sinuoura's Ls-r'rsa.
recommends to the House of Com Lord Sidmouth, on March 27,
mons the adoption of such mea 1817, sent- the following circular
sures as may be necessary for the letter to his Majesty's lieutenants
accomplishment of this purpose." of counties throughout England
On the 9th of June, the House and Wales.
having resolved itself into a com My bord,—As it is of the great
mittee to take into consideration est importance to prevent, as far
the Prince Regent's answer to as possible, the circulation of
their address, the Chancellor of blnsphemous and seditious pam
the Exchequer entered upon the phlets and writings, of which for
subject of the provision which it a considerable time past great
was desirable to allow Lord Col numbers have been sold and dis
chester. His proposal was, that tributed throughout the country;
Mr. Speaker Onslow having at 1 have thought it my duty to con
the beginning of this reign retired sult the law servants of the crown,
from the chair with an allowance whether an individual found sell
of 3000l. a year, the depreciation ing, or in any way publishing such
of the value of money since that pamphlets or writings, might be
time, and the extraordinary aug brought immediately before a jus
mentation of duty which the tice of the peace, under a warrant
Speaker had to perform, would issued for the purpose, to answer
render the addition of one thousand for his conduct. The law officers
pounds not too liberal a vote. He having accordingly taken this mat
accordingly moved a resolution to ter into their consideration, have
that elfect. notified to me their opinion, that
This was regarded as an over a justice of the peace may issue a
payment by several members ; and warrant to apprehend a person,
Mr. Tierney humorously said, that charged before him upon oath with
“as to the anxiety that had been the publication of libels of the na
talked of, the Speaker felt less ture in question, and compel him
than any man in the House, or to give bail to answer the charge.
perhaps was the only man entirely Under these circumstances, I
without anxiety: he existed in a beg leave to call your lordship‘s
sort of middle atmosphere. to bend attention very particularly to this
his head to one side or the other, subject; and l have to request,
and enjoy the fray." that if your lordship should not
Mr. Lambton moved that the propose to attend in person at the
words 3000l. ayear be substituted next general quarter sessions of
for 4000l. ; upon which the com the peace, to be holden in and for
mittee divided: For the amend the county under your lordship's
ment, 4'2; against it, l26. The charge, you would make knowa
original motion was then agreed to. to the chairman of such sessions
Mr. Sumner then NOW“ for an the substance of this communica
‘ tion
 GENERAL HISTORY. [61
tion, in order that he may recom scarcely to be found in any other
mend to the several magistrates to instance, against the powsr as
act thereupon, in all cases where sumed by justices of the peace of
any person shall be found offend committing or holding to bail for
ing against the law in the manner a libel, his lordship took under
above-mentioned. his consideration the conduct of
I beg leave to add, that persons the secretary of state, in issuing
vending pamphlets or other pub his circular letter to the lords
lications, in the manner alluded lieutenants of counties, for the
to, should be considered as coming direction of the magistrates in the
under the provisions of the Hawk administration of the law. He
ers and Pedlars' Act, and be dealt held that such a direction to the
with accordingly, unless they show magistrates, not being a general
that they are furnished with a exhortation to vigilance and care,
licence as required by the said act. but a specific instruction as to the
I have the honour to be, &c. way in which they are to construe
SIDMOUTH. the law, would have been, even if
c To this circular letter was sub the law had been clear and undis
joined a copy of that of the two puted, a high otfence against the
law officers, the attorney and so constitution. The character of
licitor-general, signed W. German this proceeding, therefore, he did
and S. Shepherd. The substance not hesitate to call most unconsti
of it was, that a. warrant may be tutional; and he brought two
issued to apprehend a party charged 'strikiug instances to show the
on oath for publishing a libel, danger that might arise from it.
either by the secretary of state, a In conclusion, Lord Grey moved,
judge, or a justice of the peace. “ That the case submitted to the
On May lQth the subject was law-officers of the crown, &c. be
brought before the House of Lords laid before this House."
on a motion from Earl Grey. His Lord Ellenborough, after com
lordship stated, as the principal plimenting the noble earl for his
topic which he had to discuss, the very able and elaborate speech,
question whether any justice of which proved that he had con
the peace may be called upon, by sidered this important question in
any common informer, to decide all its bearings, said that he was
at once what is or is not a libel, by no means convinced from any
and upon his sole judgment and of the authorities he had cited,
authority commit or hold to bail that the law was difl'erent from
the person accused. The know what he had always considered it
ledge which he displayed on the to be, namely, that justices ‘of the
subject was very considerable; but peace can arrest and hold to bail
depending entirely upon the opi in cases of libel. He then called
nions given by different lawyers, to his support some of the gravest
and his comments upon them, it and most venerable authorities of
will not allow us to enter into the law which spoke expressly and
particulars. After he had brought explicitly on the subject; and
together a degree of cumulative affirmed that if, from the time of
proof which, he contended, was the revolution to the present dag,
l e
62] ANNUAL REGISTER, 18l7.

the practice were not sufiieient to added in fine, that he was ready
establish this point, there could be to avvw all he had ,done. and
no safe guide for any man in the ex would take upon himself all re
ercise of hisjudicial or legal duties. sponsibility for his acts, be the
Lord Erskine assured the House, consequences what they might.
that during the whole time that Earl Grey begged leave to detain
he practised at the bar, he never the House with a few observa—
had the least idea that it was com tions. When he came down to
petent'to a. common justice of the the House, he felt of course con
peace to arrest before indictment siderable distrustas to the correct
for libel; and he prayed them to ness of his opinions, knowing that
remember, that the libel act was he was to be opposed by the high
adead letter, if this was held to est legal authorities; but having
bellaw 3 that any justice of peace listened to the noble lords with
might overhaul collections of books the utmost attention, he must say
in any shop or library throughout that all that fell from them rather
the kingdom, and upon his own strengthened than weakened his
authority pronounce the sellers or own opinions; for he had never
possessors to be criminal, and send in his life heard any thing more
them by his warrants to prison. jejune and unsatisfactory than the
. ,Viscount Sidmouth said, that arguments of those learned lords.
when he had the satisfaction of He called for law. and they gave
hearing it proclaimed in the House him authority; he called for de
that the measure which he had liberate discussion, and they had
thought it his duty to adopt was given him bare assertions.
conformable to the opinion of the After some further remarks on
highest legal authority in the this subject, he came to the speech
gountry; when he found it con of the noble secretary of state
formable to the opinions of the (Lord Sidinouth), who, he said,
greatest text-writers on the law, with a tone of great self-satisfac
,also to the recorded practice tion had taken to himself the
of; all the most eminent law ser credit of stopping the progress of
vants of the crown ; he felt it blasphemy and sedition. He sup
would be presumptuous in him to posed that- the noble lords on his
attempt to add any weight to this side of the House were as little
masskof living and dead authority. friendly to blasphemy and sedition
There was, however, another point as the noble viscount; but the
on which he should think it a mat question was, whether the latter
tei‘,,of ',great self-reproach if he had not overstepped the bounds of
couldngt vindicate himself to their law, and endangered the consti—
loi'glship's. It seems that he stood tut'ion, which he boasted of saving.
before their lordships charged with The House at length divided,
having. used his best endeavours when the Earl’s motion was re
to stop-the progress of blasphemy jected by Non-contents 75 ; Con
and sedition. To that charge he tents 19 : Majority :36.
pleadedguilty; and while he lived 3 It was not till the ‘25th of June
shouldbqvproud to have such a that the same subject was moved
charge bmught against him. He in the House of Commons by Sir
Samuel
 GENERAL. .HISTORY. [as
Samuel Romilly. He began with mous or seditious libel, but all
saying, that he should' not other such as. have been charged with
any apology to the‘ House for expressions considered as equiva
bringing under their notice the lent; for it is well known, that
Circular letter of Lord Sidiu'outh .;words spoken are punishable
.what he felt himself most disposed equally with publications bearing
to apologise for, was thath: had the same character. Thus by the
80 long delayed in callingmhie at 'command of any magistrate, how
tenti :n- of parliament'toihat ex ever prejudiced 'or indiscreet, a
traordinary letter.‘ , The Secretary person might be held to bail or
of State, by the letter in questionI se'ntto prison, on the oath of an
communicates to the magistrates informer. No newspaper, in any
in all the counties of England and part of the country, could criticise
Wales, that by consulting the .law the measures of ministers, or
officers of the crown, he had as render itself obnoxious to some
certained that they .had. a right to busy magistrate, without the
issue warrants for apprehending danger of exposing its author to
persons charged upon oath with imprisonment or expense without
publishing blasphemousor sedi trial. ’ The tyranny of the reign of
tious libels, and tobcompel them Charles II. could not be greater
to give bail to answer the charge. .than this. He then entered into
The letter itself admits that do'ubt the consideration of legal argu
had been entertained whether-the ments, upon which, however, he
magistrates. had such 0 wer; would not detain the House long,
and the minister takes upon him after the admirable discussion
self to solve the 'doubt, and to they had received by a noble friend
declare,- upon the anthority'of the in another place, and which was
attorney and \snlicitdr ' general, now in print. Having finished
what the law is. ! lWhat' \more that topic, he concluded with
dangerous authoritywVas ever as moving “ That an humble address
sumed by a servant (Kathe crown, be presented to his Royal High
than to pretend to interfere with ness the Prince Regent, that he
the magistracy by suggesting to will be graciously pleased to give
.them how the diseretiohlwhieh by directions that there be laid before
law is vested in“ them ‘should be this House, a copy of the case
exercised 2 fit upon which the opinion of the
After the learned member had attorney and solicitor~general of
forcibly dwelt upon this'topic,.'and
the date of the ‘24th of February
had taken a;historical view of the last was taken."
political state of the country, he " dThe Attorney General began
procceded to examine thislegal opi .with saying, that no parliamentary
nion of the law officers on which ground had been laid for the adop
Lord Sidmouth's circular was tion of the motion of his hon. and
founded. The magistrates would learned friend, nor could he con
have the power of committing or ceive of any which would warrant
holding to bail, not onlyevery man the House in calling for the pro
who should be charged on oath duction of any case which govern
with having published a blasphe ment might submit to the con
sideration
64] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
sideration of the crown lawyers. supported. Sir S. Romilly in his
He then in strong language dis reply took notice of the circum
claimed any purpose of gaining stance, and observed, that the
the goodwill of ministers by sacri suffering the question to go thus
ficing to their interests. No quietly to a decision, shewed the
clamour or calumny, he said, little value that was set upon cases
should ever restrain him from the of importance to the liberty of the
declaration of his opinion; and in subject. The motion was nega
this case he had no hesitation in tived ; after which Sir S. Romilly
stating his deliberate judgment, moved the following two reso
that a magistrate could legally lutions.
commit and hold a man to bail 1. “That it is highly prejudicial
for the publication of a libel. He to the'due administration of jus
then went through an examination tice, for a minister of the crown
of the principal cases which had to interfere with the magistrates
been adduced for the contrary of the country in cases in which a
opinion; and in applying his doc~ discretion is supposed to be by
trine to the power granted to jus law vested in them, by recom
tices of the peace in cases of libel, mending or suggesting to them
he said that of course he meant how that discretion should be
that the justice must see and read exercised.
the libel, and not decide it to be ‘2. “That it tends to the sub
such on the mere oath of any man. version of justice, and is a dan
It had further been alleged against gerous extension of the preroga
the circular letter, that the secre tive, for a minister of the crown
tary of state had interfered with to take upon himself to declare in
the due and regular administration his oflicial character to the magis
of justice. But in what way could tracy, what be conceived to be the
such interference prejudice the law of the land; and that such
ends of justice, when there was exercise of authority is the more
no denunciation of persons by alarming, when the law so declar
name, but only a general recom ed deeply ail'ects the security of
mendation to be vigilant with re the subject and the liberty of the
spect to the progress of an existing press, and is promulgated upon
evil P no better authority than the opi
With the exception of the So nions of the law officers of the
licitor-general, who rose in de crown."
fence of his colleague, the other The - Attorney-general having
members spoke in reprobation of moved the previous question, the
Lord Sidmouth's circular letter, House divided, Ayes 49; Noes
and the opinion by which it was 157 : Majority 108.

CHAP
 GENERAL
CHAPTER Vl.
Prince Regent‘s Message to both Houses, and proceedings in consequence.
rnmce anceur’s massacre.
' N the third of June, Lord
Sidmouth presented the fol
lowing message to the House of
Lords.
His Royal Highness the Prince
Regent, acting in the name and
on the behalf of his Majesty, has
given orders that there be laid be
fore the House of Lords, papers
containing information respecting
the continuance of practices, meet
ings, and combinations, in difl‘er
ent parts of the kingdom, to
which, at the commencement of
the present session of parliament,
his Royal Highness called the at
tention of the House, and which
are still carried on in such a man
ner, and to such an extent, as are
calculated to disturb the public
tranquillity, and to endanger the
security of the established consti
tution of these realms.
His Royal Highness recom
mends to the House of Lords to
take these papers into their imme
diate and serious consideration.
Gannon P. R.
The message having been read,
Lord Sidmouth proposed an address
of thanks to thq Prince Regent,
which was unanimously agreed to.
Lord Sidmouth rose a second
time, and after observing that he
was not acquainted with any in
stances on the journals in which
a committee was moved for on the
same day on which a message had
V OL- LIX.
HISTORY. [65
been brought down from the
throne, he said that the hands of
parliament were not to be tied up
for want of such a precedent. All
they were now called upon to do,
was to pledge themselves to an
immediate consideration of the
subject; with which view he
should move, That the papers be
referred to a committee of secrecy.
After some conversation among
the lords, the motion was agreed to.
Lord Sidmouth then proposed
to continue the same persons who
composed the former committee,
with the substitution of the Earl
of Talbot for the Duke of Bed
ford who was indispescd by ill
health; which was agreed to.
Earl Grey said, that as the'
learned lord on the woolsack had
so much business to transact in
the court of chancery, he would
move that his name should be
omitted for the purpose of intro
ducing that of the Earl of Roslyn.
The motion was negatived. and
the committee as proposed by
Lord Sidmouth was adopted.
On June i‘lth the second report
of the secret committee of the
House of Lords respecting certain
dangerous meetings and combina
tions was presented to their Lord
ships by the Earl of Harrowhy.
Rama-r or run Saran-r CoM~
mr'ras appointed to take into
consideration the Several Papers
[F] sealed
66] AN NUAL REGISTER, 1817.
sealed up in a Bag, and deli
vered by command of his royal
highness the Prince Regent.
By the lords committees appointed
to take into Consideration the
several Papers sealed up in a
Bag, and delivered by command
of his royal highness the Prince
Regent, and to report to the
House; and to whom were re
ferred several other Papers
sealed up in a Bag, also deli
vered by command of his Royal
Highness:—
Ordered to report, That the
committee have met, and proceeded
in the examination of the papers
referred to them.
It is their painful duty to report,
that these papers afford but too
many proofs of the continued ex
istence of a traitorous conspiracy
for the overthrow of our esta
blished government and constitu
tion, and for the subversion of the
existing order of society.
The attempts of the conspira
tors have indeed hitherto been
frustrated by the active exertions
of the government, and particu
larly of the magistrates in differ
ent parts of the country, in exe
cution both of the general laws
provided for the maintenance of
the public tranquillity, and of the
special powers recently given by
parliament for that purpose; but
the information contained in the
papers referred to the committee,
leaves no doubt in their minds,
that the same wicked and des
perate designs are still actively
pursued. The information from
which they have drawn this pain
ful conclusion, appears to have
been collected from many various
sources often unconnected with
and unknown to each other ; but
it is uniform in its general result,
and it is corroborated by a strik
ing correspondence in many mi~
nnte particulars.
This intelligence must be con
sidered as resting in many of its
parts upon the depositions and
communications of persons who
either are themselves more or less
implicated in these criminal trans
actions, or who have apparently
engaged in them, but with the
view ofobtaining information, and
imparting it to the magistrates or
to the secretary of state.
The testimony of persons of
both these descriptions must always
be in some degree questionable;
and your committee have seen
reason to apprehend that the lan
guage and conduct of some of the
latter may, in some instances,
have had the etl'ect of encouraging
those designs, which it was in
tended they should only be the
instruments of detecting. After
making, however, to the best of
their judgment, all due allowance
for these circumstances, the com
mittee are fully persuaded that the
following is a correct and not ex
aggerated statement of the result
of the information which has been
brought under their view.
The Papers relate almost ex
clusively to the principal manu
facturing districts in some of the
midland and northern counties of
England; and although the dis
afl‘ected in the country appear still
to be. looking to the metropolis
with the hope of assistance and
direction, it is to the parts of the
country above referred to that the
more recent projects of insurrec
tion seem to have been confined.
The committee think it their
duty here to remark, that although
"I
 GENERAL
in many of these districts parti
cular causes of distress have no
doubt operated to expose the
minds of the labouring classes
of the community to irritation
and perversion, yet they are per
suaded that this distress must for
the most part be considered rather
as the instrument than as the
cause of disafi‘ection. In some of
the places where these practices
have prevailed, they believe the
want of employment to have been
less felt than in many other parts
of the kingdom; while in other
places, where the pressure has
been perhaps most grievous, it has
certainly been sustained with a
spirit of patience, loyalty, and
good order, which cannot be too
highly commended. And your
committee cannot refrain from ex
pressing their opinion, that it is
chiefly by the means pointed out
in the report of the former com
mittee, by the widely extended
circulation of seditious and blas
phemous publications, and by the
elfect of inflammatory discourses
continually renewed, that this
spirit has been principally exeited
and dimmed—By these the attach
ment to our established govern
ment and constitution, and the
respect for law, morality, and re
ligion, have gradually been weak
ened among those whose situations
most exposed them to this destruc
tive influence; and it is thus that
their minds have been prepared
for the adoption of designs and
measures no less injurious to their
own interests and happiness than
to those of every other class of his
majesty‘s subjects.
Since the period of the former
report, Manchester and its neigh
bourhood have (as far as your
HISTORY. [67
committee has seen) been the only
places where meetings have been
convened and assembled suffici
ently numerous to create imme
diate apprehensions for the public
tranquillity. At a meeting which
was convened there on the 8rd of
March for the purpose of petition
ing against the suspension of the
Habeas Corpus act, and where
several thousand persons appear
to have been assembled, it was
proposed and agreed to that ano
ther meeting should be held on the
following Monday, viz. the 10th of
March, with the professed inten
tion that ten out of every twenty
persons who should attend it
should proceed to London with a
petition to his royal highness th
Prince Regent. ‘
The interval was employed in
almost daily meetings of the dis
affected, which were uumerously
attended. The real intentions of
the leaders were there developed
to their followers in speeches of
the most undisguised violence.
One of them avowed that he was
a republican and a leveller, and
would never give up the cause till
a republican form of government
was established. The people were
told by others, that if their peti
tion was rejected, they must force
it : that the large towns in York
shire were adopting the same
plan, and Would meet them on the
road, or at least march at the
same time to London : that there
was reason to believe that the
Scotch were then on their march :
that they should be one hundred
thousand strong, when joined by
the people of other manufacturing
places upon the road ; and that it
would be impossible for the army
or any. thing else to resist them.
[F 2] These
as] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
These speakers appearin a few in merous an assemblage was to have
stances to have been checked by passed; and which, if prosecuted
to its full extent, must have led
some of their associates, but their
sentiments were for the most part to consequences highly dangerous
received with strong marks of ap to the public tranquillity.
plause and concurrence. The discomliture of this attempt
Arrangements for the march does not, however, appear to have
were also pointed out at these materially discouraged those who
meetings. It was recommended had planned it: their measures
to those who intended to join were uninterruptedly pursued.
in it to provide themselves with \Vithin a very short time after
blankets, shoes, and knapsacks, as this failure, fresh meetings were
well as with money and food. held in smaller numbers; they
Those who remained to work were were composed, either wholly or
to assist with their subscriptions. in part, of delegates from the
Every ten men were to choose one neighbourhood of Manchester,
for aleader; and one was to be from the borders of Derbyshire,
set over every hundred. Strong and from the manufacturing dis
intimations were also given of the tricts of Yorkshire. At some of
propriety and necessity of their these meetings reports were made
providing themselves with arms ; of the quantity of pikes, or fire
but these do not appear to have locks, and of bullets which could
been acted upon, except perhaps be provided for the intended rising.
in a few instances. Communications were held about
On the 10th of March the pro this time with Nottingham, Shef
posed meeting took place, to the field, and Birmingham, by dele
amount, as is supposed, of from gates, who were to give intelli
10,000 to 12,000 persons at the gence of the plans in contempla
least. Although some of their tion, to excite the people of those
leaders had been previously ar places to similar attempts, and to
rested, and others were appre— ascertain the state of preparation
hended on the spot, the purpose to which they had advanced. In
was not abandoned; and large these proceedings the pretence of
numbers of these deluded people parliamentary reform appears to
marched off towards London. have been almost, wholly dis
A considerable body of them carded; they evidently point to
was stopped on the road to Stock nothing short of revolution; and
port: some hundreds are stated it affords a dreadful proof of the
to have passed through Leek: and extent to which the minds of many
one party proceeded as far as Ash of those who attended these meet
bourne; but the activity of the ings have been inflamed and cor
magistrates in dispersing the meet rupted, that in public speeches
ing, and in stopping the progress the necessity of doing away with,
of these bodies, effectually pre or disposing of (as they term it),
vented the execution of a design, the persons most obnoxious to
which could not probably have them, has often been openly and
failed to disturb the peace of the unreservedly announced ; and that
counties through which so nu on one occasion it is stated to have
been
 GENERAL HISTORY. [69
been proposed, that Manchester to the proceedings of the disaf
should be made a Moscow, for the fected in that quarter; and all
purpose of strengthening their the subsequent intelligence which
cause, by throwing numbers of the committee has seen from thence
people out of employment. continues to be of a more favour
It was on the night of the 30th able character.
of March that a general insurrec During part of the month of
tion was intended to have com April an intermission appears in
menced at Manchester. The ma~ deed to have taken place gene
gistrates were to be seized; the rally, at least of the more open
prisoners were to be liberated; proceedings. Public meetings in
the soldiers were either to be sur large bodies could no longer be
prised in their barracks, or a cer convened, except under the regu
tain number of factories Were to lations of the recent act of par
be set on fire, for the purpose of liament. Numerous meetings of
drawing the soldiers out of their societies have been less frequently
barracks, of which a party sta held in public-houses. In some
tioned near them for that object districts clubs have been dissolved 5
were then to take possession with in others their meetings have been
the view of seizing the magazine. suspended, or have been held in
The signal for the commence— private houses, or in places remote
ment of these proceedings was to from observation. The neces
be, the tiringot' arocketorrorkets; sity of greater caution has been
and hopes were held out that felt and inculcated; communica
2,000 or 3,000 men would be tions by writing have been dis
sufficient to accomplish the first eountenanced; the concealment
object, and that the insurgents of the names of leading persons
would be 50,000 strong in the has been recommended; and it
morning. has been thought better that a few
At this period, and in other persons only should he. intrusted
parts of these proceedings, there with their plans, and should give
are traces of an intention to issue notice to the different delegates
proclamations, declaring the king's to have their partizans in readi
subjects absolved from their alle ness to act when required and as
giance, and denouncing death directed. These delegates ap
against all opposers ; but the com pointed from various places have
mittee have not found any e\i met in small numbers, and thus
dence of the actual preparation of kept up a general but verbal cor
such proclamations. respondence among the disafl'ected.
This atrocious conspiracy was Towards the end of April, and
detected by the vigilance of the during the month of May, this
magistrates, and defeated by the correspondence appears to have
apprehension and confinement of been carried on with increased
some of the ringleaders a few activity. As early as the fifth of
days before the period fixed for its that month a meeting is stated to
execution. The timely prevention have been held in one of the prin
of this desperate attempt appears cipal towns of the west riding of
to have given a considerable check Yorkshire, and to time been at
tended
’70] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
tended by persons calling them The latest intelligence from
selves delegates from other prin those quarters had made it highly
cipal towns of that district; and probable that the same causes
also from Leicester, from Bir which have hitherto thwarted the
mingham, and from Nottingham. execution of these desperate de.
At this meeting reports were signs, viz. the vigilance of govern
made by the difi'erent delegates of ment—the great activity and in
the strength which could be col telligence of the magistrates—the
lected from the districts which ready assistance afl'orded under
they represented. The numbers their orders by the regular troops
were stated as very large; but and yeomanry—the prompt and
the committee are well aware of efficient arrangements of the offi
the exaggeration to be expected in .cers entrusted with that service—
such cases. It was about this the knowledge which has from
time that the period for another time to time been obtained of the
general rising appears to have plans of the disaii‘ected, and the
been fixed for as early a day as consequent arrest and confinement
possible after the discussion of an of the leading agitators, would
expected motion for reform in occasion a still further postpone
Parliament. Nottingham appears ment of their atrocious plans.
to have been intended as the head Subsequent intelligence leaves no
quarters upon which a part of the doubt that the plan, in its full
insurgents were to march in the extent, has for the present been
first instance. They Were ex frustrated ; but the correctness of
pected to be joined there, and on the information which had pre
their march towards London, by viously been obtained has been
other bodies with such arms as confirmed by the recent appear
they might have already provided, ance of bodies of men in arms at
or might procure by force from the precise period which is stated
private houses, or from the dif to have been fixed upon, and par
ferent depbts or barracks of which ticnlarly in one of the districts,
the attack was proposed. which had latterly been repre
At various subsequent meetings sented as determined to act with
at different places, reports are out waiting for a general insur
stated to have been made of a. rection.
great increase of numbers, so The committee think it highly
great that it was said on one oc important to state, that the reports
casion that they were obliged received from many Qf the most
daily to extend their divisions, active magistrates, and'from per
and enlarge their committee. sons whose stations, both civil
Concurrent information from and military, have enabled them
many of the quarters from whence to collect the most extensive in
these delegates were said to be formation, and to form the most
deputed, confirms the expectation accurate judgment as to the state
of a general rising about the timeof the country, concur in attri
above mentioned, and states its buting in a very considerable
subsequent postponement t0 the degree the disappointment of the
ninth or tenth of June, for which attempts already made, and the
various reasons were assigned. hopes of continued tranquillity, to
the
 GENERAL Hrsroavt [1'1
the actual exercise of the powers which had been reported to the
which parliament has entrusted to committee, and had induced them
the executive government, and to to lay their discoveries before the
the etl'ect of the known existence House. Having descanted upon
of such powers ready to be called the accumulated proofs that there
into action when necessity requires still subsisted very dangerous de
it,—and in representing the dan signs in ditl'erent parts of the coun
ger which would threaten the try, he said, that all which he
country were those powers to be asked was the adoption of the mea
withdrawn at the present moment. sure now proposed, if their lord—
And the committee feel that they ships would agree with him in
should ill discharge the trust re thinking it essential for the pre
posed in them if they did not servation of the constitution. In
declare their own entire agreement those places where the schemes of
in this opinion. With the fullest the conspirators had been most
confidence in the general loyalty advanced, the act had been put in
and good disposition, not only of execution, and the leaders were in
those portions of the kingdom custody, by which means their
which have hitherto remained in atrocious designs were defeated;
a great degree untainted, but of and government had received in
by far the most considerable part formation from Manchester and
of those very districts which are otherplaces, that they should gréat
the chief scenes of the operations ly deplore the withdrawing of
of the disaffected—a confidence these powers at the time they were
which very recent experience has most wanted. His lordship con
satisfactorily confirmed—they can cluded with moving, that the bill
not refrain from submitting to for continuing the suspension of
your lordships, as the result of the Habeas Corpus Act be now
all the information they have re read a second time,
ceived, that the time is not yet ‘ Lord Erskine asked, \‘Vhat Were
arrived when the maintenance of the causes of that disturbed state
the public tranquillity, and the of the country which was the sub:
protection of the lives and pro ject of the first report, and of the
perties of his majesty's subjects, renewed one now before them?
can be allowed to rest upon the The causes were nianifest in the
ordinary powers of the law. universal distresses of all classes
The order of the day for conti of people from the stagnation of
nuing the suspension of the Habeas trade and manufactures, increased
Corpus Act being read on the 16th and embittered by a devouring
of June in the House of Lords, revenue; and in the direction of
Lord Sidmouth rose, and after the public mind under the pressure
mentioning that the ministers of of such calamities, because the
the crown had been disappointed in people in their turns, when look
their hope of closing the operation ing to the removal of such dis
of the bill with the session of par tresses, examined the chase of
liament, and had thought it ne them, which they attributed to
cessary to propose a new enquiry, their not having that share in the
he went over the several facts public councils which they thought
themselves
72] ANNUAL REGISTER,
themselves entitled to in the
theory of the constitution. They
might, said his lordship, be mis
taken in this reasoning, but it was
unjust to brand it as hostile to
the government, when it had been
over and over again maintained in
parliament by the most illustrious
statesmen, that a reform in the
representation was the only possi
ble security for our invaluable
constitution. This alone had been
the object of every one of the nu
merous meetings which had so
much alarmed his majesty's mi
nisters, and which they had taken
such violent and dangerous mea
sures to suppress.
Speaking of the suspension of
the Habeas Corpus, his lordship
said, the House might depend
upon it, and he spoke from an ex
perience which scarcely ever he
longed to any other man, that the
administration of justice, instead
of being strengthened by it, was
sure to suffer in the extreme from
the odium attaching even upon
just prosecutions; and govern
ment might lay its account with
being completely foiled in every
attempt to produce order and obe
dience by judicial trials, as long as
the Habeas Corpus Act remained
suspended, and other measures of
distrust and coercion were in
force against the whole mass of
the people.
Lord Redesdale, in his speech in
favour of ministers, observed that
a great deal had been said about
spies and informers, and the in
famy of employing such charac
ters. But he would ask, whether
in the history of the whole world
an instance of the detection of a
conspiracy of this kind could be
found but by such means. It was
lSlT.
really ridiculous to decry the em
ployment of such instruments un
der such circumstances. That prac
tice was even more necessary now'
than on any former occasion, es
pecially in 1798, for the secrecy
and caution of the conspirators
were so much greater.
Earl Grey, touching upon the
argument in his speech on the op
posite side of the question, said that
he had thought that this practice
had been condemned by orators
and statesmen, and by great men
of every age and nation; that it
was a practice. sanctioned only by
the most despotic governments;
that it poi=oned the sources of
confidence between man and man ;
and was destructive of domestic
happiness and individual security.
He regarded the employment of
such engines as the great distinc
tion between a free and a despotic
government; but if these men,
sent to penetrate into the. designs
of others, were to impel them to
the commission of crimes, what
must be the state of society to
sanction such a proceeding? He
was himself persuaded that these
disturbances might have been put
down without the use of any such
means; and he lamented to see
in that House, as well as in the
other, and in the whole commu
nity, a sort of apathy and disre
gard of the conduct of ministers,
and a disposition to fly to force as
a cure for those evils for which
the law had appropriated milder
and more efficacious remedies.
The Earl QfLiverpool said, that
the real question was, whether
there did not exist, in the judg
ment of that House, an organized
conspiracy for Overturning the
government, ,ln fact, it was not
confined
 GENERAL HISTORY. ‘
confined to one town, one. county, observations particularly
or one district. It pervaded seven able. The third reading
or eight counties; and the disaf ried by
fected were acting by associations, Contents, present . .
by correspondence, and by send Proxies . . . . .
ing delegates from one meeting to
another. With respect to the em
ployment of spies, he affirmed,
that whatever might be the lan
guage of orators or writers, the
fact was, that in practice this wea
pon had always been employed.
He allowml that considerable dif
ficulty existed in the application
of this principle; but it was al
most impossible, without such
means, to secure the information
necessary for the publie,tranquil
lity. He then resorted to the pe
culiar character of tire present dis
turbances, and concluded with
calling upon their lordships, in
the name of eternal peace, of good
order, and of security and liberty,
to adopt the proposed measure.
Some further observations were
made by difl't-rent lords, which it
is unnecessary here to repeat. The
question being at length called for,
the resultwas, for the second read
ing of the bill,
Contents, present . . 109
Proxies . . . . . . 81
Total 190
Non-contents, present ‘27
Proxies . . . . . . ‘23
Total 50
Majority 140
On June 19th, the third reading
of this bill was called for in the
House of Lords. Several peers
took the occasion of ghing their
sentiments on the subject, but
nothing occurred to render their
.[73
remarki
was tarL
I ‘
. 73
68
141
Non-contents, present ‘20
Proxies . . . . . . l;N
37
Majority . : . . . 104
On June 5th, Lord Castlereagh
presented to the House of Com
mons a message relative to se
ditious meetings, expressed in the
same terms as that sent to the
House of Lords, with a bag of
papers accompanying it. His lord~
ship said, that he should now con
fine lrimself to a motion of thanks
to the Prince Regent, assuring
him, that the House would take
the papers into their immediate
and serious consideration. After
this motion was disposed of, he
should submit that the papers
should be referred to aselect com
mittee, to be confined to the some
persons as were members of the
last, except the late attorney-ge
neral who had ceased to be a
member of that House; and in
his stead he would propose the pre
sent solicitor-general. -
Lord Castlereagh's first motion
being agreed to, he next moved
for referring the papers to a com
mittee. Lord Folkestone moved,
by way of amendment, “ to ex
amine and arrange the same, and
to report the substance thereof to
the House," which was negativcd.
It was then ordered that a com
mittee of secrecy, consisting of 21
members, be appointed; after
which
74] AN NUAL REGISTER, 1817.
which Lord Castlereagh moved the disatfected in the counties
“ That such members as were of before referred to, viz. Lancashire,
the committee of secrecy appoint Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire,
ed on the 5th of February last, and Derbyshire (to which, part of
and who are now members of this Yorkshire and the towns of Bir
House, be members of the said mingham and Stockport, must
committee.“ Sir J. Newport ob now be added), from the period
jected to the proposal, and by way of that report down to the present
of amendment gave a nomination time.
almost entirely new. A discussion Your committee find in these
of some length followed, after papers, not only a complete cor
which the House divided; For the roboration of the justness of the
original Motion 126, For the apprehensions, which they then
Amendment 66 : Majority 60. The expressed, but proofs, equally de
main question was then agreed to, cisive of the continuance of the
and the solicitor-general was add same machinations, and designs,
ed to the committee. breaking out into fresh acts of
Lord Folkestonc then moved, violence and insurrection, up to
“ That it be an instruction to the the present moment.
said committee that they enquire Your committee stated in their
particularly into the origin, cha former report, that “ even where
racter, and extent of the disatl‘ec petitioning was recommended, it
tion supposed to exist in the coun was proposed to be conducted in
try, &c." which was negatived. such a manner, by an immense
Another motion was ofi'ered by number of delegates, attending in
the same noble lord, which was, London at the same time, in se
to make it an instruction to the veral parties, attached to each pe
said committee that they enquire tition, as might induce an etfort
into the particular case of every to obtain by force whatever they
person detained under the provi demanded; and that a general
sions of an act passed in the pre idea seemed prevalent, that some
sent session of parliament, 810.; fixed day, at no very great dis
which was also negatived. tance, was to be appointed for a
The Second Report from the general rising."
Committee of Secrecy of the House The first attention of your com
of Commons was to the following mittee has been directed to the
etfect. ' proceedings of the public meeting
ln forming an opinion on the held early in March, in the town
present internal situation of the of Manchester. At that meeting,
country, your committee could which consisted of persons as
not fail to bear in mind the infor sembled from various towns and
mation laid before them, at an populous villages in the vicinity of
early part of the session, upon Manchester, as well as of the in
uhich their first report was habitants of Manchester itself, it
founded. was proposed by the same leaders
The papers now communicated who had previously attracted the
to the committee, continue the notice of your committee, that
narrative of the proceedings of the petitioners should assemble,
at
 GENERAL HISTURY. [15
at the same place, on Monday, pared, with a copy of which every
the 10th of that month, prepared tenth man was furnished 3 and
to set out.on a march to London, which concluded by stating to his
to present their petition themselves Royal Highness, that, Without the
to the Prince Regent in person ; change which they demanded,
that they should form themselves “ they could neither support him,
into parties of ten each (which nor themselves ;” and they were
arrangement was proposed with told, that if their petition was re
the professed view of not trans jected, they must demand it ; it'
gressing the law) ; and that they still rejected, they must force it,
should supply themselves with and say they would be righted. it
provisions for the march, and appears, that some of the persons
with blankets for the purpose of apprehended, were fully prepared
sleeping on the ground. to act up to these instructions;
At many other meetings pre though it is to be presumed, that
vious to the 10th, which, though many of them had no very defi
comparatively private, were yet nite idea of the way in which
numerously attended, it was re their services were to be employed;
presented to them, by their ora and that even among their leaders,
tors, that they would be sur some of the more moderate reck
rounded by the police and the mi oned rather upon intimidation,
litary, and that they would be an than upon the actual employment
easy prey if they proceeded with of force. At one of those more
out arms for their protection. private meetings, however, which
They were assured, however, that preceded the general assembly, one
their numbers, which, in the of those persOns, who appeared to
course of their progress, would have most influence, avowed him
amount to not less than 100,000, self a republican and leveller ; and
would make it impossible. ulti professed his determination never
mately to resist them. It was to give up till they had established
stated that all the large towns in a republican government : the
Yorkshire Were adopting the same examples of the insurrection in
plan, that the Scotch were actu the reign of Richard 2nd, and
ally on their march, and that if of the rebellion in Ireland in
the petitioners could once reach 1798, were held out, as objects
Nottingham, or Birmingham, the of imitation; and the most vio
business would be done. They lent of such declarations was ge
were advised to choose leaders nerally received with the strongest
over each subdivision of tens, marks of applause.
fifties, and hundreds, and to ap In consequence of these pre
point a treasurer to receive con parations, the public meeting pro
tributions, which were actually posed took place at the time ap
made in a great number of small pointed ; and was attended by
sums, out of which fund they probably near 12,000 persons :
were taught to expect that each many of these proceeded to the
man would be supplied with a ground in regular order, with
daily allowance. knapsacks on their backs; and not
A petition was accordingly pre- ' withstanding the assembly was
dispersed
76] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
dispersed by the military, acting fected places were present; and
under the orders of the magis at which it was resolved to pro
trates, and the principal leaders mote a general rising at Manches
were apprehended, under war ter, on Sunday the 30th of March,
rants from the secretary of state,or the following day. A meeting
a considerable number actually was appointed for the leaders at
marched oil' on their way to Lon Ardwick bridge, close to Man
don; many were intercepted be chester, on the Friday before that
fore they reached Stockport, but day; where they expected to re
several found their way as far as ceive information from Birming
Ashbourne. ham, Sheilicld, and other places,
The act for enabling his ma with which they were in conunu
jesty to detain suspected persons nication ; having previously learnt
had now passed; most of those, from an emissary, who had visited
who had rendered themselves most Huddersfield and Leeds, that the
conspicuous in exciting disall'ec disalTet-ted in that part of the
tion in this part of the country, country were all ready to begin
had either been apprehended, or at any time, and ,were preparing
had secreted themselves; and all arms for the purpose. The de
hopes were precluded of any im sign was, to assemble as many as
mediate result from the assem could be collected, in the night,
blage which had been so long at Manchester; to attack the
concerted; yet it appears to your barracks, the police office, the
committee, from a variety of con prison, the houses of magistrates
current testimony, on which they and constables, and the banks, in
rely, that the previous organiza separate parties; and to set fire
tion had been extended so widely, to the factories in the town. it
and the expectation of ultimate was even declared by one of the
success had been so confidently conspirators, that this last atrocity
entertained, that these circum was intended for the purpose of
stances produced no other effect increasing the prevalent distress,
on the great body of the discon in the hope of thereby adding to
tented, than to delay the explo the numbers of the discontented,
sion, which had so long been me by throwing the workmen out of
ditated; to occasion the discon employment. It was calculated
tinuance of the more open meet that two or three thousand men
ings of the association; and to Would be enough to commence
call forth the exertions of new these operations, as they reckoned
leaders, who were determined (in upon being joined by 50,000 at
their own phrase) to “ re-orga the dawn of day. A proclama
nize the party." Meetings were tion was sa‘d to be prepared, in
accordingly held in several of the order to be produced on this 0c
townships in the neighbourhood casion, justifying the revolt, and
.of Manchester, between the 10th absolving the insurgents from
and 2.3111 of March, with more their allegiance. Expectations
privacy, but under the established were held out, that a general in
system of delegation, at which surrection would take place, at
only the deputies from the disaf the same time, in different parts of
the
 GENERAL HISTORY.
the counties of Lancaster, York,
Warwick, Leicester, Nottingham,
Chester and Stafford ; and though
some of these, particularly the two
latter counties, may have been in
cluded without any suflicient
ground, your committee seejust
reason to apprehend, that a suc
cessful insurrection at Manches
ter would have been followed by
partial risings, to an alarming
amount, in each of the other
counties. Some preparations were
made for providing ammunition,
with a view to the arms, which it
was intended to seize. The exe
cution of this plan was defeated
by the vigilance of the magistrates,
who being apprized of what was
in agitation, made a communica
tion to the secretary of state, by
whom warrants were immediately
issued, and the ringleaders, as
sembled at Hardwick bridge, were
consequently seized on the 28th.
The magistrates of Manchester
thereupon published an address to
the inhabitants, announcing the
danger, and calling upon the
householders to be sworn as special
constables, and to assist in pre
serving the peace of the town.
This plan of the disafi‘ected being
thus discovered, and deranged,
they became more wary and
secret in their proceedings; but
in the moment of disappointment,
declarations were made, that it
would be impossible to prevent
the rising for a month longer.
The assassination of persons most
obnoxious to their resentment was
suggested by some of the most
desperate of the conspirators ; an
attack was made upon the house
of one of the magistrates ; the life
of another was threatened; and
a pistol was tired into the house
[77
of a gentleman, who was acting
as a special constable. Shortly
after this period, it appears to have
been discussed, whether it would
not be more prudent to discon
tinue the appointment of dele
gates, and to rely only upon one
man in each town, who might call
the disalfected together a short
time before the intended insurrec
tion, and seize on horses, prepara
tory to the attack on Manchester.
But notwithstanding this proposi
tion, the same system of connected
operation by means of delegates
was indefatigably persevered in.
Delegates from Manchester,
Birmingham, Nottingham, Derby,
Leeds, Sheffield, Wakefield, Hud
dersfield, and other places in the
disturbed part of the country,
either constantly or occasionally
attended these meetings. The
numbers assembled were not large,
but the activity was unceasing ;
emissaries were continually pass
ing from one of those places to
another, to compare their accounts
of the state of the public mind; to
foment the irritation among the
disaffected; and to combine some
general plan of simultaneous, or
connected insurrection ; the object
of which was, after consolidating
a suflicient force, to march upon
London, and there to overturn
the existing government, and to
establish a republic. The same
designs were continued of attack
ing the barracks, and depOts, in
different parts of the country (one
of which was particularly recon
noitered with that view) ; of plun
dering the houses of noble-men
and gentlemen, where arms were
supposed to be lodged; of seizing
the magistrates, and keeping them
as hostages, and as authorities for
levying
78] ANNUAL REGISTER, 18l7.
levying contributions on the coun the immediate attainment of their
try; of disarming the soldiers by object, or for the present relin
night, in their quarters, or se quish it, and return to their ae
ducing them from their duty ; and customed occupations. On the
of providing arms for themselves, 28th of May a meeting of dele
partly by these seizures, and partly gates in the neighbourhood of
by an easy method of forming Sheffield was dispersed, and some
pike heads out of common tools of the parties were apprehended ;
and utensils. and on the 6th of June, several
It appears to your committee, persons described to be delegates,
that the utmost confidence pre (and believed by your committee
vailed among the delegates, as to to be such), who were assembled
the ultimate attainment of their at another place in the same neigh
object ; that the successive arrests bourhood, were apprehended by
of several of the principal leaders, the magistrates of the riding, as
though they occasioned momen sisted by the military; and the
tary disappointment, did not ex final arrangement of the plan,
tinguish the spirit of insurrection, which was there to be settled,
or the hopes of success, in the was thus happily frustrated. It
parts of the country above men was confidently expected, that
tioned; ,and the utmost impati these arrests would disconcert
ence was manifested at the delays whatever measures were in pre
which had taken place in fixing paration, and they appear to have
the day for the general rising. had that elfect in the immediate
’ ‘his, after several postponements, vicinity of Sheffield ; but the spirit
was appointed for the Monday in which had been excited could not
Whitsun week, and was after be wholly suppressed. In the
wards again postponed to the 9th neighbourhood of Huddersfield,
of June, which was thought more in the night of the 8th instant,
favourable for a midnight insur several houses were forcibly enter
rection, as the moon would then ed and plundered of arms. A con—
be in the wane. Notice of this siderable body of armed men were
last appointment had been so approaching the town, when a
widely circulated, that it became small patrol of yeomanry cavalry,
almost of public notoriety; which, attended by a peace officer, fell in
while it awakened the attention of with them, and was received with
those whose duty it was to pre the discharge of several shot, by
serve the public peace, did not which one of their troop horses
appear to derange the preparations was wounded. The patrol having
of those who were disposed to ascertained, that they were too
disturb it. Even where the plan few to oppose such numbers,
ners of the insurrection suggested thought it prudent to retreat,
a farther delay, they found it inn- when several shots were fired after ,
possible to restrain the} impatience them without effect. On return
which they had excited among ing with an additional force to the
their followers, who had forsaken spot, they found that the whole
their ordinary habits of industry, of theinsurgentshad‘ disappeared ;
and who must either proceed to but guns fired as signals, in differ
ent
 GENERAL HIST 0 R Y. [1.9
cnt directions, and lights shown fore magistrates. The character
on the heights throughout the of the danger remains the same as
country, sufficiently proved the was described in the former re
extent of the confederacy, and the port. It arises from the indefa
concert with which it was orga tigable exertions of persons in the
nized. In some populous villages lower ranks of life, or but little
of Derbyshirc, a more open in above them, of some popular ta
surrection took place on the 9th of lents, infiaming and aggravating
June. A delegate from this part the actual distress of a numerous
of the country had attended a pre manufacturing population, by ex
vious meeting at Nottingham, and citing hopes of an immediate re
an active emissary from thence medy to all their sufi'erings from a
had joined them in the course of reform in parliament, and pre
the night. The insurrection be paring them (in despair of attain
gan, according to the general ing that object) to attempt by
plan proposed, with attacks upon force the total subversion of the
houses, for the purpose of pro established constitution of govern
curing arms ; in one of which, a ment.
servant was wantonly shot 5 about Your committee stated, in their
200 insurgents were soon assem former report, that the mode of
. bled, mostly armed either with organization, practised with such
pikes or with fire-arms, and began mischievous success in the popu
their march towards Nottingham, lous districts, had been in very
in expectation of increasing their many instances conducted under
numbers as they went, and of the cover of associations, called
finding that place in full insurrec Hampden Clubs, formed for the
tion, and prepared to support ostensible purpose of procuring a
them. They were however inter reform in parliament; and they
cepted by detachments of cavalry now find that in many instances,
(under the orders of active and in~ where the open meetings of those
telligent magistrates), which came societies have been discontinued,
up with them in (lilfercnt direc several of the members of them
tions, and totally dispersed them. have assembled more privately,
Between 50 and 60 were taken and been the principal leaders in
and lodged in the different gaols ; the projected combinations.
many fire-arms and pikes were in their former report they did
taken at the same time, and a not think it necessary to advert to
quantity of ammunition was found that atrocious system of combina
upon the persons of the prisoners. tion, outrage. and hired assassi
Your committee have thus nation, which has prevailed in
stated the prominent points of the some of the midland counties,
information, which has been laid under the name of Luddism ; both
before them, particularly as affect because the trials ofpersons , charg
ing the manufacturing districts in ed with those crimes, were then
the Northern and Midland coun known to be depending,- and be
ties, and which has been substan cause the system itself did not then
tiated, in almost every particular, distinctly appear to your commit~
by depositions on oath, taken be tee to have any immediate appli
cation
so] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817'.
cation to political purposes. But lower order of the manufacturing
they have since found reason to population, in particular parts of
believe, that those who are con the country, many of whom are
oerned in instigating the people to labouring under considerable pri
insurrection, have availed them vations, from the low rate of
selves of this powerful engine for wages, and the increasing price
the more extended purposes of po of the necessaries of life ; though
litical innovation. your committee cannot but re
Upon the whole,‘ your commit mark that the most active and de
tee have been anxious neither to termined insurgents are in many
exaggerate, nor extenuate, the na instances to be found amongst
ture and extent of the danger. those, whose earnings, even in
They have not been insensible to the present state. of the manufac
the jealousy, with which the tes tures, would enable them to sup
timony of persons, originally im port their families in comfort.
plicated in the designs of the con They find that of the promoters of
spirators, or even of persons who these commotions, many have
never having engaged in those either left the country, or are pre
designs, have attended their meet vented from prosecuting their de
ings, in order to discover and re signs. The disafi'ected appear to
port their proceedings, ought to want leaders to conduct such en
be received; but the facts stated terprises as they have conceived ;
by your committee, rest not only are frequently disconccrtcd by
upon confirmatory evidence, but jealousy and distrust of each other,
on distinct, substantive, and satis and bythc consciousness that their
factory testimony; and although plans are watched; and by the
your committee have seen reason arrests of the ringlcaders. Great
to apprehend, that the language as the numbers probably are,
and conduct of some persons from among whom disafi'et-tion, to an
whom information has been de alarming extent, has made con
rived, may in some instances, have siderable progress, fomented at
had the efi'ect of encouraging those first by popular harangues, and
designs, which it was intended still by the more powerful and
they should only be the instru general excitement of seditious
ments of detecting; yet it is per publications, your committee are
fectly clear to your committee, fully aware, that the number of
that before any such encourage those, who are now prepared to
ment could lune been given, the take the lead in any project of
plan of a simultaneous insurrec open insurrection, is not to be
tion, in different parts of the estimated by the exaggerated re
country, had been *actually con ports of their delegates. Though
certed, and its execution folly de they have been all along taught to
termined on. look to London for countenance
Your committee have the satis and support, thoughsome of their
faction to continue to believe, as own immediate emissaries have,
they have before stated, that the from time to time, alieeteditto
danger, which they have described, bring them hopes of encourage
is.t0 be found only among the ment from that quarter, in case
of
 GENERAL
of success ; and though it has been borders of Derbyshire and Not
stated to your committee, that
a delegate from'the country has
recently been attending a meeting
of delegates in London; no spe
cific information has been laid be
fore your committee of the exist
ence of any body of men, associ
ated in the metropolis, with whom
the disatfected in the country ap
pear to be acting in concert, or to
hold communications. Their hopes
arise from their own numbers,
which if they could be excited to
simultaneous movement, would
distract their opponents, and
would procure the means for car
rying their utmost designs into
execution. It is hoped, by them,
that the timid and irresolute would
thus be encouraged to stand for
ward ; and they flatter themselves,
that etiicient leaders would not be
wanting to put themselves at the
head of a successful insurrection. ascribed to the existence of the
Your committee cannot con~ extraordinary powers entrusted by
template what has passed in the Parliament to. the executive go-
country, even since the date of
their former Report, without the
most serious apprehension. Du
ring this period, the precautionary
measures adopted by Parliament
have been in force ; many of the,
most active promoters of public
disturbance have been apprehend
ed; the immediate projects of the
disalfected have been discovered
and deranged ; yet nothing has
deterred them from.a steady pur
suit of their ultimate object.
Though hitherto checked, the .
least advance towards the attain
ment of that object could not but
be attended with the utmost ha
zard to the lives and properties of
his Majesty‘s subjects.
In the late insurrection on the
Von. LIX.
M _ MM m», es: s
HISTORY. [81
tinghamshire, the mass of the
population, through which the
insurgents passed, evinced the
utmost abhorrence of their designs
and projects.—ln other instances,
where the inhabitants have been
called upon to aid the civil power,
that call has been answered with
alacrity and zeal. Such conduct
increases the claim of the peace
able and loyal inhabitants of the
disturbed parts of the country to
the most elficient protection.
Your committee find that it is
the concurrent opinion of many
of those entrusted with the pre
servation of the peace, and bat
acquainted with the state of the
disturbed districts, as well as the
admission of the disati‘ected them
selves, that the suppression of the
attempts at insurrection hitherto
made, may, in a great degree, be
,
vernment, .even in cases where it ~
has not been found necessary to
call them into action; and that-‘
the tranquillity of the country
would be put to hazard, if those ‘
powers were now withdrawn. In
this opinion your committee fully ,
concur; and, confidently as they
rely on the _ loyalty and good dis
position of the great body of his ,~
Majesty's subjects, (even in those
parts of the country in which the
spirit of disatfection has. shown
itself in the most formidable
shape) they cannot but express
their conviction, that it is not yet
safe to rely entirely, . for the pre
servation of the public tranquil- .
lity, upon the ordinary powersisrf
[0] law.
of the w On
- :--~_- ~~~ M
as] ANNUAL- REGISTER, 1817.
On June 93d, the order of the posite side of the question, perhaps
day for the first reading of the the most forcible was Sir Samuet
bill for the suspension ofthe Habeas Romillp. He said, that this was a"
Corpus being .read in the House measure of much greater import
0! Commons, Lord Castlereagh ance even than that which the
nose, and began by protesting a House had before adopted. They
gni'nst the inference which had were then called upon to suspend
been drawn, that a bill of this kind the Habens Corpus only for four
was a libel on the whole country, months, while parliament was sitd
and preferring a bill of indictment ting. and might watch in what
against the people of England. manner the extraordinary powers
The adoption of such a measure given to government were exer
might alarm those who know cised ; now they were required,
themselves to be. guilty of treason just before they separated, to com
oble designs ; but he believed the mit this arbitrary power into the
loyal and peaceable part of the hands of ministers for an indefi
community- would be grateful for nite period of time, the duration
the passing of the bill, which they of which was to depend entirely
would regard as a measure of upon the pleasure of the crown.
protection. He then argued in The noble lord had talked of cir
opposition to those who were of cumstances of augmented danger;
opinion, that supposing treason if‘ such were the case, what did it
able designs to exist, those by prove, except that not only was
whom they Were entertained were the suspension bil'l ineflicient, but
too insignificant to merit the sc that it had increased the evil it
rious attention 05 parliament. was intended to prevent. There
Not only had' additional conspira was another evil no less grievous.
cies been discovered, but, in the ltwas now for the first timeavowed
late inquiry; the ibrmer conspi that spies Were in the regular pay
racies had been confirmed. This of ministers—spies who were the
circumstance led‘ him to consider promoters and the instigators ofthe
at some length the case of Oliver, crimes which they afterwards de
who was supposed to be the mov nounced. Surely here was enough
ing cause of all; and he endea to excite discontent and disgust
voured to show that his exertions through the House and the nation.
had materially contributed to pre Speaking afterwards ot‘ the dan
vent the intended explosion: of‘ gerous power entrusted to minis
June 9th. He said, in fine, that ters in the confidence that they
the. measure now- proposed to be would not abuse it, he said, 1 care
renewed had already rendered con- not in whose hands that power
sidemble service. In the judge may be placed. It is one of the
ment of nearly all the magistrates melancholy signs of‘ the times, that
it had- checked insurrection, and; while, day after day, encroach
had been more efl‘ective than any ments are making on public liber
of' the other measures adopted by ty, the answer to every complaint
parliament. ' is, that the power which was giv
Among the speakers on‘ the op en would be placed in gentle
hands
 GENERAL HISTORY. [as
hands. Was there ever any de influence would be so usefully ex
spotic government which did not erted, might be a greater evil
claim the same right of exercising than the cessation of the act
power on this ground? I cannot itself.
(said he) reconcile myself to so The amendment was negatived,
light a way of speaking of the and the House went into the
Constitution, as to make the sus committee. Sir J. NeWport then
pension of its most valuable pri moved, that the duration of the
vileges a matter of indifi‘erence, bill should be limited to the lst of
because certain persons, of whom the ensuing December. The com
a favourable opinion is entertain mittee then divided, when there
ed, are to be invested with the appeared, For the amendment 45 ;
arbitrary authority which must Against it 7 8. ‘
be the consequence of that sus Mr. Douglas objected to the ex
pension. tension of the bill to Scotland,
On a division of the House, the and ‘moved the omission of the
numbers for the first madin were, clause by which that country was
Ayes 276, Noes 111 ; ajority included in its operation. The
165. House dividing on the question,
June 24th, the numbers were it was determined that it should
so much reduced by defections on be continued, by 129 to 48..
both sides, that the motion for the June 27th was the day appoint
' second reading of the bill was car ed for the third reading of the
ried by 80 against 30. bill. Several speakers on both
The order of the day for the parties took a share in the debate,
committal of the bill being read but scarcely any thing remained
on June 26th, Sir J. Newport rose except recapitulation of the seve
to propose a clause, “ that it be an ral events which had taken place
injunction to the committee to in the former part of the year.
limit the duration of the bill till On the division, the reading was
the lst of December next." Lord carried by 195 to 65. An amend
Castlereagh said that the motion ment was afterwards proposed by
.was altogether unnecessary, be Mr. S. Wortley, with the approba
cause it Was competent to the tion of Lord Castlereagh, to leave
committee to fix the duration of out the words “ six weeks after
the bill at any period it thought the meeting of parliament," and
proper. But, waving the point of insert as the term of the bill the
form, he should object to the mo 1st of March 1818. On this a
tion upon principle; for if the further amendment was proposed
state of the country should be by Mr. \Vynne to substitute the
such as to require the further con 25th of December, 1817. The
tinuance of the act at the period House divided on the question,
stated in the motion, he did not “ that the lst of March do stand
know but that the calling togetherpart of the bill," which was de
gentlemen to attend Parliament cided by Ayes 15‘2, Noes 50. The
from the districts in which their bill was then passed.

[G g] CHAP- _
as] ANNUAL REGISTER, 18l7.

CHAPTER Vll.

Tbe Budget.

N June 20th, the House hav committee in a more convenient

ing resolved itself into a and uniform manner than that in
committee, the Chancellor of the which they had ever before been
Exchequer rose, and said that it submitted to them. On this point
would not be necessary for him he alluded to the directions given
to trouble the committee at any by act of parliament for the dis
very great length. He was of this charging of all balances between
opinion because, in the first place, the English and Irish exchequers
he had reason to hope that the to the 5th of January last, and
measures which he should recom for cancelling all grants on the
mend wcre not such as were likely consolidated fund which had not
to call forth much opposition; been realized on that day, and
and, in the next place, the House were not likely to be realized
came to the subject with more in within any moderate period The
formation respecting it than they consequence was, that from the
usually possessed previously to the 5th of January 0. new account was
opening of the budget. In conse opened for the consolidated trea
quence of the recommendation suries, and the technical distinc~
made to them in the speech from tions which had hitherto subsisted
the throne at the commencement between them were no more.
of the session, one of the earliest The committee appointed by
proceedings ol’ the Househad been that House to inquire into the
to appoint a committee to inquire expenditure and income of the
into the revenue and expenditure country had not encumbered their
of the country; the reports made report with a statement of the
by which would enable him to various distinctions of consoli
spare those whom he had the ho; dated fund, war taxes, and other
nour to address, the trouble of details of parliamentary appro
listening to many dry statements priation ; but had on the one side
of accounts. The consolidation of set down the whole amount of the
the English and Irish exchequers finances of the country, and on
had added the concerns of Ireland the other the sum total of its ex
to those on which he had been penditure. He regretted to state,
accustomed to address them 3 and that it appeared from the report,
a very considerable portion of la that the deticiency of the revenue
bour had been directed to incor for England, compared to that of
porate the accounts of the two the year preceding, amounted to
nations. The arrangements which ten per cent. and for Ireland to
had been made would bring them twenty per cent. ; but at the ter
under the consideration of the mination of a war like that which
“as

4' “MM/40MP -MMF, .m-( V.

 GENERAL HISTORY. [85
was just concluded, it could not Last year, under the same head,
be wondered at that part of the there had been required the sum of
population should be reduced to 1,613,1421. Here a reduction had
great distress. been effected of about 400,000l.,
Notwithstanding the unpleasant being about one fourth of the
circumstances to which he had whole. The miscellaneous ser
just referred, the means by which vices would call for a supply of
he proposed to meet the supplies 1,700,0001. including the sums
of the year, were, he thought, of already voted in the present ses
a nature perfectly unobjeetion sion. Last year, the" same. services
able, and amply sufficient. In the had required 2,500,000!. In this
usual form, he should first go instance, therefore, a reduction
through the supplies required in had been made of 800,0001. The
the present year, and then state total supply, therefore, that was
the ways and means to meet called for in the present year, ex
them. clusive of the interest of the fund
Army (including 1,500,0001. for ed debt, for the expense of the
extraordinaries, and exclusive of several establishments for twelve
troops in France,) 9,080,0001. months (not on the peace establish
For 1816, it would be remem ment. for he was far from think
bered the total sum granted on ing we had yet arrived at what
account of the army, amounted to might properly be so called,) would
10,809,713”. amount to l8,()01,000[., or what,
The grant last year on account speaking in round numbers, he
of the navy (exclusive of the grant would call 18,000,0001. It would
for the reduction of the navy debt) be remembered, that at the open
amounted nearly to 10,000,000l. ing of the present session, his no
(It was more exactly stated ble friend had estimated the ex
9,964,195l.) penditure of the year for the
In the present year the grant services he had enumerated at
required for the navy was 18,300,000l. The actual supply
6,000,000l.-exclusive of a grant called for came below the esti
of 1,660,000l. for the reduction mated sum by almost 300,0001.
of navy debt. Last year, the grants for the same
To the grant of last year a very services amounted to 24,887,000l.
considerable sum might also be The reduction effected in the pre
added, as in 1816 there had been sent year, it would therefore be
paid off 2,000,000l. of the navy seen, fell little shortof7,000_000l.,
debt. The sum appropriated to being considerably more than one
this purpose had been taken from fourth, and amounting to very near
the unapplied money remaining in one- third of the whole. In addition
the exchequer from the grants of to the 18,000,000l required for
1815. The whole sum, therefore, the proper service of the year, a
which had been applied to the further provision would be ne
service of the navy in the last year, cessary on account of the un
amounted to nearly '1'2,000,000L funded debt. In the first instance
The ordnance created in the pre there was a charge of 1,900,0001.
sent year a charge of 1,213,000]. for the interest on exchequer bills
1, e
861 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
the principal of which would be
discharged in the course of the On winding up the accounts be
present year. This item, though
large, the committee would look
upon with satisfaction, when they
considered how much the im
proved state of public credit less_
ened the charge thus incurred in
providing for the ways and means
of the year. A'proper idea of this
might be formed, when it was
considered, that what cost the
country almost 2300,0001. for
the service of 1816, would in the
present year create but a charge
of 1,900,0001. upon an amount of
principal considerably increased;
and when it was further borne in
mind, that a few years ago the
same operation would have occa
sioned an expense of 2,500,0001.
The sinking fund on the money
thus kept floating as unfunded
debt would amount to 880,000l.
making a total charge on amount
of exehequer bills of 2380,0001.
tween the English and Irish ex—
chequers an advance had been
found necessary in order to clear
up all demands on the consolidated
fund of Ireland to the 5th of Ja
nuary last, from which period they
had started on a new account. This
had caused a grant to be called
for (in order to make good the
permanent charges of Ireland up
to that time), of 246,508!. To
wards the reduction of the navy
and transport debt, a supply was
demanded of 1,660,0001. There
was thus, it would be seen, a new
total of 4,136,508!. to provide for
the charges of unfunded debt, or
to make good previously existing
deficiencies, which formed no part
of the supply necessary for the
service of the year. The different
items and the grand total were as
follows : “4%

surrues.

Army (including 1,500,0001. for extra

ordinaries, and exclusive of troops in
France.....‘... . . . . . . . . . . . .. £9,080,000
Navy (exclusive of grant for the reduc- _
tion of navy debt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. , 6,000,000
Ordnance . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,221,800
Miscellaneous..... . . . . .. 1,700,000

Total supply for the service of the year

£18,001,300
Interest on exchequer bills. . . 1,900,000
Sinkin fund on ditto . . . . . . . 830,000
To magic good the permanent
charges of Ireland to Jan. 5,
1817.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 246,508
,Towards reduction of navy and .
transport debt . . . . . . . . . . . 1,660,000
4,136,508

. £22,;s7,sos
 GENERAL HISTORY,
He had now to call the attem
tion of the committee to the man'
ner in which he proposed to meet
the above demands. The first ar
ticle which ,he should notice was
the annual duties on malt, sugar,
tobacco, and some other articles
which had been taken at the usual
amount of 300,0001. The com
mittee were aware that those du»
ties always produced considerably
more than the sum of 300,000l.
charged upon them, and that the
surplus was carried into the con
solidated fund.
He next prop05ed to avail him
self of the ways and means for
1815 and 1816 exceeding the a
mount of the supplies which re~
mained to be paid out of them.
The sum for the former year was
15,7491. and for the latter
1,849,8101. These sums formed
what, in the language of the ox
chequer, was called surplus of
ways and means. He did not,
however, mama to take credit for
them as a genuine surplus, as in
in fact they became disposable
only in consequence of parliament
having, since they were granted,
made a different provision for'
great part of the supplies charged
upon them ; whereby they became
applicable to the service of the
present year, instead of those for
which they were originally pro
vided. The whole, after retaining
a sufficient sum to pay the sup
plies charged on them, amounted
to 1,865,5591. arising in great
part. from the temporary excise
duties, upon which 3,500,0001.
had been granted in 1816, but of
which sum only 1,494,59‘2i. had
been received on the 5th of April
last. There remained, therefore,
tov he received on that day
[£7
2,005,4081., and it was estimated
that before the 5th of April 1818
they Would produce the further
sum of 1,soo,oool.\ for which,
therefore, he should take credit
as the next item in the ways and
means of the present year.
He should in the next place
advert to the amount of the con
solidated fund remaining at the
disposal of parliament on the 5th
of April last. In this case also a
surplus had been produced by the
recent proceedings of parliament.
A considerable deficiency had ac
crued in the produce of the con
solidated fund on the 5th of Ja
nunry, but that deficieracy having
been nude good by subsequent
votes of the House, and all grants
Meeting the consolidated fund
having betncancelled by act of
parliament, its surplus produce on
the-5th of April remained dis
posable for the service of the pre
sent year. The sums now remaim
ing in the eschequer of Great
Britain and Ireland, and which he
should propose to vote on this ac
count, amounted to 1fi25,978l. or
in round numbers 1326,0001.
The lottery was taken at
950,0001. and though this might
appear a larger sum than that of
last year, yet, when the whole ac
count was comparcd, it would be
found that the lottery was re
duced 50,000l. instead of be
ing so much higher, as one. third
of the profit of the lottery had last
year been reserved for Ireland,
according to the practice which
had prevailed ever since the union,
whereas this year the whole esti~
mated profit was carried to one
account. The whole amount was
therefore taken at 300,0001. in
1816, and at only 9250,0001. in
the
88] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
the present year. The next item on the 5th of April 1818, was
be had to state to the committee 1,500,0001. These several items
was that arising from the sale of of ways and means amounted al
old naval stores, the amount of together to 9,541,537L; so that
which he estimated for the last there was required to make good
year at 400,0001. There was one the supply 12,600,000l. This he
item more he had to include in proposed to raised by Irish trea
the ways and means for the year. sury bills to the amount of
It was the arrears of the property 3,600,000!., and a new issue of
tax, of which a considerable sum 900,000l. of exchequer bills. Hav
was due on the 5th 01’ April last. ing concluded these statements,
The whole arrear estimated likely he would now recapitulate the dif—
to be receivedin the year ending ferent items of the
WAYS AND MEANS

£3,000,000—Annual Duties . £3,000,000

Disposable 1815 15,749
Ways and Means 1816. .0. . 1,849,810
1,865,559
3,500,000-—Excise Duties continued
(after satisfying the grant thereon for
the year 1816). . . . . .. . . . . . .. 1,300,000
Money remaining at the disposal of
parliament of the consolidated fund
at April 5, 1817.. ....... .. 1325,978
250000—Lottery..
Oldstores..... . . . . --b . . . . . . . . . . .. 250,000
400,000
Arrears of property tax received or to
be received between the 5th of April,
1817, and 5th of April 1818. . . .. . . 1,500,000

9,541,537
Irish treasury bills . . . . . . . 8,600,000
Ext‘hequer bills . . , . . . . . . . 9,000,000
-—12,600,000
22,141,537

The first total of the ways and expenditure. It was therefore

means which he had stated, name
ly, the 9,541,5371. might be re
garded as the ready money ac
tually in the exchequer, or which
would be received in the course
of the year; but that was the
whole ‘which the ordinary re
sources offered for covering» the
r
t '
clear, that the above balance of
12,600,000l. was necessary to
equalize the ways and means and
the supply ; and he was convinced
that that sum could not be raised
in a way more advantageous to
the country than that which he
had proposed, He should, in the
first
 GENERAL HISTORY.
first place, endeavour to explain
to the committee how the account
of the 8,600,0001. Irish treasury
bills stood. The House would
recollect that before Easter there
had been a grant of 4,9000,000l.
for repaying certain Irish trea
sury bills. Upon communication
with the bank of England and the
bank of Ireland (the whole of the
treasury bills being held by them),
it was found that the directors of
those establishments were dis
posed to exchange the hills they
held for new bills. Two hundred
and fifty thousand pounds had
however already been paid to the
bank of Ireland, and as that
body required 5 per cent. inte
rest, it was not thought advise
able to renew the whole sum now
outstanding, but to pay ofi‘, as
occasion ofi'ered, such bills as
were held by the bank of Ireland.
Only a small part of the Irish
treasury bills in their hands were
however due till December and
January next, and it would there
fore be time enough to make ar
rangements for paying them off
after the next meeting of parlia
ment. The remaining sum of
9,000,000l. he proposed, as he
had already stated, to raise by
exchequer bills; and he was the
more induced to take this propon
tion of the deficiency in that way,
as the bank of England in its ne
gociations would be satisfied with
a more moderate rate of interest
than was paid in Ireland. Before
the meeting of parliament he could
have borrowed twelve millions by
an advance upon exchequer bills
from one set of contractors, and
on terms which then appeared
favourable; but from the appear
ance of the money market, he
[89
thought it better not to avail him
self of it, and to take the chance
of making a more advantageous
arrangement, in which he had,
succeeded even beyond his expec
tations. He had indeed found the
state of the market such, that by
issuing exchequer bills gradually
in preference to borrowing in one
sum upon the same sort of secu
rity, he had saved 300,0001. in
annual interests. The power of
the money market to take ofl’
9,000,0001. of exchequer bills, he
thought could not be questioned,
when it was considered, that of
the 4‘2,000,000L previously grant
ed by parliament '27 ,000,000l. had
already been put into circulation
in the course of the present ses
sion. There were, therefore,
only bills to the amount of
15,000,000l. further to be is
sued. The 9,000,000l. he now
proposed to add would make
“£4,000,0001. and, all things con
sidered, he apprehended that there
would not be more thrown into
the market than could be easily
absorbed. It ought at the same
time to be recollec'bed, that as the
interest had been reduced from
5% per cent. to 35, there was a
saving in that respect of H, per
cent. From the measure he pro
posed, he therefore had reason to
expect great advantage both to
the agriculture and commerce of
the country, and he doubted whe
ther it would have been possible
to derive equal benefit from any
other arrangement. Although the
revenue, from causes over which
his Majesty's ministers could have
no control, had fallen short six or
eight millions, there had been an
evident improvement in our public
credit. It might be recollected,
that
 901 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
that when he addressed the House
last year on the financial situation
of the country, the three per
cent. consols. were only between
62 and 63; at present they were
above 74. This was an improve
ment of twelve per cent. on 62.
which, calculated upon 100 l.
stock, was equal to nearly 20 per
cent. The exchcquer bills were
then at an interest of 5} per cent.,
and were sold at par. Those now
in circulation bore an interest of
only 3} per cent.; and on this
very day those bills bore 128.
premium. These were circum
stances which proved the manifest
advantage of the system he had
pursued, and now proposed to
continue. But it was not in the
money market only that the be
neficial influence of that system
had been felt. A proportional im
provement was experienced in
every description of property in
thecountly. Large sums had
already been sold out of the funds,
and applied in aid of the landed
interest, in purchases of real pro
pei'ty.an(l advances upon mort
gages. Similar accommodation
had been afforded to the commer
cial interests of ~the country by
the increasing facility and cheap
ness of discount. Another most
important improvement in. the
situation of the country had taken
place since his last financial state
ment in the virtual resumption of
cash payments by the bank. When
he had suggested that the bank
might be enabled to pay in specie
in the course of two years, his
statement was received with ridi
cule and incredulity. The sug
gestion which he threw out had,
however, been~complete1y real
' ized; for the payments in cash
had been for every practicable
purpose resumed. He could not
but congratulate the House and
the country upon the removal of
the doubts and alarms which had
been entertained on this subject.
None of the evils which had been
so profusely foretold, had occur
red ; and this great change had
been accomplished without any
shock or danger to public credit.
Those who had with regret anti
cipated these mischievous conse
quences, he was sure, would now
ioin with him in rejoicing at the
state in which our country was
now placed. The notes of the
Bank of England had even during
the restriction been preferred to
those of every other bank in
Europe. What then must be the
efl'ect of the removal of that re
striction? A third circumstance,
to which he could not but call the
attention of the committee with
peculiar satisfaction, was that,
with regard to the public debt,
the expectations he held out last
year had been more than ‘re
alized. He had stated an expecta
tion that it would be reduced at
least 3,000,000L: the balance of
debt repaid exceeded this sum.
The amount paid in 1816 had
been stated by the committee on
finance at 9,400,0001.; but from
this sum it might be fair to make
a deduction of 6,000,000L, which
formed part of the loans raised
for the service of 1815, but which
had not been paid into the cx»-_
chequcr till 1816; so that the
actual balance discharged was
3,400,0001. This was most SatlS!
factory: butitwas notall; forsince
the let of Nevember 1815, at
which time the national debt stood
at its highest amount, thirty-two
millions
 GENERAL HISTORY. [91
millions of capital stock had ac steady restoration of our revenues
tually been purchased up. 11", and our former prosperity. He
instead of borrowing exchequer had taken the liberty of stating
bills, he had funded capital stock, this much, merely to impress on
it would have been impossible to the recollection of the committee,
have operated a reduction of the that even under the unfavourable
debt to the same extent. Whe circumstances of the last year,
ther there would be an equal di all the benefits which he had held
minution of debt in the present out as likely to result from the
year as in the last, was what he plans he had proposed had been
could not pretend to assert. He more than realized. He antici
did not wish to state a positive pated a still more sensible im
opinion on the subject; 'but be provement; but he sincerely
estimated that, with some addi trusted that the country would
tion to the 12,600,0001. he had never find it necessary to resort
already mentioned, he might to any of those desperate and dan
have to borrow altogther about gerous remedies which some per
14,000,000l., and that it was pro sons had thought it proper to re
bable there would be paid off commend. It 'was alone upon
about 16}. There might, there the firmness of parliament and
fore,- be a diminution, not of 8%, the loyalty of the people, that the
as in the last year, but probably security of public credit and the
of ‘l§ millions. restoration of national prospe
With the improvement of our rity depended. He had now only
finances, he looked forward to a to state, that he estimated the
speedy improvement in the inter amount of the interest of the ex
nal comfort and prosperity of the chequer and treasury , bills ne
country. [Hear, hear!] He did cessary to meet the supply at
not consider this expectation no 450,000!. and he contemplated
reasonable. A great part of the that that sum would be saved by
public distress arose, not from any the reduction which had taken
derangement in our domestic af place in the interest of unfunded
fairs, but from the general state debt since the last session of par
of Europe. At a time when all liament. Thus the public would
over the continent many were be subjected to no new charge
struggling for the mere necessa whatever. He concluded by mou
ries of life, it was not to be ex ing, “ That, towards making
pected that there could he a great good the supply granted to his
demand for our manufactures. Majesty, there be issued and ap
This country fortunately had’not plied the sum of 15,7491. 15s.
been reduced to so low a state as 2d. remaining in the receipt of
some others had, but we could the exchequer of Great Britain of
not expect to escape without shar— the surplus of the grants for the
ing in the general calamity. - If, year 1815." v
however, Providence blessed us The several resolutions were
with a favourable harvest, he agreed to.
should confidently hope to see a
' t?
CHAP
 99] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.

CHAPTER VIII.

Continuance of Irish Insurrection Act—Mr Wilberforce's Molion for an

Address to the Prince Regent relative to the Foreign Slave Trade—Par
liament clown—Prince Regent's Speech.

IRISH INSURBIC’I‘ION ACT. or petit juries; and to sentence

N June 13th the order of the
day being on the subject of
going into a committee on the
bill for continuing the Irish In
surrection Act, Sir Henry Parnell
rose to more that it should be re
ferred to a committee for this day
se'nnight, in place of this evening,
for the purpose of the appoint
ment of a committee to inquire
whether there existed any neces
city for such a measure. The
chief secretary for Ireland had
laid before the House, in the last
and present session, certain docu
ments referring to disturbances
in Ireland, the latter of which
mentioned outrages which had
occurred in the county of Louth.
It was upon the last of these do
cuments that the right hon. gen
tleman had called upon the House
to continue these most severe
and unconstitutional measures;
but it was incumbent upon the
House to exercise its inquisito
rial powers, and to examine whe
ther the disturbed state of only
four baronies in one county of
Ireland was a sufficiently strong
case for such an expedient. The
law was one of uncommon sere
rity: it went to create six new
transportable offences; to enable ance of the Insurrection Act. '
the magistrates at sessions to pro
ceed to trial without either grand
persons guilty of no greater crime
than being absent from their
homes after sunset, to be trans
ported for seven years. But the
right hon. gentleman, in pallia
tion of his case, says, “ the law is
not general; the House may de
pend upon the moderation of the
magistrates in requiring its en
forcement, and upon the forbear
ance of government." But the
occurrence in the county of Louth
fully proved the disposition of the
magistrates ; for they were led to
apply to government in conse
quence of asingle outrage, which,
though not of great enormity, had
the ell'ect of producing a com
pliance with their wishes. The
continuance of the Insurrection
Act appeared to the hon. member
particularly objectionable, because
it seemed to be one intended to
complete the new system for the
future government of Ireland.
Though we were now in a state
of peace with all the world, the
right hon. gentleman had pro
ceeded just as if we were in the
midst of a war. He had first ob
tained an arms bill; he had then
made his own particular law, the
peace act, stronger than before;
and he now aims at the continu
The hon. baronet Would not go
so far as to say, that the facts
produced
 GENERAL HISTORY. [93
produced showed that the Insur be exercised on its responsibility
rection bill was not necessary; when the emergency arose. The
but they certainly proved the pro hon. baronet proposed that the
priety of making some inquiry bill should be suspended till fur
before the measure was adopted. ther inquiry should be made by a
If a committee were appointed, committee. For his own part he
he should himself be prepared to saw no reason for the appoint
point out some means for strength ment of such a committee. If
ening the civil power. He con there was a measure brought
cluded by moving, “ that the bill before Parliament on which it
be committed this day se‘nnight.” was competent to decide, without
Mr. V. Fitzgerald said he could the delay of a committee, it was
see no good ground for even a the present. There never came
day's delay. The act had been before Parliament a case in which
passed by several successive par government had more clearly
liaments, and no gentleman could offered the grounds on which it
be supposed ignorant of its con called for permission to act upon
tents; and being new near its its responsibility, and on which
expiration, it was thought neces the House had received better
sary to revive it, lest the govern means of judging whether it
ment of Ireland should be di ought to be granted. The hon.
vested of its present powers. The baronet had said that the lnsur~
government proclamation applied rection Act was an evil, in which
only to Louth, but the outrage he (Mr. Peel) fully concurred;
was to be considered as coupled but unhappily there was now only
with the general state of the coun a choice of evils; and was it bet
try. Every day produced fresh ter to give to government the
outrages ; and at length there was power of preserving tranquillity
an unanimous request from the even by a severe measure, or to
magistrates, and from a county allow the country to be converted
meeting, after which the procla into a scene of confusion by with
mation was issued. holding the present act ?
Mr. Peel said, that he was led Sir W. Burroughs entered into
to attend to the county of Louth an examination of the several
more particularly, because the clauses of the act, and commented
disturbances which called for its in strong terms on its severity.
exercise there, were more recently He particularly dwelt upon the
laid before the House, and the great disproportion between the
atrocities with which they were numbers apprehended and the
accompanied had made the deep numbers convicted in the several
est impression on the country. counties; and argued, that as it
His argument was, that thOugh was to be presumed that the petty
the country was generally tran sessions had done their duty,
quil, yet if there was one part of therefore all those acquitted had
it so disturbed that the laws could been justly acquitted, and had
not be executed in their usual consequently been wrongfully ar
course, it was necessary to arm rested.
the government with this act, to After some further discussions,
Sir
 94] ANNUAL REGISTER, is”.
Sir H. Parnell's amendment was purposes fixed upon the very same
put and negatived. The House spot; and in consequence, great
then resolved itself into a com numbers of natives of Spain, or
mittee, when Sir W. Burroughs others who sailed under the Spa
proposed to limit the duration of nish flag. now frequented that
the bill to six weeks after the quarter. In places where schools
meeting of the next session of had been established, and efforts
Parliament; which was nega had been made to induce the
tived, and the duration was fixed Chieftains to supply their wants
at one year. by peaceful industry and legiti
It does not appear that any mate commerce, the Spaniards
further proceedings took place now came to persuade them to
during the passage of this bill return to their old habits by sell
through either of the Houses. ing their subjects, or making war
upon their neighbours. Ships are
FOREIGN SLAVE TRADI.
crowded beyond all precedent. As
On July 9th, Mr. Wilberforce the persons engaged in this illicit
rose to bring forward a motion, traffic were apprehensive of being
the object of which was to give taken, they constructed vessels
Weight to the executive power in not calculated for stowage, but
its negotiations with foreign coun for quick sailing, whence the mi
tries. He lamented to say, that series of these unhappy beings
among those powers which had were increased. In an instance
declared their intention of abo it had been stated, that of 540
lishing the Slave Trade, there negroes embarked, 340 had died.
were no appearances of being dis Of the slaves procured by the
posed to carry the purpose into Spaniards, the greater part were
etfect; and that the subjects of sent to the Havannah. By a paper
some of the powers were even which had been obtained by the
engaged in carrying on this odious Cortes, it appeared that there had
traffic. He Was sorry to be been imported into that colony in
obliged to state, that under the eleven years, from 1799 to 1811,
flag of America this trade was in about 110,000, or 10,000 per
some measure practised; that at year; and in the three last years
Goree and Senegal it was vigo the importation was much greater.
rously pursued ; that a charge had The Spanish and Portuguese flags
been brought in one instance formed also a 00ver for the illicit
against Holland; but that the traders of other nations. It had
great evil in which all others been decided by high authority to
sunk into insignificance, was the be law, that though Portuguese
trade now carried on for slaves by vessels might be found trading
Portugal and Spain. The latter for slaves in parts which they
power seemed as if they almost had renounced the right to trade
intended to ridicule our efl‘orts for to, they could not be made a
the amelioration of the state of prize unless they had intruded
Africa. When we had particu upon our possessions. The ships
larly chosen a part of the coast of Spain, when questioned, often
for our etforts in introducing ei defended themselves, or antici
vilization, the Spaniards for their pated attack by aggression. Tl‘lheiy
3- .v
 GENERAL HISTORY. [95
had, indeed, committed acts of declaration which was promul
piracy of the most flagrant kind. gated by the plcnipotentiaries' of
They had driven away the native all the principal powers of Eu
merchants from the coast, to keep rope, assemblcd in their general
it clear for their horrible traffic. congress; a declaration which well
After some further observations, became the just and powerful 50¢
Mr. Wilberforce concluded with vereigns in whose names it was
moving, “That an humble address issued; proclaiming to their sub
be presented to his Royal High jects and to the world, their delibe
ness the Prince Regent, most rate conviction, that " the African
humbly to represent to his Royal slave trade is repugnant to the
Highness, that, in bringing to a principles of humanity and of y,
close the other business of this universal morality," and adding
session, a great and important to that avowal, the gracious and
duty stills remains to be perform solemn assurance of their earnest
ed by Parliament, that of again desire “ to put an end to a scourge
submitting to his Royal Highness, which has so long desolated Afri'
in the most dutiful but urgent ca, degraded Europe, and afiiictcd
terms, the expression of our con humanity:
tinued and unceasing solicitude "That we must indeed deeply
for the universal and final aboli regret, that practices acknow
tion of the African slave trade : ledged to be of such a character
“ That we are grateful for the should, even for an hour, be con
efi‘orts already made, and for the tinued, and even tolerated under
progress which we have had the the sanction of any civilized and
happiness to witness, in the Christian government; but that
achievement of this great work: it is impossible for us to doubt of
That we rejoice that, in all his that ultimate determination by
Majesty‘s dominions, this wicked which these crimes and miseries
ness is now for ever proscribed, will finally be terminated :' this
and that our laws have stigmatiz engagement has been deliberately
ed it by severe and ignominious taken, and publicly and unequi
punishment : vocally announced, and its per
“ That we have seen, with un formance is imperiously required
speakable satisfaction, that so by every motive of interest, and
many of the other nations, under of honour, of humanity, and of
whose flag this criminal traffic justice :
had formerly been protected, had “' That we beg leave, however,
now joined in the same prohibi with all humility, to represent to
tion, and have contracted with his his Royal Highness, that the an
Majesty, and with each other, the tual attainment of this great ob
obligation of persevering in it, as ject can alone discharge our coun
in a duty from which they never try from the obligation of purs‘u_
can be released: and that our ing it with unremitterl attention
confident expectations of the uni and with daily increasing earnest
versal adoption of that prohibition ness ; and that we cannot disguise
have been greatly confirmed and from ourselves the painful cer
strengthened by that memorable tainty, that the intermediate sus
peuse
96] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
pense and delay not only prolong,
but greatly augment, the evil
which we are thus labouring to
remedy :
“ That it appears to us but too
notorious, that these crimes, bi
therto partially checked by the pro
hibition of so many just govern
ments, and by the abhorrence of
all good men, are now again re
newed, and are carried on with
fresh, and continually increasing
activity; that many of the sub
jects of those powers which have
concurred in the abolition, are
found, nevertheless, still to pur
sue the some nefarious course;
that the stipulations, by which
other governments have consented
to put limits to this evil, stipula
tions purchased by this country at
the price of large sacrifices, are
constantly, and almost openly
disregarded ; while the protection
of the only remaining flag under
which this wickedness can now
be carried on without limit or re
straint, and the intervention of
the only nation to which its con
tinuance is indiscriminately per
mitted, are used, not merely to
protect this horrible traffic in the
extent to which that people for
merly pursued it, but as a sane
tion to its indefinite increase in
their hands, and as a cover for
the breach of the laws by which
all other civilized communities
have restrained their subjects from
embarking in it :
“ That, in humbly submitting
these painful circumstances to the
humane and enlightened consider
ation of his Royal Highness, we
are sure it cannot be requisite to
dwell upon the other and great
evils which they necessarily in
wlve: that this state of things future and still greater mischiefs
has led, by manifest and necessary
consequence, to a system of arm
ed defiance and outrage, at system
utterly destructive of all peaceful
commerce, insulting to legitimate
authority, and, in its efl‘ects and
consequences, little, if at all, short
of open piracy: that this system
also impedes, or rather it altm
gether frustrates, the just and
benevolent endeavours of those
powers, who are labouring to in—
troduce among the natives of
Africa the arts, and habits of civi
lized life ; is productive of perpe—
tual contest and irritation, leading
not unfreqnently to open violence
between his Majesty’s ships and
subjects, and those of the sove
reigns in amity and alliance with
this country; and continually en
dangers even those relations, the
maintenance of which is of the
utmost moment to their interests
and to ours, as well as to the ge
neral repose and tranquillity of
Europe :
“ To represent to his Royal
Highness, that being deeply im
pressed with the magnitude of all
these considerations, we earnestly
entreat his Royal Highness, that»
he will be pleased to pursue with
unremitted activity, those negoti
ations into which he has already
entered on this most momentous
subject ; that he will establish for
this purpose the most effective
concert with those sovereigns,
whose just and benevolent princi
ples respecting it, have already
been announced to the world in
concurrence with his own; and
that he will leave no effort untried
to bring the present evils to a
speedy and immediate termina
tion, and thereby to prevent the
which
~ Mei
 GENERAL HISTORY.
which their continuance must in
evitably produce.
“ That we confidently hope
that his Royal Highness's urgent
but friendly representations will
produce their desired etfect; yet
that in justice to the great in—
terests that are at stake, we can
not but feel it our indispensable
duty, to express our confident ex
pectation, that if all his Royal
Highness‘s amicable endeavours
should prove unavailing, the great
powers which, at the congress of
Vienna, so honourably announced
to the world their abhorrence of
the slave trade, as radically un
just and cruel, will deem them
selves compelled by an over-ruling
sense of duty, to adopt, however
reluctantly, such a course of com
mercial policy, as, without in
fringing on the just rights of any
other nation, will alone prevent
their indirectly, but powerfully,
contributing to the continued ex
istence of this inhuman trailic:
“ That there is one important
truth, which we beg leave most
earnestly to press on his Royal
Highness‘s most serious attention,
a truth which painful experience
has too fully taught us, that,
however strong may be the pro
hibitions of the slave trade, and
with how great sincerity 50ever
they may be issued, they will prove
practically inefficient, unless some
general concert for ascertaining
and bringing to punishment the
offending parties, be mutually es
tablished between the several pow
ers, tinder whose flags this trade
has been, or may be carried on :
“ That we must once more de
clare to his Royal Highness, that
in enforcing these considerations
on his Royal Highness‘s most
serious attention, we are actuated
VoL. LIX.
[97
not merely by the feelings of hu
manity, but by the poaitive dic
tates of duty and conscience:
that it is by these motives, and not
as claiming any superiority in
point of humanity or of morals,
that We are actuated in our earn
est desires to obtain the co-opera
tion of all other civilized nations :
that, rememberingr how long and
how largely this country contri
buted to augment the miseries,
and perpetuate the barbarism of
Africa, we cannot but esteem our
selves specially and peculiarly
bound, not to leave that vast con
tindtt in its present degraded
state, but to endeavour, so far as
we may be able, both by our own
conduct, and in concert with other
powers, to repair the wrongs we
have inflicted, by opening the way
for the diffusion of those blessings
which, under the favour of Pro
vidence, a legitimate commerce,
and a friendly intercourse with
the enlightened nations of Eu
rope, cannot fail to introduce in
their train."
Lord Castlereagh, while he com
plimented his honourable friend
on his steady perseverance in the.
great cause in which he had so
much distinguished himself, hinted
at the difficulty of coming to an
understanding with the two re
luctant powers without a danger
of injuring pendent negociations.
He therefore would not enter into
the subject at greater length at
present, but would not oppose
the address, because it expressed
the sentiments of his Majesty’s
government.
Occasion was then taken by
some members to give their opi
nions; but the address was agreed
to without opposition. v;
The session of parliament con
[H‘l eluded
98] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
eluded on July 12th, ‘with the matter of deep regret; and you
following speech from his Royal may rely on my making a tempe
Highness the Prince Regent. rate but effectual use of them, for
“ My Lords and Gentlemen ; the protection and security of his
“ I cannot close this session of Majesty's loyal subjects.
parliament, without renewing my “ Gentlemen of the House of
expressions of deep regret at the Commons ;
continuance of his MaJesty‘s la “ I thank you for the supplies
mented indisposition. which you have granted to me;
“ The diligence with which you and for the laborious investigation
have applied yourselves to the which, at my recommendation,
consideration of the difl‘erent ob you have made into the state of
jects which I recommended to the income and expenditure of the
your attention at the commence country.
ment of the session, demands my " It has given me sincere plea
warmest acknowledgments; and sure to find that you have been
l have no doubt that the favour enabled to provide for every branch
able change which is happily of the public service without any
taking place in our internal situ addition to the burthens of the
ation, is to be mainly ascribed peeple.
to the salutary measures which “ The state of public credit
you have adopted for preserving afl‘ords a decisive proof of the
the public tranquillity, and to wisdom and expediency, under all
your steady adherence to those the present circumstances, of those
principles by which the constitu financial arrangements which you
tion, resources, and credit of the have adopted.
country have been hitherto pre “ I have every reason to believe
served and maintained. that the deficiency in the revenue
“ Notwithstanding the arts and is, in a great degree, to be as
industry which have been too suc cribed to the unfavourable state
cessfully exerted in some parts of of the last season ; and 1 look for- -
the country to alienate the affec ward with sanguine expectations
tions of his Majesty's subjects, to its gradual improvement.
and to stimulate them to acts of “ My Lords and Gentlemen ;
violence and insurrection, I have “ The measures which'were in
had the satisfaction of receiving progress at the commencement of
the most decisive proofs of the the session, for the issue of a new
loyalty and public spirit of the silver coinage, have been carried
great body of the people; and into execution in a manner which
the patience with which they have has given universal satisfaction;
sustained the most severe tempo and to complete the system which
rary distress cannot be too highly has been sanctioned by parliament,
commended. a gold coinage of a new denomi
“I am fully sensible of the nation has been provided for the
confidence which you have mani convenience of the public.
fested towards me, by the extra “ I continue to receive from'
ordinary powers which you have foreign powers the strongest as
placed in my hands: the necessity surances of their friendly disposi-
which has called for them is to me tion towards this country, and of
their
 GENERAL
their desire to preserve the general
tranquillity.
“ The prospect of an abundant
harvest throughout a considerable
part of the continent is in the
highest degree satisfactory. This
happy dispensation of Providence
cannot fail to mitigate, if not
wholly to remove, that pressure
under which so many of the na
tions of Europe have been sufi‘er
ing in the course of the last year;
and I trust that we may look for
ward in consequence to an im
provement in the commercial re
lations of this and of all other
countries.
HISTORY. [99
“ I cannot allow you to sepa
rate without recommending to
you, that upon your return to your
several counties, you should use
your utmost endeavours to defeat
all attempts to corrupt and mis
lead the lower classes of the com
munity; and that you should lose
no opportunity of inculcating a
mongst them that spirit of con
cord and obedience to the laws,
which is not less essential to their
happiness as individuals, than it
is indispensable to the general.
welfare and prosperity of the
kingdom."
[a a; case.
 1001 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
CHAPTER 1X.
Domestic Events—Course qf the Year.—Double suspension of the Habeas
Corpus.—Celebration of the Queen‘s and Prince Regent's Birth-Days.—
Trials.--Special Commission held at Derby.
nouas'rrc avssrs, 810.
HIS year commenced with
_ the distress spread through
the greatest part of Europe, in
consequence of the late and un
productive harvest of the last
autumn. Although the British
islandsvpartook in a smaller de
gree of the prevalent evil than
most other countries, from which
their free admission to all foreign
ports afl'orded them important re
lief, yet hardships fell heavy upon
certain districts too remote from
such tardy aid; and Ireland, espe
cially, suffered severely from the
want of the most essential articles
of human sustenance. We are
informed that the distress was ~50
great in particular parts, that the
poor people could find no other
resource than that of anticipating
their crop of potatoes by an un—
ripe product. As the year ad
vanced, however, better prospects
began to open; and it was the
general opinion that corn and
other products seldom ofi'ered a
more promising harvest to the
cultivator. Whether this promise
has not been exaggerated may be
a matter of doubt; at least it ap
pears certain that the year has
concluded with an advance in the
price of vwheat and barley which
could hardly have been expected
at the time of their first decline.
A distinguishing character of
the present year has been the
double suspension of the Habeas
Corpus Act; which, after being
one of the first parliamentary
measures at the beginning of the
session, was resumed near the
close of it, and voted to be conti
nued till the commencement of
another session, in consequence
of a renewed alarm. We refer to
our view of the debates in Parlia
ment for the particulars of this
remarkable contest; of the issue
of which we shall only observe,
that whilst the ministerial mem
bers expressed great regret at
being obliged to have recourse to a
temporary violation of the consti
tution for the purpose of prevent
ing the most urgent dangers,
their opponents held that no dan
ger was equal to the habit of en
trusting ministers, at their own
convenience or pleasure, with an
expedient fatal to liberty.
CELEBRATION or 'ras queen's
BIRTH-DAY.
Some months ago the Prince
Regent, with a view to relieve the
distresses of the manufacturing
classes, by affording them employ
ment, gave directions in the Ga
zette for the public celebration of
the Queen’s birth-day, and of his
own; and, in order to make the
relief more effectual, notice was
given, that it was expected, that
on both occasions all those who
should
 GENERAL HISTORY. [101
should attend the Court would to do so till half-past three. The
appear in dresses entirely of Bri Prince Regent arrived in state
tish manufacture. In further about half-past three: his carriage
pursuance of this plan, his Royal was preceded, surrounded, and
Highness ordered all his state and followed by a party of life-guards.
household officers to Wear costly The procession passed along in
dresses of home fabrication, and perfect silence. Most of the Royal
those dresses were directed to be Family went in state. The Duke
made into three classes of uni and Duchess of York arrived first;
forms, according to the respective then the Princess Charlotte and
ranks of those officers. The first Prince Leopold,- next the Duke
class consists of suits for the Lord and Duchess of Glocester ; and
Chamberlain, the Lord Steward, lastly, the Duke of Sussex and the
and the Groom of the Stole. The Princess Sophia of Glocester. The
coats are of dark purple, with Speaker of the House of Commons
crimson velvet collars, richly or went in state, and also the Au
namented all .over with gold. Not strian and Dutch ambassadors.
only those persons who are imme— Her Maje'sty entered the draw
diately under the command of the ing-room about two o'clock, and
Prince Regent had complied with first received the congratulations
the laudable direction of wearing of the foreign ambassadors, of the
British dresses, but all the com Cabinet Ministers, and of all who
pany present yesterday showed had the privilege of entré.
that they had been equally anxi
ous to afford relief to their suffer
PRINCE ancsnr's BIRTH-DAY. la
ing countrymen by employment, April 23, being St. George‘s
which is the only permanently day, had been selected as the day
useful mode of relief. on which the birth of the Prince
The Court, in honour of the Regent was in future to be ob
Queen’s birth-day, was at first served, instead of the 12th of
fixed for the 6th of February; but August, and a drawing-room, and
her Majesty being at that time other splendours, were of course
unable, from the effects of her appointed : but a sudden indispo
late illness, to bear the fatigues sition of the Queen, which occur
incident to these occasions, it was red in the course of the preceding
postponed to the ‘20th, when her night, prevented the drawing-room
Majesty was entirely recovered. from taking place. Her Majesty
The day was announced, as was taken ill at an early hour of
usual, by the ringing of bells and the morning. Sir Henry Halford
the salute of artillery; and the was immediately sent for, and at
people reminded by these intima tended the Royal patient tn ice be
tions, flocked in great numbers to fore nine o'eloek. Communica
the vicinity of the Queen's Palace. tions of the unlucky occurrence
The weather, which had been weredispatched to all the branches
very dull and rainy, began to of the Royal Family; and, in the
clear up about 2 o‘clock, and the I course of the morning, the streets
scene became very gay and mag leading to Buckingham-house and
nificent. The company began to St. James‘s were placarded with p
arrive about one, and continued bills, announcing the indisposi
tion
 102] ANN UAL REGISTER,
tion of her Majesty, and her ina
bility to receive company.
The morning was usheted in
with ringing of bells. 'l'he guards
mounted in white gaiters, and
wore new clothes. Carbon-house
was thronged dttring the whole of
the day with all ranks, paying
their respectful congratulations.
’lhe Tower guns fired at one
o‘clock ; the firing of the Park
guns was dispensed with in con
sequence of the indisposition of
the Queen.
TRIALS, &c.
()ne of the first trials upon an
accusation of the crime of sedition
was that o Niel Douglas, an uni
versul preacher in Glasgow, who
was charged with words spoken
in the pulpit in derogation of his
Majesty, of the Prince Regent,
and the whole House of Coni
mons. The trial took place iii the
high court of Justiciary in Edin
burgh on May 25 ; and the result
was, that after a due attention to
the evidence produced on both
sides, Douglas was declared not
guilty, and was dismissed from
the court.
A ttial in which the public was
much more interested was that
of the elder \Vatson, Surgeon, at
the mutt of King's Bench, W'est
minster Hall, accused of high
treason. It commenced on the
10th of June, and was continued
till Monday the 16th, when the
jury pronounced a verdict of Not
guilty. The other persons impli
cated in the saute accusation “ere
afterwards discharged by the law
0 ers. _ meant to be extended to all the
About the same time a disposi
tion to tumult and outrage broke
out in several of the midland and
northern counties, particularly
1817.
Lancashire, Yorkshire, Notting
hamshire. and Derbyshire. These
were for the most part speedily
quelled; and from a considerable
number sent for trial to Yorlt', the
whole were either pronounced
not guilty, or pretiously discharg
ed, with the exception of two, who
“ere detained by a secretary of
state's vttl'l'attt under the suspen
sion of the Habeas Corpus Act.
A more melancholy result ,suc
cecded the trial of a number of
prisoners, who were committed to
the gaol of Derby on a charge of
high treason. A special commis
sion was issued to fourjudges,who
in the month of October entered
upon their ofiice; and nothing
could be more honourable to the
criminal justice of the country
titan the manner in which it was
executed. After the persons who
had been adjudged worthy of death
had undergone their trial, Mr.
Dentnan requested of the court
that the prisoners remaining at
the bar might be permitted to
withdraw their plea of not guilty,
and substitute that of guilty. The
attorney-general readily consent
ing, nine prisoners were allowed
to amend their plea, and ten more
were permitted to join them. It
was generallyundei stood that their
punishment would be commuted
for some ligh‘el‘ sentence. Twelve
more next appeared at the bar,
whose names being called over,
the attorney-general rose, and
after a speech displaying much
feeling, made a declaration that
his painful task was now closed,
and that the hand of mercy was
rest. The devoted number were
only three, Brztndreth, Turner,
and Ludlam, who were executed
at Derby on November 7th.
CHAP
 m‘ ~w'

GENERAL HISTORY. [103

CHAPTER X.
France—Decree respecting Slaves introduced in the Colonies.—Negocia
tions with the Allied P0wers.—Ordinance concerning the Debts qf the
City of Paris—Disturbances at Lyons—Royal Ordinances for the
creation of Majorats.—Electi0n for the Chamber ofDeputies, and Royal
Speech.--P1‘0ject of a Law for the Press.—Law for the establishment
of Religion.

FRANCE nsoocu'rrons, &c.

HE following article made its Early in the year negociations
appearance in the French were carried on between the court
papers in the month of January, of France, and the four principal
by order of.his Majesty. allies, for the purpose of alle
viating the burden under which
Louis, &c. that country was severely op
_ Art. 1. Every vessel, whether pressed, in consequence of the
French or foreign, which shall foreign armies held by its prin
attempt to introduce into any of cipal towns. The result was the
our colonies purchased blacks, following oflicial note presented
shall be confiscated, and the cap to the Duke of Richelieu by the
tain, if a. Frenchman, shall be held several resident ministers of she
incapable of holding a command. powers in question.
The whole cargo shall in like
manner be confiscated, although OFFICIAL NOTE RELATIVE TO THE
not consisting of slaves : with re DIMlNUTION OF THE ARMY OF

spect to the negroes, they shall be OCCUPATION.

employed on public works of uti The Courts of Austria, Eng

lity in the colony. land, Prussia, and Russia, having
Art. 2. The contraventions for taken into consideration the desire
bidden in the preceding article manifested by his most Christian
shall be; tried according to the Majesty to have the numbers of
some forms as contraventions of the Army of Occupation dimi
the laws and regulations for fo nished, and proportionably the
reign commerce. As for the pro amount of charge occasioned by
duce of the confiscations pronounc its presence on the French terri
ed in conformity to the said arti tory, have authorized the under
cle, it shall be realized and sup signed to make the following
plied in the same manner as the communication to his Excellency
produce of confiscations pronounc the Duke de Richelieu, President
ed in matters of the contravention of the Council of Ministers, and
of the laws concerning foreign Secretary of State for the Depart
commerce. mentof Foreign Afl'airs :—
Given at the Thuilleries, 81¢. At the time when the King,
Jan. 8, 1817. re-eltablished upon his throne and
put
104) ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
put in possession of his legitimate the same wishes and the same in
and constitutional authority, en terests.
deavoured to discover, in concert The great result desired and
with the other powers, the most looked to by all Europe could be
efficacious means of consolidating neither the work of a moment,
internal order in France, and of nor the efl'ect of a single effort.
associating his kingdom to the The Allied Powers have observed
system of good understanding and with a constant attention, but not
general pacification interrupted by with astonishment, the difl'erences
the troubles which were scarcely of opinion which have prevailed as
put an end to; it was found that tothe mode of obtaining it. In
the temporary presence of an Al this attitude they have looked to
lied Army was absolutely neces the superior wisdom of the King
sary both to secure Europe against for the measures proper to fix un
the consequences of agitations, certainty, and to give to his ad
the renewal of which were threat ministration a firm and regular
ened, and to atl‘ord to the Royal march ; not doubtingthnt he would
authority the opportunity of ex unite with the dignity of the throne
ercising in tranquillity its bene and the rights of his crown, that
volent influence, and of strength magnanimity which, after civil
ening itself by the attachment discord, assures and encourages
and submission of all French the weak ; and, by an enlightened
men. confidence, excite the zeal of all
The solicitulle of his mostChris his other subjects. _
tian Majesty to render this indis Experience having already hap
pensable expedient the least one pily fulfilled, as far as the nature
rous to his subjects, and the wis of things will allow, the hopes of
dom which directed all the ar Europe upon this subject, the Al
rangements stipulated at that pe— lied Sovereigns, eager to contri
riod, led them to anticipate by bute to this great work, and to
common accord the case in which give to the nation the means of
the diminution of the Army of enjoying all the benefits which
Occupation might take place with the efforts and the wisdom of the
out weakening the- motives, or King are preparing for it, do not
injuring the great interests, which hesitate to regard the present
had rendered its presence ne state of atfairs as suflicient to de
cessary. termine the question which they
These conditions the under have been called upon to decide.
signed have great satisfaction in The good faith with which the
retracing; they Consist in the King‘s government has hitherto
firm establishment of the legiti fulfilled the engagements entered
mate dynasty, and in the success into with the Allies, and thev care
of the efi‘orts and endear/ours of which has been taken to provide
his most Christian Majesty to com for the diiferent services 'of the
press factions, dissipate errors, current year, by adding to the re
tranquillize passions, and unite all sources arising from the revenues
Frenchmen around the throne by of the state those of a credit, gua
4; ‘ ranted
 qfi—‘v

GENERAL HISTORY. [105

ranteed by foreign and national joy all the advantages arising
banking-houses the most consi from the said reduction, conform
derable in Europe, have also re ably to existing treaties and con
moved the difficulties which might ventions.
otherwise have justly arisen upon In communicating so marked a
this point of the proposed ques testimony of friendship and confi
tion. dence to his most Christian Ma
These considerations have at the jesty, on the part of their august
same time been strengthened by masters, the undersigned have at
the opinion which his Excellency the same time to dvclare to his
Marshal the Duke of Wellington Excellency the Duke de Richelieu,
has been requested to give respec~ how much the principles of the
ing an object of such great im ministry over which he presides,
portance. and those which are personal to
The favourable opinion and the himself, have contributed to esta
authority of a personage so emi blish that mutual good will, which,
nent have added, to the motives directed by the spirit and the let
already stated, all those which ter of existing treaties, has hither
human prudence can unite to jus to served to arrange so many de
tifya measure demanded and con licate affairs, and which affords for
sented to with sentiments of sin the future the most satisfactory
cere and reciprocal kindness. ' pledges of a definitive and satis
The undersigned are therefore factory conclusion. '
authorized by their respective They seize this opportunity of
courts to notify to his Excellency renewing to the Duke de Riche
the Duke de Richelieu— lieu the assurances of their high
1. That the reduction of the consideration.
Army of Occupation will be car (Signed)
ried into elfect. The Baron Vmcaa'r.
2. That the amount of the di Cnaauss STUART.
minution of the whole army shall The Count Ds GOL'I‘Z.
be 80,000 men. Pozzo DI Boaco.
3. That this amount shall be Paris, Feb. 10, 1817'.
preportioncd to that of each con,
tinge nt; that is to say, it shall be' The session of the two cham
a fifth of each corps d'armée. bers closed on March 526, sine die.
4. That it shall take place from In May was published an ordi
the 1st of April next. nance from the King, relative to
5. That from that period the an obligation entered into by the
200,000 rations per day, furnished city of Paris for the payment of
for the troops by the French go its debts._ It is to the following
vernment, shall be reduced to efl'ect.
160,000, without, however, in
ORDINANCE OF THE KING RELA
any respect altering the 50,000
TIVE TO THE LOAN 01" THE
nations of forage destined for the
CITY OF PARIS.
feed of the horses.
6} Lastly, that from the same Louis, by the grace of God, 8m.
period France shall otherwise an ' The municipal administration of
' ' our
106] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
Our good city of Paris, having quarter, by a drawing, which will
been placed under the necessity of take place at the Hotel-de-Ville, a
issuing negotiable bills for raising month before the day of payment
the funds of which it stood in arrives, in such a manner that, in
need, by the expences consequent the space of 1‘2 years from the
upon the military occupation of lst of October next, to the lst of
the city in 1815, and by those in July, 1829, there will be made by
curred in consequence of the in the city of Paris 48 quarterly pay
clemency of the seasons of 1816, ments, to liquidate the whole of
we had authorized, by our decrees the obligations and premiums, to
of the 18th of September and 4th gether with the interests conform
of October, 1815, and of the 15th ably to an annexed table.
of last January, the creation and Art. 4. The city of'Paris is au
alienation of 1,500,000 francs of thorized to negotiate the 83 mil
perpetual rent, the produce of lions of bills at the price and on
which was to be employed for li the conditions which have been
quidating the debts of our good accepted by the municipal council.
city of Paris. Art. 5. The funds arising from
But it having been represented this negotiation of bills will be em
to us, that the alienation of these ployed exclusively in withdrawing
1,500,000 francs of revenue has from circulation that portion of its
only proceeded to a small extent, rents already engaged, Bic.
and that the municipal admini Art. 0'. To guarantee the pay
stration of the city being con ment of obligations, premiums,
vinced of the difficulty which it and interest, there will be allotted
would have in redeeming it, pre to the budget of Paris every year
fers the adoption of another mode during the currency ‘of the 12
of extinguishing the debt, we have years, a sum of 4,848,000 francs
decreed : assessed upon its fixed or eventual
Art. 1. That our good city ofParis revenues. This assessment will
is authorized to create 33,000 obli form the first part of the extra0r~
gations to the bearer of the value dinary expenses of the city.
of 1,000 francs each, forming the Certain duties of tolls, markets,
sum of 38,000,000 of francs, pay 8w. are particularly specified as
able in, the space of 12 years from security for these payments.
the first of next October. Then follows the contract en
Art. 2. These obligations will tered into by the Prefect of the
be subjected only to the stamp Seine, acting for the city of Paris
duty, and will bear 6 per cent. in on the one hand, and MM. Domi
terest, payable every three months; nick André and Francis ottier,
enjoying besides a premium, the Basoni, L. Goupy, and Co. H. J.
amount of which will be deter Hentich, Blanc, and Co., J. M.
mined by a lottery, in the proper. Rosthchild, O. \Vorrns de Romilly,
tion which will be fixed by an an on the other; by which the for,
nexed table. mer agrees to the propositions ‘
Art. 3. The discharge of the made by the latter five mercantile
obligations and the payment of the houses, and receives from them
premiums will be efi'ected every an obligation to pay into the
treasury
 GENERAL HISTORY. [101
treasury of Paris the sum of however, some machinations of
31,000,000 francs, by 19 instal greater importance appear to have
ments, the first of which to take been in agitation; and the fol
place on the lst of June, 1817, lowing proclamation, by the Comte
and the last on the lst of June, de Fargues, Mayor of Lyons, evi
1818. For the liquidation of this dently points out an intention in
sum of 81,000,000, the city of certain individuals of exciting a
Paris binds itself to pay to the political conspiracy.
contractors, in the course of 1‘2
years, the sum of 52,176,000l MAYORALTY OF LYON.
in 48 quarterly payments of PROCLAMATION.
1,087.000l. each, between the inhabitants of the City of Lyon.
lst of October l817, and the lst —-For severaldays sinister reports,
of July, 1829. The city of Paris which are but too frequently the
engages to make no loan during forerunner of storms, have awak
a year, to employ the sums con ened the attention of the authori
tributed by the contractols for the ties, and led to the developement
purposes mentioned in the ordi of the wicked designs of the dis
nance, and to create 33,000 obli afl'ected, the gloomy advances of
gations of 1,000 francs each, which, notwithstanding the shade
makin . . . . . . . . . 83,000,000 of mystery under which they en
These obligations deavoured to conceal them, could
will hear an interest not escape the penetration of the
of 6 per cent. each, magistrates.
per annum, which in A plot, as extravagant as cri
terest, in consequence minal, was contemplated; and its
of successive liquida ramifications extended to the sur
tion of capital on the rounding country,where misguid
same bills, \\ ill a~ ed individuals, seduced by falla
,mount, it the space cious promises, gave ear with con
of 12 years, to . . . . 13,094,770 fidence to the seditious discourses
In addition to this, of the vilest instigators.
the premiums, a Their aim was disorder, pillage,
mounting to . . . . . 6,081,‘280 and assassination ; it was to these
_—
that their wishes and efl‘orts were
Willraise the whole directed, and they were about to
sum to . . . -. . . . . . . 52,176,000 employ the most horrible means
for their purposes : but all the
_D15TURBANCES IN THE PRQVINCES.
details of this odious plot were in
In June it was announced in a. the hands of the authorities. Every
Paris paper that the disturbances means was taken to oppose a vi.
which had taken place in several gorous and legitimate resistance
parts of France had entirely sub to the attempts of these scoun
sided. They appear to have risen drels, whose criminal intentions
chiefly from the high price of pro were carried no farther than in
visions, and the leader of a band assassinating, in the most shame
who disturbed the markets at ful manner, the brave ofiieers of
Yonne was condemned to twenty the legion of l'Yonne.
years‘captivity in irons. At Lyons, Thanks to the wise and prudent
arrange.
 nos] ANNUAL REGISTER.
arrangements of the worthy ma
gistrate to whom this depart
ment is confided; thanks to the
able general who commanded the.
19th military division; thanks to
the courageous devotion of the
national guard, who daily furnish
fresh reason for an addition to the
praises they so richly deserve ;
thanks to the faithful and valiant
troops which compose the garri
son; thanks at last to the Zeal of
the Lyonnese, who always know
how to display that character and
that French heart which has so
eminently distinguished them —
the plot was baflled, tranquillity
has been maintained, and a great
part of the insurgents have fallen
into our hands.
An exemplary punishment, not
less prompt than severe and justly
merited, will show, that although
indulgence is inexhaustible for er
rors and wanderings, justice can
be inflexible in cases of crime, au
dacity, and revolt.
Inhabitants of the City of Lyon.
—-Your magistrates know how to
appreciate yin in case of emer
gency; they look to you with
confidence. You may continue
peaceable; you have no occasion
for any fears—for any alarms;
and you may rest satisfied under
their care. You will rally round
them; you will give your efforts
to theirs to crown the success;
and you will sustain the honour
of a city always distinguished for
its courage, its zeal for the main
tenance of good order, and for the
love which it bears to its lawful
Sovereign—Vice le Roi .'
Done at the Hotel de Ville,
June 9. 1817.
The Mayor of the City of Lyon.
Le Comte de Faaouss. riageof the Duke de Berry.Though
1817.
muons-rs.
On August 25th, two royal or
dinances were published in the
Moniteur relative to the establish
ment of majorats for "the Heredi
tary Peerage which is to compose
the first order of the French
Chambers. No person is in fu
ture to be called to the House of
Peers, ecclesiastics excepted. who
has not previously obtained the
royal authority to form a majorat.
Of the majorats there are to be
three classes; those attached to
the title of duke, consisting of
property producing not less than
80,000 francs annually; those to
the titles of marquis and count
producing not less than 20,000
francs annually; and those to the
titles of viscounts and barons,
producing not less than 10,000
francs annually. The second ordi
nance directs the manner in which
the patents of peerage are to be
made out, the precedency of peers,
the titles of their eldest sons, &c.
ELECTION OF THE CHAMBER
OF DEPUTIES.
The election of the Chamber of ‘
Deputies took place in the month
of September, conformably to the
rule laid down by his Majesty in
the September of the preceding
year, which fixed the number to
be returned by the 86 depart
ments of the kingdom at 258,
and limited the age prescribed for
the deputies to such as had passed
their fortieth year. The speech
delivered by the King to both
Chambers was to the following
purpose.
Gentlemen,—At the opening of
the last session I spoke to you of
the hopes inspired by the mar
b
' Providence
.u“.
 GENERAL HISTORY. [109
Providence has too suddenly with which have fallen upon the vine
draWn the gift it bestowed, yet we yards, excite my paternal solici
cannot fail to behold in it assur tude for privations which, without
ances of the future accomplishment your co-operation, I cannot re
of our wishes. lieve. I
The treaty with the Holy See, l have ordered the budget of
which I announced last year, has the charges of the financial year
since been concluded. I have com on which we are about to enter to
manded my ministers, in commu be laid before you. If the ex
nicating it to you, to propose the penses resulting from treaties, and
project of a law, necessary to give from the deplorable war they have
the legislative sanction to such of terminated, will not permit any
its provisions as may be suscepti— immediate diminution of the taxes
ble of it, and to place them in voted in preceding sessions, I have
unison with the charter, the laws at least the satisfaction of think
of the kingdom, and those pri ing, that the economy 1' have pre
vileges of the Gallican church, scribed will preclude the necessity
the precious inheritance of our of requiring any augmentation,
fathers, of which St. Louis and and a vote of credit inferior to
all his successors were no less that of the last budget will suflice
jealous than of the happiness of for all the wants of the year.
their subjects. The conventions which I signed
The harvest of 1816, by its bad in 1815, in presenting results
quality, frustrated in a great de which could not then be foreseen,
gree, my hopes. The sufi'erings have rendered a new negotiation
of my people have afliicted my necessary. Every thing leads me
heart. ] have, however, beheld to hope that its issue will be fa
with emotion, that almost every vourable, and that conditions far
where they have endured them above our means will be replaced ,
with a touching resignation ; and by others more conformable to
if, in some places, they have equity, to moderation, and to the
broken out into seditious acts, or possibility of sacrifices, which my
der was soon re-established. In people support with a constancy
. order to mitigate the misfortunes that can add nothing to my love
of that period, I have found it for them, but which give them
.necessary to make great efforts, new claims to my gratitude, and
and to draw upon the treasury for to the esteem of all nations.
extraordinary sacrifices. The de Thus, as I had the happiness of
tails will be laid before you, and announcing to you in the course
the zeal with which you are ani of last session, the expenses re
mated for the public good will sulting from the army of occupa
not permit me to doubt that these tion are diminished a fifth, and
unforeseen expenses will have your the period is not far distant when
sanction. The harvest of this year we may be permitted to hope—
is more satisfactory over the thanks to the wisdom and energy
greatest part of the kingdom; of my government, to the love and
.but, on the other hand, some 10 confidence of my people, and to
cal calamities, and the blights the friendship of my allies—that
those
 v-v www—

no] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.

those expenses will entirely cease ; l have detailed to you our diffi
and that our country will resume culties, and the measures which
among nations the rank and re they require: in conclusion, I
nown due to the valour of French shall direct your attention to ob
men, and their noble attitude in jects ofa more pleasing descrip
adversity. tion. Thanks to the peace re
To attain this end, I shall more stored to the church of France,
than ever stand in need of unani religion, that eternal basis of all
mity between the people and the felicity even on earth, will. I
throne; of that vigour, without doubt not, flourish amongst us;
which authority is powerless. ln tranquillity and confidence begin
proportion as that authority is to re-appear; public credit is con
strong, will the necessity be di solidating; agriculture, commerce,
minished of displaying itself in and industry, resume their acti
acts of severity. The manner in vity; new master-pieces of art
which the depositariesof my power excite admiration. One of my
have used what the laws intrusted children is traversing, at this mo
to them have justified my confi ment, a part of the kingdom ; and
dence. However, I feel great sa in return for sentiments so deeply
tisfaction in announcing to you, engraven on his heart, and mani
that I do not consider it requisite fested by his conduct, he is every
to continue the l’revotal Courts where greeted with benedictions ;
beyond the term fixed for their while I, who have but one feel
existence by the law which es ing—the happiness of my people;
tablished them. who am desirous, for their good
I have digested, conformably to alone, of that authority which
the charter, a law for recruiting. I shall defend from all attacks, of
I wish that there should be no whatever kind—know that I am
mom left for invoking privi beloved by them, and find in my
leges ,- that the spirit and dispo heart the assurance that this con
sitions of that charter, our true solation will never fail me.
compass, which calls all French
men indiscriminately to offices and PROJECT 01’ A LAW FOR
employments, should not be illu THE PRESS.
sory _= and that the soldier should
find no other limits to his honour On Nov. 17th, Baron Pasquier,
able career, than those of his ta keeper of the seals, made. a speech
lents and of his services. If the relative to the liberty of the press,
execution of this salutary law introductory to the project of a
should demand an augmentation law on the subject proposed by
in the budget of the war minister, the King to the Chamber of De
you, as the interpreters of the puties, and contained in the fol
sentiments of my people, will not lowing articles.
hesitate to sanction arrangements Louis, by the grace of God, &c.
which secure to France that inde \Ve have ordained that the pro
pendence and that dignity, with ject of a law of the following ten
out which there can be neither dency shall be presented in our
king nor nation. name to the Chamber of Depu
ties,
 GENERAL HISTORY.
ties, by our Keeper of the Seals,
Minister Secretary of State for the
Department of Justice, by our
Minister of General Police, and
by the Sieurs Ravez and Simeon,
Counsellors of State.
Article I. The author, known shall have taken place, and the
and residing in France, ot' a print distribution of the whole or of part
ed work, is alone responsible for of the work, or the deposit made
its contents.
2. The author, known and re
siding in France, of a printed
translation of a work, is respon
sible for it.
8. The editor of a work of
which the author has died before
publication, or is not known, or
is not resident in France, is re
sponsible for it. - nullity, be notified within 24 hours
4. The printer is not respon
sible except when the author, the
translator, or editor, are not
known, or do not reside in France;
or where the author or translator
has not consented to the printing
of the work.
5. If the author, the translator,
the editor, or the printer of a
work be not known, or do not
reside in France, the bookseller,
and all others who vend or dis
tribute the said work, are respon
sible for it.
6. Nevertheless, the authors,
translators, editors, and printers
ofawork, which would directly
incite to crimes, and the booksel
lers, and all others, who sell or
distribute it, are all equally re
sponsible, and may be prosecuted
at the same time for the said work.
7. A prosecution may be insti
tuted for every work given to be
printed in the two following cases:
lst. If the declaration pre
scribed by the law of the 4th of
October, 1814, be not made.
[111
‘Zd. If the work, although the
declaration be made, contains a
tlirect incitement to crime
8. Excepting these two cases,
there can be no prosecution for a
printed work, until a publication
in pursuance of the 14th article
of the law of the Qlst October,
1814, are considered a publication.
9. When a printed work shall
have been seized by virtue of the
15th article of the 2d title of the
law of the Qlst ,October, 1814,
the order of seizure, and the pro
ces verbal, shall, under pain of
to the party on whom the seizure
shall be made and transmitted,
within the same time by theKing's
attorney to the Judge of Instruc
tion.
10. If in three days front the
notification of the proces verbal,
and in case the distribution of all,
or part of the work seized, may
not have been made, the respon
sible accused person declares that
he renounces the publication of it :
and if he consents that all the
c0pies of it shall be destroyed, the
suppression of the work, and the
destruction of the copies seized,
and of all those which may be
subsequently produced, shall be
ordered by the tribunal, and the
pr0secution shall be no further
continued, unless the printed work
shall have directly provoked or ex
cited to crimes.
' 11. The Judge of Instruction is
bound, within eight days from the
reception of the proces verbal of
seizure, to make his report to the
Chamber of the Council.
12. If
112] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
12. If the Chamber be of opi
nion that there is no cause for
prosecution, it will decree the re
moval of the seizure, and the
freedom of the accused should be
be arrested. In the contrary case,
it orders, according to the im
portance of the facts, either that
the afl‘nir should be sent to the
Tribunal of the Correctional Pm
lice, or that the documents should
be transferred to the King's At
torney-General, at the RoynlCourt,
to he proceeded on as is laid down publication] “ of" [such a writ~
in the chapter of the Code of ing] or “ by the sale or distri
Criminal Instruction , entitled, The bution" [of such a writing, such
Trial of Accusations.
13. In default of judgment,
which within three days from the
report made by the Judge of In
struction, ordains the transmission
of the affair to the Tribunal of
Correctional Police, or of the do
cuments to the Attorney-General,
or in default'of citation of the
party seized, before the Tribunal
of Correctional Police, within the
same period: increased by a day
in consequence of the three my
riameters of distance, counting
from the ordinance of transmis
sion, the seizure is null and with
out efl'ect. All the holders of the
work seized, are bound to send it
to the proprietor, on the simple
exhibition of a certificate of the
register, stating that there has
been no judgment or citation in
the time before-mentioned, which
certificate will serve for a dis
charge.
14. The citation before the Tri
bunal of Correctional Police shall
be in every case notified to the
Register within three days from
the ordinance of remission, and
the cause shall be tried at the first pronounce only the payment of
audience after the expiration of costs.
the delays prescribed by the 184th
article of the Code of Criminal
Instruction.
If the documents be sent to the
Attorney-General, and that the
Royal Court pronounces the ac
cusation, the case shall be tried
at the next assizes.
15. The act of accusation shall
be closed by the following recapi
tulation :——“ He is consequently
accused of having committed by
composition“ [the translation or
and such a crime, attended with
such and such circumstances ]
16. The questions resulting from
the act of accusation shall be put
in these terms z—lst. Does the
printed work present such or such
a character, expressed in the re
capitulation of the act of accusa
tion, with all the circumstances
therein comprised ? 2d. Is the ac
cused guilty of having composed,
translated, or published this work,
or of having printed, or of having
sold, or distributed it?
17. If the declaration of the
jury be affirmative only on the
first question. in the whole or in
part, the seizure shall be main
tained and the work condemned,
and the accused shall be sentenced
only to the costs.
18. The Correctional Tribunals
may, in cases of the abuse of the
liberty of the press, Command un
der security, the provisional free
dom of the accused, conformably
to the 11th article of the Code of
Criminal Instruction. They may
also use their discretion, even on
the condemnation of a work, to
19. and 20.
 r—r—‘vfl‘w

GENERAL HISTORY. [113

19 and ‘20. [These articles ex tical subjects and intelligence,
tend to sentence pronounced a shall not, until the lst of January.
gainst a work, and to all future 1821, appear without the autho
impressions and publications of rity of the King.
the same.] (Signed) Lours.
21. In cases of crimes and mis
demeanours, the annulling of the LAW eon 'rns as'ranusumanr or
proces verbal of seizure for errors RELIGION.
of forms, shall not be an obstacle The important concern which
to a farther prosecution of the had been agitated between the
work. It. shall be the same with Papal court and that of Paris, rc
regard to the accused, if the facts lative. to the establishment of tne
imputed to him be otherwise prov Catholic religion in the latter,
ed by the process. was laid before the Chamber of
'22. Every individual who feels Deputies by M. Laine, minister
himself aggrieved by the abuse of of the interior in the form of the
the liberty of the press, may pre project of a law proposed by the
fer a complaint before the King's King in the following articles.
Attorney-General. or the Judge Lours, &c.
of Instruction, either in the place To all present and to come.
of his residence, if the work has greeting. We have ordained and
been there sold or distributed, or do ordain, that the projet of the
from the place of the residence of law, the tenour of which follows,
the accused, or one of them. shall be presented to the Chamber
28 and ‘24 refer to the jurisdic of Deputies by our Ministers Se
tion of Courts. _ cretaries of State for the Depart
25. The public action for an ment of Foreign Affairs, and of
abuse of the liberty of the press the Interior, by the Sieurs Count
is interdicted after the revolution Beugnot, Minister of State, and
of a year, reckoning from the day Count l’ortalis , Counsellor of State,
in which the writing shall have whom we charge to develope its
been deposited, in pursuance of motives, and support its discus
the 14th Art. of the law of the Qist 'siOn:-—- ' '
Oct. 1814. The public action, if' ' Article l.--Conformably with
there has been no deposit, and the -the Concordat passed between
civil action, in all cases, are not Francis I. and Leo. X., the King
prohibited until after the time ap alonc‘ appoints,‘ ‘by virtue of a
pointed by the Code of Criminal right inherent in-his crown, to the
Instruction. ' Archbishopri'clts -1and"Bishopricks
96. The law of the 28th of through the; whole extent of his
February, 1817, relative to writ kingdom. The‘Bish‘ops and Arch
ings seized, and all the disposi bishops repair to the Pope“ to ob.-.
tions of anterior laws contrary to tain canonical institution, accord
the present, are and remain re ing to the farms'eStabli'shed by
pealed. ancient usage. -" -' Y":
27. The journals and other pe-v ll The concordat of the 15th
riodical works which treat of pOli July, 1801, ceases to have its effect
Vot. LIX [I] from
114] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
from this day; saving, however, VII. The said acts shall be in
the effects which it has produced, serted in the Bulletin of Laws,
and the disp0sition in article 13 with the law or ordinance that has
of that act, which remains in its authorized the publication.
full force and vigour. [That ar VIII. The cases of abuse speci
ticle refers to the inviolability of fied in the Art. 6, and those of
the sales of church property.) disturbance, provided for by Art. 7,
111. Seven new Archbishopricks, of the law of 1802, shall be sub
and 25 new Bishopricks, are mitted directly to the Royal Courts,
erected. Two of the Episcopal the first Civil Chamber, on the
Sees at present existing are erect information of our attornies-gene
ing into Archiepiscopal Sees. The ral, or on the prosecution of the
boundaries of the 50 Sees already parties interested.
existing, and those of the 82 [re The Royal Courts shall decide
cently created, are determined ac in all cases not provided for by the
cording to the tables annexed to codes, conformably with the regu
the present law. lations anciently observed in the
IV- The endowment of the kingdom, saving appeal to the
Archbishopricks and Bishoprieks Court of Cassation.
shall be taken from the funds IX. All persons in holy orders
placed at the disposal of the King, approved by their Bishops, who
by article 148 of the law of the may be charged with crimes or
25th March last. ofl'ences, either out of their func
V. The bulls, briefs, decrees, tions or in the exercise of their
and other acts, emanating from functions, shall he proceeded
the Court of Rome, or produced against according to the disposi
under its authority, except the tions of Art. 10 of the law of the
indulgences of the Penitentiary 20th April, 1810, and the Arti
Court, so far alone as concerns cles 479 and 480 of the Criminal
the internal Ecclesiastical Court Code of Instruction.
cannot be received, printed, pub X. The Bulls given at Rome
lished, or carried into execution the 19th (1st) and 27th (9d) of
in the kingdom, without the au July, the former containing the
thority of the King. ratification of the Convention
VI. Such of those acts as con passed the 11th June last, between
cern the Universal Church, or the the King and his Holiness; the
general interest of the state, or second, concerning the boundaries
the church of France, their laws, of the dioceses of the kingdom,
their administration, or their doc are received, and shall be pub
trine, and which may necessitate lished without the approbation of
or may induce some modifications clauses, formulas, and expressions
in the legislation now existing, which they contain, and which
cannot be received, printed, pub are or may be contrary to the laws
lished, or carried into execution of the realm, the liberties, frau
in France, without having been chises, and maxims of the Gallican
duly verified-by the two Chambers Church. .
upon the proposal of the King. XI. In no case shall the said
receptions
 GENERAL
receptions and publications preju-
dice the dispositions of the present
law—the public ri hts of the
French, guaranteed y the Con-
stitutional Charter—the maxims,
franchises, and liberties of the
Gallican Church—the laws and
regulations concerning ecclesias
tical affairs, and the laws con-
U] Q
HISTORY. [115
cerning the administration of reli
gious persuasions, not Catholic.
Given at the Castle of the Thuil
leries, the 22d November, in
the year of our Lord 1817,
and of our reign the 23d.
(Signed)
Louu.
CHAP
116] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.

CHAPTER Xl.

Spain.—Disturbance in Valencia.—1§dict prohibiting Rocha—Conspiracy

in Barrelona.—Castanos and his Accomplices condeinned.—Papal Bull
respecting the Property of the Church in Spam—Queen Etruria.—
Decree relative to the Culture of Tobacco in the Havannah.—Aboli
tion of the Slave Trade.--Portugal.—Irruption of its Army into Mon
tevideo—Part taken by the allied P0wers.—Defection of Pemambuco,
and its Reduction.—-Plot in Portugal.

seam. - possession during the whole of

‘HE following letter, dated the 17th. Elio had the prudence
from Murcia, on the 5th of to leave the rabble to itself. The
February, contains an account of people had the insolence to raise
a disturbance which took place in the cry of the constitution; and
Valencia on January 17th. ofi'ered a thousand insults to the
“The 17th ult. was a day of general and the troops. l have
judgment in Valencia. The peo the satisfaction, however, to tell
ple daringly rose against General you, that none but the rabble
Elio; and if divine Providence took any part in the disturbance :
had not taken pity on that afliicted the gentlemen and men of pro
district, we know not to what perty remained in their houses.
lengths the wild monster the At last the army triumphed ; and
mob (which a people are when General Elio is about to make
given up to their own violence) terrible examples. The judges of
would have proceeded. These tur the audience entered into disputes
bulent habits have been contract with his Excellency concerning
ed by past events, when the Li the limits of jurisdiction between
berales flattered the people that the civil and military authority;
they were going to destroy all the and Elio, who knows well his
authority of rank and power. The duty, immediately set out to
people are like children ; they Madrid to obtain from his Ma
never forget the indulgence a1 jesty full powers to hang, if it be
]owed them. The tumult took its found necessary, the members of
origin in a foolish dispute about the court itself. One soldier was
the tax on coals. General Elio, killed: on the side of the people
who allows no one to dispute his many were wounded. General
commands, found it necessary to Elio was wounded, but not se
exert his authority against certain verely.”
persons who called themselves the The following proclamation was
deputies of the people ; and thus subjoined to this letter.
was kindled that fire which had The Captain-General of thepro
nearly involved in flame the whole vinces of Valencia and Murcia, to
capital of the province. The power whom is intrusted the preserva
of the insurgents rose to such a tion of the public tranquillity,
height, that the city was in their desirous to fulfil his duty, and to
protect
 GENERAL Hisro RY. [117
protect the peace of these dis published at Madrid on the 2d of
tr cts, commands as follows : March. These books are divided
1. According to the proclama into two principal classes: in the
tion of the ‘20th of March, and first are included those which are
the 4th of December last, that prohibited even to those individuals
every person bearing arms with to whom the Holy Otiice allows
out licence be treated with rigour particular licences or permissions :
if found with arms either about the other class comprehends works
his person or in his house; let which are forbidden only to those
him suffer the punishment which who have never obtained any li
the law decrees to such an offence. cence.
‘2. After dusk, and within the The works of the first class are
city, no person shall dare to go eight in number: they are pro
armed, except the patrol appoint hibited as defamatory of the su
ed to preserve the public peace, preme authority of the Roman
military ofiicers, noblemen, and Pontifi‘, and of the ecclesiastical
persons who are privileged by authority; as containing propo
their rank of cavaliers dc espada sitions scandalous, impious, false,
or sable. If any other persons are seditious, rash, erroneous, blas
found with arms, defend them phemous, schismatic, heretical,
selves, or fly at the name of the and injurious to the Roman Pon
King, the patrol shall be autho tiff, to the Bishops, and to the
rized to fire upon them, or to Holy Tribunal of the Inquisition:
pursue and apprehend them. If conducive to error, superstitious,
when so apprehended and impri ridiculous, contrary to the sacred
soned, it shall appear that they at Canons, to the evangelical doc
tempted to make resistance, they trine, and to the example of Jesus
shall be hanged within twelve Christ.
hours afterwards. Against this Although by the edict of the
sentence there shall be no appeal, 18th of August, 1762, the Works
whatever be their excuse or num~ of Voltaire were prohibited even
bers. to those who had obtained regular
3.Athousand reals shall begiven licenses ; and although, according
as a reward to those who shall in to the rule established on this
form against any of the authors of point, works prohibited in one
the late disturbances. language ought to be equally pro
From the apparently guarded hibited in another; it has been
manner in which this letter is ex thought convenient to renew the
pressed, and especially the hint prohibition of the Henriade, trans
given respecting the dispute be lated into Spanish verse by Drs.
tween the civil and military autho D. Pedro Bazar and Mendoza,
rities, it may be conjectured that with the prologue, printed at Alais
the disturbance was of greater (Gardi in the year 1816.
consquence than it appears to The prohibition of the second
have been. class falls on forty-seven works,
as containing a corrupt and revo
snicr rloaisirixc Boolts. lutionary Spirit_ propositions imu
An edict prohibiting books was rious to the Holy Ofiice and to the
Clergy,
us] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
Clergy, oalumnious against true ror, depravity, and apostacy, wish
religion, blasphemous, tending to ing, by virtue of the apostolic,
idolatry, injurious toFerdinand Vll. royal, and ordinary authority
subversive of the monarchical Go with which they are invested, to
vernment, incentive of rebellion prevent the evil which might re
against legitimate Sovereigns, in sult from the reading of the works
jurious to the doctrine of the holy contained in this edict, hereby or
sacrament, and filled with satires dain their prohibition; and that
against husbands fond oftheir wives . those which are already distributed
In this second class are included over the nation shall be collected:
the following works: Principle of they also expressly forbid the read
Policy. applicable to all repre ing, selling, or keeping in pos
sentative Governments, die. by session, these books.
M. Benjamin de Constant, Coun
CONSPIRACY 1N IAICILONA.
sellor of State ; as containing max
ims and propositions false in poli On April the 5th a plan was laid
tics, and to the hierarchical order; for a conspiracy in the city of Bar'
contrary to the spirit of religion; celona, which. from the persons
captions, subversive of the power engaged in it, had the appearance
of the Church ; anti-dogmatic, of a deeply laid plan for effecting
tending to schism and to religious some important change in the
toleration, and pernicious to the state. The purpose was no less
State—(Literal translation.) than the re-establishment of the
Felix and Paulina; or, The Cortes and the constitution; and
Tomb of Mont-jura, by P. Blan the principal persons concerned
chard, translated into Spanish. were the generals Lacy and Milans,
Elements of the Rights of Na who had distinguished themselves
tions ; by Lacroix, translated into in the late war against the usur
Spanish ; as containing propositions pation of Buonaparte. Just before
inconsonant, subversive of good its intended eruption, the govern
order, false, reprobate, injurious ment obtained knowledge of the de
against the holy office, and con sign; and the Captain-gen. of the
trary to the rights of the church province made public the fbllow
and of the sovereign. ing account of the transaction :—
The Comedy Les Visitandines ; “ A horrible conspiracy, which
an opera, in two acts, and in verse, appears to have been formed by
translated into Spanish. individuals of ditferent classes, and
The Cousin of Mahomet; printed in which are implicated Generals
at Constantinople, as being in Lacy and Milans, who,at a former
decent. period had rendered signal ser
Adele and Theodore, or Letters vices to their country, was to be
on Education : printed at London, executed on the 5th at night.
in French, without the name of The object of the conspirators was
the author; as containing propo to overturn the government, to
sitions inconsonant, captions, false, restore the abolished constitution,
tending to error, and exciting bad and to deprive me of the authority
ideas. entrusted to me by the King.
The Apostolic Inquisitors of er But the energetic measures I
adopted
 GENERAL HISTORY. [119
adopted at the moment when, by forward to co-operate with the ar
the particular favour of Provi rangements made by me to assure
dence, I had the first news of the the good order of the state, and to
conspiracy, have defeated the vain fulfil the good wishes of the King.
projects of the seditious. Pur I announce with satisfaction to the
sued on all sides, the greater part whole province and to the army,
of those whom public notoriety that the conspiracy having been
had marked as guilty, have been discovered, and the principal actors
arrested. The most active search in it having been arrested or pur
will soon discover their accom sued, there no longer remains any
plices. Those who have fled to cause of alarm: and the conspi
the mountains, and have found rators only await the punishment
there a temporary asylum, have which the laws shall award to such
been traced with so speedy a step criminals, after the result of legal
that they must be overtaken. In proceedings, which have been al
the midst of the painful sentiments ready commenced, and which will
which have afflicted my mind dur not be of long duration.
ing these days of trouble, 1 have “ Xavnsn Cas'rsnos.
had the consolation to see the in “ Barcelona, April 12, 1817."
habitants of Barcelona, and those General Lacy, with his principal
of the rest of the province, not accomplices, was capitally con
only renounce all alliance with the demned by a court martial assem
traitors, but testify a just indig bled near the end of April at Bar
nation against them, and enter celona. 1 Gen. Milans had not yet
with zeal into the execution of been apprehended. The project
those orders which have been is of an insurrection seems to have
sued to apprehend and punish the been more extensive than at first
guilty. The conduct of the troops appeared; and it'is asserted that
and of ‘ their officers has been three hundred ofliccrs were ar
equally praiseworthy. The dis rested at the same time with Lacy
cipline of all the corps has shown as participators in his designs.
itself to be deserving of the high Lacy, after his capture, was
est credit. Two companies only taken over to Majorca, probably
of the battalion of the light infan to prevent any designs in his fa
try ofTarragonahave been deceived vour. On arriving there, it was
and seduced by the second in com uncertain whether he would have
mand, Don Joseph Quer. No undergone the punishment of
other officer has taken part in the death, or have been indulged with
disafl'ection, which lasted only for a commutation; but finding him~
a few hours. self upon the beach with only his
“ Such was the foundation of the escort, he attempted to make his
foolish hopes of those wretched per escape by flight. The soldiers pur
sons,who, in spite ofall their efforts, sued him, and in striving to de
have not succeeded in interrupting fend himself, he was killed.
for amoment the pu blic tranquillity. ram. BULL.
“ Thereis no longer any subject A bull published by the Pope in
for alarm. All the first autho the month of April, which respects
rities of the province have pressed the property of the church in Spain;
afi‘ords
.1 \
 120] ANNUAL REGISTER, NW.
afl'ords a strong proof of the accu good~will wherewith we are ani
mulation of wealth in that class, mated in favour of the said King
and of the necessity under which the Ferdinand, have. admitted the sup
state labours. It is of the follow plications he had addressed to us,
ing tenor. and which have been presented to
“ Pius, Bishop, Servant of the us by our dear son the Chevalier
Servants of God. Antonio de Vargas y Laguna, his
" The Roman Pontifi's, incited Minister Plenipotentiary: yielding
by their paternal love for the whole to these supplications, and con
Catholic flock, have never sufl'ered sidering the enormous expenses at
the Apostolic benignity to be ac~ the price of which we have had the
cused of having refused, in seasons satisfaction of seeing an extremely
of distress, to furnish assistance glorious victory obtained, as well
to the necessities of the Stat-2, for religion as the monarchy, and
even from the patrimony of the in regard to the calamity of the
Church. times, we have resolved, for the
“ Ourdearly beloved Son in Jesus weighty causes now enumerated,
Christ, Ferdinand, Catholic King to modify the dispositions of the
of Spain, intimately united by the Holy Canons.
bonds of love and veneration to us, “ Thus, from our certain know
and the. Holy Apostolic See, in his ledge, and after mature conside
present painful circumstances; ration, making use of the ple
being well persuaded that God nitude of the Apostolic power with
has committed to the Clergy which we are invested, we grant
alone, the care of managing the by these presents to the said King
property of the Church, as had Ferdinand an indulto, that validly,
been clearly and unanimously pub freely, and lawfully, he may, dur
lished in the declaration of the Fa ing the space of six years, exact,
thers assembled in Roman Coun but only for the purpose of suc
cil, under the Pontifi' Symmachus; couring the royal treasure, the ex
this~ Prince has solicited the neces traordinary subsidy of 30,000,000
sary power for the purpose of reals from all the property, fruits,
meeting the necessities of his trea rents, and products, of the Clergy,
sury, occasioned by the general as well regular as secular.
agitation of affairs. And as the “ By these presents we commis
means and fortunes of the laity sion and authorize our dear Sous,
are already oppressed with charges, the Prelates, &c. &c.
by reason of which the said King “ Let no one dare then to oppose
Ferdinand has not ventured to the execution of our present act of
make new demands, he has thought concession, power, indulto, com
proper to require an annual sum mission, mandate, establishment,
of 30,000.000 reals, money of that declaration, derogation, and will.
country, on ecclesiastical property, And if any one hate the temerity a
for only six years, in which time to commit such an attempt, let him
the number of pensions will be know that he incurs the indigna
diminished, and the value of the tion of the All Mighty God, and of
revenues augmented. the most blessed‘Saint Peter and
“ In consequence, we, with the Saint Paul, his apmtles.
“ Done
 GENERAL HISTORY [121
“ Done at Rome at Saint Peter, Queen of Etruria, was connected
the 16th of April, in the with these interests. The King,
year of the Incarnation of her august brother, therefore,
our Saviour, 1817, and of could not regard with indifference
our Pontificate the 18th.” an object so essential and so wor
thy of his policy.
QUEEN OF ETRURIA. “ Don Pedro Gomez de Labra
It had been mentioned in our dor, his Majesty's Plenipotentiary
historical report of the year before to the Congress, conformably to
last, that certain reclamations had his instructions, endeavoured to fix
been made on the allied powers the lot of the Queen of Etruria,
relative to the claims of the Queen and to regulate other points con
of Etruria, and her son the infant nected with the rights of her Ma
Don Carlos Louis, in respect to jesty, exerting for that object his
the duchies of Parma, Placentia, talents and information in so far‘
and Guastalla. King Ferdinand as circumstances permitted. Fi
was now enabled to settle this im nally, the Duke of Casa Fernan
portant afl‘air, and at the same Nunez, his Majesty's Ambassador
time to announce the incorporation at Paris, having been charged to
olSpainto thegrand European alli continue this important negoti
ance ,by the following official article. ation, has succeeded in bringing
“The King, on being restored to it to a happy termination. His
the throne of his ancestors, could activity and zeal for the honour
not fail to take the deepest interest of the King have procured his
in the glory of a crown which Majesty 'the satisfaction of seeing
Providence had preserved for him, this afi'air concluded by solemn
in reward of the generous efforts treaties entered into with the said
and heroic constancy ofhis subjects. great Powers, and signed at Paris
His cares were constantly directed on the 7th, 8th, 9th, and lOth of
to the re-establishment of order, last June. By one of these trea
and for the purpose of repairing ties, his Majesty accedes to the acts
the evils of a devastating war. of the celebrated congress at Vi
Nevertheless his Majesty could not enna, and Spain is incorporated
be satisfied unless be fully co with the great European confe
operated with the other Powers of deracy. Another treaty sanctions
Europe in fixing the basis of a the reversion of the Duchies of
general peace, destined henceforth Parma, l’lacentia, and Guastalla,
to secure their repose, and the sa in favour of his Serene Highness
cred immunity of their rights. the Infant Don Carlos Louis ; and
This great work, which was in the surrender ofthe states of Lucca,
tended to be the result of the la with the stipulated assignments,
bours of the congress united for until the said reversion takes place,
that purpose, presented, however, in favour of her M ajestythe Serene
in its execution those obstacles infants. of Spain, Queen of Etruria,
which were the immediate effect of and mother of the Infant Don
the general confusion into which Carlos Louis.
tyranny and power had thrown the Thus is terminated an afl'air
interests of the diti’erent nations: equally complicated and essential
and the fate of the Infants, the to the high policy of his Majesty,
and
122] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
and whose paternal solicitude it has pose in it, and coinciding with its
constantly occupied since the year opinion respecting the abolition of
1 81 4 . the traflic in slaves, and co-ope
rating with the King of Great
DlCRlE RELATIVE TO TOBACCO. Britain by a solemn treaty, em
The Madrid Gazette of July the bracing all the points of reciprocal
3d, contains a long decree respect interest involved in this important
ing the culture of tobacco at the transaction, and determining that
Havannah. This article has been the time for the abolition was ar
long subject to a monopoly exer rived, the interests of my Ame
cised in the name of the govern rican States being duly reconciled
ment ; which at length proceeded with the sentiments of my royal
to such a degree of abuse, that the mind, and the wishes of all the
whole manufacture of tobacco in Sovereigns, my friends and allies,
the island of Cuba, noted for pro I have decreed as follows :—
ducing it in the greatest abun Art. l.—-From this day forward
dance, and of the best quality, was I prohibit all my subjects, both in
likely to become a mere object for the Peninsula and in America, from
home consumption. The king, at going to buy negroes on the coasts
the instance of M. Garay, minister of Africa, north of the line. The
of finance, has given almost full negroes who may be bought on the
liberty to every branch of agri said coasts shall be declared free
culture and industry connected in the first port of my dominions,
with this product ; and the expor at which the ship in which they
tation of the tobacco of the Ha are transported shall arrive. The
vannah to all foreign countries ship itself, together with the re
will be permitted, provided it be mainder ofits cargo, shall be confis
in Spanish vessels. cated to theRoyal Treasury, and the
purchaser, the captain, the master,
ABOLlTlON OF SLAVE TRADE.
and pilot shall be irrevocably con
The king of Spain has at length demned to 10 years‘ transportation
published an edict for the abolition to the Philippines. ‘
of the slave trade throughout his Art. ‘Z.—The above punishment
dominions, to commence north of does not attach to the trader, the
the line immediately, and south of captain, the master, and pilot of
the line on the 80th of May, 1820. the vessels, which may sail from
After an exculpatory report re any port of my dominions, for the
specting all previous traffic of this coasts of Africa, north of the line,
kind, which is said to have in_ before the 22d of November of the
creased prodigiously the number present year; to which I grant,
of indigenous as well as of free besides, an extension ofsix months,
negroes, his Majesty proceeds to counting from the above date, to
say,that “H aving collected all these complete their expedition.
copious materials, and having ex Article 3.-—Fr0m the 30th of
amined the proposition which the May, 18%0, 1 equally prohibit all
proper supreme tribunal laid be my subjects, as well in the Penin
fore me in its deliberation of the sula as in America, from going to
15th of February, 1816, answer purchase negroes along those parts
ing to the confidence which I re of the coast of Africa which are to
the
 GENERAL HISTORY. [12's
the south of the line, under the intendants of the Indies, the ad
same penalties imposed in the first jacent islands, the Philippines,
article of this decree: allowing that they keep, fulfil, execute,
likewise the space of five months and cause to be kept, fulfilled, &c.
from the above date to complete this my decree," &c.
the voyages that may be under Madrid, Dec. 1817.
taken before the above-mentioned
PORTUGAL
30th of May, in which the trafiic
in slaves shall cease in all my do The union, during the last year,
minions, as well in Spain as. in of the kingdoms of Portugal and
America. Brazil, with the decided preference
Art. 4.—Those who, using the shown by the sovereign of the two
permission which I grant till the countries to his transatlantic pos
80th of May, 1820, to purchase sessions, has conferred upon the
slaves, on that part of the coast of latter at least an equal title to do
Africa which lies south of the minion; for which reason we shall
Line, shall not be allowed to_carry henceforth consider them as indi
more slaves than five to two tons visibly united undera single crown.
of the tonnage of their vessel : and The irruption of a Portuguese
any persons contravening this en army from Brazil, into Montevi
actment shall be subjected to the deo, was mentioned among the
penalty of losing all the slaves on events of the concluding month
board, who shall be declared free of the last year. In January two
at the first port of my dominions proclamations were issued to the
in which the ship arrives. Spanish inhabitants; one of them -
Art. 5.—This computation is by Carlos Frederico Le Cor, lieu
made without a reference to those tenant general of the army of his
who may be born during the voy most Faithful Majesty, addressing
age, or to those who may be serv the people of Montevideo, and
ing on board as sailors or servants. promising to them the guarantee
Art. 6.—Foreign vessels which of their property, and a free trade
may import negroes into any port with all nations, in the name of
of my dominions shall be subject the king of Portugal; another
ed to the regulations prescribed in from Sebastian Pintos de -Aranjo
this decree; and in case of con Correa, governor of Montevideo,
travening them, shall be subjected and superintendant of the provin
to the penalties contained in it. ces on the east side of the river
And my royal pleasure being, Plate, decreeing severe punish
that the above decree should cir ment against all who shall insult
culate in my dominions of America another for his former political
and Asia, for its punctual observ opinions, and assuring every in
ance l communicated it to my su dividual, whatever public office he
preme council of the Indies, sign may have held under the different
ed with my own hand, under date governments, of perfect security
of the 22d of September last past; under the protection of the Por
I therefore command all my vice tuguese army.
roys, presidents, audiences, com The conduct of the Brazilian
mandants, general governors, and government did not fail, howeVer,
of
 124] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
of drawing the attention of the
great powers of Europe, who
thought themselves bound to in
terposc in favour of Spain, who
was little able to protect itself
from hostile aggression. Accord
ingly, the several courts of Aus
tria, France, Great Britain, Prus
sia, and Russia, presented a note
to the Marquis d'Aguiar, secretary
of state to his most Faithful Ma
jesty, to the following effect.
Paris, March 16.
The occupation of a part of the
Spanish possessions on the river
Plate by the Portuguese troops of
Brazil was no sooner known in
Europe, than it was the object of
official and simultaneous steps
taken by the cabinet of Madrid,
with the courts of Vienna, Paris,
London, Berlin, and St. Peters
burgh, in order to protest solemn
ly against this occupation, and to
claim their support against such
an aggression.
Perhaps the Court of Madrid
might have thought herself en
titled to recur at once to the means
of defence which Providence has
placed in her hands, and to repel Plate, and invaded them without
force by force: but, guided by a any explanation whatever, and
spirit of wisdom and moderation, without any previous declaration.
she was desirous first of employ
ing the means of negotiation and and justice which direct the coun‘
persuasion, and she preferred, not
withstanding the disadvantage that
might result to her possessions
beyond sea, addressing herself to
the five undermentioned powers,
in order to an amicable adjustment
of her difi‘erences with the court of
Brazil, and to avoid a rupture,
the consequences of which might
be equally disastrous to the two
countries, and might disturb the
repose of both hemispheres.
So, noble a resolution could not
but meet with the entire approba
tion of the cabinets to which the
court of Spain has addressed her
self: and animated with the desire
of preventing the fatal consequen
ces that might result from the
present state of affairs, the courts
of Austria, France, Great Britain,
Prussia, and Russia, equally the
friends of Portugal and Spain,
after having taken into considera
tion the just claims of the latter
power, have charged the under
signed to make known to the ca
binet of his most faithful Majesty—
That they have accepted the
mediation demanded of them by
Spain.
That they have seen with real
pain, and not without surprise,
that at the very moment when a
double marriage seemed to bind
more closely the family ties already
existing between the houses of
Braganza and Bourbon, and when
such an alliance was to render the
relations between the two coun
tries more intimate and more
friendly, Portugal has invaded the
Spanish possessions on the river
That the principles of equity
oils of the five courts, and the firm
resolution they have adopted to s
preserve, as much as is in their
power, the peace of the world,
purchased by such great sacrifices,
have determined them to take cog-
nizance and part in this alfair, in
the intention of terminating it in
the most equitable manner, and
most conformable to their desire
of maintaining the general tran
quillity.
That the said courts do not dis
sembl'e
 ' GENERAL
semble that a difl'erence between
Portugal and Spain might disturb
that peace, and occasion a war in
Europe, which might be not only
disastrous to the two countries,
but incompatible with the interests
and the tranquillity of other powers.
That in consequence they have
resolved to make known to the
government of his Most Faithful
Majesty their sentiments on this
subject, to invite him to furnish
sufiicient explanations upon his
views, to take the most prompt
and proper measures to dissipate
the just alarms which his invasion
of the American possessions of
Spain has already caused in Eu
rope, and to satisfy the rights
claimed by the latter power, as
well as those principles of justice
and impartiality which guide the
mediators. A refusal to yield to
such just demands would leave no
doubt with respect to the real in
tentions of the cabinet of Rio Ja
neiro. The disastrous efi'ects‘ that
might result to the two hemi
spheres would be imputed entirely
to Portugal; and Spain, after
having seen all Europe applaud
her wise and moderate conduct,
would find in the justice of her
cause, and in the support of her
allies, sufficient means of redress
ing her complaints.
The undersigned, in acquitting
themselves of the orders of their
courts, have the honour to offer
to his Excellency the Marquis
‘d’Aguiar the assurance of their
high considerdtion.
(Signed) VINCENT,
RICHELIEU,
STUART,
Gorxrz,
Pozzo D1 Bonano.
The manner in which the court
HISTORY. [125
of Madrid received this intelligence
may be conjectured from the fol
lowing announcement in the Ga
zette of Madrid, on the date of
May 13.
Letters from Gibraltar announce
that the Portuguese army of Rio
Janeiro has possessed itself of the
fortress of Monte Video, which
has for a long time groaned under
the tyrannical yoke of the insur
gents. Whatever truth there may
be in this intelligence, the federa—
tive system, whose object it is to
secure the peace of Europe, the
intimate union of the king our
master with all the other sove
reigns, the wisdom of the mea
sures taken by his majesty to sup
port the honour of his throne and
the inviolability of his states, the
noble sentiments of the king of
Portugal, and the new ties that
have more intimately connected
together the two august houses-—
all these considerations taken to
gether, excite a hope that the pub
lic, in learning this intelligence,
instead of feeling any disquietude,
will wait with entire confidence
the issue of an event which has
become the object of paternal so
licitude to a Prince who equally
loves all his subjects.
Before this period, however, an
event took place on the Brazilian
territories which proved that the
signal of revolt had extended to a
portion of that Country.
In’ the government of Pernam
buco, the governor, on the 5th of
March, after having expressed
much affection to the people of the
place, privately drew up a listofper
sons proscribed in his secret cabinet,
which included the most spirited
youths of the country, as well as
some of the bravest otficers of the
K m‘my.
 126] ANNUAL REGISTER,
army. On the following day this
order was to be put in execution;
and the prisons were thrown open
for the reception of the most de
termined leaders of the intended
conspiracy. Of these, the Brazil
ian officers of the regiments of
Olinda and Recife were the most
distinguished. Several of these
were apprehended; but a colonel,
going first to the barracks for the
purpose of executing the order,
was killed by one of his own cap
tains. An aide-de-camp of the
governor met with the same fate ;
and the whole of the regiments
sided with their officers. The go
vernor with his personal stafl' and
a few other officers quitted the
town, and retired to Fort Bran, at
a short distance. On the follow
ing day the fort was delivered up
without resistance, and the go
vernor with his oflicers were made
prisoners, and shipped for Rio
Janeiro. ‘ Not long after the intelligence
This insurrection was limited
to the district of Pernambuco;
and its triumph only lasted till a
body of troops could be drawn to
gether capable of resisting it. On
May 12th, intelligence reached
Serinhacm that the insurgents in
tended to attack the advanced
guard of the royal army, posted
near the works of Civiro Caval
cante. The army in consequence
marched, and took up its positions
. in the works of Pcndoba Grande
and Peguena. On the 15th Major
Salvador marched with a force
destined to occupy the Pojuca,
which he accomplished, but was
exposed to all the fire of the cue
my. At half- past five in the after
noon the main body of the army
arrived, and came to action in a.
place called Guerra. The firing
1817.
began with the artillery, and th
action lasted till night. in the
course of which the insurgents
dispersed, and were pursued by
several royal detachments. In the
morning were found on the field
of battle five pieces of cannon, a
carronade, quantities of ammuni
tion and provision, and the mili
tary chest with nearly a million of
rein. Many prisoners were taken,
and great numbers were killed
and wounded, of whom a con
siderable part were officers.
After this action, intelligence
having been received that the in
surgent Martins was advancing at
the head of a column on Serin
haem, a body of troops under the
command of a captain of militia
was sent against him, which com
pletely routed his force, taking
many prisoners, among whom was
Martins himself, the celebrated
leader of the revolution.
had been received of the entire de
feat of the insurrection in Brazil,
a plot was discovered for effecting
a revolution in Portugal, the pur
pose of which was to make an
entire change in the government.
On the first of June, Lisbon Was
made acquainted with the nature
and extent of this conspiracy,
which we shall communicate in
the words of the public paper in
which it appeared.
"ThegovernorofPortugalhavmg
been informed that there existed a
conspiracy in the country, whose
object was to overthrow the go
vernment, and to substitute for it
a revolutionary government; and
that, in order to attain their
object, the conspirators employ
ed such means as they thought
most calculated to mislead the
national
 GENERAL
national mind, by transforming
into proofs of his Majesty’s in
tention to abandon Portugal all
those political events which had
occurred for some time, and the
popular rumours consequent upon
them: and his excellency having
learnt from some of the accom
plices, that at the head of this in
fernal plot was the Lieut.-Gen.
Gomez Freire de Andrade, aided
by the Baron d‘Eben, and that
they altogether had directed, and
continued to direct, all their efforts
to seduce all they could of the
troops and other classes of the in
habitants : and as it was no longer
possible to doubt the existence of
a plot after the fortunate seizure
of some proclamations, all ready
printed, in the name of a self
styled regenerating council (such
was their assumed title) ; in con
sideration of these discoveries, the
HISTORY. [121
governors of the kingdom con
ceived that they owed it to the
monarch who had intrusted them
with the government of the king
dom, to the inhabitants themselves,
to their own characters, and to
the preservation of public order,
to prevent without delay those
consequences with which all were
threatened; and it was with this
object that their excellencies de
termined to arrest, without loss of
time, on the night between the
25th and 26th of May, not only
the two general officers before
named, but other persons also who
were known to be acquainted and
implicated in the horrible project.
All possible efforts were made to
learn every circumstance, and to
procure every proof, in order to
proceed forthwith according to
law, to execute justice on the
guilty.
CHAP
 128] AN NUAL REGISTER, 1817.

CHAPTER XII.

Russia.—Rcgulation for the Discharge of the Public Debt.—Facilities

granted to Mercantile Mela—The Emperor quits his Capital, havmgfirst
published a Decree for the Regulation of Proprietors and Colonic“.—
Sweden.—C0nspiracy against the Crown Prince, and his Address to the
Citizens of Stockholm—Pradomation by the King respecting Economy.
—His Address to Prince Oman—Speech read by the Prince.—Vienna.
—Berlin .

and without having injured the

RUSSIA
public credit. Now that peace is
NEW regulation has lately restored, finding that the gradual
been published at Peters extinction of the debts of the em
burgh by the committee created in pire is as necessary to the gene
1810, for the discharge of the ral welfare, as indispensable to
public debt of the state. The strengthen the confidence in the
ukase of his Majesty the Emperor engagements of the government,
which accompanies it is of the we have ordered our Minister of Fi
following tenor. nance to present to the Council of
“ We, Alexander I. by the grace State, for its examination, a plan
of God, Emperor and Autocrat of for additional measures, which
all the Russias, &c. &c. shall complete the regulations
“ The measures announced by made on this subject ; and after
the ukases of 1810 and 1812, for having examined it, with the ad
the successive payment of the debts vice of the Council of State, we
of the state were suspended by the have thought fit to ordain what
events of a war, as fatal in its follows:
origin, as glorious in its result: 1. For the payment of the debts
the taxes which were decreed of the state, the imperial treasury
solely for this purpose were divert shall, in the course of the present
ed from it by the indispensable year, place at the disposal of the
necessity of employing them to committee for the payment of the
wards the expences which the de debt, the sum of forty millions of
fence of the country required. It roubles.
was impossible, amidst the rapid 92 Dating from the year 1818
course of military events, to think there shall be annually assigned
of raising the credit of the state; for the same object sixty millions
the system of which had not yet out of the revenues of the domains
been able to consolidate itself : all of the crown, till the total extinc
that could be done was to main tion of the debts, and till the mass
tain it. By the aid of the Almighty, of paper currency shall be reduced
this war has been concluded with to the proportion of what is re
out an augmentation of the taxes, quisite for circulation.
3. The
 GENERAL
8. The principles lately adopted, Imperial Commercial Bank. In
and lately completed, to make a consequence of this resolution, we
foundation for the extinction of have commissioned the minister of
the debts of the state, are laid
down in the general regulation of
the committee of the sinking fund,
which we have confirmed. This
regulation is to be carried into
full eifect from the first of Sep
tember in this year.
4. As all the debts of the go_
vernment are concentrated in the
committee of the sinking fund, all
the branches of the administration
are expressly prohibited, from this
day forward, from making by
themselves new debts under any
pretext whatever, and this under
the personal responsibility of those
who are at the head of them; but
if there should arise in future some
unforeseen circumstances which
would make it necessary to open
a loan to cover extraordinary de
mands, exceeding the usual re
sources of the public treasury, in
this case the loan cannot be made
except in conformity with the
principles laid down in the regu
lation of the said committee.
Given at Petersburg,
April 16, 1817'.
A subsequent operation of the
imperial court was for the purpose
of extending the facilities of mer
cantile men in their several deal
ings. The EmperorAlexander, in a
paper dated from Petersburgh May
7th, gives the following notice:
Desiring to afford to the mer
chants greater means for the faci
litating and extending their com
mercial operations, we have
thought fit, instead of the new
existing discount bank, whose in—
fluence, on account of the small
ness of its capital, and the several
defects observed in its constitution,
is of no visible use; to establish an
VOL. LIX.
J
HISTORY. [129
finance to lay before the council of
state, for its consideration, all the
plans necessary to be prepared on
this subject. Now, having taken
the advice of our council of state,
we decree as follows :
I. Thirty millions of rubles of
the capital of the crown are placed
at the disposal of the Commercial
Bank. [Here follows the state
ment of the items of which this
capital is to be formed]
1]. The Commercial Bank is to
be allowed to take money, 1. On
interest for circulation, according
to the same principles as in the
loan bank. ‘2. To deposit and
transfer from one person to an
other the sums inscribed by pri
vate persons, according to the
book of the bank.
III. The Commercial Bank
gives loans on Russian goods, ac
cording to the principles of the
discount office, and accepts bills,
but in .this case taking the per
centage according to the course of
commercial operations.
IV. Half of the directors to
consist of public officers, and half
of merchants.
V. The Commercial Bank shall
be opened on the first of January
next year.
VI. At the same time we here
by issue the regulations of the
Commercial Bank, confirmed by
us: we take it under our protec
tion, and guarantee with our im
perial word the integrity of the
capitals which shall be intrusted to
it by private persons ; as also that
the rights of every person to the
same shall remain inviolate. 'vVith
the opening of the Commercial
Bank, we shall not fail to increase
[K] the
1 so] ANNUAL REGISTER, ldl'i.
the resources of the loan bank, ‘2. That these colonists, who are
and to regulate it in a manner ignorant of our laws and language,
suitable to its destinatiop, in order, may not incur thc danger of con
by the united influence of those tracting too onerous engagements,
establishments on the strengthen and that. on the other hand, the
ing of private credit, to contribute proprietors may not be exposed to
to the extension of agriculture, the exaggerated pretensions of the
of industry, and of commerce, former, \ve ordain that all contracts
and in general to the advantage of made between them,and founded on
our dearly beloved country, in principles already existing and au
whose prosperity we place the re thorized, shall, after being ex
ward of our exertions and our amined by the competent authority,
glory. ALEXANDER. he submitted to the revision of
the Minister of the interior, who
It was announced ir. the month is charged with the duty of watch
of August, that the Emperor was ing over the colonists in general,
preparing to quit his capital on and is required in particular to
the first of September. lilis ab protect against evcrykind of vex
sence was intended to be from ation those who arc established on
fifteen to sixteen months. His the lands of the nobility.
Majesty was first to proceed to 3. These contracts are not to
\Vitcpsit, in order to inspect the exceed the term of twenty years.
troops of( leneral Barclay tlc 'l‘olly; They must clearly specify the con
whence he was toarrivc at Moscow ditions to winch planters submit,
in November. Remaining in that as well as the annual rent which
quarter till .lunc, he was then to they engage to pay to the landlord
visit the southern provinces of his in money or kind.
empire. From Astracun he was to 4. The reciprocal payments
go to the Crimea, and inspect the which at the term of the contract
troops of General Bennigsen ; and shall be exigible by the consent of
then cross into Germany, to assist the contracting parties, -on the
at the assembly fixed by the allied supposition that then the planter
sovereigns in 1815, to be held quits the .land, or the proprietor
either at Frankfort on the Maine, refuses to retain him, shall be de~
or at Aix~la‘-C'hapelle. After pay termined with clearness and pre
ing a visit to \Varsaw, he was to cision.
return to Petersburgh. 5. On the death of the proprie
Before the Emperor‘s quitting tor, his contracts shall be binding
Russia he published the following on his heirs, who shall not have
ukase concerning the settling of the power of making changes, ex
foreign colonists in the country. cept with the consent of the plant
1. Not only every noble pro— ers, and the permission of the au
prietor, but every individual who, thorities.
according to the decree of the l‘lth 6. The planters who may be
of December 1801, has the power established on the lands of the
of acquiring land by purchase or nobility shall enjoy during their
other title, may invite foreign cul residence in Russia a full and en
tirators. tire liberty of conscience, and shall
be
 GENERAL HISTORY. [131
be exempt from all civil and mili on such princes as were known by
tary service, except by their own the services they had done to their
consent. country, and your choice was fixed
on me ; I resolved to accept it.
S\VEDEN.
The very idea of the dangers that
In the month of March a con surrounded you, made me feel
piracy was formed against the. life myself greater, and capable of
'of the Crown Prince, the parti the mightiest plans to merit your
cular purpose of which appears confidence. For you I consented
little understood, though it cannot to renounce the pleasures and
be doubted that the focus of it was tranquillity of private life, to which
chiefly among the nobility. The I had destined the rest of my days.
prince, however, met with the I gave myself wholly up to a peo
warmest attachment from the ple once so renowned, then so unv
general representatives of the na happy. I came among you, and
tion, and from the citizens of brought, as title and pledge, my
Stockholm ; and his answer to an sword and my deeds. If I could
address presented by the latter have brought you a series of an
deserves attention, from the spirit cestors from the time of Charles
by which it is distinguished. The Martel I could have wished it only
following were some of the most on your account: for myself, I
remarkable passages. am equally proud of the service I
“For some months loose re have done, and of the glory which
ports have been circulated in the has raised me. These pretensions
country. Sometimes they said that are still increased by the king’s
the king was dead; then my son adoption, and the unanimous
was dying; then my life was in choice of a free people. On these
danger: this was done to alarm I found my rights; and as long as
the country. Some later den-un honour and justice are not banish
ciations have attracted the atten ed from this earth, these rights
tion of the police and the govern must be more legal and sacred
ment. Judicial inquiries are in than if I had descended from Odin.
stituted; and the criminals, or History shows that no prince ever
the false informers, will be punish mounted a throne except by the
ed. I could forgive the authors of choice of the people, or by con
these reports if they only aimed at quest. ldid not open a way to the
my life ; but they seek to overturn Swedish succession by arms: the
your liberty, your constitution, free choice of the nation called
your national honour; in short, me ; and this is the right on which
every thing that is most sacred to I lean. Remember our condition
the honest. citizen. at my arrival, and see what we
“ They have ventured to mix are now. There are ill-disposed
the names of a family which you men in all countries ; but in
have excluded from the throne. Sweden their number is so small,
You know yourselves, Gentlemen, that no extraordinary measures
that I did not cause their fate. are necessary to repress them.
VWhen, in the distressed state to “ The interior peace of the
which a series of misfortunes had country is undisturbed : from
reduced you, you cast your eyes without there is nothing to fear
[K 2] We
 132] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
We do not meddle with the con ject of prohibiting many foreign
cerns of other countries, and are articles, and of his decree of the
certain that they will not meddle same date as this proclamation,
with ours. Your rights are there forbidding the sale of boiled coffee,
fore secured within and without; and of various foreign wines. He
and every thing announces, that then observes, that notwithstand
we shall not for a long time be ing he sees with pleasure how
obliged to defend them: but much the sentiments of the nation
should the honour of the nation corresponds with his own princi
require it, I will go at the head ples, yet he willingly avoids im
of a faithful, tried, and disciplined posing any regulations on the dress
army, supported by the will of and way of living of private per
the king and the people, and ac sons, and trusts in the patriotism
companied by the omens of victory, of the Swedes for their doing their
to meet the enemy, and shed all utmost to second his paternal in
my blood in the defence of the tentions. He expects that the
country. I cannot express myself higher classes in particular will set
as I could wish in the Swedish a good example, and that every
language, but my son speaks it reasonable head of a family, who
for me. He is educated among has been as it were compelled by
you: on him your hopes must re the prevailing fashion to take a
POse: butl speak the language of part in the expenses of luxury,
honour and freedom; and every will be glad of the opportunity of
Swede who truly loves his country retrenchment which his gracious
understands rue." ' invitation affords them. The ma
y A long proclamation was made gistrates are bound to encourage
public by the King of Sweden, those who in certain places may
respecting the necessity of limiting wish to form societies against the
the use of foreign articles of lux use of foreign articles. His ma
ury. His Majesty observes, that jesty will regard with especial
the use of such articles far exceeds favour the zeal and exertions of
the ability of the~ nation to pay, every well-disposed subject to pro
. which has occasioned an unexam mote his gracious intentions, and
pled depreciation of the course of will be highly gratified at being
exchange, and consequent (lear thus dispensed from the necessity
nc'ss of goods: that it is important of enforcing his gracious will by
to find means to supply the king express commands.—This procla
dom entirely from its own resour mation is dated Stockholm, 30th
ces: that this end may be in future April 1817.
greatly promoted by encouraging His Majesty, on July 14, having
establishments to promote internal sent for the Hereditary Prince
. industry: that this, however, re Oscar, in order to take his seat
quires time, and therefore extra next to himself in the council of
ordinary measures are necessary state ; and in future to be present
to limit the expenses caused by at its deliberations, addressed him
the importation of foreign goods. in the following remarkable and
His Majesty alludes to his decree pathetic speech :
of the Slst of March, on the sub ,‘ My Grandson ! It is a solemn
and
 GENERAL HISTORY. [133
and affecting moment for me, name the honour and the delight
when I see you take the place at of the earth !"
my side in which you are to wit The Crown Prince also made on
ness the deliberations upon the this occasion a solemn address to
welfare of the people whose future the King, and to the Prince his
fates I leaven has destined to be son.
your care. My age and infirm
health do not allow me to say on OPENING OF THE DIET.

this occasion all that my tender Nov. 28.—- Yesterday, as had been
ness for you, and my long experi announced, the solemn opening of
ence, make me desirous of ex the Diet of the kingdom took
pressing. I will merely remind place. The Court, the Supreme
you, that you will one day become Tribunal, the Council of State,
the chief of two free nations. &c. after attending Divine service
Show them, by your respect for in St. Nicholas church, proceeded
their rights, how you would have to the hall of the Diet, in the pa
them respect yours. It is the con lace, where the Minister of State,
stant equipoise between these Cou'nt Engstrotn, read a Royal
rights that in free states produces letter, announcing that his Ma
order and strength ; and it is the jesty, on account of indisposition,
part of the sovereign, by justice, ' was not able to attend the opening
humanity, courage, and judgment, of the Diet, but that he commis
to direct and develop this principle, sioned the Duke of Sudermania
for the highest object, the general (Prince Oscar) to read his speech,
welfare. Never forget, my grand by which his Majesty intended to
son, that I this day impose upon give a new proof of his love to
you a sacred and cherished duty, that Prince, and his confidence in
namely, that of paying, when I his people.
shall be no more, my debt to your The Hereditary Prince Oscar
father, for all the warm love, the hereupon read the speech, which
hind attention, and the unwearied contained a concise view of all
tenderness which he has shown that his Majesty had done for the
me, from the very first hour of his good of the country, and what he
connexion with this kingdom. still intends to do; and what re
Be to him what he is to me; be lated to the support of agriculture
his support, as he is mine; press and commerce, of the manufacto
your heart to his as he presses ries of cloth, &c. His Majesty has
himself to mine : my country, your aimed at improving the condition
father, and you: this, my son, is of the troops by sea and land ; he
what you shall read in my court- has endeavoured to open the way
tenanee as long as my heart shall to promotion to those who shed
heat; but when my voice, already their blood for their country, and
faint, shall have become for ever to remove all the obstacles which I
silent, may the Almighty protect must oppose the soldier whose for
thee; may he guide thy steps ac tune did not admit of his obtain
cording to his laws, and permit ‘ing the rank of colonel, or lieut.
thee, in the course of ages, to colonel. The pay of the general
behold from higher regions, thy has been increased, and PI'OVISiOH‘
made
 __‘v v
134] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
made for their widows, as well as
the widows of other officers. The
lazarettos and hospitals, the aca
demies of music and the fine arts,
have received sums of money for
their support; and the capital has
been adorned with several new
buildings. His Majesty has con
stantly endeavoured to follow the
general opinion and the spirit of the
times, not to suppress them. His
Majesty, proposing to the consi
deration of the Diet a new and
very detailed plan of finance, is
far from thinking it so perfect as
he could wish, but he thinks the
means he proposes are, for the
present, best adapted to circum
stances, and that it will be proper
to make a trial of them till the
next Diet. His Majesty will be
happy if this project can be useful
to the Diet; and if their own de
terminations should be found su
perior, he will thank Providence
for having given their meditations
on this important subject a more
advantageous direction. “ Let
the slave," says his Majesty,
“ who sinks beneath the weight
of temporary embarrassment, seek
in hope alone the possibility of
relief; the free citizen himself,
thelfounder of the laws which he
obeys, himself the defender of the
rights to which he appeals, meets
the most difficult conjunctures
with composure, sure of conquer
ing them, as his fathers have done
before him, sure of leaving the
fruit of his exertions. and of his
fulfilled duties, as an inheritance
to his posterity."
Hereupon the Chancellor, Baron
'Wetterstedt, read the Royal pro
posals, of which the Land Mar
shal, and each of the speakers,
received copies from the hands of
the Crown Prince: they then re
plied to his Majesty's speech, and
kissed the hand of the Crown
Prince.
VIENNA.
An article dated from Vienna,
May ‘28, announces officially from
the Lemberg Gazette, that his
Majesty the Emperor of Austria,
King of Gallicia and Lombardy,
has resolved to establish, with
some modifications, the representa
tive government of the kingdoms
of Gallicia and Lodomeria in Au
strian Poland, on the footing on
which it was placed by Joseph II.
There will be, as formerly, four
orders of the kingdom, namely,
the Prelates, the Barons, the
Knights, and the Deputies of the
cities. The last, and one of each
of the three higher orders, will be
elected for six years, the three
others for three years. There
will be besides a secretary, and
an archivist, who will be ap
pointed by governmentl. and for
life. The deputies will be elected
by the body of the States, which
will meet at the next Diet. They
will each have a salary.
Thus (says the account) one of
the most important articles of the
Congress of Vienna is executed.
BERLIN.
The long protracted business
of the constitution for the Prus
sian territories has still remained
in an indecisive state, though not
without indications of something
like progress. A Berlin paper of
the 20th of August mentions it is
already known, that during the
last days on which the council of
State met, there was a sitting of
the Constitutional Committee,
over
 GENERAL HISTORY.
over which the Prince Chancellor
of State presided. On this occa
sion the Prince delivered a long
speech, in which he described the
manner in which the basis of the
constitutional labours should com
nience.' He laid down the pro
position, that the constitution
ought to unfold itself as it Were
in a historical manner out of the
state of society; that therefore a
correct knowledge of existing in
stitutions was necessary; and
that what was now in existence
ought first to be taken into con
sideration. He accordingly pro
posed that commisioners should
be sent into the diiTerent pro~
vinces, in order to obtain informa
tion on the spot respecting the
ancient constitutions ; and also to
[136
converse with and collect the opi
nions of men of learning in the
provinces on the subject. These
commissioners are to be chosen
from the body of the Constitu
tional Committee, and to receive
orders to complete their inquiry
by the next meeting of the Coun~
oil of State, which is to take place
in Autumn, in order that their
labours may in that meeting be
made the subject of deliberation.
This proposal was generally ap
proved ; and the minister of state,
Von Altenstein, Von Boyme, and
Von Klewitz, are nominated to
this commission, and have set out
for the provinces. Thus (says the
paper) one step more is taken to
wards the forming of a constitu
tion for Prussia.
CHAP
136] ANNUAL REGISTER, 18l7.

CHAPTER Xlll.
Stutgard.—-Silling of the Sta!es.-—Their Dissolution.-—The King. lakes
upon himself the Regulation Qflhe Finunrcx.—I)m-hy of Saxe- Weimar :
It: admission to the Germanic Confiuleruliom—Srssion of the Slates
Genernlqf the United Prorinres.—King‘xSpeech—Dutch Tea-Trade.—
Piedmontrse Ga:ette.--(‘omlnnlinople.

terpoise. are,‘ as you desire, ex

S'l UTGARD.
cluded from the deliberations or
N the first sitting of the states, the votes of your assembly, it is
this body presented an address too plain that the chiefs of the
to his Majesty, to which he re faction will not bring forward
turned an answer on the 16th of their strongest objections to the
March, assuring them that he views of government in the pre
would not permit the members of sence of the privy counsellors,but
his Privy Council to be present at in secret sittings; and that in
any discussion in which it should these, resolutions will be adopted
be proposed by the States to pre without allowing an opportunity
fer complaints to the throne of hearing orweighing the reasons
against them. The States, pro which government might state
ceeding in the commenced delibe against them."
rations on the constitution, voted In the further proceedings of
' an address to the king for his the States, difl'ercnces arose be
gracious assurances. At the same tween that body and the king ;
time they specify the ameli and on the 28th and 29th of May,
oration ot' divers laws since the in consequence of the decided
accession of his Majesty, express part which his Majesty had taken
ing the greatest confidence in his in the late discussions relative to
wisdom and good intentions, and the hereditary duchy, a set of
anticipating the brightest pros rioters, composed, it is said, of
pects of national happiness and the lowest class of people, at
improvement from his reign. tacked the house of the minister
On the same day the king Wangenheim, where they prac
caused to be read the answer of tised several outrages. They u ere,
the Privy Council addressed, by however, soon reduced to order
his order, to the States. “Nothing with the assistance of the usual
(said the council) can be more per patrols. A proclamation was in
nicious to an assembly composed of consequence issued against all
different elements, than the spirit seditious assemblies.
of faction, when it is not perpe The king, on the fourth of
tually qualified by a sufficient June, finding himself unable to
counterpoise. if those whom the control the majority of the States,
laws appoint to form that coun dissolved that body, and com
manded
 GENERAL HISTORY. [137
manded all those members who ner in which the work of the con
were not domiciliated at Stutgard, stitution has been hitherto treated,
to repair to their respective habi will convince every impartial per
tations. . son', that we have done, to effect
On the following day he pub so desirable an union, everything
lished an additional rescript, ad that is compatible with the rights
dressed to all the subjects of his of our crown, and the principles
kingdom. of a good administration of the
“ We William," &c. state; and that the project of the
“ Dear and faithful subjects!— constitution, annexed to the re
The address of the Assembly of script of the 26th of May, con
the States of the 4th of June, ac tains every thing that could be
cording to which the majority has done to confirm the individual and
rejected in an inexplicable manner political freedom of the people of
the definitive ofi'ers which we \Vurtemberg.
made, in our rescript of the 26th “ We may confidently h0pe,
of May and its supplement, to that our cotemporaries and pos
conclude a constitutional compact, terity will do justice to our way of
has brought the negotiation to acting, and that they wili, with
such a point, that we must re us, recognize as real and prudent
nounce all hope of attaining our friends to their country, the 42
object by means of a convention members who have distinguished
with this Assembly. themselves by their proper and
“ However painful it be to our honourable conduct on this im
paternal heart to see the failure portant occasion.
of all our efforts for the establish “ But to do still all that de- -
ment of a constitution suited to pends upon us, that our faithful
all the difi'crent relations, and people may sufi‘er as little as pos
which might have consolidated siblc from the perverse conduct
tranquillity and order, and cause of their representatives, we add
general satisfaction, our duties in to what we said in our rescript of
the quality of sovereign, and our the 26th of May, the declaration,
relation with other states, do not that if themajority of our people
permit us to make to the demands signifies in the assemblies of the
of the States further sacrifices, bailliages, or by the organ of their
which would cause the throne to magistrates, that they accept the
lose its dignity, the government project of the constitution, under
its force, and the people the in the restrictions contained in the
dependence of their representa said rescript, we shall, on our
tires. side, consider the constitutional
“ In consequence, we have compact as concluded, and shall
found ourselves under the neces put it in force.
sity of dissolving our assembly, “ We also leave to the members
the operations of which could no who have virile votes, who have
longer make us hope for a happy not personally voted against the
issue. acceptance of the constitution in
“ The expose which we shall the assembly of the States now
lay before our people, of the man dissolved, the liberty of acceding
to
138] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
to it. We repeat at the same the pretext of its not being con
time the assurance that we will sented to by the states 5 and
let our people enjoy from this threatens all the severity of the
moment all the benefits of the law against the disturbers of- the
project of the constitution, in public peace.
every thing that does not relate to
SAXE WEIMAB.
a representation of the states.
“ On- the other hand, we expect, ThisDuchy appears to have taken
with full confidence, that the sub the lead of the other Germanstates,
jects of our united kingdom will with respect to the true principles
not sufi'cr themselves to be shaken of a free constitution. Its diet had
in‘the observance of their duties justdecided,in the month ofMarch,
as subjects and citizens, but that that the estates of the nobles, and.
they will persevere the more in those of the order of knighthood,
their fidelity and obedience, as all were henceforward to be liable to
opposition in every act tending to all the public burdens borne by
disturb public order and tranquil~ the rest of the people ; but at the
lity will be punished with all the same time it enacted, that the
rigour of the laws. actual proprietors should be in-.
“ Given at Stutgard, in his Ma deinnified for the loss of the im
jesty’s Privy Council, June 5, 1817 . munity from contribution which
By his Majesty‘s command." they formerly enjoyed, and upon
The ministry of the interior, by the faith of the continuance of
order of his Majesty, published a which they bought and held their
proclamation on the 6th, contain estates.
ing a recital of all that happened It has been generally observed,
at the late diet of Wurteinberg. that the greatest harmony and
The sudden dissolution of the good feeling reigns in the assem
assembly of states having put an bly of representatives of this
end to his Majesty’s hopes of being Duchy. The order of the peasantry
able to effect the introduction of sent deputies who defended their
the representative system, he found interests with moderation, but
it necessary to take upon himself with firmness. The attacks made
the regulation of the finances for upon the immunity of the estates
the years 1817 and 1318. Ac of the noblesse excited at first
cordingly, on the 4th of Septem~ some animated debates, but the
her, he published a report address representatives of the noblessc
ed to his Majesty by the finance yielded as soon as an indemnity
minister, in which the sum of was proposed.
2,400,000 fiorins, with the addi A proposition made by the
tion of one tenth to make good Duke of Saxe-lVeiular to the grand
the expense of the meeting of the diet sitting at Frankfort, that the
states, was charged upon the na constitution of his duchy should
tion. The king at the same time be placed under the guarantee of
orders all public otlicers to keep the Germanic Confederation, was
a watchful eye upon such as may formally confirmed by a vote de
endeavour to persuade their fel livered by. Austria, and after cer
low-hurghers to resist the law, on tain explanations, was concurred
in
 GENERAL HISTORY. [1‘39
in by Prussia, Bavaria, Saxony, to see the basis of them laid in
Hanover, \Vurtemberg, Baden, this session. Some measures will
Hesse, and Denmark. be proposed that experience has
shown to be useful to industry.
e sn'rn's GENERAL.
Nothing has been more injurious
On October the 20th the annual to this effect than the dearness of
session of the States General was provisions, which has checked
opened at the Hague with the the consumption of manufactured
usual solemnities. His Majesty goods among the most numerous
delivered a speech from the throne, classes of people. The govern
of which the following is the sub ment itself has felt the influence
stance. of this state of things, by the
His Maj esty began with noticing great increase of its expenses,
the happy event of the birth of a and the diminution of its receipts.
son to the Prince of Orange, add Besides this, a. great deficit has
ing, that his education would be been caused by the not levying a
so directed, as to inspire him from tax upon inherited property, or a.
his earliest childhood with a sense legacy tax.
of his duties, and with the most The law respecting the militia
ardent zeal for the freedom and has been put in execution for the
wellfare of his countrymen. first time, and has answered
The general peace, said his Ma every expectation. Agriculturejs
jesty, has been undisturbed; 'and flourishing. The fisheries, the
every day proves that the govern colonial trade, and all branches
ments, as well as the people, are connected with them, have im
unanimous in the desire of main proved; and the freedom of the
taining it. On my side i have corn trade by sea, while it secured
neglected nothing that can tend the kingdom from scarcity at
to ensure to this kingdom and its home, and kept the prices of bread
inhabitants the goodwill of foreign in the country lower than among
powers. its neighbours, has confined to the
His Majesty then noticed at ports. of the Netherlands the pri
length the difficulties caused by vilege of being the granaries of
the unfavourable season, but all Europe.
which the rich harvest of the year His Majesty then notices the
would put an end to. The dis— great expense caused by the forti
tresses, he said, had been relieved fication of the southern frontier.
partly by finding them work, and A great many public works, such
partly by affording them assist as harbours and the like, have
ance. The local authorities had been begun and continued, and
done their utmost; and private even completed. In some pro
charity, the fairest trait in the vinces great roads have been
national character, had kept pace made. which the most enlightened
with the increasing distress. His inhabitants have for years design
Majesty observed that some eEfec ed in vain.
tual regulations relative to the His Majesty speaks with satis
poor are necessary, and he hoped faction of the joy which has been
displayed
140] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
displayed at the installation of the an exclusive company for the
universities, from which he. ex trade to China, has not been at
pects the happiest results for the tended with the results which
whole kingdom. were expected; but that, so far
His Majesty concludes his speech from our mercantile or trading
in the following terms. subjects having subscribed for
“ Thus the number of objects shares in the said company, in the
is considerable on which we can books which have now been fully
look with satisfaction; am! we two years open for that purpose,
can with the more tranquillity at they have expressed a general
tend to the means of extricating wish that the trade in the article
ourselves from temporary difficul of tea should be thrown open :,
ties which were independent- of So we having heard our Coun
the human will. But the surest cil of State, and with the common
pledge of this is sought by the consent of the States-General,
nation in the cordial operation of have thought proper and resolved,
the King and the States-General. and by these presents do think
Neither 1 nor your High Mighti proper and resolve,
nesses, whose sentiments and ex lst. That all the laws now in
ample have so powerful an in being relative to the tea-trade
fluence, will disappoint its con shall be, and the same are hereby,
fidence; and the further confir withdrawn and abolished.
mation of a social system,founded 2d. That the holders of shares
on principles of liberty and order, in the aforesaid‘exelusive company
will be, with the blessing of God, shall be immediately reimbursed
the reward as well as the fruit, of the amount paid on their respec
our indefatigable efforts." tive subscriptions, together with
The following royal declaration the interest, at the rate of five per
respecting the tea-trade in Holland cent. per annum, from the day on
will probably be regarded as a which they were received until
curious document, and may_ be that of payment. ,
viewed as a dangerous inroad upon ‘ 3d. That under the following
the price of that article in'a neigh regulations the general law of the
bouring country. thief October, 1816, for the levy-»
ing of duties on imports and ex
DUTCH TEA-"TRADE.
ports,’ shall from henceforWard
We, \Villiarn, by the grace of apply to tea, and that every indi
God, &c. having taken into our vidual shall be permitted to impoi 1:
consideration the existing differ tea into this kingdom, and have
ences in the laws respecting the the uncontrolled possession there
tea-trade, as they apply to the two of, immediately after the payment
principal divisions of the king of the duties thereon; that is to say,
dom, judge it expedient that the On Bohea and low Congou tea,
same ought to be uniform; and florins 8 per 100lb.
seeing that the law of the Q3d of ()n all other kinds-of tea florine
March, 1815, for the establish 16' per 1001b.
ment in our northern provinces of 4th. That all teas of which
proof
 GENERAL HISTORY. [141
proof shall be given that they are tlements in the East Indies, for
imported direct and in entire car the importation of a cargo of tea,
goes from China, or the Dutch but within the period of four years
possessions in the East Indies, for from the promulgation of this law,
the account of resident subjects, any foreign-built ships, which, at
in ships built in this kingdom, the ' the time of commencement of
duty shall be only, such voyage, shall fully appear to
On Bohea and low Congou, be the property of Dutch sub
florins 2 {0 per 1001b. jects.
On all other kinds 5 0 per 1001b. 9th. That the holders' of li
5th. That Bohea and low Con censes granted in consequence of
gou tea shall only be denominated I the resolutions of the lQth ofApril
such as are imported unmixed and 1815, on the importation of tea
in whole chests, and in which for the periodical public sales,
smaller chests or packages are not which were intended to have taken
included. place before the close of the pre
6th That low Congou tea, eyen sent, or during the course of the
in whole chests, shall be denomi next year, the tea so already im
nated such, if its current value ported, or which may be imported
here at the time of its entry shall on or before the 15th of October
be, or exceed one guilder per 1818, shall be delivered into the
pound ; and that all tea for which uncontrolled possession of the
entry is made at the low duties, consignees or importers, upon
may be taken over by any officer payment only of the same duties,
of the revenue at l florin per which, by the present law, are to
pound, adding 12 per cent. and be levied on tea imported direct
the duty of the tea thereto, in con from China, or from the Dutch
formity to the 2'-£3d and 224th settlements in the East Indies, in
articles of the law of the 3d of Dutch-built ships, for account of
October 1816, as far as these are resident subjects.
applicable to the case. On the payment of the same
7th. That with reference to duties all teas already imported,
irect importations of tea from and remaining unsold in the ware
China, or from the Dutch settle houses of the department of trade
ments in the East Indies, his Ma and colonies, shall be delivered to
jesty shall have the faculty of ex the importers.
tending the privileges of Dutch 10th. That tea exported shall
built ships to foreign bottoms, be subject to the duty (called Ta
which, after strict investigation, belle Regt.) of one-fifth per cent.
shall appear to be Dutch property, on the value, or 3i stivers pel
at the time of the promulgation of lOOlb. at the option of the ex
this law,and have since continued porter.
to be so. 11th. That transit of tea through
8th. That in case ships of the the kingdom 'shall not be allowed.
above two'descriptions should not 12th. That in computing the
offer in sufficient number, his Ma duty upon tea, the tares to be al
jesty may license for one voyage lowed, provided the packages are
only to China, or the Dutch set of the usual description, shall be,
Upon
1491 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
Upon chests, weighing 1101b. bility which may be conferred up
and upwards, 18 per cent. on them.
Upon chests, weighing under 4. It reserves to the sovereign
1101b. Q5 per cent. With reser the right of enacting, with regard
vation, however, of the same to the Duchy of Genoa, such pro
remedy as is prescribed in the visions as he may judge convenient.
sixth article of the law of the 3d This decree ,is introduced by a
of October 1816, in the case of preamble, of which the following
inadequate tares. is the most important passage:—
\Ve enjoin and command, &c. “Desirous to maintain in the
Passed the Second Chamber of class which, by their peculiar in
the States-General, on the 16th of stitution, stands nearest the throne,
December 1817', with a majority and whose especial duty it is to
of 85 against 7'. watch over its defence, that lustre
and inheritance of glory which
SARIHNIA. forms its noblest prerogative, we
have determined to return to the
(From the Piedmontese GazetteJ laws that existed with regard to
The King of Sardinia, by a primogeniture before 1797. But
decree of the 9th of Dec. has for the same end, other and more
abolished-— important provisions still are re
l. The prohibition against the quired, for the abuse of titles must
erection of primogenitures and feu be restrained (which must ema
dal rights, enacted by the 9th sec nate from us alone); and there
tion of the edict of the 29th of fore the rules of their concession,
July 1797, or by any other law; transmission, and extinction, shall
restricting, however, to those pri— be fixed with relation to their do
mogenitures and majorats only tatiou and prerogatives."
which shall be erected in favour of
persons to come in terms of our CONSTANTINOPLE.
laws, the capacity of establishing
similar limitations, and in favour (Letter from Constantinople, 20th June.
Printed in the Hamburgh Mall.)
of their descendants in the male
line, leaving in force the laws The. representations of the Rus
enacted before the £89th of July sian minister, Count Von Strogo
1797, in such matters. not}, _which were founded on the
2. When the person who erects most reasonable and just demands
such majorats, however, shall leave of Russia, seem not to have led to
four children or upwards, he shall any thing decisive in the Divan.
not have the power of entailing The influence of the Grand Vizier
more than a third part of his pa over the. Reis-Efi-‘endi and the
trimony ; and where he shall have Tefterdar had hindered it. The
less than four, he shall not be able Sultan, who, on the other hand,
to tie up more than the half of it. earnestly desired a good under-
3.. It shall always be allowed to standing with Russia, addressed
the person who erects such primo on the 3d of March to the Grand
genitures and majorats, to trans Vizier the following energetic and
mit through them the title of no remarkable rescript :—
“ BALTI
 GENERAL HISTORY. [1'43
casion to a second, which was in
“ nuxrr-snmur. the following terms:—
“ There have been many and “ As my Ministers, after mature
long deliberations already held consideration of all the circum
upon the note which the Russian stances, have considered it neces
Ambassador has delivered 5 yet no sary to give up all thoughts of war,
journal of your sittings has yet and to embrace the wise part of
been laid beFore us. it is now reconciliation, it is absolutely ne
above 40 days since this business cessary that the conferences should
was laid before you for discussion. be immediately opened, and that
\Vhy have you not come to any the note in question should be de
resolution upon it? From this de livered without delay by the Reis
lay we must believe that you em EEendi to the Russian Ambassa
ploy yourselves in your sittingsonly dor; but the greatest care must
in things of no consequence. Will be taken that this note be well and
you then wait till the Russian Am clearly drawn up; and not like
bassador is angry, and proceeds to the first, in which there was no
threats? If you believe that war sense at all, in order to give
is unavoidable, think on the means Russia to understand that it is
of defence : show us minutely the our intention to arrange matters
necessary causes of war, and the amicably."
extent of the rcsmircss which you The inclination of the Grand
will employ. But on the other Seignor to peace, and this decisive
hand, if time and circumstance do language, were sufficient to cause
not allow us to undertake a war, the fall of the opposite party. The
prevent the discoutentof the Rus Grand Vizier received a severe
sian Ambassatbr as soon as possi reprimand; but his instrument,
ble by a suitable answer." the Reis Eifendi, was disgraced,
The impression which this re and his office given to the Djanil'
script made on the Divan was Efi'endi, a man who has already
easily to be foreseen. It gave oc frequently filled that place.

can'
 144] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.

CHAPTER XIV.

America, North and South—Message to the Senate and House of Repre

sentativesfrom President Madison.—Votes taken for President and Vice
President.—-Monroe chosen for the former Oflice, and his Speech—.—
Second Speech, on December the 2d.—State of Spanish Afiairs.

N the 3d of February the fol British ports after the signature

lowing message was received
by the Senate and House of Re
presentatives, from the President
of the United States :—
“ The Government of Great
Britain, induced by the posture of
the relations with the United States
which succeeded the conclusion of
the recent commercial convention,
issued an order on the 17th day
of August, 1815, discontinuing
the discriminating duties payable
in British ports on American ves
sels and their cargoes. It was not
until the 22d of December follow
ing that a correspondent discon
tinuance of discriminating duties
on British vessels and their car
goes in American ports, took effect,
under the authority vested in the
executive by the act of March
1816. During the period between
these two dates there was con
sequently a failure of reciprocity
or equality in the existing regu
lations of the two countries. I re
commend to the consideration of
Congress the expedience of paying
to the British Government the
amount of the duties remitted,
during the period in question, to
the citizens of the United States;
subject to a deduction of the
importance of the trust, and of the
amount of whatever discriminating
duties may have commenced in nature and extent of its duties:
of that convention, and been col
lected previous to the 17th of
August 1815.
Feb. 3, 1817'. James MADisou.”
This message was referred to
the Committee of \Vays and Means,
and ordered to be printed.
PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT.
On the 4th of February votes
were taken for the choice of per
sons to fill the. offices of President
and Vice-President ; when James
Monroe was declared President,
and Daniel D. Tomkins, Vice
President, by a large majority.
On the same daythe President was
solemnly inaugurated, after which
he delivered the following speech:
“ I should be destitute of feel
ing ifI was not deeply affected by
the strong proof which my fellow
citizens have given me of their
confidence, in calling me to the
high office whose functions I am
about to assume. As the expres
sion of their good opinion of my
conduct in the public service, I
derive from it a gratification, which
those who are conscious of having
done all they could to merit it. can
alone feel. My sensibility is in
creased by ajust estimate of the
with
 GENERAL HISTORY. no
With the proper discharge of which marked by very extraordinary
the highest interests of a great and events, the United States have
free people are intimately con flourished beyond example. Their
, nected. Conscious of my own citizens, individually, have been
deficiency, I cannot enter on their happy, and the nation prosperous.
duties without great anxiety for Under this constitution our com
the result. From a just respon merce has been wisely regulated
sibility I will never shrink ; calcu with foreign nations, and between
lating with confidence, that in my the States; new States have been
best efforts to promote the public admitted Into our union; our tel"
welfare, my motives will always ritory has been enlarged by fair
'be duly appreciated, and my con and honourable treaty, and with
duct be viewed with that candour great advantage to the original
and indulgence which I have ex States; the States, respectively,
perienced in other stations. protected by the national Govern
“ In commencing the duties of ment, under a mild parental sys
the Chief Executive office, it has tem, against foreign dangers, and
been the practice of the distin enjoying within their separate
guished men who have gone before spheres, by a wise partition of
me to explain the principles which power, a just proportion of the
would govern them in their re sovereignty, have improved their
spective administrations. In fol police, extended their settlements,
lowing their venerated example, and attained a strength'and ma
my attention is naturally drawn to turity which are the best proofs
the great causes which have con tri of wholesome laws well admi
buted in a principal degree to pro nistered. And if we look to the
duce the present happy condition condition of individuals, what a
of the United States. They will proud spectacle does it exhibit?
best explain the nature of our On whom has oppression fallen in
duties, and shed much light on the any quarter of our union? Who
policy which ought to be pursued has been deprived of any right of
in future. person or of property? \Vho re
“ From the commencement of strained from ofi‘ering his vows, in
our revolution to the present day, the mode which he prefers, to the
almost forty years have elapsed; Divine Author of his being? It a
and from the establishment of is well known, that all these bless
this constitution, twenty-eight. ings have been enjoyed in their
Through this whole term the Go fullest extent: and 1 add, with
vernment has been what mzgl em peculiar satisfaction, that there has
phatically be called self-goverm been no example of a capital pu
ment ;' and what has been the nishment being inflicted on any
effect ? To whatever object we turn one for the crime of high treason.
our attention, whether it relates “ Some who might admit the
to our foreign or domestic con competency of our Government to
cerns, we find, abundant cause to these beneficent duties, might
felicitate ourselves in the excellence doubt it in trials which put to the
of our institutions. During a pe test its strength and efficiency, as
riod fraught with difficulties, and a member of the great community
VOL. LIX. [L] of
 146] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
of nations. Here, too, experience political institutions, we have not
has afforded us the most satisfac been less so in other circumstances ,
tory proof in its favour. Just as on which our prosperity and hap
this constitution was put into ac piness essentially depend. Situate
tion, severai‘o‘f the principal states within the temperate zone, and
of Europe had become much agi extending through many degrees
tated, and some of them seriously of latitude along the Atlantic, the
convulsed. Destructive wars en United States all the varieties
sued, which have of late only of climate, and every production
been terminated. In the course incident to that portion of the
ofthese conflicts, the United States globe. Penetrating internally lib
received great injury from several the great lakes, and beyond the
~o‘f the parties. it was their inte sources of the great rivers which
rest to stand aloof frOm the con communicate through our
test, to demand justice from the interior, no country was ever hap
party committing the injury, and pier with respect to its domain.
to cultivate, by ‘fair and honour B‘lessed too with a fertile soil, our
able conduct, the friendship o‘fal'l. produce has always been very abun
War hecarne at length inevitable, dant, 'leav-ing even in years the
and ‘the result has shown that our least favourable, a surplus for the
‘Government is equal to that the wants of our fellow-men in other
greatest of trials, under the mostcountries. Such is our pecuiiu'
unfavourable circumstances. 0f felicity, that there is not a part of
our union that is not particulntij
the virtue of the;people, and of the
heroic exploits of the army, the interested in preserving it. The
navy, and the militia, 1 need not great agricultural interest of the
speak. Such, then, is the happy nation prospers under its protec
Government underwhich we live— tion. iLoca‘l interests are not less
a Government adequate to every fostered 'by it. Our fellow-citizens
purpose ‘for which the social com of the North, engaged in naviga
pact is formed—a Government tion, find great encouragement in
eledtive in all its ‘branches, under being made the favoured carriers
which 'every citizen may, 'by 'his of the vast productions of the other
'urerit, obtain the 'highest'trust re portions of _ the United States,
0
cognized by the constitution— while the inhabitants of (“these are
wiiich contains within it no cause amply rccompensed, in their turn,
‘ofdiscord, none to put at variance by the nursery for semen and
one portion of 'the community with naval forcethus formed and reared
another—ea Government which up for the support of our common
protects every citizen in 'the full rights. Our manufacturers find 1a
'enjoyment'df' his rights, and 'is able generous encouragement by the
to protect the nation against in policy which patronizes domestic
justice from foreign Towers. industry; and the surplus of our
“ Other considerations of the produce, a steady and profitable
highest irriportance admonislh us market by 'local wants, in less fa
“to cherish 'our union, and 'to cling voured parts, at home.
'to the-Governmentwhich supports “ Such, then, being the highly
it. Fortunate 'as ~we are in our favoured condition of our country,
it
 GENERAL
it is the interest of every citizen to
maintain it. What are the dan
gers which menace us? If any
exist, they ought to be ascertained
and guarded against. In explain
ing my sentiments on this subject,
it may be asked, what raised us to
the present happy state? How did
we accomplish the revolution?
How remedy the defects of the
first instrument of our union, by
infusing into the national govern
ment sufficient power for national
purposes, without impairing the
Just rights of the States, or af
fecting those of individuals? How
sustain, and pass with glory
through the late war? The g0
vernment has been in the hands-of
the people. To the people, there
fore, and to the faithful and able
depositaries of their trust, is the
credit due. Had the people of the
United States been educated in
different principles; had they been
less intelligent, less independent,
or less virtuous, can it be believed
that we should have maintained
the same steady and consistent
career, or been blessed with the
same success? While, then, the
constitution retains its present
sound and healthful state, every
thing will be free. They will
choose competent and faithful re
resentatives for every depart
ment. It is only when the people
become ignorant and corrupt,
when they degenerate into a p0“
pulace, that they are incapable of
exercising the sovereignty. Usurp
ation is then an easy attainment,
and an usurper soon found. The
people themselves become the
willing instrument of their own
debasement and ruin. Let us then principles as to the force of each,
look to the great cause, and en be kept in perfect order, and our
deavour to preserve it in full force. militia be placed on the best prac
HISTORY. [141
Let us, by all wise and constitu
tional measures, promote intelli
gence among the people, as the
best means of preserving our li
berties. '
“ Dangers from abroad are not
less deserving of attention. Ex
periencing the fortune of other
nations, the United States may be
again involved in war; and it
may, in that event, be the object
of the adverse party to overset
our government, to break our
union, and demolish us as a na
tion. Our distance from Europe,
and the just, moderate, and pacific
policy of our government, may
form some security against these
dangers, but they ought to be an
ticipated and guarded against.
Many oi" our citizens are engaged
in commerce and navigation, and
all of them are, in a certain de
gree,- dependent upon that pros
perous state. Many are engaged
in the fisheries. These interests
are exposed to invasion in the
wars between other powers, and
we should disregard the faithful
admonition of experience if we did
not expect it. Ve must support
our rights, or lose our character,
and with it perhaps our liberties.
A people who fail to do it can
scarcely be said to hold a place
among independent nations. Na
tional honour is national property
of the highest value. The senti~
ment in the mind of every citizen
is national strength. It ought
therefore to be cherished.
“ To secure us against these
dangers, our coast and inland
frontiers should be fortified, our
army and navy regulated upon just
L2 ticable
14-8] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
ticable footing. To put our ex ry thing dear to a free people,
tensive coasts in such a state of must depend in an eminent degree
defence as to secure our cities on the militia. Invasions may be
and interior from invasion, will made too formidable to be resist
be attended with expense, but the ed by any land or naval force,
work when finished will be per which it would comport, either
manent ; and it is fair to presume, with the principles of our Govern
that a single campaign of invasion ment, or the circumstances of the
by a naval force superior to our United States, to maintain: in
own, aided by a few thousand such cases, recourse must be had
land troops, would expose us to to the great body of the people,
greater expense, without taking and in a manner to produce the
into the estimate the loss of pro best efi‘ect. It is of the highest
perty and distress of our citizens, importance, therefore, that they
than would be sufficient for this be so organized and trained as
great work. Our land and naval to be prepared for any emer
resources should be moderate, but gency. The arrangement should
adequate to the necessary pur be such as to put at the command
poses : the former to garrison and of the government the ardent pa
preserve our fortifications, and to triotism and youthful vigour of
meet the first invasions of a fo the country. If formed op equal
reign foe ; and, while constituting and just principles, it cannot be
the elements of a greater force, to oppressive. It is the crisis which
preserve the science, as well as all makes the pressure, and not the
the necessary implements of war, laws, which provide a remedy for
in a state to be brought into acti it. The arrangement should be
vity in the event of war. The lat formed too in the time of peace,
ter, retained within the limits to be better prepared for war.
proper in a state of peace, might \Vith such an organization of such
aid in maintaining the neutrality a people, the United States have ‘
of the United States with dignity nothing to dread from foreign in
in the wars of other powers, and vasion. At its approach anover
in saving the property of their ci whelming force of gallant men
tizens from spoliation. In time of might always be put in motion.
war, with the enlargement of “ Other interests of high im
which the great naval resources portance will claim attention, a
of the country render it suscepti mong which the improvement of
ble, and which should be duly our country by roads and canals,
fostered in time of peace, it would proceeding always with a consti
contribute essentially, both as an tutional sanction, holds a distin
auxiliary of defence, and as a guished place. By thus facilitating
powerful engine of annoyance, to the intercourse between the States,
diminish the calamities of war, we shall add much to the conve
and to bring the war to a speedy nience and comfort of our fellow
and honourable termination. citizens; much to the ornament
“ But it ought always to' be of the country; and, what is of
held prominently in view, that the greater importance, we shall short
safety of these States, and of eve en distances, and by making each
part
 GENERAL HISTORY. [149
part more accessible to and de tions. Equally proper is it to per—
pendent on each other, we shall' severe in our efforts to extend to
bind the union more closely toge them the advantages of civiliza~
ther. Nature has done so much tion. The great amount of our
for us by intersecting the country revenue, and the flourishing state
with so many great rivers, bays, of the treasury, are a full proof of
and lakes, approaching from dis the competency of the national
tant points so near to each other, resources for any emergency, as
that the inducement to complete they are of the willingness of
the work seems to be peculiarly our fellow-citizens to bear the
strong. A_ more interesting spec burdens which the public neces
tacle was perhaps never seen than sities require. The vast amount
is exhibited within the limits of of vacant lands, the value of which
the United States; a territory so daily augments, forms an addi
vast, and advantageously situated, tional resource of great extent and
containing objects so grand, so duration. These resources, be
useful, so happily connected in all sides accomplishing every other
their parts. Our manufactures necessary purpose, put it com
will likewise require the systema pletely in the power of they United
tic and fostering care of the go Statesto discharge the national
vernment. Possessing, as we do, debt at an early period. Peace is
all the raw materials, the fruit of the best time for improvement
‘ our own soil and industry, we and preparation of every kind. It
ought not to depend in the degree is in peace that our commerce
we have done on supplies from flourishes most, that the taxes are
other countries. While we are most easily paid, and that the re
thus dependent, the sudden events venue is most productive.
of warjun'sought and unexpected, “ The Executive is charged offi
cannot fail to plunge us into the cially in the departments under it,
most serious difficulties. with the disbursement of the pub
“ It is important, too, that the lic money, and is responsible for
capital which nourishes our ma the faithful application of it to
nufactures should be domestic ; as the purposes for which it is rais
its influence in that case, instead ed. The Legislature is the watch
of exhausting, as it may do in fo-' ful guardian over the public purse ;
reign hands, would be felt advan it is its duty to see that the dis
tageously on agriculture and every bursement has been honestly made.
other branch of industry. Equally T0 meet the requisite responsibi—
important is it to provide at home lity, every facility should be af
a market for our raw materials, forded to the Executive to enable
as, by extending the competition, it to bring the public agents. in
it will enhance the price, and pro trusted with the public money,
tect the cultivator against the ca strictly and promptly to account.
sualties incident to foreign mark Nothing should be presumed a
ets. With the Indian tribes, it is gainst them ; but if, with the re
our duty to cultivate friendly re— quisite facilities, the public mo
lations, and to act with kindness ney is suffered to lie long and
and liberality in all our transac uselessly in their hands, they will
not
150] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
not be the only defaulters, nor in accord with the principles of
will the demoralizing efi‘ect be our Republican Government, and
confined to them. It will evince in a manner to give them the most
a relaxation and want of tone complete efi'ect, and to advance in
in the administration, which will all other respects the best inte
be felt by the whole community. rest of our Union, will be the ob
1 shall do all that I can to secure ject of my constant and zealous
economy and fidelity in this im exertions. Never did a Govern
portant branch .of the administra ment commence under auspices so
tion 3 and I doubt not that the favourable, nor ever was success
Legislature will perform its duty so complete. If we look to the
with equal zeal. A thorough ex history of other nations, ancient
amination should be regularly or modern, we find no example, of
made, and I will promote it. a growth so rapid, so gigantic;
“ It is particularly gratifying to of a people so prosperous and
me to enter on the discharge of harry- “a
these duties, at a time when the “ In contemplating what we
United States are blessed with have still to perform, the heart of
peace. It is a state most consist every citizen must expand with
ent with their prosperity and hap joy, when he reflects how near
piness. It will be my sincere duty our government has approached
to preserve it, so far as depends to perfection; that, in respect to
on the Executive, on just princi it, we have no essential improve
ples, with all nations, claiming ment to make : that the great ob
nothing unreasonable of any, and ject is to preserve it in the essen
rendering to each what is its due. tial principles and features which
Equally gratifying is it to witness characterize it; and that it is to
the increased harmony of opinion be done by preserving the virtue
which pervades our union. Dis and enlightening the minds of the
cord does not belong to our sys people ; and, as a security against
tem. Union is recommended, as foreign dangers, to adopt such ar
well by the free and benign prin rangements as are indispensable
ciples of our Government, extend to the support of our independ
ing its blessings to every indivi ence, our rights, and liberties. If
dual, as by the other eminent ad we persevere in the career in which
vantages attending it. The Ame we have advanced so vfar, and in
rican people have encountered to the path already traced, we cannot
gether great dangers, and sus fail, under the favour of a gra
tained severe trials with success. cious Providence, to attain the
They constitute one great family, high destiny which seems to a
with a common interest. wait us. .
. “.Experience has enlightened , “ In the administrations of the
us on some questions of essential illustrious men who have preceded
importance to the country. The me in this high station, with some
progress has been slow, dictated of whom I have been connected by
by a just reflection, and a faithful the closest ties from early life,
regard to every interest-connected examples are presented which will‘
with it. To promote this harmony, always be found highly instructive
and
 GENERAL HISTORY.
and useful to their successor.
From these I shall endeavour to
derive all the advantages which
they may afford. Of my immedi
ate predecessor, under whom so
important a portion of this great
and successful experiment has been
made, I shall be pardoned for ex
pressing my earnest wishes that
he may lon enjoy in his retire
ment the a ections of a grateful
country, the best reward of ex
alted talents and the most faithful
and meritorious services.
ing on the aid to be derived from
the other departments of the go
vernment, I enter on the trust to
which I have been called by the
sulfrages of my fellow-ciiizens,
with my fervent prayers to the
Almighty that he will be gracious
ly pleased to continue to us that
protection which he has already
conspicuously displayed in our
favour."
razsmsnr’s szconn srszcn.
Washington, Dec. 2.
This day at 1% o'clock, the Pre—
sident of the United States trans
mitted to both Houses of Con
_ gress, the following Message, by
Mr. Joseph Jones Monro, his Se
cretary:
“i Fellow CitizensofofRetheresentatives,
Senate, and
of the House
“ At no perio of our political
existence had we so much cause
to felicitate ourselves at the pros
perous and happy condition of our
country. The abundant fruits of
the earth have tilled it with plenty.
An extensive and profitable com
merce has greatly augmented our
revenue. The public credit has at
tained an extraordinary elevation.
Our preparations for defence, in
case of future wars, from which,
[151
by the experience of all nations
We ought not to expect to be ex
empted, are advancing under a
Well-digested system, with all the
dispatch which so important a
work will admit. Our free g0
vernment, founded on the interest
and affections of the people, has
gained, and is daily gaining,
strength. Local jealousies are ra
pidly yielding to more generous,
enlarged, and enlightened views
of national policy. For advantages
Rely so numerous and highly import
ant, it is our duty to unite in
grateful acknowledgments to that
Omnipotent Being from whom
they are derived, and in unceasing
prayer that he will endow us with
virtue and strength to maintain
and hand them down in their ut
most purity to our latest posterity.
“ I have the satisfaction to in
form you, that an arrangement,
which had been commenced by
my predecessor, with the British
Government, for the reduction of
the naval force, by Great Britain
and the United States, on the
Lakes, has been concluded; by
which it is provided, that neither
party shall keep in service on Lake
Champlain more than one vessel;
on Lake Ontario more than one ;
and on Lake Erie and the Upper
Lakes more than two; to be armed
each with one cannon only 5 and
that all the other armed vessels of
both parties, of which an exact
list is interchanged, shall be (lis
mantled. it is also agreed, that
the force retained shall be re»
stricted in its duty to the internal
purposes of each party; and that
the arran ement shall remain in
force unti six months shall have
expired, after notice given by one
of the parties to the other of its
desire
152] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
desire that it should terminate. tions, it remains for Congress to
By this arrangement, useless ex decide whether they will make
pense on both sides, and, what is any other regulations, in conse
of still greater importance, the quence thereof, for the protection
danger of collision between armed and improvement of our navi
vessels in those inland waters gation.
which was great, is prevented. , “ The negotiation with Spain,
“ l have the satisfaction also to for spoliations on our commerce,
state, that the Commissioners, and the settlement of boundaries,
under the fourth article of the remains, essentially, in the state
treaty of Ghent, to whom it was it held, by the communications
referred to decide, to which party that were made to Congress by
the several islands in the bay of my predecessor. It has been evi
Passamaquoddy belonged, under dently the policy of the Spanish
the treaty of 1788, have agreed Government to keep the negotia
in a report, by which all the tion suspended, and in this the
islands in the possession of each United States have acquiesced,
party before the late war have from an amicable disposition to
been decreed to it. The Com wards Spain, and in the expecta
missioners acting under the other tion that her Government would,
article of the treaty of Ghent, for from a sense of justice, finally ac
the settlement of the boundaries, cede to such an arrangement as
have also been engaged in the would be equal between the par
discharge of their respective du ties. A disposition has been lately
ties, but have not yet completed shewn by the Spanish Govern
them. The difference which arose ment to move in the negotiation,
between the two Governments which has been met by this Gavern
under that treaty, respecting the ment, and should the conciliatory
right of 'the United States to take and friendly policy, which has in
and cure fish on the coast of the variably guided our Councils, be
British provinces north of our reciprocated, a just and satisfac
limits, which had been secured by tory arrangement may be expect
the treaty of 1783, is still in ne ed. ]t is proper, however, to re
gotiation. The proposition made mark, that no proposition has yet
by this Government, to extend to been made, from which such a re~
the colonies of Great Britain the sult can be presumed.
principle of the convention of “ It was anticipated, at an early
London, by which the commerce stage, that the contest between
between the‘ports of the United Spain and her colonies would be
States and British ports in Eu come highly interesting to the
rope had been placed on a footing United States. It was natural that
of equality, has been declined by our citizens should sympathise in
the British Government. This sub events which affected their neigh
ject having been thus amicably bours. It seemed probable, also,
discussed between the twoGovern that the prosecution of the conflict
ments, and_it appearing that the along our coast, and in contigu
British Government is unwilling ous countries, would occasionally
to depart from its present regula interrupt our commerce, and
otherwise
 GENERAL HISTORY.
otherwise affect the persons and
property of our citizens. These
anticipations have been realized.
Such injuries have been received
from persons acting under the au
thority of both the parties, and
for which redress has, in most in
stances, been withheld. Through
every stage of the conflict, the
United States have maintained an
impartial neutrality, giving aid to
neither of the parties, in men,
money, ships, or munitions of
war. They have regarded the
contest, not in the light of an or
dinary insurrection or rebellion,
but as a civil war between parties
nearly equal, having as to neutral
powers, equal rights. Our ports
have been Open to both ; and every
article, the fruit of our soil, or of
the industry of our citizens, which
either was permitted to take, has
been equally free to the other.
Should the colonies establish their
independence, it is proper now to
state, that this Government nei
ther seeks, nor would accept from
them any advantage, in commerce
or otherwise, which would not be
equally open to all other nations.
The colonies will, in that event,
become independent states, free
from any obligation to or con
nexion with us, which it may not
then be their interest to form on
a basis of fair reciprocity.
“ In the summer of the-present
year. an expedition was set on
foot against East Florida, by per
sons claiming to act under the
authority of some of the colonies,
who took possession of Amelia
Island, at the mouth of St. Mary’s
river, near the boundary of the
state of Georgia. As this province
lies east of the Mississippi, and is
bounded by the United States and
[153
the ocean on every side, and has
been a subject of negotiation with
the Government of Spain, as an
indemnity for losses by spoliation,
or in exchange for territory of
equal value westward of the Mis
sissippi, a fact well known to the
world, it excited surprise that any
countenance should be given to
this measure by any of the colo
nies. As it would be difficult to
reconcile it with the friendly rela
tions existing between the United
States and the colonies, a doubt
was entertained whether. it had
been authorized by them, or any
of them. This doubt has gained
strength, by the circumstances
which have unfolded themselves
in the prosecution of the enter
prise, which have marked it as a
mere private unauthorized ad
venture. Projected and counte
nanced with an incompetent force,
reliance seems to have been placed
on what might be drawn, in de
fiance of our laws, from within
our limits; and of late, as their
resources have failed, it has as
sumed a more marked character
of unfriendliness to us, the island
being made a channel for the illi
cit introduction of slaves from
Africa into the United States, an
asylum for fugitive slaves from the
neighbouring States, and a port
for smuggling of every kind.
“ A similar establishment was
made, at an earlier period, by per
sons of the same description in
the Gulph of Mexico, at a place
called Galvestown, within the li
mits of the United States, as we
contend, under the cession of
Louisiana. This enterprise has
been marked in a more signal
manner, by all the objectionable
circumstances which characterized
. the
v 7 \'—v

1543 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1317.

the other, and more particularly course with each, due attention
by the equipment of privateers, continues to be paid to the pro
which have annoyed our com tection of our commerce, and to'
merce, and by smuggling. These every other object in which the
establishments, if ever sanctioned United States are interested. A.
by any authority whatever, which ntron - hope is entertained, that,
is not believed, have abused their by ad ering to the maxims of a
trust, and forfeited all claim to just, a candid, and friendly poli
consideration. A just regard for cy, we may long preserve amica
the rights and interests of the ble relations with all the pOWero
United States required that they of Europe, on conditions advan
should be suppressed: and orders tageous and honourable to our
have accordingly issued to that country. ‘
eifect. The imperious considera~ “ With the Barbary States and
tions which produced this mea~ the Indian tribes our pacific rela_
sure will be explained to the par tions have been preserved. I
ties whom it may, in any degree, “In calling your attention to
concern. the internal concerns of our coun
“ To obtain correct informa try, the view which they exhibit
tion on every subject in which the is peculiarly gratifying. The pay
United States are interested; to ments, which have been made into
inspire just sentiments, in all per the treasury, show the very pro
sons in authority, on either side, ductive state of the public reve
of our friendly disposition, so far nue. After satisfying the appro
as it may comport with an impar priations made by law for the
tial neutrality ; and to secure pro support of the civil Government,
per respect to our commerce in and of the military and naval esta
every port, and from every flag; blishments, embracing suitable
it has been thought proper to provision for fortifications and for
send a ship of war, with three the gradual increase of the navy,
distinguished citizens, along the paying the interest of the public
southern coast, with instruction debt, and extinguishing more than
to touch at such ports as they may 18,000,000 of the principal, with- '
find most expedient fbr these pur in the present year, it is esti
poses. With the existing authori mated thatabalance of more than
ties, with those in the possession 6,000,000 of dollars will remain
of, and exercising the sovereignty, in the treasury on the lst day of
must the communication be held : January, a plicable to the current
from them alone can redress for service of t ensuing year.
past injuries, committed by per “ The payments into the trea
sons acting under them, be ob sury during the year 1818, on ac
tained: by them alone can the count of imposts and tonnage,
commission of the like in future resulting principally from duties
be prevented. which have accrued in the present
“ Our relations with the other year, may be fairly estimated at
powers of Europe have expe 20,000,000 of dollars; internal
rienced no material change since revenues at 2,500,000 5 public
the last session- In our inter lands at 1,500,000 , bank di
vidends
 GENERAL HISTORY. [155
vidends and incidental receipts at part of this force is armed, and
500,000; making, in the whole, measures are taken to arm the
24,500,000 dollars. whole. An improvement in the
“ The annual permanent ex organization and discipline of the
penditure for the support of the militia is one of the great objects
civil Government, and of the army which claims the unremitted at
and navy, as now established by tention of Congress.
law, amounts to 11,800,000; and “ The regular force amounts
for the sinking fund , to 1 0,000,000; nearly to the number required by
making in the whole 21,800,000; law, and is stationed along the
leaving an annual excess of re Atlantic and inland frontiers.
venue beyond the expenditure of " Of the naval force, it has
2,700,000 dollars, exclusive of the been necessary to maintain strong
balance estimated to be in the squadrons in the Mediterranean,
treasury on the 1st day of J anuary, and in the Gulf of Mexico. '
1818. “ From several of the Indian
“In the present state of the tribes inhabiting the country bor
treasury, the whole of the Loui dering on Lake Erie, purchases
siana debt may be redeemed in have been made of lands, on con
the year 1819 3 after which, if the ditions very favourable to the
public debt continues as it now is, United States, and, as it is pre
above par, there will be annually sumed, not less so the tribes them
about 5,000,000 ofthe sinking fund selves. By these purchases, the
unexpended, until the year 1825, Indian title, with moderate re
when the loan of 1812, and the servation, has been extinguished
stock created by funding treasury in the whole of the land within
notes, will be redeemable. . the limits of the State of Ohio,
“ It is also estimated that the and to a great part of that in the
Mississippi stock will be dis Michigan territory, and of the
charged during the year 1819, State of Indiana. From the Che
from the proceeds of the public rokee tribe a tract has been pur
lands assigned to that object ; chased in the State of Georgia,
after which the receipts from and an arrangement made, by
those lands will annually add to which, in exchange for lands be
the public revenue the sum of yond the Mississippi, a great part,
1,500,000 dollars, making the per if not the whole of the land he
manent annual revenue amount longing to that tribe, eastward of
to 26,000,000 of dollars, and leav that river, in the States of North
ing an annual excess of revenue, Carolina, Georgia, and Tennesse,
after the year 1819, beyond the and in the Alabama territory, will
permanent authorized expendi soon be acquired. By these ac
ture, of more than 4,000,000 of quisitions, and others that may
dollars. reasonably be. expected soon to
“ By the last returns from the follow, we shall be enabled to ex
Department of War, the militia tend our settlements from the in
force of the several States may be habited, parts of the State of Ohio,
estimated at 800,000 men, infan along Lake Erie, into the Michi
try, artillery, and cavalry. Great gan territory, and to connect our
settle
 156] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
settlements, by degrees, through “ Among the advantages inci
the State of Indiana and the Illi dent to these purchases, and to
nois to that of Missouri. A simi those uhich' have preceded, the
lar, and equally advantageous security which may thereby be af
eli'ect will soon be produced to the forded to our inland frontiers is
south, through the whole extent peculiarly important. With a
of the States and territory which strong barrier, consisting of our
border on the waters emptying own people, thus planted on the
into the Mississippi and the Mo— Lakes, the Mississippi, and the
bile. In this progress, which the Mobile, with the protection to be
rights of nature demand, and no derived from the regular force,
thing can prevent, marking a Indian hostilities, if they do not
growth rapid and gigantic, it is altogether cease, will henceforth
our duty to make new efforts for lose their terror. Fortifications in
the preservation, improvement, those quarters, to any extent, will
and civilization of the native in not be necessary, and the expense
habitants. The hunter state can attending them may be saved. A
exist only in the vast, unculti people accustomed to the use of
vated desert. It yields to the fire-arms only, as the Indian tribes
more dense and compact form, are, will shun even moderate
and greater force, of civilized po works, which are defended by can~
pulation; and of right it ought non. Great fortifications will,
to yield ; for the earth was given therefore, be requisite only, in
to mankind to support the great future, along the coast, and at
est number of which it is capable, some points in the interior, con
and no tribe or people have a nected with it. On these will the
right to withhold from the wants safety of our towns, and the com
of others more than is necessary merce of our great rivers, from
for their own support and comfort. the Bay of Fundy to the Missis
It is gratifying to know, that the sippi, depend. On these, there
reservations of land made by the fore, should the utmost attention,
the treaties with the tribes on skill, and labour, be bestowed.
Lake Erie, were made with a “ A considerable and rapid aug
view to individual ownershipamong mentation in the value of all the
them, and to the cultivation of public lands, proceeding from
the soil by all, and that an annual these and other obvious causes,
stipend has been pledged to supply may henceforward be expected.
their other wants. It will merit The difficulties attending early
the consideration of Congress, emigrations will be dissipated even
whether other provision, not sti in the most remote parts. Several
pulated by the treaty, ought to be new states have been admitted into
made for these tribes, and for the our union, to the west and south,
advancement of the liberal and and territorial governments, hap
humane policy of the United pily organized, established over
States towards all the tribes within every other portion in which there
our limits, and more particularly is vacant land for sale. In ters
for their improvement in the art minating Indian hostilities, as must
of civilized life. soon be done, in a formidable
shape
 GENERAL HISTORY. [151
shape at least, the emigration, tentof territory, within the United
which has heretofore been great, States, the great amount and value
will probably increase, and the of its productions, the connexion
demand for land, and the aug of its parts, and other circumstan—
mentation in its value, be in like ces on which their prosperity and
proportion. The great increase happiness depend, we cannot fail
of our population throughout the to entertain a high sense of the
union will alone produce an im advantages to be derived from the
portant sheet, and in no quarter facility which may be afforded in
will it be so sensibly felt as in the intercourse between them by
those in contemplation. The public means of good roads and canals.
lands are a public stock, which Never did a country of, such vast
ought to be disposed of to the best extent offer equal inducements to
advantage for the nation. The improvements of this kind, nor
nation should, therefore, derive ever were consequences of such
the profit proceeding from the vast magnitude involved in them.
continual rise in their value. Every As this subject was acted on by
encouragement should be given to Congress at the last session, and
the emigrants consistent with a there may be a disposition to re
fair competition between them; vive it at the present, I have
but that competition should ope brought it into view, for the pur
rate, in the first sale, to the ad pose of communicating my senti
vantage of the nation rather than ments on a very important cir
of individuals. Great capitalists cumstance connected with it, with
will derive all the benefit incident that freedom and candour which
to their superior wealth, under a regard for the public interest,
any mode of sale which may be and a proper respect for Congress,
adopted. But if, looking forward require. A difference of opinion
to the rise in the value of the has existed, from the first forma
public lands, they should have the tion of our constitution to the
opportunity of amassing, at a low present time, among our most
price, vast bodies in their hands, enlightened and virtuous citizens,
the profit will accrue to them and respecting the right of Congress
not to the public. They would to establish such a system of im
also have the power, in that de provement. Taking into view the
gree, to control the emigration trust with which 1 am now ho
and settlement in such manner as noured, it would be improper,
their opinion of their respective after what has passed, that this
interests might dictate. I submit discussion should be revived,
this subject to the consideration of with an uncertainty of my opinion
Congress, that such further pro respecting the right. Disregard
vision may be made in the sale of ing early impressions, I have be
the public lands, with a view to stowed on the subject all the de
the public interest, should any be liberation which its great import
deemed expedient, as in their ance, and a just sense of my duty,
judgment may be best adapted to required ; and the result is a
the object. settled conviction in my mind, that
“ When we consider the vast ex Congress do not possess the right.
It
 158] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
It is not contained in any of the in them is considerable, and the
specified powers granted to Con knowledge acquired in the ma
gress; nor can I consider it in chinery and fabric of all the most
cidental to, or a necessary mean, useful manufactures is of great
viewed on the most liberal scale, value. Their preservation, which
for carrying into effect any of depends on due encouragement,
the powers which are specifically is connected with the high inte
granted. In communicating this rests of the nation.
result, I cannot resist the obli “ Although the progress of the
gation which I feel to suggest to public buildings has been as fa
Congress the propriety of recom vourable as circumstances have
mending to the States the adoption permitted, it is to be regretted
of an amendment to the consti that the Capitol is not yet in a
tution, which shall give to Con state to receive you. There is
gress the right in question. In good cause to presume that the
cases of doubtful construction, two wings, the only parts as yet
especially of such vital interest, it commenced, will be prepared for
comports with the nature and that purpose at the next session.
origin of our institutions, and will The time seems now to have ar
contribute much to preserve them, rived when this subject may be
to apply to our constituents for an deemed worthy the attention of
explicit grant of the power. We Congress, on a scale adequate to
may confidently rely, that if it ap national purposes. The comple
pears to their satisfaction that the tion of the middle building will
power is necessary, it will always be necessary to the convenient ac
be granted. In this case I am commodation of Congress, of the
happy to observe that experience Committees, and various offices
has afforded the most ample proof belonging to it. It is evident that
of its utility, and that the benign the other public buildings are al
spirit of conciliation and har together insufficient for the ac
mony which now manifests itself commodation of the several execu
throughout our Union, promises tive departments, some of which
to such a recommendation the are much crowded, and even sub
most prompt and favourable re jected to the necessity of obtaining
sult. I think proper to suggest it in private buildings, at some
also, in case this measure is distance from the head of the
adopted, that it be recommended department, and with inconve
,to the States to include in the nience to the management of the
amendment sought, a right in public business. Most nations
Congress to institute, likewise, have taken an interest and a pride
seminaries of learning, for, the in the improvement and ornament
all-important purpose of diffusing of their metropolis, and none were
knowledge among our fellow more conspicuous in that respect
citizens throughout the United than the ancient republics. The
States. policy which dictated the estab
" Our manufactories will re lishment of a permanent residence
quire the continued attention of for the national government, and
Congress. The capital employed the spirit in which it was com
menced
 GENERAL HISTORY. [159
menced and has been prosecuted, provision which may be made will
show that such improvement was not be great.
thought worthy the attention of “ It appearing in a satisfactory
this nation. Its central position, manner that the revenue arising
betWeen the northern and southern from imports and tonnage, and
extremities of our union, and its from the saie of the public lands,
approach to the west, at the head will be fully adequate to the sup
of a at navigable river which port of the civil government, of
inter ocks with the western wa the present military and naval
ters, prove the wisdom of the establishments, including the an
councils whiCh established it. No nual augmentation of the latter,
thing appears to be more reason to the extent provided for, to the
able and proper than that conve payment of the interests on the
nient accommodations should he public debt, and to the extinguish
provided, on a well-digested plan, rnent of it at the times authorised,
for the heads of the several depart without the aid of internal taxes ;
ments, and for the Attorney I consider it my duty to recom
General; and it is believed that mend to Congress their repeal.
the public ground in the city, To impose taxes, when the public
applied to those objects, will he exigencies require them, is an ob
found amply sufficient. I submit ligation of the most sacred cha
‘this subject to the consideration of racter, especially with a free
Congress, that such furtherpro people. The faithful fulfilment
vision may be made in it as to of it is among the highest proofs
them may seem proper. of their virtue, and capacity for
“ In contem lating the happy self-government. To dispense
situation of the nited ‘States, our with taxes, when it may be done
attention is drawn, with peculiar with perfect safety, is equally the
interest, to the surviving o‘fiicers duty of their representatives. In
and soldiers of our revolutionary this instance we have the satis
a'rmy, who so eminently contri faction to know that they were
buted, by their services, 'to :lay its imposed when the demand was
foundation. Most of those very imperious, and have been sustained
meritorious citizens have paid the with exemplary fidelity. I have
debt of nature, and gone to repose. to add, that, however gratifying
It is believed that among the sur it may 'be to me, regarding the
vivnrs there are some not provided prosperous and happy condition
for ‘by existing laws, who are re of our country, to recommend the
duced to indigence, and even to repeal of these taxes at this time,
real distress. These men :have a. fl sha‘ll nevertheless be attentive to
claim on the gratitude of their events, and, should any future
country, and it will do honour to emergency occur, be not “less
their country to provide ,for them. prtnnPt to suggest such measures
The lapse of a few years more, and burdens as may then be re
and the opportunity will ‘be for quisite and proper.
ever lost: indeed, so long already “ James Mormon.
has been the interval, that the “ Was‘hiqgton, D202, 1817."
munber to be benefited 'by any
SPANISH
 160] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
SPANISH cotomzs. land, with a crew composed of the
The state of affairs in the Spa natives of dilferent countries 5 but
nish Colonies of North and South it was generally suspected that his
America appears to have under motive was chiefly to secure a
gone little change in the present good port, whence he might carry
year; one cause of which has been on a kind of piratical traffic with
the mutual debility of both par the persons with whom he was
ties, which may be ascribed to the connected. After continuing for
weakness induced upon each by a considerable time at Amelia,
the savage manner in which war being disappointed, it is said, of
has been carried on. aid which he expected from Balti
Buenos Ayres, which from the more, M‘Gregor and his wife left
beginning of the contest has con the island on the 5th of Septem
stituted the principal strength of ber, and sailed away in a brig.
the patriot or insurgent cause, The Mexican (patriotic) flag was
sent out a force under General hoisted in the same month, and
San Martin, which was designed proclamations were issued, sign
to recover the province of Chili. ed by Aury, Commander-in-Chief,
The General fell in with the Roy and R. Hubbard, Governor.
alists near Chabuco, and defeated The Buenos Ayres government
them in a general action on the having felt themselves aggrieved
12th of February; after which a by the numerous complaints made
new government was organized in by foreign nations against the
Santiago, the capital of Chili. The robberies committed by South
former Spanish governor of the American privateers upon their
province, Marco del Pont, was commerce, published, on Aug. 16,
captured by the Patriots. San the following official notice, ad
Martin, who arrived' at Santiago dressed to all such complainants .—
on April 11, was employed in “ For some time past the foreign
completing his conquest. The re papers have been filled with com
maining royal forces were strongly plaints against our cruisers, for
posted in the harbour of Talcahu acting contrary to the laws of
ano, where five vessels were detain nations; but as those complaints
ed for the removal of the troops, must refer to other parts of
should it be found necessary. South America as well as to
The Portuguese troops were ours, this government waits for
still at Montevideo. information less vague as to the
Early in the year there arrived authors of those excesses, in order
by sea a person named Gregor to give entire satisfaction to neu
M‘Gregor, a native of Scotland, tral and friendly 'powers. The
who took possession of an island injustice of Spain has placed us on
called Amelia, and entitled himself a precipice, and involves our name
General of Brigade of the Armies in acts repugnant to our feelings.
of the United Provinces of New The evil originated from little
Granada and Venezuela, and Ge caution used by the former G0
neral-in-Chief of the Armies des vernment in granting letters of
tined against the Floridas. He marque, little suspecting then that
established himself in Amelia is bad use would be made of them;
but
 GENERAL HISTORY. pm
but the present administration has island of Margaretta, and sent a
taken care to regulate every thing column of his troops to attack
according to the law of nations. Porlamar, of which they took
Latterly, one of our privateers possession, after a desperate re
captured two Portuguese vessels sistance. Three hundred of the
under the mistaken idea that we Patriots were killed, and many
were at war with that power. were wounded and made pri
They shall be immediately re soners. The survivors fled to the
stored, in order to show that We mountains.v The island was sur
have no other interest in the Pri rounded v'vit'h mahty‘spahish ships '
vateers than in so far As they con of ; and several of the insur
tribute to our national _defence'; gent ‘famili'és Who endeavoured
and that we have no other'en'em‘ies to escape had already been taken.
b'ut Spaniards, against when; our A dispareh from nah Francisco
whole esarts are to be aireé'tea. d'é omen ‘tb Viceroy nah {than
At present, the Saprerh‘e Govern; Ruéz dé spouses, dated _S'i-‘
ment has appointed a caramtss'ios, lab, October 27,‘gd‘v'érhinen't er account
in “the
which is acting incessantlyin"order
_ to Put a Stop to the future 'abhses of thehis'hbvingfikén are calcitrat'ed' gli
of our private'ers. We hold n'q ner'al ’thie _‘iFreI‘icli',’ with
thing more sacred than Honour,
and no time shall be lost in re; warty-nee other "efshhs, in the
moving all occasion for those ca pass (if Vdfiadito," has Miss was
lumni‘e's raised by our enemies. at the_ “he's/def 260 nearly the
Neit'h'e'r anarchical n'or sdns culotte half of wliom are Killed. This Cap
ideas exist in South America, _We ture appears to have been con-
did not declare our itidépéfidéwe th‘e sidered
S'panis‘h‘governrne’nt,
as of great ,w'liich
un'til interior order was completely
established." I could not ismaih indifferent als- to
_ the poiusiblié's‘iiéce's‘s of the enter
The Royal General Mbrillo, on
the 14th of July, lar'ided on the prise.

VOL. LIX. CHAP

' wv-w

1 62] ANNUAL, REGISTER. 1817‘ '

CHAPTER XV.

East India Aflairs.

N the close of December, 1816, space of ten miles, that their loss
a dispatch was sent from Ma in killed and wounded was com
jor Lushington, commander of the puted at not less than 7 or 800
4th regiment of Madras light ca men, besides a great number ren
valry, to the hon. Mr. Elphinstone,dered incapable of following their
British resident at Poonah, giving plundering excursions for want of
an accountofhis expedition against horses. The only casualty left for
the Pindarces. These people had the Major to report was, that of
made their appearance at Sogaurn Captain Drake, a gallant officer,
early on the 25th, on which ac who fell by a thrust of a spear.
count the Major had advanced his _ A Calcutta Government Gazette
regiment towards that place on of the 10th of April states, that
the ‘26th. He reached Sogaum at accounts from the banks of the
seven in the morning, where he Nerbudda of the middle of March
learned that a body of Pindarees, mention that the intrepid Captain
cons-sting of between two and Caulfield had again distinguished
three thousand, had attacked So himself in a successful attack on
gaum on the morning of the 25th, the Pindaree's. Having received
and being beat off, had taken the accurate information of the en
road to Kaine. Major Lushington, campment of their leader, Shoikh
after making the necessary ar Doleah, at the head of a’large
rangements for the protection of body of horse, he marched to the
his gun-troops and rear-guard, spot with two companies of the
proceeded with 330 rank and file tenth infantry, and a squadron of
to Kaine, where he arrived at cavalry, and came upon them um _
noon, being a march of twenty perceived near Hendia. The Pin
miles. He halted for a short time darees immediately rushed into
to refresh his men and horses, and the Nerbudda with the hope of
then pushed on to Pepree, where fording that river; but in the at
he was informed that the Pindarees tempt a very considerable number
were at Cowah, taking their meal. were cut to pieces or drowned,
Moving on at a brisk pace, the and the chief was supposed to have
Major surprised the enemy when fallen on this occasion.
within a thousand yards of them ; The immediate cause of these
and though they were on horse disturbances appears to have been
back, within two minutes, they the irruption of a party of ma
were instantly flying in all direc rauders, supposed to have been
tions. The pursuit was conducted from the Mahratta frontier, which
with so much ardour during a had entered the Cuttack district
l through
 GENERAL HISTORY. [168
through Goomsir; andbeing joined by the son of the Dewau of the
by a multitude of vagahonds from Khorrdah Rajah ; but having lost
the Pergunnah of Khoordah, the in the action seventeen killed and
insurrection soon assumed an about a hundred wounded, they
alarming character. They took again hastily retired, and were
the town of Khoordah, and. then pursued to the end of the town.
proceeded to Piply, situated mid Six were taken prisoners, from
way between Cuttack and J agger whose account it, appeared that
naut, with a view of cutting off the Rajah was the mainspring of
'the communication between those the disturbance. “in:
two places, and particularly of se Jugbundoo being informed of
curing the person of the Rajah of the defeat of the parties which had
Khoordah, who is high-priest of been sent against Captain VVal
the temple, and hereditary sweeper lington, immediately pushed out
of the great idol to Jaggernaut at the head of some
The same Gazette on April the thousand insurgents; and having
24th proceeds to communicate in— surrounded the fort and placed
formation respecting Cuttack and picquets in every direction, he be
its district. After its conquest by gan to erect a battery with two
the British, the pergunnah of great guns. Captain Wallington
Khoordah was remarkable for its thinking it impossible with his
hostility to the English govern small force to make any impres
ment ;‘and it was found necessary sion upon so formidable a mul
for the purpose of securing tem titude, retired in the middle of the
porary tranquillitytto take charge night, and reached Cuttack with
of the person of the Rajah, then his treasure on the 16th.
a young man, and retain him in The Bombay Courier of April
custody at Midnapore. When all the 26th conveysinformation, that
opposition was subdued, the Ra a large body of freebooting horse,
jah was restored to his functions who were encamped on the banks
in the temple, and was allowed a of the Peira, about ll miles N.VV.
malikanu of twenty-four per cent. of Soonje llamaney, were sur
being more thandouble the amount prised in their camp by a detach<
given in ordinary cases. ment of the Madras army, under
Since the above was drawn up, the command of Major Smith.
further accounts have been re Two companies of the first of the
ceived from Cuttack up to the third, and the first of the second,
16th. Captain Wallington had and the flank companies of the
fortified a bungalow at J aggernaut, 14th Madras Native Infantry,
and surrounded his small camp marched from the banks of the
with a mud wall about seven feet Beema in pursuit of a body of
high ; and had thrown out wickets horse; and continuing the chace
on every side, and was prepared with extraordinary perseverance
against attack. ()n the 13th se for four days and five nights, came
veral columns of insurgents rushed up with them. just as they were
forwards to assault him, but were preparing for a march on the 17th
soon obliged to retreat with loss. of April. > The nature of the
They made a second attack, led on ground preventing the infantry
- A ‘ " ~- ' from
' '~"'v—w—

164] ANNUAL REGISTER, 18'1‘7.

from immediately forming a line, threatened to shake the amity sub
they poured a volley into the camp, sisting between the two States, the
and then broke into divisions, and Governor-General in Council has
marched through the camp. The the satisfaction to announce the
freebooters got on their horses execution of a new treaty between
with uncommon rapidity, and the Honourable Company and his
formed behind their camp. As Highness the Peishwa, explaining
soon as the infantry had got through and amending the articles of the
the camp, Maj.Smith concentrated treaty of Bassein, with the addi
his detachment. The horse then tion of certain provisions calculated‘
exchanged a few shot with the to improve the alliance, and to pro
foot, and made otf, leaving about mote and render permanent the
60 men, and many more horses, harmony which both Governments
dead on the field. are solicitous to maintain.
By command of his Excellency
Fort William, July 10. the most Noble the Governor
Discussions having occurred be General in Council,
tween the British GQVernment and J. ADAM,
the Government of Poona, which Act. Chief Sec. to Gov.
July 5.

cunnmeLE.
 CHRONIC-LE,
JANUARY. persons came forward to identify
the deceased, and among the rest
1. HE number of students last an old man, who swore that the
, year at the University of deceased was his daughter, and
Gottingen was greatly increased ; that she was the wife of Israel
it amounts already to 1,159; of Friday, an out- pensioner of Green~
these only 386 are natives of Ha wich College. He then went into
nover, 566 are from other Ger a long account 'of a quarrel which
man States, and 180 foreigners ; took place between Friday and his
of the latter, 36 are Russians, 17 wife, on Wednesday the lst, of
Swiss, 63 Danes, 10 English, 6 ‘ January, and of their fighting in
French, 25 Hungarians, 4 Ame his house with a knife and a
ricans, 2 from the Greek isle of hatchet, which fight he with diffi~
Chios. culty suppressed; and that soon
On Thursday, the 9d inst. the afterwards both parties left his
body of a woman was found tied house, and he had not been able
to a boat near the landing-place to hear of either of them since,
of the Royal Hospital at Green except that he now believed the
wich, on which an inquest was deceased to be his daughter, and
held on the following Saturday, that she had been murdered by
before Joseph Carttar, Esq. one somebody, and laid on the spot
of the coroners for Kent. The where the body was found. Other
evidence being very vague, the co witnesses also swore to the de
roner said he should not then ceased being the daughter of the
close the inquest, but adjourn till old man., The surgeons proved
the Tuesday following, in order that there were marks of violence
that every exertion might be made on the head, &c. of the deceased,
to procure better information, as but not sufiicient to be deemed
there was much suspicion in the mortal. This evidence, however,
case, and it was but seldom that a induced the coroner to adjourn a
woman was found dead without second time; and he directed the
somebody being able to give an constables to make diligent search
account of her death. He also di after Friday, the husband, and
rected, that the body should be bring him before the jury on the
examined by a surgeon, that his 10th instant, to account for his
opinion might be given on certain wife's death, if possible. Thejury
external marks which appeared on accordingly met again on the 10th
it. The jury accordingly met a instant, when the constables re
ain on Tuesday, when several ' ported that they had not been able
VOL. LIX. B '0
2 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817'. LIAN.
to find Friday, but that they had Campbell, Esq., Drumsaynie, a
found his wife alive and hearty; daughter of Archibald Smith, Loch
whereupon the father was sent for, goilhead.—-Saved, John Campbell,
and the other witnesses, all of Duncan Smith, Duncan M‘Glas
whom were greatly but agreeably ban." Another letter says, that
surprised at the sight of the wo Duncan M‘Glashan d ied after be
man, and acknowledged their er ing got on shore. .
ror in having sworn to the de 7. \Ve observe, with pleasure,
ceased. The coroner reprimanded that the condition of the nume
the witnesses severely for their rous body of nailmakers in Staf
want of discrimination; but every fordshire is improved by a meeting
one allowed, that the great like of their employers, held at 'Wes't
ness there was between the living Bromwich, when' it .was unani
woman and the deceaSed might mously agreed to restore their
have deceived better judges than rate of wages, which had been,
the witnesses seemed to be, par- from the depression of that trade,
ticularly as both the women had partially and considerably reduced.
similar private marks on each arm. —-Birmingham Gazette.
Under these circumstances further 8. For- several hours this morn
proclamation was made for evi ing, the fog throughout the whole
dence to identify the deceased, and of the metropolis was so intense,
discover how she came by her that candles were used in every
death; but none' appearing, the shop and counting-house.
jury returned a verdict of “ Found 11. From the crowded state of
dead, under suspicious circum the foreign seamen in the Helder,
stances, and with strong marks of lying off the Tower, Government
violence on her person; but who has given directions for another
ther? inflicted by accident or by de vessel to be prepared for their re
sign, they could not ascertain." ception. The Holder was calcu
A letter from Lochgoilhead, da lated to be capable of containing
ted the 3d of January, 1817, to a nearly 800; but as more than
gentleman in Glasgow, says—“ On that number have been sent on
Monday last a' boat left this, in board, sickness has made its ap
order to to Greenock; when pearance, from the crowded state
sailing dow'n’Lochgoil, they were of the miserable objects.
hailed by a person that wanted to On Monday week; Dennis Mur
cross; they condescended, and, phy, of Limerick, sawyer, assist
being upon the lee-shore, gave ing a constable in executing a
the boat the two sails, which be sessions decree at Rathmore cas
fore had but one: half way over, tle, in that county, was attacked
opposite the Waninan, came on a by a number of fellows, who in
squall, and run the boat down by the most savage manner beat him,
not relieving the sheets. Eight and inflicted several wounds on
persons were ,on board ; those his body, of which he died on
that were drowned are, Archibald \Vedncsday. Thursday an inquest
Campbell, Dugald Weir, Archi was held on the corpse, and a
bald Walker, Thomas Thomson's verdict of wilful murder returned
wife, the ploughmun to Archibald against the perpetrators. Two men
charged
 hm CHRONIGLE 3
charged with this outrage, Thomas received a shot which broke his
Stubbins and Darby Fennell, are left arm near the wrist, and the
lodged in gaol by David Roche, same moment it was broken above
Esq—Waterford Mirror. the elbow by a blow with a fire
From the Westnieatli Journal.— lock; he also received a shot in
Qn Saturday the 11th instant, at the other arm that quite disabled
six o'clock in the evening, the him. Both he and his wife were
house of the Rev. Mr. Serjeant, then so dreadfully beaten as to be
curate of the parish of Castlere left for dead; when the villains
han, and an active magistrate of proceeded to plunder the house,
the county of Cavan, was entered and decamped, after having robbed
by a party of ten persons, who him of more than 801. in gold,
tied the servants, and collected all besides much other property.
the property worth carrying away ; Drogheda, Jan. lS.-Our feel
after which they deliberately boil ings are again outraged, in being
ed the tea-kettle, and passed the under the painful necessity of re
evening in drinking tea and punch, cording a transaction of the most
waiting the arrival of Mr. Ser diabolical nature, which took place
jeant. On Mr. returning he on Thursday evening near Ardee.
heard a noise, and on asking, The following particulars we have
“ who is there 2" two men imme learned from a gentleman. Mr.
diately fired at him, which he at J. Rath, a respectable and wealthy
tempted to return, but his pistol farmer, and an excellent member
missed fire. Fortunately the arms of society, returned on the above
of the robbers were so injudi evening, from the quarter-sessions
ciously loaded, that fire slugs of Ardee, to his house at Irish
which hit him in the body, and town, on the Dunkald road, and
perforated his two coats, waist about a mile and a half from the
coat, and shirt, did him very little former place. Having sat down
injury. On Mr. S. falling, the in his parlour with two friends to
fellows supposed he was killed, dinner, the table lay in front of
and immediately joined their party the window 3 one of his guests sat
in the dwelling-house, and carried a little distance on his right, the
oil all the clothes, house linen, other on his left; it was then be
and 301. in money. The same tween seven and eight o‘clock, and
' party then proceeded about three the shutters were not closed. In
miles to the deer-park of Lord this situation some hellish mis
Farnham, and entered so quietly creant discharged the conterits' of
through the thatch of the house of a blunderbuss loaded with slugs,
Robert Morrow, permanent ser which carried ofl‘ the upper part
geant of the 1st Ballyjamesdufi' of his head, and scattered the
corps of yeomanry, as to be at his brains of the unfortunate victim
bedside before he was apprized of about the room; neither of the
their being in the house. He then other persons, we understand, were
seized a firelock which was near injured. One of his friends short
his bed, and knocked down two ly afterwards went to Ardee and
of the party, and his wife gal informed the police, who, with
lantly tumbled another, when he the military, were in pursuit of
B 2 the
 4 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. Unit.
the murderer during the night, intestines had protruded. This
but unfortunately did not come up wound would have been mortal in
with him. Friday an inquest was most cases, from the subsequent
held by Dr. Blackwell, one of the inflammation, but was not consi
coroners of the county, and a ver dered so in the present instance,
dict of wilful murder found against owing to the profuse discharge of
_ persons unknown. blood. On dissection after death,
15. Coroner‘s Inquest on the late by order of the coroner, the blad
John Harriott, Esq. of the Thames der was found highly ulcerated,
Police (Mice—Au inquest was held and filled with coagulated blood,
before J. W. Unwin, Esq. one of which, by the able practitioners
the coroners for Middlesex, on who attended, was considered as
the body of this lamented and re the immediate cause of death.
spected magistrate, of which the It was proved, that during the
following are the leading facts and hist- fortnight, the faculties of the
circumstances :— deceased were greatly impaired,
Mr. Harriot for nine months and his mind overcome by dejec
past had been afflicted with a dis tion, from a continued series of
ease in the bladder, which sub pain and sufi'ering.
jected him to continual paroxysms The coroner called the attention
of excruciating pain, often attend of thejury, in the first place, to
ed with profuse hemorrhage. On the statement which had been
Friday morning last, about four given as to the situation of the de
o'clock, his medical attendant (Mr. ceased's mind and understanding,
Holloway) was sent for, who and left it to them to decide, whe
found him in such exquisite pain, ther he had contributed to his
that the deceased requested this own death, or had come to his
gentleman to relieve him at all end by natural means from the
events, even if the means should efl’cct of his complaint—Verdict,
terminate in death. Mr. Harriott Natural Death.
was then placed in a warm bath. ‘20. The number of vessels
At eight o‘clock the same morning which entered the port of Ham
this gentleman was again sent burgh in the course of last year
for ; he found Mr. Harriott bleed amounted to 1,615; of these 702
ing from several self-inflicted were from England, 84 from
wounds in different parts of his France, 3 from the East Indies,
body. On the left temple was a 37' from the “’est Indies, 40 from
slight wound, which had divided North America, 9 from South
a branch of the temporal artery. America, &c. The number of
In the left arm, below the elbow, ships which passed the Sound
was another wound, about two. during the same period was 8,871 ;
inches long, and about the fourth of these 1,848 were British: the
of an inch deep. The veins only Swedish were next in point of
of the arm were injured, and the numbers, the French only 16, the
artery untouched. The last, and Americans 168.
most serious wound, was in 21. The elder Watson was put
the abdomen, over the stomach, upon his trial at the Old Bailey,
through which a portion of the upon the charge of having stabbed
Joseph
Jam] CHRONICLE. 5
Joseph Rhodes with a sword con Wednesday morning, about one
cealed in astick ; when it appear o'clock, the Leicester cavalry, and
ing that Rhodes was not able to a regiment of dragoons, war:
swear that the wound was inflicted called out to quell a riot at Oadby,
by design, but rather in a noctur near Leicester. There were about
nal scufile, Watson was brought in 400 rioters, who dispersed them
Not guilty. selves nfter three of the leaders
The grand jury afterwards re were secured : these have since
turned a true bill against James been sent to the gaol of the latter
Watson the elder, John Hooper, place. Several corn and hay
Thomas Preston, and Thomas stacks were set on fire, but were
Cashman, on a. charge of con extinguished by the military.
spiracy and riot. Her Royal Highness the Duchess
27’. The following letter has of Cumberland having been for
been sent by the Secretary of some time past in daily expecta
State for the Home Department to tion of giving birth to a child,
the Lords Lieutenants of several the two physicians, Sir Henry
counties :— Halford and Dr. Clarke (the latter
Whilehall, Jan. 11. of whom is an eminent accoucheur)
My Lord—It being deemed ex have been constant attendants
pedient, under present circum upon her Royal Highness. In
stances, that the civil power should compliance also with the formality
be strengthened in the county maintained at a royal birth, the
under your grace's charge, I have Archbishop of Canterbury and the
to request that you will recom Bishop of London have remained
mend it to the magistrates in the in town, that they might, when
principal towns within the same called upon, be present at the
(in which the measure is not al shortest notice. The proper ar
ready adopted), to encourage the rangements being thus settled, it
enrolment of respectable house was announced yesterday morning
holders, to act, as occasion may between nine and ten o'clock, that
require, as special constables, for her Royal Highness was taken in
a fixed period of time, not less labour. Summonses were pre
than three months; and I, have sently forwarded to the Archbishop
further to request that your grace of Canterbury, the Bishop of Lon
will communicate to the command don, the Lord Chancellor, and the
ing officers of the several yeomanry rest of the Cabinet Ministers.
corps within the county of Leices The Duke of Cumberland sent his
ter, the wish of his Majesty's go own chariot for the Lord Chancel
vernment, that they would hold lor ; and here some delay was
themselves, and the corps under occasioned by the coachman driv
their respective commands. in a ing to Bedford-square, instead of
state of preparation to afford the Court of Chancery, where the
prompt assistance to the civil au learned lord was of course sitting,
thorities, in case of necessity. it being term-time. In the mean
lhave, Sac. SIDMOUTH. while, the Archbishop of Canter
The Lord Lieutenant of the bury, who had kept a carriage in
county of Leicester. readiness for the occasion, made
such
5 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [Jam
such haste as to be at Cumberland kingdom of Great Britain and
house by twelve o‘clock, within Ireland, in the name and on the
twenty minutes after his receipt of behalf of his Majesty,
the summons. In a few miniites A rnoennsrion.
the Bishop of London also ar George, P. R.
rived, and immediately after him Whereas, by an act passed in
came the Lord Chancellor and the 56th year of his Majesty‘s
the Cabinet Ministers. The same reign, entitled “ An Act to provide
ceremonies vvere observed as at for a new silver coinage, and tb
the delivery of a queen of England, regulate the currency of the gold
and about one o'clock her Royal and Silver coin of this realm," it
Highness has delivered of a still is amongst other things enacted,
born cliild. , that from and after such days, and
_ In a short titne tile follo'Wihg ddring such period of time, as
bulletin was draWn,up, and is shall be named and appointed iii
sued; for the satisfaction of the and by any proclamation or pro
public :-'- _ chmati'ons which shall be inade
“ St. John's, Monday, Jail. 27. and issued for that purpose, by Or
“ Her Royal Highness the on behalf Of his Majesty's Privy_
Duchess of Cumberland Was de Council, it shall dnd may be lawful
livered at one o'clock this day of for any person or persons to bring
a' still-born female child, and is as and deliVer into his Majesty's
well as chn be expected. Mint any silver coin of this realm
" HENRY HALrosn, heretofore coined and current,
“ Cnsnuss M. Ctssxs." which shall by anyoiiicer or officers
of the said Mint, to be appointed
Johanna Southcbte.-—l‘he d'e'lu for that purpose by the Master of
sion at this time practised upon the Mint, be judged and deemed
the Believers in- the predictions to be such silver coin of this realm,
and doctrines of the late prophetess and that there'shall be delivered
'is matter of great astonishment. out of the said Mint to every per
An interdict arrived at Newark oh son bringing in and delivering
Sunday, the 19th instant, _ from "a subh old silver coin, a sum in new
disciple of the 'cbnclave at Leeds, silver built, of erovvns,half-crovvns,
inhibiting those of the faith, shillings, and sixpences, to be
amongst other things, from at coined, pursuant to the directions
tending to their ordinary business of the said act, equal to the amount
during the ensuing right or nine of the silver coins brought in and
days; and a mahuficturer‘s shop delivered as- aforesaid, seem-ding
in that place is at this time en to the respective denOmin'ations of
tii'ély deserted, and the business such silver coins : and whereas,
of 'many small defilers suspended We; have thought iii in the name
inconsequence—Ltfit-olhMeiburg. and on the behalf of his Majesty,
and by and with the advice of 'his
From the Ldndon Gazette, Timidu'y Majesty‘s Privy Council, to name
Jailu'ar’ 28. and appoint the 8d day of Feb.
By his Royal ne'ss the Prince now next ensuing, as the day
of Wales, Regent of the united from and after which, and from
thence
Jam] CHRONICLE. 7
thence until the 17th day of Feb. in different places in the city of
then next ensuing, as the period Westminster, proceeded to com
of time during which it shall and mit certain daring and highly
may be lawful for any person or criminal outrages, in gross viola
persons to deliver into the said tion of the public peace, to the
Mint any such old silver coin of actual danger of our Royal Person,
this realm, and as the day from and to the interruption of our
and after which, and as the period passage to and from the Parlia
of time during which, there shall ment : We therefore, in the name
be delivered out of the said Mint, and on the behalf of his Majesty,
new silver coins equal to the and by and with the advice of his
amount of the silver coins that Majesty‘s Privy Council, in pur
shall be so brought in, pursuant suance of an address from the two
to, and under the directions of the houses of Parliament, do hereby
said act ; We do for this purpose, enjoin all magistrates, and all
in the name and on the behalf of other his Majesty's loving sub
his Majesty, and by and with the jects, to use their utmost endea
advice aforesaid, publish this pro vours to discover and cause to be
clamation, and do hereby name apprehended the authors, actors,
and appoint the 3d day of Feb and abettors concerned in such
ruary now next ensuing, as the outrages, in order that they may
day from and after which, and be dealt with according to law:
from thence until the 17th day of And we do hereby promise, that
February then next ensuing, as any person or persons, other than
the period of time during which those actually concerned in doing
it shall and may be lawful for any any act by which our Royal Per
person or persons to deliver into son was immediately endangered,
his Majesty’s said Mint any such who shall give information, so as
old silver coin, and the said 3d that any of the authors, actors,
day of February now next ensuing, or abettors concerned in such out
as the day from and after which rages as aforesaid, may be appre
and from thence until the 17th hended and brought to justice,
day of February then next ensu shall receive a reward of one
ing, as the period of time during thousand pounds, to be paid on
which there shall be delivered out conviction of every such offender ;
of the said Mint new silver coins, which said sum of one thousand
as in the said act is mentioned, pounds the Lords Commissioners
pursuant to the regulations and of his Majesty‘s Treasury are here
directions thereof. by required and directed to pay
Given at the Court at Brighton, accordingly: And we do further
the 18th day of January, 1817, in promise, that any person or per
the 57th year of his Majesty‘s sons concerned in such outrages
rsign, as aforesaid, other than such as
PROCLAMATICN. Were actually concerned in any
George, P. R.—\Vhereas 0n the act by which our Royal Person
twenty-eighth day of this instant was immediately endangercdnvho
month of January, divers persons, shall giv‘e information, so that
riotously assembled, and stationed any of such authors, actors, or
abettors
_w__

8 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [FEB.

abettors as aforesaid, shall be ap-‘ sons, the military prisons and
preliended and brought to justice, guard-houses, the quartermaster
shall, upon conviction of such general‘s-ofiice and store-houses,
ofl‘ender or oiTenders, receive his the out-houses of the government
Majesty's most gracious pardon. house, the great cooperage, the
Given at the court at Carlton timber and mast-yard, the weigh
house, the twenty-ninth day of ing-yard, the guard-house in front
January, 1817', in the 57th year of the military hospital, and the
of his Majesty's reign. guard-house of the marine. A
detailed account of the names of
proprietors whose houses have
FEBRUARY. been destroyed may, it is an
1. A dispatch has been received nounced, be inspected at the C0
from Governor Farquhar, contain lonial Department.
ing a detailed account of the late 6. A murder was committed
destructive fire at the Mauritius, near Saltley, near Birmingham,
from which it appears that 19 on the body of Mr. Pennington,
streets of Port Louis were entirely of the firm of Pennington
consumed, and that the sections and Bellchambers, wine-merch
of that town, numbered 1, 2, 3, ants, of London. Mr. Penning
13, l4, 15, 16, 17', 28, 29, 30, ton was on his way to Coventry,
31, 32, 33, 35, 86, 87, as, 89, via Castle-Bromwich, in his gig,
90, 91, 9%, 93, 94, 95, were and was waylaid on the road about
either totally or partially destroy a mile beyond Birmingham. He
ed. The fire was purely accidental, was found with a pistol-shot
and its destructive ravage is to be through his temple, and quite
attributed to its having occurred dead. The assassinating villains
at the dry season of the year, and had taken his gold watch and the
to the prevalence of a strong contents of his pocket of silver,
breeze, veering with violent gusts &c. but fortunately abandoned the
from time to time during the con object of their fury without dis
flagration. Fortunately, from its covering his pocket-book, which
breaking out early in the evening, contained bank- notes of several
' few lives were lost; but a popula hundred pounds' Value. The horse
tion of 20,000 persons have been and gig went several miles before
reduced to want-and ('beggary by it stopped, and then it was by over
the loss of every thing belonging turning. The doleful tidings were
to them. Among the public build communicated to Mrs. Penning~
ings destroyed are, the Catholic ton byia friend‘in London, who
church, the barracks for the bore it with as much fortitude as
blacks, hospital for the blacks, could possibly be expected, under
prisons for the blacks, large grain the afflicting circumstances. She
, magazine, the colonial marine is left a widow with six children,
"store-house, the public bazaar, (the eldest is only 13) and is far
the commercial exchange, and advanced in her pregnancy of
1. building called the Bourse, the another.
government printing-office, the A murder was committed at
former post-office, the police pri Ledbury, accompanied by circum
' stances
Fen] CHRONICLE. 9
stances of the most barbarous and minated from the horizon to the
savage ferocity. William Harris, zenith, extending east and west for
hostler at the New Inn, got up a considerable distance. ‘ Broad
about 4 o'clock in the morning to streaks of light, of various sizes,
brew, and was in the act of light rose from the horizon in a pyra
ing a fire, it is supposed, when midical undulating form, and shot
some villain who had concealed with great velocity up to the ze
himself unexpectedly rushed upon nith; they changed their forms
him, and with a hatchet, which he very frequently and rapidly, and
found on the premises, almost split broke out in places where none
his head in two! It was evident were seen before, shooting along
that the wretch must have repeated the hearens, and then disappearing
his blows, and he afterwards cut in an instant. The sky in various
the throat of the hapless victim places was tinged for a consider
from ear to ear! The smock able space with a. deep purple, and
frock the deceased wore, and a the stars shone very brightly dur
silver watch, maker's name B. Bal ing the whole time through the
lingford, Liverpool, No. 1818, clouds which formed the Aurora
were taken from his person, and Borealis. A short time after this
with this booty only the murderer singular phenomenon had ceased,
decamped. The body of the poor the rain began to descend, and con
suiferer Was discovered about five tinued to do so most of the night,
o'clock, still warm, with some though not violently.
signs of respiration, but he ex
pired soon afterwards. He was Supplement to the London Gazette.
stretched at length on the brew Wednesday, Feb. 12.
house floor, with his feet under the By his Royal Highness the Prince
copper furnace. He was a very of Wales, Regent of the United
industrious and careful man, and Kingdom of Great Britain and
had the preceding day paid the Ireland, in the name and on the
rent of his mother‘s house; and behalf of his Majesty.
the idea that this money was about A PROCLAMATION
his person, it is imagined, led to George, P. It.
the perpetration of the murder. Whereas, by an Act passed in
A nian was on Friday apprehended the 56th year of his Majesty's
in a public-house, at Worcester, reign, intituled “ An Act to pro
on suspicion of being concerned vide for a new silver coinage, and
in the horrible crime, and con to regulate the currency of the
veyed to Ledbury, where several gold and silver coin of this realm,"
others are in custody. the Master and \Vorker of his
8. A rare and beautiful ap Majesty's Mint in London was an
pearance of the Aurora Borealis, thorized and empowered to coin,
or Northern Lights, was observed or cause to be coined, silver bul
in Derby and its neighbourhood. lion into silver coins, consisting of
This singular phenomenon took crowns, half-crowns, shillings,
place about eight o'clock, and con and sixpences, of the standard of
tinued without intermission for a 11 ounces and ‘Z pennyweights of
full half hour, during the whole fine silver, and 18 pennyweights
of which time the sky was illuv allay, to the pound troy, and in
‘ weight
10 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [F335

weight after the rate of 66 shil current and lawful money of the
lings to the pound troy. said kingdom, that is to say, such
And whereas, in virtue of the halfecrown pieces as of the value
powers so given, a coinage of half of two shillings and sixpence ;
crowns, shillings, and sixpences, such shilling pieces as of the value
at the rate of 66 shillings to the of one shilling ; and such six
pound troy, and of the standard of penny pieces as of the value of
fineness aboVe-mentioned; every sixpence, in all payments and trans
such half-croWn piece having for actions of money.
the obverse impression the head of And we do hereby, in further
his Maiesty, with the inscription, pursuance of the powers given to
“ Georgina lll. Dei Gratin," and his Majesty by the said Act, in the
the date of the year; and for the name and on the behalf of his Ma
reverse, the cnsigns armorial of the jesty, and by and with the advice
United kingdom, contained ‘ in a of his Majesty‘s Privy Council,
shield, surrounded by the garter, further proclaim. ordain, and de
bearing the motto, “ Honi soit clare, and name the said 13th day
qui mal y pehse," and thefcollar of of this instant February 93 the day
the garter, with the inscription, from and after which so much and
“ Britanniarum Rex Fid. Def." such parts of the Act made in the
with a netvly~inrented graining on 14th year of his Majesty's reign,
the edge of the piece, every such entituled, “ An Act to prohibit the
shilling and siitpenny piece having importation of light silver coin of
for the obverse impression the head this realm from foreign Countries
.of his Majesty, with the inscrip into Great Britain or Ireland, and
tion, “ Georgins II]. D. G. Brit. to restrain the tender thereOf be
Rex F, D.’~’ and the date of the yond a certain sum," as enacts or
year; and for the reverse, the en provides, or may be construed to
signs armorial of the united king enact or provide, that any tender
dom, Contained in a shield sur in silver coin of the realm shall be
rounded by the garter, bearing the legal to the amount of ‘25 pounds,
motto, “ Honi soitqui maly pense," or a tender for any greater sum
with a newly-invented graining according to its value by weight ;
on the edge of the piece, has been and also so much of any Act or
completed, and is now ready to be Acts whereby the said last reéited
delivered for the nee of his Ma Act is continued, revived, or made
jesty‘s subjects; we have therefore, perpetual, shall be repealed, and
in the name and on the behalf of the same are by virtue of the said
his Majesty, and by and with the first recited Act, and this our pr0~
advice of his Majesty‘s Privy Coun clamation, repealed accordingly.
cil, thought fit to issue this pro And we do hereby, in further
clamation ; and we do hereby or pursuance of the pewers given to
dain, declare, and command, that his Majesty, by virtue of the said
the Said pieces of silver money .first recited Act, in the name and
shall from and after the 13th day ;on the behalf of his Majesty, and
of this instant February, be cur by and with the advice of his Ma
rent and lawful money of the King jesty's Privy Council, proclaim,
dom of Great Britain and Ireland, oi‘dain, declare, and name the said
and shall pass and be received as 18th day of February as the day
from
Fen] CHRONICLE. ' 11
from and after which no tender or man alive, but insensible: his flesh
Payment of money made in the had been torn away from the head
silver coin of this realm of any downward to the lOWer part of the
sum exceeding the sum of 40 shil back, and a wound also on the
lings at anyonetimeshall be reputed thigh; in all 19 wounds. A half
a tender in law', or allowed to be eaten buffalo was found in the
a legal tender within the United jungle: luckily for Wilson the tiger
Kingdom of Great Britain and had dined. We are happy to add,
Ireland, either by tale or 'weight that the wounded gentleman is now
of such silver coin, or otherWise living and well: both the sports
howsoever. men will be rather more cautious,
Given at the Court at Carlton in future, how they go snipe-shoot
house, the twelfth day of Fe ing in India—Calcutta Paper.
bruary, one thousand eight 13. A most shocking murder
hundred and seventeen, in the was committed between 9 and 10
fifty-seventh year of his Ma o'clock, upon the person of the
jesty's reign. Rev. Mr. Longuet, at Pangbourn,
1%. In the march of a detach near Reading, in Berkshire. Mr.
ment of our Indian army, under Longuet was a Roman Catholic
the command of Sir Geo. Holmes, priest, and a teacher of the French
from Baroda to Palempoie, in the language, residing at Reading.
territories of his Highness the On Thursday last he paid a visit
Guicawar, tWo young officers of to the family of Thomas Morton,
the 56th regiment 'vvere amiising Esq. who resides about six miles
themselves, duringa halt, b'y snipe from Reading. Mr. Longuet
shooting'. vThey had been beating quitted Mr. Morton’s house be
the jungles on the banks of a river, tween 8 and 9 o'clock: previous,
'and onejuri-gle they had repeatedly however, to his quitting it, Mr.
tried in vain. They Were, how Morton came to the door with him,
ever, surprised by a tremendous and, observing that it was a very
roar, and the sudden spring of an dark night, endeavoured to per
enormous tiger from this very jun suade him to continue there all
gle. Lieutenant Wilson, on whom night. This hospitable offer, how
the animal sprung, upon his reco ever, was unfortunately for the
very st'ated, that he neither saw, poor gentleman rejected, accom
nor heard, nor felt more, than panied by these words—“ 1 know
that the monster‘s mouth was close the road very well; and although
to his own. His companion, Lion it appears very dark now, it will
tenant Smelt, saw the tiger spring; be much lighter to me when l gle‘t
he gave a backward cat-like stroke from the light of the candle." c
with his paw, and on Wilson's fall, then bade Mrs. Morton a good
he smelt to him, pauéed for a mo night, and pursued his journey.
ment, and then leapt olf as a cat He had not proceeded many miles
would have done if disturbed at a before he was attacked by some
meal. Smelt eXpeeting Wilson villains, who barbaro'usly mul
had been killed, reached the camp, dered him, apparently with same
and immediately sent 'the dooley sharp instrument; for, when he
8:11 sort of palanquln) bearers to Was Found on Friday morning, his
t e spot. They found the gentle head was nearly severed from his
’ body,
'_-_'-~-~‘w__.v

l2 ANNUAL REG$TER,|MZ [FEB.

body, and he was dreadfully man wounding the said Richard Platt:
gled, cut, and stabbed in various and whereas a billofindictment has
parts of the body. His body was since been preferred and found by
cut open, and in his heart were the grand jury of the city of Lon
no less than five stabs, supposed to don, against the said James Wat
have been inflicted by a bayonet: son the younger, for the said
this circumstance, it is hoped, will offence : and whereas the promise
lead to the detection of the per of the said reward of 5001. for the
petrators. It does not appear that apprehension of the said James
the unfortunate gentleman had Watson the younger, was, by and
much property about him. The under our authority renewed, on
magistrates in the neighbourhood the sad day of January last ; but
have been very active in publish the said James \Vatson has not
ing handbills of the circumstances, yet been apprehended : and where
and in ofi'ering rewards for the ap as the said James \Vatson the
prehension of the inhuman delin younger, and Arthur 'l'histlewood ,
quents. late of No. , Southampton
14. Commitments to the Tower buildings, Chancery-lane, stand
for the crime of high treason charged upon oath with high
against Watson, senior, Preston, treason, committed by them and
Hooper, and Keen, alias Kearns, sundry other persons, now in cus -
were drawn up and signed by tody in the Tower of London:
twelve Cabinet Ministers and We, therefore, in the name and
Privy-Counsellors, and they were on the behalf of his Majesty, and
accordingly sent to the place of by and with the advice of his Ma
confinement. jesty's privy council, do hereby
enjoin all magistrates, and all
From the London Gazclte, Tuesday, other his Majesty's loving sub
February 18. Jects, to use their utmost endea
By his Royal Highness the Prince vours to discover and cause to be
of Wales, Regent of the United apprehended the said James Wat
Kingdom of Great Britain and son nnd Arthur Thistlewood, in
Ireland, in the Name and on order that they may be dealt with
the Behalf His Majesty. according to law. And we are
A rnocssus'rxou. hereby pleased to renew the said
George. P. R. promise of a reward of five hun
Whereas on the 6th day of 'De dred pounds, so made on the said
cember last, a reward of 5001. 6th day of December, and renewed
was, by and under our authority, on the said 22d day of January
offered for the apprehension of last, to be paid upon the said
James ‘Walson the younger, late James Watson the younger being
of Hyde-street, Bloomsbury, sur apprehended and lodged in any
geon, who then stood charged one of his Majesty's gaols. , And
upon oath on a violent suspicion we do hereby promise to any per
of having wilfully and feloniously son or persons who shall discover
attempted to kill and murder and apprehend, or cause to be
Richard Platt, on Monday the 2d discovered and apprehended, the
day of December last, by firing a said Arthur Thistlewood, the like
loaded pistol at, and desperately sum of five hundred pounds, to be
paid
 i
Fen] CHRONICLE. 13
paid in like manner, upon the said mouth, and shows his teeth (which
Arthur ThistleWOod being appre are very black) when he laughs;
hended and lodged in any one of he sometimes wore a brown great
his Majesty‘s gaols: and we do coat, black under coat, black
hereby strictly charge and com waistcoat, drab breeches, and
mand all persons upon their alle long gaiters; and at other times
giance, not to receive or harbour he wore a black coat and waist
the said James Watson and Arthur coat, blue pantaloons, and Hes
Thistlewood, or either of them: sian boots: his appearance shab
all persons offending herein will by genteel; he formerly lodged in
be thereby guilty of high treason. Hyde-street, Bloomsbury.
And we do hereby promise a. like Arthur Thistlewood is about
reward of five hundred pounds to 45 years of age, 5 feet 11 inches
any person who shall discover and high, has a sallow complexion,
apprehend, or cause to be disco long visage, dark hair (a little
vered and apprehended, any per grey), small whiskers, dark hazel
son so receiving or harbouring the eyes, and arched eyebrows, a wide
said James Watson and Arthur mouth, and a good set of teeth,
Thistlewood, or either of them: has a. scar under his right jaw, is
to be paid upon the conviction of slender made, walks very upright,
the person or persons so receiving and has much the appearance of a
or harbouring as aforesaid ; which military man; was born in Lin
said several sums of five hundred colnshire, and apprenticed to an
pounds the Lords Commissioners apothecary at Newark, and has
of his Majesty's Treasury are been a lieutenant in the army:
hereby required and directed to he usually wore a French grey
pay accordingly. coloured coat, buff waistcoat, grey
Given at the Court at Carlton Coloured \Vellington pantaloons,
' house, the lSth day of Fe with Hessian boots under them,
bruary, one thousand eight and at times a dark brown great
hundred and seventeen, in cost.
the fifty-seventh year of his 19. So rapid and extensive has
Majesty's reign. been the exchange of the old silver
The above-named James \Vat for the new coinage. that the large
son is a surgeon by profession, hall given exclusively by the
and has been employed in that Bank of England for the public'
capacity on board a Greenland accommodation was yesterday
ship: he is a young man, appa nearly empty, and three»fourths
rently about twenty - three or of the persons employed for the
twenty-four years of age, but is purpose of exchange were left en
only twenty; dark hair, rather tirely idle. No old coin appears
pale complexion, five feet five in circulation. Thus, in a few
inches high, has a mark or mole days, an extensive coinage has
with a few hairs on it, on his left been put into circulation, without
cheek bone near the eye, the left creating the least confusion.
eyelid rather dropping over the Particulars of the wreck and
eye, very faint remains of small plunder of the Inverness, Captain
pox, in his face, has rather a wide Lcitch, in the river Shannon,
loaded
 14 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
loaded at Limerick with a cargo
of provisions, on account of Mr.
E. D. Hanmer's contract with the
Victualling Board, and bound to
i London.
From Captain Miller of the Police to
Mr. Spaight, Merchant, Limerick.
Kilrush, Feb. 94.
Dear Spaight.—-As I_ am now
in possession of most of the par
ticulars of the wreck of the Inver
ness, 1 shall detail them to you, as
follows :—
She went on shore on Wednes
day night, the 19th instant, mis~
taking Rinevaha for Carrigaholt,
and would have got oil by the
next spring-tide, had the peasantry
not boarded and rendered her not
sea-worthy, by scuttling her, and
tearing away all her rigging:
they then robbed the crew of all
their clothes, tore their shirts,
which they made bags of, to carry
away the plunder ; and then
broached the tierces of pork and
distributed the contents to people
on shore, who waited to convey
them up the country. The alarm
having reached this on Thursday,
a serjeant and 12 of the police
were sent down, with the chief
constable at their head, and they
succeeded in re-taking some of
the provisions and securing them,
driving the mob from the wreck.
The police kept possession of what
they had got during the night;
but very early on Friday morning
the people collected in some thou
sands, and ,went down to the
beach, where they formed into
three bodies, and cheered each
other with hats off, advancing
with threats, declaring that they
defied the police, and would pos
sess themselves again of what had
[Fee
becn taken from them, and of
the arms of the police: the police
formed into one body, and, Show
ing three fronts, endeavoured to
.keep them at bay, but in vain: >
they assailed them with stones,
sticks, scythes, and axes; and
gave some of our men some severe
blows, which exasperated them so
much, that they were under the
necessity of firing in self-defence,
and four of the assistants fell vie
tims, two of whom Were buried
yesterday. During their skirmish
ing, which began about 7 o’clock,
one of the men, mounted, was
dispatched to this town for a re
inforcement, when Major War
hurton, in half an hour, with 20
cavalry and a few infantry mounted
behind them, left this, and in one
hour and a half were on board
the wreck, and took 12 men in
the act of cutting up the wreck:
one of them made a blow of a
hatchet at Major Warburton,
which he warded oil, and snapped
a pistol at him ; the fellow imme
diately threw himself overboard,
when Troy charged him on
horseback up to the horse's knees
in water, and cut him down. The
fellows then flew in everydirection,
pursued by our men, who took
many of them, and wounded seve‘
ral. Nine tierces of pork had been
saved. Her bowsprit, gaff, and
spars, are all gone, with every
stitch of canvass, and all the run
ning rigging. The shrouds are
still left: two anchors and their
cables are gone, and even the
ship's pump. A more complete
plunder has seldom been witness
ed. Yesterday the revenue-Wherry
went down to Rinevaha, and re
turned in the evening with the
Major and a small party, with
thirty
MAIL] CHRONICLE.
thirty-five prisoners, who now are
all lodged in Bridewell. The
women, in multitudes, assembled
to supply the men with whisky to
encourage them. Nothing could
exceed the coolness of
Baltic-e and his party, who cer
tainly made a masterly retreat to
the slated store at Carrigaholt,
where I found them. He and
Fitzgerald were wounded, but not
severely: Fitzgerald had a mirar
eulous escape, and would have
been murdered, but was pre
served by a man he knew, from
Kerry, who put him under his
bed, &c. &c. (Signed)
J. MILLER.
MARCH.
1. Treves.—The 29th of Febru
ary was a day of terror to us.
About 1p. m. a dreadful storm
arose, accompanied with thunder,
lightning, snow, and rain. A worked in them to be drawn up,
thunderbolt fell perpendicularly
on the church of St. Paulinus,
one of the finest in Germany, and
in less than an hour the whole
building was in flames. The
steeple, and the whole of the
roof, which was of combustible
materials, were consumed: the
interior of the church happily
escaped.
The bears have appeared in
much larger number than usual,
between Irkutsk and Nerischinsk,
in Siberia, 12 or 1,500 leagues
from the capital of Russia. They
penetrated with fury into the
hamlets and remote habitations,
the inhabitants of which had for a
time much difiiculty in repelling
their attacks. About Werehne
l5
Oudensk near 400 of these fero
cious animals were killed.
mors 1N SOMERSETSHIRE.
(From a private Letter.)
Radstock, near Bath, Marchil.
On Friday last, the colliers in
the neighbourhood of Radstock
and Paulton collected in a number
of about three thousand, and ma
nifested some very serious symp
tons of riot and destruction to
the pits and the buildings an
nexed to them, which spread the
greatest consternation through
the whole neighbourhood. Sir
John Hippisley, accompanied by
his brother magistrates, and seve
ral gentlemen, repaired to the
spot, where he pointed out to
them, in an impressive speech,
the enormity of their offence. He
read the Riot Act: it had no
effect. They then proceeded, and
took possession of several of the
works, and sent persons down
into the pits to compel those who
and then administered an oath
not to work any more until their
grievances were redressed, and
threatened that night to demolish
the works. Sir John and the
magistrates sent immediately for
a troop of the 23d Lancers at
Bristol, and the North Somerset
Yeomaury, part of which arrived,
and kept order for that night, and
by day-break the whole of the
North Somerset Yeomanry were
on parade at Stone- Easton-house,
and other places pointed out to
them, so as to render assistance
at every point where danger was
apprehended. About nine o’clock
Sir John Hippisley, accompanied
by a numerous assemblage of
magistrates and gentlemen, pro
ceeded
16 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
ceeded to Paulton, where these
men were said to be, who, on
hearing of the approach of the
military, retired to Clandown
coal-pits, and being pursued, re
tired to Radstock, where they
made a stand, well furnished with
immense bludgeons, and on seeing
the cavalry approaching, gave three
cheers, and called out, ‘ Bread or
Blood; Hunt for ever!’ The
cavalry here came up, and filing
05‘ to the right and left, surround
ed them, when Sir John Hippisley
and the magistrates came into the
centre, and addressed them to the
following effect :—-He wished to
know
replied,vwhat theywages,
‘full wanted?
and They
that
they were starving.‘ Sir John
informed them, that the mode
they had now adopted, by thus
unlawfully assembling, was the
very way to prevent any grievances
they complained of being attended
to: that he and his brother ma~
gistrates were determined to do
their duty, and do it they would.
Sir John stated to them, he was
well informed, and knew, that
their minds were inflamed by the
disafl'ected, not only in speeches,
but by parodies on the liturgy of
the church, endeavouring not only
to seduce them from their King,
but from their God.
Previous to Sir John Hippis
ley‘s reading the riot act, he in
formed these infatuated men, that
if they continued and remained
one hour after the act was read,
it would subject every person re
maining to the sentence of death.
He then read the riot act, when
four of the principal of these de
luded men were secured, and sent
to llchester prison, escorted by a
[Mara
detachment of the North Somerset ‘
yeomanry cavalry, when the re
mainder dispersed. '
]t has been deemed necessary
to station part of the 23d dra
goons at Paulton and Radstock,
and the yeomaury will be kept on
duty for a few days longer on their
respective parades.
Sir John then, in a speech to
the yeomanry, by the request of
the magistrates and gentlemen
present, returned them sincere
thanks for the alacrity with which
they assembled, and expatiated on
the utility of this valuable descrip
tion of force; and was happy in
being able to assert from the first
authority, that the yeomanry
would be considered as forming a
part of the peace establishment:
‘ To you, Gentlemen of the North
Somerset Yeomanry, it would be
utterly imposible for me to give
that well-earned and merited
praise you are so justly entitled
to on this as on all former occa
sions; your appearance and stea
diness under arms has been ac~
knowledged by all the general of
ficers under whom you have done
your duty. The thanks you have
so often received from the general
of the district, the corporations
of Bath and Bristol, the lieute
nancy and magistrates of this
county, are a convincing proof of
your value.‘
Another Account.--A tumultu
ous and disorderly proceeding
commenced on February 28th, a
mongst the colliers at Paulton,
who, in consequence of an ar
rangement amounting to a reduc
tion of one-tenth of their wages,
refused to work. This irregular
step was but too readily followed
by
MAL] CHRONICLE. l7
by the miners in several of the lst instant, occasioned by the air
neighbouring collieries, who, be being rendered impure from the
ing assembled in considerable num smoke of a fire-engine, placed a
bers, Were collectively and most bout 100 feet under-ground. As
impressively addressed by that ac soon as the danger was ascertain
tive magistrate, Sir J. Cox Hip ed, two miners and the company’s
pisley, Bart. but they did not seem blacksmith descended to the relief
disposed to separate until the. riot of their neighbours below, when.
act had been read; in consequence unfortunately the twa miners pe
of which they dispersed, and order rished in the humane attempt.
seems completely restored. A re Many of the miners who were at
ward of ‘20 guineas is oifered for work at the time were violently
the discovery of the principal aifected, almost to suffocation, but
mover of this most ill-advised are now out of danger. We have
procedure—Bath Chronicle. since learned, that in all seven
Paulton, Tuesday night, March 4. lives have been lost by this me
—-It is with great pleasure we lancholy accident.—Edin. Paper.
state, that all the colliers in this Fatal Duel.——Of [the duel be
and the neighbouring mines are tween Lieut. Hindes and Lieut.
pursuing their usual employment Gilbert Conroy, of the 90th regi
with great satisfaction and con ment, in garrison at Plymouth,
tent ; and it is hoped and believed the Plymouth paper contains the
that their late misconduct is now following further particulars :—
become matter of most serious “ It took place near Plympton
regret. A number of most in Mary Bridge, the 8th inst. about
flammatory publications had been seven o'clock in the morning, and
sold by a higgler at Paulton the former officer received awound
(where the mischief originated.) that terminated his existence in
The leaders were arrested; but the early part of the following
the poor wrctches who followed day, at the London Inn, in Plymp
them, we believe, were perfectly ton Eade, whither' he was con
innocent of any bad design. We veyed after the duel. It appeared
would, however, caution them to on the investigation before the
avoid those blasphemous and se mayor of that borough, who sat
ditious\publications which have as coroner virtute qflicii, and a
caused their riotous conduct; and very respectable jury, that the af
recommend them to look to their fair had been a long time in agi
masters as their best friends. We tation; but the cause of the dis
are assured that there is not a pute did not transpire; This in
collier-master in Somerset who vestigation occupied two days,
at present puts a penny a year in when the jury brought in a ver
his pocket ; they must lose at the diet of wilful m'urder against Mr.
reduced prices, but they look for .G. Conroy and Mr. Alexander
ward to better times.“-Ditto. Stewart, who attended the deceas
6. A melancholy accident hap ed to the field. There was nothing
pened in the lead mines belonging to implicate Mr. Conroy's second,
.m Messrs. Horner, Hurst, and Co. whose name the jury ‘could not
Leadhills, in the forenoon of the discover. The duel Was fought at
VOL. LIX. C the
 18 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [MA R4
the short distance of nine paces. wards of 401. The premises were
The ball entered the right side of insured. The cast wing of the
the deceased, between the tenth Excise Oil’ice once caught, but the
and eleventh ribs, and penetrated wind changing, it was not seri
to the convex surface of the right ously injured. The Green Dra—
lobe of the liver, where it lodged, gon lnn sustained some damage.
carrying with it a piece of the Mr. Mellish, who lives on the spot,
great coat worn by the deceased. was very active in his exertions on
Notwithstanding the severity of this unfortunate occasion.
the wound, it is remarkable that 10. State Prisoners—The fol
the deceased did not fall, but with lowing regulations are adopted in
little assistance he walked to a the Tower, respecting the persons
gig in waiting; and on arriving confined under charges of high
at the London Inn, Plympton, treason :—Each prisoner is kept
even walked up stairs to the bed in a separate apartment, and night
room, by merely leaning on the and day two yeomen, or warders,
shoulders of two persons, one on continue in the room, the door
each side of him. Being asked of which is locked, and on the
why he had not fallen, he bravely outside a sentinel is placed to pre
'replied, that it required a good vent the approach of any one, ex
knock to put him down ; and that cept those in the governor's esd
he was not a white feather. He\ tablishment. Their beds and board
spoke in the highest terms of his are provided by the government.
adversary. Such traits of firmness No person is allowed to see the
and magnanimity make us regret prisoners, unless a special order
the more this fresh sacrifice on is sent to the lieutenant-governor
the shrine of false honour, in by the clerk of the council, and
which are unhappily involved the then they are restricted from hold
fates of a Widow and two children, ing any communication, except in
who have to lament the untimely the presence and hearing of some
loss of their natural protector, as persons appointed by the lieute
well as the peace of mind and fu nant or his deputy. A special or
ture prospects of the other per der has been granted for Watson‘s
sons concerned in this melancholy solicitor to see him twice a week,
business." under the restrictions abovemen
9. Early this morning a dread tioned. The prisoners are not
-ful fire broke out in the stables of' charged jointly, but there is a se
the Bull Inn, Bishopsgate-street. parate commitment for each indi
As water could not be procured vidual, signed by twelve members
for some time, the flames made of the privy council, directing the
great progress, and soon destroyed lieutenant of the Tower to receive
the stables and warehouses, with the accused into his custody.
all the property in the latter. The The intelligence that has at
cast gallery of the inn, containing rived from the higher districts of
' several beds, was nearly destroyed. the Grisons excites the most lively
Some property was stolen, parti fears. Never were the snows in
cularly a pocket-book belonging greater quantity: the tops-of the
to a clerk, which contained up houses are no :longer seen; and
some
 Mam] CHRONICLE. 19
some of the roofs have fallen in, have another meeting, previous
from the weight of the snow. to which the people were to sup
Some villages, particularly in theply themselves with blankets and
valley of 'l‘avesch, are entirely a
other articles necessary for bi
bandoned. A frightful avalanche vouacking on the road ; and after
has destroyed the village of Nuc this the whole were to set 01? on
ras in this valley. By reports “ a journey to London." The
from Dissentis, a little distant report gained but little' credit till
from that village, eleven houses Saturday last,‘ when the following
and mills, along with the inhabi bill was posted through Mau
tants and stables, have been swal chcster :--,
lowed up. On the 8th, the rector Public Meeting—The Inhabi
and 24 other persons, wounded, tants of Manchester and its vici
were dug out of the rubbish a nity are respectfully informed,
live. Many dead bodies were like that a Public Meeting, according
wise found, and 28 persons are to adjournment, will be held near
still missing. Avalanches have St. Peter’s church, on Monday
likewise caused frightful disasters morning, the 10th of March 18l7,
in the valley of Dischmah. We when it is hoped that every person
learn likewise from the canton of who ~ is determined to carry his
Uri, that at Meyen, an avalanche petition to London, -will assemble
overwhelmed two men, and that peaceably and orderly, and pro
another threatened the village of vide himself with the necessary
Realp. The passage of Mont St. means of support requisite to hear
Gothard 'is shut up. ‘ him through this loyal and neces
On the 10th, an avalanche de sary undertaking.
stroyed a house at Gadlnenthal, It is hoped that those friends
in the province of Bern. The of parliamentary reform who pos
‘ news from the 'l‘yrol are equally sess the means, will come forward
afl'licting: four avalanches have -on this important occasion.
succeeded each other in one place. Persons will be appointed to
At 'Nanders, the snow filled the receive contributions this evening,
whole valley to the height of a. at New lslington, and at the
tower. At Ischgel, in the Pinz meeting on Monday.
gau,_‘ll houses were destroyed. (Signed) W'. OGDEN, Printer,
At six leagues from lnspruck, ten 26, Wood-street.
persons were killed. The course Placards had been stuck up, and
of the Inn is interrupted. hand-bills distributed. The people
' ARRESTS AT MANCHESTER. of Stockport were invited to join
thoseof Manchester, on Lancashire
(From Manchester Papers.) Hill. Several emissaries were at
After a meeting for reform on work during the week, making
the 3d instant, reports were circu every effort to inflame the public
, lated, that, like the Bilston col mind, and to engage a large mass
liers, who some time ago set off to assemble on the day appointed.
with two carts of coals for the It was insinuated, that 25,000
purpose of dragging them to Carl stand of arms at Birmingham
ton House, it was intended to might be secured. Information of
c 2' these
'20 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [MA 11.
these proceedings was sent to the Aware of these intentions, and of
Secretary of State‘s oflice; and a the dangers which an immense
magistrate and king's messenger influx of strangers, irritated by
arrived with warrants, and four the inflammatory appeals of their
persons were apprehended on Sun factions leaders (who, under the
day. The printer of the foregoing pretence of promoting parliamen
placard was arrested. and con tary reform, have been for a
veyed to prison ; and at the same length of time past agitating the
time ()rator Johnstone was put minds of the labouring class of
into safe custody. A meeting, society), portended, the conserva~
‘ however, took place at N ew lsling tors of the public tranquillity took
ton, Salt'ord, on Saturday even every precaution adequate to the
ing; and early on Monday there QCCHSIOH.
were preparatory meetings at Mid Yesterday morning, according
dleton, ()ldham, and other places, to the expectations entertained,
to provide the pecuniary means crowds of people flocked into town
for a march to the metropolis. from all directions, as early as
On Monday, about nine in the eight- o'clock ; and, at about nine,
morning, a crowd began to as the instigators appeared on their
semble in front of the Quakers' temporary stage in a cart.and con
'meeting-house, Manchester. tinned to harangue the multitude,
Meanwhile the commander of till their vast increasing mun
the district, Sir John Byng, and bcrs suggested the expediency of
the magistrates, had taken pres putting into practice the well
cautions. The Stockport troop had tormed arrangements of the civil
orders to meet; two troops from and military powers. Accordingly,
Macclestield, and three from a party of the first regiment of
Knutst'ord, were also directed to dragoons, under Colonel Teesdale,
be at Salemoor (the usual spot for accompanied by the magistrates
reviews near Manchester), so as of the district, appeared amongst
to he in readiness to act in case of them, and immediately conveyed
emergency. the entire group to the New Bai
Another Account. -— Tuesday, ley Prison: their attention was
March ll.~—-‘\Ve find it was a next directed to the concourse of
mong the Notifications at the auditors,v who were forthwith dis
meeting on the 3d instant, near persed, without the infliction of
St. Peter‘s church, corroborated any severity.
in the course of last week by the An arrest had taken place early
declarations of individuals who on Sunday morning, of Johnston
have. been actively engaged in pro and Ogden, who “had previously
moting; the late seditious meetings, figured at this place; and they
that the-espousers of their doc Were secured in the New Bailey.
trines should collect at the same Others were seized by the soldiers
place the. Monday following, and on their way to deliver their-charge
proceed to the metropolis, at nine in Salt'urd.
o'clock, to present a petition to A considerable number of peo
the Prince Regent, that they might ple set out on their mission to
be enabled to ‘ undeceive him.‘ London, taking the route-of stock—
“ P0";
 MAIL] CHRONICLE. Q]
port; hut about 40 of them were three troops were disposed in
re conducted to Manchester, and Stockport and Mocclestield, to
added to their other unfortunate preVent the suspected progress of
companions; others Were furnish the petitioners in that direction.
ed with secure acconunodations in Early on Monday morning the
Stockport. Most of them were st: eets of Manchester were crowd
provided with knapsacks, 810.com ed by thousands, of whom a great
taining blankets and other ar part were prepared with blankets
ticles. Upon the examination of and bundles for the march to Lon
some of these travelling equipages. don: by the activity of the ma
two unusually large knives were gistrates, however, and the mili
discovered. ‘ tary at their disposal, every one
We shall desist from entering most active in haranguing the
further at present into the cases multitude, all who had the ap
01" these characters, as they will pearance and character of ring
probably hereafter be the subject leaders, were arrested and impri
of high judicial inquiry. soned on the spot. This caution
The military preparations were ary measure, for the possibility of
under the direction of Sir John which we are indebted to the sus
Byng, the commander of the dis pension of the Habeas Corpus act,
trict, who arrived in Manchester disorganized the plans of the pe
on Sunday. A party of the 54th titioners to such an extent, that a
regiment of foot were present, to few thousands only, who eluded
render their assistance. by obscure passages the vigilance
No particular act of outrage or of the soldiers, succeeded in pe
intemperance has yet reached our netrating to the bridge of StoclG
ears; and we cannot help feeling port, and here they were encoun—
highly indebted to the judicious tercd by a troop of the life guards,
and salutary interposition of the and a troop of the Macclesfield
respective authorities, for the sa squadron of the Prince. Regent's
tisfactory result of this day‘s trans yeomanry. No attempt was made
actions. to force the bridge, but many
Macclesfield Courier-Qflice, March threw themselves into the river.
lO.—0n Sunday morning the ma and crossed it wherever it was
gistrates of Manchester deeming fordable 'l‘his circumstance, add
it necessary to strengthen the mi ed to another, that the streets
litary force in that neighbour— of Stockport were literally wedged
hood, in consequence of the de full of the inhabitants ot’ the vi
clared intent of some thousands cinity, constrained the troops to
of the population to proceed in withdraw from the bridge, over
person to Carlton House with a which of course the petitioners
petition to the Regent, forwarded had afterwards a free passage. In
expresses to the several troops of the thoroughfare of the town,
the Prince Regent's Regiment of however, all those who had pre_
Cheshire yeomanry cavalry, re pared themselves with the neces
quiring their immediate aid. The saries of a march (commonly com
same evening five troops marched prising a blanket and a few days'
into Manchester, and the remaining provision) were arrested, Pam!
22 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [MA 11.
by the laudable activity of the rounding country, destroying the
Stockport police, and partly by the vegetation, and laying waste a
alertness of the military force; great number of rice-fields, the
and were in the course of the day crops on which were some in a
dispatched under escort to the most promising state, and others
New Bailey Prison at Manchester. quite ripe. The explosions shook
The persons apprehended might be the ground all the way to Ban
200 in number: one individual joewangie. The atmosphere was
was so severely wounded that his so filled with ashes and the vapour
life is (lespaired of. Not more of sulphur, that respiration was
than 500, out of the many thou extremely difficult, and for some
sands assembled in the morning, days there was scarcely any day
penetrated so far as Macclesfield, light at Banjoewangie. The greater
where a troop ot' the yeomanry had part of the birds have died; and it
remained to provide against such a is said that the fish in' the rivers
contingency; and we have autho are also all dead. Large trees and
rity, on which we can rely, for pieces of rock detached from the
positively stating, that no more mountain rolled down with a.
than ‘20 persons proceeded from dreadful noise, and destroyed cot
Maeclesfield into the adjoining tages, bridges, and every thing
county of Statiordshire. that stood in their way; occa—
Nothing could be more wretched sioning also such inundations that
and pitiable than the appearance in some places the river rose 14
of the few who reached this town; feet above the usual height. The
some actually fainting from wea roads are consequently covered
finess; and all of them without with water, and rendered im
baggage, or any apparent resource, passable. The unfortunate inha
with which to proceed 20 miles bitants fled from all quarters to
further towards London. wards the coast and towards Ban
15. Batacia.—-According to ac joewangie.
counts of three Weeks' date received Accounts of a posterior date are
from Banjoewangie, the mountain more tranquillizing. For some
of ldjeng, about ‘24 leagues from days the people of Banjoewangie
that place, has been burning since had observed no more fire from
the middle of January, and its the mountain, but still saw an im
effects have spread alarm and dis mense quantity of smoke ascend
tress among the inhabitants of the ing, and the atmosphere continued
surrounding country. During the loaded with sulphur-nus vapour
night of the 23d of January 0. vio and fine ashes. The inundations
lent explosion took place. Vast also continued, and fears are en‘
columns offire, smoke, and burn tertained that a great scarcity must
ing matter, then began ~unceas follow. Many ,0f the inhabitants
ingly to ascend, accompanied with sulier from indisposition,‘ occa
noise like thunder or the firing of sioned, it is thought, by drinking
heavy artillery. From the moun the impure water, which is-every
tain all the way to Banjpewangie, where filled with ashes. Severe
an immense quantity of ashes, coughing is also a general com
stones, and sulphur, cover the sur plaint, in consequence of' the strong
‘ . > sul
Mm] CHRONICLE. 23
sulphurous vapours. A great mor mortifications, and to stop the
tality prevails among the cattle. spreading of their opinions: and
In the district of Gabang, be the Government, not having re
longing to the residency of Che ceived for many years any com
ribon, a hill sunk down on the plaints froau one side or the other,
27th of February, and eight fa or other reports of disorders, had
milies were buried alive with it. every reason to suppose that the
There had long been a chasm in measures adopted were sufficient;
this bill, which being enlarged by “ The departure of this sect from
the rain, probably occasioned a the true faithof the Grace-Russian
separation to take place. Church is stated to be a deviation
During the night of the 4th of founded on some erroneous repre
this month, a similar sinking oc sentations of the true worship, and
curred in the district of '1‘a]a;_mu in of the spirit of Christianity; but
consequence ofwhich several houses as they are not without religion,
with their inhabitants were buried. for they seek for what is divine,
A recently cultivated rice-field and though notwith a right under
the half of an upland plantation standing, it does not become a
were also destroyed. Christian Government to employ
20. A sect of Christians, devi harsh and cruel means, torture,
ating from the Greek church, has exile, &c. to bring back to the
sprung up in the south eastern bosom of the church those who
parts of the Russian empire, and a have gone astray. The doctrine
rescript has been issued by the of the Redeemer, who came into
Emperor Alexander, containing the world to save the sinner, can
directions for its treatment. The not, it is said, be spread by con
converts to the new faith are said straint and punishment; cannot
to have been already driven from serve for the oppression of those
their homes, and placed in an in who are to be led back into the
sulated situation in order to prevent paths of truth. All the measures
proselytism. They are called Du of severity“ exhausted upon the
choboozi : and the rescript, which Duchoboozi, in the course of 30
is addressed to the military go years, up to 1801, were notable
vernor of Cherson, is to the fol to extirpate this sect, and only in
lowing effect :— creased the numberofits adherents.
“ The sect having been removed They are, therefore, in future to
from the Ukraine to the circle of be protected from unmerited in
Melitsholsk, in the Tauris, in con sults on account of the dill'erence
sequence of the blameable way of of their faith. By being removed
life imputed to them, and to pre to another settlement they would
vent their opinions from spread again be placed in a hard situa.
ing, and they having petitioned tion, and be punished on a mere
for protection from oppression, the complaint, without examination.
Governor is directed to consider “ The colonyis therefore recom
the motives of this removal, which mended to the special superint
is said to have been ordered by the tendence and particular care of
Emperor, with a view at once to the Governor; who, without re
protect the sect from improper garding false allegations or pre
' conceived
24 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [APRIL.
conceived opinion, is to examine who are not yet convicted of any
into all the local circumstances; bad intention, or any crime."
their way of life ; their conduct;
and take care of them, as an im
partial Governor who studies the APRIL.
good of those who are confided to
his care. The fate of these set 7. Friday morning as the steam
tlers must be permanently secured :packct from Norwich to Yarmouth
they must feel that they are under was pushing from its moorings,
the protection of the laws: and the vessel blew up; eight persons
then, but not before, his Imperial were killed; seven had almost
Majesty says, “ \Ve may expect every limb broken; the whole
“ from them attachment and love were thrown in ditferent directions ,
“ to the magistrates.” But, it is and to a considerable distance. Of
added, if these sectaries “ seek to the seven taken to the hospital,
“ drawv away others from the esta there is not the least chance of two
“ blished church, and to injure living.
“them with their oWn religions (From the Norwich Paper.)—
“ notions, then the energy of the One of those unfortunate accidents
“ law must be exerted against which attend even the best arrang
“ such violators of it, and such ed establishments, that carry with
“ illegal conduct must be checked." them a certain, though remote,
But even then it is not allowable, danger, occurred here yesterday
that, on account of one or more morning; and we state the exten
criminals who are convicted of a sive calamity with much acute
violation of the law, the whole eo pain. The horrible spectacle of
lony, which has had no share in it, eight mangled carcasses is yet be-, _
should be made responsible. Such fore our eyes. These are the mi
complaints and accusations require serable victims of the bursting of
ya careful examination, from whom the steam—boiler in the packet
the complaint comes, and what which sails from the Foundry
may be the motives of it. Thus bridge. Just after the boat had
the two Dnchoboozi named in your started, it had not gone twenty
representation, who after their re yards when the tremendous exploe
turn to the true church, accused sion took place. The vessel was
this society of various transgres rent to atoms, so that little TE?
sions, and deposed to their blame mains entire, from the stern to
‘ able way of life, may have done the engine-room, except the keel
this out of malice or revenge: and the flooring. Twenty-two
perhaps they were excluded from passengers appear to have been
the society for crimes, or deserted on board. The bodies of eight are
it from a contentious and inimical found, five men and three women;
spirit. Such mere complaints, one child yet. missing; and six
which deserve altogether no atten have been sent to the hospital in a
tion, must never induce the adop wounded state: six escaped un
tion of severe measures, which may hurt. Of these last, one man
be followed by the arrest, impri was standing over the boiler when
sonment, and torture, of those the explosion happened. It is
said
APRIL] CHRONICLE, es
said Major Mason was another, fracture, and consequently it Was
whose clothes were torn by the thrown in an horizontal direction,
shock, but who was otherwise out of the stern of the vessel,
uninjured. .The third was an in sweeping all before it in its pas
fant, two months old, and the lit sage, to a distance of about fifteen
tle innocent was discovered at the yards; at the same time that the
bottourof the vessel in a profound concussion of the air and steam
sleep, after the removal of the completely um'oofed the vessel
dreadful wreck. At this moment from one end to the other.
the Coroner's inquest is sitting, ll. Luus;mne.——'l‘he annual
and we have only time to subjoin meeting of the. General Benevolent
the names of the dead: James Society will take place at Zurich
Squires, of Gorleston; Mar on the‘l‘ld and 23d instant. Never
con, 8. linen-draper; Butler, since its institution have there been
of Poekthorpe; Wm. Nicholson, such multiplied and urgent calls
the steersman of the boat; Mrs. for_its assistance. In several of
Smith, who lived near the Norfolk the eastern cantons of Switzerland
and Norwich hospital; Eliza. Ste want is at its height; and sear
phens, of Yarmouth; a man un city, joincd with unwholesome
known, in a sailor’s dress, from ness of food, has caused a great
Lynn, apparently between 50 number of deaths. Measures for
and (it), with his legs torn oil'; restraining the exportation of corn
a. young woman, name unknown, and potatoes from one canton to
'who stated that she had been to another have become general ; and
l-lingham for relief. The infant governments, which were for a
was her child ! long time averse to recognize prin
The following statement, given ciples contrary to a free commerce,
in the same paper, shews the stipulated in the federal act, have
causes which must have produced been forced to follow that example
the accident :—- - set them by others, of which they
The boiler is a cylindrical vessel, had disapproved. The govern
lying fore and aft the vessel, ment of Zurich is in such circuim
about 8 feet long, and 4 feet in stances as to be obliged to refuse
diameter, made of wrought iron, to their neighbours of St. Gall,
excepting one end, which lay to Thurgovia, Glaris, and Zug, the
wards the stem of the vessel, and exportation of potatoes. It was
is of cast iron. permitted till now. but several parts
In consequence of the stress of of the canton have not a sufficient
steam being greater than the supply for planting their fields.
boiler was capable of sustaining, The frightful state to which the
the cast iron part of the boiler
gave way, and flew in aidirection canton of Glaris is reduced, which
only lately displayed industry,
towards the stem of the vessel; on comfort, and happiness, is descri bed
which taking place, a stress im in the work of the Minister Heer.
mediately falls on the boiler itself, At the present time no labouring
to throw it out of its situation, the person, however industrious, can
stress depending on the magnitude earn more than four kreutiers a
of the orifice occasioned by the day. It is frightful to see with
what
26 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [APRIL.
what avidity skeletons of men de Such a lamentable scene of de
vour the most disgusting aliments, struction has not been witnessed
dead bodies. nettles and food which since the fire at Norton-hall, in
they dispute with the brute cre Purleigh ; the flames, as on that
ation. In this dreadful destitution, occasion, were seen at a great
the inhabitants cannot secure them distance. The estate is the pro
selves from humidity or cold. In perty of Mr. Cline, the surgeon.
some houses twenty persons occupy Whether the buildings are insured,
one room, and labour with hollow we are unacquainted 5 the tenants
and half-extinguished eyes in a con are fortunately insured, although!
tagious atmosphere. Beds are out much under the extent of their
of the question ; a wretched sack of loss, in the Phoenix fire-office.
dried leaves is the best couch of The damage is estimated at 4,000l.
these miserable persons. The engine belonging to the Essex
I These old men, deprived of con and Suffolk Equitable Insurance
solation, and bereft of the attention Society was dispatched with all
of friends, left a prey to famine and possible expedition, and arrived in
sorrow, have no other resource but time to save the house; but, from
the dryness of the season, the
tears; or, falling into sickness, and
under the agonies of a burning flames gained so great an ascend
fever, pant for a drop of Whey, ancy, as to counteract every exer
which they cannot always obtain. tion to prevent destruction to the
Suspicious Fires—About twelve other property. There is too
o‘clock on Saturday night last, a much reason to conjecture that
most tremendous fire broke out on the fire was wilfully occasioned ,
the premises in the occupation of and it is hoped that justice will,
Messrs. Langley and Brewer, at ere long, overtake those concern
Abbott‘s-hall Farm, Great Wig ed in such a villanous and diabo
borough, in this county, which, lical deed—Chelmqford paper.
in a short time, entirely consumed On Friday morning, about ten
the whole of the farmery, stand o'clock, a tire broke out upon the
ing upon nearly two acres of premises of a farm at Aspeden,
ground; also in the barns, wheat, near Buntingford, occupied by
the produce of 25 acres, a large Mr. \Vm. Eling, which in every
quantity of oats, and also of beans, short time consumed the whole of
which had lately been taken in : the buildings, with the exception
three stacks of beans, and two of of the dwelling-house.
hay, which were standing in the On Saturday evening, about
yards, were likewise consumed, eight o’clock, a most alarming fire
with all the farming implements, broke out at a farm, at Weston,
including waggons, tumbrels, near Baldock, in the occupation
plough and cart harness, a thrash of Mr. Farr, which raged with
ing machine, and much other pro unabated fury until the whole of
perty, used in so extensive a con the buildings (with the exception
cern. The live stock, which was of the dwelling-house) were com
confined in the yards, was releas pletely destroyed 3 five horses,
ed, excepting a calf, several pigs, three cows, and as many calves,
and the poultry, which were burnt. fell victims to the devouring ele
ment,
APRIL] CHRONICLE. 97
ment. Unfortunately the direction profession theymay adopt, suitable
of the wind was such as to carry to their knowledge and abilities.
the scattered pieces of flaming 2. In the northern and southern
timber towards another farm, oc governments, lands shall be as
cupied by Mr. \Vinuey, the build signed them gratis, where such as
ings of which caught fire; and al please may settle at their own ex
though every assistance was given pense, under the name of Society
that was practicable, this farm of Jewish Christians.
was doomed to share the same fate 3. This society shall have its
as the former, the whole of the own privileges.
buildings being burnt to the 4. At St. Petersburgh a board
ground, except the dwelling-house. shall be formed, of which Prince
At this dreadful fire, a great quan Alexander Golyzin shall be presi—
tity of corn, both in the barns dent, under the denomination of
and in stacks, 810. was destroyed ; “ Board for the Affairs of Jewish
no less than eleven barns stood Christians;” on which, and on no
upon those farms, and the pre other magistrates (except in" cri
mises altogether are said to have minal cases), the society of Jewish
covered four acres of ground. It Christians depends.
is painful to add, there is little 5. This Board is bound to at
doubt but that this catastrophe tend to every thing relating to the
was the work of some villain or settlements, and to report on it to
villains yet undiscovered—Cam the Emperor. In the settlements
bridge paper. of the Jewish Christians, which
On Friday morning last, be are given them as hereditary pro
tween tcn and eleven o’clock, a perty for ever, the society can
fire was discovered in the house of carry on any kind of professions,
Mr. Joseph Sharpe, of Great build cities, villages, or single
\Vratting, which, from being a dwellings; the lands are given to
thatched building, was nearly de the whole community, but not to
stroyed, together with great part individuals, and cannot be sold or
of its contents. The premises mortgaged to strangers. In these
were insured in the Sullolk fire~ settlements the Jewish Christians
office; but from information re and their posterity have entire re
ceived, there is strong reason to ligious liberty in the Christian
suspect it was wilfully set on fire. confession of faith which they
L—Ibid. ' embrace. The society is under
12. St. Pelersburg71.—On Easter the immediate protection of the
Sunday there was published a very emperor, and depends entirely on
remarkable imperial mandate, in the Board in St. Petersburgh, to
favour of the Jews who are con which alone it will give account.
verted to Christianity. Thefol No other local magistracy shall
lowing are some of the chief ar interfere with them ; their preach
ticles :— ers are only under the Board. The
“ 1. All Jews embracing the internal government of the society
Christian religion, no matter of is under an administration of' the
which confession, shall~ have pri Society of the Jewish Christians,
vileges granted them, whatever consisting of two superiors and
four
28 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. LAPRIL.
four adjuncts, chosen by the so fect liberty to go where he pleas
ciety from its own members, and ed: however, ‘he preferred re
confirmed by the Board. lt ma maining a lodger at that place,
nages the internal concerns, the because he said he received every
police, &c. and has a particular civility and respect there, and he
seal. It may expel improper knew of no place where he could
members, and receive new ones, be more happy. Mr. Gillet had
but must report on this to the an invitation a short time since to
Board. The members of the so go to Exetei , and to take Captain
ciety obtain the rights of citizens Fleming With him, together with
in the Russian empire. They may another gentleman, also a lodges.
carry on trade at home and abroad, there. Captain Fleming made
conformably to the general laws ; some excuse, and declined accom
establish inanufactories, 8L0. with panying them, and in the interim
out being registered in any guild. wrote a letter to an old brother
In their settlements the society officer, a Captain Miller, late pay
may brew beer, distil brandy, Sic. master and agent to the Statibrd
They are. free from billeting of Militia, then residing in London,
troops, and for twenty years from requesting the favour of seeing
taxes; are not bound to military him : that he had many things to
service, Ste. Foreign Jews who, communicate to him, particularly
after embracing Christianity, join of a pecuniary kind ; that he was
such a community, may leave the getting in years, and purpOsed
country when they have paid their makingr his will; that he wished
debts, and the legal contributions him to be present, as he intended
for three years, on the capitals to give him a power of attorney to‘
which they have acquired in Bus transact business for him, and he
sia." This regulation excites the pressed him to come immediately.
more attention, because it is well In consequence of this request,
known that our ambassadors in Captain Miller arrived at the
Germany are expressly ordered to Asylum before mentioned, on
give no more passports to those Sunday the l‘lth instant, about
who desire to emigrate. noon. It was impossible a more
The following are the particu friendly meeting could apparently
lars of the shocking catastrophe have taken place: they dined to
which took place at a Lunatic gether with the family, talked
Asylum, at Fifehead-house, near over their old campaigns (they
Taunton, on Sunday the 13th were both advanced in years,
inst.— Captain Fleming 74, and Captain
A Captain Fleming, a half-pay Miller 65;) both appeared lll'l?
officer in the army, was placed commonly cheerful. Mrs. Gillet,
under the care of Mr. Gillet, the knowing that Fleming had written
proprietor of this Asylum, about to his friend Miller to come to
five years ago, and remained a him on business, caused them to
patient under his care about three be left alone: they remained only
years, when he was pronounced a short time, and then adjourned
sane,-aud consequently sutfered to to Fleming's bed-room. In about
resume his functions, and at per ten minutes afterwards, (at about
half
APRIL] CHRONICLE- w
half-past two), the keeper heard a without ever having examined the -
noise which alarmed him, but he contents of his trunks, in which,
thought it might be a patient up unquestionably, lay those deadly
stairs, who is sometimes very weapons. Fleming wrote two
high, as he termed it; however, letters on Saturday the 12th inst.
he ran up stairs, and when about and left them in a drawer in his
half way distinctly heard the re bed-room, addressed to the Rev.
port of a pistol. On entering the Mr. Gale, a visiting magistrate of
room it was full of smoke, and the Asylum, which alone were
the first thing he saw was Captain sufficient to prove his insanity.
Miller lying on the floor in the 13. The University Debating
agonies of death: he attempted to Club, held at the Red Lion inn,
lift him up, but he instantly ex in Cambridge, having been dis
pired. A pistol lay within two solved by the personal interference
feet of him. About five or six of the l’roctors, by command of
feet from Miller lay Fleming, on the Vice-Chancellor, a petition
his face, and the \ital spark‘had against this interference, signed
left him also. Another pistol lay by several Masters of Arts and
about the same distance from him, Noblemen, as members of the
and a three edged sword on the club, has been presented to his
bed close by. On a more minute Royal Highness the Duke of
examination, in which Mr. Rich, Gloucester, as Chancellor of that
a surgeon, attended, it appeared University.—Evening Paper.
that a pistol had been fired by 14. From a Liverpool Paper.—
Fleming at Miller, who had been Last. week Mr. John Wright, who
sitting in a chair at a table in the has of late delivered religious lec
act of writing, having his specta tures, and held meetings for wor- .
cles on, and a pen in his hand; ship on Unitarian principles, in
that Fleming stood behind him, the Long Room, Marble-street,
as the ball had entered a little be (a place “hich has been frequent
low the left shoulder blade ; that ly occupied by dilferent denomi
the pistol not having had the im~ nations of Christians during the
mediate effect intended, Fleming last ‘23 years), was summoned, on
made use of the sword, and pierced three informations, to appear bev
his friend in the body, as many as fore the magistrates, on the charge
seven or eight times, and then, of holding meetings for worship
with another pistol, shot himself in a place not duly registered.
through the head. It might na Mr. Wright attended at tile Town
turally be inquired, how came Hall on Saturday last, at the ap
these destructive Weapons in the pointed time, when the Mavor:
room? It appears that at the time (John \Vright, Esq.) and Alder
Captain Fleming was brought to man Nicholson took their places
the Asylum, all his trunks, &0. as the sitting magistrates. They
were deposited there, and the keys were afterwards joined by Alder
given to the proprietor, who, on man Sir Vi'. Barton.
his patient being pronounced sane, The first information was then
returned every thing to him again, read, relative to a meeting for
worship
 30 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [APRIL
worship being held in the Long were directed against those who
Room, on Tuesday the 1st of knowingly hold meetings for wor
April. ship in places not registered. He
The informer on this charge then produced some written evi
dence from a most vrespectable
was Reece Davies, of the Liverpool
Courier Ofiice ; who, being sworn, quarter, stating at what time, and
gave evidence of the statement in by whom, and for whom, the
the information. place had been certified to the
The second information was Bishop's Registrar at Chester.
then read, which made a similar There had not been sufficient time
charge for Sunday the 6th of allowed to procure a certificate
April. from Chester, but he doubted not
The informer on this charge he could do so in a few days. The
also was Reece Davies ; who, be bench then agreed to adjourn the
ing again sworn, gave evidence business to that day week, when
of the statement in that informa the official evidence was to be
tion. produced.
~ The third information was then The penalty incurred in this
read, which made a similar charge case would be, not exceeding 20!.
for Tuesday the 8th of April on each information, nor less than
" The informer on this charge 208.—0ne half to the informer.
also was Reece Davies; who, be During the above examination,
ing again sworn, gave evidence Mr. Wright, alluding to some dis
of the statement in that informa orderly conduct in the Long Room
tion. during worship on Tuesday the
, In answer to some questions 8th, stated, that the individual
irom the bench, and Mr. Statham, whom he meant to charge with
town clerk, as to the nature of that disorder had refused at the
the prayers, 81c. Reece Davies time to give his address. He had
‘atated, that they were similar to since learnt, however, that his
those usually made in other cha name was Scott, and he wouldv
peis. now ask Reece Davies whether he
Mr. Wright then being called knew that person. Being an
fipon for his defence, stated, that swered in the affirmative, be far
in a life of more than fifty years, ther demanded his full name and
he. had never knowingtly violated address: when Scott himself be
any of the laws of his country. ing in the court, was required to
He had reason to believe that the give it—which was, James Scott,
room in which his meetings were of Liverpool, merchant, No.11,
held was duly registered, as it Clayton-square. Mr. \Vright'then
had been used for worship about declared his intention immediately
twenty years: and indeed, he con to prosecute him, under the 12th
ceived, that if the place were not clause of an Act 52 Geo. III, for
registered, yet, as he had always disorderly conduct during wor
been informed that it was, he could ship on the above evening._
not be supposedvto have ofl‘ended The business on which Mr.
against the statute, as its penalties 'Wright was summoned being now
s ' for
APRIL] CHRONICLE. '31
for the present concluded, Mr. had now attended to give evi
Wright was about to depart, whendence.
Mr. Statham rose and informed Mr. “Wight—Why, Sir, the
him he had now to bring forward sentiments I delivered are legal
a charge of a. more serious na by Act of Parliament; and the
ture. last charge is an entire falsehood,
Mr. VVright.—l was summoned and contrary to all my senti
for a particular purpose, which I ments.
have attended to, and am not Mr. Statham.——That. you must
bound to attend to any other bu show in another place. You must
siness. . give bail for your appearance at
Mr. Statham.——Sir, this is an the next Assizes at Lancaster;
information upon which you will yourself in 2001. and two suretics
now be taken into custody. You in lOOl. each. [Mn \Vright was
are charged with blasphemy. then placed in custody of the cons
He then read an information stables, and put to the bar as a
on the evidence of James Scott, prisoner.]
(the identical person Mr. Wright Mr. \Vright.—But, Sir, I must
had just stated his intention to know under what law lam charged
prosecute for disorderly conduct,) with this.
which, being duly sworn to, Mr. Statham.—Under no parti
charged Mr. Wright with having cular Act, but under the law of
expressed and conveyed to his the land.
hearers the idea. “' that a belief Mr. Wright—Under what law
in the doctrine of the Holy Tri of the land P
nity was absurd and ridiculous—— Mr. Statham.--Under the com
that it was folly to believe in what mon law. _
was called the atonement of the Mr. \Vright.——Under What Com
death of Jesus Christ, as it was mon law? Have you never seen
impious to suppose that a good the Act of Parliament, lately
being would take an innocent passed, which tolerates the exer
victim to atone for the sins of the cise of religious opinions, which
wicked—that as the idea of the were before not permitted P—To
soul surviving the body was an this no answer was given.
absurd and ridiculous mental de Mr. lVright.——But if I be ar—
lusion, that the idea of a future rested, and held to bail, contrar
state was equally so." Mr. Sta to the provisions of an Act of Par
tham then informed Mr. \Vright, liament, can I not claim indem
that his proceedings had been nity?
watched ; that the Mayor'had Mr. Statham.-—You can adopt
sent persons for the purpose to what steps you think proper.
the Long Room every evening, Two friends of Mr. Vl'right,
since he had advertised his meet who happened then to be in the
ings in the Liverpool Mercury of court merely as spectators, of
the 28th of March ; and that it fered themselves as the required
was at the Mayor's instance that bail. One of them (Mr. F. B.
the infdrrner on this charge (Scott) Wright) in dcseribing his resi
dence,
82 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817’. [:lPRlL.
deuce, stated, that it was near with the nature of the charges
Anne's (.‘hurch. The May or and against. Mr. Wright. He then
Mr. Statham instantly asked was read the information. One of the
it not Saint Anne's Church? Mr. gentlemen remarked, that with
F. B. Wright said he had spoken Mr. Wright‘s religious creed he
of it in the usual way, and had was not acquainted, but on his
casually omitted the word Saint. integrity he would venture his
He did not know of such a Saint property. The other observed,
in Scripture, nor did he believe that he agreed in the sentiments
such an omission was criminal. imputed to Mr. \Vright, with the
Mr. Etatham said, “ Sir, I suspect exception of the last, which he
you purposely omitted the word." did not believe Mr. Wright ever
Mr. F. B. Wright here claimed espoused.
the protection of the Court. Mr. Wright was then liberated,
Mr. \Vright.—l have now, Mr. and his departure from the Hall
Mayor, offered my bail, and of was only impeded by a number of
course claim my liberation. other friends, eagerly pressing in
Mr. Statham.—-You must give to offer themselves his bail.
twenty-four hours notice of your 18. Came on at. Holyrood
bail, and inquiries must be made house, Edinburgh, the election of
into its sufficiency. Bail is not a one of the sixteen peers, in the
matter of course. You may be room of theEai-l of Rothcs, deceas—
kept in custody a week, Sir, for ed. The Candidates were the Mar
aught you know. quisses of Tweeddale and Lothian.
Mr.\l"right.—l am certain, Sir, Present—Marquis of Tweeddale,
that if a short time were allowed, Marquis of Lothizm, Earl of Mo
so that this business could be ray, Earl of Home, Earl of Had
made known out of doors, I should dington, Earl of Wemyss and
have bail offered which the Mayor March, Earl of Findlater, Earl
must know would be sufficient. of Leven, Earl of Marchmont,
Here another friend of Mr. Lord Gray, Lord Torphichen,
W'right stepped forward and said, Lord Elibauk, Lord Rollo. Total
Mr. Mayor, if only a few minutes 13. Proxy—Lord Bellmren to the
be allowed before you leave the Earl of Wemyss and March.
hall, 1 am sure] can produce for There were also 37 signed lists
Mr. Wright the most respectable from peers.
bail to any amount. After the votes were called, the
Time was allowed. Mr. lVright Marquis of Lothian was declared
was removed in custody to the duly elected ; there being for the
Jury Room, having; objected to Marquis of Lothian . 33
be sent down amongst pers'ons Marquis of Tweeddale l8
charged with crime ; and, in about Majority . . ii.
if een minutes, Mr. \Vright's
friend returned with two gentle The following nobleman voted
men, whose surety was not a mo for the Marquis of Lothian :—
ment objected to. Mr. Statham Duke. of Buccleuch, Duke of
asked them if they were acquainted Atholl, Duke of Montrose, Duke
of
APRIL] CHRONICLE. 33
of Roxburghe, Marquis ofQuecns litical subjects, as heretofore," at
berry, Marquis of Tweeddale, the rooms of the society.
Earl of Morton, Earl of Caithness, Some question arising upon the
Earl of Moray, Earl of Home, word political, the following dis
Earl of Strathmore,Earl of Kellie, cussion took place :—
Earl of Haddington, Earl of Dunn Lord Mayor.—\Vhat class of po
fries and Bute, Earl of Elgin, litical questions forms the subject
Earl of Findlater, Earl of Leven, of your debates ?
Earl of Balcarras, Earl of Aboyne, Petitioners—Politics generally,
Earl of Dunmore, Earl of March my lord, under the restrictions
mont, Earl of Glasgow, Earl of specified in the books in your
Portmore, 'Earl of Hopetoun, lordship’s hands, and subject to
Viscount Arbuthnot, Viscount the approval or rejection of acoun
Dunblane, Lord Forbes, Lord cil. \Ve are ready to produce our
Gray, Lord Sinclair, Lord Somer books, and give 'any information
ville, Lord Napier, Lord Forres that may be required.
ter, Lord Elibank. Total 33. Alderman Smith—This is too
For the Marquis of Tweeddale : general; it would admit unlimited
—Duke of Gordon, Duke of Ar discussion, and open adoor to de
gyll, Marquis of Lothian, Earl of bates of the most improper ten
Errol, Earl of Eglington, Earl of (lency.
Cassilis, Earl of Lauderdale, Earl Petitioners—Reference to our
of Kinnoul, Earl of \Vemyss and list of members, and printed rules,
March, Earl of Kintore, Earl of will remove all fear of abuse.
Aberdeen, Earl of Stair, Earl of This society has existed above
Roseberry, Lord Torphichen, nineteen years, with unimpeached
Lord Blantyre, Lord Reay, Lord character; and was licensed by
Belhaven, Lord Rollo. Total 18. the magistrates of Hatton-garden,
18. On Friday two gentlemen under the former act, with no
appeared, by appointment, before hesitation, and with the single
the magistrates of London, in doubt whether it came within the
general quarter sessions, at the provisions of the statute. No per
sessions hall, in the Old Bailey, as sons are eligible but members of
members and officers of the Aca~ universities or inns of court, and
demical Society held in Chancery many of its members have been,
lane, and produced the books of and are, members likewise of
regulations, list of members, &c. the house of commons.
together with a petition for a 1i Lord Mayor.--ln short, it is a
cense. The magistrates present school of oratory ?
were the Lord Mayor, with Alder Petitioners—Yes, my lord, pri
men Sir John Perring, Sir \Vil vate application was made to the
liam Domrille, and Joshua Jona law ofiicers of the crown for ex
than Smith. Their petition, which emption, but we were referred to
was duly presented and read, pray the seSsions, as a matter of course.
ed for a license, “for the investi Your warships will observe, that
gation and discussion of philoso a license will not protect us from
phical, literary, historical, and p0 the consequences of its abuse.
VOL. LIX. Our
 84 AN N UAL IRYEG ISTER, 1817. [Arum
Our meetings will still beopcn to Lord Mayon—i :11possible ! This
your visitation, the license revok is a Very serious question, and we
able at discretion, and ourselves must act deliberately in the face of
personally liable for any breach of the country. I think it my duty
order, morality, or p'roin'iety in as a magistrate-to sign this license,
our debate. and Should be ashamed of myeelf
Alder-man Smith—l think such if I refused it. I am ready to sign.
a license would be highly objec ~Alderman Smith—J am not '
t-ionable.‘ ashmned. I Will never sign such
Lord Mayor.-—I see no objection». a license. Will the gentlemen
Alderman Smith—I do. if a 'eon-sent to strike out the word
license be granted, what is the political ? '
use of the act? A Petitioners—We cannot con
Lord Mayan—The society has sent to that.
complied with its provisions, 'and Alderman Smithy—Will you
satisfied its object, by furnishing take a license on 'eondition'to-t'ur
notice of its-place of meeting, the nisli the magistrates beforehand
names of its members, and its with the questions for debate, sub
rules and regulations. Before ject 'to their approval? I have no
this application, we might be, and objection to grant ‘a license on
perhaps were, ignorant of its cx "those conditions.
istence altogether, but (now it is Petitioners—We cannot take a
brought immediately under the license on such terms. The so—
eye and control of the-magistracy, vcicty is open ‘to your yisitatidn
which is all that the uct'intended. 'and “control; 'if the magistrates
Alderman Smith—But this will doubt our tilSCFCtlOh, conduct, or
allow debates upon the politics of Eprinciplcs, ‘they may come in .1131"
the day. son, or send an inspector. We
7 Lord ills-yon—And why not? shall "rei'usc a license so shackled.
To refuse-a license to these gentle Alderman Smith.-—Thzit is quite
;nien would be depriving them of enoughior me. ‘ Do-you hCRl‘Ktilfli?
a privilege enjoyed by every tavern “Lord Mayor.-I think we have
‘ine'cting or public dinner. it can no right to impose stich Conditions,
not be that the legislature incaus and see no occasion for them.
Itoprcvent all political discussion, Alderman Smith _.-—-Thc Iilippant
but merely to place it undér re answer of this gentleman satisfies
gulation. inc.
Sir John 'Pcrring.-—Undoubfcd Petitioner.--Sir,J am sorry you
ly, it never wasintendcd to put so much mistake .my meaning.
down all political discussion. 1 We come as officersof the society,
think the society entitled to a li and have no authority to compro
ceuse,'and am ready to si n. mise its rules, or to bind it to
Aldermanfirnith .-—l obiect most such terms as you have olfered.
strongly; the ipurpose of the act I repeat again, we are not autho
is to put dOWn all political debate rized, and must refuse such a 1i
whatever, I ccnse.
Sir W illiarn Domvillc concurred :Lord 'Mayorh—Certainly, you
in'this sentiment. are not authorized. ICODCClVe it
my

APRIL] CHRONICLE.
my duty- to grant your application,
and will sign it immediately.
Sir John Perring concurred.
Aldermen Domville and Smith
strenuously opposed; but the pe
tioners expressed themselves sa
tisfied, as the act required the sig
nature of two magistrates only.
Here, however, the clerk inter
posed, on the ground that the act
of two would be the act of the
sessions; and as there was an
equality of voices, the license
could not pass. This objection
finally prevailed over the contrary
interpretation in favour of the
petitioners. Before retiring, how
ever, the applicants addressed the
bench as follows :
Petitioners—My Lord, are we
then to understand that the ses
sions refuse our'license, yes or no 9
Lord Mayan—I am afraid so.
Sir John Perring and myself are
ready to sign it, but what can be
done? We cannot get over this
difficulty.
Petitioners—We thank your
lordship, and shall know what
further course to, adopt.
The license was accordingly de
clared to be refused.
19. The Gazette of the Two
Sicilies gives the following descrip
tion of a monument which has
been discovered among the exca
vations at Pompeia. :—-The front
of the edifice is ornamented with
six columns, which uniting with
six others, divided in two lateral
portions, form a peristyle, fifty
two pal-ms wide, and forty-three
long. The columns are of a soft
stone, coated with stucco, and are
fluted. Their bases are attic,
without any plinth. From the
vestibule, to which there is an
easy flight, composed of a small
if >~~> __ fir _f
35
number of stairs, there is an en
trance, by a large door, into a
hall, fifty feet long, and forty-six
broad. On the wings is raised a
double colonnade of six columns,
each two palms and a quarter in
diameter, similar to those in the
vestibule. From Several swelling
shafts, M. ‘Ar'diti conjectures that
all the edifice had a superior order
of columns, of a smaller 'diameter.
On the floor of the hall are three
little entrances, conducting to as
many small chambers. To the
left is a sm'all'staircase, by which
there was probably an ascent to
the higher part of the building.
In the lateral part of the hall the
pavement is Mosaic. In the
centre there had been various
geometrical figures in marble, of
which only the traces on the
ground remain. All the walls are
ornamented with pictures, the
backgrounds of which are painted
with a verylively and brilliant red
'colo'ur. The dilapidations of this
superb monument seem to indicate
that its erectiOn was at a very
distant period. In all parts the
traces of ruins are to be found.
The ground is covered with stones,
and With the capital‘s Of demolish
ed columns. Orders have been
given for itsv immediate restora
tion. The zeal and the knowledge
of the Chevalier Arditi will re
establish, as soon as possible, this
edifice, which is one of the most
curious that have been discovered
at Pompeia.
A dreadful occurrence took place '
at Wigton on Sunday the 20th,
Anne Graham, the wife of lV,
Graham, blacksmith, murdered
two of her children by strangula
tion, left another for dead, and
afterwards cut her own throat!
D ‘2 The
36 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
The following particulars have
reached us, from which it will
clearly appear that the wretched
woman laboured under strong
mental derangement. On the pre
ceding day she dressed herself,
and took her children for a walk,
a circumstance with her very un
usual on such a day. She went
with them to a small stream of
water, and looking into it, re
marked that “it was not deep
enough, and they would come
another time." On Sunday morn
ing, she strongly persuaded her
husband to go to church; and
when she laid out his Sunday
clothes, she gave him a black silk
handkerchief, instead of a white
one. He inquired the reason,
and asked for a white one. His
wife immediately said to him in a
singular tone—“ What, would you
not wear it if we all lay dead?"
Graham took no particular notice
of this wildness, and went to
church. As soon as he was gone,
she called the children into the
house and locked the door. After
washing them, she gave the oldest
(a boy about nine years of age) an
infant to hold, which was sucking
at the breast, and then took one
of the other children into an ad—
joining room, put it to death by
strangling it with her hands, and
then laid it into a bed. She re
turned for another, which she
strangled in the same manner.
\Vhen she came for the third, the
boy before-mentioned inquired
what she was doing, and observed,
he thought she was killing the
children. She replied, that she
would let him soon see what she
was doing with them, and went
into the room with the third,
which she also strangled. The
[APRIL
boy being alarmed, laid the infant
on the floor, and got into the
blacksmith's shop by means of a
door which communicates with
the dwelling-house, where he con
cealed himself under the large
bellows. His mother followed
him into the shop, and searched,
but could not find him. After she
returned into the dwelling- house,
the boy escaped from the shop by
drawing the bolts which secured
the great doors. He met his fa
ther as he was returning from
church, and told him the dreadful
tale ; assistance was immediately
procured, and on entering the
house, the unhappy woman was
found with her throat dreadfully
cut, without any signs of life;
the infant was lying on the floor
unhurt; and the other three
children were found in bed—two
of them quite dead; the other
showed symptoms of life, and by
proper care has been much re
covered, but still remains in a
doubtful state. No cause but in
sanity can be assigned for these
dreadful acts. Graham has always
proved himself a kind and affec
tionate husband. His wife was
naturally of a gloomy disposition;
and, latterly, she had formed an
idea that her children would come
to poverty. The Coroner‘s jury
returned a verdict of Insanity.
21. A shocking accident hap
pened on Monday evening; A
number of poor people were ga~
thering cockles on Laven-Sands,
when on a sudden a thick fog
came, and the tide flowing at the
time, drowned the whole; one
report says 1'! in number, men,
women, and children—Chester
rupir
Since the publication of this
paper,
APRIL] CHRONICLE. . 37
paper, we never had to record a The two men had large families;
more heart-rending calamity than one had seven children! They
what occurred on Monday the were discovered close together.
21st on Lavan Sands. A number The sea was so calm and the tide
of poor persons, consisting of flowed so gently, that the men
two men, three women, and three were found with their hats on !—
children, went, as was their usual (North Wales Gazette.)
custom at this season, to collect A most disastrous case of in
cockles on the above sands; the sanity happened at the private
day had been remarkably clear, madhouse of Mr. \Varburton, on
but towards evening an uncom Bethnal-green, on Friday the QOth,
monly thick fog arose, of which which became the subject of an
they were admonished to beware inquest before J. W.'Unwin, Esq.
before they set out, and it was ob one of the coroners for Middlesex,
served very visibly collecting in at two o'clock on Tuesday. The
the distant horizon ; the conse circumstances attending the fatal
quence was, as may be anticipated, affair are as follows :—-About half
they could not find their way back, past one o'clock on Friday last,
night was coming on, and the dis Mr. Owen Anderson, (who had
tance from any succour being been placed in this establishment
nearly four miles, their cries could in the year 1815, and had re
not be heard—after wandering mained there ever since) with
in vain for several hours, they all several other patients, had just
perished on the return of the tide! dined. One of the two keepers
The coroner's inquest sat on the who attended upon them quitted
bodies of these unfortunate suffer the room for some \domestic pur
ers, who'were placed in Aber pose; the knives and forks which
church; and certainly a more had been used at dinner were
afflicting sight can hardly be con placed in a knife-tray. on one of
ceived; husbands lamenting the the forms. Joseph Deshayes, the
loss of wife and children, and unfortunate person who is de
wives lamenting the loss of hus ceased, happened to go to a closet
bands and children! One woman near the fire-place in which coals
and a little girl are not yet found. were kept, and stooping down to
The party consisted of eight per fill the coal-scuttle, the unhappy
sons; those found are Ellen Ro gentleman, Mr. Anderson, seized
berts and her daughter, from the a case-knife, and plunged it into
parish of Llanllechid, the daughter the keeper’s back. He rose up
only arriving last week from Li immediately, and received another
verpool to see her parents, and desperate stab in the lower part
has left an infant only three months of the belly. No persons were in
old; two labouring men, one with the room at this time but the-de
a son, and the other with a daugh ceased, Mr. Anderson, and the
ter; the last, a little girl of only other patients.
fourteen years old, was found John \Velch sworn.—ls a ser
kneeling, with her hands folded vant in the house. On Friday,
acrOss her bosom, close to the about half-past one o'clock, was
prostrate body of her fatherll in the kitchen cutting up the ‘din—
ner.
38 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
ner. The deceased came in and
set himself down in a chair by the
side of the dresser, near the fire,
and looked extremely pale ; said
Mr. Anderson had stabbed him
with a knife, and requested wit
ness to go immediately into the
room. He ran there immediately,
and saw the other keeper, assisted
by one of the patients, putting a
strait waistcoat on Mr. Anderson 3
saw a knife, which the patients
pointed out to be the instrument
with which the deceased had been
struck. ‘Vitness returned imme
diately to the kitchen, and found
the deceased had been removed
into the, parlour. Witness assisted
in putting him to bed; sat up
with him the whole night, He
complained of his pain, and said,
“ 0, Anderson, you have murder
ed me!" “I am, goin to my
last!" Deceased stated, that he
was at the cupboard-dom stooping,
that Mr“ Anderson had stabbed
him with a knife first in the back,
and when he got up stabbed him
in the belly. Witness attended
upon him till his death, which
took place on Saturday evening
about six o‘clock: considered An
derson as an insane person.
Edward Bowdler confirmed part
of the testimony of the last wit
ness; was the person who had
left the room as above-mentioned.
Evidence was then given by two
medical gentlemen to, prove ‘An
,derson‘s insanity.
\ Several of the jury having ex
pressed a wish to put some ques
tions to Mr. Anderson, he was
brought into the inquest-room.
He is a young man ,of interesting
appearance, about twenty-three
years of age]; he said he could not
recollect now why he so conducted
[Arana
himself to the keeper. That he,
was more composed than he had
been, and that he would not do so
any more.
The jury returnedtheir verdict,
“ That the deceased had. died by
the violent act of ()wen Anderson ;
but that at the time of committing
such act, the said Owen Anderson
was not of sound mind, memory,
and understanding, but lunatic
and distracted."
26. Murder and 'Robbery.-—The
house in which this audacious act
was committed is in Pendleton, a
suburb, anditwo miles from the
Exchange of Manchester, which
adjoins the turnpike-road to Liver
pool, and is surrounded by many
houses, although none are par
ticularly connected with it. It
belongs to a Mr. Littlewood, a
respectable grocer in Sal-ford, who
was duly attending to the avoca
tions of the market-day, and was
left in the care of an elderly woman
(housekeeper) and servant girl.
The bloody business must have
been perpetrated before fiveo’clock,
as a nurse-maid of a neighbouring
family went at that hour to see
Mr. L‘s girl, with whom she was
intimate. The doors were locked,
and many of the window-blinds
down; in consequence of which
the nurse-maid returned home,
having first attempted to open the
door, and cursorily look through
the window of one of the rooms,
in which she indistinctly saw the
elderly woman in an arm-chair,
and whom she supposed to be
asleep. The curiosity of the nurse
maid induced her to return at
seven o'clock, when she still found
the doors locked, which alarmed
her, from the singularity of the
circumstance} nnd,‘ on looking
through
MALI C B It ON I C LE. 39
through the window again atten ing bound by their duty to watch
tively, she; perceived the old house over the great interests of religion,
keeper apparently lifeless and they are obliged to prevent the in- t
much bruised. An alarm was im troduetion of a system of education ,
mediately given, and the house which might corrupt youth and
entered by a. ladder, when it ap violate the dogmas and the disci
peared, that the house was robbed, pline of the Catholic Church. it
and the two hapless women inhu is with this view that they re
manly murdered. The instru mark several points of the regula
ments of destruction which it is tions which have appeared to them
supposed were used were a cleaver susceptible of producing this re
and a poker. The housekeeper, it sult. It is laid down as a princi
is supposed, otfered no resistance, ple, that it is to the Catholic
and was dispatched whilst asleep Church that the world is indebted
in the chair; but the younger for the establishment of universi
woman is conceived to have con ties, which have succeeded to the
rageously resisted, as several of episcopal schools. The principal
the blows inflicted were sufficient olrject of this institution was to
to have occasioned death. Six propagate all the branches of hu
men have been already apprehend man knowledgr, and principally
ed, four of whom there is strong religion. Abhé Fleury says, that
reason for surmising will ulti it was “ to preserve the holy doc
mately prove the perpetrators of trine" that universities were
the diabolical deeds ol' horror.— founded. It is to preserve youth
Manclzester Mercury. from the contagion, of philusop/nl
Q9. The grand jury of London cal errors that religion has pre
returned true bills for high treason sided over all studies, under the
against Arthur 'l‘histlewood, gent. ; intervention of the bishops, who
James Watson the elder, surgeon; alone have received the power of
James Watson the younger, sur teaching, or causing others to
geon; Thomas Preston, cord_ teach, ecclesiastical science.
wainer; and James Hooper, la~ The Catholic Sovereigns, who
bourer. The bill against John were themselves interested in the
Keenes, tailor, was thrown out. maintenance of religion, them
selves invoked the authority of the
sovereign Pontiti‘s, to direct the
MAY. high schools by wise regulations.
8. Ghent—There are now in Thus was erected “ the celebrated
circulation manuscript copies of a University of Louvnin, which has
memorial presented to his Ma— been to Belgium a nursery of men
jesty by the Bishops of Ghent, whose names will be ever illus
Namur, Tournay, and the Vicar trious." Pope Martin V. in his
gsne-ral of Liege and of Malines. hull erecting it, speaks of the duty
This memorial relates to the mode which is imposed on it, of en
of instruction prescribed for the couraging, as much as possible,
Universities by the regulations of sciences of every kind, by the
the 25th of last November. means of whkh .the science which
The bishops state first, that be has for its object the maintenance
of
 40 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [MAW~
of the true faith and of divine amined : after which the jury
worship is propagated more and unanimously pronounced a verdict
more. of wilful murder against all the
The interests of the state and of four men, viz. James Ashcroft the
the church are now the same, and elder, .lamesAshcroft the younger,
require the application of the same David Ashcroft, and William Hol
principles. The bishops assert, den. They were then severally
that in the present state of morals brought up before the Court, and
religion is now more necessary being asked by the coroner if they
than ever. These great principles had any thing to say, and admo
having appeared to them to be nished by him to be cautious in
violated by the regulations of the what they advanced, they merely
25th of November, they have laid asserted their innocence in gene
before his Majesty the observa ral terms, and were then com
tions c0ntained in this memorial, mitted to Lancaster Castle, to take
which may contain a doctrine too their trials at the next assizes.
exclusive, and manifest fears ex At the Norwich sessions held
aggerated by zeal; but which has last month, Mr. Steward Al
the merit of being written with a derson addressed the grand jury,
moderation not always found in and directed them “ to make a
writings of this nature. full, diligent, and impartial in
Birmingham—On the 15th a quiry into the matter, and to pre
most destructive fire broke out in sent houses of seditious resort, if
this town, at the extensive mills, they found any existed ;” observ~
called Water-street Mills, which ing, that none had come to his
are situate by the side of the liir knowledge as a resident magis
mingham canal. In a few hours, trate. The Grand jury instituted
‘60 violent were the flames, and so the inquiry, and made this pre
extremely rapid in their extension, sentment thereon z—We copy it
that this vast pile of buildings, verbatim from the Norwich paper.
which occupy a space of ground “ We, theGrand J ury, summoned
as large as the Haymarket in to inquire for our Sovereign Lord
London, were entirely consumed. the King, have, in consequence of
The value of the property is sup the direction of the Steward, mi ~

posed not to be less than 200,000!. nutely examined the constables of

19. At an adjourned London the various wards, who have ap
Session, the Academical Society peared before us, whether they
again applied for a licence autho knew of any public or private
rising them to discuss philoso house in which meetings had been
phical, literary, historical, and held of a secret nature, in which
sedition was encouraged, or blas
political subjects, in their rooms
’ in Chancery-Lane, which, after phemy or irreligion tolerated ; and
some discussion, was unanimously they have all reported that none
granted. such had been held to the best of
20. The investigation of ’the their knowledge. We are also our
murder committed at Pendleton selves of opinion that no such so
terminated on Wednesday last, at cieties exist in this city."
the Hare and Hounds, l’endleton. (Signed by the Grand Jury.)
More than 40 witnesses were ev
U pon
MAY.] .'.¢CHRONICL’E. 41
Upon this presentment being sion ; it was, however, immedi
made, the Steward discharged the ately ascertained that the gentle
Grand Jury, observing, that after man in the coach had shot himself
so respectable and attentive an in in the side, and had fallen back in
vestigation, he thought this city, the coach.
stood acquitted of the suspicions Mr. Phillips, jun. the son of
that had been entertained respect Mr. Phillips the surgeon, who re
ing seditious meetings. sides within a few yards of the
‘23. This afternoon, about ten spot, happened to be an observer
minutes before three o'clock, a of the transaction, and instantly
hackney-coach stopped in Pall ran to feel the gentleman's pulse,
mall, opposite the sentinel-box on when be pronounced him to be
the west side of the east gate of dead : he was, however, taken into
Carlton-house court-yard. The Mr. Phillips’s house, in which
coachman alighted from his box, Lord Robert Seymour, who hap
and was directed by the gentleman pened to be passing at the time,
to‘ knock at the gate, and at the very humanely assisted. His 10rd
same time he gave him a card, on ship also'found in the coach the
which was written, in pencil, instrument of his death, which
Capt. de Achen: the porter an was a large Spanishfihorse pistol.
swered the knock, and the coach An attempt was made by Mr. Phil
man gave him the card, saying, lips to bleed him, but in vain.
the gentleman in the coach was a The body was afterwards con
foreigner, and he did not under veyed on some boards to the Goat
stand what he said or what he public-house in Pall-mall. He was
wanted; the porter replied he a remarkably fine young man, a
should not understand him any bout 30 years of age, upwards of
better. AGerman, in the Regent's six feet high ; he was dressed in a
establishment, passing at thé time, military blue great coat, black silk
the porter sent him to the coach handkerchief round his neck, light
door, when the stranger asked for blue pantaloons. He had former
some gentleman of the royal es~ ly belonged to the German legion,
tablishmeut, who, he was inform— and he proves to be of the name
ed, was not in Carlton-house ; he written on the card, Captain de
was then observed by the German Achen. He distinguished himself
to be moving his lips; but if he in the battle of Waterloo. He
was talking, he could not hear has been some time in this coun
what he said; at the same time try, and has had a great desire to
he observed him stooping on the be employed in the British army.
right side; and as he was in the On Thursday he accompanied Ma
act of rising, the report of a pistol jor Poten to Epsom Races. Yes
was heard, and a smoke issued terday, about one o'clock, he went
from the coach. The general opi to the Duke of Comberland’s re;
nion of those within sight of the sidence in St. James’s Palace, to
transaction was, that the German visit Major Poten, the major be
at the coach-door was shot, as he ing uide-de-camp to the duke;
stood motionless for the instant, he was there about an hour : he
from alarm at the sudden explo was known to the duke. The acs
count
 l

42 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [Mary

cwunt the haeltncy-‘coachman gave with much concern We commu
of him was, he hired him in nicate to the public a very shock
Bridge~stroet, Westminster, near ing event which happened on
the house No. 2, but whether he the evening of the 11th, near
came out of that house or not he' Colombo :—
could not tell. No difference was A party of seven young gende
observed as to his usual mode of men had been walking among the
conducting himself, up to two trees, near the sea, about two
o‘clock yesterday, nor was the miles south of the fort ; between
cause of the rash act ascertained. five and six o'clock they sat down
'24. The first survey was made on the shore, without any pre
this morning, by means of the vious intention of bathing, when
diving bell, of the wreck of the Mr. May, of the ordnance civil
Royal George, which sunk at department, went into the water,
Spithead about 35 years since. She‘ and was followod by several
lies nearly east and west, with her others. Mr. May was an excellent
head to the westward, and with a sviimrmer, and plunging into the
trifling inclination on her la'rbo'ard nearest surf, he did not rise till
bilge. The whole of her decks he was some way beyond it. Aif
have fallen in, and the starboard ter playing about a short time,
broadside upon them; there is, in he struck out into deeper Water,
fact, no appearance whatever (if when Lie'utcnan’t Gray, who was
her original formation, her re within the surf, and aware of the
rnains appearing as a pile of danger from sharks, called out to
ruinous timber-Work. The sur him not to go any farther. At
face oi" her timbers is decayed, that moment the swell of the surf
but the. heart of them is soimd. hid him from Mr. Gray ; but
some of the party,v who Were
Not the least vestige of her guns,
standing higher on the shore, saw
anchors, spars, or masts,- was dis—
covered, and the Whole of her him on a sudden struggle and
head and rail-work has gone to sink. He rose again directly, and
pieres ; the guns niust have fallen cried out, “ A shark, ashark ; no
into the hull, among the wreck. joke, no joke, upon my honour, I
There is no bank or great accu am bit!“ .But he did not seem tobe
mulation of mud around her; much hurt, for he swam with
the hOllOWS in her hull contain agram strength towards the shore.
quantity of fine black muscose Lieutenant Gray rushed forward
mud, the natural sediment of the to his assistance, and just as they
tides. It Would not be difficult were near meeting, the shark
either to saw her in pieces or seized him again, but he was not
blow her up; but she cannot be pulled under water, and only
weighed in a body, from her di cried ou't-—-“ I am bit, I am bit."
lapidated unconnected state. The Mr. Gray then got hold of him,
hell, on being let down, touched and at that moment he saw the
on her larboard broadside, passed shark {make a third attack. They
round her bows, and was brought w‘ere now very near the shore,
up from her starboard broadside. and Mr. Gray, with the assistance
From the Ceylon Gatette.--lt is of another young man, succeeded
in
hdAY.] CHRONTCLE
in getting him on dry, land. He ever, saying, it came from a gen
had sunk upon his knees as they
were supporting him, and was
endeavouring to speak, but could
only utter convulsive inarticulate
sounds. They thought he was
fainting, and got him some water,
which they pressed him to drink 5
he raised his head, opened his
lips, and attempted to swallow,
but instantly sunk down again,
and expired without a groan. The
whole of the flesh, with all the
blood-vessels, was torn away from
the back of his left thigh, for a
considerable space above the knee.
The laceration was so dreadful,
that Mr. Martin, the surgeon, .whoMembers. The latter amount to
hastened to see him on hearing of above 350 (including Honorary
the accident, declared it would
have been impossible to save him
had he been upon the spot. The
great effusion of blood must have
produced immediate death. He
did not, in fact, survive. above two
minutes. It is probable the fatal several Haronets-; and comprising
wound was given in the second or a great portion of the talent of the
third attack, when Lieut. Gray
saw the ravenous monster in the
act of seizing his unhappy vic
tim. The shark appeared to be
rather small, with a large head;
but the water was so discoloured
with blood, that it could not be
distinctly seen.
‘28. The Society of St. Peter‘s
College, Cambridge, have just re
ceived an unexpected and mag
nificent present of Q0,00()l. from
an unknown benefactor. The
Master and Fellows lately received
letters requmting their attendance
in London to receive the same. At
the time and place appointed, they
met the agent of the donor, who,
after regaling them with a hand
some dinner, transferred the above
sum for the use of the society for
43
tleman aged 94, but whose name
would not be known till after his
decease. The reason assigned for
the gift is the legacy duty being
thus avoided. The College, it is
said, intend to apply the interest
of the money towards founding
some new scholarships, and aug- '
mcnting. the income of some of
their fellowships.
30. The Literary and Debating
Society of Cambridge, calling
themselves the Union, have print
ed a list of their laws, regulations,
subjects discussed during the two
last years, and the numesof their
Members), among whom are the
Earls of Denbigh and Brecknock;
Viscounts Kilworth, Normanhy,
and \Veymouth ; Honourables
Shore, Stuart,.l\lelville, Bridgman,
Maitland, Yelvcrton, &c. &c. ; and
junior part of the University; se
venty-seven who have taken their
Bachelor’s Degree, andtorty—nine
who are. Masters of Arts. After
having, in the most temperate and
reapeetfnl language, expressed
their deference to the- Constituted
Authorities of the University, they
proceed to state the circumstances
of their suppression by the.present
Vice-Chancellor, after having been
permitted to hold their meetings,
on precisely the same principles,
but witha diilerent title, since the
year 1506.
In a remonstrance which they
presented to the Vice-Chancellor,
they informed him, that, “ by their
regulations, they only assembled
to.debate one evening in the week ;
that the discussion, on an average,
did
44 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1 817.
did not exceed two hours in dura
tion; that their meetings were only
held during one half of each term,
when they were hardly ever at
tended by one half of the resident
members; consequently each in
dividual, on an average, did not
bestow on the society more than
ten hours in the year, and could
not possibly give more than forty;
that, so far from interfering with
the studies of the place, their list
of members exhibits the names of
three university scholars, seven
Chancellor’s medallists, twelve
Browne‘s medallists, and several
who had attained the highest ma
thematical honours. They pro
fess themselves ready to exclude
from their debates, if they can be
tolerated on no other terms, poli
tical, as they always have done
theological subjects; and to submit
to any regulation which may not
be utterly incompatible with their
wish to practise themselves in
speaking—a study which they hum
bly conceive not to be utterly
useless."
It was farther submitted to the
Vice-Chancellor, “ that the exist
ence of a largespeaking society,
forming" a weekly point of re
union to its members, had ma—
terially tended to diminish the has been an entire want of fish in
attendance on clubs and meetings, the Kamtschatka sea; and fish, as
whose conduct was likely to be less is well known, are the chief food
orderly, as their objects were less of the bears, which, being usually
intellectual than those of the
Union.“
They most earnestly requested,
that their society might not be put
down precisely at this period,
when the universal suppression of
societies bearing accidentally the
same name, might lead those un
acquainted with the University to
suppose that their club has been
[Joni-3.
put down from political motives,
and that it has been guilty of sedi
tious meetings or treasonable lan
guage.
The Vice-Chancellor replied—
“ That he did not think it neces
sary, or perhaps proper, to return
any answer to this statement."
JUNE.
From Kamtschatka, May 25, O. S.
—As in the whole east and north
east part of Siberia, it has hap
pened also in Kamtschatka, that
in the course of last winter an in
credible number of bears have left
the woods, frequently entered the
houses of the Kamtschadales, in
many places have attacked and
devoured the inhabitants ; nay,
traces have been found of their
having killed and devoured each
other, At the end of the winter
many bears were found who had
perished with hunger. In several
settlements they have killed from
2 to 300 bears. The oldest Kamts
chadales do not remember ever to
have seen the bears so savage and
bloodthirsty. The cause of this
savageness and of their hunger is,
that for these two years past there
so abundant‘in those waters, they
easily contrive to catch.
3. About five o‘clock in the af
ternoon, a dreadful occurrence
took place in Permian-square.
The Lady of Dr. Charles Dalston
Nevinson, after taking her usual
walk in the enclosure of the square,
had just closed the gate, and was
crossing the l'ootway upon her
‘ ‘ return
'JUNEJ CHRONICLE.
return home, when a horse draw
ing a gig took fright, and run
ning with great fury, brought the
shaft of the vehicle in contact with
her head, and literally dashed it
to pieces. The blood flowed pro
fusely, and she died in a few mi
nutes after. The lady was the
mother of three children. She
was about thirty-three years of
age, and extremely interesting.
Her remains were conveyed to her
residence, and the scene of afllic
tion which they caused there to a
husband and to children who were
most fondly attached to her, can
not be described.
4. Philadelphia.—On Saturday
morning last, about seven o’clock,
two miles above Point Coussee,
the boiler of the steam-boat Con
stitution burst, and destroyed all
the most respectable passengers,
amounting to eleven : although on
the morning of the same day, at
four o'clock, but five of those un
fortunate gentlemen had actually and some other German States,
expired, there could not exist a hope but avowedly against Prussian
that any one of the eleven could ships ; and have expressly declared
survive, being completely scalded this design under the pretence that
and skinned from head to foot,
and the nerves contracted, and the
extremities destroyed.
22. The Barbary Pirates.—
Fran/rfort.——On the 16th instant,
being the 35th meeting of the
Diet, was presented the following
representation respecting the pi
racies of the Barbary corsairs :—
The free cities of Lubeck, Frank
fort, Bremen, and I—lamburgh :——
The Minister 'of the said free cities
has received orders from the Se
nates of the Hanse Towns to sub
mit the following Memorial to the
Diet :—
The Senates of the Hans Towns
of Lubeck, Bremen, and Ham~
45
burgh, feel themselves bound to
call the attention of the Diet to an
object which is of the greatest im
portance, not only directly to these
cities as well as to all other Ger
man maritime states, but also to
the whole German federation. It
is already known, from the ac-
counts in public papers, that piracy
is carried on in an unheard of man
ner by Tunisian corsairs in the
North sea and even in the Channel.
It also appears from several offi
cial reports, transmitted by the
Chargés d‘Afiiiires and Consul of
the Hans Towns at Madrid and
Lisbon, that, according to formal
communications made to them by
the Minister of the King of the
Netherlands at the former, and by
the French Consul-General at the
latter Court, several armed Bar
bary corsairs, among which are in
particular twoTunisians, had sailed
for the Atlantic, in order to cruise
againstthe ships of the Hans Towns
they are in a state of war with
these States.
On the 16th of last month the
Hamburgh ship Ocean, with a
cargo of great value, and the Chris
tiana, from Lubeck, and still more
recently a Hamburgh and‘ an Ol
denburgh ship, both named Ca
tharina, were taken by these
pirates. Fortunately, British ships
of war fell in with the robbers, and
carried both them and the vessels
they had captured into English
ports, whence the latter were per~
mitted to prosecute their respective
voyages ; meanwhile the captain of
the ship Ocean, and five of his crew
who had been removed on board
> . another
 ‘46 ANNUAL REGISTER, l817. [Jimv E.
anotherpirate, remai n, in the hands part ofthe Atlantic. The abolition
of 'the Tunisians,‘and, so far as is of'the' piracy of the Barbary Pow
known, the Atlantic andthe North ers, even within those-limits, had
sea are still rendered insecure by become the anxious wish of all
the ravages of Tunisian eorsairs. Europe, and was an object to
“]t is, however, with gratitude to which the attention of the Powers
be acknowledged,that-England has assembled in Congress at Vienna
by her act, in this instance, de was directed. But how triflingis
clared, that she will not permit this partial evil when compared
such offences ‘to be committed on with "the incalculably mischievous
the seas which wash her coasts; consequences which may ensue, if
audit is to be hoped that the other these African pirates are,permittetl
'maritime Powers of Europe (to without interruption to soil from
whom the Senate of 'Hamburgh their infected coasts, and to spread
has already,ithrough their resident among distant countries the dis
Ministersat Hamburgh, addresssed cases which they carry along with
itself) will concur in adopting ac them ? So long as ,the danger was
tive measures for the restoration confined to the Mediterranean sea,
of the security- of navigation which its site was at least well known,
is so important to all Europe : but and precautionary measures were
the ‘Senates of the Hans Towusdo, adopted against -.it:; and though
notwithstanding, not only consider these measures of safety, together
it proper, but regard it as their with diminished competition, ne
'duty most urgently to claim from cessarily raised the price of. the
the high German‘Diet, and; all the productions of that part of the
members thereof, their powerful world, yet commerce, Ithough
co-opcration towards the total somewhat impeded, was never to
abolition of depredations \vhich‘are tally at a stand. A compléterstag—
calculated to interrupt all com nation of German navigation :and
merce by sea. German trade must hoWever Hike
The existence of the piracies of plaee‘if the Barbary pimtesmremot
the Barbary Powers, even within rig-o musly restrained "from attend
the limits to which their depre ing themselves to other Seas.
‘dations have hitherto been con Should they he suffered to cruise
fined, is doubtless, npublie injury irrt’n'ev Atlantic, the North-sea, and
to all Europe; and the compulsory the Baltic,if they are not prevented
exclusion thereby etl‘ected from from attacking merchants, who
"the Mediterranean, of the ships of during "the time of rely
’those German States which are with confidence on the law of na
unable to procure protection to tions, the re must be an end to'Ger
their flags, either'by a naval force, man navigation and commerce.
or by making considerable pecu it will also be henceforth useless
niary sacrifices, waspreviously 'not to send the produce and manu
only to themselves, but to those factures of Germany down the
interested in the trade which they rivers which communicate with
carry on, awevil of no small mag the North-sea and the Baltic, or
nitude, and which was besides even to convey them by land to the
increased by the insecurity of 'a different sea-ports, in order- that
they
 Jenni CHRONICLE M
> they may be transported in vessels of trade. These pirates 'will be
to foreign countries. A similar come more audacious by being al
fate wsilzl await those articles des lowed to escape unpunished, and
tined to be imported intoGermany. to succeed in their desultory enter
The merchant pmteots himself by ipzrises. It is even probable, that
insurance against the ordinary during their cruises they may land
dangers to which vessels are usually on exposed and defenceless parts
exposed at sea. Even during ma of the German coast, and there
ritime-war, which is so injurious carry on their trade of plundering,
to commerce and navigation, the and kidnapping, and spread dis
\ same protection is to a certain de—
tress and devastation on every side.
gree obtained by higher premiums, In addition to all the disasters
although the payment of these pre~ der which Germany has groaned
miums is a heavy tax both on the for so long a period, may they not
manufacturer and the consumer; communicateto us the infection of
but they cannot possibly ensure their indigenous plague, the most
their property against the threat dreadful of all earthly calamities?
- ened attacks of the {Barbary :p'i What has already been stated will
rates. doubtless sufficiently account for
These pirates, who are totally the Se‘na-tes of the Hans-Towns
ignorant of the law-of nations, and having been induced to represent
who cruise for the expresspunpose to the Diet, that not merely those
of plunder, first announced their towns, but like“ ise evcry'maritimc
declaration of wan: by their attacks. and commercial State, and indeed
I t must notvbc supposed that these the whole German nation, are in
\essels are the property of :private terested in putting a stop to the
individuals; they arelitted out in doprcdotions of the'llarhary pirates.
execution of their laws. These The Scnntcs have reason to-hopc,
plunderers limit themselves to no that the revolting occurrences
#timc'or forms; they unexpectedly which have called forth this repre—
attack defeneclees merchants, and sentation will excite the utmost
.carry 01? not only 'pruPerty but indignation among the high and
men men ,- German fellow-citizens, illustrious members of the German
whose cries are re-cchoed from Confederation; and that not only
their native coasts, and whom these each individual member will exert
African pirates plunge into the himself to root out this evil, but
gloomy dungeons-of slavery. Dan “that the High Confederation, as a
gers of such a nature could never collective and European Power,
be anticipated, and consmluently will adopt every possible measure
no precautions have been adopted to put an end to these piracies,
against them. Occurrences of this which threaten the honour of the
nature have given rise to'feeliugs German flag and the welfare of the
of insecurity, which have inter German nation.
rupted navigation and commerce; Even though the German Con
for no one knows how long may federation possess, as afcderative
be the continuation of these atro body, no naval force, it is neither
cities, which have for the mean deficient in the power or means
while occasioned a total stagnation necessary :for effectually watching
Over
 v'rI'7'

48 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [JUNE.

over the safety of German navi ner can that opinion be directed ?
gation; and the Hans Towns may The very first article of the Act of
justly entertain a hope, that a pro Confederation speaks of the invi
posal for the earnest consideration olability of the individual German
, of this important business will States, not of territories or do
meet the approbation of the Diet. minions. Since then the word
On the questions being put by the State is not now regarded as formed
President, all voices were una- merely of five alphabetic characters,
nimous in declaring, that their re but as representing honour, life,
spective High ,Courts and con liberty, property, and the security
stituents should he informed ofthese of individuals, their activity, and
circumstances, that they might their industry, the question of pro
adopt the most effectual means for tection is assuredly something i111
the protection of German com peratire: but the different branches
merce. The majority were of opi of the question as to the practica
nion that a commission, consisting bility of the protection, and its ex
of five members, should be chosen tent, are worthy of serious inves—
to prepare suitable propositions tigation. On the conclusion'of the
whereon to frame the report. Bourbon-Family-Compact, was it
rl‘he Ambassador of the King of ever asked whether it included the
the Netherlands delivered the fol repression of all offences and acts
lowing to the Protocol 1—— of injustice by sea and land 2 \Vhe
That we should on this occasion ther it related equally to merchant
consult all our Courts, and in par~ nien and ships of war? The retro
ticular the Great Courts, is beyond action and extension of the present
all doubt. The opinions of indi evils may not be’confined to the
viduals are of little importance; propagation of disease only, but
the question is, what ought to be may occasion bankruptcies and loss
done, and what it is possible to do? of confidence in consequence of the
I am not invested with unlimited execution of mercantile orders
powers on the part of the whole being impeded, which would not
united Netherlands ; but I will, fail to produce the suspension of
nevertheless, in this, and on all several branches of manufactures
occasions, agree with the majority in the interior.
when they vote for a commission; The Diet then proceeded‘to the
though ] never or very seldom election of the commission, and
connect with the institution of such thechoicefelluponCountvonGoltz,
a body the idea of more prompt liaron von Eyben, Baron von Ga
counsel, but only the expectation gern, Herr von Berg, and the Syn
of farther elucidation and greater dic Danz.
industry. I am therefore inclined, Resolution—That the Envnys,
as in every case which occurs here, (lount von Goltz, Baron von Eyben,
to develop all the grounds for and Baron vonG agcrn, Herr von Berg,
against the question, in order that and the Syndic Danz, be requested
the Courts may form their'views to submit a joint opinion on the
‘ on these investigations. In what most efficient precautions for se
way else can they hear public curing thc German navigation
opinion? Orin what better man— against the piracies of the Barbary
corsairs,
JUNEJ C.Hll()bll(lLll 49
corsairs, with a view to the report The answer was, that they were
to be made to' the Courts and con not guilty, and that they had not
stituents of the members of the fled for it.
Diet. Lord Ellenborough. —-Mr. At~
17. Court Qf King's Bench.— torney~ General, as there is no fur—
The King. '0. Preston, Thistlewood, ther charge against the prisoners,
and Hooper, for High Treason.— I shall order that they be dis
At half past 12 the Attorney charged.
and Solicitor-General entered the Thistlewood, Hooper, and Pres
Court. ton, were discharged accordingly,
The three prisoners above-nam and retired from the Court by a
ed were soon afterwards intro private way through the jury box.
duced by the warders of the A foreigner, attended by a per
Tower. son whom he styled his interpreter,
They were then informed by called at Messrs. Rundell and
the officer, in the usual form, Bridge's, Ludgate-hill, as he sta
that they must challenge the jury ted, to look out an assortment of
men as they came to the book to valuable diamonds, and other ar
be sworn, and a jury was imme ticles, in order to make a consi
diately called over and placed in derable purchase for a foreign
the box. market. He gave it- to be under
The prisoners, holding up their stood, that it would not be con—
hands, were arraigned for high venient to pay for them till the
treason by the master of the followingweek; but, to save trou
Crown Oflice, and the jury was ble when he came for them, he
charged with their trial. Procla wished to have the articles pre
mation was likewise made, after viously selected and agreed for,
which For the satisfaction of both par
The Attorney-General, address ties the interpreter signified that
ing their lordships, said, 1 rise Mr. Simon Blaum, the Geneva
for the purpose of informing the merchant, as he styled him, was
Court that it is not my intention desirous that the valuables, as
to call any evidence in support of they were bargained for, should
the Charges against the prisoners be put into a paper box which
at the bar. he had brought for that purpose,
Lord Ellenborough. — Gentle and then scaled up with his seal,
men of the' Jury, as no evidence and that of the house. The box
is brought forward against the was proposed, of course, to be de
prisoners, it will be your duty to posited with Messrs. Rundell and
find them not guilty, that they may Bridge. Much time was consumed
be discharged. in selecting the articles, and in
The prisoners again held up making out the bill of parcels,
their hands, and Mr. Barlow put' which presented altogether a sum
the question separately to the of no less amount than 24,0001.
Jury, whether they found the de Every thing being arranged, the
fendants guilty or not guilty, and foreigner and his interpreter took
whether they had tied for it. leave, with the assurance that
VOL- LIX. b they
50 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817,
they would be punctual at the
time. appointed, with. cash or un
exceptionable bills. Two days over
andabove the time fixed for the
return of the foreigners having
elapsed, it was thought necessary
to‘break the seals, in order to re
store the “articles to their former
places, when, to the utter asto
nishment of the jewellers, they
found the box 'to contain a few
English pence. It was now sup
posed that the 'fraud must have
been committed by a quick change
of__the boxes, after the valuables
had been deposited in one of
them. On enquiry it was found
that the foreign sharper had lodg
edua few nights at the Huntley
Coffee-house, Leicester Square;
and, according to the notice at
the Alien-Qffice, he was to be
found at No. 6, Duke's-Place,
Houndsditchb In contemplation of
the robbery, the villain .had pre
viously prepared himself with a
passport for France. -
JFurther Account—It has been
stated that part of the jewels plun
dered from theabove house have
been traced and recovered, 'near
Bride-Lane, Fleet-Street. We are
assui‘cd from undoubted authority,
that they have neither been traced
nor rccoVered. Many persons have
asked how the thief could carry
about his person a box large e
nough to contain 20,000l. worth
of jewels and pearls, without its
being discovered ; but their asto
nishment will in one respect cease
when they are informed, that it
was only 5 inches long, 3 wide,
and about ‘2 inches thick. The
property the thief looked out was
to‘ the value of ‘24,0001. but he
only had put into the box to the
[Jewel
value of between ‘20 and 21,000l.
the rest, which consisted entirely
of pearls of a smaller size, were
put into a paper parcel, and
which he did not attempt to re
move. One diamond ne'cklac'e
which was carried Off was alone
valued at 10,280l. and a. pearl
necklace, of only ~37' pearls, Was
worth 3,000 gnineas. The nego
tiation between the thie'ves and
this respectable firm was coh
ducted on behalf of the latter by
Mr. Rundell, jun. who set out
for Paris on Thurday last. The
fivit'eof the interpreter is in cus
tody inthis country.
19. The Rev. David Evans, of
Llanvigan, Breconshire, ,with his
eldest daughter, Mis‘s Caroline
Evans, a fine young lady about 20
years ofyage, Were crossing the
river Usk,'at Skethrog-ford, on
their way to dine with Sir Edward
H amilton, when thehorse on which
they rode,‘getting his feet entang
led in the concealed root of a tree,
by which the animal was tlrrovm
down, precipitated them into a
deep part of theiriver, and Miss
Evans ‘sunkto rise, no more. Her
father saved himself with great dif
‘ficulty‘ by clinging to the herse’s
tail, the animal dragging him
ashore. The young lady, by the
exertions of a shepherd in the em
ploy of Mr. Ball, was got out
shortly aftcrWards, but not till the
vital spark was extinct. Imme
diately after the body was brought
on shore, the father, being on the
opposite side of the ~river, ex
pressed the utmost anxiety to
cross, and the poor shepherd kind
ly stripped, and endeavoured to
cross the stream‘again, for the
purpose of bringing him over,
when
JUNEJ CHRONICLE
when on reaching the spot where
he had just before taken up the
dead body of Miss Evans, melan
choly to relate, the poor fellow
sunk and also perished, leaving a
wife and child to lament his loss.
20. Extract of a Letter from
William Porter, Esq. Consul of the
United States at Palermo—You
will probably have read in the
newspapers, before this reaches
you, an account of the piracy and
diabolical murders committed by
six, abandoned wretches about six
weeks ago, on the north of this
island. If, however, you should
not have seen any statement of
this cold-blooded business, the
following may serve.
The miscreants armed them
selves at Messina with muskets,
sabres, and long knives, and pro
ceeded to a place three or four
miles distant from that city, where
they stole a small row-boat, and
embarked themselves, taking a di
not discovered by the villains, was
rection towards Melazzo, (thirty
five miles on the coast west of able, with the assistance of those
Messina), near which place, in
the afternoon, they took a station
for the purpose of seizing upon a
small vessel they knew to be ready
to sail from Messina. for this
place, and on board of which they
likewise knew of several passen
gers on whom they supposed mo
ney might be found.
Soon after the approach of this
vessel, these wretches, apparently
as fishermen, rowed towards her,
and at about half past 7 o'clock,
being within reach of musket
shot, a volley was fired into her.
Shortly after they boarded her,
and in a few minutes murdered
and mutilated every person on
board. Of the murdered Were 12
men, one woman, and one child ;
5i
and of the mutilated and left for
dead were three men and two
women. One of the 1‘2 men, the
woman, and the child, were of
one family. To the woman two
alternatives were offered, one of
which was instant death, which
she preferred. They then searched
for money and other things 3 and
actually, with all this carnage be
fore their eyes, cooked victuals,
and partook of a supper, and re
mained on board the vessel until
the next morning.
In a few days afterwards, these
same wretches took another small
vessel, only a few miles distant
from this harbour, bound to one
of the Lipari islands, and after
murdering three men, drove the
remaining six under deck, nailed
down the hatches, and bored holes
for the purpose of sinking her;
fortunately, however, a boy, who
in the confusion had covered him-
self with one of the sails, and was
below, to uncover the hatchway,
and the vessel was kept above
water until assistance was render
ed by some fishermen.
The day after this second but
chery, the villains landed at one
of the king‘s tunny-fish establish
ments, about ten miles from this
city, and retreated to the moun
tains. It was impossible, however,
that such monsters should long
escape being apprehended. The
orders of his Royal Highness the
Hereditary Prince were prompt on
the occasion, and the measures
immediately taken did away the
possibility of their escaping from
the island. -In a few days after,
four of them were apprehended
in this city; one has since been
E2 found
5‘2 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817'. [Juma
found in Messina, and the other provisions that were on board the
in a mountain near Catania. felucca. After this feast they left
The whole six were this morn the felucca, which they abandoned
ing expoSed to the view of the to itself. The same day she foun
inhabitants of Palermo. They have dered on the coast of Piraino. Out
confessed their crimes, and have of 21 persons who had embarked,
nothing now to wait for but the only eight arrived here in spite of
justice of this world, and the their wounds. Of these, two have
world to come.“ since died, and it is feared that
21 . Palermo.—-A frightful event,
the others will not long survive.
which makes all sensitive minds It appears that the same assas
tremble with horror, has been for sins who committed this horrible
some days the object of public violence on the felucca of Pietro
commiseration. A felucca, belong— la Camera, had perpetrated a se
ing to Petro la Camera, having cond outrage not less atrocious.
several passengers on board, had The captain, Don Bran, a Neapo
set out from Melazzo for this litan, in a little felucca, named
city. Scarcely had it left the har La Generosa, having eight sailors
bour, when it was assailed by a on board, sailed from Castella
bark carrying six armed pirates, mare for Lipari, and thence to
who boarded the felucca, mas Torrenauzza. After having ef
sacred the master and part of the fected the first part of this voyage,
sailors, and threw their bodies he had hardly sailed from Lipari,
overboard. In the mean time, the in the night of the 13th inst. when
other sailors had thrown them he was assailed by several armed
selves into the sea, in the hopes of men on board a row-boat. After
escaping from these robbers. Freed having fired several musket-shots,
thus from the crew, the pirates the assassins boarded the felucca,
occupied themselves with the pas murdered with sabres the captain
sengers, of whom they spared and two sailors, and seized on all
none; all received severe wounds. the property, and 1,000 ducats
M. lssidore Annett, a merchant, which the unfortunate captain had
was slain, and his body flung into brought from a sale at Lipari.
the sea. Several others, including These robbers remained all night
many females, died of their wounds . on board the felucca. On the fol
The pirates then cut with their lowing day they removed from the
sabres the sails and other objects coast, carrying with them seve
necessary for navigation, that the ral unfortunate passengers, whom
felucca should necessarily be sunk. they had not massacred, and whom
They plundered the passengers of they destined to frightful tor
all their effects and money, which ments. Fortunately the master,
amounted to the sum of about Mario Savona, excited by the cries
5,000 ounces, which, by means of of these unfortunates, was enabled
their little bark, they put on shore , to come to their assistance. He
and then, in the midst of the ter seized on the pirates, who are now
rific spectacle, surrounded by the actually in the hands of justice.
dead and dying, they made a re 24. Fire at Newfoundland, St.
past, in which they devoured the John’s, N. B.—On Wednesday the
18th;
JUNEJ CHRONICLE 53
18th, bctween ll and 12 a m. a such a message to the Synod of
most destructive fire broke out at Ulster ! Was he an elder? Had
Carbonear, on the premises oc be his credentials with him? \Vhat
cupied by a person named Barry: right had he to obtrude himself
the wind blew a heavy gale from officially on their deliberations?"
the westward, which scattered the The Rev. Mr. C. concluded by
flaming fragments like a shower proposing a declaratory act, that
over the town. The methodist they considered the education of
chapel (nearly half a mile from students as a. matter of ecclesias
the spot where it commenced) was tical discipline, in which they are
in a few moments totally con determined to admit of no inter
sumed, from some of the burning ference whatever. Allusions in the
matter alighting amongst shavings debate are made to a letter of
in the church-yard. The parson Mr. Peel’s, and to some other in
age-house providentially escaped. terference with the academical
From the chapel the fire was car institution at Belfast. After long
ried half a mile further, and de discussion, in which many of the
stroyed a house inhabited by clergy spoke, the motion was car
Thomas Clark, at Crocker's-cove. ried by a great majority; and the
In the mean time 15 houses in Synod, immediately after, elected
town were totally destroyed. We the Rev. Mr. Hay to the vacant
have not heard of any lives being Professorship of Divinity.
lost. ‘27. A genteel young man of the
General Synod of Ulrich—At a name of Whitehead was drowned
meeting of this Presbyterian As in the New River, a short dis
sembly, held on Friday, June ‘27 th, tance from lslington. He had
the Rev. Mr. Carlyle moved for ventured with a companion to
the reading of the report of a de swim under what is called the
putation to Lord Castlereagh, re Dark Arch, when about midway
specting the education of the Pro he was heard suddenly to cry
testant Presbyterian students for out and make a struggle in the
the church. Lord Castlereagh had water. His companion, not be
asked whether this was a matter ing an expert swimmer, became
of discipline, which it certainly alarmed, and made the best of his
was, as the education included not way back to the shore, and called
merely the classic languages, or out for help. Some people, who
even theology, but moral educa were haymaking near the spot,
tion also. He observed, that at hastened to the assistance of Mr.
Cookstown, an individual, styling \Vhitehead, and waited at the op
himself Lord Castlereagh, stated, posite end of the arch to that at
by verbal messages, that “ Go which he entered, in the hope of
vernment might regard their elect his making his appearance, in
ing a professor to teach their stu stead of which they observed the
dents in theology as an act of body of a man floating on the
hostility to them, and they were water, with all his clothes on.
therefore required to desist." On dragging it on shore, they
“ Who, or what was this Lord found that the person must have
Castlereagh, that he should send been some days in the water.
\
They
5i ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
They looked in vain for Mr.White
head, who had sunk to rise no JULY.
more. His body, on being drag 1. The following particulars re
ged for, was found about three specting the fire, on the lst in
hours afterwards. The deceased stant, at Ufiington-house, the seat
was considered an expert swim of Earl Lindsey, near Stamford,
mer, and has been known to swim are copied
Mercury .-— from the Stamford
i
nearly a mile at a time. His be
ing drowned is supposed to be The Marchioness of Downshire,
owing to his having come sud with her daughters, the Ladies
denly in contact with the dead Hill, had arrived on a visit to the
body already mentioned, the sight Earl and Countess of Lindsey, on
of which had so terrified him as to Monday night: being fatig'ued
deprive him of his faculties. with travelling, the marchioness
Richmond Steam Yacht—On retired early, and the whole of the
the 28th, about half-past six family at the Hall were in bed
o‘clock, the steam boiler of the by half-past twelve o’clock. At
above packet burst at the top, and about two in the morning, the Earl
injured three persons in 3. dan of Lindsey being indisposed, his
gerous manner. The yacht was countess got up to administer me
injured on Saturday week in a dicine to him; and having occa
slight degree, and had been re sion to pass into the next room,
paired to render it fit to perform her ladyship was alarmed by the
its passage. It fortunately had smell of fire. She called up the
no persons on board at the time housekeeper, Mrs. Vaughan, who,
the event occurred, except the as soon as possible, descended
persons who navigate and conduct into the kitchen, and there disco
it. The shock was very great, but vered that a large table standing
the injury done to the vessel was in the middle of the apartment
very slight. The top of the engine was on fire. The flames had got
boiler was blown 05' by the ex great hold of the solid table, and
plosion. The yacht had been pre several of the drawers were partly
pared to sail on Monday. The burnt, and their contents con
conductors had been rowing it up sumed. With much resolution
the river; and when it had got Mrs. Vaughan immediately pro
about 100 yards above Westmin cured water, and in a short time
ster-bridge, the accident unfortu succeeded with assistance, in extin
nately took plate. Mr. Arnold, guishing the fire. All danger, it
the conductor of the yacht, was was hoped, was then over; but
near the boiler when it burst, and on looking up, Mrs. Vaughan per
was injured in a shocking manner. ceived through a window which
Two labourers belonging to the commands the kitchen from the
yacht were injured in a less de housekeeper's room, that the lat
gree. They were all conveyed on ter apartment was in a blaze;
shore by a waterman, who was and, on entering it, the window
near when the accident happened, curtains were found to be on fire;
and taken to St. Thomas‘s hospi and it was also discovered, that a
tal, in the Borough. large closet, in which a quantity
' of
101.11.] CHRONICLE. 55
of table and bed-linen, and some that when ofi’ Whitstable, which
'Valuable china, were deposited, is 18 miles from the port of des—
was greatly damaged; some of the tination, she was discovered to he
shelves were quite burnt through, on fire; at this time she was also
and the linen was consumed : the three miles from the main land.
china also was made so hot, that As a vessel of this deseription
some of the persons whom the never carries a boat larger than
ringing of the bells in the village, sufficient to hold her own crew,
and the alarm of fire, had brought which seldom exceeds a" dozen
to the Hall, broke many costly persons, the consternation of be
plates, and other articles, by drop tween 40 and 50 passengers may
ping them in endeavouring to be better conceived than describ
remove them. The fire, thus'per ed. The fire was discovered to
ceived, was soon subdued, but the proceed from the furnaces used
cause of it, and the extraordinary for the boilers of the steam-en
circumstance of its breaking out gines, and to gain rapidly on the
in two distinct apartments—and exertions of those on board. The
that in a closet and the drawers vessel was seen frdzu the shore;
of a detached table —-remains a and one account which we have
mystery which it is painful to re seen states, that she was met by
flect upon. It is believed that, several boats from Whitstable',
had not the sudden and providen who succeeded in getting all on
tial illness of the noble earl occa board safe to land 5 and this ac
sioned a timely alarm, the fire count seems corroborated by the
would in half an hour afterwards following notice, which was posted
have got to such a height as that yesterday, in the afternoon, at
all the family must have perished Lloyd’s :
in the flames. Under the circum~ The Regent steam-packet, bound
stance of its wonderful discovery, to Margate, was burnt to the wa
the damage done, we understand, ter‘s edge, yesterday afternoon,
does not exceed 4 or 5001., prin ofl" Whitstabie. Crew'and pas
eipally in linen and china. La sengers saved.
vender left Ufiington on Tuesday The cause of the fire is stated
last ; and we are sorry to say that to be as follows :—The gale of
nothing is known to have been wind being strong, blew the chim
at present discovered tending to ney flue away. and the Wood
convict the perpetrators of a fire work, that is nearly breast high
which, there is every reason to from the deck, at the bottom-of
believe, has been vvilfully Occa the flue, for the purpose of keep
sioned. - ing the people near the chimney
4. Total Destruction by Fire of the from burning themselves, caught
Regent Margate Steam Packet.-—OI1 fire: the 1mm in throwing the
Wednesday morning last this res buckets over for water to put it
sel, commanded by Capt. Harvey, out lost them, conseipiently the
left London for Margate, with be— fire was not checked, and the
tween 40 and 50 passengers on captain immediately made for
board; and it appears, from ac land, and got all the people and
counts received in town yesterday, crew, and luggage, safe ashore,
but
56 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [JULY.
but the vessel is almost entirely and whereas pieces of gold money
consumed. of the above description have been
From the London Gazette, Saturday, coined at his Majesty's Mint, and
July 5. will be coined there, in pursuance
of orders which we have given for
By his Royal Highness the Prince that purpose: we have therefore,
of Wales, Regent of the United in the name and on the behalf of
Kingdom of Great Britain and his Majesty, and by and with the
Ireland, in the name and on advice of his Majesty's Privy
the behalf of his Majesty. Council, thought fit to issue this
A PROCLAMATION. proclamation; and we do hereby,
GEORGE, P. R. in the name and on the behalf of
Whereas we have thought fit to his Majesty, ordain, declare, and
order that certain pieces of gold command, that the said pieces of
money should be coined, which gold money so coined, and to be
should be called “ sovereigns or coined as aforesaid, shall be cur
tWenty shilling pieces," each of rent and lawful money of the
which should be of the value of kingdom of Great Britain and Ire
twenty shillings, and that each land, and shall be called “sove
piece should be of the weight of reigns, or twenty shilling pieces,"
live penny weights three grains and shall pass and be received as
2,740-1 0,000 troy weight ofstand current and lawful money of the
ard gold, according to the weights United Kingdom of Great Britain
approved of and confirmed by us and Ireland 5 and every of such
in Council, in pursuance of an pieces shall pass and be received
act made in the 14th year of his as of the value of twenty shillings
Majesty's reign, intituled, “ An of lawful money of Great Britain
Act for regulating and ascertain and Ireland in all payments what
ing the weights to be made use of soever.
in weighing the gold and silver coin Given at the Court at Carlton
of this kingdom ;" and we have housc, the lst day of July, 1817,
farther thought fit to order, that in the 57th year of his Majesty's
every such piece of gold money so reign—God save the King.
ordered to be coined as aforesaid,
shall have for the obverse impres By his Royal Highness the Prince
sion, the head of his Majesty, with of Wales, Regent of the United
the inscription “ Georgius llI. Kingdom of Great Britain and
D.G.: Britanniar. Rex. F.D.” and Ireland, in the name and on the
the date of the year ; and on the behalf of his Majesty,
reverse the image of St. George
armed, sitting on horseback, en A PROCLAM ATION.
countering the dragon with a Gzonels P. R.
spear, the said device being placed Whereas it has been represented
within the ennobled garter, bearing unto us, that great quantities of
the motto "Honi suit qui mal y the gold coin of this realm, defi
pense," with a newly invented cient in weight, are now in circu
graining on the edge of the picce: lation, contrary to the tenour of
his

_ ___‘,_ _'.
JULY.] CHRONICLE. 57
his Majesty's proclamations of the all the officers, collectors, and re
12th of April, 1776, and Qist of ceivers of his Majesty‘s revenues,
September, 1787; and there be strictly to conform to the orders
ing reason to believe that due at hereby given, and to the direc
tention is not paid to the weigh tions and regulations enacted and
ing of the said gold coin, and to established in the several acts of
the direction given in the acts of Parliament now in force with re
Parliament now in force with re spect to the cutting, breaking,
spect to the cutting, breaking, or and defacing such pieces of the
defacing of such pieces thereof as said gold coin as shall be found
are found to be of less weight deficient in weight: and we do
than those declared and allowed by hereby farther ordain, declare,
his Majesty's said Proclamations and command, that the guineas,
to be current and pass in pay half guineas, quarter guineas,
ment: we do, in the name and seven shilling pieces, and sove—
on the behalf of his Majesty, by reigns, of the weights above de
this our Royal Proclamation de scribed, shall pass and be received
clare and command, in like man as current and lawful money of
ner as was declared and com the united kingdom of Great Bri
manded in his Majesty's before tain and Ireland, in all payments
mentioned Proclamations of the whatsoever.
l‘Zth of April, 1776, and .‘Zlst of Given at the Court at Carlton
September, 1787, that all guineas, house, the lst day ofJuly, 18W,
half guineas, quarter guineasg more in the 57th year of his Majesty's
deficient in weight than the rates reign.-—God save the King.
specified in the table following:— 5. Another dreadful explosion
Guineas, five penny weights has taken place in a mine near
eight grains ; Durham, by the obstinate conduct
Half guineas, two penny weights of a man, in lighting a candle.
sixteen grains; The following is an extract of a
Quarter guineas, one penny letter from the spot :—
weight eight grains; and At two o'clock this morning
that the seven shillings gold (Tuesday), when the colliers went
pieces, and the gold pieces to work, the overman found it
called sovereigns or twenty necessary to order Davy’s lamp to
shilling pieces, more deficient be used in certain places, which
in weight than the rates order seems to have been attended
hereafter specified, viz. to by the first shift of men, till
Seven shilling pieces, one pen 9 o‘clock, when they were relieved
ny weight eighteen grains; by the second shift. An obstinate
Sovereigns, or twenty shilling fellow, belonging to the second
pieces, five penny weights, shift, when he relieved the man
two grains, three quarters ; who preceded him, in the farthest
be not allowed to be current, or working, (and at the same time
pass in any payment whatsoever: the most dangerous, being in the
and we do hereby strictly require last of the ventilation), persisted
and command all his Majesty's in lighting a candle, because he
loving subjects, and particularly thought there was no danger, and
because
53. ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. flew.
bet-tense he thought he could see the Lutheran church, is as. fol
better with a candle. The poor lows:—
fellow whom he relieved remon We, Alexander I. by the Grace
strated strongly against the light of God, Emperor and Autocrat of
ing of the candle, stating that the all the Russias, Grand Duke of
qverman's orders were peremp Finland, 810., make known by
tory, and he even put the candle these presents, that as the Swedish
out by force. The infatuated Lutheran church, to which also
viCtim, however, persisted, Finland belonged, has had from
and
lighted his candle again, when old times one common supreme
the other left him working with head, whose office it was to pre
it. On his way out to the shaft side over the clergy, and to ma
he met with one of the deputy nage their deliberations and con
overmen, and told him what had cerns in the assemblies, but that
occurred, who Went with the in since the union of Finland with
tention of compelling the delin the rest of our dominions, the
quent to do what was light, or to clergy have been without such a
punish him 3 but whether he supreme head; we, therefore,
reached his destination or not we constantly friendly to institutions
cannot tell, as the explosion took which, by their antiquity and their
place in a few minutes afterwards, value, have gained the esteem of
just as my informant, and a com the nation, induced by the re
panion, who can also make affida markable event so important to
vit of the fact, got out of the pit. the Protestant church, the memo—
We do not yet know the number ry of which will be this year cele
killed, as I cannot get a correct brated by a general festival, have
list of the men at work, and the been graciously pleased to ordain
bodies are not all got out, but 1 that the present Bishopric of Abo
fear it will not be less than 34 or shall henceforward bear the name
35 individuals. I do not think of the Archbishopric of the Grand
that more than four or five will Duchy of Finland; and that the
survive out of 39 01' 40. We have person who fills that see shall, in
already got upwards of 20 dead his quality of Archbishop, he the
out. The explosion was very supreme head of the clergy in this
strong, as the pit is 82 fathoms grand Duchy. Intestimonywhere
deep. of we have signed these presents '
We are sorry to learn the addi with our own hand. Done at
tional misfortune, that on the fol Czarsko Selo the 8th (20th) of
lowing day, some pitmen having July, 1817. Anmunax.
descended into. the pit in order 9. All the accounts from the
to ascertain all the mischief done, eastern part of Switzerland an
eight of them were suffocated, in nounce the terror and the damage
consequence of the very impure caused by the late inundations.
state of the air. The storms have carried desola
The Imperial Ukase, by which tion into the lowerparts of-the cam
the Bishopric of Abo has been ton of Glarii. The Linth has
raised to ‘ an Archbishopric in broken its dikes in three places.
honour of the secular festival of The bridges of Glaris and Helstal
' ' have
Jets] CHRONICLE, m
have fallen down; that of Miolis violent tempest, the lightning
threatens to go to ruin. Gessau, struck the village of Ditersweil,
Rutti, Fleriscue, and Hagels and burnt a house. Near Neutin
chauer, in Toggenburg, felt the gen many cattle were killed by
whole violence of the storms of lightning. Other accounts equally
the 4th and 5th. All the torrents distressing have been received
have overflowed. The bridge of from other quarters.
Oberglatt is in ruins. 10. Early on Monday morning
At Baslc the Rhine rose so last, John Brown, Esq. of Gree
much on the 6th as to inundate nockmains, was killed by his own
the city as far as the fish-market ; bull. The animal first attempted to
the citizens were forced to cross attacka boy, who fled out of his way,
the streets in boats. The Rhine and next attacked the master with
continually brought down with it such a deadly aim near the heart,
trees, parts of buildings, drowned that though the family were in a
animals, showing by these nume few minutes alarmed, and carried
rous wrecks the ravages it has him home, he was only heard to
exercised elsewhere. utter one word, and died in a few
At Constance the Lake was minutes. About six weeks before,
much higher on the 6th than in Mr. Gilbert Anderson, a farmer
1 666, and even some inches higher in the same neighbourhood, was
than in 1560. In spite of unre also attacked by his own bull, and
mitting exertions the bridge of besides having one of his legs
Lindau is carried away. On the broken, was otherwise very much
banks of the Lake many communes abused. He is, however, happily
are under water, and it is feared recovering. Neither of the ani
will continue so for a long time, mals had before shown any vicious
the vent by which the waters habits .—-Ayr Journal.
must run off, when the Lake falls, 11. The Prince Regent held
being too small. In the lower a Court for the purpose of receiv
Rheinthal, the surface of the wa ing a deputation from the Ionian
ters which cover the fields and Islands, with a copy of their con
the roads, and upon which one stitution. They were well re
may easily navigate between half ceived, and his Royal Highness
ruined houses, was three leagues ratified their charter.
in circumference. At Horn, and 12. On Saturday an examina
all along the Lake, a great many tion took place before the magis
buildings are abandoned : the wa trates at Bourn, of William White
ters threaten the foundations of head, carpenter, of Easton, near
the most solid edifices. 1n the Stamford, charged with having
()berland, many bridges have been wilfully occasioned the late fire at
carried away; the fields, the Ufiington-house, the seat of the
meadows, the plantations, were Earl of Lindsey. It seems that
entirely submerged, and pieces of this person was a suitor of the
the soil were seen floating about, kitchen-maid, and had frequently
torn up by the fury of the waters, been admitted to see her. On the
covered with potatoes, vegetables, night of the fire he had taken
and hay. On the 9th, during a leave of the young woman before
ten
60] ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [Jenn
ten o‘clock, but was afterwards lately arrived at Pillau, sailed from
seeh on the premises as late as Leith about five weeks ago in the
eleven. After the fire, therefore, Helen, Charters. They consist
he was apprehended on suspicion, chiefly of small farmers and shep
but for some days strongly denied herds from the southern counties
knowing any thing of the cause of Scotland, who have been in
of the conflagration. At length, duced, by the liberal arrangements
however, he confessed that be him of Count Poe, a Polish nobleman,
self caused it, in the following to settle as a colony on his estate
way:—-At half-past 1‘2 o'clock on of Dovsponda, for the purpose of
the night of the 2d instant, after introducing the improved agri
the family had retired to bed, he culture of Scotland into the fertile
contrived to open one of the but ill-cultivated plains of Poland.
kitchen windows, and through it The Count has allotted a tract of
got into the house. Bent on mis his best land for the station of the
chief, and finding that some fire colony, to which he has given the
was left in the kitchen grate, he name of Seotia. They enter upon
put a quantity of it into the draw regular leases of 20 years, at a
ers of the large table; and by rent almost nominal ; and, besides
breaking a pane in the window other peculiar advantages, theyare,
which looks from the kitchen into by an ukase of the Emperor Alex
the housekeeper‘s room, he also ander, freed from the operation of
contrived to throw several red hot the military conscriptiOn. Liberal
coals- into that apartment, and provision has also been made by
some of them went under a large the proprietor for a Presbyterian
linen press or closet, and soon set clergyman, who will speedily join
it on' fire: he then escaped from them, and who will also act as a
the house by the way in which he schoolmaster to the settlement.
entered. Such is the account which 16. Steam-Boats.—The regu
the wretched man gives, and his lations recommended by the Com
representation is confirmed by all mittee of the House of Commons
the particulars noted in connexion appointed to consider of the means
with the fire. It turns out that of preventing the mischief arising
the man~has been afflicted with from explosion on board steam
temporary insanity; that he was boats, are as follows:—
lately under the care of Mr. Mer That all steam-packets carrying
veilleux, surgeon of this place, passengers for hire should be re
who decidedly considered him de gistered at the port nearest the
ranged in mind ; and that it is an place from or to which they pro
hereditary affliction. Under such ceed.
circumstances Whitehead has not That all boilers belonging to
been deemed a proper object for a the engines by which such vessels
prosecution, buthas beenliberated, shall be worked should be com
on bond given by his friends for posed of wrought iron or copper.
his being taken care of in a way That every boiler on board such
to prevent his doing farther mis steam-packet should, previous to
chief. > the packet being used for the con
14. The Scotch emigrants who veyance of passengers, be sub
" ' miitctl
JULYJ CHRONICLE. 61
mitted to the inspection of a skilful which is the largest yacht ever
engineer, or other person conver constructed :—
sant with the subject, who should 5 Ft. In.
ascertain by trial, the strength of Length of Deck . . . . 103 0
such boiler, and should certify his Length of Keel... . .. 88 5
opinion of its sufficient strength, Breadth . . . . . . . . 26 6
and of the security with which it Depth of the Hold . . .‘ 11 6
might be employed to the extent Burden, 350 tons.
proposed. Guns—Eight brass swivels of
That every such boiler should 11b. each—Manned with 67 men.
be provided with two sufficient Singular Character.—Died, in
safety valves, one of which should Glen-street, Kilmarnoek, on Fri
be inaccessible to the engineman, day, l7th of July, 1817, William
and the other accessible both to Stevenson, aged 87. He was ori
him and to the persons on board ginally from Dunlop, and bred a
the packet. mason ; but during many of the
That the inspector shall examine latter years of his life he wandered
such safety valves, and shall cer about as a common beggar. Thirty
tify what is the pressure at which years ago, he and his wife sepa~
suchsafety valves shall open, which rated upon these strange conditions,
pressure shall not exceed one third that the first that proposed an
of that by which the boiler has agreement should forfeit 1001.
been proved, nor one-sixth of that This singular pair never met again,
which, by calculation, it shall be and it is not now known whether
reckoned able to sustain. the heroineyet lives. Stevensonwau
That a penalty should be in much afflicted during the last two
flicted on any person placing ad years of his life with the stone.
ditional weight on either of the As his disease increased, he was
safety valves. . fully aware of his approaching
17. This day was launched from dissolution; and for this event he
the King’s dock-yard at Deptford, made the following extraordinary
a new yacht, named the Royal preparation :—-he sent for a baker,
George. The Board of {\dmiralty, and ordered twelve dozen of burial
Comptroller, and Commissioners cakes, and a great profusion of
of the Navy, were present, as also sugar biscuit; together with a
a large assemblage of persons, who corresponding quantity of wine
filled the several booths erected for and spirituous liquors. He next
Witnessing the ceremony. This sent for the joiner, and ordered a
vessel is one of the most elegant coffin decently mounted, with par
ever seen. The cabin-doors are of ticular instructions that the wood
mahogany, with gilt mouldings, should be quite dry, and the joints
and the windows of plate glass. firm and impervious to the water.
Ornamental devices, in abundance, The grave-digger was next sent
are placed in various parts, all for, and asked if he thought he
highly guilt, and producing a su could get a place to put him in
perb appearance. The following after he was dead. The spot fixed
are the dimensions of this vessel, upon was in the churchyard of
' Ric
 62 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [Jo LY.
Riccarton, a village about half Persons were not asked indivi
a-mile distant. He enjoined the dually, but whole families; so
sexton to be sure, and make his that, except a few relatives dressed
grave roomy, and in a dry and com in black, his obsequies were at;
fortable corner; and he might rest tended b'y tradesmen in their
assured that he would be well re working clothes, barefooted boys
warded for his care and trouble. and girls, an immense crowd of
Having made these arrangements, tattered beggars: to the aged
he ordered the old woman that at tothe
amongyounger
whom hethreepenoe.
left sixpemi '
tended him to go to a certain nook,
and bring out 9l. to be appropriated the interment, this money ‘gl'ofl
to defray the funeral charges. He retired to a large barn mu ‘
told her at the same time notto be for the purpose, where a scene
grieved, for he had not forgotten profusion and inebrie'ty was exhi—
’her in his will. In a few hours bited almost without a parallel.—
afterwm'ds, in the lull exercise of Glasgow Courier.
This mental powers, but in the 21. The following decisive af
most'exeru‘ciating agonies, he ex fair took place here he'tvveen twelve
pired. A neighbour and a man of and one this mornin . One of the
business Were immediately sent for Workman of MI‘.R. 'leadow, ship~
'to examine and seal up his eflhets. builder, having occasion to look
The first thing they ‘found was a over the premises about seven
bag, containing large silver pieces, o'clock yesterday evening, was
such as crowns, half-crowns, and greatly surprised to find the outer
dollars, to a large amount: in a door of the counting-house open,
corner was secreted, amongst a and also the window of a small
vast quantity of'm'usty rags, a great back office, with an inside wooden
number of guineas and seven shil shutter, the latter of which was
ling pieces. In his trunk was found lifted up and battened to the top
a bond for 8001. and other bands of the room as usual : they had all
and securities 'to a very consider been left secure on Saturday even
able amount. in all, we hear-d the in'g. On his proceeding into the
property amounted to 900i. His counting-house (the adjoining
will was found among some old room), one of the closet doors was
paper, leaving to his housekeeper also found'force'd open, and seVera'l
QOL and the rest of his property keys taken away. 'A lar e and
to be divided among his distant small chisel, belonging to a chest
irelations. As it required some that stood under the counting
s time to give his relatives intimation house steps, and which, it appeared,
of his death, and to make prepa had been broken open, were also
rations for his funeral, he lay in 'found on the counting-hause floor,
state four days, during which pe with which the front and closet
riod the place where he was re doors had been poised. It being
sembled more an Irish wake than clearly apparent, from all these
a deserted room where the Scots circumstances, that a robbery of
lockup their dead. The invitation! the premises 'was in contemplation
to his funeral "were most singular. anda‘ctual progress, Mr. Gleadow,
on
JULY'J CHRONICLE. 6%
on infer-motion, wary properly took'man is in custody at the infirmary.
immediate steps for the preVention A quantity of tools taken from the
of the crime, and the detection of chest was found in the pockets of
the robbers. Accordingly, at ten the dead robber, and a large knife
o'clock last night, Thomas Acum, in the ship-yard, the latter of which
aworkman belonging to Mr. Glea is Supposed to have been dr0pped
dow, and another of his servants, by the Wounded man in making
were placed on guard in ambush, his retreat. The town, and neigh
under cover of a shed, and near to bourhood, we think, are under the
the tool-chest and the steps lead greatest obiigation to Mr. Gleadow
ing to the intended scene of depre for his cool and judicious arrange
dation; the former armed with a ments in this affair, and the prompt
well-loaded piece, and the other result it has had; as there is lit
with a stout bludgeon. About a tle doubt that these men have for
quarter before twelve, they ob some time been a pest to the place,
served two men come ‘from the top having not long ago been dis
of the outer-dock gate, and pro charged from the prisons here.
ceed across the ship-yard carefully Akid states, that Rogers was a
to the tool-chest, where they whis native of the Isle of Wight, and
pered together, and one of them thathiinselif is from the neighbour
filled his pockets with such instru hood of Knottinglcy or Ferry
ments as suited the purpose, and bridge.—Hull Paper.
turned round, up the counting 23. Petérsburgh.-—The erection
'house steps; the other also did the and active support of schools in
same, and was following ‘his corn the whole extent of the empire,
panion, when Acum shouted but of universities and other establish
to them, “ Halloo! what do you ments or the sciences, for Which
want there?" Upon receiving this the nation are indebted to the wis
alarm, the latter immediately ran, dom and liberality of the Emperor
and was quickly followed by the Alexander, who since his acces
fellow who had first vgone up. sion to the throne,'has already pro
Acum then fired as they made for duced the most beneficial results.
the d0ck~gat~e,and was so sure in his Even in the most remote dis
aim, that he hit them both: one of tricts, among the uncultivated re
then! dropped downinstantly dead, gions of Siberia, there has been
and his eonipanion’s arm is broken diffused and awakened, by means
and shattered ; but hc'was able to of these sehools,a desire for learn
retreat as far as the crane upon ing and instruction, and a taste
South-end, where he was stopped, fur mental improvement, as the
and delivered over to the military follbwing facts from the g0vern
guard. They provcd to be two ment of Irkutsk, which are pub
fellows named Rogers (killed) and lished ofiicially by the Board of
Akid, desperate characters, only National Education, will show :—
last week discharged from confine “ A peasant named Rowosclofi', of.
ment in 'Hull gaol. The body of the village Wolostomask, has ex—
the former was lodged in the House pended therc 5,000 rubles in erec
of Correction here, for the coro
ting s building for a school, '565
ner‘s inquest, and the wounded for supporting it-for 5 years, and
402
64 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. Us“.
402 for the purchase of books and become the prey of the flames.
other necessary articles. Another Burning coals, carried by the wind,
person of the name of Ramarofi', were found in several distant
of the 12th class, has contributed streets. The damage is estimated
for the support of a school for five at above a million and a half (of
years 2,825 rubles, and for the crowns probably.) When the post
purchase _of literary aids 533. set off the lower story was still
Another head of a village advanced burning, but the greatest danger
for the building of a school 1,000 was over.
rubles, and for its maintenance 29. The persons imprisoned in
for six years 2,200. Another of Edinburgh Castle on the charge
the name of Ehamakoif, together of treason were set at liberty on
with his assistant, Ehaltanofi‘, Monday se’nnight, after receiving
have contributed a house for a 7s. each to carry them home. The
school worth 3,000 rubles, for following are the names :—Hugh
supporting it five years 550, and Dickson, Peter Gibson, John
for the purchase of literary aids M’Laughlin, John Campbell,
4-92. . James Finlayson, \Vm. Edgar,
29. Berlin .-—-That fine building, John Keith, Hugh Cochrane,
the Royal National Theatre, in Andrew Sinclair, and James Hood.
this city, is destroyed. This fore And subsequently the following
noon, between twelve and one, a 'were discharged from the Glasgow
fire suddenly broke out in the gaolz—David Dryburgh, John
right wing, which spread so ra Johnston, David Smith, John
pidly, that in half an hour the Buchanan, Peter Cameron, Wm.
whole building was in flames. A Robertson, and Aw. Somerville.
violent wind blowing towards the 30. Lord Amherst and his suite
buildings of the RQYal Commer arrived from China at Spithead,
cial Establishment, excited great in an extra ship, taken up for the
alarm for that also, for a large occasion. He was saluted with
firebrand was canied to a part of thirteen guns from the admiral's
it, and had nearly set fire to two ship in Portsmouth harbour.
of the houses. 31. Confession of Daniel Mann.
The keeper of the theatre has -—-The case of Daniel Munn, who
saved but a few of his efi‘ects. It was convicted of murder at the
was not possible to think of saving Hertt'ord Assizes, was one of the
the wardrobe, the decorations, the most atrocious that ever occurred
library, or the music, because in the in the criminal annals of this
wing where the fire broke out there country. He was convicted of
were ten hogsheads of clarified oil, the murder'of John Payne, on his
which it was also impossible to return from Hempstead market,
bring away, and which kept up for where he was in the habit of sell
many hours a tremendous flame. ing corn for the farmers, and re
\Ve have to thank the activity of the ceiving their/money, which he
firemen and ofDthe police, that the frequently took home with him.
two churches, between which the The prisoner was "intimately ac
theatre stood, as well as the quainted with him, and conse
neighbouring houses, did not also quently knew his habits as well as
t 6
\
lULYJ (Illft()lil C LIL
the road he travelled home from
market: he attacked the unfor
tunate man in a lane unawares,
struck him behind the ear and
upon the head with a hammer,
and then cut his throat. He was
convicted on a chain of circum
stantial evidence, so strong that
no doubt could possibly remain in
the minds of the court or jury as
to his guilt; notwithstanding
which, however, it is satisfactory
to know that, previous to his exe
cution, he made a full confession
of his guilt, and stated the only
circumstance which did not come
out in evidence, viz. where the
hammer and knife were deposited
with which he committed the
murder. The. unhappy wretch
also made a Voluntary confession
of two other horrid murders which
he had committed; the one on a
poor old woman (by the name of particularly so for the immediate
Hall), who kept a small shop at neighbourhod in which these hor
Dagnall, near his own residence-7
(he rentedv a small farm in the
same parish under the Earl of
Bridgewater)“ He stated, that
he went into her, house (being whole neighbourhood being under
known to her) about nine o‘clock
in the morning; that he took an
opportunity of'gettjngv behind her
and striking her with a bill, which
lay in the house, behind her ear;
that he then cut her throat with
a knife similar to the one he cut
poor Payne‘s throat with (a but
cher‘s knife) 5 and on being asked
where he had secreted that knife,
he said in a well on the old wo
wan‘s premises; that he took 401.
from her, 231. of which he paid
to Lord Bridgewater for rent, and
the remainder he paid away to
different persons in the village in
discharge of small debts. This
occurred about a year and a half brig Anna had just completed her
Von. LIX. ~ F
65
ago. In respect to the murder of
his wife, he stated that he follow
ed her into the cow-house, where
she went to give some hay to the
coWs, about two o‘clock in the
afternoon; that he struck her
unawares with a billet of wood
behind the ear, which nearly killed
her; that he immediately after
wards dragged her to the well,
and put her down it, head fore
most. This occurred about six
weeks before the murder of Payne.
She was found in the well on the
same day, upon an alarm being
given by her husband. He could
assign no motive for this horrid
act. He admitted, he and his
wife had frequently words toge
ther, but. not on that day, and
stated that, she was a good wife.
It is not only fortunate for the
ends of public justice, but more
rid transactions occurred; two
innocent men having been strong
1y, suspected of the murder of the
old woman at Dagnall, and the
the most horrid apprehensions of
repetitions of the cruel scenes
which had so recently taken place
there. Munn was executed on
Monday morning, in pursuance
of his sentence; he died as peni_
tent as a man could die with such
a weight of guilt upon his head.
On the scafl'old he begged the
spectators to take warning by his
fate.
AUGUST.
‘2. On Saturday there was a de
plorable incident at Irvine. The
cargo
66 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [Auc.
cargo for Halifax, when the Majesties welfare, In their ad
master went on shore to bid fare dress they say, among other
Well to his friends, and convey to things—“ The language of your
the ship two of the last passen Majesty is that of a well-meaning
gers. In going out of the harbour, brave king; publicity is the foun
it was found difficult to row the dation of the constitution offered
boat, and recourse was had to a by your Majesty; and this is our
sail. The night was breezy, and security, that it is your Majesty's
the boat wanted ballast; and, it is will to reign over a free people.
supposed, that it was overset in “ “'e are confident that a con
tacking. No one either on shore stitution, founded on the force of
or in the brig observed the catas the upright sentiments of the peo
trophe: and it was far in the ple. will protect our posterity
forenoon of Sunday before it was against the encroachments of ill
known. There were on board, be disposed sovereigns better than
side Captain Miller, two seamen, the old constitution could do,
and a member of the Society of whose important guarantee is
Friends from Belfast, with his hourly proclaimed to us by a bell
daughter, who was going out to from our chief town, “'elzheim,
join her husband in America. ] t upon which Madam Von Wurben,
is melancholy to think that they to whom the place was given as a
all perished. The body of the lady present, calls herself “ Chief Go
has been cast on shore—Edinburgh verness of the Country, and Lady
Courant. / President of the Privy Council,"
6. Stutgard.—The town of and this at a time when the old
Welzheim had, in an address to constitution was at its full vigour !
the king, of the 17th June, ac (Madam You Wurben Was mis
cepted the plan of the constitution. tress to one of the Dukes of “'ur
The same has now been done by temberg.) May it please your
5‘2 villages and hamlets of that Majesty, we agree with joyful
whole district. Sixteen deputies, hearts to the royal plan of a con
chiefly of the class of peasants, stitution, with the modifications
presented the address to the king, given in the rescript of the 26th
on Sunday, the 3d instant. Their May, and with God‘s will, we
spokesman, the worthy high fo shall not be the last of the country
rester, Faber, made a speech, to people who, with entire confi
which his Majesty returned a dence, ofi"er their hands to make
most gracious answer; and after~ an agreement with their upright
wards conversed in the most affable king."—Allgcmeine Zeitung, Aug.
manner with these country people, 1].
and listened to all their wishes. 7. Isle qf Mam—On Thursday
His Majesty gave orders to enter a new code of criminal laws, an
tain them well at the royal ex act for regulating the sale of
pense, and, after they had had an herrings, and also an act for abo
audience of the queen, who made lishing all paper money for the
many inquiries of them concerning payment of sums under 205.,
their economy, they returned home having previously received the
with a thousand wishes for their - royal assent, were proclaimed ac
- cording
 Ava] CHRONICLE m
cording to ancient usage, upon tion to tumult amongst a part of
the Tynwald-hill, before the in the assembled crowd, which iu~
habitants of the island, in the creased in such a degree as to re
presence of the Lieut.-Governor, quire the assistance of the civil
the Lord Bishop, the Attorney power. That power was found
General, and other authorities of inefl‘ectual. Several stones were
the island. An impressive dis thrown by the mob at the hill up
course was preached by the Lord on which the legally constituted
Bishop upon the occasion, in authnrities were placed ; but for
which be strongly recommended tunately without etfect. At this
a general improvement in the ad juncture, the Lieutenant-governor
ministration of the laws, and so directed the military (a detach
licited the legislature to abolish ment of the 85th regiment, under
all distinction in the law of debtor the command of Lieutenant Ash
and creditor, as it affected the na ton) to give their aid. The show
tive and the stranger; a distinction of resistance was continued for It
which had long been prejudicial short time; when the majority of
to the character and credit of the the insurgents, seeing a few of
island. His lordship also animad— their leaders subdued, and taken
verted with great force upon the into custody, fled with all the
spirit of litigation, which was so speed they could. Most of the
injurious to the interests of the ringleaders are committed to the
island, and trusted that immediate gaol at Castletown ; and warrants
steps would be taken for correct are issued against others. Only
ing it. Divine service being end one of the mob was slightly
ed (which according to ancient wounded in the arm by a sabre.
usage was in St. John's chapel), It appears that this tumult was
the Lieutenant»Governor, Council, occasioned by a false report, in
Deemsters, Keys, &c. proceeded dustriously propagated, that the
to the Tynwald-hill. Two chairs new laws had for their object the
of state and a table were placed levying a heavy tribute upon her
beneath a canopy erected upon the rings, to support the bishop and
summit of the hill. The chair clergy! The act respecting the
on the right of the table. was oc herring fishery only prohibits the
cupied by the Lieutenant-Gover use of tarred nets, and orders the
nor, C. Smelt, Esq.; that on the sale to be no longer by the tally,
left by the lion. and Right Rev. but measurement by the cran,
the Lord Bishop of the diocese, agreeably to the arrangement in
surrounded by the council, &c. the British fishery.
The Lieutenant-Governor having 8. Constance, (Grand Duchy qf
ordered proclamation to be made, Baden.)—lt appears that Madame
the promulgation of the new sta Krudner has likewise been refused
tutes commenced; which, as usual, permission to reside in the king
were announced, sentence by sen _d0m of W urtemberg. After hav
tence, in Manks and English. ing harangued the Jews at Gail
During the recital of the Bankers lingen and Bandegg, whom she
and Cardnote Suppression Act, declared to be the peculiar people
there appeared a manifest disposit efFGod, she arrived here. Not
3 ‘wns
.
68 ANNUAL' REGISTER}, 1817.
being allowed to» remain here a
bove 35.4 hours, she proceeded, on
the lst of August, to Houbin, a
canton of Thurgovia. She there Dumas, father to the young gen
awaits the answer of the govern
ment of St. Gall, from which she
had solicited permission to estab~
lish herself in that canton. While
expecting it, her missionaries
preach at Houb, sometimes from
the windows, sometimes in the
fields, calling the baroness a pro
phetess. ' She herself preaches
with all the enthusiasm of an ar
dent and fanatic spirit. She dis
tributes every day bread, and some
hundreds of measures of econo
mical soup. Her adherents re
ceive them ontheir knees like a
gift from God. Her ordinary suite
.is composed of about 40 persons ;
among whom are remarked, Ma
.damede Berekeim, two Protestant
“ministers, and a lame woman,
who. has brought her a contribu—
tion of. 10,000 florins. 'Her- ad
herents are in the habit of saying,
-“ We} call no one; but those
who are the elect of God “ ill
follow us.“
Extraordinary Contempt of Law.
—From the Cork‘ Southern, Re.
~portcr.-—A duel took place in, Kil
larncy on Friday last, between LWO
young gentlemen residing in the
neighbourhood of that town,
Messrs. Lawlorand Dumas; the
former attended by Mr. William
Power, of Cork, the latter by Mr.
Edward Orpen, of Kenmare. The
afl'air terminated without personal
injury toeithcr party, but it has
been the means of placing some
of the relatives of both in very pe
culiar circumstances. Baron Smith
was, on the. day the duel was
fought, and had been for some
preceding (l iys, in Killarney. On
[AUa,
his way to visit the Lakes on Fri
day, he first heard of the intended
rencontre; and the house of Mr.
tleman of that name, who was
involved in the affair, lying in his
way, the Baron called there, and
laid his commands on Mr. Dumas,
that he would take immediate
measures to prevent the meeting,
which was promised. At the same
time, the Baron dispatched a. note
to Mr. Lawlor, brother of the
other principal in the intended
duel, to the ett'ect, that he should
immediately bind him over to keep
the peace, under heavy penalties.
This note, weundersta-ml, reached
Mr, Lawlor almost at the instant
his brother was going out, and
notwithstanding the high autho
rity front which it proceeded, he
declined, situate as the afiair then
was, to interfere. The parties met,
and fired two shots each with the
most determined coolness, when,
principally through the judicious
interference of John O'Conncl,
Esq. of Grenagh, and Lieutenant
Meredith, of Dicksgrove, late of
the Royal Navy, an accommoda
tion took place. On the return of
the Baron to the hotel, in the
evening, he then learned, that not
withstanding his instructions to
the persons already~ named, the
duel had taken place; immediately
upon which, though it. was then a
late hour, he wrote letters to all
the parties, ordering them to ap
pear before him the nextrday (5a
turday), with which mandate they
of course complied. ' The inter
views being in the Baron‘s private
chambers, we are not otherwise
acquainted with what occurred
than through report, which states,
that the principals and seconds
were
AvuJ CHRO—NI'CLE. ~ 69
were severely admonished for their voured to extricate the entangled
conduct under the circumstances wheel bysa sudden jerk. This, it ‘
-—that one magistrate,Mr. Lawlor, is supposed, discomposed the un
was fined one thousand pounds for wieldy tenant of the vehicle;
his disregard of the judge's order, which instantly upset with a tre~
the Baron delaying till the next mendous crash, fell On one of the
evening to express his determina shaft homes, and killed the fine
tion with respect to Mr. Dumas, animal almost instantly. The ele
Sen. at 'Whose conduct he testified phant became unmanageable even .
extreme displeasure, as he had re by his keeper, and after many
ceived his promise that the meet useless efforts to lift the caravan,
ing should not ‘have taken place. it was deemed preper to let it re
The New York Commercial Ad main in its fallen state till the
vertiser of the 9th contains the middle of the night; when the
following paragraph :— animal was enticed by large pieces
Naval Forces on the Lakes.-—lt of bread and buckets of water
has been published, that the Bri into an adjacent coach-house, and
tish are dismantling theirvesse'ls the vehicle was taken atvay to un
upon the Lakes. This, we learn dergo the extensive repairs ren
from good authority, is in pursu dered necessary by the accident.—
ance of a mutual understanding Bath Herald.
between the American and British 14. Winsbuden (Principality of
governments, that neither power Nassau).——-The union 'of the 'Re
shall retain more than tvvo reve formed and Lutheran churches,
nue cutters of two guns each, on which had so often been attempted
either lake, in Service; and that in vain, has been at length happily
six months' notice shall be ‘giVen effected in the 'DuChy of Nassau,
by either of an intention to aug in the following manner.—-ln de
ment this force. In this arrange liberating on the manner 'of cele
ment the interests of the two go brating the secular festival of the
vernments are mutually‘promoted, reformation, the two superintend~
and many occasions of collision eats-general, Muller and Grisc,
and jealousy avoided. It saves a had entertained the idea 'of giving
great expense to'both, and is be to it the greatest possible solem
sides an evidence of confidence nity, by uniting the 'two Protes
and good will which it is the in tant commdnions. "l‘he reigning
terest of both to promote. Duke having adopted this “idea
13. On Wednesday afternoon, with a particular satisfaction,
about two o'clock, as a caravan caused a general Synod to be con
with ’the stupendous elephant ivas voked, composed of the two su
coming from the fair, one of the perintendents, of all the inspec
wheels accidentally became fest tors, and of 38 pastors, among
ened in a gutter by the side of whom tvere ‘20"Lutherans and 18
that very steep part of the road reformed. This Synod held their
just below spencer's Belle Vue. sittings on the 5th and 9th of I
Both the hind wheels had been August in presence of a Ducal
dragged; and the driver, instead commission. As all scholastic sub
of loosening one of them, endea tleties Were avoided, the discus
sions
70 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
sions were confined to the two es' and shall ofiiciate together at the
sential points—First, whether they
should unite in one church l and,
secondly, what was the best means
of efl‘ecting this union?
The first question was unani~
mOusly decided in- the affirmative
in the first session. To decide on
the second, the Assembly Was di
vided into seven different Coin
mittees, which united to deter
mine on the points proposed by
the Superintendents, and to trans
mit in writing to the ~ Commission
their opinion on this matter. Ac
cording to the majority of these their reasons to the clergyman.
opinions, which were almost una
nimous on the principal object,
the following points were esta
blished :—
1. The United Communions
shall bear the name of Evangeli
cal Christian Church.
2. The general superintendence
over all the clergy shall be divided
between the two superintendents,
according to a geographic line,
and shall finally be united in him
who shall survive the other.
3. The districts of inspection
shall be, &c.
4. In the places where the two
confessions shall be intermixed,
the respective property of the two
churches shall form-one and the
same fund, and shall belong to
the church for the necessary ex
penses.
5. The central property of the
two churches shall be united into
one fund, and shall serve for pay
ing the expenses of organizing the
seminary of Herborn, for the can.
didates of theology.
6. In the places where there
shall happen to be two clergymen
of the diflerentv confessions, they
shall remain there provisionally,
[Auc.
same altar.
7. The Palatine liturgy is pro
visionally adopted. 1n the distri
bution of the communion, a large
host shall be regularly provided,
eXpressly for the purpose, and
shall be broken into several parts.
This mode shall be followed by
all the communicants who shall
be confirmed for the future. The
more aged persons shall be per
mitted to receive the communion
in the accustomed manner, but in
private, and after having explained
This general decision has been sent
to the reigning Duke, and we ex
pect his sanction immediately.
15. Berna—The Federal Direc
tory has communicated to the Can
tons, in a circular of the 2d inst.
the following note from the mi
nisters of the allied powers, re
specting the residence of the per
sons included in the ordinance of
the 24th July :—
The ministers of the cabinets,
who signed the treaty of the 20th
November, 1815, having decreed,
among other things, that all the
French individuals comprised in
the two lists of the 24th July of
the same year, would be permit
ted to reside only in Austria, Prus
sin, or Russia, where their Royal
and Imperial Majesties are willing
to grant them asylums, the under
signed ministers of the four al
lied courts have the honour to re
mind Mr. de.Tschann, intrusted
with the nfl'airs of the Swiss cons
federation, of these regulations.
They wish also to inform him,
that, impressed with the necessity
of enforcing their execution, they
have adopted the determination,
that all the above-mentioned indi
' viduals
Awj CHRONICLE 71
viduals who may be found in any countries in which they will ‘be
other country than Austria, Prus permitted to reside, and that the
sia, or Russia, must prepare them government of the confederation
selves to proceed to the states of will watch ever the execution of
one of those countries by the 15th a measure which has been dic
of August. tated only by a desire to promote
- The confederation ’having ae the general tranquillity and safe
ceded to the treaty of the 20th ty, and the indispensable necessity
November, 1815, which sanction of which experience has demon
ed the said regulations, the un strated.
dersigned cannot doubt its dispo Yarmouth.—Theinterestingspec
sition to second the wishes of the tacle of laying the first stone of a
allied courts. They consequently naval pillar on Yarmouth Denes,
flatter themselves, that as soon as to commemorate the victories of
it is acquainted with' the present the immortal Nelson, took place
determination, it will categorical this day. At half past twelve the
ly declare to the French exiles procession moved to the place
comprised in the two lists who chosen for this national memorial
may be in its territories, that they of British heroism in the follow
are to choose between this and ing order :—
the 15th August, one of the three
Constables, Flags, Band,
Mayor and Corporation, Ofiicers of the Navy,
Model carried by Sailors,
Flanked by Sailors carrying Flags.‘
Architect, and Secretary, Committee, Flags, &c.
The first stone was laid by Col. the bows, and 17 persons were
Wodehouse, as chairman of the drowned.
committee. The day being fine, 18. A shocking accident hap
rendered the sight truly animat pened on Monday se'nnight to an
ing. 1n the stone was placed a unfortunate man named Stokoe,
plate, on which was engraved a Working at Riddell‘s Wallsend
Latin inscription, written by Mr. colliery, near Kenton. He was_
Sergeant Frere, the learned mas employed, along with another
ter of Downing. man, in taking the small coals
Lyminglon. —- Yesterday after-‘ from the screens, and throwing
noon a seaman of the name of them upon the heap, which, as is
Benger went olf to the ship Mary well known, is generally on fire
Ann, bound to New York, with in the inside. On this occasion he
about 250 passengers, and took had left the security of the wall,
into his boat about ‘20 persons, along which the barrows are
whom he landed at Yarmouth, trundled, and was proceeding over
where they remained some time, the top of the heap to throw his
and then returned into the boat load more over it, when, as he
to proceed on board their ship, was passing over its centre, the
but, owing to a strong wind and surface suddenly fell in with its
tide, the boat was ‘forced under weight, the inside being burnt
quite
\
 72 ' ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [Ave
quite hollow, and he Was engulfed age, or during their stay in the
in the burning abyss, which in ports from which they 'last came,
stantly closed in upon him, and shall, until the lst day of October
' sent forth a volume of flame and next, anchor at the place assigned
smoke like the crater of a volcano. for quarantine, and shall be sub
The person who was working a ject to_ an examination of the
long with him was not aware of health ofiicers, and to such-“regu
the fate of his companion till lations as may be deenied when:
he perceived the flames bursting ent by them. And all embers-in
from the opening made in the trusted with the executiou ‘of the
heap ; any assistance to the unfor said act, and all other persons, are
tunate sufferer was entirely out of requested to take notice and ,
his power. Not a vestige of the vern themselves aecorditl'gl’y, fitti
body has been seen. der the pains and penalties-hm
20. Proclamation by MhDewett posed upon ofi‘enders by the said
Clinton, Governor of the State of act, which
fOX‘CEd. v will be rigorously
p “w v 3,: en i
New York, General and Commander
5n-Chief of all the Militia, 8m. 8w.— In witness whereof, 'I havehe‘re-fi
Whereas it is represented to me unto subscribed my name, and af
that a pestilential fever prevails fixed the privy seal of the state,
in the city of Charleston, in the at the city of New York, the 90th
state of South Carolina, and in day of August, A.D. 1817, and in
the city of Savannah, in the state the 42d year of the Independence
of Georgia, I do, therefore, by of the United States.
virtue of the power vested in me Dawn'r'r CLINTON.
by the act, entitled,“ An act to 21._ Five persons were burned
provide against Infectious and to death by the explosion of the
Pestilential Diseases," prdliibit all fire-damp in a coal-'pit near Brad
intercourse and communication ford, Y'orkShire, Owing to the
bétween the city and county of bottom of one of the safety
New York, and said cities of latnps 'of Sir Humphrey Davey
Charleston and Savannah. And I having been se ara'ted 'from the
do Order and direct, that no per body, from its eing soldered in
‘e'on shall be permitted to enter stead of rivetted ; thereby forming
the said city and ‘county of New a communication between the in—
York, who shall have been in ternal and outward air.
‘ 22. The trials of theistate pri
either of the Said cities'of Charles
ton and Savannah, until twenty soners, as they have been called,
days‘shall have elapsed after such closed at York this day (Saturday);
fiemons'shall‘haVe been in {either and of the ‘24 persons against
of the said cities of v Charles whom the government solicitor
ton and Savannah. And I do fur was instructed _to institute Prose
ther order and dii‘éct, th'at all ves
cutions, ten have been’pro'nounced
sels arriving-in 'the port of New not guilty ; against eleven others
York, from “any‘pleee in'the United no bills were found ; andione has
States south of the Delaware, and been liberated on bail; leaving
all other vessels on board of only two of the whole number in
which any sickness or death has confinement, and those tWo un
occurred, during their last Voy fortunate men have been detained,
without
Ava] CHRONICLE. 73
without trial, by a Secretary of Croft and Mary Ayling, had been
State's warrant, under the sus left in the charge of the house of
pension of the Habeas Corpus act. Mr. Guy, of Palmer‘s-terrace,
The failure of these prosecu Holloway, while the family were
tions has not been owing to any in the country. They were, it
want of zeal, or any deficiency seems, of the most abandoned pro
of means, on the part of the go fligacy, and had admitted to their
vernment. Some time before the bed two journeymen painters, who
trials came on, 'the Solicitor for were at work in the neighbour
the Crown was sent down into the hood. The girls slept together in
neighbourhood of Huddersfield, to one bed, and each of the painters
collect evidence against the pri slept alternately with both at once.
soners: in support of this evi A neighbour had discovered these
dence, a large portion of the proceedings, and threatened to
weight and talent of the bar on write immediately to Mr.’Guy on
the northern circuit was ranged on the subject. The women were
the side of the prosecution; and alarmed, and having been pos—
that nothing might be wanting to sessed with the idea that they
give importance to these proceed should be sent to prison, appear
ings, Mr. Gurney was sent d0wn to have formed the frantic reso
from London at the expence of lution of destroying themselves.
Government, to take reports of Sarah Croft then went for her
the trials. Against all this weight child, a girl about l3 months old,
of power and influence, seconded and the infatuated pair next pro
by the public purse, a few obscure ceeded to the New River, where
men and boys, principally in the they drowned the infant and them
very lowest ranks in society, had selves. The Coroners, thinking
to defend themselves. The odds the case one of more than ordinary
vivere terrific; but with the zeal and
guilt, recommended a verdict of
intelligence of their professional felo de se against the women, and
advisers and advocates, and the of murder with respect to the
presiding presence of a righteous child. Warrants were issued for
Judge, who ltnows no distinction burying the bodies of the two
between the lofty and the humble suicides in the cross-roads, and
in the administration of justice, the child was ordered to be buried
the trial by jury obtained another in Newington Church-yard.
distinguished triumph, and the Letter from Westphalia.——The
prisoners, after a period of deep Mindcn Sunday paper contains a
anxiety, were restored to their remarkable circular letter to the
liberty and to their friends. ‘ Evangelical clergy of both confessi
23. Yesterday two inquests were ons in the Prussian Monarchy, on
held, one. before Mr. Unwin, the occasion ofthe intended celebration
other before Mr. Stirling, on the of the secular festival of the Re
bodies of the two female servants formation, in which there is the
and of the child, who were found following pasaagc :— 3;
drowned in the New River. These The representation of the occa—
women, whose names were Sarah sion and the object of the refor
mation
74 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. LAUG
mation will afi‘ord the clergy am in this last sense occasions various
ple materials for edifying reflections misconceptions, and has, in fact,
and discourses, calculated to affect been here and there misemployed
the minds of their hearers, without in this manner in these latter times.
their being tempted to give their It seems therefore advisable, on
sermons a tendency hostile to their more accounts than one, to leave
Non-Evangelical brethren. The these denominations, Protestant,
spirit of truth which animated the Protestant Church, to history, to
Reformers, and in whose energy which they belong, and hencefor
they began and accomplished the ward universally to employ in their
great work,’ is also a spirit of peace stead, especially in religious writ
and oflove. The fruits of this spirit, ings and discourses, the more pro
according to the exhortations of per and more generally intelligible
the Apostles, should be kindness, terms, Evangelic Church, Evan
justice, and truth. Only on account gelic Christians. Luther himself
of the few Clergymen who might disapproved of all party names.
perhaps forget this, it must be He remonstrates in his writings
mentioned that in'sermons to be against the professors of the Evan
delivered on the Festival of the gelic faith, calling themselves,
Reformation, every expression of after his name, Lutherans, and
bitterness or contempt towards the refers them to the sole foundation
adherents of another mode of be of the, Christian faith, the doc
lief, as it would be wholly incom trine of Christ the Evangelist. In
patible with the dignity of the the celebration of the approaching
Evangelical Church, would like high festival of the Church may
wise be directly opposed to the the Spirit of their Divine Master
expressly declared will of his Ma repose on all faithful labourers in
jesty the King, it being his desire the vineyard of the Lord, and
that the pure representation of the crown their' endeavours with suc
spirit of the Reformation, without cess !
any mixture of unfriendly expres The Ministry of the Interior,
sions towards other confessions, (Signed) V. SaucxMANu.
be the general theme on which the Berlin, June 30, 1817.
Clergy in his Majesty's dominions According to this official decla
shall uniformly preach, upon the ration, the names Protestant and
prescribed choice of texts. Lutheran will for the future be
The Ministry farther observes, disused in the Prussian dominions.
thatthe name of Protestants, sig Constantinople—During the last
nificant as it was at the time of fortnight the plague has spread in
its introduction, though it is more a most disastrous manner in this
adapted to indicate the defence capital, and at Vera and Bujuk
made at that time of the external dera. The afi'righted inhabitants
rights of the Evangelical Princes precipitatcly abandon their homes.
and States in the concerns of reli The Turks themselves begin to
gion and church government, than feel the attacks of this scourge.
the peculiar spirit and meaning of Ten persons have died in the suite
the Evangelical Church ; yet even of the Grand Vizicr. The intend
' a!"
 Ava] CHRONICLE. 75
ant of the Depot of Slaves, who by some of the evil disposed among
had temporarily received a young those who objected to the oath, to
man since attacked by the plague, gain over a great number of those
has fled from the house. After the who had been previously willing
death of the younger son of the to take it.
Austrian Internuncio, who fell a A second limited term being
victim to this contagion, the whole fixed, the oath was taken by a few
legation has retired to Belgrade, of those who had been summoned,
a place situate a league to the north but refused by far the greater part;
of Bujukdera. and some who had taken the oath
25. The Government vaults in were ill treated by those who ob-,
Liverpool, containing a consider jected to it. The maintenance of
able quantity of bonded brandy, the laws, civil order and tran
were discovered to have been en quillity, as well as the security of
tered, by some means which still the well-disposed, rendered it ne
remain a mystery ; and seven cessary to remove promptly Some
. pieces of brandy had their ori of the malcontents, who had
ginal contents drawn OH and re openly declared themselves, and
filled with water. A small hole thereby avert their further mis
had been made in the brick roof ofchievous influence.
the vault from the building above, This circumstance was made a
through i which the liquor had pretext by some hundreds of disor
been conveyed by means of a pump, derly persons, for proceeding to acts
but not large enough to admit any of violence early on the ‘23d. Though
person. Some additional easks had this tumult was soon suppressed
been taken in on Saturday, and the by the vigorous measures which
presumption is that the principal the superior military authorities
agent in this extensive theft must adopted, and the judicious co-ope
have then obtained admission; and, ration of the~Magistrates, still the
when the vaults were re-opened on rioters had sufficient time to com
Monday, have effected his escape. mit several excesses, and to attack
The doors were, as is customary in some public buildings, which they
these cases, secured by three locks , entered. Several of the rioters
on which no force appeared to are already arrested, and delivered
have been used. ' . over to the duel course" of law.
26. Breslau.—-A part of the in These transactions excited the
habitants of this city, belonging to horror and indignation of all the
the-first requisition of the land— inhabitants of the town; and the
wehr, and who were about to be burghers, through the Magistrates
incorporated therein, had, from a as their representatives, expressed
mistaken view of the legally pre their sentiments to the following
scribed form of the oath, refused effect, viz. “ To expel from their
to take it within the limited term, body, with re-payment of their
and thereby occasioned a delay in entrance-money, all those who
the administration of the oath to persisted further in refusing to
others, who Were willing to take it. comply with the laws respecting
The opportunity afforded by this the landwehr."
delay was taken an advantage of This honourable declaration of
' their
76 ANNUAL REGISTER, 51817.
their fellow to wnsmen quickly con
vinced the malcontents 0f the 1m
propriety of their refusal, and the
oath Was afterwards quietly ad
ministered. Order and tranquil
lity was therefore completely "re
stored even on the 93d, and no
disturbance has since taken place.
‘28. Silesia.--The rioters in Bres
lau, who refused to take the land
_wehr oath, founded their oppo
sition on the cantonal rights for
merly enjoyed by the 'burghers of proceeded ‘far before another pu
Breslau, which are, however, long
since repealed by the landwehr
oath, and the general laws. On
the occasion of refusing the oath,
six burghers in particular made
use of very indecorous expressions,
and several others who were \vil
ling to take the oath Were very
severely assaulted. During the
night, these six burghers were ar
rested and conveyed to the Fortress
of Neisse. Immediately after, a
false report was spread that two
of the wives of the prisoners had
thrown their children into the
river, and then leaped in them
selves. This falsehood, perhaps
designedly circulated, caused the
disorders to break out.
‘29. Being market day, seve
ral farmers met at an inn, at
Shepton Mallet, in Somerset
shire, where a conversation took
-place,- in which a man named
Croker, of advanced years, and
a young man named Hawkins
[his presmnPtive son-in-law] took
'an active part. At length the par_
ties became opponents in argu
ment. The Old man was obstinate
and declamatory; the young man
was contradicting and perverse;
and at length their argument-was
considered too desperate to be set
tled, eXcept by a reference to blows.
[Ave .
By an exhibition of this nature,
the hearers and by-standers Were
soon gratified; but from the seri
ous character which the contest
assumed, they interceded, and fur
ther blendslied was prevented.
Harmony was again shortly re
stored; and the parties proceeded
on their way to Oakhill (where
the old man, Croker, resided)
about tvm miles from Shepton
Mallet. They had not, however,
‘ilistic contest was resorted to,
which, however, by the interference
of some casual travellers, was soon
interrupted ; their differences were
arranged, and they pursued their
journey. Some bad passion still
being the inmate of the young
man’s breast, he provided himself
with an instrument from a conti
guous gate, and felled Croker to p
the earth by a violent blow, which
was fatal, and left the poor old
man's lifeless corpse upon the
ground, with one eye completely
driven from its socket! At this
time it was about half-past ten
o‘clock, and the daughter of the
old man (Croker) becoming un
easy at the absence of her 'aged
parent, went in search of him:
her progress, however, was soon
interrupted by her kicking against
Something which appeared to be
human, and upon turning round
to satisfy herself upon this point,
she discovered that it was not only
human, but alive, and afi‘righted
at the circumstance, she ran ra
pidly home, supposing that the
person she had seen had placed
himself there for no honest pur
pose. On her return home she
went to sleep, and dreamt that
her father had been assailed by
rufl‘inns; she accordingly again
mustered
Sana] CHRONICLE.
mustered courage enough to go
in search of him; she had not
proceeded far before she saw a
bundle, containing articles which
she was convinced belonged to her
parent ; on going a few yards far
ther, she discOvered his corpse.
A hue and cry was raised through
out the whole neighbourhood,
and, upon an examination of the
body, several fractures were dis
covered upon the skull, and the
eye found lying in the dust. In
quiries were immediately insti
tuted, and Hawkins was appre
hended, after the Coroner‘s Jury
had deliberated and found a verdict
against him of. Wilful Murder. He
was committed to Shepton gaol.
. 3?
SEPTEMBER.
1. The late squally weather has
been productive of considerable
damage to the shipping engaged
in the herring fishing otf the coast
of Caitlmess, and of very calami
tous consequences to some of the
crews of the boats and their poor
families : three boats, one from
however, of the most fatal kind : '
Prestonpans, another from Buckie,
and a third from Helmsdale, hav
ing live men in each, were totally
lost off Helmsdale, early on Tues
day se‘nnight; great anxiety pre
vails at Croniarty, Campbeltown,
Avoch, &c., as several of the boats
from those places are still un
heard of.
The Peron—The attention of o'clock, a gang of fellows, about
the Irish government has been al 7 in number, broke into the hay
ready turncd to this subject. The yard of Denis Lyons, Esq., at
Managing Committee of the Cork Courtbraek, in the south liberties
street Fever Hospital, in Cork
street, to meet the humane. wishes
of the Lord Lieutenant, havc._no
tified that eighty additional beds,
for the accommodation of patients
A _—_. _ .
77‘
labouring under contagious fever,
will be immediately opened in the
new building adjoining to the said
hospital.
Patients in the house
from last month. . 146
Admitted this month . 276—422
Discharged cured. . . . 276 ‘
Died . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Remaininginhospital.l31—~4€22
2. Derry—In the course of last
week several new cases of fever
have occurred in this city aml
neighbourhood. The booths for
the accommodation of the poor
now contain 110 patients.
Limerick —Medical Report of
the Fever Hospital for the month
ending the lst of September:—
In the house, lst of
'August....-.....167’
Since admitted . . . . . . 274—441
Cured. . . . . . .......251 '
Died...1' . . . . .t-.
Remained. . . . . . . r- . 166—441
4. Kilkenny—The following is
the state of the House of Recove
ry for, the months of July and
August. The fever is by no means,
Hatients remaining in
the house lst July. 8.0
Admitted in July. . . . 77'
Admitted in August. . 101—208
Patients dismissed cur
edin JulyandAug. 157
Died in ditto . . . . . . . 5
Remainingin the house 46—208
On Saturday the 6th, about 2
of Limerick, and having discover
ed a ladder standing against a
rick of hay, they placed it under
the window of Miss Lyons‘s bed
room, and four of them, by this
means,
78 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [SEPT.
means, succeeded in getting in. semi for a medical gentleman: a
They then proceeded to the bed messenger was dispatched at that
room of Mr.James and Mr. Denis early hour, and Dr. Carroll was
Lyons, the latter of whom, on hear called on, who immediately went
ing a noise, immediately jumped out armed, and probed and dress
out of bed, and was instantly ed the wounds, which are deep,
knocked down by a blow with a though not dangerous; the prin—
horse-pistol—when down, one of cipal fear is of fever. It is sin
the fellows stood on his hands, gular, that a very fine watch-dog,
while the remainder proceeded to which was kept in the yard, has
search the room, alternately breath not since been heard of.——Limerick
ing the most horrid threats and Advertiser.
imprecations. Mr. Lyons, find A beautiful child. about 9 years
ing that resistance would be vain, of age, walking with her mother
entreated of them to spare his (one of the visitants) on the clitf
life, and the lives of his family, at Margate, on Sunday the 9th,
and he would give them what mo was suddenly missed, and on fur
ney was in the house, his pocket ther search, it was discovered that
book, his watch, the keys of every she had fallen over the cliii', and
part of the house, and two large the tide being off, was lying dead
silver cups—but they rejected this on the beach below. '
ofi'er, and vehemently swore that We have a melancholy duty to
“ nothing would satisfy them but perform, in recording the com mit
blood or money." After an in ment to our county gaol of John
effectual search, they became much Wakefield, of Northwich, in this
e sperated, and beat the unhappy county, a person of great respecta
gentleman about the head in the bility, and carrying on the busi
most dreadful manner, and then ness of a salt proprietor, charged
retired, leaving him weltering in with the wilful murder of Richard
his blood, which flowed profusely Maddocks, a flatman, employed
from the wounds. Returning to on- the canal in that neighbour
Miss Lyons‘s room, they com hood, on' Monday evening last.
menced a search here also, and The circumstances of this afllict
found a small basket, in which ing case, as they have come to our
was about. 5 pounds in silver, knowledge, are in brief as fol
received a fews days before for lows 1—lt appears that a woman
rent of some potatoe ground—— servant, living in the house of Mr.
this they pocketed, and descended Wakefield, was acquainted with
from the window in the same the deceased ; and as Mr. \V. had
manner. They took nothing from frequent occasions to leave home,
the house but the money, and went he uniformly discovered on his
off through the field, towards Mr. return that a considerable reduc- .
Harvey's. Those ‘who came in tion had taken place in the con
were not at all disguised : the re tents of his ale cellar and larder.
mainder, it is supposed, were left His suspicion fell on this female;
outside to watch and prevent the and on Monday the 8th, being
family from getting out to raise Northwich-wake, she toul: the
an alarm.' When the fellows were opportunity with her friends of
gone, it was found necessary to availing herself-cf the festivitie;
O
Seer] CHRONICLE. 79
of the day. In the evening, Mr. docks was a good-looking man,
\Vakefield finding that she had aged about ‘Zl.—Chester Chronicle.
not returned, went on the look 8. Dublin.——Yesterday evening,
out for her, and soon found them about ten minutes after six o'clock,
both, loitering about the premises, as the Belfast day mail-coach, on
although he had frequently in its way to Dublin, arrived at
sisted on Madddcks discontinuing Lissen-hall, a short distance be
his visits. Mr. Wakefield told him yond Swords, the coachman found
to go about his business, and in his way obstructed by two carts
the end a scuffle ensued, in which being placed across the road.
Maddocks was knocked down. Soon afterwards a body of armed
He got up, and ran away. Mr. men, about ten or twelve in num
W'. who had got a sword-stick ber, appeared. The front horses
from the house, speedily followed were seized, and about the same
him, overtook him, and in the time the banditti fired three shots,
rencontrc, drawing the fatal wea one of which passed through the
pon from its sheath he passed it hat of one of the guards (Luke
through the body of Maddocks, Redford), and unfortunately took
who ran some distance before he efiect in the back part of his head,
fell. Previous to this. the girl but, we trust, will not produce
had made the best of her way any very serious result. The pas
home. About 12 o‘clock the de sengers, eleven in number, seven
ceased was found some 50 or 60 outside and four. inside, many of
yards from the place where he them females, were then rifled, in
had received his wound: he was the most brutal manner, of all
not dead, but he was speechless ; the valuable effects and property
life was nearly extinct, and in a about them. While the robbers
few minutes he breathed his last. were engaged in plundering the
The lamentable occurrence, even passengers, a post coach came up,
at that late hour, soon became in which were the Marquis of
generally known; a nomerous Donegal, his son (Lord Belfast),
body of flatmen collected, threat and another gentleman, well
ening a dreadful vengeance. Mr. armed; an attempt was made to
\Vakefield barricadoed the lower stop the post-coach, but by the
part of his house, seized a double exertions of the coachman in whip
barreled gun, and stood on the ping the horses over a large trunk,
defensive. The police officers, they most fortunately escaped.
however, arriving, Mr. \Vakefield They had not proceeded far when
quietly surrendered himself. A they met a party of horse patrol,
coroner‘s inquest was held on who immediately went in quest of
Tuesday, when a verdict was found the robbers. A foot patrol had
of Wilful Murder, and on \Vcdncs already been sent in that direc
day morning the wretched man tion, in consequence of a robbery
was lodged in our county gaol, having been committed the night
charged with the offence. On ex previous, at the house of Mr. Han
amining the body of Maddocks, it ney. \Ve have the pleasure to
was ascertained that the dirk had state, that none of the passengers
pierced his heart; another Wound in the Belfast coach have sulTered
was diitorered, also mortal! Mad anypersonal injury, and also twist
e
8Q ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [Sam
the entire of the mail bags have ranks of society, and some of our
been fortunately preserved. As most valuable fellow-citizens have
soon as information of the rob fallen its victims. It has nearly
bery arrived in town, a, very superseded all other subjects of
strong detachment of police was conversation ; and the usual chit
sent out to scour the country in cbat of the morning is converted
every direction. into anxious inquiries for the
9. The rebellion at Breslau has safety of our friends. But among
been suppressed by the energy of the poor, as may naturally be ex
the high civil and military autho pected, its progress has been most
rities. The criminals are deli-_ destructive. The tents which have
vered over to justice; and- they been erected for their reception
will be punished, with the utmost still continue crowded. Although
rigour of the law, as an example on Thursday last. 29 persons were
to those who may be tempted, to discharged as convalescent, and
imitate them. This course is ab. on Saturday 26, still 111 remain
solutely, necessary," if the govern: uncured, and most of them in
ment would not wholly lose all danger; nor is there any imme
authority. diate prospect of their numbers
Belfast.,—- Accounts. from Bel, being diminished, from the fre
fast state, that, the fever still quent daily applications to the
rages. in. the counties of Down and committee, These tents have been
Autrim. Thisdreadfiul malady erected new four,weeks, and only
has attacked almost egery._hq\_1§¢ 14 persons, young and old, have
in Downpattrick =' the; claffi'mflfl died within them, during that pe;
of the parish, the Rev. Mr. Fords, riod. This is a proof of the wis_-_
has been one of its victims. It dom and' the humanity of the
begins to spread in Belfast, but measure; and we, trust that, if
not with the symptoms steadily and judiciously conducted,
that have appeared'in other places; it will beultimately instrumental
The following mode of, prevention in arresting the progress of in
is recommended» as having Stood. fection. "
the test ofi experiment :—-A hand; Within the lastl 1 days, 59_coffins
fulof salt. being put on a plate, have been given to the poor.
pour over it a pennyworth of, oil 10. Names—It is certain that
of vitriol; shut, the windows and robbery and murder is no longer
ooors of the room for some time; committed in the open streets, but
It producas a. great smoke, and is still we stand upon a volcano, and
the most elfectual preventive to some event totally foreign to us
infection. may cause a new explosion, more
Derry.—-We lament to state, violent than that we/have already
(says the Derry Journal of Tues- experienced. To the atrocities of
day.) that the fever, with which a furious and fanatical populace
we have been so long and so se have succeeded the most deplor
verely visited in this city, and sub able of all iniquities, that of the
urbs, is not subsided. lts ra tribunals, We once hoped that
vages still proceed unchecked; this. evilwas perhaps peculiar to
every day produces new cases; it our department; but we' have
has taken its course, among all acquired the melancholy cflxmigi);
> t 8
SEBTJ (Illlt()}ll(]I.E. 81
that the influence of the persons the spot to emit smoke. The
who hold the Gard in oppression coachman sitting on his box, was
is extended at pleasure beyond its driving on towards Blackfriars
limits. The government, in order bridge, unconscious of his danger
to withdraw great criminals from or the accident that had befallen
that fatal and deplorable influence, his coach, till the passengers in
had transferred the trial of some the street apprised him of the cir
offences to the Assize Court of the cumstance, and stopped his hor
department of the Drome, and the ses. By this time the flames had
following was the result of that actually reached the hamniercloth,
proceeding: — Two unfortunate and the coachman was involved in
women (Protestants) were assassi smoke. The singularity of the
nated in their houses at Nismes. accident drew a crowd of people
Several witnesses saw the crime together, which prevented us from
committed, and recognized the learning the particulars 5 but it
perpetrators. The new Prefect, was supposed that a spark had
M. d‘Argout, whose conduct merits fallen from the houses, and kindled 1
the highest praise, caused them to some hay in the boot of the coach,
be arrested, and the witnesses, in which was open. The passengers
spite of menaces and intrigues, within immediately alighted, with
had the courage to declare the out any injury, and the fire was
truth. The prisoners were how soon extinguished.
ever scandalously acquitted. One One of those melancholy events,
indeed was detained on another which have too frequently occurred
charge; the other and the wit in the neighbourhood of the Lakes,
nesses for the defence arrived here took place at Winderrnere on Fri
in a sort of triumphal state, in day the lQth. Mr. Greaves, of
carriages decorated with branches Bowness, and Lieutenant Satter
of trees. thwaite, of Hawkeshead, accom
This evening, soon after seven panied by a young man of the
o’clock, a fire broke out at the name of Fisher, were sailing for
house of Mr. Salisbury, a dealer a trifling wager, when a gust of
in clothes near Holborn-bridge. wind suddenly arising, and the
in Fleet-market. His extensive Lieutenant‘s boat carrying too
premises were soon entirely de much sail, she was upset, and un
stroyed, and those of his neigh fortunately he and his companions
bours on both sides were much were drowned.
damaged. The speedy arrival of His Royal Highness the Prince
the engines, and the extraordinary Regent visited the coast of France,
activity with which they played from whence he was landed at
upon the parts affected, subdued Brighton, in safety and in high spi
in a short time the violence of the rits,on Saturday afternoon the 18th,
conflagration, and prevented its at 1 o'clock, having been four days
further spread, except to a few and three nights at sca ! On
small buildings behind, which Thursday morning, the yacht and
were very much injured. A hack ships of war stood off for the coast
ney-coach which had passed the of France, but the wind shifting
premises while the fire was raging to the southward, a boat was des
was seen at a little distance from patched to the shore for the
Von. LIX Prince‘s
 so AN NlUAL REGETER, 11817. iS£rw.
Princefs Lletters. They all again taken his degree of Master of
stood over for the French coast, Arts -. his friend (a'yenr younger)
and were off Dieppe, close in with ~felt-emu-lous of his example, and
the :land, eui'lyonFniday morning; gave marks of the highest promise
when [communication being had, --but they are no momnBr-niol
“the yacht and squadron cruised Journal, 13.
across the Channel again. and is. lo the middle of last De
reached Brighton at one o‘clock cember, a. respectable farmer
.on Saturday, when the Prince named Howard, whose age on
=landed, regretting that, his pre the (lay of his death was 90, was
.lence being required in :town, he murdered in his own house, within
was obliged to disembark. His three miles of Uxbridge. Thesi
Royal Highness slept on board tuation of the house is peculiarly
three nights. He was gratified solitary, being surrounded with
:beyond description, and enjoyed trees and fronted by a large lake,
the highest state of hegdnh and where now and then u fishing-boat
spinits’ during the whole of the was to be seen. The family, which
excursion. were almost the only inhabitants
'We have the painful duty to within a very extensive circuit,
announce the following lament consisted of the venerablefilmlfl,
able intelligence :--—-Mr. Charles his grandson, and an aged female
Joseph Hellicar, Delhi of Mag servant. The fondness of Mr.
..dalenCollege, Oxford, eldest son Howard for his grandson, Bond,
of Mr. Joseph Hellicar, of thiscity, received no interruptionlrom the
and Mr. George Greeley S. Whit moment of the birth of the latter,
Achurch, student of Baliol College, who was taught to look upon the
youngest son of the late Mr. S. property of his grandfather as his
\Vhitchurch, during the present inheritance. The old man had
yacation were at- Guernsey, and stock in the Bank of England, and
wishing to visit France, sailed on took much pleasure in the journey
.theuft'ernoon of .the lfith of Au to London to receive his dividends,
gust for ‘Ciherburg. Some few which amounted to 801. quarterly.
hours afterwards the wind changed A few days before the murder, he
and became violent, and it is be. had been upon one of those jour
lieved the fury of the. gale met neys, and on his return, being
their yessel .whilst phasing the Weary, he retired to rest. He
Race of ‘Alderuey, and that they never rose again. Upon the re
there perished. No account of turn of Bond from some occupa
the vessel having reached any tion at six o‘clock in the evening,
French port, and more than a he found his grandfather dead.
month having elapsed without’im Near him lay a large crab-stick,
telliggnm to any of the parties upon which was to quantity of
nounected with the suflbrers either blood. The body 'wus dreadfully
in Guernsey or England, the me disfigured, and the front of the
lancholy inference is too obvious. head was not distinguishable from
Mr.llellicar was in his 22d year -, the back. The old housekeeper
qt a very early age he had/received was lying senseless on the ground.
the highest classical honours of Bond immediately ran 90 the h
the University, and had lately hourers employed in the sdiaccnt
? meadows
Saran] CHRONICLE. 88
meadows, and described the mur called on to tell what she knew.—
der that had taken place, exhibit She knew nothing, but that some.
ing all those symptoms so natural body came behind her, in the
to a relative of the deceased. They kitchen, and struck .her so violent
all repaired to the house of Mr. a blow that she fell senseless on
Howard. They examined the the ground, and that the fright
apartments, but no violence had had never left her .since. .Some
been done to any part. It seemed time before this, she had been
to have been the act of some mis waiting upon her master, who was
creant, who either was influenced then in health; upon recovering
solely by revenge, or so horror_ she saw him a corpse. The pet:
struck at the deed which he found son who struck her spoke, but
necessary to perform before his was not seen by her._ A report
object of plunder could. be accom previously existed that the old
plished, as to fly from his first in man had a long. time ago madca
tention. There was, however, one will, .in which he bequeathed all
remarkable circumstance which he was worth in the vworld to his
excited suspicion against the grandson, but that some circum
grandson. The old man was in stances had recently "occurred
the habit of carrying the key of which rendered it probable that
his bureau in the left pocket of his an alteration was meditated in the
waistcoat. The housekeeper was disposal of the property. .It (is
acquainted with his ways, and that said that the grandson showed
there were private drawers in the much impatience upon hearing
bureau which could be known to this suspicion, and an inference
no stranger. The old gentleman unfavourable was then drawn from
had received his 30L, and he must his conduct at the idea ofsuffering
have deposited it in one of those any disappointment. The magis
secret drawers. If the object of trate discharged him; but those
the murderer was revenge, the who were interested; believed the
money must be in the drawer, for case to be one of the vilest in the
it was locked. The suggestion catalogue of murders. Itwas a
was attended to, the bureau was singular fact thatthe old man's will
broken open, but no money was was afterwards found open. Upon
to be found. Every eye was fixed being read, the inheritance was
on the grandson, who did not found to devolve upon-his grand
show the slightest sign of con son, who was put in possession
fusion. On the contrary, he agreed immediately after his discharge.
in the general opinion, that the Bond returned to the house, buried
robber must be the murderer, and his grandfather, and-lived in the
that he could have been“~ no same solitary place. Months rolled
stranger. He invited investiga on, and still \no tidings of the
tion, for the sake of his own murderer. The agitation of Us:
character; and for the blood of bridge began to subside, when a
his grandfather he called for a few days ago it wastrevived with
strict inquiry into the dreadful the greatest» violence. . A ,gentle
case. He was taken before a man sent to the Bank- two-notes,
magistrate. The housekeeper was one for 201. and ~another for lOl.
G ‘2 The
 v

84 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [Sent

The Bank were not idle upon 17 . A most melancholy accident
hearing of the murder. The num— happened in the family of Sir John
bers of the notes which were paid Thomas Stanley, Bart. Three of
i to Mr. Howard when he went to the maids had the charge of batl -
receive his dividend had been ing Sir John's youngest daughter,
taken, and the necessary order for and at the time of high water they
stopping them issued. Those very repaired to the bathing-place,
notes for 201; and for 101. were where it seems they all stripped
the notes which had been taken to bathe, and, shocking to relate,
out of Mr. Howard‘s bureau. The the four were found drowned.
Directors of the Bank, with all Every means to restore life were
that alacrity so laudable upon the tried ineffectually for four or five
occasion, traced the notes through hours, by Dr. Parry, of Holyhead,
about thirty hands, and at last and Dr. Roberts, of Carnarvon.
came within three miles of Ux Lady Maria was from home when
bridge, and found them in the the accident happened, and it is
hands of Bond. The grandson easier to conceive than to describe
was immediately conveyed to town. the distress that was visible at her
By the advice of an experienced first interview with SirJohn (who
barrister, the bill for the robbery had been a witness to all the ex
was yesterday presented to the periments tried on the bodies).
grand jury at Clerkenwell. After The suil‘erers were Alice Witcher,
the examination of thirty-five aged 33 ; Elizabeth Jackson, aged
witnesses, it was found a true bill. 21 ; Charlotte Andrews, aged 20;
Liverpool.—We are very sorry to all from Northwich: and Miss El;
find, that a severe epidemic fever, frida Susannah Stanley, aged three
of the typhus kind, is now raging years and eight months.
among the lower classes of the peo 18. This day a General Court
ple in this town. We understand of Proprietors was held at the
that the large and well'arranged Bank of England to consider of a
Fever Hospital belonging to the dividend. The meeting was also
town is actually overflowing, and one of the Quarterly General
that a number of patients are neces— Courts appointed by the charter.
sarily provided with accommoda About 12 o‘clock, Mr. Harman,
tions elsewhere.--Liverpool Courier. the Governor, took the chair, and
. E'anlgfort.——All the Protestant after stating the object of the
universities of Germany have been meeting, moved to declare that a
invited to send, by the end of dividend should be made of 51.
October, deputations to the cha per cent. interest and profit for the
teau of W'arburg, near Eisenach, half year ending on the 10th day
in the Grand Duchy of Saxe of October next.
\Veimar, where a grand fete is to The Hon Mr. Bouvcrie moved
be celebrated, in honour of the an amendment, consisting of the
Reformation. It was in this cha resolutions to the following etl‘ect:
teau that Luther resided for several 1. That by the 19th by-law of
years, under the protection of the this corporation, this Court is call
Dukes of Saxe, when ordered to ed on to consider the state and
be arrested by Charles V, condition
SEPT] CHRONICLE 85
condition thereof, previous to a circumstances it was determined
declaration of a dividend. to apply to government for aid,
2. That this Court has no and that a general collection should
means afforded them to pay obe again be madeon Sunday se’nnight
dience to this enactment, although in the different places of worship -
similar demands have been con in the city and neighbourhood, in
tinually made, on similar occa aid of the almost exhausted funds
sions, without such necessary in of these institutions—Cork Chron.
formation. Extract of a letter from Down
3. That this Court is induced, patriclc, dated Sept. 16.-—“ Ty
solely by the reliance it has on the phus fever is very prevalent in
full responsibility of each and every this town ; at present 100 persons
of the Directors, for any errone labour under that malignant dis
ous application of the profits of case."-—Freeman’s Journal.
the corporation, or any undue ‘20. Belfast—We have just heard
withholding of the same, to order, from Armagh, that the fever has
as it does thereby order, that become so alarming, that a town
[here followed the words of the meeting is to be held for the pur
original resolution, moved by the pose of devising the best means of
Governor, declaringthe half- yearly preventing the disease from ex
dividend of 5 per cent.] tending its baleful ravages—Bel
Sir Thomas Turtnn seconded fast News Letter.
the amendment, which was put On Saturday morning as two
and negatived. fishermen from the parish of
The original motion was imme‘ Ruthwcll were traversing the
diately put and carried. sands of the Solway Frith, oppo
A minute of the proceedings was site the Priestside, about four
then drawn up and read, and it miles within highwater mark,
was ordered, that the warrants they were alarmed by an extraor
for payments of the dividends dinary noise, and having directed
should be made out for the llth their steps towards the spot from
of October ; after which the Court whence it proceeded, discovered a
adjourned. whale floundering in the shallow
19. Carin—A meeting of the water, and endeavouring in vain
Committees of the House of Re to extricate itself from its perilous
covery and Dispensary was held situation. It was groaning so
on Monday and Wednesday, at loud as to be heard at the distance
the Commercial-buildings, to as of nearly a mile. The fishermen,
certain the health of the city, with astonished and terrified, used no
respect to the contagious fever. means of securing the monster,
The result of both which meetings and the tidemoon afterwards fiow~
was, that the number of cases ing, covered it, without, however,
was found to be notless than four affording it sufficient depth to
hundred (including 300 in the float. When the sea retired, it
two houses), and that its progress was found dead, having been pro
latterly was directed towards the bably suffocated, from its being
upper classes, and marked with unable, in that situation, to raise
peculiar severity, Under these its head above the water so as to
inhale
86 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [Seer
inhale air, which is essential to usually, have one tooth or horn,
its “existence. Assistance being sometimes even two, growing out
procured, 'it was' quickly cut to of the forepart of the upper jaw,
pieces, and the blubber was car whence they derive the name of
ried to shore in carts. This whale Monodon ; but no such peculiarity
seems to have been of the Nar was to be discovered in this animal}.
whal 'or Monodon genus; diifer 23. A most extensive fraud on
ing, however, in some particulars the revenue has been detected at
from any that We have yet seen Liverpool. The particulars de
described. Its skin was about tected are these :—A large lighter
the eighth of an inch in thickness, was fitted out as a foreign mer
of‘a glossy and dusky black, in chantman, with false deck and
appearance somewhat resembling sides, with masts, sails, and rig
Indiap rubber, but of a darker ging : she was entered out at the
hue. "Its length from the tip of Custom-house for another coun
the snout to the extremity of the try, and a very valuable cargo
tail Was 36' feet; its height at shipped on board; the goods se
the shoulder about 8 feet; and lected were those on which the
its greatest horizontal thickness greatest drawbacks are given, or
about four feet and a half. The rather the whole duties paid on
head was not easily to be distin importation were to be returned,
guished from the rest of the body, The vessel sailed round the rock
and ended in a snout, about tWo or point of land into the Irish
feet long, projecting rather ab-' channel; her false sides were
ru'ptly, and tapering gradually knocked in, her masts struck, and
towards the extremity." The back having every appearance, of a
was ridged, and had a'. fin issuing lighter, she sailed again up the
fretn it, about five 'or six feet from river Mersey to Runcorn (a short
the extremity of -the tail. This distance from Liverpool), where
fin was triangular, a little hollow the cargo was landed and sent by
ed in the back part, inclined to different conveyances to London.
wards the tail, and a foot in The officers have got notice of the
height. The swimming paws Were transaction, and have traced the
nearly of the same size. There goods to town, and several seiz
was- only one blow-hole situated ures were made in the city on
OVer the nape of the neck. The Monday. It is not known to
mouth was very small, not larger what extent this fraud has been
than would have easily admitted a carried, or what length of time it
man‘s arm, and entirely destitute has continued 3 but it is believed
of teeth or horny plates. The that the parties concerned had
lobes of the'tail, which were practised it with polts in the Irish'
horizontal, had a direction away channel for such a length of time
from the body, and were blunt withoutmeeting interruption, that
and rounded at the tip. they were emboldened, and brought
blubber Wasv from one inchThe
to
the goods to a short distance from
four,'an'd even sixinches in thick Liverpool, being more convenient
ness, and seemed to be full of very for them; The detection is stated
hood. The Narwhal species, to have taken place in the most
simple
fiMJ CHRUNECLL W
simple way, a lighterman saying; day- last, about the hour' of ‘ ninej‘
on the quay at Liverpool, that‘ Captain-Johnson, late paymns'ter.
pepper and other colonialiprcduc ofithe-Waterford'militin, his firmi
tions were landing at Runcorn, 1y, and Mr. Surridge, of Ross;
and that he wouldrwish to have who had thatdaypaid them a visit,
such a job. No lighter could be were sitting in the parlour, some
traced to have'left Liverpool.- An of them. amusing themselves with
investigation immediately. took cards, and-others engaged in con"
place, which has brought this has versutiona. Mrs; Johnson had 0c
gitious' business to light. casion to leave the company on
some family-business, and‘she re-
From the London. Gazette. quested her husband to take hei‘f
In pursuance of the directions; place at the card'table; The'par;
of an act-,. passed in‘the 37th year lour where the party were is low,
of'the reignlrof his present Majesty and the windows :it a very short
King; George 111., intituied " Ant distance from the ground. On
Act for confirmingand continuing; Mrs. Johnson’s return, she went
for a limited ' time, the restriction to thowindow f0r= the purpose of
containedin the minute of Coun lookingnt the state of the weather;
cil, of the-26th of February, 1797, on opening the upper shutters, she
on payments of cash by the Bank ;"' suddenly exclaimed, that she saw
and also of the several acts. since at man‘ under the window; Mr.
passed, format-inning and amandl Johnson immediately opened all
ing the. same ; the. shutters, and thre\vr*upethe'
[do hereby direct, that there sash, when he'heheld 'tw-o or'threef
be inserted forthwith in the-Lon-r men in fronlr'oti the himse. On
don Gazette, the following, notice inquiringafrom them their busi
from the Governor and, Company; ness at that hour of the night, a'
of the Bank; of England, dated“ pistdl,-‘ or blunderbuss; was in-'
1.8th September, 1817, namely :-~ stantl'y presented; and fired in his?
“ That; on and‘ after the lst. face. Part of the shot wounded
October next, the Bank will be him above the left eye, and 'pro~
ready to pay cash fun-their notes' fuso'bleeding» followed, but this‘
of every descriptiom dated prior. wound'was afterwards found not
to the lst January, 1817." to be of a serious nature. As
CHARLES Mmuens' Surrou',’ there were no arms in the-house,
Speakers the family retired up; stairsi‘to-a
September ‘29, l8l1. bed~room over the kitchen, and
locked the > (1001'; they were fired
9.5. H'uterfurd - Chronicle.~—-lt at in passing through the lobby.
has. become. our painful duty- to; The house consists ofitwowings;
detail the particulars of an outrage the lied-room ‘ is on - the side» oppo—
of the: most cruel- nudisauguiunry site to the. parlour; and at no great
harbarity,v perpetrated at “Springs-9 distance from the ground. Seve-v
hill, in'the countyof \Vaturfouk ral: shuts were'then tired through
adjoining; theiroad to Passage, andi the bed-room window; some of
at the distance'of‘three-miles from? whichv shattered" the frames to!
this city.. 'On theuightzof sTues— pieces; and Flndged; inthe ceililng.
e
 88 ANNUAL REGISTER, 18l7. [Saran
The number of the assailants was bed-room window, he called out
eight; five of them gained ad “ murder!“ On this, Mr. John
missiOn into the house, probably son went to the window, and was
through the parlour window, and again fired at, the shots entering
three remained on the outside. his left breast, and the wounds
Those who entered went to the bed inflicted by them depriving him of
room door and tried the lock, but all power of exertion. The family
did not attempt to enter by force. remained in this condition till
They remained in the house about their enemies had left the house.
three quarters of an hour. When A gold watch and considerable
the family reached the bed-room, property were exposed to their
Mr. Surridge made his escape view, and wholly at their com
through the window, with the mand, but it is not yet fully known
manly design of procuring assist that they carried any thing of
ance under such fearful and peri with them except some keys. At
lous circumstances; but he had length, one of the Misses Johnson
not proceeded far when he was repaired to the house of Mr.
overtaken and seized by two fel Usher, a magistrate, who, ac
lows, one of whom presented a companied by his nephew, Mr.
pistol, while the other urged his Hewson, returned with her to her
associate to blow out the brains father's, and entered most zealous
of their captive. The last of these ly into the transaction which had
savage ruifians had a butcher’s taken place, and afterwards went
knife in his possession, with which in pursuit of the criminals. A
he made a blow at Mr. Surridge, servant was despatched to this
and cut him dreadfully over the city, with a request for the im
muscular part of the left arm. mediate attendance of Dr. Poole ;
Mr. Surridge then seized the knife and here another feature of this
with both his hands, but the fellow inhuman transaction unfolded it
turned it in his grasp, and it cut self. The messenger was en
severely both his thumbs. Mr. countered near Cove by the assail
Surridge was knocked down in ants, deprived of his horse, and
this terrific scuflle, but escaped in threatened with death if he should
a manner which his situation has dare to proceed. This circum
prevented him from being able ac stance delayed Dr. Poole’s arrival
curately to explain. He crossed at Mr. Johnson’s till five o'clock
the Pill to the opposite side, but yesterday morning, no information
fell down through loss of blood, having reached him till four.
and remained in a state of insen There were three wounds in the
sibillty for a considerable time. chest, but only two balls (slugs)
At length, however, he reached have yet been found and extracted.
the house of Mr. Cotton, where he The knife by which Mr. Surridge
still remains, and where he has was wounded, and the cuff of a
experienced the most humane at coat, were found on the spot where
“ tention from that gentleman and the struggle occurred. One of the
his family, and from the neigh banditti wore crape on his face;
hours of Mr. Cotton. When Mr. the rest were undisguised.
Surridge had escaped from the ‘26. Yesterday, about One o'clock
at
Sam] CHRONICLE. 89
at noon, a Welchman, named imprecations threatened to destroy
David OWen, a cow-keeper, came any person who should dare to
to town from Edmonton, and approach him. This threat, to
proceeded to the house of one gether with the impression of the
Jones, his brother-in-law, who is horrible scene before them, and
also a cow-keeper, resident in the circumstance of Owen (who
Gibraltar-row, Prospect-place, St. is a remarkably large and power
George's-fields. After knocking ful man) being armed with two
at the door he was admitted to the knives, completely deterred the
room on the ground floor, where multitude, though soon consisting
Jones, with his wife and maid of many hundreds, from attempt
servant, was at dinner. After ing to enter the house. Police
sitting for a few minutes, he start ofiicers, however, were sent for,
ed up, and with two knives, (with and on their arrival and after the
which he had provided himself be interval of nearly an hour, it was
fore his visit,) he rushed to the determined to break into the
execution of his execrable pur house and seize the desperate vil
pose. He first attacked the man lain. For this purposc'a great
Jones, whom he wounded dread number of persons armed with
fully in the belly and the head, so pokers and crow-bars, some with
as for some seconds to deprive ladders at the windows, and some
him of sense and motion. He on the ground, madd'a simulta
then flew at Mrs. Jones, his own neous attack on the house, and
sister, and inflicted upon her se bursting it open above and below,
veral shocking wounds : he stab rushed in with great force. They
bed her in the forehead, cut her found Owen on the first landing
severely though not dangerously place, standing with an air of de
between two of her ribs, and fiance, and whetting his knives
having thrust his knife in her one upon the other, as if for the
mouth, drew it clean through the purpose of rendering them more
face to the ear, laccrating her effectually murderous. One of
tongue, and laying the cheek the officers, however, without a
completely Open. The ruflian moment‘s delay, struck him a
last struck at the servant-girl, violent blow with a crow-bar on
whom he seriously cut in the face the head, which knocked off his
and one of her hands, besides di hat and staggered him; and ano
viding the main artery of her arm. ther instantly took advantage of
The poor wretches, though faint his tottering, seized one of his
and almost insensible with terror legs, and threw him on the
and loss of blood, contrived to ground. Still the rnfl'ian was able
make their way into thc street, to resist, which he did so obsti
where they were immediately ob nately, that the officers were com
served by their neighbours, and pelled to beat and even wound
were carried into the adjoining him severely about the face and
houses till medical assistance could body, before he was subdued to a
be procured. In the mean time state of acquiescence; they then
the assassin had fastened the door put him into a hackney-eoach,
of Jones’s vhouse, and with load and conveyed him to the prison in
It; ' Horseznonger
 ANNUAL REGISTER; 1s] :7. [SAM-.
Horsemongerrlane, thousands of: and women were reduced to near.
the multitude attending the coach, ly, a stateof insensibility through
with arms. of various kinds, in, intoxication.
order to prevent the possibilityof 28. Barticulars of the distress»
his escape. ing fire which occurred at Neus
While this was goingon, surg tadt, in the duchy, of . Holstein.
gicalv aidhad been procuredfor. The fire originated in. the house
the wounded, and the resultrof the of adistiller. Onlyfive dwellings:
examination made by Mr. Dixon, in the whole- town escaped the
surgeon, of Newington, was, that general confiagration; and not,
he considered the husband» likely fewer than 1,400 inhabitants have
to die, the .wife dreadfully though been left without- the means- of.
not mortally wounded, and the, shelter. This unfortunate place,
girl, though very seriouslyhurt, has. an excellent harbour, on. the-_
likelyto recover. The manand Baltic, and veryextensive expediw
the servant were at the recon)? tions . were despatched .frorn, it, at 1
mendation of ;. the surgeon taken; the, time during which Lubeck
to one of the hospitals in the B0 was occupied by the French. A
rough. Mrs. Jones was carried. great > quantity of . corn. is.said.. to L
back to her own house, have been consumed in .the ,ware
The Norwegian brigBergetta, houses on this disastrous occasion.
Captain Peterson, was wreck~ , Every attempt was made to save,_
ed on Cefn1-Sidan Sands, in Cars; the-merchants! stores from; the;
marthen Bey.- She was , bound-g flames, butunfprtunately-without.
from Barcelonafor S-tetti-n, with, efi‘eet, owing, tot/the. high, wind,».
a cargo of wine, spirits, &c..when, which increased theirfury.
the master losing his reckoning, 30, We are sorry to. relate-.11..v
owing to a thick; fog, fell‘into the] dreadful accident which happepeds
fatal error of taking the coast of near Kirby-parsonage, Bungay,
Devon for that of France, and, the residence of the, Rev. Mr.
acted underv that persuasion. So', Wilson. Two very.) fine young»,
circumstanced, a violent gale, to-_, men, both under. twenty years,
gather, with: the .tide, drovethe. the Hon. Messrs. Keppel,‘ sons of.
vessel into the Bristol channel, the Earl of Albemarle, went out;
and she struck upon thevabotje. with their guns, and in.getting._,
sands, and, in the space of two through a hedge thepcoatotfitheh
or three hours, went t0.piece5. one . caught, the; other's trigger,
The master and crew, with great; and the whole contents pf thegnn;
difficulty, got into. the boat, and g lodged in his. brother’s leg. The.
were all happily saved. Notwith youth _ not wounded rendered hisz
standing the greatest exertions on , brother every assistance possible,
thepart of the officers ofqthelCus—l» but, finding.,he, could .not remove___
toms, supported by several gentle him, or do. him. any permanent,
men and others,- acts of - plunder: good, fledv with the, greatestspeed.
were committed to a considerablei for medical aid, whichmhappenedf
extent. Of 266*pipes and-casks most unfortunately to be,at., a;
of wine, &c. not above lOO'JNWE; great distance; and, sad .to relate,
been- saved ! Hundreds of; men, on his return. with. asurg'eornhe
found
[Ocr. CHRONICLE 91
found his brother had bled to ofi the explosion, andshad most of
death. the windows broken ; the windows
of several other houses at Ore were
also partially broken 5 and the ef
OCTOBER. fect was extended to Faversham
(although a mile distant), where
3. About ‘20 minutes before se the windows of several houses
ven in the morning, the coming were similarly injured. The sound
house of the gunpowder works of the explosion was heard in the
belonging to John Hall, Esq. at direction of the wind, which was
Ore, near Faversham, containing easterly, for nearly 10 miles.
about 1‘2 barrels of powder, blew 4. Disturbances at Worcester.—
up with a tremendous explosion, This city has been the scene of a.
levelling instantly every part of dangerous riot. On the 7th of
the building to its foundation, Augusta meeting of freemen of
and spreading the massy timbers Worcester took place at the Hop
in every direction. At the moment pole Inn, to consider the best
of. the explosion there were three means of removing certain en
men employed therein, whose bo croachments alleged to have been
dies were literally blown to pieces, made on Pitcheroft, on which
the scattered fragments of their ground the freemen have a limited
limbs being found at considerable right to depasture cattle, &c. A
distances from the spot. Their committee was appointed to inves
names were—Thomas Wanstall, tigate the subject : on the 25th of
aged 18 years; John RobinsonM August the committee announced
45; and James Philpot, 24 ; the that they had unanimously resolv
latter has left a wife and child to ed to serve notices on all persons
liewail his fate. In this, as in all who had encroachments on Pitch
former instances of a like nature, croft,to remove them on or before
no cause can be assigned for the the 29th of September 3 but sub
lamentable event, other than the sequently considering that the re~
nature of the process in the corn movel of the whole of them would
ing-house, certainly the most, be attended with great loss to a
dangerous in the manufactory; charity which derived a consider
but in this instance it is the more able income from them, they
remarkable, from the machinery deemed it most desirable to direct
having been put in motion by the removal of those buildings and
water flowing with a regular cur fences only which appeared most '
rent. Had the accident happened obnoxious, and which the parties
10 or 1‘: minutes sooner, its con— interested agreed to remove be
sequences Would have been more fore the QDth of September. Not
fatal, as Mr. Johnson. the over withstanding, however, all these
seer of the works, and five other endeavours to prevent any breach
persons, were in attendance at the
of the public peace, the expecta
building, removing 10 barrels of.tions of'the committee were dis
powder. The house and mill of appointed.
Mr. Ashenden, at Ore, receiveda On the morning of Monday last,
severe shock from the concussion between- eight and nine o‘clock,
,f- ~ \~ / numbers
92 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [Oc'r.
numbers of persons began to as bers ; but no disturbance took
semble in the neighbourhood of place, and the city is again per
the encroachments, and when suf fectly tranquil. The cavalry still
ficient numbers were collected, remain in town. The damage done
they commenced the demolition of is very considerable, and the place
fences and buildings of all de attacked presents a singular scene
scriptions which were not strong of devastation : not only have
enough to resist their efi‘orts, fences been levelled, but buildings
and totally destroyed an inhabited of various descriptions either to
house. Information being con tally or partially destroyed, and of
veyed to the magistrates of these course plunder has as usual ac
riotous acts, they proceeded to the companied riot ; the timber-yards
spot, where the riot act was read; have been robbed of articles to a
but neither this measure nor re considerable amount. The greater
monstrances producing any efi'ect, part of the places destroyed are
and the civil power being found not included in the encroachments
quite inadequate to the task of which the committee ordered to
dispersing the mob, it was resolv be removed. Twelve persons have
ed (about 12 o'clock) to require been committed to the city gaol,
the assistance of the \Vorcester charged either with being con—
shire yeomanry cavalry. The few cerned in the riot, or with having
members of this corps who re abetted those who were ; and war
sided in the city and vicinity as rants are out against others. The
sembled with all possible dispatch, mob used every effort to irritate
and in the afternoon Col. Cocks,“ the cavalry, and two persons were
arrived: it was not, however, apprehended (one by Col. Cocks)
thought advisable to conduct the in the act of throwing stones at
yeomanry to the scene of the riot, them.
for by the time they had assem 6. Common. Hall.—Election for
bled, the disorder had in a great Lord-Mayor. -— Seventh and Last
measure ceased ; they accordingly Daryl—At the usual hour the poll
remained in the streets of the city closed, and the numbers were de
until eight in the evening, when clared as foilows :——
it was announced to them that Mr. Ald. Smith . . . . . 2,273
their services were no longer re Mr. Aid. Atkins . . . 1,585
quired. Late in the evening and Lord Mayor . . . . . . . 8'27
on the following morning new Mr. Ald. Goodbehere . 763
outrages were committed ; it was 7. The whole interior and exte
therefore deemed advisable yes rior of the New Mint, together
terday morning again to call out with the military way and adjoin
the yeomanry, and to have the ing edifices, has been lighted with
civil power in attendance; the gas, by means of an apparatus
magistrates also issued various erected by government, within
hand-bills, warning the populace the walls of the Mint. The gas
of the punishment which awaited for illuminating this establishment
a continuance of riot. In the af is prepared, not by distilling coal
ternoon the yeomanry cavalry had in retorts, but by means of a 10
assembled in considerable num fect cylinder, which revolves ho-.
‘ rizontally
Coat] CHRONICLE.
rizontally round its axis, and pro
duces every 24 hours a sufficient
quantity of gas to light 1,600
lamps. The purification of the
crude gas is efl‘ccted in its nascent
state by chlorine, instead of quick
lime, and all the inlet and outlet
mains and branch pipes are made
to open and shut by self-acting
mercurial valves. The quantity of
gas daily made, and consumed by
the burners and lamps, is recorded
in the absence of the observer by
a machine, impelled and kept in
motion by the elasticity of the
gas. The efl‘ect of the numerous
lights scattered upon so extensive
a scale, over the beautiful ma
chinery of the coining processes,
is uncommonly striking; and the
New Mint now exhibits the most
elegant establishment of the kind
in the world.
8. Petersburgh.—lntelligence has
been received from General Yer
malofl', the Russian ambassador
to Persia. He has been treated
with the greatest distinction since
he passed the Persian frontiers.
He found at several post-stages,
for his usc, white horses from the
royal stud, which are ordinarily
employed only by the King and
his family. Besides his general
mission to maintain a good un
derstanding between Russia and
Persia, he has also private instruc
tions, embracing objects relating
to commerce and the sciences. Se
veral officers will quit the Lega
tion at Ispahan to proceed to the
ports of the princes whose states
are situated between Persia and
the British possessions in the East
Indies. These states are more or
less towards the south of Russia
in Asia, and it is therefore wished
93
to establish commercial relations
with them.
9. Louth.--In the night of
Tuesday, the 7th instant, Thomas
Hall, aged about 70, and Mary
Grant, his housekeeper, of about
the same age, who had many
years resided by themselves in a
very lonely cottage in Theddle
thorpe, about 12 miles from
Louth, in Lincolnshire, were most
inhumanly murdered by some
diabolical monster or monsters in
human shape, who entered the
back wall of the house bya breach
made therein for the bloody pur
pose. The dead bodies of these
unfortunate victims were first dis
covered about three o‘clock in the
afternoon of \Vednesday the 8th
instant, by some labourers, who
expected Hall to meet them, at
a previous hour, to assist in some
work at a drain, near his house,
and who, after waiting beyond the
time appointed for his attendance,
proceeded to asCertain the cause
of his absence, by calling upon
him, when, after observing large
quantities of blood, which had
streamed through the floors of the
upper rooms upon the floors and
furniture of those below, they
advanced up stairs into the two
bed-chambers, in one of which
they beheld the appalling specta
cle of the mangled corpse of the
housekeeper, placed in a sitting
posture upon the floor, with her
back against the wall, having on
her stays and under petticoat, and,
in the other, the still more terrific
object of her dead master, lying
with his face upon the floor, and
having on no apparel but his
shirt. '
Upon the arrival of the coroner
and
94 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [Gen
and jury to view this scene of bed-room, were found near him
carnage, on the 9th instant, the newly broken from the shaft, and
bodies, but more particularly that covered with blood; but neither
of Mr. Hall, exhibited almost the shaft nor any other instru
every conceivable mark of the ment which had been used in the
most sanguinary barbarity. Many murders could be discovered. The
savage blows had been inflicted various stabs in the bodies seemed
upon his head and face, an at to have been inflicted by such a
tempt had been made to cut his knife as butchers use in slaughter
throat, in defending which he was ing cattle; and, from some cir
deeply stabbed in various parts of cumstances, it is supposed that
both arms, and one of his fingers when the murders had been com
was nearly severed by a cut; in pleted, the delinquents proceeded
his shoulders, legs, and thighs, he to rummage the house in search
had also many deep stabs; but of money and other valuables, as
the most furious attack appears there were found upon the bed
to have been upon the trunk of where Hall had slept, a tea-pot con
his body, where four deep wounds taining two 101. notes, and just by
were discovered, one large enough the tea-pot one other 101. note, and
to admit three or four fingers scattered upon the floor, near the
quite through into the stomach, body, seven guineas in gold, and
another on the left side of the several silver table and tea-spoons ;
navel, and two more (the fatal but that, suddenly alarmed by the
wounds) which penetrated be songs and shouts of some persons
tween the ribs, on the left side, who were returning by Hall‘s
through the left lobe of the lungs house from a harvest supper, be
into the left ventricle of the heart. tween 11 and 12 o'clock in the
Dreadful blows had been inflicted night of the murders, the barba
upon the head and face of the rians instantly extinguished their
housekeeper, who was also stab light, and decamped without their
bedquite through one of her arms, plunder.
and terribly stabbed in various 9. Dublin Castle.--The-EarlTal
other parts of her body, the fatal bot, who embarked at Holyhead;
stab having been directed through at five o’clock on Wednesday, the
her left nostril into the brain. 8th instant, on board his Majes
Thus terminated the existence ty‘s yacht the" William and Mary,
of those aged, harmless, and irr arrived in this harbour at one
olfensive people, whose struggles o‘clock" p. m. this day. His lord
to save their lives against this ship, on his arrival in Dublin,
murderous attack must have w'as'received by the Lord-mayor,
been very great; and there is Aldermen, SheritYs, and Commons
hardly a doubt but the person or of the city of Dublin. His 16rd¢
persons ‘who committed these ship, attended by a squadron of
bloody deeds must have been drago'ons, proceeded to the Can}
wounded in the conflict, particu& tle, and the Council having as;
larly as the prongs of a hay-fork, sernbied' at four o‘clock, was'ini
which Hall used to keep in his troduced‘in form to his Excellency
Earl
 0m CHRONICLE. ~95
Ein'l Whitworth, who received streets, from the people, who tes
him sitting under the canopy of tified their regard by repeated
state in the Presence Chamber, wishes for his welfare and safe
from whence a procession was return to England.
made in the usual state to the There were more prisoners for
Council Chamber. The Council trial at the Old Bailey sessions
sitting, his lordship‘s commission which terminated on Tuesday,
was read, and the oaths being ad than at any preceding session. The
ministered to him, his lordship number was 476, of which there
was invested with the collar of were——
the most illustrious order of St. Convicted of capital of
Patrick, and received the Sword Felonies......,_......
fences.... . . . . .
of State from the Earl Whitworth.
His Excellency afterwards repair Manslaughter . . . . . . . . 3
ed to the Presence Chamber, and Frauds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
received the compliments of the Acquitted.. 101
nobility and other persons of dis
tinction upon his safe arrival, and Total tried . . . . .
taking upon him the government Remains to be tried at
of Ireland. the Admiralty Ses
10. This day, at three o‘clock, sions.... . . . . . 1
v the Earl Whitworth, late Lord Ordered to be removed
lieutenant of Ireland, left the for trial at the assizes 4
Castle, in order to embark on Remain for trial next
board his Majesty's yacht the Wil~ sessions . . . . . . . . . . . 7
liam and Mary, on his return to Discharged for want of
England. prosecution . . . . . . . . 15
His Excellency Earl Talbot, Ditto by Proclamation,
Lord-Lieutenant, and the Earl of the Grand Jury having
\Vhitworth, went together from thrown out the bills. ; 7‘2
the Castle in the state coach, pre -—- 99
ceded by the leading- coaches, in
which were the Officers of State, Total . . . . . . . . . . 476
to the South Wall, where the 10. Petersburgh.—-On the 3lst
yacht lay. They were escorted by July our Ambassador, Lieutenant
a squadron of dragoons, and at General Yerruoloifi was admitted
tended by a great number of the with great solemni'ty to .11 first
nobility and persons of distinction, audience of- the Sovereign of Per
the Lord-llayor, Sher-ills, several sia, Feth Aly Schah, near Sulta
of the Aldermen and principal ci nie', the Schah's residence, in a
tizens in their carriages, followed magnificent tent. The Ambassa
by a concourse of people to the dor having with him a band of
water-side. The streets were lined music, strong detachments of
by the regiments of infantry on C055acks, and a brilliant suite, was
Dublin duty. The Earl Whitwcrth received by a body of 3,000 l’er
received every demonstration of ciao horsemen of distinction, and
respect in nosing through the by a guard-of honour of '200 mlep.
lo

“M
96 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [Oct
He was then received by the bro crown of the Schah is formed of
ther-in~law of the Schah, as well the most costly jewels, as well as a
as by the late Persian Ambassador large aigrette which he wears in it.
in Russia, Muza Khan, who wore From the shoulders to the gir
the. insignia of the Orders of the dle he was covered with rich jew
Lion, and of the Sun, and the els ; his dagger was also adorned
Portrait of the Schah. with them, which looked incredi
There was in the tent of the bly brilliant in the sun. Some of
Schah, and in the neighbourhood, the largest stones bear the names
a great number of troops and of “ Sea of Splendour, Mountain
spectators, as well as four Rasaka of Splendour," Sc. At the back
Shy, or Lictors, in the exercise of of the tent were the 14 sons of
their functions, having steel axes, the Schah, in the most respect
incrusted with gold, and the ful attitude. When the Ambas
handles ornamented with precious sador pronounced the name of
stones. The Ambassador having Feth-Aly-Schah, all the persons
made three salutations, the Schah, present made a profound inclina
seated on a magnificent throne, tion.
called out to him, “ Be welcome," 11. Berlin.—His Majesty the
and made him a sign with his King has been pleased to address
hand to come nearer. After se the following invitation to the
veral salutations, he presented to Consistories, Synods, and Super
the Schah his credentials upon a intendencies of the Monarchy :—
golden salver. The Schah in “My illustrious ancestors repos
quired after the health of the Em ing in God, the Elector John
peror of Russia, of the capital Sigismund, the Elector George
where he was last, and expressed William the Great, Elector King
a wish to have, like the European Frederic 1., and King Frederic
Sovereigns, an interview with the William 1., as is proved by the
Emperor of Russia. history of their reigns and lives,
The Ambassador was seated in endeavoured with pious zeal to
a magnificent arm-chair, but he unite the two separate Protestant
rose whenever the Schah spoke to Churches, the Reformed and the
him ; the conversation lasted a Lutheran, in one Evangelic Chris
quarter of an hour. Then the tian Church in their dominions.
Ambassador‘s suite was presented Honouring their memory and their
to the Schah, who received all salutary views, l willingly join
the persons composing it with the them, and wish to see a work
words “ Be welcome." Among agreeable to God, which met with
them was Captain Kotzebue. The insuperable obstacles in the un
Schah was told that this officer happy sectarian spirit. of those
had passed three years in a voyage times, to be brought about in my
round the world, but that he had, dominions, to the honour of God
above all, desired to see the great and the weal of the Christian
Sovereign of Persia. The Schah Church, under the influence of a.
took it as a pleasantry, and said, better spirit, which disregards
smiling, “ Well, then, now you what is not essential, and holds
have seen every thing.“ The first what is the vital part of Chris
tianity,
 Ocr.] CHRONICLE. 97
tianity, in which both Churches This union, besides, can have
are agreed; and I desire to see real value only, if neither persua
the beginning made upon the ap sion nor indifi'erentism have a part
proaching secular festival of the in it, if it proceed from the un
Reformation. Such a truly reli biased liberty of self-conviction,
gious union of the two above and is not only an union in exter
mentioned Protestant Churches, nal form, but has its roots and
who are separated only by exter vivifying service in unity of heart,
nal differences, is conformable to according to the genuine princi
the great objects of Christianity; ples of Scripture.
it answers the first views of the As I shall myself celebrate in
Reformers ; it lies in the spirit of this spirit the approaching secular
Protestanism; it promotes reli festival of the Reformation, in the
gious spirit 5 it is salutary to do union of the late Reformed and
mestic piety ; it will be the source Lutheran congregation at Pots
of many useful improvements in dam, in one Evangelic Christian
churches and schools, which have congregation, and take the holy
been often hindered hitherto mere Sacrament with them, I hope that
ly by the difference of religions. this my own example will have
To this'salutary union, so long a beneficial influence on all the
desired, and now again so loudly Protestant congregations in my
called for, and so often sought in country, and that it may be gene
vain, in which the Reformed rally followed in spirit and truth.
Church does not go over to the To the wise direction of the Con
Lutheran, or the latter to the sistories, to the pious zeal of the
former, but both unite in one Clergy and their Synods, I leave
new animated Evangelic Christian the exterior coinciding form of the
Church, in the spirit of their Holy union, convinced that the congre
Founder, there is no longer any gations will readily follow in a
obstacle in the nature of the thing true Christian spirit, and that
itself, if both parties seriously every where, when the attention
and honestly desire it in a true is directed seriously and sincerely,
Christian spirit; and if produced without any interested secondary
by this it will worthily express views, to what is essential to the
the gratitude which we owe to great sacred cause itself, the form
Divine Providence for the inva will be easily found, and the ex
luable blessings of the Reforma ternal will naturally result from
tion, and honour the memory of the internal, simple, dignified,
its great.authors in the conti and true. May the promised pe
nuance of their work. riod be no more remote when
But much as I must wishthat the under one common Shepherd, all
reformed and Lutheran Churches united in one faith, one charity,
in my dominions may share with and one hope, shall form only one
me this my well-tried conviction, flock! Faemsmcx \VlLLlAM.
'1 have far too much respcct for
their rights and their liberty to Potsdam. Sept. ‘27, 1817.
force it upon them, or to order or To the Consistories, Synods,
decide any thing in this afiair. and Superintendents.
Veal-11Xf 11 The
98 ANNUAL REGiSTER. 1817. [001.
The undersigned Minister, in his arms the tail of one mon
charged with the publication of ster, and cast about by its lashing,
this expression of his ,Mag'esty’s but still clinging to his prey:
.wishes', does not doubt of the de there, a lusty carpenter, after a.
sired and happy success; because death-dealing blow, which sunk
as it has been accepted since the his adze up to the shaft in the
1st of this month by the clergy of hide of another, struggling man
this city, of both Evangelic Con fully to extract it; but fain at last
tEssions, united in one b'ynod, with to escape with the loss of his wea
unanimous joy and grateful respect pon, from the lashing of the dread
for his Majesty’s sentiments and ful creature's tail : there, a boat,
views therein expressed, it will borne away upon the shoulders of
certainly be received in the same a monster, was no uncommon
manner by all the Evangelie sight: and upon one occasion a
Clergy and congregations in‘ the sailor lad, by way of securing his
kingdom. right to the property of a fish
Minister of the Interior, which he had laid hold of, mount
Von SCRUCKMANN. ed upon its back, held fast by the
Borlin, Oct. 8, 1817. fins, and was borne along in sin
14. Dundee—On Sunday last, gular style, calling out as he
a shoal of fishes of the kind called went, “ l have got this chap 3 l
Finner, a species of small whale, have him fast." Every fish was
was observed in our river. It Was killed. Their longth was from
seen again on Monday morning 12 to 21 feet; and they would
by some people. on the south-coast, produce from 1 to 5 cwt. of oil.
and by tlwm'followed in a- fishing Thursday the l6th inst. died at
Bow-wood, the seatv of the Mar
cobl'e. About 8 o‘clock it was
observed by many from our har quis of Lansdown, Mr. Bread,
bour. The boats drove the shoal for nearly forty years steward in
before them, towards the entrance the Marquis-“s family: being out
d the new harbour; and after in the park on- the preceding day
tacking about there: for a little with a party, of ladies and gentle
time, it bent its course along "‘11: men, he found a dead adder, which
new east wall. At this time the he took up in his hand, and
chase exhibited a scene unique opened the mouth to show where
and beautiful. The sea monsters, the poison of the creature lay ; in
in number nearly 40, and. in part doing this, however, the subtle
seen above water, ploughed their matter was communicated to a cut
Way maiesticnlily along ; and about in one of- his lingers. On the. next
90 boats full, of people, with an morning, 311215. was found dead
xious and eager looks, followed in his bed, with every mark of his
close after, keeping them toge having: died from the eti'ects of
ther, and driving them towards the poison, the am] being much
the shore. They were soon hem inflamed.
med into a corner. A vigorous 11. Augsburg—There has been
attack immediately connnenccd published here'a new rectification,
upon the whales. Here might be: that appears official, of the ru
seen a sturdy labourer, grasping mours relative to the misunder—
standing
00h] CHRONICLE! 99
standing between Russia and the of observation, nor has it received
Porte, in regard to which the any reinforcement.
German journals had furnished On the 18th of October the an
some very detailed articles. The niversary of the battle of Leipsic
following is a correct statement, was celebrated With the greatest
which contains some very im enthusiasm in some of the nor
portant facts :— thern cities of Germany, as the
The Ottoman government could era of their emancipation from the
not have either occasioned or ap— French yoke, and the commence
proved the execution of Czerny ment of their glory and independ
Georges, because it took place a ence. The German muse was
‘ few hours after he had entered the called into the service of patriot
Ottoman territory. It is not ism on the occasion, and both the
known what act of madness had Haniburgh and Bremen papers
engaged this unfortunate man to contain some of her most willing,
take the step which cost him his if not her happiest efl‘usions. Fes
life; he appears to have been be tive meetings and appropriate ser
trayed by some of his country vices of religious thanksgiving
men. In every case he has brought distinguished the day. The city
on his death. Before the Empe of Hamburgh, which had suffered
ror of Russia could have been most from French tyranny, and
informed of the catastrophe, and gained meet by the victory of
on the first intimation of the rash Leipsic, seems to have been in
intention, his Majesty issued a spired with proportional joy and
circular order, declaring in case gratitude. _ a;
Czerny George's removed from his Later public intelligence says-—
asylum, or passed the Russian The festival of the 18th of Oc
frontiers, the personal protection tober, celebrated by the German
granted to him should be with students at Wartburg, was yery
drawn, and his Russian dignities fine. The number of students as
retracted. When the affair was sembled, particularly from the
known at Constantinople, the northern universities, amounted
Russian Ambassador could not to 500. Early on the morning of
have the least doubt about the the 18th they proceeded to \Vart
manner in which the Court viewed burg, with music playing and co
the affair: so it is certain that lours- flying, where a speech was
neither Baron Strokonotf, nor the made to them in the hall of the
Russian Cabinet had taken the bards. Before this, they sung
least steps relative to the affair. “ Our God is a strong tower,“
The account of the sending a cou and after it, “the hymn, “ Let
rier from Petersburgh with the us all thank God.“ Then they went
demand of a categorical declara to" dinner, and afterwards returned
tion, and the menace of an imme to the town to attend divine ser
diate rupture, is not only a vague vice. There was afterwards a
report, but a premeditated false species of tournament; and to
hood. The corps of General Ben wards the evening they preceeded
ningscn was never called an army with torches to a neighbouring
H 2 hm:
i100
' ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [Oc'r.
hill, where they kindled bonfires. of most respectable character. It
On the 19th, most of the students appears that Mr. Baker had, on
took the sacrament of the Holy the morning of the day above
Supper. During the whole of this mentioned, gone out on foot for
festival it was remarked what a the purpose of collecting the
deep impression was made on the amount of some bills due to him
noble minds of the youth—an im by persons in the neighbourhood ;
pression never to be eifaced. and that on his return to Wells,
. '20. The spring tide, as calcu between the hours of three and
lated, was extremely high on many four in the afternoon, he was rob
parts of the coast, both on Satur bed, and afterwards murdered in
day and Sunday, but more par the most barbarous manner, by
ticularly in the afternoon of the two or more villains, hitherto un
latter day. Its natural height on discovered, within 200 yards from
the north-eastern coast was con the town, in a place called Market
siderably augmented by a strong lane. The deceased was not dis
wind from several points in succes covered till about eight o’clock on
sion from the westward to the east the Monday morning. A man
ward of North, and the effect was named Doye, who was looking for
a tremendously heavy sea, which, his donky, accidentally observed
broke with raging violence against the body lying by the side of the
the cliffs, and over the embank hedge, and immediately commu
ments, uniting, in many places nicated the circumstance to two
unopposed to its fury, its whitened persons, who were passing through
surge with the very verge of the the lane, and who, with Doye,
land. The waters of the Thames went up to the body. On exa
and Medway were also much in mination, they discovered, by the
creased from the impulse of the dress, that it was Mr. Robert
above winds, which, sweeping over Baker: it was impOssible to recog
the great northern ocean, brings nize the features of the deceased,
such a body of water, that the on account of their mangled state.
narroxmess of the straits of Dover, The remains presented a most
with the head of sea kept up in dreadful spectacle: the back part
the channel below by the ineli of the skull was completely beaten
nation of the wind to the west, will in, and the throat cut. Two sticks
not permit its efliux; it conse of singular form, supposed to be
quently spreads along the north long to the murderers, were found
east coast, and influences the near the spot, where, from the
height of the tide. appearance of the ground, it is
20. Another dreadful murder concluded their bloody purpose
was committed near Wells, in the was effected: one of them was
county of Norfolk, on Saturday broken in two. The deceased’s
week, in open day. The unfor walking-stick was also found there,
tunate victim of this atrocious covered with clots of blood, brains,
crime is Mr. Robert Baker, sen., and hair. The body seemed to
a glover and breeches-maker, re have been dragged some way by
sident in the show: town, a man the cape of the great coat, which
(11‘?
OMJ CHRONICLE 101
enveloped the head: in this state countering stormy Weather. This
it was seen by some boys on the vessel, which is most appropriately
Sunday; but they, taking it for a named the Tug, is meant to track
drunken man asleep, contented ten other vessels, alternately,which
themselves with throwing stones have been peculiarly constructed
at it, and left it. Bills, offering a by the same company, for carrying
reward of 1001. for the appre goods along the canal.
hension of the murderers, and The Tug, which may thus be
giving a description of two per compared to a team of horses in
sons strongly suspected, were im the water, tracks these vessels
mediately circulated, and every between Leith and Grangemouth,
means used to discover the per the entrance of the canal, along
petrators. which they are tracked by horses.
8‘3. An important application But the utility of the Tug is not
of steam-vessels has lately been confined to tracking: she has also
made in Scotland, and it is said two comniodious cabins, and from
with the most complete success. combining the two purposes of
It appears that, since the opening tracking and conveyance of pas
of the Forth and Clyde canal (up sengers, she is able to convey the
wards of 30 years ago), a navi latter with a degree of cheapness,
gable communication has existed which resembles more the track
between Glasgow and Leith, the schuyt of Holland, than any con
port of Edinburgh; notwithstand veyance we have in this country;
ing which, by far the greater por the passage in the best cabin being,
tion of the trade between these for a distance of 26 miles, two
places has been carried on by land shillings; and in the second, one
carriage, at an expense more than shilling.
double what it might have been Hurricane in the West Indies—The
done by water. following letter on this lamentable
This navigable communication occasion was addressed by the Co
consists of a canal, for 29 miles, lonial Secretary of St. Lucie to
and a. broad river or firth for 26 the Governor of Barbadoes :—
miles; and it appears, that the “ St. Lucie, Oct. 23, 1817.
obstacle which has prevented the " My Lord—His Excellency
benefit being taken of such appa Major-General Seymour being un
rent advantages, is the extreme able to address your Lordship, in
difiiculty of constructing vessels, consequence of the very serious
which from draught of water and injury he received during the hur
mode of rigging, would answer for ricane of the Qlst instant (and,
the navigation of the canal, and at I am sorry to add very little
the same time be able to contend hopes are entertained of his reco
against strong contrary winds in very), of which his Excellency has
the Firth of Forth. directed me to give your Lordship
To obviate this difficulty, a Com the particulars, and earnestly to
pany in Leith have equipped a entrcat your Lordship‘s assistance
powerful steam-vessel, or tracker, and support toWards ameliorating
possessing extraordinary strength, the situation of the unfortunate
and completely adapted for en inhabitants of this island, not on?
o
 102 ANNUAL. REGISTER. 1s17. [Dean
of- whom but has suffered severely supplied from other settletmnts,
thereby.. the dread of faminelappears to be
“ Scarcely a dwelling 0" negro entertained. '
house is left standing; the mills “ Capt. Elliott, of his Majesty's
and outbuildings either unroofed ship Seamander. was locking every
or raised to the ground ; nearly the exertion with his boats, and those
whole crop of canes torn up by of his Majesty‘s ship Childers, to
the roots, and the face of the island, relieve the vessels on shore in Car
which Was luxuriant on the 20th,. lisle Bay." -
now, bears the appearance of an . st. Kitt’sa-gShips lost.
European winter. “ At Barbadoes—CrOWnPri-nce,
“ The town of Castrees is nearly Grayhaar; Express, ; in all
in ruins, and the vessels, about 18 sail on shore; 5 are got since,
tWel-ve sail, are. on shore, not one chiefly American and island ves
oi Which is expected to be saved. sels.
The whole of the buildings of “ At St. Lucie—The Lady, Jane
Morne Fortunée and Pigeon island Ellice. _
were blown down, with the “ A French frigate, armed en
exception of the magazine and flute, with troops on board, foun—
tanks. dered in Fort Royal Bay, Mar
“ His Excellency and family tinique. ; every soul perished.
were taken from under the ruins. " The Sprightly (mail-boat),
of his residence (theComnmndant‘s Adams, missing; she sailed from
quarters) Where hemmained inv the, Dominica lior Barbadoes. on the
hope that it would have resisted evening of the 29th.
the gale; but he has unfortunately “ Col. Brown, of the 6th. West
suffered for his imprudence. India regiment, left St. Vincent's
‘j‘ l have the hanour to be, my about the 18th Oct. for Antigua,
Lord, your Lordship's most obe and had not arrived. on. the 12th
dient servant, ' I Nov.”
“ I. R. Bantu, The Governor at Dominica hes
‘.‘ Colonial Secretary. issued a proclamation, dated. the.
“ P. S. Since writing the above, 29th of October, allowing, in, con,
I am sorry to acquaint your. Lord sequence of the hurricane on the
ship, that fears are entertained 21st, whereby the ground provi
thatGeneral Seymour cannot pass sions and plantations. had been
forty-eight hours. totally destroyed, the importation
“ We understand Major Burdett into that island, for six calendar
and. familyv are killed. months, in foreign; vessels. of all.
"“ Accounts have at length nations and descriptions, of flour,
reached us from Dominica, whence bread, biscuit, rice, beans, pease,
every vessel was driven to sea by-7 oats, cam, corn-meal, live stock,
the late hurricane, and they. had horses, mules, horned cattle, roots
not returned when the Robert and fruits ofi all kinds, boards,
maiLboat, that arrived here on plank, scantling, shingles, .staves,
' Sunday,'left that-Island. The in. heading, and hoops. .“ And I do
terior of; the country had likewise. also. authorize and permit the ex
sufl’erediso materially, that unless. portation, in vessels, importing the.
’ said
0%.] CHRONICLE 166!
said articles, or any 0! them,- of h lasted-as hours, 1a a! whlcbl
sugar am eofke was vaIWofm with such inooncdi‘viible fury", a
third part of the articles‘s'o im to produce all these disasters, and
poited, and3 of mm and molasses to destroy buildings which ma
for the Beln'aindev. Provided al withstood all former. huti'iceries'.
ways, that the value 0! the It will require many ye'mie before
articles so impofit'ed shall be as the colony ca’n mover itself from
certained by the oath of the mas this heavy dhmtcy. This event
ter 0: .superea'r ' of the vessel has caused the Mluwing piecin
importing the same, or by the pur mation to be issued, which opens '
chasev thereof; beforethe'eollebtoi' the ports to all mreigfi vessel’s :—
or comptroller," Befove shch vesselI , v
be all'OWed to' comb’ to an entry ;= PROCLAMATLON.

and the value of the car 1 to be Pierre René Marie, Comte do

exported2 to be ascertain in'lik'e' Vaugiraud, Vice-admiral, Grand
manner, beflo're the collector or Cross of the Royal and Military
comptroller bé alloWeel' to clean" omen of St. Louis, officer of the
out such Wiesel." Legion of Honour, Governor,
Estrae! of a Letter dated“ St. Mont-General- of the islaMi of
Pierre, Martinique, Nov. 10.19011 Martinique and its dependencies“,
the am of October, this colony and Gounm-Geheval- of the
was visited by the mow furious French Wind-wave \Vost; India
huni‘cane ei‘er' witnessed here. Islands, &c.; and Louis Francois
The details of this swdr disaster (lu Buo', Knight of the’ Royal
would be? equally 1mg as painful. and". Military Ovders' of St. Louis,
Tha- lbsa oi! nearly- 1,000 lives, and of- theEegio‘n of Honour,
$55006! hogshends ot‘ sugar 08 the lntendant of the said island, 8w.
present and‘ next; erop; ihbalcn Gonsiderin'g that the sudden
l‘abl'e losses in builzlln‘gté, animals, and unforeseen disaster which the.
and 'the' necessaries of' life, have colony: has; just experienced“, re
occasional a general? desolation, quires that the most prompt andr
independently of- the great anxieby; efficacious measuves shook} be
mined by 911mm ofthe shipbing adopted £011 its wesew'atimn'a
which were inl the (liferent’poiws? Considerih also, that‘nuhesih
of the Mandi, being either wheeli ration shoal Atake phce'bemeen
edz, damagal; or missing St. an, and; so. important, emit man!
Lucie and DominicaE have“ equally which, only oalk ibr and‘
sufl‘ered ; the tempest; mach'edr alxoi temporary sacrifices:
St. Vincent: ahwGrenada. lts- m; We, by. venue: oh the pomm
vages extended to‘Guadaloujie; as confided! tb'usby ms Majesty, and:
bourhood; though iz’m'
well asiBonto-Ilzico andless
ith degree in consequence (if the urgency of
thei cae'e‘, hovel dl'inionuliyordér
The was» expdriamerl by lum‘flll edr, and do order aai‘f‘ollowea— ‘
niquosaionemay-beverymummy AW. l:.-'flho-p0r-tsot?the colony;
calculatextati‘iiflflQOOGmfifrancs, are open to foreign vesaelb; not
exclusively ofl the shipping; the onlyfon the importation ‘ofi pr'o
Worksv andr buildings 0t: entire. vislox'is,= and: other articles" enui
parishes Were I'azed?w the ground; maimed? im the arm: of Aug, so,
1784,
104' ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [001.
1784, but also for wheat and of its being published, unless
rye-flour, and for other eatables, countermanded by superior au
and for every thing required for thority.
agriculture, and for the repairs Given at Martinique, under
and daily use of the sugar-works. our armorial seals, and counter
All articles commonly comprised signed by our secretaries, this
under the denomination of dry 28th of Oct. 1817.
goods remain excluded, and re (Signed)
served to the commerce of the Le Comte de Vsucurwn,
mother country. Secretaire, Durand Molard.
Art. 2.—~F0reign vessels shall Further Particulars.— Letters
in return have the liberty to ex received from Barbadoes, (via
port colonial produce to the Demerara) of Oct. 27, say little of
amount of the cargoes they have the injury there sustained, as it
brought. was confined to a few of the ship
Art. 3.-—Foreign vessels shall ping : but they confirm in many
continue to pay the duties of im fatal particulars the deplorable
port established by the arret of intelligence of the loss of lives
the 80th of Aug. 1784, upou the and ruin of property at St. Lucie.
articles therein enumerated; and The governor, General Seymour,
shall pay an additional duty of 3 survived but a short time after he
per cent. on those not enumerated had been dug out from the ruins
in the said arret. of his house. Mrs. Seymour and
Art. 4.——Ij‘oreign vessels shall her children were saved, but all
pay the export duties established the rest of the family perished.
by the arret of the 30th of Aug. Major Burdett, with his wife and
1784. child, were among the number of
They shall pay 8 per cent. upOn the killed. The barracks were
the colonial produce which is per levelled with the earth. Those of
mitted to be exported by the pre the garrison who escaped destruc
sent ordinance. tion, owed their safety to an order
French vessels which may pro to evacuate the buildings before
ceed to the United States, for the they had given way to the tempest;
purpose of bringing back provi but every negro house on the
sions to the colony, shall only pay island was blown into the air.
an export duty of 5 per cent. upon The town was nearly a mass of
the colonial produce. Their re ruins ; the cane crops torn up by
turn cargoes shall only be sub the root, and the country laid
jected to the duties established in waste as far as cultivation ex
their respect, by the arret of the tended. The secretary to the go
30th of Aug. 1784. vernor had written a pressing
Art. 5.-The duties on colonial supplication to Lord Combermere
produce, payable by the seller, for supplies and assistance, on be
shall continue to be levied as at half of the destitute inhabitants.
present. ' We have the satisfaction to
The provisions of the present state, that the Antelope, (Admiral
ordinance shall remain in force Harvey), whose loss was asserted,
during six months from the date , had arrived safe at St. Kitt‘s be
fore
Ocn] CHRONICLE. 105
fore the 12th ult.; and that all libraries and collections; they
the other men of war on the Lee have both lately returned to Ber
ward-Island station had escaped lin with the results of their re
the fury of the storm. searches. Professor Reaumer has
22. From a return made by made important discoveries rela
Lieutenant-general Comte de Ge tive to the history of Germany in
rardin, charged with the office of the middle ages, on which he is
grand hunter (grandveneur) to about to publish an important
his Majesty, it appears that, in work. Professor Vonder Hagen
the 86 departments of the king has confined his researches chiefly
dom of France, 2,416 wolves have to the manuscripts of the ancient
been destroyed between the lst of German poets.
January, 1816, and the 1st of Another professor of Breslau,
July, 1817. Of these 1,894- were Dr. Sehottky, has been employed
males, and 52% females. In La in making researches in the lm
Vendee 54 were killed, in the perial Academy of Vienna, and
Vosges 171, in the Ardennes H9, the numerous scientific collections
in the Aude 1‘28, in Aveyron 45, of that capital. Professor Kepha
and in La Creuse 94. Out of the lides and Fosther, also of Breslau,
86 departments of France, 61 are now preparing an account of
appear by this list to contain, the interesting tour which they
more or less, considerable num made in 1813 and 1814 in Italy
bers of this destructive animal. and in Sicily. This "Important
24 Dr. Donald M‘Askill, of work will appear at Leipsic, in
the island of Eigg, was unfor the Easter fair of 1818. M. Ger
tunately drowned off that island, mer, Professor of Mineralogy in
on the 24th ult. He was pro— the Prussian university of Hallo,
ceeding from Arisaig to Eigg, in has sent to the press an account
a boat, along with the Rev. Mr. of his journey in Dalmatia and
Fraser, minister of the Small Isles, Ragusa. It contains very curious
when, by the starting of a plank, details on the present state of
the boat instantly sunk, and he those countries, their mineralogy
and Mr. Fraser, with two men, and entomology, and also on the
perished. inhabitants.
25. The Prussian government Professors Becker and Goesehen
continues to grant considerable are travelling in Italy. The for
sums towards defraying the ex mer is to collate all the most im
penses incurred by learned men portant manuscripts for his new
on their travels; and permits edition of the Greek classics, and
them also to draw on the funds of to examine all the ancient inscrip
difierent public establishments, tions for a great work on Roman
and among others, the Academy antiquities which the academy of
of Sciences at Berlin. Professors Berlin intends to publish. M.
Reaumer and Vonder Hagen, of Goesehen is employed to verify
Breslau, have made, at the ex the ancient codes, and to make
pense of the king, a tour through other critical researches on the
Germany and Italy, for the pur subject of jurisprudence, ivhich
pose of visiting all the principaL. he professes with so much ability
In
 106 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
in the university of Berlin. He
has made' several important dis~
coveries at Verena,- whence he has
proceeded to Florence.
Ba'ron Von Sacken, of Berlin,
employs a part of his great fortune
in literary and scientific voyages.
He has already visited the United
States of America, and the West
Indies. He is now gone to Vien
na, to accompany Baron Von
Schladen, the new Prussian mi
nister to the Forte, who is to
travel to Constantinople by the
way of the Carpathian mountains.
Baron Von Sacken intends to pass
through Asia Minor into Gamma--v
nia, and afterWard's to visit Egypt
and the neighbouring countries.
He has for his travelling com-
panion William Muller, a young
Berlin student, who possesses very
considerable philological' know
ledge, and who is to employ him~
self in literary researches for. the
academy of Berlin. Prince Maxi
milian of Neuwied is to occupy!
himself during the ensuing winter
in drawing up an- account of his
travels in' the Emails, which he
intends to publish in the form all
letters.
The fiiflnwing.dreadfiil accidents
occurred on Sunday the- 20th as
two children of a faimer residing
at Castledreignog, Cardigpnshi're:
—One of- them, a girl about eleven
years of age, having used a whip
for the purpose of driving asvaya
boar that stood near her, the en
raged animal- flew at her, and,
with. his tusks inflicted several
deep wounds on her breast! befbre
she could be rescued from her
perilous situation. \Vhile the
mother of this poor child'was en'
gaged. in dressing, in the best
manner she was able, her bleeding
[0%.
Wounds, an infant son, not above
four years old, took up the whip
his sister had just before used, and,
in attempting to punish the boar:
for the injury done her, fell a vic
tim to' the fury of the ferocious
animal. The boat, before any
assistance could be rendered, had
torn out the entrails of the child,
whose dreadful sufferings and ex
istence terminated‘ together on the
following day. The little girl's
life is despairéd of. The boar Was
immediately killed. iv
26. From. the Bristol Mirror.—
It is our. painful duty to state,
that intelligence reached“ this city
of the loss of the sloop William
and May (a regular packet be
tWeen this port and. Waterford)? ;
and. that out of nearly sixty souls
on heard only nine were-saved. .
The particulars, as fair as wev
liaxe been able hi team, are, that
the William and! Mary, Morley,
master, sailed from Bill at nine
o‘clock on Thursday evening last.
The night was fine and the wind
fair: about: eleven o'clock, nht
far from the Holmes, whilst the;
mate was". at the helm, and the‘
mastier standing near to him 011‘
the deck, the vessel struck‘ one:
rock, which our informant calls?
the Willeys. The passengers,
who had retired to rest, Were
quickly. alarmed, and manyr ofi
them proceeded onv their, as yfi’
unacquaintuls with? the realyeistenk
of their danger. This state of“
suspense, howiaer, did not last: '
long; for infifteen minutes after
wards, it was found-that the
vessel was in a sinking: state;
The scene that immediately. fol-7
lowed was- dreadful? in the: ex-e
trmre. The boat (a very sundl"
one). Was $001.1 filled, chiefly by.
- the
OmJ CHRONICLE
the crew, and put oil to the Welsh
shore, and in a few minutes after—
wards the vessel sunk. , Since writing the above we have
Her top-mast remained some
feet above the water, to which
the crew adhered until the 'boat
returned. Our informant saved
himself by swimming, and was
actually two hours and a half in
the water, when he was taken in
to the boat. He witnessed the
heart-rcnding scene which took
place on the sinking of the vessel.
A Mr. Barron, his mother, and
four sisters, elegant and accom
plished women, who had their
man-servant and a carriage on
board, were among the passen
gers; the cries of the young la
dies were most distressing. They
all perished l—they sunk, entwim
ed in each other’s arms!
An officer of the —- regiment
was saved, but his lady perished.
All the females on board, 22 in
number, and two children, met
a watery grave. Eight of the
ladies were cabin-passengers. The
master, Mr. Morley, was drown
ed; he has left awife (now preg
nant) and three children. The
rest of the crew were saved.
The gentleman from whom we
have procured these hasty particu
lars, states, that before he was
taken up by the boat, he saw one
unfortunate individual (whom he
supposes to have been Mr. Barron,
mentioned above) near him in the
water. He endeavoured to cheer
him; he, however, had only
strength left to answer, in a faint
voice, “I can go no farther!"
and sunk, to rise no more.
Our informant thinks there
were about 15 cabin passengers,
'and about 40 in the steeragc. In
IN
the number (nine) known to be
saved, the crew are included.
learnt, that the name of the officer
saved (and whose lady is among
the sufferers) is Lieut. Theballier,
of the 35th. Among those who
perished we have heard the names
of Messrs. Gill, Clifl', and Snow.
A colonel, whose regiment is now
in the East Indies, was also
drowned. Mr. R. Shortes, of this
city, and Lieut. Theballier, are
the only passengers saved.
The few who escaped landed
about eight miles from (larditi‘.
They applied for admittance at a
respectable house in the neigh
bourhood, but were refused! They
then proceeded to a farm-house,
where they procured a cart to
convey them to Cardiff. They
were in ' a most exhausted state.
A cottager and his wife gave up
their only bed to one or two who
were unable to proceed to Cardiff.
Shortly before the sloop went
down, a poor soldier took his wife
and child to the bow of the vessel,
where they sat down, and calmly
awaited their fate. As the vessel
went down they clung to each
other, and in that state floated a
moment on the water, and then
sunk, clasped in each other‘s arms.
\Ve have not been able to as
certain exactly where the melan
choly 1 accident happened. The
rocks are called the \Villeys, or
the \Volvers, about three miles
N. W. of the Holmes light
house.
Ukase, addressed to the'Lcgis
lative Synod at Moscow, by Alex
ander, Emperor of Russia.
_ Moscow, Oct. 97.
During my late travels through
the
108 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [Nov.
the provinces, [was obliged, to Chester to succeed the late vicar,
my no small regret, to listen to (the Rev. Mr. Jones) and that he
speeches pronounced by certain was totally unacquainted with the
of the clergy in different parts, Welsh language, they unani
which contained unbecoming mously resolved to enter a caveat
praises of me ; praises which can against any person being inducted
only be ascribed unto God: and to the vicarage of Llanbeblig la
as 1 am convinced, in the depth bouring under such disqualifica~
of my heart, of the Christian tions.
truth, that every blessing floweth
unto us through our Lord and NOVEMBER.
Saviour Jesus Christ alone, and
that every man, be he whom he 1. Philadelphia.—We noticed
may, without Christ is full only of the detention of the brig Ellen a
evil; therefore, to ascribe unto few days ago, on suspicion of in
me the glory of deeds in which frin ment of neutrality. On
the hand of God hath been so Thursday last, the British officers,
evidently manifested before the ll in number, who had taken
whole world, is to give unto men passage in her, and who have sub
that glory which belongeth unto sequently avowed their intention
Almighty God alone. I account of aiding the Patriot cause, were
it my duty, therefore, to forbid brought by writ of habeas corpus
all such unbecoming expressions before the United States District
of praise, and recommend to the Court ; eminent counsel appeared
holy synod to give instructions to in their behalf ; and yesterday the
all the diocesan bishops, that they court decided that they be fully
themselves, and the clergy under committed for trial.
them, may, on similar occasions, 3. Her Majesty, accompanied
in future, refrain from all such by the Princess Elizabeth, arrived
expressions of praise, so disagree at Bath, where she took up her
able to my cars; and that they lodgings at a spacious house in
may render unto the Lord of Sydney-place, and was saluted
hosts alone thanksgivings for the with a general illumination. The
blessings bestowed upon us, and purpose of her Majesty‘s visit is
pray for the outpouring of his to make trial of the salutary waters
grace upon all of us ; conforming of the place. '
themselves in this matter to the 4. Stockholm.—-Of the new
words of sacred writ, which re towns now building, namely, Carl
quire us to render to the King Johannstadt, in North Bothnia, on
Eternal, immortal, Invisible, the the heights of Tornea, which was
only wise God, honour and glory ceded in 1809 to Russia; Oscars
for flu and ever. stadt, in Wcrmeland, near the
(Signed) ALEXANDER. frontiers of Norway; and Borg
‘27. The inhabitants of Carnar holm, in 'the island of Oeland ;
von , and other parishioners of Llan the latter will become the seat of
Ineblig, being given to understand, a great general workhouse, and
that the Rev. Mr. Trevor, Deacon, house of correctiom in the old
was nominated by the Bishop of royal palace, which lies close to
It;
 Now] CHRONICLE. 109
it; for which purpose Capt. Ad difficulty of breathing, restless
lersparre patriotically gives up his ness, and exhaustion, which alarm
lease of the palace and ,lands be ing symptoms increased till half
longing to it, which has still 16 past two in the morning, when,
. years to run, and has been ho to the great grief of her family,
noured by a letter of thanks from she expired.
his Majesty, and the appointment The first token of sorrow was
to the first place of governor in it. exhibited in the metropolis, where
5. The Halifax papers, just the Lord Mayor, having summoned
received, state the melancholy a court of aldermen, it was una
fact, that the ship Lantaro, Cap nimously agreed that the fitting-up
tain Benjamin Mathews, bound of Guildhall for the approaching
from Greenock for Charleston, ceremony of Lord Mayor‘s day,
with a crew of 14 persons, in should be suspended, and the pre
cluding the captain, four cabin parations for the occasion should
passengers, and 29 men, women, be discontinued. Public notice
and children, in the steerage, was also given for the abolition of
foundered at sea on the 10th Sept. of shows and rejocings on that
Of these, ‘27 perished. The others, day.
including the captain, were picked On the 7th, the Deputy Ea'rl
up by the Jessie, bound from Marshal issued arders in the
Dumfries to St. Andrew's, and Prince Regent’s name, directing
carried into Halifax. Among the a general mourning for the late
sufferers were ,13 relatives of Mr. Princess. Her Majesty, with the
Black, clerk in a commercial Princess Elizabeth, left Bath early
house in Halifax. on the 8th, on their return to
On November 6, the hopes of Windsor.
this nation, which so long rested The sufferings of Prince Leo
- upon the happy union between pold under his most severe loss are
the daughter 0 the Prince Re described as extremely affecting.
gent, and the rince Leopold of A bulletin was for some time pub
Coburg, were fatally blasted by lished by his physician, denoting
Her Royal Highness's death at a his daily state of health.
short period after her delivery. His Royal Highness, the Prince
The Princess Charlotte, after a Regent, was thrown, by the first
labour described rather as linger intelligence, into a paroxysm,
ing than. severe, was brought to which rendered it necessary to
bed, on the evening of November 5, bleed: him twice, besides cupping.
of a still-born male child ; and theBy these operations he obtained
first reports gave a favourable ac bodily relief, but the anguish of
count of. her situation. ' This was, his mind can only be judged of by
however, a very short interval of the parent of a sole and beloved
hope 5 for the intelligence convey child.
ed by the London Gazette Extra The progress of this disastrous
ordinary on the 6th, related, that information throughout the king
after the event of her delivery at dom was attended with all the
nine o‘clock on the night of the feelings of regret, commiseration,
5th, she was seized with great and disappointment. Every one
seemed
 110 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.‘ as...
seemed to‘ feel, that the dearest there is every reason to believe
hopes of the nation were wounded that scarcely any death of mem
in the individual whose less was bers of the Royal Family has been
deplored; and the state of the more sincerely lamented.
royal family, now again reduced It was aconsiderable time before
to a single progeny, became the preparations could be made for
anxious speculation of many Her Royal Highness’s tuneral,
thoughtful minds. which at length took place on the
The London‘pape's were crowd the 19th, at the royal vaiflt in
_ ed with the expressions of sorrow, Windsor, according to the follow
collected from their correspondents ing solemnity as published in the
in all parts of the two islands ; and London Gazette.

November 29..
.On Tuesday evening the 18th instant, at half-past 5 o'clock, the
remains of her late Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte Augusta,
and of the Royal infant, were privately conveyed from Claremont to
Windsor, escorted by a detachment of the 10th, or Prince Regent’s
own, Royal Hussars, which was relieved at Egham by a party of the
Royal Horse Guards (Blue), in the following order :—
A mourning coach, drawn by six horses, in which were the remains
of the Royal infant and the Urn, attended by Colonel Ad'denbrooke,
Equerry to her late Royal Highness, and Sir Robert Gardiner, K.C.B.
Aide-de-Camp and Equerry to the Prince Leupold.
The H EARSE, drawn by eight horses. _
A mourning coach, drawn by six horses, conveying His Serene High
ness the Prince Leopold, attended by Baron de Hardenb‘roock,
.Aide-deL‘amp and Equerry, and Dr. Stockman, Physician to His ‘
Serene Highness. ' 1 '
A mourning coach, drawn by four horses, conveying Lady John
Thynne, one of the Ladies of thc Bedchamber to Her late Royal
Highness; Mrs. Campbell, one of the Women of the Bedchamber
to Her late Royal Highness ; and Lady Gardiner.
A mourning coach, drawn by four horses, conveying Mrs. Lewis,
Mrs. Cronberg, Attendants on Her late Royal Highness, and Mrs.
Phillips, Housekeeper.
A mourning coach, drawn by four horses, conveying Dr. Short, Chap
lain to His Serene Highness, His Majesty‘s Gentleman Usher, and
two otlicers of the Lord Chamberlain's Department.
Upon the arrival of the procession at Windsor, the first coach, con;
\'cying the remains of the Royal Infant and the Urn, proceeded direct
to St. George‘s chapel, where the same were received by the Dean of
Windsor and 'l‘. B. Mash, Esq. of the Lord Chamberlain‘s depart
ment, and deposited in the royal vault .: the coffin of the royal infant
being borne from the coach. to the vault by four, and the urn by two,
Yeoman of the Guard. The hearse proceeded into the front court {If
' t e
Now] , ‘ CHRONICLE. v 111
the lower lodge, and the body wlas placed under a canopy in the apart
ment prepared for. its reception. -
His Serene Highness was received and conducted to his apartments
by Sir George Nayler, Knight, and Hale Young Wortham, Esq. the
King’s Gentleman Usher in Waiting, attended by the officers of the
Lord Chamberlain.

On Wednesday evening the 19th instant, soon after 8 o'clock, the

remains of Her late Royal Highness were removed from the Lower
Lodge to St. George's chapel, in the followinglorder :-
Servants and Grooms of Her late Royal ighness and of His
Serene Highnesrs, on foot, in deep mourning.
Servants and Grooms of the Roya'l Family, the Prince Regent,
of
Guard
Horse
Roval
the
Blue.
Guards and their Majesties, on foot, in full state liveries, wi {alto};
prenf)
30
am
sprang
~anlg
asmH
crepe hat~bands, and black gloves, four and four,
bearing flam 'auie.
The full band of the Royal H‘orse Guards Blue.
‘ The HEARSE, -
Drawn by eight of his Ro'ylil Highness the Prince Regentfs
black horses, fully caparisoned,
each horse attended by a. groom .in full state livery.
I-Iis Majés-t ‘5 body carriage,
Drawn by a full set of His ajesty‘s horses, each horse attended
by a ~ groom in-fu'll state liv'ery,
scouveying '
His Serene Highness the Prince Leopold,
Chief Mourner, _
. and
Their Royal Highne‘sses' the Dukes of York and Clarence,
> supporters to'the Chief Mourner.
The carriages of the Prince Regent, the Royal Family, and the
Prince Leopold, each draWn by six horses, closed the procession.
The whole procession fror'n the Lower Lodge to St. George’s
Chapel wns flank-ed by the litilitary, every fOnrth man bearing a
flambeau.
Upon arrival at St. George's Chapel, the servants, grooms, and
band, filed off without the south door.
At the entrance the Dean and Canons, attended by the choir, re
ceived the body ; and the procession, (which had been formed under
the direction of Sir George Nayler, Knt. York Herald, executing this
part of- the dirty on behalf of Garter), being flanked by the Foot
Guards, every fourth man bearihgia'flambeuu, moved down the south
aisle, and up the nave, in the foi-loWing order :—
Po'or Knights of Windsor. 7
Pages of their Royal Flighncsses the Princesses Angust'a, Elizabeth,
and'Sdphia, p .
Mr, Harding, Mr. Moore, Mr. Gollop.
Pages
1152 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [Nov.
Pages of the Prince Leopold,
Mr. Ammershuber, Mr. Phillips,
Mr. Lyons, Mr. Fairbairn, Mr. Hewett,
Mr. Heock, Mr. Bagster,
Mr. James Sims, Mr. Thomas Poole,
Mr. Henry Forsehutz, Mr. Paul Mechin.
Pages of His Royal Highnes the Duke of Glocester,
Mr. Hart, Mr. J. Moss,
Mr. J. Venables.
Pages of His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge,
Mr. Urlin, ' Mr. Sams,
Pages of His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex,
Mr. Reblourne, Mr. Blackman.
Pages of His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland,
Mr. Salisbury, Mr. Gaspar Perelion,
' Mr. J. Ball, Mr. Paulet.
Pages of His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence,
Mr. Redwood, Mr. Jemniett,
Mr. Hutt, Mr. Robinson.
Pages of His Royal Highness the Duke of York,
Mr. Lumley, Mr. Silvester, Mr. Gibbon,
Mr. Worley, Mr. Kendal, Mr. Frantz,
Mr. Goodes, Mr. Shell, Mr. Patte.
Pages of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, viz.
Pages of the Back Stairs,
Samuel Wharton,
Charles Beckt, Benjamin Lucas.
Pages of the Presence,
Joseph lnce, Thomas Messenger,
John Dobell, George Wedgberrow.
Pages of the Bed-Chamber,
Jenkins Stradling, Joseph Norden,
Robert Jenkins, Samuel Bowtell,
John Wood, Charles Downes, Esqrs.
Pages of Her Bfajesty, ‘
Christopher Papendick, H. F. Grobecker,
William Duncan, Daniel Robinson, Esqrs.
Pages of His Majesty,
Joseph Bott, John Clarke,
Anthony Henley, William Baker,
John Bott, Henry Cooper, W. Snart, Esqrs.
Solicitor to Her late Royal Highness,
John Smallpiece,'Gent.
Apothecaries of Her late Royal Highness,
Mr. Richard Walker, Mr. E. Brande.
Surgeons of Her late Royal Highness,
Mr. Neville, Mr. Robert Keate.
> Rector
 Nov.] CHRONICLE. 113
Rector of the Parish of Esher, “ff,” '
I , SergeantRev.
Surgeons
J. Dagle.
to the Kin , " '
Sir David Dundas, Bart. Sir Everarg Home, Bart.
Physician to the Prince Leo ld,
Christian Stockmar, ""‘
Physicians who attended Her late Royal Highness,
John Sims, M.D. Matthew Baillie, M.D.
Sir Richard Croft, Bart. M.D. -
Chaplains to Her Royal Highness, and to His Serene Highness
the Prince Leopold,
The Rev. Alex. Starkey, The Rev. William Kuper,
The Rev. J. Hammond, The Rev. Dr. Short.
Equerry to Her late Royal Highness,
Lieutenant-Colonel the Honourable Henry Percy.
Equerries to. His Royal Highness the Duke of Glocester,
Edmund Currey, Esq. LieutenanbColonel Samuel G. Higgins.
Equerries to His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge,
Capt. White, Lieutr-Col. Count Linsingen.
Equerry to His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex,
H. F. Stephenson, Esq.
Equerries to His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland,
Captain Jones,
Major Frederick Poten, Colonel Charles Wade Thornton.
Equerries to His Royal Highnessthe Duke of Kent,
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Henry Carr, K. C. B.
Major Gen. James Moore, Limb-Gen Fred. Augustus Wetherall.
Equerries to His Royal Highness the Duke of York,
Lieut-Col. the Hon. James Stanhope, Lieut.-Col. Delaney Barclay.
Equerries to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent,
. Colonel Seymour, Major-General Sir R. Hussey Vivian, K. C. B.
_ Sir William Congreve, Bart.
Clerk Marshal and First Equerry,
Lieutenant-General Francis Thomas Hammond.
Military Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief,
Major-General Sir Henry Torrens, K. C. B.
Quarter-Master-General, Adjutant-General,
Sir J. Willoughby Gerdon, K. C. B. Sir Harry Calvert, 6.0. B.
Oflicers of the Duchy of CornWall, viz. -
Solicitor-General, Attorney-General,
William Harrison, Esq. William Draper Best, Esq.
Lord Warden of the Stannaries,
The Earl of Yarrr outh.
Chancellor and Keeper of the Great Seal,
John Leach, Esq.
Chamberlain to the Great Stevvard of Scotland,
Admiral Lord Viscount Keith, G. C. B.
Von. LIX. 1 Grooms
 114 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. a...
Grooms of the Bedchamber to the Prince Regent,
Admiral Sir George Campbell, Lieut.-Gen. the Hon. Sir Edward
K. C. B. .Paget, G. C. B.
Lieut. Gen. Sir T. Hilgrov General Sir William Koppel,
Turner, Knt. - G. C. B.
General Sir John Cradock, Lieut.-General the Hon. Edward
G. C. B. Finch.
Pursuivants of Arms.
Portcullis,
G. F. Beltz, Esq.
Rouge Dragon, Bluemantle,
C. G. Young, Esq. F. Martin, Gent.
Treasurer of the Prince Regent's Household,
Lord Charles Bentinck.‘
Heralds of Arms,
Somerset, Richmond,
J. Cathrow, Esq. J. Hawker, Esq.
Lancaster, Chester,
E. Lodge, Esq. G. M. Leake, Esq.
Privy Purse and Private Secretary to the Prince Regent,
The Right Honourable Sir Benjamin Bloomfield.
Lords of the Prince Regent's Bedchamber,
The Right Hon. Lord Amherst, The Right Hon. Lord Graves,
The Earl Delawarr, Lord Viscount Lake,
Lord James Murray, Lord Viscount Melbourne,
The Marquess of Headfort, Lord Charles Spencer.
E. Townsend, Esq. Windsor Herald, acting for
' Norroy, King of Arms.
, The Right Hon. Lord Ellenborough. The Right Hon. Lord Grenville.
The Lord Bishop of Exeter. The Lord Bp. of Salisbury, C.G.
The Lord Bishop of London.
The Minister of State of Hanover, and the Minister of Saxony,
Count Munster, Baron de Just.
The Deputy Earl Marshal,
Lord Henry T. Howard Molyneaux Houiard.
The Earl of Chiehester.
The Marquess Cornwallis, The Marquess of Salisbury, K.G.
His Majesty's Ministers, viz.
The Right Hon. Charles Bathurst, The Rt. Hon. W. Wellcsley Pole.
The Right Hon. George Canning. The Right Hon. N. Vansittart.
Lord Viscount Sidmouth. Lord Viscount Melville.
Lord Viscount Castlereagh, K. G. The Earl of Mulgrave.
The Earl of Liverpool, K. G. The Earl Bathurst, K. G.
The Earl of Westmorland, K.G. The Earl of Harrowby,
Lord Privy Seal, Lord President of the Council.
The Right Honourable Lord Eldon,
Lord High Chancellor.
Nov.] CHRONICLE. 1 15
His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Choir of Windsor.
Canons of Windsor.
Dean of Windsor. .
Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard,
The Earl of Macclesfield.
The Groom of the The Lord Steward of His} The King’s Master
Stole, Majesty's Household, of the Horse,
The Marquess of The Marquess of Chol- The Duke of Mon
Winchester. mondeley. trose, K.B.
Ralph Bigland, Esq. Norroy, acting for
Clarenceux King of Arms.
Supporter, The Coronet of her late Royal Supporter,
H. Y. Wortham, Highness borne upon a black R. Chester, Esq.
Esq. one of his velvet cushion, by Col.Adden- Gentleman
Majesty's Gen- brooke, Equerry to Her late Usher of the
tlerhen Ushers. Royal Highness. Privy Chamber.
supporter’ G at t ‘SlirPr'nc' a1 Kin f Ar ms,
IsaarlspHeardF12m. suPporter'
W. Woods, Esq. bearing his wept". > J. Pulman, Esq.

Secretary to the Lord {The Lord Chamberlain of}The Vice Cham~

Chamberlain, his Majesty's Household, berlain,
J. Calvert, Esq.v The M.0f Hertford, K.G. ViscountJocelyn.
Supporter of the Tm: BODY, Supporter of the
pall, the Right Covered with a black velvet pall, the Right
Honourable Lady pall, adorned with eight Honourable Lady
Ellenborough. escocheons of her late Arden.
Royal Highness's arms, the
coflin carried by eight
Supporter of the Yeomen of the Guard, Supporter of the
pull, the Right under a canopy of black pull, the Right
Honourable Lady velvet, borne by eight Gen- Honourable Lady
Grenville. tlemen Ushers. Boston,
H. R. Highness ‘ THE H. R. Highness
TheDofCtanemcs, CHIEF MOURNER, The Dunn of Yonx,
in a long black .His Serene Highness inalong black cloak,
cloak, his train The PRINOB LaoroLn, his train borne by
borne by Rear Ad- in a long black cloak, Lieutenant - Colonel
miral the Hon. Sir his train borne by Ba- Armstrong,&Lieut.
Henry Blackwood, ron de Hardenbrock, ColonelCooke,Aides
Bart. and the Hon. andLieutenant-Colonel de-Camp to HisRoy
Courtenay Boyle. Sir Robert Gardiner, al Highness.
K.C.B. Aides-de-Camp
and Equerries to his
Serene Highness. .
1 g H. R. H.
 ps ANNUAL REGISTER, 1317. [New
H. R. H. Thi Duh: of 5859154, H‘- R. H. TEE D. of CUMBERLAND,
in a long black cloak. His train in it long black cloak. His train
borne by Major-Gemini Sir borne by General Vyse, Comp
George Townshend Walker, troller of the Household,and Lieu~
G. C. B. Groom of the Beil- tenant General Henry Wynyard,
chamber, and Major Perkins Groom of the Bedchamber of
Magru, Equerly to His Royal His Royal Highness.
. Highness.
- His Royal Highness the Don; of GLOUCESTER, in along black cloak.
His train borne by Colonel Dalton, and Lieut.-Col. Cotton, Grooms
of the liedchnmber of his Royal Highness.
Lady Gardiner. Lady John Thynh'e, om: of the Ladies of the Bed
chamber of h'er latte Royal Highness.
Women of the Bedchamber of Her late Royal Highness,
. Miss Charlotte Col/ES, Mrs. Campbell.
I His Majesty's Establishment at \Vllulflflr, ~viii.
,» 1 Groom of the Stole, '
' The Earl of Winchelsea, ILG. '
Musterof the Robes, Vice—Chamberlain,
TbeRight Hon. Lord Vernon. Lorri John Thynne.
A - Lords of the Bed'chamber,
The Right HOD. Lord Rivers, The Right Hon. Lord Somerville,
The Right iron. Lord Arm, The In in Hon. Lord St. Helen‘s.
> GMol-ns of the Bed amber,
a }fi‘ce-Admirnl- the Hon. Bl!“ A. K. The H‘on. Robert Folk Greville,
Legge, K. C.B. Vice-Admiral Sir Harry Neale,
Lieut.-Gen. Sil- Henry F. Ca'm‘p- Bart. K.C.B.
b'ell,‘ K.C.B. _ y _ _
‘ _' Clerk Marshal z'mil First Equerry,
_ Geh'eralv liobert Manners.
' _ I Equejrries, _. ‘
General, George Galr‘th, , General Francis Edward Gwynne,
Lieut.-Gen. so B. Spencer, G.C.B._ Lieut.-Gen. \V.\C'artwright,
» Liéut.‘Gen. lVilIihn‘i “fynyard. '\
' Mister of_‘th'e Household,
Benjamin Charles Stephenson, Esq.
Her Majesty‘s Establishment at Windsor, viz.
Master of the Horse,
,‘ y _ Earl Harcourt.
, _ Treasurer of the Household,_ ' Vice-Chamberlain,
J Miijor-He'neral H‘ei'bert TaylOr. Edward Disbrmve, Esq.
; _ _. , v _ .querries, _
Major-Gen Hon. Sir Ed. Stopford, K.C._li. Col. Hon. A. P. Upton.
Ladies of Her Majesty's Bedchnmber,
ThE'Cou'n'tes'sgof llehéster. ' .The Countess of Macclesfield,
' \liseountess Melville. '
Worh'e'n of her Majesty’s Bedchamber,
The Hon. Mrs. A. M. E" crton, The Right Hon. Lady Radstock,
The on. Mrs. Courtenay Boyle.
Gen
Nov.) ‘CHRQNJCLE 117
Gentlemen Ushers. ~
George N- Vinwnt, Esq.- Gbarlee Reoke, Esq- Thomas Gerei Em
Ladie; of the Bedchatmber of their Royal Highneeeeg the Prihcesees,
Lady Mary Powlett, Lady Mary Taylor, Elizabeth Moptegip
Women 0f the Bedehamber of their Royal Highnesses the Princmea.
Miss Diebrowe, Lady Campbell, Miss Vysn.
Attendants on Her late Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte,
Mrs. Cronberg, Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. Phillipe.
Attendants on Her Majesty and the Princesses.

Upon entering the choir, the nese Leopold George Fre‘ erick,
body was placed on a, platform, and Dklkt of Space, Margmve of l_\'. isniq,
the coronet and cushion laid uponLand rave of Thflrjngju, Prince .
the cofiin. The Chief Mkmrnep dgughter
of C _ urgnf Saulfeld;
vof His has; and grand?
Excellent
sat on a chair placed for hie Serene
Hi hness at the head of the corpse; Mmesty GM 6 t Thin}, b v
an their Royal Highnessea, hi5 the Grace of .‘pd, of the Uniteé
S“ orters, on chain on either Kingdom of Great Britain, and
si e. The Supporters of the poll ‘ lrklmil, King, Defender of th§
sat in their places new the boilg'; F ' \, 'Who blessmd we:
agd the Lord Chamberlain of V .is serve with 0113 life health, 5111!? v
hlqiepty's household up it (‘hair 1;; bellow, was! all‘wmld'lybeppinets." _
the feet of the corpse. The Royal .After tvhixh, His Serene High:
Dukes, and the Nobility, Knights. nefi's welclllefww w, the mime
of the Garter, .eceppied then“ re of the Bleed BQ)‘. the great Qf: ‘
s¥eetive stalls : tutti the Mhzistm's ‘ tigers, Nobility. W1 when who hat!
0 State, Otficetr; of‘the Household, eqmposed the procession, retired; _
and other}; .Qf the weenion,i ’ haying witnesaed ever, part
were conducted to the' impactiye of this meet mouthful and gflliotf _
places, ' m5 ceremen; hetl been comllpcted A
The part of the eervlee before with tfceat regularity, .decqremM
the interment, and the anthem, and so emnity.
being Performed, the. My was .8.- Rem-wilted“ Buwévme'
deposited in the Royal Vault. The and his {wily returned to gm
office of burial bemg concluded! Sudtlfiflly this morning from u.
after a short pause, Sir leaae Hezujd‘, fi'nellal, hi; popptry-sezit, near
Kat. ‘Garter Prinqifpal' .Kjpg of Elmcatj. The followipg was the
Arm, wlaimed the-style ‘Qf'Hrr oecaaim; of this IleKPQQlQ-tl mum“
late Royal Hjghmss as follows: them :——Yep,ter,v exghout 4‘o'clock 7
“ Thus it has pleased Almighty in] the hftexjpmnt .ogxseignar C11.
God to take out of this transntory nee, Auditor of Rectal, i! come;
iemof the Buonapqaeifqmny, who
life unto his Divine mercy, the late
most illustrious “Princess .CHAB' was pn g qigit to pcien (tt “Rm;
LOTTE Aucpzsu, Qzutghtet'ef His fillflllib #00}; e we ‘ in the dire?
Roygtl Highness Geo; ' e Prince of tip,“ of ,Tttseulum, to 'nspeet the
WalesJLegemof-ghis, pited K' e exqqvgtiqpe 0'. on .t am, will?!)
dom; (3101118911 Mill's Serene 1* 0:; at ankle? ifwae seized, at !
tacked,
118 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [Nov
tacked, and wounded by several covered with blood, and the old
ruf’fians. They consulted among woman quite dead and cold. They
themselves whether they should put proceeded up stairs, and were
him to death, or carry him Us, horror-struck at the sight of Mr.
but in the mean time they kept Channel lying on the ground, with
him in custody. At half an hour his head nearly severed from the
after sunset, when Lucien's fa body. His body was bruised in
mily were about to sit down to various parts, as if very recently
dinner, Monseignor Cuneo was done, from which it may he in
missing, and servants with lighted ferred that he must have had a
torches were sent in search of him. severe struggle with the mur
They went towards Tusculum, derers: he was quite cold, which
and called loudly his name. In circumstance led the parties to
the meantime the robbers rushed suppose that the diabolical attack
towards the house, and seized and inhuman murders were com
Lucien-'s Secretary, M. Chatillon, mitted on the preceding night.
together with two servants (mis Upon a further examination of the
taking probably the Secretary for body of the housekeeper, it was
the master), and carried him off. found that her skull was fractured ;
Monseignor Cuneo had the good a hammer that was found on the
fortune to make his escape during ground, which Mr. Channel used
the tumult. A report has spread in his business, appeared to have
this morning, that the noted rob been the instrument with which
ber Barbone, of Velletri, perpe the blow was given, as the face
trated this violence with twenty of it exactly corresponded with the
seven of his banditti; but from mark upon the skull. Immediate
the declarations of someof Lucien‘s information was given to the Ma
people, there were only six men gistrates in the neighbourhood of
engaged in it, who were dressed the dreadful transaction, and they
in the garb of boors, without shoes, with great promptness caused an
and wearing only a species of immediate investigation for the
sandal tied on their feet, (called purpose of discovering the per
ciovie,) like the poorest of the petrator or perpetrators of the
people. murders. Lord Middleton, who
Horrid Murders at Godalming.- is aMagistrate for the county, was
Early on Tuesday morning the indefatigable in his exertions to
llth, a man who had ordered acquire information. He sum
some shoes to be made at Mr. inoned every person whose evi
Channel's, shoemaker, at Godal dence could afford the least clue to
ming, called for the purpose of the discovery of the offenders. The
ascertaining if they were done. son of Mr. Channel, who is mar
On opening the door, the first ob ried and lived at some distance
ject that caught his eye, was the from his father, was apprehended
body of Mr. Channel's house on suspicion of being concerned,
keeper stretched on the floor, with and underwent an examination;
her throat cut in a shocking man when it appeared by the evidence,
ner. He was terrified at the that on Monday night he was
sight, and called in some of the drinking at a public-house a short
neighbours: they found the floor distance from his father's, and
that
 Nov.] CHRONICLE. 119
that between 9 and 10 o‘clbck he veins, are communicated :-When
left the public-house for a short Joseph Tweed, the head of the
time, and returned, and remained family, was found, says our cor
there d: inking a considerable time. respondent, “ he was laid upon his
I He solemnly denies all knowledge bed in a miserable chamber, with
of the affair, and no other evidence an infant child tWo years old, who,
has transpired to implicate him like himself, was a lifeless corpse,
than the'circumstance of his being clasped in his arms. His wife
absent from the public-house, as lay dead in the lower room upon
above stated, on the evening when the hearth, having divested her
the murders are supposed to have self of every article of clothing,
been committed. It appeared, that with one of her grand-children,
his habits of living have been rather who was still alive, stretched upon '
dissolute, and occasioned great her body. The daughter of these
uneasiness to his parent. The de wretched parents, who was 12
ceased was well known to possess years of age, roused probably from
considerable property, and that is the stupor into which want and
supposed to have been the object sickness had plunged her by the
of those who committed the mur dying groans of her mother, ap
der,- but whether any property pears to have attempted to make
\ has been taken from the house, her way down stairs; but her en
has not yet been ascertained. The feebled limbs refusing to perform
prisoner was remanded. their office, she had fallen, and
Leeds Mercury of Nov. 15 :— when found, her corpse was laid
In our last paper we stated, that stretched upon the stairs with her
on Monday, the 3d inst., four per head downwards, and one of her
sons were found dead in a poor feet locked against the stairs and
cottage, at a place called Dean the wall. Two days after this
house, in the parish of Stainland; horrible discovery, four coffins,
that three weeks before they had provided by the overseer, were sent
lost a daughter, who had died of to the house, and the bodies of the
a malignant fever, in consequence deceased being placed in them,
of which the neighbours had been they were put into a hearse and
afraid to visit them ; and that the cart, and conveyed to Deanhesd
overseerof Deanhead, in the neigh chapel, where they were interred
bourhood of Halifax, to which without any inquest being held
place this unfortunate family be over them, and without any in
longed, had neglected to afl‘ord vestigation whatever having taken
_ them either relief or assistance, place into the circumstances of
and that it was generally believed their death." We have felt it to
that they all perished of famine be our duty to lay these heart
and disease. Since that time we reading”r facts before the public,
have received another letter from and'we now call upon the magi
our correspondent, in answer to stracy and the coroner of the dis
certain inquiries we addressed to trict to discharge theirs.
him, in which the following fur- . 18. Letter from Stockholm ~—A
ther particulars, at the perusal of discharged officer of a good fami
which the blood curdles in our ly, of the name of Drake, has ex
cited
120 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [Nov.
cited general indignation by a ance that struck every beholder
very wicked action :—Having been with terror and dismay. In the
employed to superintend the work centre of the town, between two
men who were repairing the Bit streets not exceeding 20 feet in
terholms Church, which is used width, all exertion was unavailing
only for the interment of the Royal to stem the current of confiagra
family, and of the Knights of the tion: the flames spread in every
Serapbim, as well as to preserve direction with the rapidity of light
the tropies of Swedish valour, he ning, until about six o'clock on
broke into what is called the Ca Saturday morning, when the ex
roline vault, disturbed the ashes ertions of the more respectable
of our great King Charles X., and part of the community, aided by
of a Duchess of Holstein, took the army and navy, succeeded in
from the former the crown, sword arresting its progress at the King‘s
hilt, and sceptre, and from the \Vharf. To give an adequate
latter a diadem and necklace, all description of the awful, we had
of gold, and'in part richly set, but almost said terrible grandeur of
has betrayed himself by his boast the scene, we confess our inabi
ing. He had even had a waistcoat lity. The glarin splendour of the
made out of the velvet on one of flames dissipatet the darkness of
the coffins, and plundered many the night, and discovered the mi
other monuments in the church. sery in which we were placed.
But as there was found in his Immense volumes of smoke rising
pocket, when he was arrested, an majestically above the buildings,
exact list of the stolen articles, at once obscured the dazzling
and an account of what had been blaze of light, and reflected it back
done with them, the whole have again on the earth. When the
been recovered. morning dawned, such a scene of
Destructive Fire in Neufound desolation presented itself as per
land.—Painful and diflicult is the haps very few of the spectators
task which devolves upon us of ever before witnessed, and such as
recording the truly distressing fire we sincerely hope they never may
with which this ill-fated town was behold again: a space of ground
again visited on Friday night, the extending nearly a quarter of a
7th instant. The flames were first mile in length, and three hundred
discovered about half-past ten yards in breadth, was cleared of
o’clock, issuing from an uninha the houses which stood thereon.
bited house about forty yards From the Dissenting Meeting
from the Royal Gazette office, in house to the church-yard, on the
front of Mr. William B. Thomas’s west side ; all the buildings from '
dwelling, and in ten minutes the Court-house to the north-east
communicated to the surrounding boundary of Crawford’s premises
buildings: by this time the inha (both inclusive) on the east side
bitants had assembled, but the of Duckworth-street; from the
engines, with their united efforts, corner of Church-hill to \V. Find
seemed of little use in checking lay‘s on the upper side, and from J.
this all~devouring element, which and R. Brine’s shop to the King's
now began to assume an appear wharf on the lower side of Water
street,

Io
NWJ. CHRONICLE 121
street, including the stores and gration !—a dreadful, and, eon
wharfs, were reduced to ashes, sidering our peculiarly distressing
and with them the greater part of circumstances, we should scarcely
a very large stock of provisions be wrong in adding, an unheard
with which they were stored. of confiagration. In conse uence
What rendered the scene the of a Proclamation issued y his
more truly distressing is, that most Excellency the Governor, all ves
of those who suffered so severely sels and boats are prevented from
in the fire of the 11th of Febru leaving this port till the quantity
ary, 1816, are again involved in of provisions in the town he ascer
the distress which we now attempt tained : this, we are in hopes, will
to describe : in that calamity, have the good effect of securing
many respectable individuals lost to the community whatever may
their all, and are again reduced to be yet remaining; but that itself,
a similar situation, without shelter with the addition of what is ex
or covering, at this advanced sea pected, will not, we apprehend,
son of the year. Winter is ap be near sufficient to supply our
proaching—a long, dreary, New wants till our navigation opens in
foundland winter—and the pros the spring of the year. In addi
pects before us are gloomy in the tion, owing to the quantity of fuel
extreme; but we will not distress cdnsumed, there is a scarcity of
our readers by dwelling longer on that valuable article. The major
this melancholy topic. We do, part of our printing materials
however, most sincerely hope that having been destroyed, the pro
efficient measures will be speedily prietor of the Mercantile Journal
devised, and promptly executed, has with great kindness offered us
to save us from a repetition of the use of his types, &c.—Frsm
the scenes of last winter. the Royal Gazette.
So far as we have been able to Q1. Another calamitous and dis
ascertain, l3 mercantile establish tressing Fire—About halfvpast three
ments, and among them the ex— o'clock this morning, just as we
tensive concerns of Hart, Robin were about to put our paper to
son, and Co. ; Hunters and Co.; press, we were alarmed by a Sig,
Peter Henderson (late James Mac nal for fire, and we have now the
braire and Co.) ; Bulleys, Job, painful task to record, after so
and Cross; Parker, Creever, and short a lapse of time, another ex,
Co.; Wm. B. Thomas; Attwood tensive and distressing contlagra
and Haynes; Peter le Mesurier, tion.
and at least 135 dwelling houses, it appeared that the fire was
occupied by not less than 1,100 observed in the premises of Messrs.
persons, have been consumed ; Hale, Reed, and C0. in W'ater
and it is calculated that the amount street, and soon extended its ra
of property destroyed cannot be vages to the westward, as far as
less than from 4 to 500,000l. the house of Mr. llenj. Bowring,
To those who were not specta on the upper side, and the store
tors, we despair of giving any thing of Mr. Robert Nevis on the lower
like an accurate conception. We side, where, by very powerful cx~
have not had a fire, but a condo. ertions, it was stopped in its wes
terly
 "V “l

122 ANNUAL REGISTER, i817. [Nov.

terly direction, but continued ad An ordinance has been passed
vancing eastward until about half in the city of Savannah, by which
past 9, by which time it had burnt any one who teaches a person of
the premises of Mr. James Clift, colour, either a slave or free, to
where great exertions were re read or write, or causes such per
quired, and were happily exerted,son to be so taught, is subjected
to a fine of 30 dollars for each of—
to save the premises of Messrs. Per
kins and Winter, upon which fence ; and every person of colour
depended the safety of the whole who shall keep a school to teach
range of houses on the Church reading or writing, is subject to a
hill, on the upper side, and the fine of 80 dollars, or be impli
stores - of Messrs. Trimminghams soned ten days, and whipped 39
and Co. on the lower side, just lashes. ,
where the late fire was stopped '20. It is with much concern
in its progress westward; all of we inform our readers of the sad
which buildings narrowly escaped catastrophe that has befallen the
on the 7th inst. Thus a great stone beacon, which, for some
part of the western half of the years past, has been erecting upon
town, which we contemplated as the Carr Rock, situate at the en
a shelter for the then distressed, is trance of the Frith of Forth, and
laid in ashes, and many families lying about two miles off Fifeness.
have to lament and feel the pain The building was visited by the
ful distress of a second time being superintendant on the 10th inst.,
burnt out of their dwellings in the and reported to be all in good or
short space of fourteen days: by der. On the evening of the 14th
what means many of them will a very heavy swell of sea came
find shelter the approaching win ashore, and on the 15th the
ter, we are at a loss to conjecture, ground-swell still continued ; but
should they even be fortunate the weather was so thick and fog
enough to have the means of pur gy that the rock could not be seen
chasing necessaries. till the afternoon, when the sea
In this hasty account we cannot was observed to break upon it
enter fully into particulars, nor with much violence, but a great
can we at this short notice pretend part of' .the building was gone.
to estimate the aggregate amount The Carr Rock forms the termi
of the damage done to the very nating point to seaward of a most
extensive stores and dwelling of dangerous sunken reef, extending
Messrs. Cunninghame, Bell, and about two miles from the shore.
Co., and those _of Messrs. Hale, The numerous shipwrecks which,
Reed, and Co., Ryan and Sons, notwithstanding all the improve
Mr. Robert Nevins, Mr. James ments on the coast, still happen
Clift, Mr. John Burke, and seve in this neighbourhood, had ren
ral other mercantile establish dered the Carr Rock Beacon a
ments, have fallen a sacrifice to work of very considerable inte
the devouring flames: the dwell rest, and its completion had been
ing-house, shop, &c. of Mr. Ne looked forward to with much an
vins, were preserved—Horn the xiety. The Beacon Rock mea
Mercantile Journal. sures about 72 feet in length; its
greatest
 Nov.] CHRONICLE. 123
greatest breadth is Q3 feet, and at of the Qlst instant, have the satis
high water of spring tides the site faction to state, that they are una
of the building was at least 16 nimously of opinion, that the fire
feet under the surface or level of originated solely through accident,
the sea. The building, of which and therefore they beg to recom
we now lament the loss, is under mend that publicity may be given
stood to have cost in the erection to the result of this investigation,
between 2 and 3,000l. and bade in order that every unfavourable
fair to possess all the advantages impression on the subject may be
of an excellent landmark. It has removed from the public mind.
been pursued for no less than five DAVID TASKER, Foreman.
successive seasons. The loss of 25. Lucca.—Chevalier Bardoxi
this important improvement on Azara, the Spanish ambassador at
the coast will be severely felt by Turin, took possession yesterday,
the shipping interest, particularly in the presence of the judiciary
of the Friths of Forth and Tay; and administrative authorities at
but as we learn from good autho the palace, of the principality of
rity that several courses of the Lucca, in the name of her Ma
masonry remain uninjured, and jesty, Maria Louisa, Infanta of
these the most difficult and ex Spain. The Spanish colours were
pensive in their erection, having hoisted amid the acclamations, a
required more than three of the thousand times repeated, of Viva
five seasons, we may yet hope that La Reine! by an immense popu
a solid and permanent beacon of lation. The authorities are provi
stone may be placed on this fatal sionally confirmed in their places.
reef, which would doubtless prove Sarony.--The States of' Saxony
highly useful, though not pos have requested the express con
sessed of all the advantages of the firmation of the old constitution,
proposed tide machine—Edin the suppression of pensions to
burgh Paper. wealthy persons, a diminution of
‘24. This morning Her Majesty, the expense of the military esta
accompanied by the Princess Eli blishment, and a control over
zabeth, left the Castle soon after the public disbursements.
seven o‘clock, in the post-chaise There is not the smallest idea
formerly used by the King as a of any improvement of the con
travelling carriage, to proceed to stitution, particularly of the sys
Bath. tem of representation.
25. St. John‘s, Newfoundland.— ‘28. Ramsgate.—A distressing
The Grand Jury has been con occurrence happened in this neigh
vened, and after along and full bourhood early yesterday morn
investigation into the subject of ing:---A serjeant, corporal, and
' the fire, came to the following three private marines, stationed at
resolution :— this place for the prevention of
Court-house, St. John’s, Km. 24. smuggling, were out on duty dur
The Grand Jury having duly ing the night, and having pro—
considered the evidence laid be ceeded upon the sands to a place
fore them respecting the late fire, called Dampton-stnir-gateway, be
which happened on the morning tween this place and liroadstairs,
they,
 12-i ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [N 0v.
they, for the purpose of shelter, west quarter, which suddenly as
and the more efi'ectually to secrete sumed an alarming and threaten
themselves, took up a position ing appearance. The fire engines
under a projection of the cliff, were speedily brought to the spot,
where they remained until day and the supply of water, though
break, when the serjeant ordered at first limited, was, by the un
one of the privates to call in a rcmitted exertions of many respec
party, who were stationed on the table gentlemen and others, pro
opposite side of the Gateway, cured in sufficient quantities, ade
nearer to Broadstairs. The man quate to the demand of all the en
had gone but a few paces, when gines. By the strenuous exertions
an immense portion of the cliff of the firemen, aided by the di
gave way, and buried in its full rection of several of the profes
his four hapless companions. The sors, the flames were rapidly got
fall was so sudden, that it struck under, and the fire completely sub~'
his musket from his shoulder, and dued in the space of two hours.
he fortunately escaped, though in The interior of the apartment,
a very terrified state of mind, to howarer, in which it was cbnfined, \
give an alarm of the fate of his is entirely destroyed. The magis
unhappy comrades. immediately trates, professors, students, and
on its being known, Mr. l).B. gentlemen in the neighbourhood,
Jarrnan, an inhabitant of this rendered every assistance; and
town, acwmpanied by Mr. N. (iott the attention of the High Coasts,
and a gang of men from the bles and the Superintendent oi“ the
works at the harbour, proceeded Police, together with a detach»
to the spot, and commenced cut ment of the 88th regiment from
_ ting a trench through the middle the garrison, which was directed
of the chalk, and after two or in keeping the communication
three hours laborious exertion, open from the College to the se
they found the serjeant and cor veral fire-cocks, was of the first
poral extended on their faces, and importance, and tended greatly to
presenting a. most shocking spec facilitate the extinction of the de
taclc. In the course of a few. structive element. The roof was
hours more, the two privates were under repair, but from what cause
found as having been in a sitting the fire originated, we believe, has
posture, but with their heads not yet been ascertained. The en
forced betwixt their legs, and gine belonging to the Royal Ex
crushed in a most dreadful man change Assurance, which now
ner. The bodies, as taken out, stands at Leith, was on the first
were placed in a boat, and con alarm immediatelydispmtched from
veyed to Broadstairs, tn'eparatory thence, with its firemen, by the
to the Coroner‘s inquest, the ac agents, Messrs. Thomsons and
cident baring happened within the Pollock. During the fire, Mr.
limits of the parish of St. Peter. l’layfair, the engineer, was dis
‘29. Edinburglt.—On Tuesday tinguished by his anxiety and in
morning, a little after 9 o'clock, a trepidity on the occasion. l-lurry
fire was observed issuing from the ing from soniealistance, on the
roof of the College, on the north first alarm, he was soon on the
roof,
M

Dam] CHRONICLE 125

roof, directing the operations of on fixed funds, which shall be left
the firemen; and, when part of to the free administration of the
it was broken in, he descended Prclatcs. 'Then follows the state
into the part on fire, with a rope of the church revcnues. The sums
fastened to his body, and the pipe of these revenues shall always be
of one of the engines in his hand ; preserved cntirc, and the property
and this intrepid example being and funds out of which they arise
followed by several of the firemen shall never be diverted from their
and others, the water was soon end, nor changed into pensions.
made to play with more poWerful During the vacancy of the sees
efi'ect upon the part of the build and benefices these revenues will
ing which was in flames. be preserved for the uses of the re
spective churches. Bishops, Arch
bishops, Dignitaries, Canons, and
DECEMBER. Vicars, shall have, besides, con
venient residences previded for
3. It appears from the Dublin them.
papers which arrived yesterday, (Art. 5. and 6 relate to the
that the typhus fever increases in establishment of seminaries and
certain parts of Ireland. In the houses of retreat forsuperannuated
space of 26 days, 246 patients ccclesiastica.) _
were received into the fever hos 7'. His Majesty, considering
pital of Limerick, which consi what advantages the Church, and
derably exceeds the number dis even the State itself, have derived
charged in that interval. from religious orders, and wishing
Munich—The Concordat en to show his good will towards the
tered into between the Holy See Holy See, engages to establish,
and our Government has been in concert with the Holy See, some
published here. It was concluded monasteries of religious orders of
on the 5th of June last, but was both sexes, to form the youth in
not announced in the allocation religion and learning, to assist
of the Pope till the 15th of No thc pastors, and to take care of
vember. The following are its the sick.
principal articles :— 8. The property of seminaries,
1. The Catholic Religion shall of parish churches, of beneficcs
remain untouched in Bavaria and belonging to all kinds of ecclesi
its dependencies, with the rights astical establishments, will always
and prerogatives which it ought be preserved entire. The church
to enjoy according to the Divine will have. in addition the right of
arrangements, and the canonical acquiring new possessions, and all
laws. that it shall acquire will belong to
(Articles ‘2 and 3 regulate the it, and will enjoy the same kind
number and position of the dioceses of security as the old ecclesiasti
and chapters, with the jurisdiction cal foundations. No suppression
of the latter.) or unioh can be made either of
4. The Archiepiscopal and Epis the old or new without the inter,
copal revenues shall he established ‘ vention of the authority of the
Holy
 \

126 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. [D ac.

Holy See, except by the powers having forcibly and fraudulently
granted to the Bishops by the carried away a certain female child
Council of Trent. ' of the age of five years and seven
9.- The Pope shall grant insti months, with intent to deprive
tution upon the presentment of Susannah Porter, widow, of the
proper persons to fill the sees by possession of the said child.
the King. The prosecutrix was a widow,
(The three following articles and lived at No. 15, Vere-street,
relate to the forms of nominating Clare-market The child in ques
Bishops, and regulate their rights tion was the only child she had.
and functions in the administra On Tuesday morning, the 4th of
tion of their dioceses.) November, at half-past 8 o‘clock,
13. When the Bishops or Arch she sent the little girl with a
bishop's shall point out to the Go basket and cloth to buy some
vernment works printed in the rolls, to Mr. Kemble's, the cor
kingdom, or introduced into it, ner of Vere-street. The child had
containing doctrines contrary to been gone nearly half an hour,
the faith, the Government will and witness being uneasy, sent a.
undertake the care of suppressing man to the baker's to inquire if
them by proper means. the child was there 5 she heard no
14. His Majesty will prevent tidings, and witness then went
the Catholic religion, its rites out herself, and sent two other
and its liturgy, from being held persons in different directions. Be
up to ridicule either by words, tween ll and 19 o'clock, on her
deeds, or writings, and will take return home, somebody called to
care that the Bishops and Pastors her, and said that the child was
shall not encounter any obstacles at home. When she went home
in the exercise of their functions. she found the child there.
15- The Archbishops and Bi The little child, whose name
shops shall take before the King was Emma, was then examined
the oath of fidelity, couched in on oath. She said, when she
the following words .—“ I swear went out of her mother's door,
and promise on the Holy Evange to go to the baker‘s, she crossed
lists, fidelity and obedience to the over the way. She then saw the
King. I promise that I will have prisoner, who followed her; she
no communication, that I will went up a. street, and the prisoner
attend no assembly, that I will followed and laid hold of her
maintain no relations, within or hand; then she let loose of it,
without the kingdom, that may and she went. into the baker's
injure the tranquillity of the king shop. When she came out, the
dom; and if I learn that any plot prisoner, who was at the door,
is formed in my diocese, or other took her up into her arms, carried
wise, against the State, I shall her up Duke-street, and set her
make it known to his Majesty." down to walk in Lincoln's-inn
9. Before the Recorder and a ficlds. Then she went down Por
London Jury.—Child Stealing.— tugal-street into the Temple, and
Louisa Perkins was indicted for went through a number of dark
passages.
DEC.] _CHRONICLE 127
passages. lVhen she almost got the prisoner replied, “ D—n you,
to Blackfriars-bridge, Mr. Gibson Sir, what have you to do with it?
took her away from the woman. She is my niece; she has been
When the prisoner spoke to her, disorderly, and I shall do what I
she told her that she would buy please with her." \Vith the assist
her some biscuits, and make her ance of another person, he took
some doll‘s things. This was all the child away from the woman;
that passed. The prisoner took and upon threatening to give her
nothing from her, and never said over to the custody of an officer,
where she was going to take her. she persisted in saying that she
She had never seen the prisoner was the aunt of the child. Witness
before. No rolls were bought at went with the prisoner and the
the baker's. child to Clare-market, and pro
James Gibson, a cooper, living ceeding up a passage in the Tem
in Redcross-street in the Borough, ple, the prisoner endeavoured to
stated, that on the 4th of Novem run away.
ber, as he was passing by Temple Thomas Higgins stated, that be
bar about 9 in the morning, he tween 9 and 10 o'clock, on the
saw the prisoner at the bar with 4th November, in passing through
the child, having hold of it by Tudor-street, being requested by
the wrist. \Vhile walking along Mr. Gibson, he assisted in taking
Fleet-street, the child resisted, the child from the prisoner.
and appeared to be crying bitterly. In her defence the prisoner
He followed her until she got to stated, that she was innocent of
the archway leading to the Tem the crime laid to her charge.
ple. She went down the gateway, When apprehended she was in
and dragged the child to the toxicated with liquor. This last
piazza. The child resisted very fact was proved by the officer.
much. She proceeded a little fur Two witnesses gave the prisoner
ther, stopped, and talked to the a good character for humanity.
child in a passage, and told it she She had children of her own, and
would give it some biscuits. The always behaved kindly to them.
prisoner then came out and went The jury found a verdict—
towards the parade, down to the Guilty.
river side ; the passage was stop The child was a very pretty lit
ped up, and she was obliged to re tle girl, and delivered her evi
turn. She then proceeded through dence with great clearness. The
the Temple, to the corner of Ta prisoner was a young woman of
dor-street. The child here resisted an if teresting appearance, and
very much, and threw a napkin it very genteelly dressed.
had in its hand upon the pave 9. Dustin—Contagious Fever.
ment out of a basket, in the effort —-It is with pain we find ourselves
of resisting. He then attempted obliged to return to this distress
to take the child from the prisoner, ing subject. In many parts of the
but the prisoner would not allow country, fever continues to rage ;
it. He asked her what she was and in the county of Cavan, we
going to do with the child, and are informed, a contagion of a
peculiar
128 ANNUAL REGISTER.
peculiar malignant character has
recently appeared. The follow
ing resolution has been come
to by the corporate body of this
city.—
That we do strongly recom
mend to our fellow-citizens, to
take the most prompt and active
measures within their respective
parishes, to have the habitations
of the poor properly cleansed and
white-washed, as the best means
of preserving the present healthy
state of the city, and of prevent
ing the introduction of the con
tagious fever that has proved so
destructive in several parts of the
country.
10. Bologna.--A notification of
the Cardinal Secretary of State has
been published here in the follow
ing terms :—
His Holiness having guaran
teed to their possessors the acqui
sitions of national property which
they had made for reasons ex
pressed in the edict of July 5,
1815, and in the meta roprio of
July 16, 1816, providefthese ac
quisitions have been originally
made without contravention of the
laws and regulations established
by the Italian and French Govern—
ment; and wishing that these dis
positions should not be altered,
and that all doubts and errors, in
evitable when these questions are
brought before the tribunals, the publication of articles that may
should be removed, has been pleas prove ofi‘ensive.~
ed to order that actions attacking
the validity of the above-mention founded complaints against inju
ed acquisitions should not be_pro
scented before any tribunal “mat
ever; and that pending suit] on
this account should not be pro
ceeded in, but that they be
brought before the particular eon
1817. [Dec
gregation instituted by the said
motu proprio, which is invested
with necessary powers.
ll. Weimar—The Government
has addressed the following circu
lar to the residents and Charges
d'Al’faircs of the Grand Duchy:—
“ It has frequently happened for
some time past, that some of the
Charges d‘Atfaires of the Grand
Duchy have transmitted to Go
vernment complaints on the part
of foreign diplomatists, in regard
to articles inserted in the public
journals of the Grand Duchy.
These reports can have no other
object than that of causing the
publication of such articles to be
prohibited in future, or of inflict
ing punishment upon the authors
of such as have been already pub—
lished. But none of these pur
poses can be accomplished in this
manner; and Messrs. the Charges
dc Afi‘aires ought to know, accord»
ing to the anterior communication
made to them by the Govern
ment—
" lst. That the censorshipof the
press has been totally abolished
in the Grand Duchy of Weimar,
by the fundamental constitution
of the States, which all the Sove
reigns and States of the Confede
ration have solemnly guaranteed;
and, consequently, that there ex
ist no legal means of preventing
“ 2. That in the case of well
rious and unbecoming assertions
published in print, the authors
and editors of such productions
musthal‘ter an examination as to
the importance of the matters com
plained of, he proceeded against
in
DEC.] CHRONICLE. 129
in a mode conformable to the or in all cases of such complaints as
dinance of the 13th April. may be presented to him, as far
But Messrs. the Chargés d’Af— as may be compatible with the
faires will easily perceive, that in constitution of the country.
order to apply the penalties there W'eimar, Nov. 14, 1817.
in decreed, an accusation commu Third Department of the
nicated verbally is not sufficient; Ministry of State,
but that it will be necessary to (Signed) Count Emma.
have complaints in writing, ad
dressed to the undersigned minis 13. ISLE or “Mama—Fatal
ter, and founded chiefly upon the ~Duel.—On \Vednesday last an in
consideration, that the good un quest was taken at the Dolphin
derstanding between the Court of inn, in West Cowes, before The
the Grand Duchy and that of the mas Sewell, Esq. Coroner of the
complaining minister may not be Isle of \Vight, on view of the
interrupted. . body of a gentleman of the name
In referring anew to the fun of John Sutton, who was killed in
damental law of the 5th of May, a duel, in Northwood-park, that
1816, and to the ordinance of the morning. It appeared in evidence,
13th of April of the same year, that the deceased was one of the
such of you, as by receiving and passengers about to proceed to St.
transmitting the expressions of Thomas, in the ship Grace, now
disapprobation ab0ve alluded to, lying in Cowes-roads: that on the
showed that they were strangers preceding evening the deceased, a
to the spirit and intent of our con Major Lockyer, a Mr. Redesdale,
stitution and legislation—these and a Mr. Hand, and other pain
presents will, at the same time, ~sengers, were in company to_
convey to all the Residents and gather at the Dolphin; that Major
Chargés de Alfaires of the Grand Lockyer took offence at some ex
Duchy the instruction, that they pression made use of by the
shall no longer receive nor report deceased, and in consequence
upon any verbal complaints made challenged him. The parties met
to them with respect to articles the next morning, Mr. Redesdala
and passages in the public journals attending as second to Major
of the Grand Duchy, but shall Lockyer, and Mr. Hand as second
reject such communications ; and to the deceased. Major Lockyer
observe that, in order to any pro only fired at the appointed signal ;
ceeding in such cases, the com the ball entered the deceased's
plaints must be addressed, in due body between the third and fourth
form, to the undersigned Minister ribs on the right side, passed
of State, and founded upon the through the ventricle of the heart,
consideration abovementioned. lodged in the integuments on the
For the rest, the Grand Ducal left side, and occasioned, of course,
rescript subjoined to these pre instant death. The principal and
sents, and of the same date, is seconds immediately fied. The
communicated to you as a proof jury, without hesitation, returned
of the anxiety of His Royal High a verdict of wilful murder against
ness the Grand Duke to do justice Major Lockyer and Messrs. Re
‘TQL li desdale
190 ANNGAL REfiIgTER; 1817. [Dhbz
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h'a'rbpur'; th'e ‘r'hn‘rinql‘s, ‘n'qt
bein' p'ro'bziblj wage of mg air: between so and '40 jéfrsifims on
56“ ty of the igéi'iqvitibh of ihe bom'd,;1110f 'whbfin b‘rivéahe‘d in the
,i'ivér,’ film'pi‘qii: led I fob ri‘ear fh'e Flew of sony'e thqfisan‘d sp'eét'iatoi‘é
156d}; a‘na st'ri'lck ilpph th'e Ail-m; ‘on the vb'eilcl’l, kvikh'otil b'eihg ablé
‘a,su__m\-‘b;lnfr< which has» o'fcfir'n to 'affo'rd {he l'eas't fiésfsifihéé.
iii-'ovéd man no. thoiisdifils‘. _if1 Trafi/qfqrt.
(luhfitifiié'gs 'Q'F Sholps—'haije l‘ar‘g’g
b'eén
"this 'sx'tujffibn ‘th'ey ‘feéniii‘nbd fo'g'
Iséinw Ftkfe' fimé, diving which hm- map “'Tfllih t'file's‘é few Jay's
foy SEixlglis'h ‘zicc‘oiint, 5b fliat ‘fh’e
'greiit n'qYhbei' pf é'g‘oifie 6h Udarfl
:wler'e;‘§rs@ili1cfly s'géfi ‘diq'nfi price‘lfl‘i's‘e ‘fhim toll Ifiqrinfs
:IZI'ICFQU‘S‘SPESfiI‘tQI‘S from tbjg shore, per cm, immemvgr
on 'mts sudsie'tg‘hffis‘é,
féomc Ihxfowin'g thielinséliés: i910
spec'umm-s of? far
Jig 'ihk iitlm'ds't dés'pziir, 'an'd 6‘tfie'x‘5 Bohbhiiu 'a'n‘d ‘O't‘h‘e'r lidp cm'mtriéé.
hr'rb‘s 611i: an'bifliér", s'ge‘rfji‘fjgl')’
in) 't'he iiggifig, 'arj'd 'ubii'ig
gvery elfiipi"; to ‘p'r'e‘s'erye 'them's'e'hjés Ffb'm Hie Fobifb'n Gdi?fié, Nov. ‘29.
['Xio'CLix’lilATibiw.
from file dgn'ourii'l'g ‘eler'n'eri't. ,Th‘e ‘Ge'orge, I ‘ U‘ V
Hfe-biizit \‘va's V i'n'sfié'ml‘y linin'chéd, \Vh'erép's 1hfe'réf11hlfa' 5115' “mb.
'alnd .{ve'h't o'ix'b i'n ilefiayn‘q‘ebf 'tfie fs‘is‘t's a state of @véfl'ar'e beui'e‘e'n 115.5
‘fiéthpegt ,; bi'lt, iln'foftii'ilaiély , I libit Czitholic Maligs'tjr and di'y‘eré ‘ii'ro
Withstandi'rfg Kai-'21“)! éigé‘rtioh Hei'xig vinc'qs,
Spn'hish b"I_:ki11e"li§c:1
{i‘u'flfs of “prov‘in'lc'e's,
: ‘and Whereas in
“4118611,
Si’sfii'x'liéé,
Acbfil'd‘It fehde'lj
is ‘iin_}iéssfble
them he He
it libs ‘b'o'éh i'epi'e‘sén'fe'd In Us, that
' ' 'Scribe Ifhefjiy'wffi'fl fiifldillion (if The many (if our subjécts llixi'e, with
nfiméidfis ‘ba'sséngéfr‘s I (if vario'ils bu't pu'r leaye'dr licghée, enlist“
ydeqcriptib‘hns, 'y'vhb wer'e fh'eh ifs pr eill'ter‘ed ‘thghdéelv‘es to serv'e in
_ce\1fthih§i_l‘in \b'e'Qn bdhl‘d; a'nidhg the Iriilitiry forcés Ur ship's uf 'Wnr
:whon‘i was dis‘c'okiel‘ed, 'a’s ‘thé; r'ndst raised 6r éeb forth, brjfit'endéd to
Helpl'c'sks 'v'icfiixi, a yoixfi‘g' ivon'i'an be raised 6r é‘é’t ’fo'nh, by tlie ii'e‘r
sons
 19m] CHRON‘ICLE. "181'
sons exercising or assuming to to serve therein, provided that
exercise the pOWers of Govern such our said subjects do not serVe
ment in such provinces or parts of with the military forces of his
provinces, and that divers others Catholic Majesty when employed
of our subjects are about in like in Spanish America: and we do
manner to enter and enlist them hereby, by and with the advice
selves; and whereas such prac aforesaid, strictly require all our
tices are highly Prejudicial to, and said subjects duly to conform to
tend to endanger the peace and 'our commands herein contained,
welfare of our crown and domi under pain of Our highest displea
nions: we do therefore hereby, sure, and the utmbst forfeitures,
by and with the advice of our penalties, and punishments, to
Privy Council, strictly charge and which by law they will otherwise
command all and every of our na be liable.
tural-born subjects, of what de Given at our Court at Brighton,
gree or Quality soever, not to serve the 27th day of November, 1817,
in any such military forces or ships in the 58th year of our reign.
of war as aforesaid, and not to God save the King.
enlist or enter themselves to serve 31. The kingdom of Sicily has
therein, and not to go beyond the been divided into Intendancies
seas or embark, in order to serve, which are organized like the
or with intent to enter, or enlist French departments. There have
themselves to serve in such mili been established provincial and
tary forces or ships of war: and communal councils, who have re
it is at the same time our royal will duced to insignificance the autho
and pleasure, and we do, by and rity of the feudal jurisdictions.
with the advice aforesaid, hereby The Intendancies are to the num
also strictly charge and command ber of seven, namely, Palermo with
all and every of our said subjects 405,281 inhabitants, Messina with
not to serve or enlist, or enter 236,784, Catania 289,406, Gir
themselves to serve in any of the gcnti 988,877, Syracuse 192,710,
military forces or ships of war Trapani 145,712, and Calata Ni
raised or set forth, or to be raised setta 155,225 -— making, in all,
or set forth, by his Catholic Ma 1,648,955 inhabitants.
jesty, and not to go beyond the The vessels for exploring the
seas, or embark, in order, or to northern regions have begun to
the intent to serve, or enter, or be equipped. TWO are to endea
enlist themselves, to serve in such vour to penetrate through Davis’s
military forces or ships of war: it Straits, ahd twO to reach the
is nevertheless our royal will and North Pele, if possible; by which
pleasure, that nothing herein con means it is expected to ascertain
tained shall be deemed or taken to whether Greenland is an island, or
prohibit any of Our subjects who part of the continents of Asia or
_ are engaged at the time of the America. The vessels are to be
date of this our proclamation in stored with every requisite in pro
serving in the military forces of visions, nautical instruments, 810.
his Catholic Majesty with our The crew, it is said, twill consist
leave or license, from continuing of 50 men, including officers, in
K 2 each
132 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
each vessel. They will also be
provided with every appendage
used by the Greenland ships;
and some experienced men in that
service are to go in the vessels.
The Quetidienne contains the fol
lowing paragraph :—
‘ ‘ The ArchdukesJohn and Lewis
have given permission to a German
journalist to publish some extracts
from a journal which they kept
during their stay in England.
These princes examined with care
the English manufactures and
agriculture: they give also some
details as to the style of living in
[DEC.
grows such enormous turnips,
that one day he sent to his sister
19 partridges in the hollow of one
of these roots."
The following article, from the
London Gazette of July 15, was
accidentally omitted in its proper
division of our Chronicle :-—— -
By His Royal Highness the Prince
of Wales, Regent of the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and
lrelaud, in the name and on
the behalf of his Majesty,
A PROCLAMATION.

the upper classes, which are not George, RR.

within the reach of all travellers. \Vhereas it has been represented
The magnificent interior of the unto Us, that divers misguided
country-seats, the taste of the fur persons in some of the midland
niture, the amiable and decorous counties of England, have of late
freedom of their conversations, years committed various acts of
the interest which the women ex outrage, in breaking and destroy
cite, as much by their cultivated ing frames used in making stock
minds as by their charms—these ings,lace, and other articles in the
are the points which struck these frame-worked-knitted manufac
illustrious travellers during their tory; and that, among other in
abode in the country. It is there, stances of such outrages, a most
any they, that you should study the heinous one was committed on the
high society of England, and even night of the 28th day of June last
the character of all its gentlemen. at Loughborough, when a. large
London is merely a large inn ; it number of such frames was broken,
is at his country-house that the and an attempt was made to mur
Englishman is hospitable and ami der one of the persons intrusted
able. The Archdukes describe the with the care of them. And whereas
manner of dining at the Marquis it hath been farther represented
of Anglesea’s. It presents a no unto Us, that such outrages have
velty for our gourmands; after for the most part been prompted
soup they took cold punch. A by a desire, on the part ofthe jour
celebrated agriculturist, the Che neymen employed in the said ma
valier Sebright, had the Princes nufactory, to dictate to their mas
for his guests, and showed them ters the terms on which the manu
his numerous machines. Miss factory should be carried on, or
Sebright is a savante (a scientific the prices at which work should
lady); she made an experiment be done, which dictation is utterly
in galvanism before the Arch inconsistent with the principles of
dukes, with a little galvanic bat justice, and destructive of the free
tery. The Chevalier Sebright dom and prosperity of trade. And
whereas
 Dam] CHRONICLE.
whereas measures have been taken,
by the wisdom of his Majesty‘s Par
liament, for repressing such out
rages in future, by increasing the
, punishment for the same; and in
the hope that such measures will
effectually deter persons from the
future commission of such offences,
\Ve are desirous of extending his
Majesty‘s most gracious pardon to
all those who have hitherto offend
ed herein, except as hereinafter is
mentioned: We have therefore
thought fit, by and with the ad
vice of his Majesty's Privy Coun
cil, to issue this Proclamation,
and in the name and on the behalf
of his Majesty, \Ve do hereby pro
mise and declare, that every per
son who hath committed any of
fence against the form of the Sta
tute made in the fifty-fourth year
of his Majesty‘s reign, for the pn
nishment of persons destroying
stocking or lace frames, but hath
not yet been charged therewith,
133
and whoshall, previous to the first
day of September next ensuing,
appear before somejustice of the
peace or magistrate, and declare
such his offence, and when, where,
and by whom the same was commit
ted, shall receive his Maiesty's most
gracious pardon for such offence;
and that no confession so made by
any such person shall be given in
evidence in any court or in any
case whatever; provided, never
theless, that nothing herein con
tained shall extend to the oifenee
so committed at Loughborough,
as aforesaid, nor to any other of
fence, except such as may have
been committed contrary to the
said statute made in the 54th year
aforesaid.
Given at the Court at Carlton
house, the 15th day of July,
1817', in the 57th year of his
Majesty’s reign.
God save the King.
l 34 ANNUAL REGlST-ER, 1817.
BIRTHS.
January.
The lady of Major-general Sir daughter.
William Anson, a. son.
The Countess of Clonrnel, a son
and hell‘
The wife of C. W. Taylor, Esq.
M. P. a son and heir.
Lady Mortloek, a daughter.
The lady of the Hon. J .T. Leslie
Melville, a son.
The lady of Major-general Sir
Roger SMILE-e, hart.
daughter.
The lady of the Right Hon.
Lord Bridport, a daughter.
Viscountess Folkestone,a daugh
ter.
Lady Eleanor Balfour, a daugh
ter.
Lady Elibfl-nk, a son.
At Montreal, the Countess of
Selkirk, a daughter.
February.
The lady of Sir Hungerford
Hoskyns, a son.
Viscountess Dungannon, a The wife of Hon. D. M. Ers
daughter.
The wife of General Francis
Dundas, a son.
The Princess of Orange, a, son.
The wife of the Hon. Captain
Irby, a daughter.
The wife of William Henry Ash
hnrst, Esq. M. P. a. daughter.
The lady of Sir Henry Darell, a
son.
The lady of Sir Geo. Prescott,
a son. . ford, a daughter.
Lady Charlotte Neville, a son.
The wife of Major Howard
Vyse, M.P. a son.
The lady of Sir Simeon Stuart,
8. daughter.
Hon. Mrs. Bland, a son.
Lady Catherine Cavendish, a
daughter.
The Countess of Shannon, a
The lady of Lord Robert Tot
tenham, Bishop of Killaloe, a
daughter.
The Countess De la Warr, a
spn.
March.
The lady of Sir John Fenton
Boughey, hart. a daughter.
a The lady of the Hon. Dr. Ryder,
Bishop of Gloucester, a daughter.
The lady of Rear-adm. Sir John
Gore, 1; daughter.
The Marchioness of Tweedale,
a daughter.
Viscountess Pollington, a son.
The Countess of llchester, a.
son.
Hon. Mrs. Butler, a daughter.
The lady of Sir JamesM‘Grigor,
a son. ..
The lady of Sir James Lake,
bart. a daughter.
The lady of Sir Henry C. Mont
gomery, bart. a. daughter.
kine, a son.
Lady Sarah Lyttleton, a son.
Lady Charlotte Duncombe, a.
son.
The wife of Albany Seville, Esq.
M. P. a son.
The wife of Davies Gilbert
(Giddy), Esq. M. P. a daughter.
Lady Louisa Call, a daughter.
Lady Hunter Blair, a son.
The wife of the Hon. Mr. Clif
April.
Viscountess Havarden, a son
and heir. ~
Lady

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Lad
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'Cfokunteéé
ileiirhter.
Lounges,
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Tm' lé‘dy, '95s 'Sir‘iq‘im‘ludlsln
g. gaugh‘tgvr. ,l. .m. .i

I 'on. hir§.GeoygeVilliei'sI, qsop, Liid'y J'an'ies Hay, a daughter.

Lady (Tunis, % $9q- ” ‘ ’
Lady Slopfqi'sl; a son June.
Lady Gertrude Slog-nae, a eon;
The pochqeéof Newcastle, M ii. The wife of Major-gen. Beat
Thea‘deugllyer.
lady of Sir Philig
"P " 15mm,
son, a eon.
bars. ' ""1 d The Lee 2f Earl swea- e
'lhe Melifcpiqneeg of Qiqgeqs aushtcr.
ber'ry, 3, Mali} M91“. ' ‘ ‘ ' Baily Robgyt Kent, a; dyughteg'.
Thé ‘iaqy ,o‘f Adm. Sir 6- Cop}; The flountes's of Mine "s1 8.011
burn, a dauvitei‘. ‘ ' " Lady Elizabeth Smy‘t‘li,‘
ter.
fa dap'gli
" h ' ‘
Lady K. fliilkett, a son.
Lady Franqe§ Clonmore, a ‘ 'Lady Ridley, a son. _
daughter. " ' ‘ The wife of \V. T.Money, Eqq.
Hon. Mrs. Sullivan, a son. M.Thg
P.‘ ;1‘la'd‘y
sex).pf.' Si;
" J-“1,2» ~"‘
Gorfipn,-a'
LadyEdwax-d O‘Brien, adau bier. 7".“ \ ,.- ,JJ 3-! '
The wife of the Hon. am Rev.
Gerard Noel, a daughter.
Lady Anna Maria Cuifee, a son _Ji171]! .
and heir.
Lady of Sir Edward Bayntun Th9 Duchefi 9f Jéeglféyd, a we
Sandys, a daughter. ' .911- Mrs! , a “gen! dimly“?!
Lady of Sir J. Trollope, a eon. Lfid'y Clerk; 5! dagghltlif- -' ‘
Lady Baker, :1 son. Thc lady 9F $315 igliard Mll
son',‘bartl'a'son'.“ ‘ ' " ' ' "
May. T 9 wife of plie Hop. owl gem
J. velyn‘ Bosawgii,'~a‘g_i_i_i;§1nq. ‘
Lady Harriet Paget, adanghter. Thorntoii,
The aofson. ‘ r ‘ l ,
Viscountess Milton, :1 son.
The. wife of Willizim Dickinson, Tbe wife q? the < 9,1} and Bev
Esq. MP. a daughter. ' ' H. C(Cu'st, a dough er‘. ' ' v
Right Hop. Lady" Graves,e ai '__I‘1"“? Countesg [of El‘fii' a ‘ggn.
daughter. The Halli! Mp'fli Belle! ‘ é‘fillpl‘le:
a daughter; ' ' ' w" "
The wife of E. Liuleton, Esq.
M. P. a daughter. ' " Lollyl'l'liu'ljlqyv, a oq.
Right Hon. Lady Fitzroy $0 Lady of Sir Ci?fi_(l9§3§§ldfi,
merset, a son. bext- ell Pelitpr- '‘ ' ‘
Lady Katherine Stewart, ' a ' Lady fin'nérs, a son, (still
daughter. » ' born.) -
The wife of John Ireland Black Lady Barbara Ponsonby, a.
bul'ne, Esq. M.1’. a son and heir. daughter.
Rt. Hon. Lady Sophia Which ’ The lady of Lord
cote, a. son. ’
The wife of the Hon. 1 . Tuvchfit, ‘ 11m qamliee Qosk's, Heel?“
eldest sap'af Lord Auill'ey, a‘,sop.~ n (if. A 1.1 ,
‘1' - 1
l
Ho'n .
136 ANNUAL REGISTER, 18l7.
Hon. Mrs.Lysaght, a son.
Hon. Mrs. Kilvington, a son.
Lady Charlotte Goold, a daugh
ter.
Hon. Mrs. Heneage, a daughter.
August.
The wife of the Hon. and Rev.
J. Pleydel Bouverie, a son.
The wife of J amen Alexander,
Esq. M. P. a daughter.
Right Hon. Lady Amelia Sophia
Boyce, a son.
Right Hon. Lady Mary Long,
a son.
The wife of Captain the Hon.
Alexander Jones, a daughter.
The Countess Jules de Polignac,
a son.
Lady Kensington, a daughter.
Lady Jane Pym, a daughter.
Lady Frances Cole, daughter of
the Earl of Malmesbury, a son.
Hon. Mrs. Weld, a daughter.
Hori'. Mrs. Germain, a son.
Right Hon. Lady Louvaine, a
son.
The lady of Adm. Sir J. Beres
ford, a daughter.
The wife of H. Willoughby,
Esq. M.P. a son.
Lady Dunbar, of Boath,
daughter.
Hon. Mrs. St. John, a daughter.
The lady of the Rev. Sir Charles
Anderson, hurt. a daughter.
The lady of Lieut.-col. Hon.
lV. H. Gardner, a son.
Lady Rendlesham, a daughter.
September.
The lady of Sir G. Eyre, a
daughter.
Lady Cremorne, a son and heir.
'The ladv of Rear-adm. Otway,
a daughter.
The Marchioness of Downshire,
a daughter.
The wife of Robert Abercrom
bie, Esq. M. P. a daughter.
Hon. Mrs. \Valdegrave, a son.
The lady of Sir Bellingham
Graham, bart. a daughter.
The wife of the Hon. Alexander
Murray, a son.
The lady of Sir William Dull'
Gordon, bart. M. P. a daughter.
The wife of Major-gen. the
Hon. Godfrey Bosville, a son.
Lady Menzies, a son.
October.
Hon. Mrs. G. L. Newnham,
a daughter.
The Marchioness of Ely, a. son.
Right Hon. Lady Caroline Anne
Macdonald, a daughter.
The wife of Hon. Charles Law,
a daughter.
Lady Eleanor Fetherston, a
daughter.
The lady of Sir Edw. O'Brien,
bart. a daughter.
Lady Maxwell, of Monteith, a
daughter. ‘
The lady of Lieut.-col. Sir Hew
Ross, a son.
a The wife of Cuthbert Ellison,
Esq. M. P. a daughter.
- The lady of Brig-gen. Sir Jdhn
Campbell, a daughter.
Lady Gibson Carmichael, a son.
The wife of Jose1h Marryat,
Esq. M. P. a son.
. Countess of Hopeton, a son.
The Countess of Longford, a
son and heir. '
The wife of F. C. Cavendish,
Esq. a son and heir.
November.
Lady Eliz. Douglas, wife of
Rev. C. Douglas, a daughter.
Lady
 CHRONICLE
Lady Charles Bentinck, a son. '
The Lady of Sir John Gordon
Sinclair, a daughter.
The Duchess of Rutland, a son.
The Lady of Sir Charles W'ale,
‘a son. ' >
The Lady of Sir William Wise
nian, hart. a daughter.
The wife of Hon.Charles Lang
dale, a daughter.
The wife of Major-gen. Nead,
a son.
Hon. Mrs. Morris, 0. daughter.
The lady of Sir George Denys,
hart. M. P. a son.
Lady Caroline W'ood, a son.
The Countess of Ahingdon, a
son.
Lady Eliz. Halliday, a son.
The lady of Sir Robert Graham,
hart. a son.
Hon. Mrs. lrby, a daughter.
The lady of Sir James Douglas,
:1 son.
The lady of Lieut.-col. Sir A.
Dickson, a son.
December.
The lady of Sir Rob. “'illiams,
hart. M. P. a son.
The wife of Col. Hughes, M.P.
a daughter.
The lady of Sir John Shelley,
bal't. M.P. a daughter.
The Countess Talbot, a son.
The lady of Sir Richard Brooke, _ daughter of the Earl of Powis.
a son.
The lady of Gen. Sir Richard only child of W. \Vatson, Esq.
Jones, a daughter.
Lady Petre, a son and heir.
The lady of Gen. Sir William
Parker Carrol, hart. a son.
The lady of Sir Pulteney Mal
eolm, a son.
The wife of Lieut.-gen. Onslow,
a daughter.
The lady of Sir Edw, Kerrison,
M. P. a daughter,
137
MARRIAGES.
January.
Rt. Hon. Joshua Lord Hunting
field, to Miss Blois, daughter of
Sir C. Blois, bart.
H. J. Conyers, Esq. son of J.
Conyers, Esqof CoptHall, Essex,
to Harriet second daughter of Rt.
Hon. Thomas Steele.
Sir John Anstruther, M. P. to
Jessie third daughter of Major
gen. Dowan .
Lieut.-col. Sir Guy Campbell,
bart. to Frances Eliz. eldest dau.
and co-heiress of Montagu Bur
goyne, Esq.
John Becket, Esq. under secre
tary of state for the home de
partment, to Lady Anne Lowther,
third daughter to the Earl of
Lonsdale.
The Earl of Longford, to Lady
Georgiana Lygon.
Hon. Mr. Langdale, of Haugh
ton, Yorkshire, to the Hon. Char
lotte Clifl’ord, daughter of Lord
Clifford.
February.
Sir \Vatkin \Villiams Wynne,
hart. to Lady Harriet Clive, eldest
Major-gen. Moore, to Cecilia
March .
Lieut.-general the Hon. SirW'il
liaui Lumley, to Louisa Margaret,
widow of the late Major Cotton.
Major-gen. Sir \Villinm Parker
Carroll, to Emma Sophia, (laugh
ter of M. E. Sherwill, Esq.
John
13$ ANNUAL REGISTER,1817.
John Bushe, Esq. eldest son to eldest daughter, and Mr. Lovelace,
the solicitor-gen. for lreland, to to the
late youngest
Lord dag d.liter
“Huntingfie l of' the
the Hon. Louisa Hare, daughter
of Viscount Ennismore. Ralph Franco, Esq. MP. to
Col. James Campbell, to Lady Miss Ludlow, daughter 4 of A.
Dorothea L. Culfe, daughter of Ludlow, Es-ql ’ '
the late Earl of Desart. » _P-. B. Lawley, Esq. to the Hon.
Major-gen. Sir Thomas Sidney Caroline Neville, youngest daugh
Beekwith, to Mary eldest daugh ' ter of Lord Brayhroke.
ter of the late Sir William Doug— Henry Blount, 4 Esq. eldest son
las, hart. of Michael
fourth Blount, Esq.
daughter'of tp'Eliaa,
the lateMLp'rd
April. Pptre. v i
Capt. Somerset, son to Lord ' Hon. C. Lmvtlier, second son
Charles Somerset, to the daugh of the Earl of “Lonsdale, to Right
ter of Capt. Heathcote, RN. Hon. Lady Eleanor Sherrai'd,
' Charles Earl of March, eldest daughter of thelate Earl'of Har
son to the Duke of Richmond, to borough.
Lady Caroline Paget, eldest dau. Hon. William Middleton Noel,
of the Marquis of Anglesey. to Anne, only child of Joseph
Captain R. D. Spread, to the Yates, Esq. ' '
Hon. Emily \Vingfield, youngest Edmund ,Phelps, Es . to Anne
daughter of the late Vise. Powers Catherine Countess
Sirv Robert of tintrim.
Wilmot, ‘bart. to
court. ’
Sir lYilliam Hoste, hart, R.N. Mrs. Crawford, widow of D.
to Lady l'larriet'Walpole, third Crawford, Esq.‘ 4
daughter of the Earl of Ol‘fol'd. Mr. Milbank, to Lady Augusta
Charles Fraser, Esq. My. to Vane, second daughter of the Earl
Jane, fourth daughter of Sir John of Darlington.
Hay, bart. ' Hon. Charles Noel Noel to the
Earl Percy, to Lady Charlotte second daughter'of'
GeorgeG're'y.' ' ' the'Hq'n.
H h ' HSir
Florentia Clive, daughter of the
Earl of Powis. '
\Villiam Grey, Es . to Anne, ~ J1me.
eldest
Clerk Jervoise.
daughter of' ir Samuel Lord George William Russell,
second son of ’the Duke 6 Bed
' WilliamFoster, Esq. to Mary ford, to Elizabeth Anne, on y vchild
Anne,’ second daughter of Sir of the late Hon. John Rawdon.
\Villiam Bagshaw. ‘ Samuel Crawley, to Theor
At Paris, the'Comte de Choiseul, dosia-Mary, eldest ‘da‘ liter of
aide-de—camp of the Duke of Ber the Right Hon. Lady '_1 eodqsia
ry, to the Hon. Maria Charlotte Vyn'er. ' -
Parkyns, youngest daughter of Anthony Denny, Esq. to the
the late Lord Banclifi‘e. Hon. Mary Patriner, youngest
dau. of the late Lord Collingivood.
May. Charles Shaw Lefevre, jun.
Esq. to Emma Laura, youngest
Mr. Donavan, to Miss Vanneek, daughter of Lady Eliz. Whitbread.
Robert
 QHRQNICLE.
Robert Ackland, Esq. to Caro
line, second daughter of Admiral
Sir Charles 'l‘yler.
The Earl of Kintore, to Juliet,
third daughter of the late Robert
Benny, Esq. .,
Jqly- _
Hon. Orlando Bridgman, third
son of the Earl of Bradford, to
Selina, fourth daughter of the
Hon. Gen. Needham.
Henry Ivcson, Esq. to Jessie,
third daughter of Sir Archibald
Grant, of Monymu'sk.
Viscount Strangford, to Ellen,
- youngest daughter of the late Sir
John Bourke, bart. and relict of
Nicholas Browne, Esq.
Major-gen. Sir John Buchan,
to Laura, only daughter of Col.
Mark Wilks.
Capt. \Villiam Johnson Camp—
bell, to Anna-Maria, only daugh
ter of the late Sir F. Vincent,
bart.
Fred. William Wollaswn, Esq.
to Lucy, only daughter of the late
Sir H. Strachy, bart.
Viscount Ebrington, to Lady
Susan Ryder, eldest daughter of
the Earl of Harrowby. '
John Wallace Hamilton, Esq.
to the Hon. Georgiana Vereker,
youngest daughter of Viscount
.Gort. ’ November.
August.
Martin John West, Esq.- to line, third danghter of Admiral
Lady Maria Walpole, daughter of Sir Home Popham.
the Earl of Ort'ord. E. A. Sanford, Esq. to Hepriettn,
- John \Vythe, Esq. to Anne,
eldest daughter of the late Hon.
Gen. Sir Bridges Trecothic Hen.
niker, hart.
R.‘A. Oswald, Esq. to the Rt.
Hon. Lady Lilias Macqneen.
1 39
September.
J. Jones, jun. Esq. to Lady
Harriet Plunkett, only daughter of
the Earl of Fin 1. ' ' '
Rev. Charles rhos. Johnson, to
Lupy-Anne, youngest daughter of
the late Sir J. Blois, bart.
October. 2
The Earl of Desart, to Cathe
rine, eldest daughter of Maurice
N. O'Connor, Esq. _
Capt. John Bastard, M.P. to
Frances eldest daughter of the
late B. lVade, Esq. ' _
Rev. Arthur Hyde, to Frances,
eldest daughter of _Sir Crofton,
bart.
J. Clementson, Esq. to Eliza,
third daughter of Sir T. Turton,
bart.
Lieut.-col. D’Arcy, to Lady Ca
therine Georgiana, Viest, daughter
of the late Earl Delawarr.
Rear-Admiral Sir Philip Charles
Put-harp, to . Ann Isabella, only
child of Sir J . Henderson, hart.
Hon. Capt. J. A. Maude, B.N.
to Albinar Broderic, second daugh
ter of the Archbishop of ,Cashel.
Lord Selsey, to the Hon. Anna
Maria Louisa Irby, youngest
daughter of Lord Eqstpn. 4 '
Capt Pakenham, R.N. to Caro
eldest daughter of the late Sir
\Villiani Langham, hart.
Rev. Horatio T. Newman, to
Charlotte Elizabeth, third dau iter
ot' the late Right Hon. enis
Daly'
Viscount
 140 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
Viscount Kinnaird, son of the PROMOTIONS .
Earl of Newburgh, to Margaret
Kennedy, third daughter of the January.
Earl of Cassillis.
Stewart Crawford, M.D. of Bath, Maj . -Gen. HerbertTaylor,Trea
to Caroline, youngest daughter of surer to her Majesty.
the late Sir W. P. A. A' Court, Sir G. Drummond, and Sir A.
bart. Campbell, Knights Commanders
George Stanley Repton, Esq. to of the Bath.
the Hon. Eliz. Scott, daughter of George-W'illiam Chad, Esq. Se
Lord Eldon. cretary of Legation at the Court
Hon. C. J. R. Monck, youngest of the Netherlands.
son of the late Vise. Monck, to
Miss B. Willington, youngest February.
daughter of the late J. W. Esq.
John Barrow, Esq. Consul in
Richard Bligh, Esq. of Lin
coln's Inn, to Eliz. third daughter the prminces of Biscay and Gui
of Vice-Admiral Bligh. puscoa. .
Gen. Francis Dundas, Governor
T. Nicoll, Esq. of Jersey, to
Elizabeth, daughter of the late of Dumbarton Castle.
Maj.-gen. Caruthers. / Lieut.-Gen. Baldwin Leighton,
Sir William Long to Miss Mor Governor of Carrickfergus.
gan. Maj.-Gen . George Stracey Smith,
Lieut.-Governor of the Province of
December. New Brunswick.

Joseph Warner Henley, Esq. to March.

Georgiana, fourth daughter of Lieut.-Gen. Sir Richard Jones,
J. Fane, Esq. M.P. Knight-Commander of the Bath.
Lord Killeen, only son of the Lieut.-Gen. Rob. Macfarlane,
Earl of Fingall, to Louisa, only the same.
daughter of E. Corbally, Esq. Major-Gen. Sir George Town
Lieut.-Col. Horace Churchill, send Walker, Knight Grand Cross.
only son of the late General and The Earl of Errol, Commissioner
Lady Mary Churchill, to Emma to the General Assembly of the
Anne, daughter of the late Captain Church of Scotland.
Finucane. Lord Combermere, Governor
The Earl of Tyrconnel, to Sa of Barbadoes.
rah, only child of Robert Crowe, Earl of Maccles field, Lord Lieu—
Esq. tenant ot' the county of Oxford.
Sir Francis Ford, bart. to Eliza,
only surviving daughter of the late
Henry Brady, Esq. April.
At Paris, Hon. Col. Packenham, Ralph Rice, Esq. Recorder of
to Hon. Emily Stapleton, daughter Prince of Wales Island.
of Lord le Dcspenser. Mr. Baron Richards, Chief Ba—
ron of the Court of Exchequer.

> May.
 CHRONICLE.
May.
Sir \Villiam Garrow, Puisne
Baron of the Court of Exchequer.
Sir S. Shepperd, Attorney-Ge
neral.
Robert Gifford, Esq. Solicitor
General.
The Right Hon. Charles Abbot,
late Speaker of the House of Com
mons, created Baron Colchester.
June.
The Right Hon. Charles Man
ners Sutton, created Speaker of
the House of Commons.
J. Becket, Esq.Judge Advocate
General.
Lord Strangford, Envoy Extra
ordinary and Minister Plenip. at
the Swedish Court.
Sir Benj. Bloomfield, Keeper of
the Privy Purse, and Private Se
cretary to the Prince Regent.
George Manners, Esq. Consul
in the State of Massachusetts.
July.
Right Hon. Edward Thornton,
Envoy Extr. and Minister Pleni
potentiary at the court of his
Most Faithful Majesty.
Hon. Francis Reginald Forbes,
Secretary of Legation.
Duke of Northumberland, Lord
Lieutenant of that county.
August.
Earl Bathurst, a Knight of the
Garter.
Mr. Planta, Under Secretary of rocco.
State for the Foreign Department.
H. HOblIOUSB, Esq. Under Se
Cretary Of State for the Home
Department.
141
George Maule, Esq. Solicitor to
the Treasury.
Benj. Parkhurst, Esq. Comp
troller of the Customs at Antigua.
September.
Lord Talbot, 21 Member of the
Privy Council, and Lord Lieu
tenant of Ireland.
Lord Somers, Lord-Lieutenant
of Herefordshire.
LordlVilliamGordon,Receiver
gen. of Cornwall.
Rev. Thomas Lee, Vice-Chan
cellor of the University of Oxford.
October.
Charles Manners St. George,
Esq. Secretary of Legation at the
Court of Stockholm.
Adm. Sir George Campbell,
Groom of his Majesty‘s Bedcham
her.
November.
Alexander Ferrier, Esq. Consul
for the Ports of Rotterdam, Hel
veot, Dordrccht, Schiedam, and
the Brill.
December.
Sir \Villiam Knigliton, bart.
Auditor of the Duchy of Cornwall,
and Secretary and Keeper of his
Royal Highness's Privy Seal and
Council Seal.
James ' Sholto Douglas, Esq.
British Consul General in Mo—
Right Hon. J. Leach, and Rt.
Hon. Sir W. A‘Court, sworn in
of the Privy Council.
DEATH S
 142 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
DEATHS in the Year 1817.
January.
ON the first of this month died
at Berlin the celebrated chemist
M Klaproth.
4. Died in his 77th year Sir
Arthur Owen, bart. late adjutant
general in the East Indies, and a
colonel in the army.
13. Aged above 70, George
Harriot, E'sq. one of the magis
trates of the Thames Police Office.
The circumstance of his putting a
close to a life of extreme agony is
mentioned in our Chronicle.
26. In Grosvenor-place, Caro
line Dowager Countess of Bucking
hamshire, daughter of William
Conolly, Esq. Her lazlyship had
three sons, all now dead, and one
daughter, the present Viscountess
Castlereagh.
27. At Bath, in her 85th year,
Mrs. Philips, relict of Frederick
Philips, Esq. and mother of Lady
Strangford.
29. At Blenheim, George the
third Dulce of Marlborough, aged
78. He married in 1762 Lady
Caroline Russell, daughter of John
Duke [of Bedford, who died in
1811. He lived chiefly as a priVate
nobleman; and after having pass
ed through the offices of Lori]
Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum
of the county of Oxford, Lord
“Chamberlain of the
vand Lord Privy Seal,Household,
to which
was annexed the Order of the
Garter, he quitted public life, and
devoted his days to the duties of a
private stati'o'n. His Grace was
succeeded by his eldest son, the
Marquis of Blandford, who iner
i'ied the dAughter of the Earl of
Galloway.
At Florence Court, Ferman'agh,
the Couhtess of Ennishiilen, daiigh;
ter of the late Earl of Uxbridge.
At Pisa, the Rt. Hon. Francis
North, Earlqf Guildford, second
son of Frederiek Earl of Guildford.
He was born in 1761, and suc
ceeded his brother George Augus
tus in 1802. He married Maria,
sixth daughter of the late Thomas
Boycott, Esq. of Shropshire. This
nobleman inherited the kindness
and benevolence of his father,
and was} distinguished bya bril
liancy of wit, Seasoned by the
most exhilarating cheerfulness.
February.
2. General Carleton, aged 85,
colonel of the 2d battalion 60th
foot, and great uncle to the present
Lord Dorchester.
3. At Cambridge, in his 79!!
year, Sir Isaac Pennington, knt.
MD. and Regius Professor of
Physic.
6. The Rt. Hon. Catharine Anne,
Lady Glenbenn'e, eldest daughter of
Frederick Earl of Guildford, and
sister to the late earl.
At Paris, Lady Penelope Shuttle
worth Brooke, wife of Sir Joseph
Brooke.
At Paris, Col. W. Fenwick, com
manding engineer at Portsmouth.
At Rufi‘ord Hall, Lancashire,
the. Lady of Sir Thomas Dalrymple
Heslceth, bart.
8. At Pisa, in Italy, where
he
 hHRONiCnn 143
he had gone in the hope of im; the, Hori Sir Johh Abe'rvromby,
proving his health, Frdncir Homer, M.P. and colonel of the 53d foot.
Esq. M. P. He was educated at 14. The Hoiz. Eupher'nia Stewart,
the high School and the university widow of lVilliar‘n S. Esq. and sis
of Edinburgh, ivhere he 'pursued ter of the late Earl of Seaforth.
his studies with unremitting tit- 15. Near Dublin, Rear-Admiral
t'ention; and he was first 'called to Sir Digby Dent.
the Scotch bar, an'd‘aft'erivards to 18. At Ugbrooke Park, the
that of England. He Was first Hon. Robert Clifl'ord, third son of
brought into parliament by Lord Hugh Lord Clifford.
Henry Petty (since Marquis of ‘24. At Hampton-court palace,
Lansd'own) his former fellow Lady Henrietta Cecilia Johnston,
student; and he after\Vards sat widmv 'of Lieut.-Col. James J. and
in three parliaments: his last daughter of John the first Earl of
seat that of St. Milw‘es, in Corn Dela‘War.
w'all. After resigning his first
employment in‘the state, that of March.
coinniiSSione'r for the liquidation
of the Car'nati'cv'clainis, which he
9. ln h'er 7'5th year, Jane, Coun~
might still have retained, he en tcssqf Urbridge, married to the late
tered the lists as an able debate'r; Earl of Uxbridge in 1767. She
an'dvby strict integrity of conduct was mother ‘to the present Mar
he liked a high reputation, even quis of Anglesey.
among those members who did 13. At Ipswich, Sir William
not concur with him in his prin Innes, bart. who was a Volunteer
ciples. With a strong understand in the Life Guards of George II.
ing, extensive and accurate know; at the battle of D'ettingen, and is
ledge, a‘style of eloquence plain supposed to have reached his hun
and direct, without a particle of dredth year.
‘vanity or presi'nnption, he bid em 18. Charles Com'be, M. D. F.R.S.
to attain “eminence a public
and SA. aged 74. He was early
character, when he was carried all engaged in the study of the me
by the ‘rnerci'less inroads of 'a Con dalic science, which introduced him
sumption. to the acquaintance of Dr.\Villiam
In her 89th year, the Dowager Hunter, who had made a large and
Lady C‘urew. valuable collection of medals. Of
those, two publications Were made
11. Sir John Pizlrizer, bart. aged
8‘2, who was long a representative by Dr. Combe, who planned the
in parliament fur the co'unty of finishing of the whole, when the
Leicester, and iwas distinguished death of Dr. Hunter put an end
for his faithful discharge of duty to the design. He afterwards un
in every relation of life. dertdok, in conjunction with the
George William Evelyn, Earl of Rev. Henry Homer, a Variorum
Rather, one of the sixteen peers edition of Horace, which, after the
of Scotland, and colonel of the death of the former, he brought
Stirre‘y yeoma'nry. '_ through the press in 1793 The
14 At Marseilles, Lieut.-gen. principal lin'e df the profession fol
' ‘ lowed
144i ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
lowed by Dr. Combe was that of Newconm, Baroness Newcomen, of
midwifery, in which he obtained Mosstown, in her own right. She
considerable success. married Sir William Gleadowe,
31. Right Hon. Lady Francis Knight of the Shire of Longford,
Douglas, wife of Hon. John D. by whom she had several children.
23. At Gert, county of Galway,
in his 76th year, The Rt. Hon.
April. John Prendergast Smyth, Visc. Gort,
Governor of the county of Gal
3. In his 18th year,- the Hon. way, and Chamberlain of the city
James Stanley, son of the Earl and of Limerick.
Countess of Derby. 24. At Clifton, Lady Cosby,
7. In Ireland Lady Sarah Price, wife to Lieut.-Gen. Sir H. Cosby.
wife to Sir Nicholas P. and sister 27. At Great Melton Hall, Nor
of the Marquis Camden. folk, aged 86, Sir John Lombe, barl.
10. Lady Curtis, relict of the ‘29. In Grosvenor Square, the
late Adm. Sir Roger Curtis, bart. Countess Dowager of Lcitrim.
11. In his 60th year, the Rev. At Enfield, aged 74,, IVilliam
William Beloe, rector of Allhallows, Saunders, M.D. F.R.S. 8; F.S.A.
London \Vall, &c. and the author senior physician to Guy's Hos
of numerous works; of which the pital. The professional treatises
principal was a translation of He published by this respectable prac
rodotus. He was also joint pro titioner were the following: Trea
prietor with Mr. Nares, of the tise on Mercury in Venereal Cases;
British Critick. An Answer to Geach and Alcock
15. At Bath, in his 73d year, on the Devonshire Colic; Obser
Right Hon. Sir A. Thomson, Lord vationes de Antilnonio ; A Treatise
Chief'Justice'of the Court-of Ex on the Red Peruvian Bark; A
chequer.‘ - '- "' ‘ . Treatise on the Mephitic Acid;
1'8. The Right Hon. Thomas Car On the Structure, (Economy, and
michael,'1£arl Qf’Hyndford, in his Diseases of the Liver; Oratio Har
60th year. ' s
vei, Instituto habita in Theatro _
‘24‘.~ln his 77th year, Sir Tho Collegii Regalis Medicorum Lon
mas Maynard Hekilrige hart. dinensis; On the Chemical His
28. In Berner's Street, in his tory and Medical Powers of some
61st year, Sir Jacob Henry Astley, of the 'most celebrated Mineral
hart. many years M. P. for Norfolk. Waters, with Practical Remarks
on Aqueous Regimen, to which
May. are added Observations on the Use
of Cold and Warm Bathing; On
1. Right Hon. Lady Edward the Hepatitis of India.
O'Bryen, at Clifton, near Bristol.
At Aston Hall, Yorksh. Right
Hon. Lady Mary Foljambe, relict of June.
Francis Fer-rand F. Esq. and sister
to the presentEarl of Scarborough. 13. At Edgeworth's Town, Ire
16. At Bath, The Right Hon. land, Richard Lovell Edgeworth,
Charlotte Newcomen, Viscountess Esq. aged 74. He was formerly
a mem
 CHRONICLE. 145
a member of the Irish Parliament, Commons, and was called to the
in which he distinguished himself bar of that country in 1780.
by a warm attachment to the in From the Rockingham admini
terests of Ireland, and a zealous stration he obtained the lucrative
opposition to what he regarded as office in, 1782, of first counsel to
the abuses of the administration. the Commissioners of the Reve
He employed his leisure time in nue 3 and he was soon after in
perfecting several mechanical in troduced to the Irish Parliament,
ventions, and in reducing to a but did not attempt to distinguish
science the construction of wheel himself there till he was removed
carriages and roads; and he was from his office in 1788 by the
likewise the author of many va Marquis of Buckingham, Lord
luable papers in the transactions Lieutenant. Mr. Ponsonby then
of the Royal Irish Academy, and acted with vigour in the opposi
other Dublin societies. He also tion, till the accession of his
wrote several occasional pieces in friends to power raised him to
different branches of literature; the dignity of Chancellor of Ire
and took much pleasure in culti land in 1806. This post he again
vating the genius of his admirable lost on the removal of himself
daughter, Miss Edgeworth, whom and his friends from the admini
he joined in some of her com stration ; and from that time he
positions. Mr. Edgeworth was has been considered as a leader of
married a fourth time, and left opposition in the House of Com
his wife a Widow with a young mons. His language and man
family. ners were those of a gentleman;
16_ At Knowsley, Right Hon. and disdaining a flowery or figu
Lady Stanley. rative diction, he only aimed at
27. Lady Suttie, wife of Sir stating arguments fully and for
James Suttie, Bart. cibly, in which he often succeeded.
30. At Dover, the Rev. John He was married in 1781 to Lady
Lyon, Minister of St. Mary the Mary Butler, eldest daughter of
Virgin in Dover, who distinguish~ the second Earl of Belvedere, by
ed himself by his writings on the Whom he left several children.
subject of Electricity, in which he 9. At Brighton, in her 87th
became a strenuous advocate for year, Lady Ann Murray, sister to
the permeability of glass to elec the late Earl of Mansfield.
tricity. He also compos‘ed a His: 10. At Northumberland House,
tory of Dover, with a short ac in his 75th year, Hugh, Duke of
count of the Cinque Ports. Norlhumberland. His Grace suc
At Dresden, Werner, the cele ceeded his father Hugh, the late
brated mineralogist. Duke, 1786. He married in 1762
Lady Ann Stuart, third daughter
July. of John Earl of Bute, by whom
he had no issue, and the mar
8. In his 63d year, the Right riage was dissolved by act of
Hon. George Ponsonby, M. P. for Parliament in 1779. In the same
Wicklow. He was second son to year he married Frances Julia
the Speaker of the Irish House of Burrell, third daughter of Peter
VoL. LIX. - L Burrell,
 146 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
Burrell, Esq., by whom he had 5. At Wolsey-hall, Stafi'ord
five daughters and two sons. His shire, Sir- William Wolsey, hart.
eldest son, Earl Percy, was called aged 77.
to the House of Lords some time 6. Frank'Sayres, MD. at Nor
since as Baron Percy. The second wich, in his 55th year, well known
was lately created a Peer by the and much esteemed by a circle of
title of Lord Prudhoe. The Duke literary friends, who received much
of Noithumberland was distin pleasure from his poetical publica
guished by the most muniiicent tions. His medical character was
liberality, and his loss will be simply nominal.
severely felt. His funeral in 10. The Rev. John Prior Estlin,
Westminster Abbey excited much LL. D. aged 71,- a native of
interest, public and private. H inckley, Leicestershire, was edu
13. At Eglinton Castle the Rt. cated at the academy of Warring
Hon. Hugh Montgomery, Earl of ton, and during 46 years was the
Eglinton. minister of Lewin's Mead, Bristol,
14. At Bath, in his 54th year, during the greatest part of which
Right Hon. James Everard, ninth time he conducted a school of
Lord Arundel of Wardour Castle.. much repute. He was the author
He left sons and daughters by of several works on religious to
both his wives, and is succeeded pics, which were principally in
by his eldest son, James Everard. tended to enforce the duties of
Arundel. Christianity, and to oppose infi
15. At Paris, aged 53, Madame delity and irreligion. Few persons
de Stael-Holstein, daughter of the have met with more general re—
celebrated Neckar, and herself a spect, even from men most
lady'much distinguished in the opposite to him in political and
literary world. She married the religious opinions.
Baron de Stael Holstein, Swedish 11. Major-General Sir Montagu
Embassador at Paris, and has left Roger Burgoyne, Bart, of Sutton
a son and a daughter, the latter Park, Bedfordshire. -
married to the Duke de Broglio. 20. At Amsterdam, the Dow
27. At Heysteshury House, in ager Marchioness of Sligo, young
his 7‘0th year, Sir William Pearce est daughter of the late Earl Howe,
Ashe A’Court, several times M. P. and united some years ago to
of Heytesbury. her second husband, Sir William
Scott.“ _
Aug ust. 22. Right Hon. Frances Lady
Redesdale, daughter of the late
1. Near Dublin, in his 88th Earl of Egmont, in her 51st year.
year, Rt. Hon. David Latouche,‘ 23. By a fall of her horse in a
many years one of the Irish Privy gig, the Hon. Mrs. Hugo Meynell,
Council, and for 40 years a mem sister of the Marchioness of Hert
ber of the parliament of Ireland. ford.
He was senior partner in the 24. At Hera-Hill, near Dul
banking-house of Latouche and wich, Signora Storace, an eminent
Co., Dublin, and left several chil singer and actress.
dren. 28. Sir Joseph Mqwbey, hart.
310 At}
 CHRONICLE. l 417
31. At Plymouth Dock, in his South Carolina, descended from
70th year, Sir John Thomas Duck Scottish parents; and after amedi
worth, bart. admiral of the White cal education, conducted partly in
Squadron, Commander-in-chief on Charlestown, and partly at Edin
the Plymouth station, and M. P. burgh and London, he settled in
for New Romney. This admiral, the latter place for the practice of
who was the son of a clergyman his profession. It was a consider
of a respectable family in Devon able time before he met with en
shire, fulfilled his duties in the couragement, norindeed does it ap
navy with great credit, though the pearthat his employment ever rose
principal service which he per higher than a competence ; but his
formed without a superior was a turn was chiefly to reading and
victory over a French squadron of meditation, and he obtained the
five ships of the line in St. Do character of a perspicuous, vigor
mingo Bay, in 1806. He was ous, and elegant writer. Of his
twice married, and left issue by philosophical works, Experiments
each of his wives. and Observations on Vision, and
At Twickenharn, aged 75, Vi an esssay upon Dew, are among
countess Home, widow of William the most distinguished. Almost
Viscount Howe, and daughter of all his writings upon medical sub
the Rt.. Hon. \Villiam Conolly, of jects are contained in the second
Castle-Town, Ireland. and third volumes of Transactions
of a society for the promotion of
September. medical and chirurgical know
ledge.
1. In Dublin, of a typhus fever, 2‘2. In Hanover-square, aged
the Hon. Judge Osborne, fourth 72, Sir James Earl, Master of the
Justice of the Court of King‘s Royal College of Surgeons, and
Bench in Ireland. many years senior surgeon of St.
_ 1‘2. At the Cape of Good Hope, Bartholomew's Hospital, and sur
Thomas Sheridan, Esq. eldest son geon extraordinary to his Majesty
of Richard Brinsley Sheridan, by and household. Sir James rose
his first wife, Miss Linley. He to high distinction as a professional
left a widow'and several children. writer, and his works give proof
At Bath, the Rt. Hon. Sir John of the result of accurate observa
M‘Mahon, bart. a Privy Counsel tion and extensive practice. >
lor, and late Private Secretary and . 25. At lnterlaken, Switzerland,
Keeper of the Privy-purse to the Lord Melgund, eldest son of the
Prince Regent. Earl of Minto.
1-7. In her 67th year, at Ponton
House, near Grantham , Lady Kent, October.
relict of Sir Charles Kent, bart. 2. In his 85th year, Alexander
18. In Serjeant’s Inn, Fleet Monro, M.D. F.R.S. Professor of
Street, William Charles Wells, M .D. Medicine, Anatomy, and Surgery,
F.R.S. one of the physicians to St. in the University of Edinburgh.
Thomas’s Hospital, aged 60. Dr. Succeeding his father, the cele
Wells was a native of Charlestown, brated professor of Anatomy in.
L 2 Edin
 14-8 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
Edinburgh, he distinguished him searches ; but there were scarcely
self by several publications, of any on the Irish bench who equal
which the following were the most led him in addressing a jury.
considerable : — Observations on Some of his speeches in defence
the Structure and Functions of of his unfortunate countrymen
the Nervous System. The Struc have been published, and are fa
ture and Physiology of Fishes. vourable proofs of the warmth of
A Description of all the Bursse his eloquence. During the vice
Mucosas of the Human Body. Ex royalty of the Duke of Bedford,
periments on the Nervous System he was made Master of the Rolls,
with Opium and Metalline Sub in which he distinguished himself
stances. Three Treatises on the for clear and correct decisions. In
Brain, the Eye, and the Ear. Ob 1815 he accepted a pension of
servations on Crural Hernia. The 3,0001. a year, settled upon him
Morbid Anatomy of the Gullet, the on resigning his ofiice; after
Stomach, and the Intestines. Ob which he passed the rest of his
servations on the Thoracic Duct. life chiefly near London.
8. The Hon. Henry Erskine, 15. In Bedfordshire, the Right
brother to Lord Buchan and to Hon. St. Andrew Lord St. John,
Lord Erskine, and long the leader Baron St. John of Bletso, in his
and ornament of the Scotch bar. 59th year. He represented the
He was considered as one of the county of Bedford for nearly 25
heads of the Whigs in Scotland; years previous to the death of his
~ and his powers in conversation elder brother, whom he succeeded.
were not less distinguished for He married the eldest daughter
their brilliancy, than his profes of Sir Charles Rouse Boughton,
sional talents for their soundness by whom he left a son and heir,
and sagacity. and other children.
14. Aged near 70, the Right 16. At Soleure, in Switzerland,
Hon. John Philpot Curran. He was a Gen. Thaddeus Kosciusko, the brave
native of the county of Cork, and but unfortunate defender of the
after completing his education at liberty of Poland.
Dublin college, he was called to
the Irish bar, and by his splendid November.
talents was soon brought into no
tice. He obtained a silk gown 6. To the inexpressible grief of
under the administration of the a whole nation, died in child-birth,
Duke of Portland; and in 1784 the Princess Charlotte Augusta,
he acquired a seat in the Irish daughter of his Royal Highness
House of Commons, in which, by the Prince Regent, and consort of
his sportive humour, he seconded Prince Leopold of Saxe-Cobourg.
the eiforts of the popular party in The particulars of this lamentable
favour of the national freedom event will be found recorded in
and independence. As a lawyer the pages of our Chronicle.
he was not particularly distin 7. At Windsor, in his 91st year,
guished by the extent of his know John Andre de Luc, a member of
edge, or the depth of his re the Royal Societies of London and
Paris,
 CHRONICLE.
Paris, &0. He was born at Ge
neva, and was for many years
reader to her Majesty. The great
object of his study was the inves
tigation of the arrangement and
composition of the globe, in which
it was his purpose to prove the
evidence of the scriptures by plain
and demonstrable facts. In pur
suit of this intention he visited
most of the countries of Europe,
where he made himself known to
most of the men of science of the
age. The fruit of his different
inquiries were a treatise on Geo
logy, and six volumes of Geolo
gical travels. For several years he
' was confined to his room by the
infirmities of age, but his scien
tific ardour remained unabated.
19. In the 72d year of her age,
Dame Mary Evelyn, widow of Sir
Frederick Evelyn of \Vootton in
Surrey, bart. and only issue of
’William Turton, Esq.
14. At Mr. Coke's, in Norfolk,
in her 4‘2d year, the Right Hon. low, in her 84th year, Margaret
Countess of Albemarle after a pre- > Lady Clive, relict of Robert first
mature labour. She was the fourth
. 149
daughter of Edward Lord de Clif
ford, and of fifteen children eleven
survive her.
17. At Canterbury, in his 62d
year,_ Sir Robert Salisbury, barl.
24. At Edinburgh, Sir Patrick
Inglis, bart.
December.
19.. At Edinburgh, Sir J. Hen
derson, bart.
18. At Cambridge, in his 25th
year, the Hon. Charles Fox Mait
land, youngest son of the Earl of
Lauder-dale.
25. At Hampton Court Palace,
Right Hon. Lady Caroline Herbert,
relict of Charles Herbert, Esq.
and sister to the late Duke of
Manchester.
At the rectory of St. Paul's,
Deptt'ord,' the Rev. Dr. Charles
Barney, an excellent scholar, and
a truly benevolent divine.
‘28. At Oakley-Park, near Lud
Lord Clive.
SHERIFFS- g
150 ANNUAL REGISTER. 1817.

SHER I FFS
Appointed by the Prince Regent in Council, January 1817.

Bedfordshire, S. Crawley, of Stockwood, Esq.

Berkshire, W. Stone, of Englefield, Esq.
Buckinghamshire, G. Carrington, of Missenden Abbey, Esq.
Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire, postponed. -
Cheshire, Sir Richard Brooke, of Norton Priory, bart.
Cumberland, Sir Philip Musgrave, of Eden-hall, bart.
Derbyshire, T. Hallowes, of Glasswell, Esq.
Devonshire, Sir Wal. Roberts, of Courtland, bart.
Dorsetshire, Sir W. Oglander, of Parnham, bart.
Essex, John Hall, of Woodford, Esq.
Gloucestershire, Sir H. Cann Lippencott, of Stoke Bishop, bart.
Herefordshire, Tomkyns Dew, of Whitney-court, esq.
Herts, Edmund Morris, of Charleywood, Esq.
Kent, W. A. Moreland, Lamberhurst, Esq.
Lancashire, R. Townley Parker, Esq.
Leicestershire, Clement Winstanley, of Braunston, Esq.
Lincolnshire, Sir Robert Shetfield, of Normanby-hall, bart.
Monmouthshire, Sir Robert Thompson, of Tintern-abbey, bart.
Norfolk, Henry Negus Burrowghes, of Burlingham, Esq.
Northamptonshire, SirC. Knightley, of Fawsley-park, bart.
Northumberland, Sir J. T. Clavering, of Harwood-Skeels, bar-t.
Nottinghamshire, T. Blackbourn Hildyard, of Plentham, Esq.
Oxfordshire, Walter Perry, Esq. .
Rutlandshire, T. F. Baines,'of Morcott, Esq.
Shropshire, W. O. Gore, of Porkington, Esq.
Somersetshire, Philip J. Miles, of Wraxnel, Esq.
Stafi'ordshire, T. Kirkpatrick Hall, of Hollybush, Esq.
County of Southampton, J. Fleming, of Stoneham-park, Esq.
Suffolk, Sir R. Harland, of Nacton, bart.
Surrey, T. Lott, jun. of Dulwich, Esq.
Sussex, James C. Strode, of Frant, Esq.
Warwicksliire, The Hon. H. Verney, of Compton Verney.
W iltshire, John Hungerford Penruddock, of Compton, Esq.
Worcestershire, John Taylor, of Strensham-court, Esq.
Yorkshire, Sir W. M. Milner, of Nun-Appleton, bart.
wuss.

Carmarthenshire, G. Lloyd, of Bruaant, Esq.

l‘embrokeshire, C. Mathias, of Langwarren, Esq.
' Cardigan
 CHRONICLE. 151'
Cardiganshire, J. Davies, of Glanrhocca, Esq.
Glamorganshire, Thomas Bates Rous, of Court-yr-alla, Esq.
Breconshire, C. C. Clifton, of Tuy Mawr, Esq.
Radnorshire, Henry Powel, of Pen Llan, Esq.
Merionethshire, J. Evans, of Hendremorfydd, Esq.
Carnarvonshlre,__Daniel Vawdry, of PlaégWynnant, Esq.
Anglesey, Rice Thomas, of Cemaes, Esq.
Montgomeryshire, R. Price, of Gunley, Esq.
'Denbighshire, Pierce Wynne York, of Dyfl’rynaled, Esq.
Flimshire, W. Rigby, of Norton Hall, Esq.

APPOINTED ‘EY THE PRINCE OF \V'ALBS.

Cornwall, W. A. Harris, of Keueggy.

APPENDIX
152 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.

APPENDIX To CHRONICLE.

ARTICLES FROM THE LONDON GAZETTE.

' TREATY OF COMMERCE AND sons or of flag and shipping, are

NAVIGATION and shall continue for ever abo
Between His Britannic Majesty and lished.
His Majesty the King of the Two Art. ‘2. His Sicilian Majesty en
Sicilies, together with a separate gages not to continue, nor here
and additional Article thereunto after to grant to the subjects of
annexed. any Other Power whatever, the
privileges and exemptions abo
Art. 1. IS Britannic Majesty lished by the present Convention.
consents that all the Art. 3. His Sicilian Majesty
privileges and exemptions which promises that the subjects of his
his subjects, their commerce, and Britannic Majesty shall not be
shipping, have enjoyed, and do en subjected within his dominions to
joy in the dominions, ports, and a more rigorous system of exami
domains of his Sicilian Majesty, nation and search by the officers
in virtue ‘of the Treaty of Peace of customs, than that to which
and Commerce, concluded at Ma the subjects of his said Sicilian
drid, the 10th (28th) of May, Majesty are liable.
' 1667, between Great Britain and Art. 4. His Majesty the King
Spain ; of the Treaties of v,Com of the Two Sicilies promises that
merce between the same. Powers, British commerce in general, and
signed at Utrecht the 9th of De the British subjects who carry it
cember, 1713, and at Madrid on, shall be treated throughout
the 13th of December, 1715 ; and his dominions upon the same foot
of the Convention concluded at ing as the most favoured nations,
Utrecht the 25th of February, not only with respect to the per
1712 (March 8, 1713,) between sons and property of the said
Great Britain and the kingdom of British subjects, but also with
Sicily, shall be abolished; and it regard to every species of article
is agreed upon in consequence, in which they may traffic, and the
between their said Britannic and taxes or other charges payable on
Sicilian Majesties, their heirs and the said articles, or on the ship
successors, that the said privileges ping in which the importations
and exemptions, whether of per shall be made.
Art.
 'APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE 153
Art. 5. With respect to the per manner as those are guaranteed
sonal privileges to be enjoyed by to his subjects, and to all foreign
the subjects of his Britannic Ma ers belonging to the most favoured
jesty in the kingdom of the Two and ‘most highly privileged na
Sicilies, his Sicilian Majesty pro tions. H _ _
mises that they’ shall have a free Art. 6. According to the tenour
and undoubted right to travel, and of the articles 1 and 2 of this
to reside, in the territories and treaty, his, Sicilian Majesty en
dominions of his said Majesty, gages not to declare null and void
subject to the same precautions of the privileges and exemptions
Police which are practised towards which actually exist in favour of
the most favoured nations. They British commerce within his do
shall'be entitled to occupy dwell minions, till the same day, and ex
ings and warehouses, and to dis cept by the same act, by which the
pose of their personal property of privileges and exemptions, what
every kind and description, by sale, soever they are, of all other na
gift, exchange, or will, and in any tions, shall be declared null' and
other way whatever, without the void within the same. ~l
smallest loss, or hinderance being Art. 7 . His Sicilian Majesty pro
given them on that head. They mises, from the date when the
shall not be obliged to pay, under general abolition of the privileges
any pretence whatever, other taxes according to the articles 1, 2, and
or rates than those which are paid, 6 shall take place, to make a re
or that hereafter may be paid, by duction of 10 per cent. upon the
the most favoured nations in the amount of the duties, payable ac
dominions of his said Sicilian Ma cording to the tarifi‘ in force the.
jesty. They shall be exempt from 1st of January, 1816, upon the
all military service, whether by total of the merchandize or pro
land or sea ; their dwellings, ware ductions of the United Kingdom
houses, and every thing belonging of Great Britain and Ireland, her '
or appertaining thereto for objects colonies, possessions, and depen
of commerce or residence, shall be dencies, imported into the States of
respected. They shall not be sub his said Sicilian Majesty, according
jected to any vexatious search or to the tenour of article 4 of the
visits. No arbitrary examination present convention; it being un
or inspection of their books, papers, derstood that nothing in this arti
or accounts, shall be made, under ticle shall be construed to prevent
the pretence of the supreme au the King of the Two Sicilies from
thority of the State, but these shall granting, if he shall think proper,
alone be executed by the legal the same reduction of duty to other
sentence of the competent tri foreign nations.
bunals. His Sicilian Majesty en Art. 8. The subjects of the Io
gages on all these occasions to nian islands shall, in consequence
guarantee to the subjects of his of their being actually under the
Britannic Majesty who shall reside immediate protection of his Bri
in his states and dominions the tannic Majesty, enjoy all the ad
preservation of their property and vantages which are granted to the
personal security, in the same commerce and to the subjects of
Great
 154: ANNUAL REGISTER, ’1817.
Great Britain bythe present treaty ; Convention of this day-—it shall be
it being well understood that, to ratified, and the ratification thereof
prevent all abuses, and to prove its shall be exchanged at the same
identity, every Ionian vessel shall time.
be furnished with a patent, signed In Witness 'Whereot', &c.
by the Lord High Commissioner, : (vr - .-~.-~.v= .~.
or his representative.
Art. 9. The present convention SUPPLEMENT 'ro run Lor'mo'u
shall be ratified, and the ratifica GAZETTE.
tions thereof exchangedin London, India- Board, Nov. 5, 1817.
Within the space of six months, or
Despatches have been received
sooner if possible. at the East-India House. address
Done at London, the 26th of ed to the Secret Committee by
September, 1816. the Governor in Council at Bom
(L.S.) CASTLEREAGH. bay, enclosing reports of the mea
(L.S.) CASTELCICALA. sures adopted for suppresing the
‘ insurrection raised in the domi
Separate and Additional Article. nions of the Peishwa, by Trim
buckjee Dainglia, of which re
In order to avoid all doubt re ports the following are copies or
specting the reduction upon the extracts:—
duties in favour of British com
merce, which his Sicilian Majesty Extract from a Dispatch from the
has promised in the 7th Art. of Hon. Mountstuart Elphinstone,
the Convention, signed this day the resident at the Court of the
between his Britannic Majesty and Peishwa, to the Governor-Ge
his Sicilian Majesty, it is declared neral, dated Poona, April 7.
by this present separate and addi Since I had last the honour to
- tional article, that by the conces address your lordship, Trimbuck
sion of ten per cent of diminution, jee has gone on increasing his
it is understood that, in case the force as usual. He has persons
amount of the duty should be scattered through the villages for
twenty per cent. upon the value of a considerable extent of country,
the merchandize, the eii‘ect of the recruiting for him, but finds some
reduction of ten per cent. is to re difficulty in raising men; some
duce the duty from twenty to refuse to join him, unless he will
eighteen; and so for other cases show a warrant from the Peishwa,
in proportion. And that for the in whose name he recruits ; while
articles which are not taxed ad others join him with less difficulty,
valorem in the tariff, the reduction but desert whenever there is any
of the duty shall be proportionate; report of an attack. Trimbuckjee .
that is to say, a deduction of a himself remains separate from his
tenth part upon the amount of the troops, and often changes his
sum payable shall be granted. ground. He is now stated to have
The present separate and addi retired across the Kistma, towards
tional article shall have the Same Darwar, but the fact is uncertain.
force and validity as if it had been His troops are now chiefly in the
inserted, word for Word, in the district of Ju-t, between Ponder
poor
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 155
poor and Bejapoor; troops also the foot of the Ghaut, at ten o’clock
still continue to be raised in at night, where I waited one hour
Candeish. to collect the men, who had scat
w tered, owing to the badness 0f the
Co y of a Dispatch from Captain Ghaut. By the *patell of this
george Sydenham, Political village I was informed, that the
Agent in Berar, to Mr. Elphin enemy had stationed mounted vi
stone (no date), with an En dettes at every village between
closure. that place and their camp, which
was about 12 coss distant; but
SIR,——I have the honour to for~ there was a road leading to it
ward to you a copy of Captain through the jungle, frequented
Davis‘s report.of a very brilliant only by t Brinjarries, by which I
and successful attack which he might advance unobserved, and
lately made on the insurgent horse he offered to conduct me. I ac
in Candeish. cordingly mounted him on a horse,
As the enemy have left the fron and proceeding by the route he
tier, the troops engaged in the at_ pointed out, arrived at the village
tack have for the present been they were reported to he encamp
recalled to Aurungabad. The Ri ed at, ten coss distant, a little after
sala, which was on -the way to day-break, when I found that
join them, has been stationed at they had marched from thence the
Kannur 3 and the post at the Goo evening before to Gunnaispoor,
talla Ghaut in its front strength about two coss. I advanced with
ened by a company of regular in five or six horsemen to recon
fantry. My hirkarrahs are watch noitre, leaving orders with Cap
ing the enemy's movements ; and tain Pedlar to bring up the horse,
if they should again approach the and desiring Captain l’edlar to
frontier, the Nizam’s troops will leave the knapsacks of the infan
be reinforced. try in a ravine, and to follow with
l have the honour to be, &c. the utmost expedition. I had ad
GEORGE SYDENHAM, vanced about a mile, when I dis
Agent at Berar. cOvered one of the patrols of the
Camp, April, 21. enemy, whom I immediately pur
Sm,——-I have the honour to re sued, and took two of them pri
port, that in pursuance of the in soners ; a third man escaped
tention expressed in my letter to through the jungle to the left:
your address of the 19th instant, from the two prisoners l ascer
I put the infantry in motion for tained that the enemy had their
the Gootalla Ghaut at three o‘clock horses ready saddled, but had not
that afternoon, following myself received any information of our
with about 600 horse at four approach. I sent back to desire
o'clock, and reached Saegaon, a Captain Pedlar to advance at a.
village belonging to Moofleem brisk pace ; he overtook me in a
Yor Jung, about six miles from short time, and we pushed on at
' The Fate“, or Potail, is the head man ofa village, who collects the rents, and has the
general superintendance ofiu concerns.
t Brinjarrles collect gr'jp for the army.
a. smart
 156 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
a smart canter, and in ascending formed that a fresh body of the
a rising ground perceived the ene enemy was coming down on our
my drawn up to receive us, their right: I ordered Capt. Robinson,
right flank protected by a strong who had arrived with the infantry
* gurhee, into which they had during the pursuit, to fall in with
thrown some infantry, and their his men. I mounted, and collecting
front covered by a ’r nullah with as many of the horse as I could,
steep banks. As they consider advanced with the infantry in co
ably outnumbered us, being about lumn left in front, and the horse
two thousand strong, and chiefly formed in line on the left of .the
armed with matchlocks, I deter infantry, about five miles, when
mined upon instantly charging I found Risaldar Alum Alie Khan,
them with the sabre, and accord and first Jemedar -Meer Sutfdeer
ingly ordered the men to sling Ah, had collected about 200 men
their matchlocks, and advance in on the banks, of a nullah, with
as compact a body as the nature whom they kept the enemy in
of the ground, which was covered check, by a fire from their match
with low jungle, would admit of ; locks: the instant they saw our
on receiving this order our line line advancing they went otf at
advanced at full speed, every man speed in a north-westerly direc
endeavouring to be first on the tion; and our horses being com
enemy; they fired a few shots pletely jaded by the length of the
from their matchlocks as we were march and pursuit, I considered it
crossing the nullah, which fortu useless to follow them.
nately passed over us without do A few prisoners were taken,
ing any injury. The instant we from whom I learnt that the body
got over the nullah the enemy of horse collected, which they
broke and fled in all directions, stated to be £2000, was commanded
and were pursued upwards of three by Godajee Row, a nephew of
coss, sustaining a loss of about Trimbuckjcc Dainglia, and that
200 men killed, besides a great Trimbuckjee himself was shortly
number of wounded: amongst expected to join them with a large
the latter was a person who ap reinforcement. The body of horse
peared to be a chief of conse which threatened to renew the
quence, called by his own men combat were said to consist of
Appah Sohab, and who when 500, which had been detached to
wounded threw down his spear, a village at some distance, with
and being well mounted made his about 300 of the fugitives who
escape. Finding the enemy by had rallied. One of the prisoners
this time completely dispersed, I also stated that they had been
ordered the pursuit to cease, and joined, the evening before, by about
the men to return to the enemy's 150 horse from the southward;
camp. , that a body of Arabs, from Mulle
Having been wounded during gaon, was expected in two days;
the pursuit, I had dismounted to and that Godajee Row Dainglia
tie up my arm, when I was in had written to Setoo for assistance,
* Gurhees are mud forts ; some of them are surrounded with ditches.
t Nulleh, a rivulet; ' is»
who
 APPENDIX To CHRONICLE. 157
who had promised to send him a Copy of a Despatch from Colonel
large body of Pindarries. Lionel Smith, of his Majesty’s
1 am happy to say the loss on 65th Regiment, commanding
our part was as little as can be the Poona Subsidiary Force, to
expected; and I should imagine Mr . Elphinstone, with three
it cannot exceed 10 men killed, enclosures.
and 20 or 25 wounded ; amongst . Camp, Guardnon, April 23.
the latter, I regret to state, is Sm,-—I have the highest satis
Captain Pedlar, severely. faction in laying before you two
I shall have the honour to for despatches which I received late
ward a return * of the killed last night from Major H. Smith,
and wounded as soon as it can be of the 1st battalion 14th regiment
prepared. > Madras Native Infantry, com
1 cannot close this despatch manding a detachment of six com
without expressing the high sense panies, composed of Bombay and‘
I entertain of the assistance I re Madras troops, which had been
ceived from Capt. Pedlar and Lieut. sent out from the reserve against
Rind, who joined me as a volun a large body of horse in the ser
teer on this occasion ; the former vice of Trimbuckjee Dainglia, and
of whom had charge of the right, announcing the result of his per
and the latter of the left wing. I severing exertions in completely
have much pleasure in assuring putting the whole to rout, killing
you, that although we had march and wounding about 70 men,
ed upwards of 50 miles before the making some prisoners, and cap
attack commenced, not a man of turing a quantity of baggage and
the infantry had fallen in the rear; arms, and many horses. .
and I feel convinced, from the I cannot sufficiently praise the
eagerness they displayed on the excellent conduct of Major Smith
occasion, that if an opportunity and his detachment, and trust
had offered they would have af their services on this occasion may
forded me every assistance. prove acceptable to the Right
The behaviour of both officers Honourable the Governor Gene
and men composing the detach ral. I have, 81¢.
ment of reformed horse with me LIONEL SMITH, Colonel.
in this affair exceeded my most
sanguine expectations. There was P. S. I have the further honour
not a single officer who did not to enclose a copy of orders 1 con
distinguish himself, and they were sidered due to the detachment.
most gallantly supported by their ' L. SMITH.“
men. The Honourable
Mr. Elphinstone.
I have the honour to be, &c.
EVAN DAVIES, Capt. Camp at Patti-e, April 18, 2 a. m.
Commanding the Reformed Horse. SiR,—As you are already ap
prized of my having marched
Captain George Sydenham, from camp with a detachment,
Political Agent in Berar. consisting of 600 rank and file,
* Not yet received.
on
 158 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817’.
on the evening of the 12th in
stant, in pursuit of a body of
horse of suspicious character,
which by report amounted {05000,
I proceed to detail my movements
accordingly.
After marching the greater part
of that night, I reached Camber
gaum on the Beemah on the morn
ing of the-13th, when I fortu
nately succeeded in falling into
the track of the fugitives, who had
taken the direction of the Carrun
gee Ghaut, east of Nugger. On
my arrival at the top of the pass,
at 8 p. m. on the evening of the
15th, I found the party had gone
down it the evening before, and
though I was not disposed to relax
for a. moment in the pursuit, yet
the difficulties I had to surmount,
from the extreme had state of the
roads, winding over bills, and
through stony by- paths,induced me
to halt for a few hours, to refresh
the men, who appeared much fa
tigued. At two a. m. however,
ofthe 16th, Ideseended the Ghaut,
and did not reach the village of
Sirsec, which lies at the bottom,
until broad day-break ; there I
gained information of their having
struck into the great road to
Toka, though I was prgviously
assured that they were directing
their course to Pictim on the
Goodavery, with the intention of
crossing at that place. I_ halted
again at Moaz, on the Toke-road,
to give the detachment rest, with
a determination to make a final
efi'ort to overtake the fugitives, if
possible, before they crossed the
river: while here I received in
formation of their having again
deviated from their route, and
gone to Gareeagaum, due west of
that place, and eight coss from
Moaz: we were again in motion
at five p. m.; and on my arrival
at Gareeagaum, I learnt that they
had halted there the night before.
Having satisfied myself of the cor
rectness of this information, I con
tinued my route to the westward;
and, although nearly two hours
were lost by our guides taking
the detachment a wrong road, yet
I conceived that there was still a
possibility of coming up to athe
pursued before day-break of the
17th. In.this supposition, I am
happy to say, I was not deceived,
for at three o’clock I instructed
two of my commissioned and non
commissioned confidential ofiicera
to enter a village in disguise, who.
seized upon a man, whom I after
wards compelled, by threats, to
conduct us to the Mahratta camp,
which I had reason to suppose
was about four or five miles 05.‘
During the time we were going
this distance I made the necessary
arrangements for an attack in
three divisions, by the two. in
front, consisting of the flank com
panies of the 14th Madras, __
two companies of the, ,3d Bommi
Native Infantry, under (law-.‘if
smyth and Desebflmnrmdima
from the head of thearolumnatng;
the right and left on entering the
encampinent, and by direqtjng
the 3d division, two companies, of
the 2d Bombay Native: Infantry,
under Capt. Spears, to movegstca
dily into its centre without break,
ing, with a view to this division
becoming a point upon which the
others might rally in case of ne
cessity. -
On coming within two miles of
the village of Pattre, the forces of
the encampment were clearly dis
cernible, upon which the column
moved
 APENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 159
moved forward“ with a hastened party brought out to keep them in
step, and shortly before day-light check, retired.
entered the enclosures of the vil I omitted to mention before,
lage. It was then that we plainly that this body of horse, which
perceived that the Mahratta or could not have been less then
Pindarry horse were either mount 4,000, murdered Lieut. lVarre, of
ed or mounting for a march: the Madras artillery, and his sepoy
under these circumstances no time guard, at the village of Soome,
was to be lost, and being then on the evening of the 16th, a few
only a few paces, as I supposed, hours prior to my passing through
. from their rear picquet,I directed it; and that they plundered all
Lieutenant Beach to give them a the smaller unprotected villages
volley from the front rank'of the on their route from the southward
leading division, having previously to Pattre.
ordered the front ranks only of the Some baggage, a quantity of
leading divisions of the 8d and arms, and from 100 to I50 horses
14th to load: this was accordingly of different descriptions, were left
done; and the column immediately upon the ground ; the greatest
after rushed forward to the charge. part of which were pillaged by the
The horse fled in all directions, leav villagers in the neigbourhood dur
ing fifty or sixty killed andwounded ing the pursuit, &c. '
on the ground. They were pur I am happy to add, that we met
sued for some distance, when the with no casualties, with the ex
exhausted state of the men, and ception of one non-commissioned
the scattered order which they ofiicer of the 2d Bombay Native
were necessarily obliged to assume Infantry wounded.
for a pursuit, induced me to con Had we not unfortunately been
centrate my little force; and I led out of the route by the guides,
was the more persuaded of the as before mentioned, we should
propriety of this measure from ob in all probability have found the
serving considerable bodies of enemy less prepared for flight, and
horse apparently well organized, consequently have been enabled to
in commanding situations on our give a better account of them; as
flanks. This arrangement, Ipre it is, however, I hope you will
sume, induced them to draw 08'; give me credit when I assure you,
nor did I deem it right or expe that every exertion was made by
dient to continue a pursuit after both officers and men for the pub
a fresh body of horse, with in lic service; and I feel great plea
fantry jaded and exhausted from sure in having this opportunity of
our long marches, continued for bearing testimony to the cheer
five successive days and nights. fulness with which they bore the
At ten or eleven :1. m. we were fatigues, and the zeal and alacrity
called to arms, by the re-appear with which the officers performed
ance of a body of about 200 well their several duties.
mounted' horse, in promiscuous I estimate the distance traversed
order, who, after firing a few by the detachment to be about
shots from their matchlqcks at the 150 miles, including the morning
it
160 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
I
it marched with the camp ; and the Beema at Coomargong ; some
during the last 24 hours it actually parties and many individuals se
marched 41 miles, not including parated from them about this
the pursuit. place and beyond it, apparently
In concluding, I beg you will with the intention of returning to
excuse the prolixity of this report, their own country. This reduced
and have the honour to remain, the party from 4,000 to 3,000,
Sir, your most obedient servant, during the period they were closely
H. SMITH, pursued by Major Smith, of the
Major 14th, 14th regiment Madras Native In
Commanding detachment. fantry, whom Colonel IVilson had
Camp, Soom'e, April 19. detached-from the reserve to march
Sm,—-I have the honour to re to the south of Beema : Major
port, that since my letter of yes Smith came up with the enemy on
terday’s date, I received informa the Paiza, after the admirable
tion that the body of horse, who march which has already been re
were attacked on the morning of ported to your Excellency, and
the 17th, fled in such haste imme beat him up" at Patra, as recounted
diately after that aifair, that they to your Excellency in the same
crossed the Godavery in the direc despatch. This occasioned fresh
tion of Nassuck. l consequently desertions to a great extent 5 many
deemed any further pursuit of little of the fugitives came back to P00
use, and accordingly left Pattre, nah, and the body was now re
and arrived here yesterday. duced to 2000. This body was
I have the honour further to taken up by Colonel Milnes on the
mention, that the number of killed Godavery, as reported in his des
and wounded found on the ground, patch* of the 19th, transmitted to
and the neighbourhood of Pattre, Mr. Adam, and pursued down the
has been ascertained to have ex Rajapoor Ghaut into Candeish, by
ceeded '70 ; and presume, from a detachment of 300 men under
the nature of the attack, that the command of Capt. Swayne, of
many of those who fled must have the 13th regiment Madras Native
been wounded also. Infantry; at this place they were
I have the honour to be, &c. taken up by the Vinchookur, whose
H. SMITH,
own account of his proceeding I
Major, 14th Regt. have the honour to enclose. He
Commanding detachment. states himself to have taken many
Colonel Lionel Smith. horses, but does not mention any
loss on either side. During the
Extract of a Despatch from Mr. period of this pursuit, the body of
Elphinstone to the Governor-Ge
freebooters that had been forming
neral, dated April '26,.
in Candeish was defeated by Capt.
Davies. On first receiving an
The body of Trimbuckjee‘s horse thentic intelligence of the com
that was pursued by Col. Smith, mencement of this part of the 'in
crossed the Neera, at a place to
the south-west of Baramatty, and * Not received.
surrection,
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. “161
surrection, I suggested to Mr. in pursuit of the troops that
Russell, that the reformed horse had come from Mahadeo, which
sho'uld, if possible, be prepared to amounted to 2000 horse, and two
check it. The reformed horse o-r 300 foot 1 they eii'ected a junc
were then acting against the Naiks tion with the other rebels from
in Berar, but orders for their Gunnaispoor, (who had previously
recall were immediately trans been defeated by the Nizam's
mitted and as promptly executed, troops.) I came in sight of them
so that the first division of them at last, when they immediately
arrived on the frontier of Candeish took to flight, and were pursued
just as the banditti were assuming for several coss, till I totally dis
a tangible form. The gallant persed them, and took about 500
conduct of the Nizam’s horse, and horses: this done, I halted on
the complete rout of the insur Saturday morning at Jaunderee,
gents that ensued, have already and remained there all day; on
been reported to your Excellency. Monday 1 marched to Lassoor, and
The fugitives from this defeat shall move on Tuesday to Vin
joined the party from the south choor.
ward, and shared in the losses it
met with at the hands of the Vin Extract from a Despatch from the
chookur. ’ Governor in Council of Bombay
It appears to have been the in to the Secret Committee, dated
tention of both parties to form a Q6th of May.
junction, after which, by the ac -TnE forts of Ryghur, Singhur,
counts of the prisoners, they were and Poorandur, have been placed
to have come to Poonah; but in possession of our troops.
probably their plan was to have "Ill-lie Highness the Peishwa has
plundered the country, and to have issued a proclamation for the ap
taken advantage of any opening prehension of Trimbuckjee Daing
that might afford them a prospect ha, and his adherents.
of success against any of our de
tachments or their supplies. Calcutta Government Gazette,
A‘Vbody of the insurgents has March 20.
long been mentioned as having we know of nothing that de
descended into the south of the serves better our most hearty con
Concan ; they have lately moved gratulations, than the successful
north as far as Roose Ashtumee, achievement which has freed us
and the fear of their approach has from the continual provocation and
occasioned the desertion of the resistance of a rebel power, in the
villages on the Bombay-road: two heart of the British territories,
companies of Native Infantry and has put us in possession of
marched from Poonah this morn his abandoned fort. This subject
ing to keep open the communi of exultation is still more height
cation. ened by the gratifying considera
Extract of a Letter from the Vin tion, that the extensive military
choor*, Iageerdar. operations carried on against Hat
I 521' oli‘ on Saturday, at night, rass have been attended with al
most no loss of lives.
* An officer of the Peisliwa The scale of bombardment a
VOL. LIX, ' M ' dopted
162 ANNUAL It E‘GIST’E'R, 1817.
depted on this important occasion that the fart was too strong and
has no parallel in Indian warfare, inaccessible to be taken Was, how
and indeed is the first instance of ever, soon over; and his "t‘at'e will
bringing forward means adequate answer a usefu1~purpose in shew
to “reduce 'a fortress of great mag ing others, should'there be any of
nitirdl‘and strength", in the short similar views and characters, heiv
est périod'of time. in such cases idle are the nations which induce
the bravery and resolution of the them to believe their 'fastnesses
enemy are of ‘no avail, and the inniregnubl-e to European science.
lofty 'and‘ma‘ssy walls cease :to he It is a great consolation that no
impregnnhle to a species of ord assault was made; for, judging
nance Lwhich involves "the interior from the 'manner‘in which Dya
of the building in conflugmtion ram's horsemen effected their 'cs
and ruin, and mama toh dread cape, and the bravery and devotion
ful for the garrison to endure. to their chief which they display
The tactics which sublstitute ‘sci ed, great loss would have been
'ence'forjp'ersonal courage are thus inevitable in the breach. But,
certain to abridge our miiitary setting "aside the ’political import
operationsin occurrences of a si ance of 'the conquest, We consider
‘hiilitr‘nhtdre. There can be to that the vmanner by which it Was
glory to the assailed in prolonging efiectetl forms a memorable era "in
resistance, \‘viten the incessant fir "the-military history of India. The
ing and . explosion of sheds and Rohilla camlry which went ‘in
pockets burn and destroy the very pursuit of the 'fngitives had re
citadel, and'firom which there is turned on the 3d, without ‘having
no refuge. _At Hatrass the stoutest been able 'to come up with Dya
lreai‘t_\i'as__struck with horror and ram. it appears that all the fe
dismay. Thergarrison'sunk under male part of his family had es
dreadful operations which ex caped in disguise. There are ac
posed them__to certain death, with counts of one of his women hav
out having any means of repelling ing taken refuge with a neigh
or defeating tie object of the be bouring Zemindar, who had re
siegers. Their cannon were of no ported the circumstance to the
(use, although they kept up‘a'con inagistrate,-and'who had been di
stant but ill-directed fire. Yet the rected ’to treat her With respect
infatuationot'Dyarani was such, and consideration.
_th_at_ he would give no signs . bf ' Previous to the commencement
__s_ubm_iss_ion. By his resistance heof operations before Hatrass, the
already ferfeited all claim toinhabitants 'of the gunge had been
pardon, and therefore he unavail Warned by the British nuth'ority
ingly sacrificed every thing to his against resistance, and the greater
Js’tilbbornness, and the proud 'but "part of ’them had in consequence
boast of unconquerable va abandoned their property, and re
__l_onr, as if under such circum tired to a distant village. Since
stances, valour could have been the fall of the fort, we understand
enercised to any advantage. The they have returned to resume their
delusion ‘which'l‘cd him to imagine property and Occupations.

REMARK
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. - 163

REMARKABLE TRIALS AND LAW CASES.

_ ' LIBELS. the country into cbntempt, and vto

stir up the people .to disorder and
Court of King's Bench, June 5. sedition. He afterwards noticed
The Kingv. Thomas Jonathan Wooler. the libel upon Lord Castlereagh
—This was an information filed and Mr. Canning, arguing that
against the defendant by the At the purpose of it was the same,
torney-general for printing and though its malignity was restrict
publishing a libel. His plea was, ed to two individual members of
Not guilty. , the government. -
The Attorney-general said, tha Benjamin Steill was next called
the libel charged in the informa to prove the publication, but it
tion was contained in a periodical was admitted by the defendant as
paper called The Black Dwarf, of his own act.
which the defendant was the au Mr. Law then read all the parts
thor and printer. The number charged in thenccusation as 'libels.
comprised in the libel was dated The defendant then commenced
April 2d, and the information his address 'to the jury; and it
contained tWo counts: the first cannot be denied that the spirit of
was for a libel on the ministers it obtained the ~applauses bf a. great
employed by the king in the ad part of the audience, which the
ministration of the government; sheriffs found it 'diflicult to re
and the second was for a libel press. _
on two distinguished individuals, Mr. Justice Ab‘bo‘t, the judge,
members of that administration. whose office it was to charge the
The Attorney-general, after jury, began with stating the cue
some remarks by way of prelimi— ral (nature of the crime of ibel.
nary, proceeded to tread the libel It is open (said his lordship“) to ‘
in question. He particularly dwelt every subject of the kingdom to
upon the charge, that the admi discuss the measures of govern
nistration “ talked of patriotism ment, provided it is-done reason
when they meant plunder ;" and ably, fairl,y, and impartially; but
that their .object in embarking in if he chooses to issue forth to the
a war against France was not to world slander and calumny, ‘he is
conquer that country, but our a libeller, and 'becomes amenable
selves. And he appealed to the to the law. He then noticed
good sense of the jury, if the various observations made by the
whole were not a gross, scanda defendant which were not correct
lous, and seditious libel, calcu .in point of .fact; and he concluded
lated to bring the.governmentnf withM 2mt'P ressiilg his opinion vei y
‘ decided
164 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
decidedly that the productions in three of the jurymen stated that
question were libels. they had not brought in their ver
After the jury had consulted a dict, Guilty.
short time, one of them asked his Mr. Justice Abbot. \Vhen 1
lordship, supposing they consider put the question, the foreman
ed the facts stated to be true, were answered in the affirmative, that
they still by law bound to find the it was the verdict of the whole
publication a libel. jury.
Mr. J ustice. Abbot answered Mr. Chitty. Three of the jury
(but not quite audibly), that the understood that they were'to go
truth of the fact did not justify back and reconsider, as your lord
the libel—and he read to them ship could only receive a general
Lord Raymond's opinion upon the verdict.
question. Mr. Justice Abbot. I take it for
The jury retired for two hours granted that the crown only wishes
and a half, and then returned to to obtain a verdict by legal means.
the court, the foreman_ standing No gentleman objected to the ver
with three of his fellows at the Ylict at the time; and an answer
door of thejudge's room : the other was given that they all concurred.
jurymen Were behind them. It may be extremely dangerous,
Mr. Law (clerk of Nisi Prius) if, after a jury has retired after
then put the question in the usual giving in their verdict, any atten
form, whether they found the de tion could be paid to the statement
fendant guilty of the misdemeanor of some of the individuals. I cer
charged in the information, or not tainly do not wish to infringe
guilty? ‘ upon the privileges of the jury:
The Foreman answered, We find but after a verdict has been re
him guilty ; but three of the jury ceived and recorded, 1 cannot allow
wish to state special grounds. a part of the jury, after they have
Mr. Justice Abbot said, your withdrawn, having delivered in
verdict must be a general verdict the verdict as the verdict of the
of guilty or not guilty. Do I un whole, to say that they did not
derstand you to say, that you find agree.
the defendant guilty? Mr. \Vooler said, that the jury
The Foreman bowed, and ap ofl'ered a paper to his lordship,
peared to answer “ Yes." who declared that he would not
Mr. Justice Abbot. Is the ver receive their objections.
dict of guilty the verdict of all the Mr. Justice Abbot affirmed that
gentlemen of the jury? he said, he would receive any thing
The Foreman again bowed, but that proceeded from the whole of
if he said any thing, it was in the jury, but nothing that pro
audible beyond the bench. ceeded from a part of it. He ask
After the jury impannelled for ed, in a tone of voice quite audible,
the trial of the second information if the verdict of guilty were the
had retired, Mr. Chitty said, that verdict of all, and he was told that
he hoped it would not be consider— it was.
ed as an impertinent intrusion, if Mr. Wooler. The whole of the
he mentioned to his lordship, that jury is here ; they have never se
parated;
 APPENDIX TO CHRONIC LE. ‘ 165
parated; and the verdict at pre found the defendant guilty, but
sent is only the verdict of nine, three of them were desirous, or
not of twelve. had desired him, on their part, to
Mir. Justice Abbot. I have de add something. I then interposed,
livered my judgment upon it: if and observed, that I thought I
it be incorrect, you will have an could not receive any thing coming
opportunity of correcting it here from a part only of the gentlemen
after. of the jury; that the verdict must
Mr. Wooler. I have no means be the verdict of all ; and I then
of appealing against your lord asked (speaking, as I thought, in
ship's judgment hereafter. This a very distinct and audible voice)
cannot be justice, my lord! The whether all the jury agreed in the
three jurymen are ready to depose verdict ? I was answered that they
on afiidavit that they did not con did/and at that time I heard no
sent to the verdict. dissent expressed by any person.
The situation, however, was such,
Jude 6.—The King '0. Thomas Jo the jury not having all of them
nathan Wooler. come into my view, that it is not
Mr. Justice Abbot, at the sitting altogether impossible that some
of the Court, addressed the rest of mistake or misapprehension might
the Bench as follows :— ' have taken place; it is not impos
I wish to take the earliest op sible that some might not hear
portunity of reporting some cir distinctly what had been said.
cumstances which occurred yester The jury having then retired,
day at Guildhall, in the course of and the door being shut again, I
a trial which took place before me. proceeded to sum up the cause in
The case to which I allude was progress; and when I had con
an information by the Attorney cluded, (it not being decorous to
Gencral against a person of .the interrupt me), and after the se
name of Thomas Jonathan Wooler, cond jury had retired to consider
for a libel. After the case had of their verdict, a gentleman at
been gone through, the Jury re the bar suggested, that some of
tired to consider of their verdict, the gentlemen of the firstJury had
and while they were absent another not concurred, nor intended to
case was called on, the trial of it concur, in the general verdict de
was proceeded in, and just before livered ; or had been desirous that
the reply in the second case was the verdict should be received with
concluded, the door on my left some degree of qualification. I
hand was opened, in order to ad have not the words very distinctly
mit the gentlemen of thejury, who now in my mind, but they circum
had returned after considering of stances l have stated. I farther
their verdict; and as soon as the understood, that some 0f the jury
reply was finished, in one or 'two were present, in or near the court.
sentences, the names were called I then said, that the verdict of the
over by the ofiicer in the usual way, jury had been recorded, and that
and answers were given in the or it seemed to me, that sitting in
dinary manner. ,The foreman of thatplace, I could not do any thing
the jury then said, that the jury in the matter. I do not know
whether
166 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
\

whether I made use of the senti This factsupplies a distinction from

ment; but it certainly impressed all the cases that have usually come
my mind, that it w0uld be ex before the Court. A verdict is
tremely dangerous if, after the generally given, the jurors stand
jury had retired from the bar, a ing together in the presence of the
judge then in Court could receive judge; and they have full oppor
and act upon any communication tunity of hearing what is pro
from them. I therefore was of pounded by the foreman, and of
opinion that the verdict must expressing their dissent if they
stand as the verdict of the jury. thought fit so to do. If it could
I wished to take the earliest op be satisfactorily made out, from
portunity of stating this occur the position and nearness of the
rence to my Lord and my brothers. j nry, or from the situation of the
Lord Ellenborough (after con judge, that all the jury did hear,
sulting with the other judges).— and that none of them dissented,
The Court cannot, according to it would perhaps be too much to
the authorities and precedents of disturb the verdict, and the Court
law, receive an afiidavit from a could not receive any afiidavit
juryman upon the subject of his against it. But the perfect evi
verdict; and the reason why he is dence of their hearing, and their
precluded from making the afii means of assenting or dissenting,
davitis, because, from the circum seem to he wanted here; and,
stances, it must have been intended therefore, I suggest, for the con
that that verdict was given with sideration of my brothers, whether
his assent. In order to imply this in this case, under the uncertainty,
assent, it must unquestionably ap (for any uncertainty is ' to be
pear that he heard what Was pro avoided, especially in a criminal
pounded by the foreman on behalf proceeding,) it should not be allow
of himself and his fellows; and the ed to the defendant to have the ad
difficulty that occurs to my mind vantage of a new trial, if he should
is, whether in this case there is be disposed to desire it.
sufficient evidence for the Court The Attorney - Generah— It
safely to act upon, that the jury would ill become me to gainsay
did all hear what was propounded any thing that has fallen from
for them, and on their behalf, by the Court; but I apprehend, the
the foreman. Thejurymen were not utmost extent to which your Lord
all within the view of the judge, ship has said the defendant shall
for it seems that a part of thejury be indulged, would be, that he
Were in the room behind. I say, might be permitted to show grounds
therefore, that we have not in this for a new trial. I should appre
case the ordinary means existing hend, with great deference, that it
in others, for presuming that every cannot be granted in this case. The
one of the jury heard what was jury were certainly all called over,
propounded by their foreman. If, and they answered to their names.
indeed, they did not hear it, they Lord Ellenborough.—We as;
were not furnished with any sume that.
means of contradiction, or of sig The Attorney - General. -— All
nifyingany dissent or qualification. were within hearing at the time.
Lord
 APPENDIX T0. CHRONICLE.
Lord Ellenborough-——At that
time certainly. - only about to add a single word.
TheAttorney-General.—Andthe
verdict was pronounced in such a
tone of voice that it, must have
been heard by all present. '
Mr. Justice Bayley.—- The. judge not resist it for a moment
himself has a, doubt in his own Mr. Justice Holroyd.-—0ther
mind whether the. verdict, as ul
timately pronounced by. the fore
man ot' the jury, was distinctly
heard by each and every of the
jurors- ‘ pressed, I shall not hesitate to pray
Lord Ellenhorough.—Lf he had
seen them there would have been
incontrOvei-tihle presumption that
they must have heard, unless other
wise disabled. I Are you instructed, on the part of
The Attorney-General-d was
only about to state that the. Court
would expect it to, be made out sa
tisfactorily that the jurors did not
hear.
Lord Ellenborough.-The, Court
thinks it is precluded from the
means of acquiring that knowledge
through affidavits. That is the
difiiculty the Court feels. IE it
were not for the possibility that
some of the jury did not hear, the
danger would be infinite; and this
danger has, in former times, no
doubt, deterred such applications.
I do not know that'an application
of this kind has ever been made.
‘Mr. Justice Bayley.—The Court,
sensible ot' the dil’ficulty. felt that
it was due to my brother Abbot, and
to the public, that he should make
this communication. 1 entirely
concur’with my Lord in thg obser
vations he has made upon this case:
it is peculiarly circumstanced, for
the jury were not all within view.
of the judge : he could not sec
them, nor they him ; and asaoon
as decorum would allow, the con;
munication of dissent was made.
167
The Attorney-General—l, was
If the Court thinks that, under
the circumstances, the party should
have a new trial, I am sure, shind
ing here for the Crown, 1 shall
wise the Court does not see how
it can proceed to pass sentence.
The Attorney- General.—After
the opinion the Court has ex
that a new trial may be granted.
Lord Ellenborough.—l think,
Mr. Attorney-General, you do #8
becomes you. (To Mr. Chitty.)
your client, to the extent of au
thorising you to desire a new trial?
Mr. Chitty said, that yesterday.
he had appeared on behalf of the
dissenting juryrnen.
Lord Ellenborough.-—Th_en you
have appeared, and we will hear
no more at least upon that matter.
Mr. Chitty added, that he now
appeared, and mm instructed on
behalf of the defendant.
Lord Ellenborough.-—Do you
desire a new trial?
Mr. Chitty.--I urn instructed to
apply to your Lordship for an ac
quittal.
Lord Ellenborough.——When it
comes to your turn you will move
for what you think proper.
Nov. 25.-— The King v. James
Williams.—The defendant had ad
mitted judgment to go by default
on an information charging him,
a bookseller and stationcr at Port
sea, with printing and publishing
a scandalous, infamous, and im
pious libel, tending to bring into
contempt that port of the seryice
of the church of England calliid
t to
168 ANNUAL REGISTER, l817.
the Litany. He was now brought publication ; the defendant might
up, on the motion of the Attorney have printed comparatively few
general, to receive judgment. The copies, but the Attorney-general
officer of the Court was about to feared that the poison had been
read the information and the libel, widely disseminated among those
when the defendant interposed, whose education and habits ena
and said, that he did not wish the bled them but ill to resist its bane
Court to be troubled by the repe ful effects. The defendant united
tition of the ofl‘ensive matter. He in himself the double capacity of
then put in two afiidavits by him printer and distributer ; and what
self, in which he deposed, that he number of copies he had reserved
had been fifteen years in business, for himself, after delivering the
and had not, until now, been ac 250 to his itinerant employer, he
cused of the slightest infringe had not ventured to state. The
ment of the law : that he was en information justly charged it to be
tirely unconnected with and un aseandalous, infamous, and im
known to the original publisher pious libel, tending to bring into
of the libel in question, which he contempt and disgrace one of the
had reprinted at the request of a noblest,'most beautiful, and most
travelling dealer, without being at affecting parts of the administra
all aware of their dangerous ten tion of divine service in this coun
dency; for him he had struck off try. It was generally known that
250 copies, besides some that he. the ceremony, according to the
had reserved for himself, the sale church of England, usually term
of which he stopped immediately ed the Liturgy, had been settled
when he learnt their profane and by the legislature in the reign of
illegal nature, at the same time or Charles 11.: from Parliament iti
dering the types to be dispersed. derived its legal character, but for
He had a wife and five children de its sacred character it was indebt
pending upon him for support. ed to a higher source, the princi
Other affidavits from persons re ples of Christianity; which in
sident at Portsea were put in; deed might be said to be the very
they gave the defendant an excel foundation of the law of the land.
lent character for general loyalty How important, then, was it that
and propriety of demeanour. it should be protected from pro-4
The Attorney-general then ad fanation by the punishment of
dressed their Lordships for the those who were hardy enough to
prosecution. He was willing to lay unhallowed hands upon it?
give the defendant credit for that The defendant had stated, that he
feeling of regret which induced was ignorant of the tendency of
him to save the Court the pain of the libel, and of its injurious con
hearing once more a libel which sequences ; but the law presumed
had too often already fallen under that a man who was guilty of the
its observation: every man who publication was guilty also of the
professed the slightest regard for purpose: that the libel was meant
the '“religion established in this by him to produce that effect: it
country, must be shocked both at was impossible to imagine any
the form and tendency of the thing more calculated to diminish,
if
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE.
if not to destroy, that reverential
awe with which the less-informed
ranks ought to approach their
Creator than this blasphemous pa
rody of the general supplication :
to comment upon it further was
wholly unnecessary ; the mere
perusal of the libel sufficiently
stamped its character, and dis
closed its consequences. He hoped
that the defendant had not been
aware of its dangerous tendency,
yet it was scarcely possible to con
ceive that any man should be so
blind and thoughtless. He admit
ted, that circumstances were men
tioned in the affidavits which de
served attention, but the libel
spoke for itself, and the printer
and publisher being before the
Court, their Lordships would a
ward a punishment adequate to
the high offence
Mr. Robinson, on behalf of the
defendant, trusted, that their Lord
ships would discover that there
were not here aggravations be
yond what the offence itself sup
plied. There was one circumstance
connected with the libel, though
foreign to the particular case, that
especially forced itself upon his
attention, and which he hoped
would establish for the defendant
some claim to merciful consider
ation : it was, that the defendant
was not the first offender, either
in the order of time or in the or
der of criminality, though unfor
tunately the first to receive the
punishment of the law. He did
not urge this circumstance in the
way of complaint. He was cer
tain that it was undesigned on the
part of the Attorney-general, and
owing to circumstances over which
he had no control. It was, never
169
theless, most important to the in
dividual on the floor, for the first
blow always fell with the greatest
weight. In the administration of
penal justice, the first object was
the effect of a sentence upon the
public ; the next, the justice and
mercy due to the offender—for
mercy and justice in the latter
case were convertible terms. The
principal offenders were always
earliest made the subjects of pro
secution: they were first sought
out, and upon their heads the
vengeance of the law first fell:
when they were duly punished,
the mild and genial feeling, so
grateful to the Court, succeeded,
and sentences were sometimes
passed even more merciful than
the degree of delinquency, most
severely considered, might appear
to warrant. An honourable and
a memorable instance of the kind
had but recently occurred. If then
it should be obvious, that there
were behind, other offenders more
deserving the indignant infliction
of the law (though the defendant
should unhappily, even by the
effect of his own contrition, ap
pear earlier before the Court),
it would not think it necessary to
make his punishment the precise
standard to what was due to such
crimes; he had admitted judg
ment to go by default; he had
done his utmost to acknowledge
his offence, and to show his cou
trition, and his situation might
well be contrasted with these who
had added to their guilt by a dar
ing and contumacious resistance
to the forms of the law. He had
not bid an audacious defiance to
the Attorney-general, or thrown
the gauntlet in the face of the
Court.
170 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
Court. A topic of mitigation learned! counsel concluded by a
might also be derived from the fact, few brief observations upon the
that the defendant was merely a' contents of the affidavits.
country printer. Those of that The Attorney-general informed
trade in London knew well that the Court, that there was a. se
it was their duty to watch most cond information againt the de
carefully all the productions of fendant for a blasphemous. parody
their press ; it was a part of the upon the €reed of St. Athanasius.
economy of their establishments; The oflicer was about to read it,
but country printers, whose types when the defendant again inter
were engaged in catalogues, in posed, observing that it was un
cheap re-publications of popular necessary.
works; or at most in a provincial The Attormy-general described
newspaper, were not sufficiently this publication as quite as in
upon their guard in this respect ; jurious as the preceding: al
and designing individuals might though a fair and discreet dis
take advantage of their ignorance, cussion of' the mysterious parts of
and employ them to give to the the Liturgy might be: warranted,
world the most baneful libels: it irreverence and blasphemous ri
was admitted that the parody in dicule of them, 'could not be en~
question had first appeared from dured.
a London press, and a man like Mr. Topping, on the same side,
the defendant might deem that felt called upon by what had
circumstance alone some warrant fallen from Mr. Robinson, to say
for his conduct. It was short; that it was impossible the defend
also that the defendant had not ant should not have known the
the remotest connexion with any wicked nature of these publica
of those who in the metropolis tions; he could not have derived
had spread these baneful produc his first information of it from the
tions. It was true that, in the newspapers.
eye of the law, a man who was Mr. Robinson regretted that any
guilty of the publication was pre thing that had fallen from him
sumed, to be guilty of the know should have raised any feeling of
ledge of its effects; but although asperi‘ty: it was far from his in
this might ,warrant a judge in tention to excite it: he only felt,
directing a verdict, it was a legal in common with his client, sincere
construction which would not be regret that he had been made the
observed in all its strietness when instrument of the wider circula
the defendant was upon the floor tion of these productions. Hc al
to receive judgment: if, too, on lowed that to parody the Creed of
the face of the libel, another ob St. Athanasius was an offence mc- ‘
ject and purpose were more pro riting punishment, but he hoped
minent than that charged, their the Court would'not attribute to
lordships, in acase like the pre~ the defendant a criminality not
sent, would be inclined to’put the charged, although it should ap
most lenient construction on the pear on the face of the libel. All
conduct of the defendant. The persons acquainted with the his
tory
 'APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 17-1
tory of the Christian Church knew punishment in the case earliest
that some illustrious members of brought before it, because it is the
the Church of England, and some first, nor diminishing it in the
high ornaments of the Bench, latest, because,it is the last. The
had expressed their wish that the sentence was—that the defendant,
Creed of St. Athanasius had been for the first libel, should be im
couched in a form less peculiar. prisoned in Winchester gaol for
Mr. Justice Bayley, in passing eight calendar months, pay a fine
sentence, observed, that the libels of 1001. and give security for five
in question well merited the epi years, himself in 300l. and two
thets bestowed upon them in the sureties in 1501. each. For the
information: they were calculat second libel it was ordered, that
ed to undermine the foundation he should be imprisoned \four ca
of all moral and religious duties, lendar months.
and to bring into ridicule and Sittings after Term, before Mr. Jus
contempt the sacred ordinances of lice Abbot and a Special Jury.
the Church; to fill the minds, December 18.
more especially of the lower or The King a. William Hone.—
ders, with light and trivial mat_ After Mr. Shepherd had stated,
ters, at a time when they ought that this was an information filed
to be devoted to the service and by the Attorney-General against
adoration of God. The case be the defendant for printing and
fore the Court was certainly not publishing a seditious and profane
one of the most aggravated de~ libel on those parts of our church
scription; but if the defendant service called the Catechism, the
had unpremeditatedly been the Apostles’ Creed, and the Lord’s
means of circulating these blas-' l’rayer,to which the defendant had
phemous productions, the evil pleaded Not Guilty; the Attorney
with respect to others was the General rose, and spoke to the
same: a slight perusal of them following effect.
was sufficient to convince any man After having remarked, from
who reverenced the sacred insti Sir Matthew Hale, that “ Chris
tutions of his country, that they tianity is part and parcel of the
were profane and scandalous. it common law of England," he said,
was said, that the Creed of St. that if it were not an offence to
Athanasius had been objected to r'evile the solemn service of our
by some of the holiest and ablcst church, and to bringit into ridi
men: it might be 50-, but their cule, Christianity was no longer
calm and learned discussion could parcel of the common law of the
be no warrant for an intemperate land. He then entered more par
and impious attack like the pre ticularly into the object of the
sent. With regard to others who prosecution standing for the pre
had first been guilty of this of sent day, which was that of a pro
fence, they might or might not be tection to the Church Catechism,
more deserving of punishment, with its appendages, the Apostles'
the Court always measured its Creed, and the Lord's Prayer. Ho
sentences by the circumstances dwelt with becoming gravity upon
before it, not aggravating the these articles; and pointed out the
manner
172 ANNUAL REGISTER, l817.
manner in which, by the effect of to some other subject ; the other,
parody, ridicule was attempted to where it was meant to ridicule
be thrown upon each of them. A the thing parodied. The lattbr
burst of laughter now issued from was not the case in that which he
the crowd below the bar; upon employed, and therefore he had
which Mr. Justice Abbot, address not brought religion into con
ing the Under-Sheriff, desired tempt.
that he would place persons who He then introduced a number
would bring before the Court of quotations from different works,
those who should insult the feel which exemplified the different
ings of the more grave and sober kinds of-parodies; but in this
part of the auditors. sketch it would be superfluous to
The Attorney-General proceeded enter into particulars, especially
to say, that if there were any thing where it cannot be doubted that
in what he had read, which could all modern examples of prosecu
raise a smile in any man's face, tions on this ground have been
it was evidence enough that the entirely founded on‘ political rea
publication was a libel. After sons.
some further remarks, witnesses The Attorney-General in his
were called in to prove the pur reply thought it necessary to men
chase of a copy of the work in tion, that Mr. Hone having been
question from Hone‘s shop, and formerly arrested and imprisoned,
to identify his place of residence. he (the Attorney-General) know
This was the whole of the prose ing that the trial could not come
cution. on till the present time, had
Mr. Hone, who acted as his caused him to be discharged on
own counsel, then rose to speak; his own recognizance, to appear
and though unpractsied in the art on a future day. He then made
of addressing a public audience, some severe remarks upon Hone,
the impression which he made was and addressing the jury, entreated
very considerable. He began with them to consider the libel coolly
some observations on an arrest and dispassionately, and compar—
which had been made upon him ing it with What it was designed
in the month of May, and in to ridicule, determine whether
which he found cause of complaint it were not a wicked, iinpious,
against Lord Ellenborough for and profane publication.
excess of rigour. He then pro Mr. Justice Abbot, in his charge,
ceeded to remark upon the man said, that the question here was
ner in which special juries were not what had been done in former
struck by the crown officers : and times, but what the defendant
in fine hecame to the particular had done in the present. He was
object of his trial, which was the fully convinced that the produc
charge made against him by the tion was highly scandalous and
Attorney-General for publishing irreligious, and therefore libel~
parodies. There were, he said, lous; but if the jury were of a
two kinds of parodies; one in difl'erent opinion, their verdict
which a men might convey ludi would of course be an acquittal.
crous or ridiculous ideas relative The jury then withdrew, and
"' ‘ returned
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. .173
returned to the box in less than a of a part of the auditory. Reco
quarter of an hour; when it be vering from this unexpected at
ing asked by the Clerk of the tack, he spoke with much seve
Court whether they found the de rity of such interruptions of the
fendant guilty or not guilty, their courts of justice; and he con
foreman replied in a firm voice, cluded with saying, that if the
Not Guilty. defendant's pamphlet were deter
Loud aeclamations were in mined not to be a profane libel,
stantly heard in all parts of/the there was no insult of the kind
Court, which continued for seve that might not be ofi‘ered to the
ral minutes. established religion, and to the
sacred writings, with impunity.
The next cause betyveen the The libel was next read by the
King and William Hone was tried at Clerk of m'si prius. lt was en
the Court of King's-bench, before titled “The Political Litany,"
Lord Ellenborough and a special and its direct purpose was to con
jury, on December 19. Of the vert to a political meaning, the
special jury only six making their several articles of religious faith,
appearance, the rest consisted of in the order laid drum in the ori
talesmen made up in Court. ginal composition.
The Attorney-General, address The case on the part of the
ing the jury, said that they were Crown being closed, Mr. Hone
assembled to try a cause of the rose with the' intention of com
utmost importance to the consti mencing his defence. Before he
tution of society. It was that of had proceeded to any length, Lord
a libel which was a parody of thatEllenboreugh thought it proper to
'part of the divine service called apprize him, that if he wished to
the Litany, or General Supplica show that similar applications or
tion. The information charged misapplications of texts of Scrip
the defendant with having, for ture, or what is usually revered
the purpose of exciting impiety by the subjects of the realm, have
and irreligion, and to bring into been made by others as well as
contempt in the minds of his Ma himself, he should not receive it.
jesty's subjects that part of the ] have stated (said his lordship)
public service called the Litany, my de_cided purpose ; and you may
and to apply the style and form of now use your own discretion whe
expression there used, to scanda ther you will dilate further upon
lous purposes, had published the a point which I declare is not
libel in question. He then gave judicially admissible!
the jury a taste of the mode in Mr. Hone. I ask your lord
which this conversion of the true ship whether you mean to send
sense of the Litany was effected; me from this place to a prison?
but while he was with due gravity If you do not hear me, you do
applying to the Prince Regent, that. If you will not allow meta
and the Ilousesof Lords and Com make my defence to the jury, how
mons, the expressions of asolemn can I avoid it?
form of devotion, he was discon After some further discussion,
certed by the indecorous laughter his lordship said, Go on, exercise
your
 174 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
your own discretion. I have stated seven special jurymen, and five
the rule in intelligent and intelli talesmen.
gible terms. The Attorney-General, in' ad
From this time to the termina dressing them, said that it was
tion of the trial almost the only "his duty to charge the defendant
speakers were Lord Ellenborough with the publication of a profane
and Mr. Hone; and although it libel on that part of the service of
cannot be supposed that much ci the Church of England, which
vility passed between them, yet was called the Creed of St. Atha
it does not appear that his' lord nasius. The work in which it was
ship’s decision respecting what was contained was entitled the Sine
or what was not judicially admis curist’s Creed; and he read seve
sible, prevented the defendant ral passages of the work to prove
from bringing into Court the that it was a parody of that of
greater part of the parodies which St. Athanasius. The whole was
was selected for their hearing. afterwards read by Mr. Law; and
Lord Ellenborough, in his whatever he thought of the adop
charge to the jury, declared. that tion of the latter creed by the
of all the parodies which the de English church, it will scarcely
fendant had read, he could not be disputed that the ridicule at
find any that bore any proportion tempted to be thrown upon it by
to the enormity of the present; the Sinecurist‘s Creed was of the
and in conclusiori he said, that lowest class of productions of that
he would deliver there his solemn nature.
opinion, as he was required by Mr. Hone then commenced his
Act of Parliament to do ; and un defence, which he continued dur
der the authority of that Act, and ing seven hours and a half with
still more in obedience ‘to his con extraordinary spirit, passing in
science and his God, he pronounced review the whole tribe of paro
this to be a most impious and pro dists, ancient and modern. 1n the
lfane libel. reply of the Attorney-General,
The jury retired at a quarter and the charge by Lord Ellenbo
past six, and returned at eight; rough to the jury, there was evi
when. the foreman, in a steady dently a falling oil", compared to
voice, pronounced a verdict of the decision with which the de
Not Guilty. 1 fendant had been pronounced upon
The third day of Mr. 'Hone’s in the former days of the trial; as
trial "followed'on December QOth. there was on his part a confident
Lord Ellenborough sat a second appeal to the sentiments of the
time; and the Attorney-General, jury. At 20 minutes after eight
observing that'thedei'endant was ‘ the jury retired to consider their
obviously much wearied by the verdict, and returning into'Court
exertions of the two preceding at 12 minutes before nine, their
days, offered, as a matter of fa foreman pronounced a verdict of
vour, to postpone the day. Mr. Not Guilty.
Hone, however, declined the in The moment the words were
dulgence, and wished the trial to pronounced, a spontaneous burst
proceed. The jury consisted of of applause issued from the crowd
in
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE.
in the 'Court, which soon extended
to the crowd on the outside ; and
for some minutes the hall and ad
joining avenu'es rang with shouts
and acclamations.
Some days afterwards a liberal
subscription was entered into for
Mr. Hone and his family.
FREEDOM or srsscn AT THE BAR.
Lancaster, Sept. 10.
Hodgson v. Scarlett.-—Mr. Rich
ardson stat-ed the action to be
brought by Peter Hodgson, gen
tleman, for damages on account
of words spoken hyJames Scarlett,
Esq. at the last spring assizes in
this court. ‘ ance and utility, I hold it to be of
Mr. Rainer—May it please your
lordship, gentlemen of the jury,
It often happens to all of us, 0w
ing to professional accident, to be
engaged in amions painful to our
feelings. Painful, I can with
truth assure you, the present action
is to my feelings. Having tra
velled in our pr'ofessional walk,
with a gentleman of Mr. Scarlett’s
character, for more than '26 years,
having known him in private life
for a still longer period, I cannot
be supposed capable, by any
who know me, of harbouring an
unkind sentiment towards him,
and still less of giving utterance
to such a sentiment, if I could en
tertain it: but what I owe to my
client; what I owe to the pro
fession to which I belong; what
I owe, I may say it without arro
gance, to myself, oblige me to lay
before you the ground of the pre
sent aetion. Peter Hoelgson is,
and ‘has long been, an eminent
attorney in \Vhitehaven, in the
county of Curnberlan'd, and ap
plies now to you in consequence
\ 175
of the wound given to his pro
fessional reputation by Mr. Scar
Iett’s language at this bar. The
freedom of speech at the bar is of
the utmost importance. During
the “present essize I heard, with
much pleasure, Mr. Scarlett des
cant upon this t0pic. 1 could not
help believing that he spoke then
in anticipation of this action. This
freedom of speech is of the great
est importance, not only to the
dignity of the bar, but to the in
terests of the public, whose high
and delicate interests are intrusted
to the bar. Of this freedom none
can be a more strenuous and tena
cious friend than I. In import
the same rank as freedom of dis
cussion in the Commons' House
of Parliament. 1 have thus made
the highest admission in favour of
Mr. Scarlett; but bounds must be
set to this freedom of speech—
othervrise, from the greatest bless
ing, it becomes the bitterest curse
that can infest and annoy society.
These bounds were orerleaped in
this case. Mr. Scarlett, while ad
dressing the jury for the defendant
in an action in this court, went
out of his way to troduce and
rilify the character of the attorney
for the plaintilf, and to wound
his reputation. I shall not gointo
the particulars of that action: they
are not upon the record, and his
Lordship will tell you that it was
not necessary they should. The
Words charged, and which we
shall prove to have been spoken,
are thesc—“ Some actions are
founded in folly, some in knavery,"
(Mr. Baron Wood. That is surely
true—Mr. Raine. Yes, my Lord,
these are certainly truisms, but
they are thus connected), " some
in
 176 AN NUAL REGISTER, 1817.
in both; some actions in the folly .uttered that are ‘not warranted;
and knavery of attornies, and but a serious impression to the in
some in the folly' and knavery of jury of character and professional
the parties." My friend is not ,career could never be allowed to
apt to deal in metaphysical ab be made. with impunity. What
straction; you know very well was Mr. Hodgson to do? He called
that he (Ines not use words with upon Mr. Sczu'lett to justify or to
out application. We shall not at deny these words: he would do
tempt to prove his ~whole speech. neither. Mr. Hodgson, therefore,
You know with how little credit a found he must appeal to a jury.
long story is received from wit The words will be indisputably
nesses; but we shall prove the proved. Mr. Hodgson_ was dis~
words here entered upon the re tinctly predicated to be a fraudu
cord: “.Mr. Peter Hodgson was lent and wicked attorney. The
the attorney for the plaintifl‘; he only Question then was, whether
drew the promissory note; he he was thus to be traduced with
fraudulently got Beaumont to pay impunity. I mentioned, that the
l50l. to the plaintiff. This was plaintili' lives in a different county.
the most profligate thingl ever It is generally a suspicious cir
knew done by a professional man." cumstance for a plaintiff to come
Then follows the particular ex to a jury of a diiferent county, as
pression which we have charged if he could not trust a jury who
in the second count on the record: knew his character. But in this
it concludes the remarks already case the action was brought here
stated to you. The sting is always because the words charged had
in the tail. “ Mr. Hodgson is a been uttered here; and it is rather
fraudulent and wicked attorney." advantageous to my learned friend,
Now, gentlemen, I ask you, if for if there is' one place on this
you were wrong in any action circuitin which he is better known
brought into this court, how than in another place, it is the
would you like such abuse of the county palatine of Lancaster. As
freedom of speech by a gentleman I believe this will be the last time
holding _a high reputation at the 1 can address you on the subject,
bar? A humbler individual, if he I must say a word of damages. 1
had not the spirit and the honour distinctly disclaim for my client
to vindicate his fame from such an that damages are his object. He
attack, would be ruined. My only wants the vindication of his
client has the spirit and honour to injured character. You will take
repel it. The defendant has join care that he sustain no loss by this
ed the general issue; that is, the vindication. 1 do not ask for
words are denied. l have a right angry-and vindictive damages. 1
to presume, indeed I have more ask no more than justice to my
than a presumption, that his in client. Less than justice you will
. structions did not warrant the not give.
words, and Mr. Hodgson has taken Mr. Baron Wood-——Can you
care to ascertain the fact. In the mention any action of the same
hurry, agitation, and irritation of kind, or upon what principle it
_the bar, words may certainly be can be maintained?
Mr.
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 177
Mr. Raine—I do not know that be extracted by such protection.
any action of the kind has ever I, like all my brothers, am in
been brought. terested in the full freedom of the
Mr. Baron Wood—It appears to bar, but there must be a limit.
me that an action cannot be main The privilege of parliament is a
tained for words spoken in judicial peculiar species of right that can
proceedings. If a counsel misbe not in its very nature be made
haves, or goes too far, the judge actionable in courts of law. The
who presides corrects his miscon plain question here is, if the coun
duct ; but if an action is once sel could with impunity go out of
maintained, there is no end of it. his way, and say, Mr. Hodgson “is
'Actions of this kind would per a fraudulenfand wicked attorney.”
petually occupy the court. If a. Mr. Topping—Does your Lord~
counsel were to pause in his plead ship wish us to ’say any thing on
ing, and to say such a man is a the question?
great rogue, that would be action Mr. B. Wood—Yes.
able. Mr. Topping—I did expect to
Mr. Raine—That is precisely hear some observations by your
our case. We say the libellous Lordship on the novelty of this
expressions were voluntarily and action. Its tendency and nature
gratuitously used. are important, not only to the bar
Mr. Baron Wood—No; whe but to the client. If such an action
ther a note was fraudulent or not, can be maintained, very different
as I understand the record, for I will be the situation of every client
know nothing of the nature of the in a court of justice, when deprived
first action. of the free and vigorous exercise
Mr. Richardson—The privi of his counsel, at full liberty to
leges of Parliament have been al apply his talents, learning and
luded to. I don't apprehend that industry to the cause in which he
the question here has any resem is engaged. The words in the ‘
blance to them.-—(Mr. B. Wood. record are only the opinion, the I
Why not?)--Well, be it that the inference, the comment, which
utmost freedom of speech is allow my honourable and learned friend
ed; but to go out of the way to felt at the time to be merited. The
attack character—(Mr. B. Wood. facts of the case warranted the
No, it was not out of the way; cemment. Mr. Raine very judici
the words might be too severe, but ously and very ably—I observe he
they were connected with the note. shakes his head, but I will say—
It would be a dangerous precedent (Mr. Raine, I read every word,)
to receive an action on such a —if Mr. Raine had not interrupt
ground.)—lf a man's character is ed me, he would have heard me
injured, if, for instance, a surgeon say, in terms no ways disrespect
is injured and obstructed in his ful to him, that he showed great
career, there must surely be some prudence and discretion in not
remedy. The presiding wisdom communicating the facts and cir
in our courts is no protection, cumstancesjof the case. The
when the injury is sustained, words were severe, because my
when the shaft strikes, and cannot hon. and learned friend felt severity
Von. LIX. N to
 178 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
to be warranted. They were the ton was found liable in an action,
comments which the learning and because he had. written a letter
ability of my friend suggested on respecting a servant, after he had
the facts proved. “ Some actions given the character. There was
are founded in fully.” That action no vindication on record, because
was so, for it ended in a nonsuit. the manner and occasion was the
The whole passage was not respect vindication. If this action were
ing the character of Mr. Hodgson maintained, it would be the ruin
in general, but in this case. If of' the British public as well as of
the counsel are not allowed to the privileges of the bar.
comment on the facts proved, Mr. Littledale.—The words a
there'is an end of the British bar’s rise from the fair discussion of the
utility; its energies are paralyzed question. If they had been used
for ever: without those fair and on a question of trespass, the case
. honourable exertions which are would be different. The action
thus attempted to be suppressed, was on a note ; the note was frau
it will be neither creditable nor dulent; it was wicked and frau
useful. The expressions used by dulent in an attorney to act so:
my friend were called for and Mr. Hodgson was that fraudulent
merited in my opinion. But it and wicked attorney. The-words
was necessary not only to prove were not distinct and independent .
that they were false, but malici .I admit that Mr. Scarlett would
ous. Good God! will it be said be liable if he had spoken the
that we feel any malice against a words in the street, or caused
party against whom we exert our them to be published in a news
selves at this bar? Will your lord paper. ~ That what would other
ship be the first judge to fetter the wise be libellous might be said in
bar; and, if 1 may use a coarse giving the character of . a servant
and vulgar expression, to oblige was proved in the case of Weather
every counsel to address a jury stone v. Hawkins.
with a halter about his neck? The Mr. Raine, (in reply.) -—The
danger is palpable and plain. Your words are false. The comment was
lordship will not allow in 1817 a unmerited. That they were mali
principle to be established hitherto cious, 1 may say, appears on the‘
unknown to English law. - face of the expressions. I have
Sergeant Hullock.—That this been twitted twice ; one sneer
action is primae impressionis is would be enough for not citing a
proof of the unanimous opinion case. I distinctly admitted that I
of the whole profession against knew no case. The question is,
it. The words were used in the whether there are no bounds, and
a fair and legitimate exercise of his Counsel may go any length. If
profession; they were too strong there are, to call my client frau
perhaps, but they were not action dulent and wicked was going be,
able. If he had met a man in the yond the bounds and limits which
street and repeated them, it would must be fixed.
be a libel. In giving a character Mr. Baron Wood was not for
to a servant there could be no giving sanction to this action, of
ground of action. Sir Jervis Clif a first impression, brought for the
first
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 179
first time, because it would be reign, carried away, in a certain
most mischievous, not merely to vessel called a schooner, from Ca
the bar, but to the public. The labar, in Africa, twenty persons,
words might overstep the bounds to be dealt with as slaves, contrary
of propriety, and be too severe, to the 51st of the King—There
but they were not 10 be corrected were eight other counts in the
by such an action. If they had indictment.
been said elsewhere, if they had ' TheAttorney-generalopenedthe
been published, they could be pu— case to the jury.
nished. In the privileges of Par James Evans deposed, that he
liament it was the same. The prin shipped as seaman on board the
ciple was this—whatever is said James, at Liverpool, in December
in judicial or legal proceedings is 1814 ; ‘3. Porter was at that time
not actionable. If published, it is. captain : she was a ship of from
Lord Abingdon was found liable 4 to 500 tons ; they left Liverpool
in the King’s Bench on this prin in December; they then had a
ciple, and was imprisoned. He schooner on deck ; the ship’s
refused, on the same principle, to company consisted of thirty-six ;
maintain an action at Northamp the prisoner was chief mate 5 they
ton, brought by a clergyman a were bound for Africa, and' their
gainst a parishioner, for letters cargo consisted of salt, iron, guns,
written to the bishop of the dio powder, cloth, and rum ; they
cese (Peterborough), because he went to Cork, thence to Madeira,
would not make courts of law an and from thence to the coast of
cillary to ecclesiastical courts, the Africa. They came finally to Ca
parishioner having a right to labar, where the captain died, and
make such representations to the the prisoner succeeded him. They
bishop. It had been said, some left Cork in January, and arrived
limits must be set. His objection at Calabar in August. The James
to this action was the difficulty of went up Calabar river 80 or
fixing limits. During one assize, 90 miles : there was a river called
they could do nothing but try ac the Qua which branched from it.
tions brought for words used by Previous to their arrival at Cala
counsel at the former assize. The bar, witness saw irons which an
words might be too severe; I swered the purpose of handcuffs
cannot say any thing of that.-- on board the ship: he saw\ five
Plaintiff nonsuited. pair put on board a Portuguese
schooner. The prisoner told him
there was a cargo of slaves for
him to carry from Duke Ephraim.
The schooner was put on board
ULD BAILEY SESSIONS. when they commenced their voy
age ; it was for the purpose of
Feb. ‘28.——Special Commission.— collecting ivory and black wood :
traficking in SLaves.—Captain John but at Calabar she was altered by
Bean Hanway was indicted for the prisoner‘s direction, by knocks
having, on the 10th of January, ing the ship‘s fore bulk-head in,
in the 56th year of his Majesty's and thereby making a bulkhead
N 2 10
 180 ANNUALv REGISTER, 1817.
to the schooner, in order to make nine men, black slaves; they were
a partition, and thereby divide brought along side the schooner,
the male from ,the female slaves. tied hand and feet, and the men
The ivory and wood could be bet were put into the forehold, and the
ter stowed without the partition. women into the cabin. John de
The witness was on shore the Gam and witness took provisions
morning before he went for the from the ship and went into the
slaves, but returned in the after; schooner; they took water, beef,
noon, and the prisoner told him and rum, and four ship’s musk
the schooner which was to take ets, &e. ; and two black men, be
the slaves was ready. Witness was longing to Calabar, assisted them.
ordered to bed at seven o’clock, The prisoner said, “ Shove broad
and about ten he was called up by off, and make the best of your
JamesLenton, who was steward, way to Qua river,” and told the
and who said the canoe with the witness to count the slaves, and
slaves was coming; he got up, tell him how many there were.
and it proved to be a canoe of Witness told him 21. The pri
yams ; she went alongside of the soner said no more. This was
schooner which was lying along between ten and eleven at night,
side-the ship ; the yams were put in January or February. They
into the schooner for the use of proceeded to Qua river, and re
the slaves. Witness was called ceived one female slave ;- and
down stairs, and went in the from thence they proceeded to
Captain’s cabin, leaving Renton Camarones with the slaves; and
to look out for the canoe of on their arrival there, a P0rtu-_
slaves. The prisoner said, “ There guese boat came alongside, with
_ is a cargo of slaves—call at King Aqua in it, who said he
the Qua river, at which place would not purchase them; but
you will get ten more.” In the Portuguese captain said he
about ten minutes after he went would purchase them, as he kept
down into the cabin, another ca-_ his factory on shore. Witness
noe came, with slaves. The pri said, “Very well,“ and the slaves
soner had told him to make as were taken on shore that night,
~good a bargain as he could for and an agreement was made with
the slaves,- as it would be for the the Portuguese captain for a pipe
good of himself and the owners. of brandy, two gang casts, (‘20
“'itness was to take them to Ca gallons of brandy each), two bar
marones, two or three hundred rels of gunpowder, 60 iron bars,
miles down the coast from Cala and five pieces of Manchester cot
bar, by the prisoner's orders. He ton, all which was given in pay
said, ,“ Whatever you do, keep in ment for the slaves. The odd
shore; for if a man of war's boat, slave was brought back, because
or a man of war, falls in with she had a sore leg, and they would
you, they will take you, and con not purchase her. They were
demn the ship likewise." Witness five days going from Calabar to
was to take them to Camarones, Camarones 5 they brought the re
and sell them to King Aqua. The jected slave hack, also the articles
canoe contained twelve women and they got for the slaves, and wit
' ness
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 181
ness reported to the prisoner what and begged the court, in\the event
they had received for the slaves :— of the jury finding him guilty, to
the brandy was taken on board, consider that he had been in New
and the rest of the articles were gate ever since November last.
sent on shore, but witness could His friends, he said, were respect
not say for what purpose. The able, and lived at the Isle of
woman slave was sent on shore — Wight ; but he could not call
Witness began to keep the log them to speak to his character, in
book on the 25th of October ; and consequence of the distance at
he asked the prisoner if he should which they lived.
enter the slaves in the log-book? Mr. Justice Holroyd, in sum
Prisoner said, "No; do not do ming up the evidence, said, that
that, whatever you do, it will be it had been rightly observed, that
the worse for ourselves." Five of one of the witnesses (Evans) did
the handcuffs were sent on board not stand free from contamination
a Portuguese schooner at Calabar, (as he might say), he should, -
at the request of King Ephraim, therefore, following the doctrines
a short time before they went with of all the learned judges Who had
the slaves, and two of them were preceded him, recommend the
returned because they were too jury to look cautiously before they
small. One of the slaves on board pronounced the prisoner guilty, un
the Portuguese schooner jumped less they should be of opinion that,
overboard, and King Ephraim in such facts as constituted the
being on board asked for some offence, he was borne out by the tes
handcuffs, and the prisoner told timonyof the two other witnesses.
.lames Renton to bring them up The jury consulted for a few
from below, and put them on minutes, and found the prisoner
board the Portuguese canoe. Guilty.
Witness underwent a long and
severe cross-examination, by Mr. George Cooke v. Colonel Maxwell.
Adolphus, but it did not elicit any —The plaintifl" is an American
very material fact in favour of the citizen ; the defendant was gover
prisoner. nor of the colony of Sierra Leone,
James Renton, steward on on the coast of Africa. The action
board the James, corroborated the was to recover damages for an
last witness’s testimony. assault and false imprisonment,
Donald M‘Donald, also a ma with counts in the declaration for
riner on board, corroborated his seizing and converting the goods
testimony ; and added, that the and chattels of the plaintiff, and
youngest of the slaves was about for burning and destroying his
13 years of age 5 they were all factory on the river Congo.
naked, and tied hands and feet. Mr. Scarlett stated the case on
This closed the case for the pro behalf of the plaintiff. The injury
secution, and the prisoner being of which this subject of the United
called upon for his defence, denied States complained, most deeply
that he had any criminal intention; afi'ected his person and property,
that he was but 21 years of age 5 having undergone the most severe
efllictions,
182 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
afflictions, and been reduced from and, after several transferences‘,
affluence tobeggary by the unjusti he was sent as a prisoner to Sierra'
fiable conduct of the defendant. Leone, where he underwent the
The plaintifi' was now thirty-four mockery of a trial: he was con
years old, and had long resided in victed as aBritish subject, of being
Africa for the purpose of carrying concerned in the carrying on of
on a traffic perfectly legal by the the slave trade ; and after remain
regulations of} all governments. ing for some time in the gaol of
Having been long employed to the colony, he was put on board
assist a person of the name of an English sloop, conveyed to
Curtis, the plaintilf, in October England, and lodged in the town
1813, had purchased a concern, prison of Portsmouth. From
known as the Bengara factory, for thence he was removed to the
a sum little less than 90,0001. Laurel hulk at Spithead, where
In March of the same year, the he continued in miserable durance
defendant, as governor of the for a space of six months, as a
colony of Sierra Leone, thought convicted felon. He did not obtain
proper to fit out an expedition to his release until the month of Fe
the Congo (on which the plaintiff bruary, in the year following his
was established), 150 miles from first arrest on the Congo. On a
the seat of his authority, and much representation‘of the unjustifiable
beyond its limits. The professed proceedings of the defendant, not
object of Col. ~Maxwell, for this only in confining a citizen of an
unwarrantable proceeding, was independent State, but in arrest
the destruction of the factories of ing him, and destroying every
all persons engaged in the slave vestige of his property, far beyond
trade, which had been prohibited the extent of his jurisdiction, the
since the year 1806, and in which governmentof this country ordered
the plaintiff from that date had that the plaintiff should be dis
had no concern: the expedition charged, and he was set at liberty
was under the command of Major accordingly. Such being the
Appleton; and arriving at the short history of the case, it was
mouth of the Congo, with three quite clear that the defendant must
ships and a number of troops, he be responsible for his conduct, and
sailed up a distance of 60 miles, for the orders he had given to
destroying the commercial estab Major Appleton. After the una
lishments on the banks as he pro nimous decision of the judges in
ceeded. He fixed his camp in the Skinner’s case, which occurred in
territory of a native chief, called the year 1657, and the law of
Mungo Catti, and thither the which had never been disputed, it
plaintiff was taken in custody, would not probably be contended,
while the soldiers of Major Ap- that the g0vernor of a colonywas
pleton, after carrying 05' a large not liable for a wanton excess of
quantity of ivory, and other va the power intrusted to him. Re
luable articles, burnt his factory dress could not be hoped in the
to the ground. The plaintiff'was colony where the governor was al
tent on board one of the ships 5 most aLsolutc; and, fortunately.
the
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 183
the plaintiff had now an oppor caption, no count, no jurisdiction,
tunity of appealing to a British no grand jury, and no crime. He
jury, who would not think that contended, therefore, that it could
his claims to their serious consi not be received in evidence.
deration were lessened by the cir Mr. Justice Bayley was clearly
cumstance of his being a destitute of opinion that this document
foreigner. N0_doubt, the excuse could'not be received in evidence.
of the defendant would be his zeal It was in fact only a part of the
for the abolition of the slave trade ; record of conviction, and that im
but, as he had participated in the perfect.
booty obtained by this expedition The examination of the witness
to the Congo, as he had himself was continued. He with others
received a considerable share of had taken an account of the stock,
the prize-money, the jury would on the transfer of the factory from
reflect, whether his zeal had not Miller to Cooke. The valuation
been a little inflamed by his love was about 15 or 16,000l. \Vhen
of money as well as humanity. It first he knew Cooke he was ser
was also a circumstance not un vant to an American factor, named
worthy of notice, that Colonel Curtis : he was about twenty
Maxwell had knowingly exceeded years old when the witness first
his duty; for when the expedition saw him. There was not much
was projected, the objections were trade between October and March
pointed out to him, but he chose 1813, but in slaves, in which
to proceed in his course, and to Cooke had not dealt since the
set up a paragraph in the Edin abolition by this country, to the
burgh Review against a clause in witness's knowledge. He could
an Act of Parliament. . not pretend to swear that Cooke
Malcolm' Brodie was the first carried on no traffic in slaves at
witness : he had resided for some his factory; but he believed none
time at afactory on the Congo, since the abolition.
until it was destroyed by Major He understood that Dr. Purdie,
Appleton and his troops, in March the surgeon of the colony of Sierra
1813. He had known the plaintiff Leone, had been appointed for that
since 1802, who in October 1813 day to be chief justice. No wit
became proprietor of Bengara fac ness was sworn or examined on
tory, which he bought of Zebulon Cooke's trial, and counsel and at
Miller, who as well as the plaintiff torney were refused to the wit
was an American. ness.
The Attorney-General here took Major Appleton.—-in the begin
an objection to the competency of ning of 1814, I was at Sierra
this Witness, on the ground that Leone, of which Colonel Maxwell
he had been convicted at Sierra was at that time governor. I com
Leone of a felony, by dealing in manded an expedition up the river
slaves. He put in a certified copy Congo under written orders.
of the record of conviction, but I had 3 vessels under my or
Mr. Scarlett directed the attention ders, and about 150 troops, Bri
of the learned judge to a few of tish and natives, besides the crews
its informalities. It contained no of the ships, when I sailed in
March

~.-..-..‘..-.
 184 'ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
March for the Congo. We sailed I had very little conversation with
up the Congo, about 60 miles, to him, but he never claimed the
Bengalan. During my absence factory. I- was present at his
at the Rio Nunez, Lieutenant trial at Sierra Leone ; the Chief
Dodd brought the plaintiff to the Justice was absent in England,
camp at Bengalan : I kept him in and a Mr. Purdie acted for him at
custody until I went to Mungo the Quarter Sessions.
Catti, from whence the plaintifl‘ To questions from the Court,
went by himself to his factory, to the witness said that, from the
which I proceeded in the same general appearance of the factory,
evening. The troops were en he was convinced that it had been
camped two or three nights in the built for the purpose of carrying
factory, which was fenced round. on the slave-trade.
I left it the next morning, and Mr. Scarlett observed, that he
did not stay till it was destroyed, could prove that it had been
but I left orders for that purpose. erected many years before the
The next morning I found the abolition by this or any other
troops carrying ivory down to the country; and, therefore, that the
boats : we collected about 4% tons construction could afford no evi-.
in the river, and perhaps 21! tons dence of the fact. .
were taken from Bengara factory. Peter Parry went with the ex-.
I am certain that there were not pedition against the factories on
eight tons. What was not brought the Congo, in the Princess Chars
away was burnt. I left orders lotte sloop: he saw the factory of
that the plaintiff should be carried the plaintiff after it had been
to Bangalan, and from thence he burnt: some of the ivory was
was conveyed to Sierra Leone un brought to the witness‘s vessel:
der the charge of Lieut. Thomp he saw about 8 tons.\ The boat
son. The ivory was sold at Sierra made two trips, and would carry
Leone, and the money was shared, about 4 tons at each trip. Some
according to the rules of prize casks of spirits were also brought,
money, in the army. as well as a few trifling things.
I was at the plaintiffs factory Cooke was conveyed on board the
only one night. I did not witness witness's vessel on the same even
the sale of the ivory at Sierra ing: from thence he was removed
Leone, and know nothing of it to the Dorus transport, as a pri
from my own knowledge.—I have soner ; he saw Cooke afterwards
heard the defendant say that he in gaol at Sierra Leone ; the wit
had received his share of the prize ness received prize-money to the
money. I never saw Cooke in amount of 151.
irons. Whatever private property Dr. Robert Thorpe, formerly
'the plaintiff had at the factory Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, was
was very small, and I directed called to prove that he had pointed
Lieutenant Thompson to restore out to Colonel Maxwell the il
it to him, in consequence of the legality of his proceeding before
plaintifl’ pleading poverty, and the expedition sailed, but Mr.
saying that if he had not some Justice Bayley held that fact net
money, he should starve in gaol; to be material to the case.
Joseph
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE.
Joseph Archeband and Peter
Fall proved that they had known
the plaintiff on the Congo, and
had always heard and understood
that he was an American.
The plaintiff‘s case here closed.
The attorney-general addressed
the jury for the defendant, assur
ing them that he stood forward
not in his public capacity of a
servant of the Crown to defend
Colonel Maxwell, if he had been
guilty of any excess of his juris
diction, but merely to see that his
case was duly conducted and in
quired into. It was unfortunate
for this deserving oflicer that the
Court of Justice of Sierra Leone
had so mistaken the province to
which it was limited, as to proceed
to convict the plaintitfand the wit
ness Brodie, when they had been
taken out of the boundary of the
colbny 5 but being no lawyer, and
incompetent to construe the clause
in the act of Parliament, which
might even puzzle the members
of the profession ; he had imagin
ed that the Court had sufficient
jurisdiction. With regard to the
amount of the pecuniary damage
the plaintiff had sustained, very
uncertain and unsatisfactory evi
dence had been given ; if the fac
tory were in truth the plaintiff"s,
it was singular that he had never
so represented it; and how he had
become possessed of a sum large
enough to buy it was a mystery
which none of the witnesses had
attempted to clear up.
Mr. Justice Bayley here inter
rupted the learned counsel, to
suggest, that the pecuniary da
mage the plaintiff had sustained
should be made the subject of ar
bitration ; the personal part of
185
the injury was peculiarly for the
consideration of a jury.
After some consultation between
both sides, an arbitration upon
this point was finally agreed to.
The attorney-general then ad
dressed himself to the other part
of the case, admitting that his
client had acted indiscreetly, and
had so far exceeded his authority
as to render himself liable to an
swer in damages. He insisted that
little or no credit ought to be
given to the plaintiff‘s first wit
ness, who had himself an action
pending on the same subject, and
who was interested in the verdict
this day given. The learned coun
sel then adverted to the measures
adopted by this and other govern
ments inelfectually to put an end
to the slave trade, which _could
never be effectually abolished un
til the whole swarm of factors
on the African coast, not merely
Spanish, Portuguese, or American,
but English, were destroyed. Un
der this conviction the defendant
had directed an expedition against
the Congo, by which he had ren
dered himself amenable in the
present action. He insisted that,
as the Court of Sierra Leone had
sent the plaintiff in custody to
England, the defendant could only
be answerable for the confinement
which had taken place before sen
tence. As the defendant could not
make out a legal justification, a
verdict must pass against him ; but
the learned counsel was persuaded
that the case called for no vindic
tive damages
Mr. Justice Bayley, in charging
the jury, expressed a clear opinion
that the defendant was responsi
ble in damages for the whole im
prisonment
186 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
prisonment the plaintiff had en been engaged with his regiment
dured from March, 1813, to Fe in the ever-memorable battle of
bruary, 1814, since the illegal Waterloo, instead of continuing
conduct of the defendant had been at Brussels, he would, in the tem
the occasion of it. There was no pestuous weather preceding that
ground for charging him with eventful day, have found the great
personal animosity ; but it was to comfort and advantage derived
be lamented that he had shared from the very superior article fur
in the prize money obtained by the nished by his client. After, how
execution of his unjustifiable 0r ever, keeping the cloak nearly
ders. With the motives of the three months, it was returned on
party the jury had nothing to do : the plaintiffs hands, with the al
it was their business to assign tolegation that it was too heavy and
the plaintiff such sober and rea cumbersome to wear; but the
sonable damages as the injury he truth was, the defendant then had
had suffered appeared to require. no further occasion for it, being
The question regarding the pecu quietly in quarters at Knights
nary injury was removed from bridge barracks. He should call
their consideration. his witnesses, and prove his case,
The jury consulted for a few when, he was persuaded, the jury
minutes, and returned a verdict would find a verdict for the plain
for the plaintiff damages 10001. tifi‘ to the full extent of his demand.
A verdict was also taken for Mr. James of Coventry-street,
19,000l. the damages stated on the 'carnp equipage-maker, was the first
other counts of the declaration, witness called, who stated, that -
subject to the _award of Mr. Taun on the evening of the 25th of
ton. ' April, 1815, the defendant, Capt.
J ebb, called upon him, and re
COMMON runs. quested a recommendation to a
military tailor of eminence, as he
first Sitting: in Hilary Term, before
wanted a very large cloak to take
‘ Justice Dallas.
with him on service; that it must
Westminster, Jan. 24. be made under his own order, by
Fisher 1:. Jebb, Esq.—Mr. Ser a person thoroughly conversant in
jeant Vaughan stated, that the the business 3 that knowing plain
plaintiff was an army-clothier and tifl‘ worked for General Sir Lowry
tailor of great respectability, resi Cole, and many other officers of
ding in Duke-street, St. James's, high rank, he accordingly recom
and sought to recover from the mended him to Captain Jebb.
defendant, Captain John J ebb, of Wm. Gathard, the plaintifi‘s
the Royal Horse Guards (Blue), foreman, was next called, who
the sum of 241. for a remarkably proved the order ; that the defend
large and handsome cavalry cloak, ant is upwards of six feet high;
lined throughoutwith silk oil-skin, that the cloak was to have a hood
water proof, and made to order. to cover the helmet ; capes of an
The learned Sergeant observed, extraordinary size ; that it was to
that had the defendant fortunately be made very long, so that it
might
 I

.APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 1 8-7

might be occasionally used as a bed tied, and without either summing
in the field ; that witness assisted up, or reply from Mr. Sergeant
inmaking it, and that the cost price Vaughan, found a verdict for the
of the materials alone and work plaintiff, to the satisfaction of a
manship amounted to 201. Os. 6d. ; crowded Court, to the full amount.
that witness, on defendant's re of his demand.
turn to England, waited upon him
at Knightsbridge Barracks, when LIABILITY or CARRIERS.
he stated, that he had worn the Bristol Assizes.
cloak; that the materials were Rouquet v. Sherbome.-—This was
good, and price reasonable; and an action brought by the plaintiff,
that he had no other fault to find, who is a clergyman' residing at
except that it was somewhat too West Harptree, against the de
heavy, but promised to call on fendant, who is a common carrier,
plaintiff in a day or two, and settle for the recovery of the sum of 291.
about it. the value of a variety of articles of
The Judge (Dallas) here asked wearing apparel intrusted to his
Mr. Serjeant Lens, defendant’s care, and to be conveyed from
Counsel, whether this evidence Bristol to West Harptree, about
was not irresistible? But the learn 11 miles from Bristol.
ed Serjeant, on consulting his Mr. Serjeant Fell, in opening
client, said the cause must pro the case to the jury, observed, that
ceed. _ it was one which would not take
The plaintiff, therefore, called up much of their time. The plain
Mr. Davidson, of Cork-street; titf was a clergyman of great re
Mr. Westoil, of Bond-street 5 Mr. spectability, and the defendant was
Wilson, of Bond-street, and others, a common carrier from Bristol to
who all stated that they had made Wells. The articles in question
similar cloaks for the Prince Re were the wearing apparel of the
gent, General Lord Hill, and plaintiff’s daughter, who had been
other- distinguished characters, at school at Bristol. It would be
some of which cloaks were consi superfluous to enter into a detail
derably heavier than the one in of every article, unless his friend
question, which they had exa on the opposite side (Mr. Casberd)
mined most carefully, and all was desirous to go through the
stated it to be a pattern of its whole of the lady’s toilette. The
kind, and the charge moderate in articles were packed up and car
the extreme. ried to the waggon-otiice by a man
The Judge, on this weight of named Clark, who could neither
evidence, repeatedly recommended read nor write, and given to a man
the defendant, who was in Court, named Wood. He [the learned
to pay for it, lest he should ani serjeant] knew not whether the
madvert more strongly upon his usual notice was stuck up or not;
conduct ; but he insisted on going and it had been said, that if a no
to the Jury,—when, after an ad tice was put up in the office, it
dress from Mr. Serjeant Lens, was a sufficient notice to all per
and calling one witness, they sons-who came to it: but in that
stated themselves perfectly satis case, it would be for the defend
ant
 188 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
ant to show that notice had been 'must have had a knowledge of the
given ; then he should apprehend, notice, At the- same time, if the
that as the man who took the arti jury should infer upon any fair
cles could neither read nor write, ground that the parcel was deli
the mere notice stuck up in the vered, and that it was lost, and
office could not be considered a that Mr. Rouquet had not ar eason
sufficient notice to him; and if able information of the notice, then
such a defence was set up, he should they would find a verdict for the
fortify himself against it, by prov plaintil'f.-Verdict for the plaintifi'.
ing the man who took it could Damages—$29k
neither read nor write. _'
The plaintiff's daughter, and NON-LIABILITY 0F CARRIERS.
John Clark; his servant, proved Oram 1). Fremont and Others.—
the facts of the case. In this action the'plaintiff sought
Mr Baron Graham then pro to recover the sum of 13L 16s.
ceeded to sum up the evidence, in and the value of four shawls, in
' doing which he observed, that the trusted to the defendants, as com
defence set up was, that as a mat mon carriers, to be conveyed to
ter of public notoriety, there were Trowbridge.
notices stuck up in the oflice; and Mr. Serjeant Pell, in stating the
the question for their consideration case to the jury, observed, that
would be, whether they could from under the decision of Lord Ellen
these noticesdraw such an infe borough, who had ruled as follows,
rence as would warrant them in “ the law is imperative, that a
saying, that the plaintiff had a suf proof of the notice of the contract
ficient knowledge of the terms of to the plaintiff must be adduced
the notices ; for if they should be before the carrier can be exone
of opinion that he had a sufficient rated from his-liability to the loss,"
notice, then in that case the respon the plaintiif would be entitled to
sibility of the defendant would be the verdict of the jury.
qualified ; but upon that point they Mr. Richard Stanley Laytham
were to exercise their best judg being called, stated that on the
ment. Before they said that the 17th of December last he took a
defendant was liable, they must be parcel to the White Hart coach
convinced that he came into the oflice, in Broad-street, in this
possession of the articles; and to city. It contained 131. l6s: in
be sure there was but one witness cash, and was wrapped up in four
who spoke to that fact. The cir shawls, which were worth about
cumstances of the notices were not 30s. It was directed to Mr. James
of a very strong description, be Oram, Trowbridge. Witness paid
cause the man who took the goods 2d. for booking it. Of his own
could neither read nor Write. With knowledge he did not know \vhe
regard then to Mr. Rouquet having ther the parcel reached its des
received and known the terms of tination or not. It was between
the notice, it must be supposed 7 and S in the evening when he
from his condition in life; and his took it to the office.
having sent by the waggon before, Cross-examined by Mr. Gaselee.
it might be fairly inferred that he —-'Ihe 13!. 16:. was a debt which
witness
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 189
witness owed to a Mr. Bannister, was a principle of sound policy that
~ and he had been desired to pay it the carriers should restrict them
to his son. Mr. Oram was a rela selves as far as possible to their
tion of Mr. Bannister. Witness liability; and the only thing for
had seen a public notice stuck up the jury to say would be, whether
in the office, relative to no parcels Mr. Laytham, the plaintiff’s agent,
being answered for, if lost, unless had or had not aknowledge of the
entered and paid for accordingly. manner in which the defendants
Mr. Baron Graham observed, carried on their business at the
that this fact established a notice time he delivered the parcel.
of public notoriety. Mr. Baron Graham, in sum
Mr, Serjeant Pell.—-That is my ming up the facts of the case, ob
case. The parcel never did come served, that the action was brought
to hand, although I cannot prove for the non-delivery of goods; and
it: but I take it that it remains the defence set up was, that there
for the defendants to prove that it was such a public notice put up in
did come to hand. the defendants‘ office, as not to
Mr. Baron Graham.—lta1ways render them liable for the loss of
forms part of the declaration that any parcel, unless it should be en
it never did come to hand. tered and paid for as being above
The witness Laytham was then the value of 51. : and the question
called back and examined by Mr. was, whether the plaintiff had a
Serjeant Pell. Mr. Hathway, the notice of that circumstance. The
bookkeeper, told witness the par evidence was, that Mr. Laytham
cel was never sent. He said he was aware of the existencepf the
was afraid it was mislaid, as he notice within a fortnight before,
had written to the proprietors of and within a few days after the
the coaches to ascertain. 17th of December; then what pos
Mr. Gaselee objected to this tes sibledoubt could the jury entertain
timony being received as evidence that the defendants had changed
against the defendants, in which their mode of doing business in so
objection he was borne out by the short a time? The jury almost in
Court. stantly found a verdict for the de
Mr. Gaselee now submitted that fendants.
the action must fall upon two
grounds ; first, that Mr. Oram had CUMBERLAND ASSSIZES.
no property in it, as it was a debt August 19.
due to Mr.Bannister; and secondly, Hartley 1:. Harriman.—-This cause
that it had never got into the pos occupied the Court from its open
session of Mr. Oram, as the con- ing at 9 o'clock on Tucsday morn
signee or consignor, neither had it ing, to about 20 minutes after 8
got into the possession of the de in the afternoon, and excited con
fendants. siderable interest.
Mr. Baron Graham observed, Mr. Scanmz'r'r said the plaintiff
that it was presumed to be in the is Milham Hartley, Esq. of Rose
possession of the defendants im hill, near \Vhite'haven, in this
mediately when it was delivered at county, and the defendant a gen
the coach-office. tleman who has travelled much in
Mr. Gaselec, in reply, said it foreign parts,'particularly on the
continent
190 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
continent of Europe, but having sheep, he' hoped the defendant
fixed his residence in Cumberland, would take care of his dogs, as
he purchased a house and a small there was great reason to think
quantity of land in the immediate they would worry the sheep. Mr.
neighbourhood of Mr. Hartley. Harriman sent back word to Mr.
Coming from a foreign land (Flo Hartley, that he kept his dogs for
rence in Italy) he had given this the purpose of guarding his pro
residence the classical name of Ti perty, and if they were not enough
voli—a name much celebrated in he would keep 50 more. As was
ancient times, and of course carry suspected, the dogs did fall upon
ing with it the most pleasing re the sheep several times, and at
collections, as well as an idea of last they killed three, and bit four
refinement. It did not appear, others so severely as to cause their
however, that' the defendant had deaths, thus spoiling the whole of
imported the urbanity of the coun the flock. As soon as Mr. Hartley
tries he had visited—those refine was informed of this, he wrote a
ments which we capect from one letter to Mr. Harriman couched
who has cultivated and has a taste in the mildest terms: it began—
for the fine arts ; this would most “ Accidents will happen. 1 am
clearly appear in the course of sorry that your dogs have injured
what he had to advance. In the my unfortunate little flock ; I
month of November last, Mr. should have seen you this morning
Hartley wishing to ornament the on the subject, but understood you
ground near his house, and to im were not up :" and it concluded
prove the breed of his sheep, made a in the same strain and spirit by a
purchase of eleven fine Leicester proposition to Mr. Harriman to
shire sheep, commonly called mug take the flock olf his hands, paying
sheep, which were sent to him all him the first cost of 50 guineas.
the way from Tadcaster, and for What could be fairer, or more gen
which he gave 50 guineas ; when tlemanly, or more neighbourly
they arrived, he turned them into than this? Mr. Hartley wanted no
a field which lies between his own thing for bringing the sheep into
garden and that of the defendant. Cumberland—he required nothing
Mr. Harriman, it appears, keeps for their keep—he only wished to
three dogs at Tivoli (two pointers cover the expense of the first pur
and a. little terrier) for the purpose chase, and so let the matter drop.
of defending his possessions. One But does Mr. Harriman follow the
of these pointers was of so savage example of his neighbour? No,
a nature, that he spared neither he waits some time, and then he
man nor beast. Mr. Hartley and replies by letter in a strain the
his servants had all been attacked very reverse of conciliatory. He
by these outrageous dogs ; they says, having had‘time to investi
were not safe to come home at ga'te the charge of his dogs killing
night, for it was at that time these the sheep, he believes the same to
animals were permitted to prowl be unfounded. He cannot but re
wherever theypleased. When the gret, therefore, that Mr. Hartley
sheep arrived, Mr. Hartley sent a should have made such a charge;
message to Mr. Harriman, stating and in a strain of indignation he
that as he had got some valuable refuses to pay the 50 guineas, and
rejects
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 191
rejects any farther discussion of had entered into an agreement
the subject. Now, contended the with the plaintiff to accept a lease
learned counsel, no man of proper for 21 years of ahouse in Crescent
feeling would have acted thus to Place, Tavistock Square, was jus
wards aneighbour who had always tified in refusing to carry the
lived on the best terms with him, agreement into execution under
and who had been injured. Mr. the followingcircumstancesz—The
Hartley was reluctantly driven into defendant having contracted to ac
Court to seek that redress which cept the lease for 21 years, desired
he failed to get in a more amicable to see the title of the plaintiff to
way: and Mr. Scarlett trusted the grant him the term, upon which
resultof the appeal would convince the plaintiff delivered him an ab
the defendant that the law will not stract of his title, deducing it from
authorize him to keep dogs to as a Mr. Burton, to whom the Skin
sail either people or property. ners‘ Company had, in 1809, de
After evidence was heard on mised it, with other premises, for
both sides, the judge, Mr. Baron a long term. The defendant, not
Wood, summed up. He said there satisfied with this, desired to look
were three questions for the con into the title of the Skinners‘ Com
sideration of the jury—First, whe pany, but their solicitor refused
ther the sheep had been attacked, to produce the deeds. It was
or worried, as it was called, by the argued at the bar, that they had
dogs ? Secondly, if they had been no right to expose their title at
so worried, was it by Mr. Har the risk of having some flaw found
riman's dogs ? And, thirdly, in it. Perhaps there was not a
whether Mr. Harriman had re corporate company in the City of
ceived sufficient previous notice'to London who could show a good
take care of his dogs ? These title to the property of which they
were the simple questions for de pretend to be the owners. It was
cision. In his opinion it was not a circumstance recent in the me
necessary for the dogs to have mory of the‘t'ourt, that the Cor
actually bitten the persons they poration of Newcastle had lost
attacked to prove their savage na 70001. a year, by imprudently ex
ture. posing their title, to satisfy the
Verdict for the plaintiff—Da curiosity of a person to whom
mages 241. 10s. Both plaintiff and their tenant had agreed to grant
defendant were in court during the an underlease. It would be suffi
trial. cient for the defendant to have
from the plaintiff a covenant for
Before the Master Qfthe Rolls.— quiet enjoyment. The defendant
Heldes v. Hooker.-—This was a insisted, that unless he was per
case extremely interesting to all fectly satisfied as to the title of the
persons standing in the situation Skinners' Company, he could not
of owners or tenants of leasehold be compelled to perform the con
property. The question, which tract, and the company refusing
came before the court on an ex to have their title inquired into,
ception to the Master's Report, there was an end of the agree
was, whether the defendant, who ment.
The
192 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817-.
The Master of the Rolls said, he traordinary description, and ex-.
should hesitate along while before cited a considerable degree of in
he determined that an owner of terest throughout the county. Dr.
real property, by merely agreeing Free, who is Rector of Sutton, ap
to grant a lease, became bound to peared in Court, dressed in his
shew a title to the estate out of canonicals, and was prepared to
which it was to be granted: but take part in the conduct of his
it was quite a different question, own cause. The Court through
whether he who was unable, or out was crowded almost to suffo
thought it inexpedient, to show cation. The jury, which was
his titles to the property to be common, having been sworn,
leased, should have a right to com Dr. Free addressed the learned
pel a defendant to take a lease of Judge on the Bench. He ob
such property, without any other served, that he had been driven
security for enjoyment than the into Court on the present occa
covenants into which the lessor sion, in consequence of a motion
commonly entered. What the made by the learned Counsel on
defendant had contracted for was the other side for judgment, in
not a piece of parchment, or a consequence of his not. having
precarious enjoyment from one proceeded to trial at the last as
year to another, but an absolute sizes: aided by' the remarkable
enjoyment for 21 years, the value fondness of the attorney on the
of which depended upon the cer same side for money; It was not
tainty of its duration. Of this his intention to have taken any
certainty of duration he could not farther steps in this business, be
be satisfied without examining the cause he had observed with satis
title of the Skinners' Company; faCtion that Sir Montague had be
and as the plaintiff was unwilling gun to return to reason, by coming
to trust the inspection of it to to church on the 7th of April last.
those who might probably dis The steps taken by the defendant’s
cover some defect in it, the de legal advisers, however, had com
fendant was well justified in pelled him to come forward: and
refusing to accept the lease. His in doing so, he felt he was vindi
Honour accordingly decreed, that cating the cause, not alone of his
the Master’s judgment was erro brother clergylncn, who had been
neous, in having reported that a but too frequently maligned, but
good title to the lease could be of the Church of England itself.
made, and that consequently the He trusted the example which
exception must be allowed. would be made of the defendant
Would operate as a warning to
others, and prevent that inexcus
NON-ATTENDANCE AT DIVINE
able inattention to divine worship
WORSHIP.
which, when occurring with a
Bedfordshire Lent Assizes. person of influence in the county,
The Rev. Edward Drake Free, had the worst effects upon the
Clerk, v. Sir Montague Roger Bur habits and manners of the lower
goine.—This was an action of a orders of society. Having made
very novel as well as of a very ex this short preface, he should leave
his
\
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 193
his counsel to proceed with the per month, amounting in the
case, reserving the power to him whole to 3801.
self of occasionally addressing the Mr. Jamesson said, it became.
Court. his duty to detail to the Court and
Mr. Baron Graham .—You must Jury the particulars of this case.
either leave the duty of conduct— The plaintiff was Rector of the
ing your case altogether to your parish of Sutton, and the defend
counsel, or take it upon yourself ant was' lord of the manor in
I shall be happy to hear you : but which the said parish was situated.
it is not regular or consistent with The action was brought, as stated
the forms of the Court to have by his learned friend, to recover
you constantly interrupting your penalties under the statute of Eli
Counsel, where he may not ex zabeth, for non-attendance at
actly meet your ideas. divine worship at his parish church,
Dr. Freer—Am I to be silent if thereby, and in consequence of
I see persons coming forward, his example, spreading contagion
with the most audacious front, to around the country in which he
commit perjury. resided. '11 was his wish to ah
Mr. Baron Graham.—The rules stain altogether from a statement
of the Court are imperative ; you of the circumstances under which
will therefore exercise your own this action had been brought ; he
discretion in- taking the cause into should, therefore, confine himself
your own hands, or leaving it in to the simple observation, that the
those of your Counsel. plaintiff, in coming forward as the
Dr; Free—if that is the law, accuser of the defendant, was
I must abide- by it. I have every solely actuated by a desire to en
confidence in the ability of my force the laws for the observance
Counsel. of religious Worship. The sta
Mr. Jamesson, Counsel for the tute under which this action was
plaintiff—l had much rather Dr. brought was the 23d of Eliza
Free would take the business in beth, by the fifth section of which
his own hands; but if he leaves it it was enacted, that all persons in
with me, '1 shall exert my humble England absenting themselves
efforts in his behalf. from divine worship, either at
Dr Free.--l shall leave my in their own parish church, or some
terests with my Counsel. other place appointed for public
Mr._ Daniels then proceeded to prayer, for one month, forfeited
open the pleadings : he stated, a penalty of 201. This penalty was
that this was a qui tam action, equally divided into three parts,
brought by‘ the Rev. Dr. Free, one of which went to the Queen,
under the statute of the 23d of another to the poor of the parish,
Elizabeth, torecoverpenalties from and the third'to the informer. He
the defendant, for neglecting to at should be enabled to prove, in
tend divine worship, in the parish this case, that the defendant had
church of Sutton, in this county, absented himself from his parish ~ '
or any other place of public pray church for nineteen months ; and
ers for 19 months, whereby he hay/ing done so, he should be en
became liable to pay a fine of 20L titled to a verdict for the full
VOL. LIX. 0 amount
 194? ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
amount of the penalties, or in all that~the assertion made by Dr.
events for twelve months, which Free, that he had stood forward
was the period within which the as the champion of the Church of
statute required the action to be England and of the clergy, was
brought. Witnesses were then not borne out by the facts. When
called to prove the case. a reverend gentleman came for
Mrs. Margarete Johnstone de ward into a Court of Justice in
posed as follows :-—-I resided at his canonicals, and in the charac
the parish of Sutton on the 2d of ter of an informer, to support a
April, 1815. I attended the church qui tam action upon a statute
every Sunday from that day to the which, although unrepealed, had
first Sunday in April, 1816. I been in disuse for upwards of one
know the person of Sir Montague hundred and fifty years, he rather
Burgoyne, and during all that pe apprehended he would not be
riod I never saw him come to hailed by those whose interests he
church. I am quite sure I at professed to represent, as a person
tended church every Sunday. I likely to reflect much credit upon
sometimes saw Sir Montague on their sacred character. That such
horseback. In cross-examination conduct was consistent with the
she said she was servant to Dr. true spirit of the Christian reli
Free, and had been so for four gion, he believed no man of libe
years. ral feelings would allow. With
John Northfield, parish-clerk of regard to the statute on which this
Sutton, corroborated the testimony action was brought, he was will—
of the last witness. He saw Sir ing to admit that it remained un
Montague come to church in repealed, but, at the same time,
April, 1816. He sometimes saw it was proper to remark, that it
, him coursing during the year originated in causes of a political
1815. nature, and was by no means ap
Mr. Jamesson here closed his plicable to times like the present.
case. Its operations were meant only to
Mr. Sergeant Blosset said, if apply to Roman Catholics and Dis
this was the plaintiff's case, his senters, at a period when the
Church of England might beconsi
client was entitled to a verdict, as
no evidence had been offered of dered as in danger. The principles
Sir Montague Burgoyne living in of toleration which had since been
the parish of Sutton. ' disseminated, however, and the
Mr. Baron Graham, however, firm foundation upon which the
considered this to be a mere over Church of England had been esta
sight, and recalling the witnesses, blished, were such, that no man
they proved the fact alluded to. possessing the slightest claims to
Mr. Sergeant Blossett now ad liberality would venture to put
dressed the jury on the part of the the construction upon the statute
defendant. He said, that how which it had received from the
ever unwilling he might be to reverend plaintifi' in this case.
trespass on the Court by any very Without entering on the construc
extended observations on this case, tion of the statute, however, he
yet he could not help remarking, should be enabled to meet the
plaintifl'
 APPEN DIX TO CHRONICLE. 195
plaintilf in the most conclusive his religious duties, the action
manner: for, in the first instance, should be quashed. On this head
he should be enabled to prove, of defence he should be enabled to
that for several months of that pr0ve that Sir Montague Bur
period during which the servant goyne, who was a general in the
of the reverend plaintiff had so British service, had returned from
positively sworn that she had re Gibraltar in 1814, in a most pre
gularly attended Sutton church, carious state of health, and had
no divine service had been per continued thus afflicted dowu to
formed in the church at all: he the present day, a circumstance
meant the months of June, July, which he hoped, in addition to the
August, and part of September; uncertainty of the performance of
during which months the plaintiff church service at Sutton, would
had so shamefully neglected his be considered a sufficient excuse for
duties, that he had received a his non-attendance. With regard
monition from the bishop of the to his sentiments on the subject
diocese. He should also prove, of religion, those would be best
that at other periods, the reve proved by the evidence he would
rend plaintiff was so inattentive adduce of its being his invariable
to the performance of the religi practice to read the church prayers
ous service of his church, that his to his family every Sunday, when
parishioners were constantly in a capable from the state of his health
state of uncertainty as to the hour so to do; and if unable himself to
at which service was to commence, perform that duty, to call upon
or whether it would be performed Lady Burgoyne to read for him.
at all. Independent of this, it was He should also prove, that prayers
no very pleasant thing for the de were frequently read in his house
fendant, when he did go to church, by the Rev. Dr. Hughes, in his 0c
to hear a sermon delivered, which, casional visits to his family. There
instead of inculcating divine truths,was another ground on which he
was made the vehicle of per~ was still more decidedly entitled
sonal abuse to himself. With to a verdict. This was to be found
these facts before them, the jury in the statute of the lst James II.
would be able to form a pretty cor c. 4, whereby it was enacted, that
rect judgment of the motives of any person offending against the
this action. The next ground on statute of Elizabeth, by a non-at
which he rested with-confidence, tendance of divine worship, be
on the goodness of his own cause, came exonerated from all conse
he derived from the statute of Eli quences, by conforming to the
zabeth itself; for by the statute of rules of his church before judg
the lst of Elizabeth, which was ment was obtained, and declaring
embraced by the 23d, it was himself publicly to be a faithful
enacted, that where the defendant son of the Church of England.
ina qui tam action, such as that This Sir M. Burgoyne had done in
now before the Court, could as the presence of the bishop of the
sign a reasonable excuse for absent diocese himself, and was there
ing himself from public worship, ready again to declare openly in
and should afterwards conform to court his high veneration for, and
accordance
O2

*"~w< - >~ _,—---_r.v__..e ‘43-“ ~~

 1266 ANNUEA‘L REG ISTER, 1817.
hecoi‘dziilce 'lh, it‘ll ‘the principles of 'zabeth in the manner in which it
the Chr‘is’tian r'eligibh. had been construed by him. He
V E'v'ifle‘iic‘e was then called to "sup left it for the Jury to say, whether
the defendant's ca’Se. a reasonable excuse had not been
_ IQHwifejnw Cdxa'l'], churc'hw'arden proved for the non-attendance of
b? the "arish 'df Su'tto'n, proved, the defendant at church, and whe
"t’llttt‘S' ' to'h churdh had heeh ‘sh'ut ther, in other respects, the case of
11f) fr‘qr'hth'e Q5th‘of 'Jfine‘to'the "the plaintiff 'had ‘not received a
145d Iff S'eptetn'bei'. cimlplete unSwer.
_ ‘Th'otiihs‘B‘ro'Wn, the otherdlurclx The Jury 'without hesitation
'wardéh, corrobordtéd the testimo found the defendant—Not Guilty.
'ny‘b'l"the'last Witness, and PI‘OVBd
‘that'the‘ehureh had been farther
:Shilt Yr’om the ‘15th of September BEDl-‘ORDSHIRE LBNT assnzs.
‘to the 5th of Navember, no Ser
vieglia’vld 'hee‘h performed. I MARCH.
9' r. M‘ al‘th, a thedical'gentle The King, on the prosecution of
‘i‘nan, Proved the precarious v'state James Harris, b. the Rev. Robert
of Sir Mbdtzig'ue Bm'goyde‘s'heal‘th LWoo‘dwdrd, Clerk, and Susannah
‘fi'biil llls l'etlirh from Gibraltar'to 'Wooklwarii and Sarah 'Woodwurd,
the 'preéent imminent, and the din Spinsters.—Thiscase has Produced
in Uncommon degree of interest
- 'g'é_1‘ or his ’g'bin'g'to church at ’p'ar
‘tiedllirfétagé‘s of his disorder. 'in all parts ‘of the county of Bed
I ‘Luéy'Cifrrld'gtdn,'hlir§e in ’Sir a'l'oi-d,:froth the peculiar character
‘ ‘Rfdata’gue's’family,‘boie testl’m‘dny of'the eri'rhe imputed to the det'en
’tb ~lfer ' master or Mistress invaria dants. The court was crowded at
‘hly ‘fe’d'ding "prayers to the family ‘an'ea'rly hbu'r‘with persons of all
oh ’the 'S'uaday When they did hot ‘l'ahks ; hilt, from the nature of
"goto c'hdreh. “the ’ev'i'déhce ahd‘ reindrk's about
‘ , Tne‘iejev. 'Dr.’Hhgh"e's mama to he slfbmitte'd’t‘o the Jury,‘lt w‘as
:‘ally ‘ylsit'éd Sir Montague‘s "family 'ile'emed "proper that the ladies
’l’or “‘r'eéks together, and ‘alwfztys shduld 'be ordered to withdraw.
‘l‘ea'd “prayers to the 1family When The defendants hafing‘talteh their
'th'ev did" hot 'to church. 'piac‘es 'i'n'cb‘u'rt, “the 'clerk of the
ari‘aig'n‘schargéii‘them
Ir. Baron 'G'raham being 'bf w'vlvl'lich ma "the imam-1st,
'with having
dpih‘ion‘ that "u ’l'easonable 'e‘xcu‘se
Tor the'holi~atten(lant:e of the de ‘foully ah‘d 'm'alici'ously 'eo'n'spired
‘l'ed‘dant at ‘hls\ 'pat‘ish chlirc'h 'h'fid '_t'og'etlr‘er, falsely "to accuse one
lieeh proved, .Mr. Serjeant 'B‘los ‘Jmfi’és H'arrisj‘df ‘having‘ commit
"'set't did 'not call more 'Wlh ted ’ai'a"p'e dn'the‘peryon of Susan
‘él‘lefefies.~ I _ _ ‘ filth 'WoOdw'fird ; i‘n‘ furtherance bf
, Mr. xBdi'tm 'Gn’hlia'in s‘uraiiiekl'fip 'virhich donsipiracy the saidparties
_ the ‘évlderi‘ce', ‘His I ‘l'dship ib ’appearcd before the Reverend W.
rht‘al'n’ed ‘l’rorh 'rr‘iaki'n" ny' remtirk ’H'oo‘oer, one of the magistrates 'of
u'po‘n the who'tit'es ] 'wh‘lch the the county, al‘ld Preferred their
lalnfifi‘had heen' acm‘tte'd in this charge, in consequence whereof a
" cti'oa; hilt 'ht‘the s‘i'oe til‘ne 're 'warrant Was iss'ded for the appre
Yfiafkfi, that llberal mind could hension 0f James Harris : he was
"have c'o'd'strued the statute of Eli committed to gaol, and at the last
assizes
 APPENDIX TO C HRONICLE. 197,
assizes was prosecuted for the of the circumstance to her father.
fence, but was acquitted. To this The more formidable part of the
indictment the defendants pleaded charge, however, she did not fix
Not guilty. till the 15th of October, in the
Mr. Serjeant Blossett addressed same year; when, according to
the Jury. The case demanded her statement, she was coming
serious attention, not alone from its from the privy in her father‘s gar
peculiarity, but from its import den, within a few yards of the
ance, because it involved the cha house, the garden being overlook
racter of a clergyman of the ed by cottages, and her sister and
Church of England, and of his a servant being at home, this very
two daughters, who stood charged man, who attacked her in the
with having conspired to taks the' July preceding, again assailed her,
life of an innocent man, for a rape and at an early hour of the even
alleged to have been committed ing, in spite of all her resistance
on one of them. The defendant, and cries, again violated her per
Mr. Woodward, was the vicar of the son. Her sister Sarah at length
parish of Harrold, in this county, came to her assistance, when the
and his daughters lived with him in ravisher got up, and after threat
the Vicarage-house. The present ening both their lives if they at
prosecutor, J amcs Harris, was the tempted to disclose what had hap
son of a respectable saddler in the pened, went away. “’hether it
same town ; and the charge imputed was possible to have committed a
to him by the defendants was such, violation under such circumstances
that it only required to be stated the jury would, after a disclosure
to convince every man that it was of the other facts, be able to deter
false. In fact, such was the na mine. From that period down to
ture of the evidence given by the July in the following year, this
young woman who represented young lady, according to her own
herself to have been violated, that tale, never disclosed to any person,
the jury before whom the trial except to her sister, what had hap
took place, upon her testimony pened, and then the disclosure
alone, pronounced young Harris came of necessity, for she proved
Not guilty. That Miss Susannah to be eight months gone with
Woodward had had intercourse child. During all this period she
with some one, whereby she was lived in her father‘s house, and
likely to become a mother, was under her father's eye. She, how
beyond a doubt : but why it was ever, kept herself excluded from
thought proper to fix upon the public view, and when she did go
present prosecutor must remain a abroad, always were a large cloak.
mystery. In the testimony given He believed it was barely possible,
by the prosecutrix on the indict under the description which she had
ment against Mr. Harris, she given of the violence committed,
stated, that he had, in the month that she should have proved preg
of July 1814, attempted some vio nant; but even allowing the. pos
lence on her person : but that she sibility, it was not a little extraor
had resisted him, and on his pro dinary, that, living in her father’s
mise never to repeat similar con house so many months, the had
duct, undertook not to mention not made a disclosure of the viola—
lation,
198 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
tion, or that her father himself, it must be taken, that the charge
from the state of her person, had of violation was altogether false.
not made some inquiries. It was So it had been pronounced by a
not till it was impossible longer most respectable jury; and no
to conceal the business, that her man would have the hardihood to
father was found in company with say after this, that the charge by
his two daughters before the Rev. Susannah was not foul and mali
Mr. Hooper, a most respectable cious. Thus, if the charge of vio
magistrate in the neighbourhood, lation was false, he apprehended
preferring the charge against Mr. no doubt could exist, that Sarah,
Harris. On that occasion Miss who had sworn that she was pre~
Susannah Woodward made the sent when it was committed,join
deposition which she afterwards ed with her sister in the fabrica
gave on the tritfl; and her sister tion of a gross falsehood, and thus
Sarah corroborated her testimony became a party to the conspiracy
by the following statement :—“On against the present prosecutor.
Tuesday the 18th of October last, The two sisters being clearly im
I was alone in the house; I heard plicated in the transaction, the
‘the voice of my Sister Susannah next question for him to consider
calling out ‘Sally!’ as if in very was, how the father became affect
great distress, from the garden. ed. in establishing the guilt of
1 immediately ran into the garden, the father, he was persuaded, he
and there saw my sister on the should have as little difficulty as
ground, and a young man, named with the daughters. He would
James Harris, a saddler, of Har ask, in the first place, whether it
rold, holding her down upon the was within the scope of possibility,
ground, with a knife in his hand that a father, a man of sense and
close to her throat. I immediately discrimination, could live in the
cried out ‘Murder!‘ and then Harris same house with his daughter du
jumped up, and putting the knife ring eight months of her preg—
close to-my throat, said, if I cried nancy, without discovering her si
out, he would run the knife into tuation 2 But, independent of
my throat. I said, if he would this, when his daughter told him
remove the knife, I would be si the story, which she afterwards
lent. Harris then left the garden, swore to before a magistrate,
after saying, ‘that if I told my could he believe it? But this was
father, he, or some one else, would not all, for he would be found be
kill me or my sister." Upon these fore the magistrate, as if to con
informations, Mr. Hooper granted firm his guilt more strongly, set
his warrant for apprehending H ar ting his daughter right as to the
ris. He was taken into custody; particular state of the night on
but, after protestingmost solemn which the violation was alleged
ly his innocence of the crime im to have. taken place. \Vhen Mr.
puted to him, was committed for Hooperasked "what sortof a night
trial. On that trial, however, as it was?" Susannah said, " It was
he had already stated, he was ac a dark night;" upon which the
quitted in the most honourable father stepped up, and placing his
manner. In this view of the case hand on his daughter‘s shoulder,
said,
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 199
said, “ No, my dear, it was a fine to her, and said, “No, my dear,
moonlight night." Now, he would it was not a dark night; it was a
ask, how, if there had not been bright moon-light night.“ Wit
something of concert and plan in ness took James Harris to Bedford
this mysterious affair, Mr. Wood~ gaol the same day. He utterly
ward could have been prepared denied ever having had any con
thus to assist the memory of his nexion with Miss \Voodward.
daughter, who certainly ought best Mr. Marshall Eyles was present
to have known the sort of night at the examination of the Miss
on which she had been so dread \Voodwards before Mr. Hooper.
fully abused ? He heard Mr. Hooper ask Susannah
The Rev. W. Hooper examined, whether it was a dark or a light
deposed, that he was a magistrate; night when the assault was com
that he knew the defendant, Ro mitted? She said it was a dark
bert \Voodward: he was vicar night ; but her father stepped for
of the parish of Harrold. ()n the ward and said, “No, my dear,
7th of June, 1815, he brought his you mistake : it was a light
daughters to witness‘s house. Wit night."-—Mr. Woodward spoke in
ness took their depositions on an audible tone.
oath, which they signed. They Mr. John Garrard, solicitor for
were read Over to them before they Mr. Harris, said he was present at
were signed. The depositions the last spring assizes, when Mr.
were then put in and read. Harris was tried on the indictment
Mr. Hooper continued. --In for the violation: he heard Miss
consequence of this information, Susannah Woodward give her
he issued his warrant for the ap evidence, and took a note of what
prehension of Harris : Harris was she said. Witness then read his
brought before him the same day, notes, which in substance accord
and he committed him to prison. ed with the deposition given by
He sent for a neighbour, a Mr. Susannah before Mr. Hooper, ex
Eyles, to be present at the exami cept that the particulars of the
nation. assault were more minutely de
\Vm. Rogers, a constable, proved tailed.
that he apprehended James Harris, James Harris examined—I
in consequence of the warrant live at Harrold, and am 2% years
granted by the former witness, of age. I am a saddler by trade.
and conveyed him before Mr. 1 know the three defendants per
Hooper. Recollected Mr. Hooper fectly well. I never had criminal
asking Miss Susannah how she intercourse with sarah \Voodward
came to recnllcct the particular in my life. 1 went to school to_
night on which the violence was her father for about a year. I
committed. She said she knew was then between 13 and 14 years
it, because it was the night after of age. I had no acquaintance
the gipsey row. [There had been with Mr. \Voudward, except going
some quarrel in the village with to school to him. I had no ac
the gipsies.] Mr. Hooper then quaintance whatever with his
asked her, what sort of a night it daughters. 1 did not assault Miss
was : she said it was a dark night: Susannalron the night mentioned
upon which her father stepped up in July, nor on any subsequent
night.
 200 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
night. I spent the whole of the would prove a clear alibi on the
evening of the 18th of October part of his client.
with a Mrs. Reynolds and a Mr. Mr. Hunt now addressed the
Northern. court and jury on the part of the
In cross-examination by Mr. defendants. The indictment in
Hunt, witness admitted that he this case had'been prepared ever
occasionally went, to fetch the since last spring assizes, and had
newspaper from Mr. Woodward’s been laid before the grand jury as
house, and to take it back, but he soon as ever James Harris, who
did not see either of the young was described as having been so
ladies there. He did not visit at much injured, was acquitted. He
Mr. lVoodward‘s. He could play begged to state to the jury, that
the flute. Once was invited to this acquittal had taken place, not
play the flute at Mr. \Voodward's, from any direct discredit attached
when there was a party there. He to the evidence of the prosecutrix,
did not see the young ladies there but upon a rule of law: for as
that evening; he was in another soon as ever Susannah Woodward
room, and when Mr. \Voodward had gone through her' testimony,
_, rapped at the door he played. He Mr. Sergeant Blossett got up and
paid his addresses to Mr. Wood told the jury, that by a rule of
ward's servant-girl. Admitted evidence, which had been made
i that he, on one occasion, accom a rule of law, the prisoner must
panied Miss Susannah on the road be acquitted. The prosecutrix, he
towards Olney. She was on a said, had concealed the fact of the
pony; but being afraid to ride he violation of her person for eight
took the pony back to Harrold, and months, and this concealment, by
she went on to Olney in a chaise. law, prevented the conviction of
Ann Robinson remembered the person accused. It would
having seen Susannah Woodward be observed, from the course of
for along time before her preg cross-examination which he took,
nancy was publicly known. She that he was anxious to see whe
appeared ill, and wore a large ther any attempt would be made
cloak. She saw her soon after to cast any reflection on the
James Harris was sent to prison. character of this young lady ; and
She then perceived she was in a that, in no single instance, how
family way very plainly. Her ever Ininute, had any thing like
,_ sister used to say she wore the levity or impropriety of conduct
cloak to keep out the fever. Her been attributed to her. The jury
size was such, that no 'person had, no doubt, watched with be
could live With her and not see coming attention the manner in
that she was pregnant. ' which Harris had on this day given
Mr. Sergeant Blossett was about his testimony. They must have
to call further evidence, but the observed the boldness with which
learned judge conceived he had he, in the first instance, denied
already submitted Sufficient to sup any acquaintance with Mr. \Vood
port his case. ward or his daughters, after he
Mr. Sergeant Blossett said, he ‘quitted school; but upon being
was prepared with witnesses who pressed, he admitted that he had
' gone
 APPENDIX TO CHRONIC LE. 201
gone to the house to play the It was said, that when before the
flute, and went there frequently magistrate he prompted his daugh
for the newspaper: and, upon ter as to the kind of night on
being still closer pushed, he al which the violation had been com
lowed that he had once accom mitted. \Vhy, could any thing
panied Miss Susannah towards have been more natural? The
Olney. How much oftener these ' unfortunate girl, in the agony of
meetings took place it was not his her mind, returned an answer
interest to confess. He was at a different to that which she had
loss to know by what means Mr. before given him ; and in the anx
Robert \Voodward, the father, iety of a parent, alive to every
could be made a party to their circumstance which she could re
crime. Had the character of that late, Mr. Woodward set her right,
gentleman been impeached in the openly, and in the hearing of every
slightest degree? Had the breath person. Was here any thing like
of calumny in the most minute secret concert ?
instance affected his moral con Mr. Baron Graham observed,
duct? Certainly not. Then what that the jury had to decide whether
were the grounds upon which his the three defendants, two, or any fl
guilt were suppOsed to rest? \Vhy, of them, had been guilty of the
forsooth, that his daughter could offence imputed to them. In or
not have been 8 months pregnant der to commit the crime of con
in his house without his knowledge. spiracy, two must necessarily have
Good God ! Could any thing be been concerned ; therefore, in this
more absurd than this? ‘Vas a case, the jury must either find two
father, who had brought up his guilty, or acquit the defendants
children in the strictest paths~of altogether. The learned judge
virtue, to be watching them with then read over the whole of the
suspicion, and to be'viewing them evidence. From this evidence, he
as common prostitutes? Could observed, it was clear that the
any parent, who loved and con father must have known that his
fided in his offspring, harbour a daughter was in a state of preg
suspicion so foul as that they nancy. In the first place it ap
would prostitute their persons in pears, that not a syllable of this
the way in which they must have charge came to the knowledge of
done to have produced the appear James Harris till seven or eight
ance described ? Of all men living, months after the fact was alleged
a father, in his belief, was the last to have taken place; and then
man who would have made such what was done? The charge is
a discovery. \Vhat was Mr.Wood preferred, the prosecutrix is ex
ward‘s conduct when he did find amined, and upon coming into a
out what had happened? Did he court of justice finds no credit.
not immediately carry his daugh Now it is said, not with the strict
ters before a magistrate? What est and most perfect correctness,
else could he have done to show that the prisoner was acquitted
his indignation? And then comes upon a point‘of law, and not upon
' the last ground upon which susr the merits of the case. This, I
picion could be attached to him. am satisfied, is not true 3 the fact
‘ , is,
209. ANNUAL REGISTER,
is, that the improbability of the
charge was the true ground upon
which the acquittal took place;
and certainly nothing could wear
more the face of improbabilily
than that, if the crime alleged had
been committed, it would have
been kept secret from the month
of October to the June following ;
but it becomes still more impro
bable, when the situation of the
parties is considered: the one a
young woman of education and
modesty, and the other a young
man living in the same parish.
Can any one believe, that the
daughter of a clergyman could
have been so ignorant of the state
of society as not to know, that
she would have been sufiiciently
protected from the violence with
which she said she was threatened;
or that she would, after having
been so atrociously abused, under
any feelings of terror, have lost a
moment in proclaiming her dis
grace, and asking for vengeance
on her violater? but still less
likely is it that she would have
concealed a disgrace to which her
own sister had been an eye-wit
ness. These, I apprehend, were
the grounds on which the acquittal
took place, and not, as has been
stated, on a mere rule of law. If
the young woman had been treated
with the violence she has describ
ed, she must and would have told
her parent. That she was with
child is a matter beyond doubt,
and it might, by possibility, hap
pen that this young man was the
father of that child ; but the \i0
lation must be put altogether out
of the question. Even this sur
mise, which I have made for the
benefit of the young woman, is
set aside by the oath of the young
1
1817.
man himself, who swears most
positively that he never had any
connexion with her whatever;
and that his evidence is at all de
serving of discredit, I can in no
respect discover. He is a respect
able young man, and has given
his testimony in a very unques
tionable manner. I protest] was
most anxious and desirous, for the
sake of this unfortunate family,
that something might occur which
would lessen the enormity of their
guilt. The natural compassion of
one's feelings in seeing a man of
education, and in holy orders,
work up his mind to an offence
for which there is no palliation,
without using a harsher observa
tion, led me to hope some circum
stance might nrise to lessen the
enormity of his guilt. It is with
pain, however, that I am driven
to say no such circumstance has
transpired. What could be the
motives for concealing the real
father, and fixing it on an innocent
man, is beyond our ability to dis
cover? If the charge of violation
against James Harris is false, the
next question for our considera
tion is, did the defendants agree
to bring forward the charge,
knowing it to be false? With
respect to the young women, as
they both swore to being present
when the fact took place, no doubt
of their guilt can exist. As to the
father, perhaps the evidence is not
so conclusive. In the defect of
the evidence against the father,
you have nothing but the general
circumstances of the case, and the
palpable falseness of the charge.
You will consider whether the
natural sagacity of a man of good
education could really have per
suaded him to give credit to so
foul
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 203
foul a charge. If you are not for two years ; and that his
fully satisfied of his guilt, you daughters, Sarah and Susannah,
will acquit him by your verdict. should each be imprisoned one
The same observation applies to year in the same gaol.
the daughters; but if you think The defendants seemed deeply
they were all privy to the con affected with their situation. Mr.
spiracy, you will find your verdict “7ood ward is a man about 50 years
accordingly. of age. His eldest daughter,
The jury, after a few minutes Sarah, has nothing prepossessing
consultation, found all the defend in her manners or person, and is
ants Guilty. about 25. The youngest, Susan
Mr. Baron Graham immediately nah, is rather a pretty girl, of fair
proceeded to pronounce sentence complexion. Their fate has ex~
on the defendants. He observed, cited but very little commiseration
that during the whole of his ju in the county.
dicial life he never felt more pain
than in the performance of his
COUNTY menu assrzas.
duty on the present occasion. It
was impossible to imagine a case Trial of Roger O’Connor, Esq.
more melancholy than that which Second Day, Tuesday, Aug. 5.
was now before him: a clergyman A new minutes afternine o‘clock
of the Church of England, a cha this morning, Mr. Justice Daly
racter which stood so high in this resumed his seat on the bench,
country, convicted on the clearest and the trial of Mr. O’Connor was
and most satisfactory evidence, of immediately proceeded in.
of the most abominable and atro When the officers of the court
cious conspiracy—a crime which had taken their places at the table,
became still more dreadful from Benjamin Rikey, Esq. the Deputy
his having induced his two unfor Clerk of the Crown, inquired, as
tunate daughters to follow him in is usual in cases where more than
his career,and to bear a part in his one prisoner is arraigned for the
foul load of infamy. He confessed same offence, whether he (O'Con
he knew not how to do justice. nor) would joio with his alleged
Compassion for the infirmities of coadjutor in the felony, in the
human nature might induce him challenges? He answered, that
to alleviate the severity of punish he would not.
ment; but in this case all com It was then intimated to him
. passion was swallowed up in the by Mr. Rikey, that he would be
contemplation of the scene before tried separately from Martin
him—a scene which presented to M‘Keon, who had just arrived in
his view a man, who, in spite of the custody of the under gaoler,
the benefits of education, and the and taken his station in the dock.
dictates of religion, had sunk to Notwithstanding this intimation,
the last degree of human crime. the trial of M‘Keon was subse
The sentence of the court was, quently proceeded in.
that the Rev. Robert Woodward Some desultory. conversation
should be imprisoned in the com here ensued, between the counsel
mon gaol of the county of liedford for the prosecution and Mr. Brn
' , nett,
204 ANNUAL REGISTER, 18.17.
nett, one of Mr. O’Connor's coun
sel, in reference to the panel, and
to the manner of the challenges ;
and after the usual formalities, the
names of the panel, which were
very numerous, were called over,
on a fine of fifty pounds.
A considerable portion of time
was consumed in recalling the
panel, and owing to the many
challenges made on behalf of the
crown and prisoners. Notwith
standing the number that ap
peared to their names, the panel
became exhausted, and it was now
found necessary in order to com
plete the jury (four of the number
of which were yet deficient) to
select from those challenged, pre
viously t0 the following gentle
men, who tried the issue, being
sworn :—
John Burton, Esq.
Henry Walsh, Esq.
James Kellett, Esq.
Henry Owens, Esq. ‘
William Henry, Esq.
Christopher Carleton, Esq.
John Ross, Esq.
Frederick Dyas, Esq.
Robert Sterne 'l‘ighe, Esq.
Thomas E. Barnes, Esq.
John Otway Cufl‘e, Esq. and
James Somerville, Esq.
The four gentlemen last men
tioned were those who had been
objected to by the crown, but were
called and sworn after the panel
was exhausted.
The jury having been sworn, the
prisoners were‘forrnally given them
in charge.
1 t was suggested-by Mr. O‘Cona
nor’s counsel, that lists of the
several witnesses to be examined
on either side should he handed
in to the judge, in order that they
might be commanded to with
draw, until respectively called
upon to give evidence. In this
arrangement the court and coun
sel for the prosecution readily
acquiesced, and they, the witnes
ses, were ordered to retire accord
ingly.
The indictment havingbeenread,
Mr. Sergeant Jebb, as leading
counsel for the prosecution, stated
the case against the prisoners. The
learned counsel confined himself to
a simple relation of the facts which
grounded the alleged charges of
felony, and adverted in brief terms
to the evidence and circumstances
upon which he was instructed those
charges would he sustained. In
reference to Mr. O‘Connor, per
sonally, he regretted, as much as
any individual even amongst the
friends of that‘ unfortunate Gen
tleman, the unhappy situation in
which he was placed; and sym
pathizing, as he did, in common
with those around him, in its pain
fulness, he declared he should feel
the most sincere gratification in his
acquittal.
Mr. Bartholomew St. Leger, of
Dublin, coal-factor, was the first
witness called. He was the person
from whom the watch and keys,
for which the prisoners were ar
raigned, were stolen, and he merely
proved that the mail was robbed
on the 2d of October, 1812, at
Cappagh-hill; that he was a pas
senger ; and that these articles
were taken from him.
The next witnesses were John
Pollock, and Arthur Hill Corn
wallis Pollock, Esqrs. Clerk of the
Crown forthe province of Leinster,
who proved the record of the con
viction of Richard Waring (brother
to one of the approvers) for the mail
robbery in question.
' Michael
 I

APPENDIX TO CH lt‘ONICLEL 205

Michael OWens, the chief infor exception of M‘Keon, repaired
mer, was the next witness. He towards Cappagh~hill; Daniel
commenced by stating that he \Varren met them on the way.
knew Mr. O‘Connor, and was in When they had arrived near their
his employment as labourer; re destination, witness dispatched all
collected the robbery of the mail the party but Shaw to the turn
on the day laid in the indictment; pike-gate to tie it up, and to take
was one of the party who robbed; away any arms that might be in
that previous to the robberyM ‘Keon the tul npike-house. The gate was
called upon him, and stated that secured, but before the house could
Mr. O‘Connor wanted to see him; be ransacked the coach approach
that on his going to Dangan, Mr. ed. It was challenged to stop, on
O'Connor asked him whether he which the passengers called out
would join in robbingr the Galway to the guard to fire, and all the
mail ; the witness replied he would, party butwitness and Shaw retired.
but had not arms enough; that The latter fired upon the guard
Mr. O'Connor said that he would and killed him. He then mounted
provide arms; 'that witness said he to the seat of the deceased, “threw
wanted men also, having only four him over," and took away , the
or live at command; that Mr. bags. All this time the witness
O‘Connor mentioned that Heavy stood at the head of the horses.
and Savage, two persons who had The party that retreated soon came
escaped from Trim gaol, and were up, and proceeded to drag out the
then in the wood of Dangan, passengers and rifle their pockets.
w0uld 'join; that after consider There was only one passenger re
able consultation with Mr. O'Con spected, and he was a priest. Hav
nor, it was finally agreed that‘the ing accomplished their purpose,
'following should he the persons they all returned to Dangan. Mr.
employed —- the two Warings O'Connor was the person who re
[Richard and Daniel], the two ceived the party. 0n opening the
Owenses [Michael and John], Ca gate he expressed a hope that they
hir and Shaw, Heavy and Savage, had had good luck. He then called
and the prisoner M‘Keon. That M‘Keen, who was his gate-keeper,
it was settled that all these should and all the party proceeded to a.
assemble at Dangan on the even private part of the demesne, termed
ing of the robbery; that they all Saints' Island: they there waited
did meet, with the exception of until day-light, and then proceed
'Daniel Waring (the other appro ed to ascertain the nature of their
ver) ; that M‘Keon was the person “booty. O‘Connor sat on a ditch,
who opened the gate for them. and the remainder of the party on
Al'ter'a consultation Mr. O’Con the grass under him. By O’Con
n'or brought witness down to the the nor‘scentre
direction theygroup,
of the placed and
1a hatdc-
in I
stable-yard, and delivered the ne
cessary arms, together with 18 posited all the money in it. O’Com
rounds 'of hall-cartiidge, and a nor 'next proceeded to divide the
“paper cf gunpowder. \Vitness booty. Each man‘s share of the
proceeded to state, that all the notes taken out of the letters
party, thus provided, with the amounted to 450l. ‘Each person's
Share

206 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
share of the money taken from
the passengers amounted to 801.
O'Connor took the same propor
tion which the others got 5 but be
compelled Heavy and 'Savage to
pay him 1001. each for the pro
tection he had afi'orded them when
they had broken out of Trim gaul :
the arms they brought back to
Dangan, O‘Connor; saying they
would answer for the attack on
the Enniskillen coach, which was
then intended, it having been un
derstood that it was conveying
money to the army. Witness had
been sworn to secrecy by O'Con
nor on the 1st of January, 1815!.
The object was, that he should rob
for arms, and become a Carder.
A part of the oath pledged those
who took it “ not to pity the
moans or groans of Orange-men,
but to wade knee deep in their
bloom." O‘Connor stated, that
when he should have a sntlicient
number of Carders embodied, he
would surprise the plans of Go
vernment. W'itness had been tried
for the mail-robbery, and murder
of the guard, and was acquitted.
He then went to the county Cavan,
and was arrested and tried there
for passing some of the notes
which had been taken out of the
mail, but was acquitted. ‘ He was
afterwards taken up for a rob
bery in the county of Dublin, and
was tried, convicted, and sen
tenced to death in February, 1817'.
About three weeks after the sen
tence he gave information. He
had been attended by his clergy
man, and had made his COHfCSFlUH
in consequence of the advice he
received from him. A Captain
Mockler had called on him at Kil
mainham, a few days previous to
the day appointed for his execution.
\
s
The Captain stated the object of
the visit to be, to know whether
he (the witness) had ever said that
he intended to go down to Meath,
to try whether he could get a shot
at him (Mockler). Witness denied
he had
any ever
such spoken
thing.v of or intended
Mockler said he
believed him, though he was told
that he had such a purpose in
view. Mockler then proceeded to
make some remarks, from which
witness understood that there
would be some hopes of pardon if
he made a discovery. Witness
thereupon observed, that as for
Mr. O'Connor he had always given
him the best advice, and that he
Would not be where he was if he
had taken the advice. Witness
was asked, whether it was true
that O‘Connor had given him
the advice, and he answered, it
was not true. He was then asked
by a juror, whether at the time
he made that statement to Mockler,
his‘clergylnan had not been attend
ing him, and for a considerable
time previous, and whether he
had not received the sacrament
from him; to which he replied,
that his clergyman, Dr. Lube,
had been attending him nearly
three weeks, and that he had ad
ministered the sacrament to him‘
different times. The day of exe
cution was drawing near, and
Dr. Lube had held out no hopes
of his being saved: and that not
withstanding all these circum
stances he told the falsehood to
Mr. Mockler, not wishing to im
plicate Mr. O‘Connor. The day
after the conversation with Mr.
Mockler, Dr. Lube had called on
him. Witness then told him he
had something particular to com
municate; that hopes of pardon
had
a 4, AArh,» __.~__|.i
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 207
had been held out to him, if he a false oath ; it would, neverthe
would give information,and wished less, be better to break the Card
to know whether it would be cri ers' oath, which he had taken,
minal in him to give information than keep it. He admitted, he
against his accomplices. Dr. Lube was never employed to work di
answered, it would be doing a rectly by Mr. O'Connor, but \\ as
good act to rid the country of such employed by M'Keon, who “as
characters, and advised him to give Mr. ()‘Connor's task-man; M‘Ke
the information. \Vitness then on was not present at the dividing
wrote to Captain Mockler, who of the booty, being employed in
came to him ; and he disclosed keeping the other workmen from
every thing. Mockler was ac the place where the booty was
companied by Alderman Darley, divided. M‘Keou had advised him
who took witness's informations. to have nothing to do with mail
On his cross-examination by robberies, as it was a bad business,
Mr. Bennet, witness said he knew and would cost him his life. When
there were such places as hell and he first called on Mr. O‘Connor he
heaven—that he expected to go to was not bound to secrecy. Mr.
heaven. He was at so many rob O'Connor merely asked him whe
beries that he could not tell the ther he would join in robbing the
number of them. One of the mail ; he was not in the habit of
blunderbusses found atMr. O‘Con going into Mr. O‘C's parlour;
nor‘s had been taken out of the when he met him on the demesne,
house of Richard Warren, and hehe generally put his hand to his
was present on the occasion. He hat for Mr. ()‘C.; when he took
assisted in taking the other blun off his hat, Mr. O'C. would desire
derbuss from the house of Garrett him to put it on again. The party
Dunn Richardson, in 1812. He proceeded to open the letters, 81c.
was also present at the carding of about five in the morning, and had
a man named \Valsh. He held finished at eight; most of the
Walsh while Waring carded him. party remained in the demesne of
The reason of his being carded, Dangan until evening. Three of
was, his having been understood the men had been hanged since
to be a bad man in the parish, and the robbery. They died stout
one who Would not contribute to men, and gave no information
the poor. He did not doubt but against Mr. O'Connor, although
\Valsh was a Catholic. He did they were not very stout in run
not mind what his religion was, ning away at the time of the at
though the oath administered by tack on the mail. He believed he
Mr. O’Connor bound him not to was the stoutest man among;
mind the moans or groans of them, but he was not appointed
Orange-men. He did not know captain of the gang. He had no
whether himself or Waring (the more command than others. He
other approver) was the greater had taken potatoe-ground from
villain. He was robbing since ‘21 ; Mr. O‘Connor; Mr. O'C. would
he is now 27, and thought he de not allow the potatoes to be re
served hanging ; it would be better moved until they were paid for;
for a man to be hanged than take was not at home when the refusal
W55
 208 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1317.
was given; he believes his bro
ther-in-law passed his note for the with Alderman Darley and Cap
price of the potatoes; Mr. O‘Con
nor afterwards processed his bro
ther-in-law for the amount of the
note. He should not be well
pleased with a man who _would
_not serve his family as well as
himself. Mr. O’Connor and he
used to have religious discourses.
A juror asked, “what religious
discourses?" The witness answer
ed, “ Carding and taking of
arms l” \Vitness was again asked,
whether he could give a guess as
to the number of crimes he was
implicated in, and he answered,
he could not. The examination
of this witness did not close until
within ten minutes of four o'clock.
Richard ‘Varing proved the
robbery of his house of a blunder
buss. (A blunderbuss was pro
‘duced to witness, which he iden
tified as the one of “hich he had
been robbed.)
Garret Richardson examined.—
His house was robbed, in 1812,
of a blunderbuss. [A blunderbuss
was produced, but witness could
not identify it. It was like one
which‘he possessed, but he could
not positively swear it was the
same]
Mr. Wallace, as counsel for Mr.
O‘Connor, said, he was willing to
admit it was the blunderbuss
which was stolen from the wit
ness, but that he would show how
it got into the possession of Mr.
O'Connor’s family.
Mr. Sergeant Jebb observed,
that the admission of the learned
counsel was wise and candid.
Thomas Thompson, 'Esq. soli
citor to the post-office, stated,
that in consequence of information
which he receivedthrough Owens,
he went to Dangan, in company
tain Mockler. He proceeded to the
house of the younger Mr. O’Con
nor, on the Dangan'demesne, and
situated at a short distance from
the prisoner’s house, and there
found the two blunderbusses which
had been exhibited to the last wit
nesses. He found them in the
bed room of Mr. O'Connor, stand
ing against the chimney, in a con
spicuous situation, and not in any
manner concealed. He received
information concerning a watch,
and seized an article of that de
scription, which he had met with,
but found on examination it was
not such aone as was described
to him; he therefore returned it.
This witness next proceeded to
state, that he met Mr. O’Connor
at the assizes of Naas, where he
attended to prosecute the Owenses.
He observed, in a jocose way, that
“ wherever the Owenses were to
be tried, he was sure to meet Mr.
O'Connor." Mr. O’C. replied,
that “ they were as great vaga
bonds as existed." The witness
mentioned, that notwithstanding
that assertion of Mr. O‘Connor,
he appeared at the trial, and gave
these persons a general good cha
racter; which surprised witness
so much, that he had him cross
examined as to the fact of his hav
ing had the conversation _with him
respecting these individuals pre
vious- to the trial. Mr. Q‘C., as
witness afiirmed, had not denied
that he talked of the Owenses as
being very bad persons, but that
he was not serious when he spoke
of them. \Vitness got nothing in
the house of Mr. O‘Connor, jun.
but the blunderbusses; and that,
as to the house of Dangan, the
searching
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 209
searching of that place was left to Walsh’s back—his successor on
Aldernian Dalley. the backs of Walsh’s legs “is
On being cross-examined by statement of some at the circum
Mr. Wallace, he repeated that the stances of the division of the booty
blunderbusses were quite exposed. was similar to that of Owens. He
Richard Waring, the other ap alleged, however, that the adJust
prover, was examined at much ment did not take place until
length. A great portion of his about five o‘clock in the evening,
evidence relative to the circum and that from the time Mr. O‘Con
stances of the robbery, &c. agreed nor placed himself ou the ditch
with that given by Owens. He until that hour he took no refresh
said that he was not present at the ment. Mr. Wallace asked, whe
consultation at Dangan, having ther the rest of the ga .g had not
had to go for a blunderbuss which taken refreshment. Witness an
he had concealed in a bog. He swered they had. 'l‘hen, saidMr.W.,
stated, that on the return of the it appears you acted very unceremo
party from the robbery, Mr. niously towards your captain. ()n
O’Connor had opened the gate for being again questioned about
them, hoping that they had good M'Kcon's advice relative to rob
luck; and that he (Mr. O'Connor) beries, he admitted that it was
had held the blunderbuss of one against all crimes of that descrip
of the party while he went into tion, as they would only lead to
M'Keon's house to light his pipe. the gallows. He was reminded
He distinctly affirmed that M’Keon by Counsel that he gave a differ
advised him to cease robbing ent statement before. to which he
houses for arms, &c. as it was replied that M'Keon advised both
an unprofitable pursuit, and take for and against robberies.
up the better occupation of mail John Allen, farmer, was the
robbing. He stated that he, as next witness. He remembered
well as his associate OWens, was the 4th of October, lSl2. He
concerned in innumerable crimi saw Mr. O’Connor on that day,
nalties. He had taken the Car having received a note from that
der‘s oath at the instigation of gentleman, desiring him to call
Mr. O'Connor, but his descrip on him. Mr. O‘Connor asked
tion of it was different from that whether he had not heard of the
which Owens had given. It hound mail-robbery of the 9d, and he
persons, according to his state answered, he had. He then asked,
ment, merely to “support anar what would witness think if he
chy and put down monarchy." heard the mail had been found on
He Was present at the carding Dangan demesnei Witness an
of Walsh, who had been held swered, he should be sorry to
while the witness performed with hear it was the case, as, from the
his own hand that operation. circumstance of a bag having be
Walsh, however, was not left fore been found there, it would
long in his hands. He said he have a bad appearance in the
had “only two or three touches country. O'Connor then brought
at him," the instrument of tor him into a room, and showed him,
ture being given to abler and lying on a table, the mail bags,
better hands. He operated on some newspapers, lottery tickets,
VoL. LIX. broken
210 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817;
broken notes, &c. He further not at liberty to disclose, mean.
asked witness, whether he could ing, as we suppose, in his capa;
keep a secret? To which he re city as a clergyman; that Owens
plied, that he never abused any had asked him (Mr. Lube) “ if it
confidence that was reposed in would be criminal in him (Owens)
him. O’Connor then asked him, to make a discovery in order to
if he had not been security for the save his own life, for that propo
gaoler of Trim, and whether he sals had been made to him to that
was not, in consequence, likely to eEect ?" that be (Mr. Lube) asked
be a suli'erer by the escape of Owens, had be any diseovery of
Heavy and Savage? Witness re importance to’make? that Owens
plied, he- was security. O‘Con answered in the affirmative; that
nor then said, that he had reason be (Mr. Lube) immediately laid
to know that Savage was lurking a solemn injunction on Owens,
about Dangan, and that he would not to name the parties to him
put witness in the way of secur (Mr. Lube), inasmuch and for
ing him. On being asked whe that it did not belong to him to
ther any oath was proposed to him be made acquainted with it; but
by O’Connor, he said there was added, that if he (Owens) knew
not. -O‘Connor had a red book of any gang of robbers who were
in his hand at the time of asking disturbing the peace of the coun
him whether he could keep' a try, he (Owens) would “ do wel "
.La
secret, but proposed no oath. to " divulge it," and that, pro
O’Connor had asked him what he vided he " adhered to truth,” be
would advise him to do with the (Mr. Lube) saw nothing crimi
bags, and witness answered, to nal in it.
send them to the postmaster of [This conversation, Mr. Lube
Summerhill. said, took place in the presence of
On his cross~examination, this a third person, one Reynolds 5
witness stated, that he considered and after, as we have above stated,
the secret he had to keep was, proposals had been made to Owen:
that Mr. O’Connor had inter to save his life]
fered in procuring the retaking of Mr. Lube, having been asked
Savage. He further asserted, that how long he had been attending
he took Mr. O'Connor‘s interpo Owens after his conviction, be
sition on this occasion to be an act fore the above conversation took
of kindness, and intended to show place, replied, about three weeks 3
‘his gratitude to the witness, and and to a question, did Owens at
his brother~in-law, the gaoler, for that time entertain any hopes of a
acts of civility received, while be reprieve? replied, he did not ;
(Mr. O’Connor) was confined in nor did be (Mr. Lube) hold out
Trim gaol ‘ for an assault, for any hopes to him.
which he had been convicted. Question by Mr. M’Nally.-Did
Mr. Lube was next called.— witness believe it was with a view
Being asked had be given any ad to save his life that Owens gave
vice to Owens on the subject of the information? Mr. Lube said,
the present prosecution, said, that he ‘ verily believed it was.’
-anyv professionally private com Robert Gilbert, a Dublin police
munion he had with (New be was officer, stated that he arrested Mr.
~ O‘Connor, ‘4
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE.
O'Connor, at Palace Anne, in the
county of Cork, the house of Mr.
Barnard, a magistrate of that
county. He shewed the warrant to
Barnard. When Mr.O‘C. saw it,
he said it was illegal, inasmuch
as the word “ felonious" was not
in it. He believed Mr. O'C.
made that observation for the
purpose of showing the offence
with which he was charged was
builable. Witness thought it was
bailable. He did not know against
whom he had the warrant, until
he went to Cork, and thought,
when he saw Mr. O'Connor, and
the respectable house he was in,
he might have made a mistake as
to the person. On asking Mr.
O C. whether he was of Dangan,
he answered he was.
On his cross-examination this
witness admitted Mr. O'C. was
repeatedly out of his custody. He
thought that if Mr. ()'C. had re
sisted he would have been unable
to bring him to Dublin, though
he was determined, if there had
been any serious opposition, to
have shot Mr. ()‘C. While Mr.
()‘C. had been out of witness‘s
custody, he was in that of a Cap
tain White. Witness was asked
whether he had not brought hand
cufl‘s with him from Dublin, and
was not of opinion that he would
render himself agreeable to per
sons in power if he had treated
his prisoner with indignity. He
answered, that bringing the hand
cufl's was accidental. as when he
left town he knew not whom he
was going to arrest. He received
no instructions respecting treat
ment when he set out.
The case on behalf ofthe Crown
having closed, Mr. M‘Nally, as
counsel for M‘Keon, said it was
I
211
not necessary for him to call a.
single witness.
Mr. Wallace, as leading counsel
for Mr. O’Connor, said he would
pursue the same course as Mr.
M’Nally, if life only was at stake;
but here, the honour of a gentle
man, which was more dear than
life itself, was at stake, and for
that purpose alone he would call
witnesses, by whom Mr. O'Con
nor‘s character would be IO
purged, that malice itself dare not
raise its shaft against him.
Francis Burdett O‘Connor, Esq.
was then called. The two blun
derbusses ah0ve spoken of were
produced; he stated that he had
found them in a rabbit-hole in the
demesne of Dangan, in the N0¢
vember follo~~ing the mail rob
bery; they were then in their
present state, without locks. He
brought them to a house occupied
by his brother and two sisters.
Subsequently his brother removed
to a new house, and these blun
derbusses, were brought away, he
supposed by the workmen, with
other lumber out of the stores
room in which they were origi
nally deposited, and put into the
room where his brother slept, in
the new house, and laid against
the fire place. He was present
when the plundered mail-bags
were discoveled in the Wood of
Dang-an, and information of the
circumstance was sent to the post
office.
There was no cross-examination
of this witness.
Leonard M'Nally, Esq. de
posed, that he attended at the
Na: Assizes, where the Owenses
were tried. Mr. O'Connor was
there, and examined as a witness.
He said he once thought the'pri
' P 2 soneru
 ‘sls ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
sonar: were persons of good cha nor. His letter to Mr. O‘C. was
racter, but had changed his opi then in Court, and he said he
nion of them. would, if permitted, refer to it.
Mr. Bernard M’Guire, attorney, The letter was handed to him,
corroborated Mr. M'Nally's testi and he read from it a mention
mony. of the enclosure of the money.
John Pratt Winter, Esq. a ma Since the commencement of his
gistrate of the county of Meath, intercourse with Mr. O’Connor,
stated, that on his return from their money-dealings amounted to
' the fair of Ballinasloe, after the 25,0001., and that at the time of
mail robbery, he had used active the alleged ,robbery he would
endeavours to discover the perpe have transmitted him ‘ZOOOl. if he
trators of the deed. He received wanted it. In the course of his
information that M‘Keon was con dealings he never met with a
cerned, on which he proceeded to more honourable or upright man.
the house of Mr. O'Connor. Mr. Witness further stated, that the
O’Connor immediately went with amount of Mr. O‘Connor’s rental
him in search of M'Keon, and in Cork was 18001. per annum.
having found him where he was Jeremiah Keller, Esq. barrister
superintending some work, they at law, stated he had known Mr.
closely examined him, and pro O‘Connor for a'great number of
ceeded to his house, and made years, during which they had been
diligent search, without being able intimate friends. Mr. O’Connor
to discbver any thing that could was formerly of the Munster bar.
tend to show he (M'Keon) was in Speaking generally of his charac
the smallest degree concerned in ter, he conceived it to be excellent.
the outrage. Mr. O’Connor af He would mention an instance
A,terwards called on him, and of of his disinterestedness and ge
fered to give all the aid in his nerosity. He had married alady
power in bringing the robbers to in early life without a fortune,
justice, though he seldom inter notwithstanding which he had
fered in matters of the kind. made a most liberal settlement
Michael Parry, Esq. agent to upon her. Witness knew him
Mr. O’Connor, deposed, that on afterwards to support the lady’s
' the 2d of November, 1811, he father in a creditable style, which
had remitted to Mr. O'C. 47931. ; he continued to do until his death.
that on the 17th of August, 1812, He thought it next to an impos
he remitted him 1400l.; and that, sibility that he would be guilty of
on the 27th of September, 1812, such an act as had been imputed
he sent him 500l. for the purpose to him.
of purchasing cattle at the fair of Sir Francis Burdett said, he was
Ballinasloe. He had enclosed the acquainted with Mr. O’Connor
5001. in a letter to Mr. O'C., and since 1796, about the period he
had written to the Bank of Ire~ (Sir F.) had returned to England.
land, making them acquainted He always entertained the highest
with the circumstance, and desir opinion of his honour and princi
ing them not to pay the notes to ples. On being asked whether he
any order but that of Mr. O'Con had- any money transactions with
 ‘__J

APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. sis

Mr. O'Connor, he answered it was placed at his disposal if he had
unpleasant to allude to such mat applied to me."
ters, but as it was conceived to be The learned judge (Daly) ad
useful to Mr. O'Connor’s defence, dressed a' few words to the jury.
he would mention, that embarrass He said there was certainly legal
ments, which he need not particu evidence to go to the jury; but,
in the course of his experience,
larize, had rendered diii'erent small
advances to Mr. O'Connor neces he never knewa charge so strongly
sary, and of which he, Sir Francis, rebutted as that which it was pro
had never made any memorandum. duced to sustain. If the jury felt
A circumstance having, at one any reasonable doubts, he would
time, occurred, which he would recapitulate the evidence; but if .
not then euplain, he had written they thought with him, it was um
to Mr. O'Connor to place 4001. to necessary for him to do so.
his credit at his banker’s. Mr. The foreman of the jury replied,
O'Connor in answer wrote to him, that himself and his brethren
saying he had not a demand for were all of his lordship’s opinion?“
4001. but 10001., and enclosed him The verdict of acquittal w“ im
his bond for that amount. On mediately pronounced; it excited
witness's next meeting him, he the extremestjoy—the manifesta
told Mr. O’C. he had entirely mis tions of it in the court were of an
understood his intentions, and unusual kind, the waving of hats,
returning the bond, desired him handkerchiefs, and sticks. The
to pay the money at his conve effect without Was instantaneous.
nience. Witness said he was once The town caught the enthusiasm
before in Ireland for a short time, of the auditory within, and shouts
and that his present visit was for of joy interrupted, for a. consider
the purpose of serving Mr. O'C. able time, the closing of this very
as far as he was able. He was interesting scene.
then asked from what he had
known of Mr. O'Connor, and call OLD can“, JULY 7.
ing him as he did his friend, what Child Stealing—Harriet Moli
were his feelings on hearing of neux Hamilton was indicted for
the charge of felony which had feloniously and maliciously taking,
been preferred against him. Sir stealing, and carrying away a cer
Francis replied with great empha tain male child of the age of six
sis, “I thought I should have months, the son of Henry Porter,
sunk into the earth." Counsel with intent to deprive the said
observed that it was well known Henry Porter of the custody of
the witness was a gentleman of the said child. in other counts
large fortune, and asked him whe the prisoner was charged with
ther or not he would have ad stealing certain wearing apparel
vanced him money if he had of the said child, the pr0pcrty of
applied to him, at the period of the said Henry Porter.
the imputed offence ? Sir Francis The prisoner was brought into
replied, “ I know not the sum of court at about 10 o'clock, ex
money that I Would not have tremely well dressed. At hug:
n; "ANiNUAL REGISTER, 1m.
sire the witnesses were ordered found the prisoner and the child
out of court. The following were were gone.
the witnesses examined :— John Arrrrrod, a waterman at
Louisa Wood, a child of 14 years the stand of hackney coaches in
of age, lived with the prosecutor, Paddingtoh Street, deposed, that
a butcher, residing in Quebec a little before seven o'clock the
Street, Portman Square, as servant prisoner came to the stand with a
girl. On Friday, the 61h of June child in her arms, and took a cha
last, she had the care of a little riot, driven hy a person of the
boy of six; months old, and at name of Wuolhead.
about half-past five in the even _ :Thomas Woolhead was the
ing of that‘day went out to take a owner and driver of a chariot;
walk with it. While opposite Lady and on the 6th of Junelnst was on
Montague‘s =>h'ouse in Portman the Paddmgton-street stand, About
Square, in company with two seven o'clock the prisoner came
other girls, who also had children with a child in her arms, and got
under their care, the prisoner came into his coach. Aftr—r having told
up, and said to witness, “ What him to drive to Piccadilly, she
a pretty child you have there." ordered him to go to Charing
The prisoner gave the two girls in cross, and to drive fast. Witness
company with witness a penny heard the child cry while on the
each, _telling them at the same any to Chafing-cross, and upon
time to go and take a walk. They looking back into the coach saw
did go, any as soon as they were distinctly the prisoner changing
gone the prisoner said to witness, the child's clothes; she put a
“ 1 want to speak to you,” and clean frock and cap upon it. When
added, “ will you go an-errand for he got to (“baring-cross, and hav
me 2" Witness a-lted how far she ing opened the coach door, the
.wanted her to go, and she replied, prisoner said, “ Coachman, I
“I want you to go to No. 2|, won't stop here; go on over West
Lower Berkeley Street, and 1 will minster-bridge," Witness follow
hold the child for you in the mean ed her directions, and when he
time.“ Witness said “ No, no, I arrived at Vauxhall, where the
will take the child with me ; "- but, roads part, said, “Madam, which
hoWever, was afterwards induced way'nm l‘to go:" she told him
to give the child to the prisoner. to drive to the Elephant and Cas
As directed, witness then went to tle, and at the same time told him
Lower Berkeley Street, but find to drive gently, as she said the
ing only 19 houses in the street, shaking of the coach frightened
she immediately returned. Pre the child. Witness went past the
vious to going to Berkeley Street, Elephant and Castle, expecting
the prisoner gave her sixpence, further orders. Presently the pri
and had given her sixpence before soner looked out of the window,
that.- She told witness to go to and asked, “ Where is this Ele
a young woman in Berkeley Street, phant and Castle, coachrnan?"
to tell her to come directly. 0n Witness said, that he had come
returning to Portrnan Square, she past it; and, upon the prisoner
- asking
 vvq-wqfl

APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 215

asking what place she was at then, the coach, took a return chaise,
he said it was the Bricklayers' and told the post-boy to drive to
Arms. The prisoner immediately Brighton. At about half-past
cried out, “0! that is right, I two in the morning witness got
believe, for it is from this place back to London, and upon going
the Brighton Coaches go.“ Wit into his room as usual, his wife
ness said, that it was not, and that said to him, “Why, Wqolhead,
the Brighton coaches went from there has been a hue and cry after
the Elephant and Castle. At this you; there is a child stolen." In
time the child was very “ wrangle consequence of the information
some." The prisoner asked for of his wife, the witness went to
something to drink, and witness Mr. Porter’s house, and after some
brought it to her. While she was conversation, put a pair of horses
drinking, seeing her in trouble, he to his coach, and set 05‘ with the
said, “ Dear me, why do you flurry prosecutor and his father in search
yourself so much 2 the child is of the prisoner. He first went to
only a little wranglesome and Croydon, then to Reigate, to
cross." Witness then went back Crawley, Brighton, and from
as desired to the Elephant and thence to Chichester, where he
Castle; and when he arrived, by arrived about two o‘clock in the
her request, asked whether there evening of the next day, and there
was any stage, or return chaise, saw the prisoner and the child at
going to Brighton. There, how the Golden Fleece inn.
ever, was no conveyance of any Henry Porter was a butcher by
kind going that road. After hav trade, and resided at No. 3, Que
ing got a little milk for the child, bec-street, Portman-square. He
and some more drink for the pri was married on the 14th of April,
soner, she asked him what he 1816. In the month of June last
Would charge to take her to Croy Louisa Wood was employed in his
dun ? Witness replied that he service, to attend particularly to
would take her for ‘25s. She said his child. About half-past five in
it was too much. but finding she the evening of the 6th of June she
could get no other conveyance, she went out with the child to take a
said, “I find you are very civil, walk, and about a quarter before
and I wish you would go with seven o'clock a person informed
me." The agreement was made, him that his child was stolen.
and witness was to stop at a house Witness and his wife immediately
or two on the road, to give some went in search of the child, one
thing to the child. He then pro going one way and the other ano
ceeded on the road, and when he ther. At a little before three in
arrived at Streatham, the child the morning \Voolhead came to
again began to be “ wranglesome." his house; and witness, in com
He stopped at the Horse and pany with his father, proceeded in
Groom, where the child was a coach to Chichester. He found
nursed and fed for about 20 mi the prisoner at the Golden Fleece
nutes. He arrived at Croydon at at Chichester. She was then
about half-past 10 o'clock at night, leaning Over the child, which was
and the prisoner, after paying for lying crying on the bed. Witness
O _.
- $3.;
said
216 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
said to his child, “Ah! Henry, property of R. Preston, Esq. sen.
what have I found you ; " and the and in the second count as the
child immediately began to smile. property of W.- S. Preston, Esq.
The prisoner appeared much con Jun.
fused. He immediately went for John Sharp, clerk to Mr. Press
a constable, and had her taken ton, sen. proved the, sending of
into custody, carried up to Lon the letter on the 16th of Octo
don, and placed in Marylebone ber, 1815, and Mathew Cromartie
watt-hhouse. proved the delivery of it to the
After some further evidence, bellman, who put it in his bag.
the prisoner handed in a paper of James Fisher Park, letter-car
four or five folio sheets, in her rier for Charlotte-street, Black
defence, in which she stated that friars-road, had no recollection of
in taking the child she had no receiving the letter on the 16th of
malicious intention, or of depriv October, 1815; but if he did re
ing the parents of their child for ceive it, is positive be forwarded
any length of time. It then pro it the same evening to the General
ceeded at much length to enter Post-office. The letters being
into a statement of the facts of the once put into the bag could not
case ; and concluded with beseech be taken out till the bag was re
ing that the jury Would duly weigh ceived at the Post-office, where the
all the evidence, and not to sufier key was kept.
their minds to be influenced by Philip Franks, clerk in the Ge
public reports. neral Pust-ofiice, stated, that if the
The jury found a verdict of letter was put into the bag in
Guilty. Charlotte-street, he had no doubt
whatever that the letter must have
been forwarded.
HUNTINGDON ASSIZES, JULY.
Wm. Joseph Wall, teller in the
This was an indictment against General Post-office, made up the
Jane, the widow of John Scarbo bags for the York mail. If such
rough, a respectable innkeeper at letter came to his hands, he had
Bugden, on the North-road. The no doubt it was regularly forward
prisoner, a respectable lookinged by the mail-coach to Hunting
woman, about 40 years of age, don.
stood at the bar, accompanied by John Hatfield, post-master at
her daughter, a beautiful young Huntlngdon, received and for
woman about 19. The indictment warded the letters for Bugden
cha'ged the prisoner with feloni as received on the 17th of Octo
ously stealing a letter, containing ber.
a remittance of a ‘201. Bank of Wm. Cox, an elderly man,
England note, from Richard Pres stated that he is post-master at
ton, Esq. of Lincoln‘s-inn, bar Bugden. On the morning of the
rister at law, M.P. which was ad 17th of October, 1815, remembers
dressed to his son. W. S. Preston,that he received by the bag from
Esq. a pupil of the Rev. Dr. Malt Huntingdon a letter, which he de
by, at Bugden. In the first count livered to Mrs. Scarborough, the
the note was charged to be the prisoner at the her. He took law
61'
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 217
her because he could not make out and other persons, generally frank
the direction, which was much ed by his father, were all severally
blotted, and not legible. Mrs. received, except the one in ques
Scarborough received it from wit tion; and it was not until some
ness at the bar of the George inn days after its miscarriage, that,
at Bugden, saying, “I know the having been disappointed of a re
gentleman for whom it is direct mittance, he ascertained the fact
ed, and will deliver it to him ; of such letter never having been
you had better leave it.” Witness received.
saw Mrs. Scarborough some days Cross-examined. Does not re
after, who informed him the letter collect whether or not he received
had been safely delivered to the per a letter on the 17th of October;
son to whom it was directed. On but is certain that he never re
cross-examination, witness admit~ ceived the letter in question.
ted that he was frequently in the Wm. Jervis, clerk to an attor
habit of delivering letters to the ney at Peterborough, had an in
prisoner for persons whom he did terview with Mr. Bond, an attor
not know, and particularly for ney at Leicester, together with
travellers upon the North-road, Mrs. Scarborough, at the Bell inn,
who put up at her inn. He is Stilton, kept by Mr. Green, who is
positive that letter was never re son of the prisoner. Mr. Bond
turned to him. When Dr. Malt had a claim against Mr. Green of
by came to the witness, some days 481. which Mrs. Scarborough paid
after this letter should have been for her son, to Mr. Bond. The
received, witness told Dr. M. he payment consisted of one note for
had no recollection of having re 20!. one for 10!. three for 51. and
ceived any such letter. It was not three ll. notes. These Mr. Bond
till several months after, when put in his pocket, and took away
witness received a letter on the with him.
subject from the Postmaster-gene Mr. Robt. Bond stated, that he
ral, that he reeollected that on the is an attorney at Leicester. He had
day in question he delivered a let a debt against Mr. Green, son of
ter to the prisoner, the direction the prisoner, and came to the inn at
upon which he could not distinct Stilton for the purpose of obtaining
ly read. The circumstance in~ payment. HedidnotseeMr.Green, h
quired into by Dr. Maltby did not but saw the prisoner, who paid
bring it to the recollection of withim the notes in question. He
ness then; but near twelve months put them into his pocket with
after, the letter he received from other notes, but he had no other
the Postmaster-general brought Bank of England notes in his
these circumstances and conversa pocket than those he received
tion with the prisoner to his en— from the prisoner. On Thursday
tire and perfect recollection. following be paid the L20L to Mr.
Mr. Wm. Scott Preston, stated Price of Leicester. This was
that he was a pupil of Dr. Maltby, about the 20th of September last.
from May 15, until the following Mr. Price lives at Leicester.
Septgmber; his letters, of which He received that note from last
received many from his father witness on the QSd of September.
1816.
 218 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
1816. He immediately forwarded ters were frequently left at her
it to Mr. Fourdrinier, wholesale house for strangers, whom she
statibner in London.
Mr Charles Fourdrinier proved quiring for letters so left with her.
the receipt and delivery to Henry The 201. note she gave to Mr.
Hunt, his clerk.
Henry Hunt received the note
from his employer, and marked it
as received from Mr. J. Price, of
Leicester. He took itto the Bank,
where it was stopped as stolen
property.
Mrs. Scarborough (who bore
this investigation with great com
posure, that might have credited
her innocence), gave in a written
defence to the following efi'ect :—
“ She trusted in‘her deliverance
from the present charge, which
she did not blame her prosecutors
for instituting against her. She
could only lament, that she had
fallen under it through the most
strange and unhappy circumstan
ces. She trusted the honourable
judge and the jury who tried her
Would allow her to know herself
incapable of such a crime as dis
honesty. She had held her situ
ation for 30 years, and for 20
years as innkeeper herself, since
the death of her husband. She
had brought up a family of sons
and daughters in respectability,
all of whom, except the one who
sat beside her, were well mar
ried,'and themselves had families.
Many thousands of pounds had
passed through her hands in carry
ing on an extensive business; and
the first families, including nobi
lity, were in the habit of using
her house. These would not sus
pect her of dishonesty, much less
that she should have committed
such an act as that with which
she was now charged. She had
no knowledge of this letter. .Let
knew not further than their in
Bond she received of a stranger
who came to Stilton, and changed
horses, only a day or two before.
She had no means of finding out
who he was 3 he sat on the dickey
of the coach, and her servants
would prove the fact that she so
took it: but she added, she did
not believe it was the same note
Which she was charged with pay
ing to Mr. Bond. She lamented
that the gentlemen of the post
office,‘who were in fact both prose
cutors and witnesses against her,
had thought proper to bring her
to trial. All she could rely upon
for her defence was a character
until this time, not merely unim
peached, but free from suspicion.
She regretted the absence of the
Lord Bishop of Lincoln, and of
John Hodgson, Esq. as they would
have added to the honourable tes
timony she should produce in
favour of her general character.
She trusted to the favourable re
ception she hoped to receive from
the court and jury, that she and
her family might be once more
restored to happiness and peace ot
mind; and that which alone could
restore her to society and the re
spect of mankind, which she and
her family had so long enjoyed,
was a verdict of Not guilty."
The prisoner‘s counsel called
her servants.
Thomas Standish, a waiter, said
he returned this letter to Cox, the
pOst-master, by desire of his mis
tress. He did not put it into his
hand, but laid it on the table of
the kitchen, where Cox then was.
Her
 - APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 219
Her housekeeper and header setting the said ricks on fire, or
saw her take a 20!. note of a with being an accessory thereto.
stranger the day before she paid The trial is one of the greatest
Mr. Bond. They could not swear importance. When the piisoners
to the identity ofthe note. Were put upon their trial, Mr.
The following witnesses were Justice Park commented with
considerable force on the impro
then called to her general charac
ter: Sir James Jubilee, George priety of Archer being admitted to
Thornton, Esq Lawrence Rey bail upon a charge of such a
nolds, Esq. Dr. Maltby, George heinous and important nature.
James Gora, Esq. banker, Dr. John Buckett deposed, that he
Alaway, &c. is son to the prosecutrix, Mrs.
Chief Justice Gibbs remarked 'Ann Buckett, of Great Bourton:
upon the strong testimony and she rented a small farm there.
coincidence of circumstances to On the 27th July his mother had
prove the prisoner guilty. There the misfortune to have her ricks
was, howe\ er, great allowance to burnt; the fire took place about
be made for persons in her situa two o'clock in the morning; they
tion not being able to account for were barley, and clm er hay. The
the possession of notes which barley was of the year 1815 har~
might be changed at her house by vest, the hay was of the summer
strangers passing or using her 1816. They stood about half a
house, and whom she could know mile. from his mother's house, be
nothing of. The jury would say tween 18 and 20 yards from each
to which side the evidence prepon other. The clover rick was not
derated. and return their verdict thatched : it had been put together
accordingly. about ten days: it was put to
The jury retired till a. late hour. gether dry : it was not at all heat
The judge having gone home to ed. There is a footpath from
his lodgings, uaited to reteive thence down to Great Bourton.
their verdict. After several hours' On the night before,at ten o'clock,
deliberation, they found the pri witness cal'ne home, and found
soner Guilty—Death. one Ward at his mother‘s house.
Witness went to bed a little before
eleven o‘clock, and at two o'clock
V oxroan ClRCL‘lT.—-MARCH 7. he was awoke, and found the
clover rick nearly burnt down,
'Sem'ng fire to Hay and Barley and the. other about half burnt.
Stacks—William Archer, an opu '1‘ he wind was north-west, and
lent t‘armer, who had been out blew from the barley to the clover
upon his own recognizance, was rick, and if the clover rick was
indicted capitally, for maliciously set on fire, the barley rick could
setting fire to two ricks, on the not have been burnt. The barley
27th of July last, at the parish of rick would have taken longer to
Great Bourton, the property of have been burnt. The outsides
Ann Buckett; and John Haycock, of both ricks were burnt. About
also a considerable farmer, was seven yards from the clover rick
capitally indicted for feloniously there was some straw, which was
not
220 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
not at all burnt. Witness was the were sticking to them: the clover
first person who was at the rick : was short. There was clover
the ricks were totally destroyed, grass and clover~hay, and the
with the exception of acart load of clover-hay appeared like that of
the clover (it was the middle part), the rick which had been burnt.
and a bushel of barley. If the The shoes had been mended. Wits
clover rick had fired from heat, it ness measured the length and
Would have begun in the middle. width of the shoes, and found
The prisoner Haycock lived in them correspond with the marks
the village, and Archer lived about on the grass. The footsteps must
eighty yards from witness‘s mo have been after the dew had fallen.
ther’s house. A great many neigh The boys who had called “Fire!”
bours came to their assistance; might have gone doWn the village
but neither of the prisoners came. without prisoner Archer hearing
About four o’clock in the morn the alarm.
ing, witness went to trace foot John Allett was raised by the
steps: the grass was wet with alarm of fire, and accompanied
dew, and about twenty yards last witness to trace the foot-steps;
from the rick he discovered a dis witness corroborated the greater
tinct trace of footsteps, and he part of the testimony of the last
followed the trace to the prisoner witness; and added, that there
Archer’s garden-gate ; it was the was a lane at the back of the
trace of one person; they were house, in which the footsteps
from the rick: some part of the must be visible, had the same per
steps were traced where there was son gone across it whose marks
no footpath: witness could not Wereptraced through the fields: he
trace them beyond the prisoner‘s saw the shoes only in the morn
gate, because the yard was paved. ing, and they did not appear to
There were no tracks as from the want mending, but in the after
house of the prisoner Archer. noon he saw them again, and they
John Allett accompanied witness, were then patched; witness ex
and saw the footsteps within 90 amined the rick the day before the
yards of Archer’s gate. The traces fire, preparatory to thatching it,
were of asmall foot, and the right and there was not the slightest
one was a splay; it turned out heat in it.
more7 than the other. The pri John Batchelor, a constable of
soner Archer has a small foot, andGreat Bourton, accompanied J ohn_
it turned out more than any per Buckett to Smith's, the shoe
son's. in the parish. Onvthe same maker, for the prisoner's shoes:
day, witness went to the house of Smith produced them, (this was
Smith, a shoemaker, in conse between four and five o‘clock in
quence of information he received, the afternoon): witness proved
and the constable who accom that they were damp and patched,
panied him demanded a pair of and had grass and dirt on them:
shoes. He asked him for a pair witness produced them.
of shoes of Archer‘s, and Smith Thomas Smith, a shoe-maker,
produced them; they were very remembered Batchelor coming
wet and dirty; grass and clover after the prisoner's shoes ; witness
pointed
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 221
pointed to them, and the constablethe 11th of July last put into a
picked them up. Mrs. Archer waggon. It was perfectly dry.
brought these shoes to him about William Allett remembered the
half-past eight in the morning of fire. On the evening of the 24th
the fire.——Cross-examined. They of July he went to the Swan pub
were quite dry when they were lic-house, and found the prisoner
brought to him; witness damped Archer there ; he was talking with
them previous to mending them, witness’s brother. The prisoner
it was usual to do so—they want appeared much agitated, and was
ed mending. Witness was to have expressing vengeance against some
fetched them the day before, but persons ; said he would do them a
he had not time.—Re-examined. private injury. Witness sat down,
Witness mended them both; he and the prisoner said, “ them
did not wet the upper leathers at Bucketts; I will do them a pri
all. It had been done four hours vate injury in a little time.” Wit
before the constable came. He ness asked how they had afl‘ronted
took no notice of any grass being him? Prisoner said he could men
on them. tion two points of Scripture to
The Rev. T. H. Chamberlain him, viz. “ D0 unto all men as
said, the shoes were produced be you would have them do unto you.“
fore him on Monday, the 29th of \Vitness told him if that were
July ; they were dry then, but had done, no private injury would be
the appearance of having been done to any man ; and told him
very wet; they were stiff and stub
he should like to hear the second.
born. Prisoner said, “ Do as you would
Richard Buckett was from homebe done by,” “and I’ll be if
when the fire happened. About I don’t.” Prisoner replied (laying
three or four weeks before, wit hold of his left hand) “that he
ness saw the prisoner, who said, wished his right arm might drop
short and sharp, “ Hang you, you from his shoulder-blade, if he did
shan’t make a road across my not do the Bucketts a private in
place.” Witness told him he jury." W'itness told a Mr. Gard-‘
would not, and would likewise ner of what had passed between
charge his family not to do it, them before the fire happened.
and he hoped he (the prisoner) Thomas Allett was present at
would not come upon his pre the Swan inn, at Bourton, with
mises. Some words arose about the prisonerArcher: he was threat
a robbery, and witness told the ening the Bucketts family, and had
prisoner, “ that if a neighbour been so before witness's brother
saw another robbed, and did not came in. immediately witness got
tell him of it, he was as bad as he into the house, he wished his arm
that robbed him." Prisoner said might drop from his shoulder if he
“ --— your eyes, if you say any did not do the Bucketts some pri
thing more about me, 1 will do vate injury.
for you." Witness spoke to the John Coleman stated, that he
state of the hay; it was cut on the was a farmer, living near Great
20th or the ‘zlst of June, and on Bourton; was at the Greyhound
public
m_

292 ANNUAL REGISTER, i817.

public-house on the Friday before about them, or that they would
the fire happened. The prisoner have an injury done them that night
Haycork came in after witness. or the next. Haycock said that
A man, named John Ward, was ,their ricks would be set on fire.
there, and witness heard a con— Witness rode home behind the
versation between Ward and Hay prisoner Haycock, and their whole
cock, Haycock said, “ that the conversation was about the Buck
Bucketts blamed him and Archer etts. After they arrived at Great
for stabbing their horse (they had Bourton, Witness, instead of going
a horse stabbed) ; and added, that home, went to Mrs. Buckett, and
they had better take care what told her what had passed, and
they said, or they would have they talked of sitting up, but that
another injury done them that was at last abandoned.
night, or the next, and their ricks Elizabeth Watts, servant at the
would be set on fire the next night, Greyhound, saw the prisoner Hay
“ -—-— his heart." Witness said, cock,- Coleman, Ward, and others
“ you, Haycock; if you do were there; and she heard Huy
that,.'you will be hanged or trans-' cock say that Archer told him
ported, and we shall be brought to something would happen that
book for it," and he turned away. night. _W'r'
Ward and Haycock went off toge Mr. Hamplin was present when
ther. Witness saw Haycock some Haycock was examined; his exa
time after the fire happened, and mination was taken down in writ
he accused witness of having said ing. It was produced, and Mr.
something about the conversation Chamberlain proved that it was
they had at the public-house; wit taken before him ; but it appear
ness told him he had not. ing that the prisoner had not
Purser, servant to the last wit signed it, Mr. Justice Park would
ness, was at the Greyhound on the not permit it to be received as
day before the fire, and heard Hay évidence against the prisoner, but
cock tell John Ward, “that there Mr. Hamplin, who took the exa
Would be an injury dore to the mination, was allowed to refresh
Bucketts that night or the next, his memory from it, and he stated,
and that Buckett's ricks would be that the prisoner said he was-at
set on tire that night or the next, the public house the night the fire
his heart." happened ; he went home and went
John Ward, a carpenter, was at to bed, and was not out of his
the public house on the night be house until eight o'clock the next
fore the fire; the prisoner Hay morning.
cock was there; witness had some Sarah Watts lived at Bourton ;
conversation with Haycock, who remembered the night of the fire:
told witness that he had bigger she had been out that night, and
enemies in the town than Archer; between 11 and 12 o'clock she met
the Bucketts stared him in the the prisoner Haycock going to
face, and he would find them out wards his own house: witness
in time; adding, that the Bucketts spoke to him.
had better take care what they said Wm. Watts proved that he was
with
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE.
with his wife when they met the
prisoner Hayeock ; it was about a
quarter past eleven.
Thomas Robins and Wm. Dale
proved that the clover rick was in
good order, and not the least heat
ed. This closed the case; and
Archer being called on for his de
fence, said he knew nothing about
it: that he was in his house from
9 o'clock at night until 6 o'clock
the next morning.
Haycock said, that on the night
in question he was not out after
ten o‘clock.
Mr. Cross, for the prisoner Ar
cher, called Thomas Hunt, who
said he went to the fire at three
o'clock; he saw Buckett and Allett
tracing footsteps; they asked him
to accompany them ; he saw the
mark of footsteps, but he could
form no judgment of the size of
the mark.
John Izard was going to Ly
mington market a little after one
o'clock in the morning: he passed
by the ricks, and saw the fire burst
ing out at the top of the clover
223
rick: the barley rick was not on
fire at all; it smoked very much,
and smelt as if the clover had been
on fire.
Cross examined—He did not
go and give an alarm. nor did he
say any thing about it. This wit
ness prevaricated considerably.
John Fairfax was with the last
witness, and saw fire coming out
of the rick. In his cross-exami
nation he said he did not give any
alarm. If a town had been on
fire, he would have run twenty
miles 5 but a. rick being on fire,
he did not think it much mattered.
(Laughter and kisses.)
A multitude of witnesses were
called in favour of the prisoners,
but, upon cross-examination, their
evidence was full of prevarications.
The jury consulted for nearly
an hour, and then pronounced both
the prisoners guilty; and Mr. Jus
tice Park immediately passed sen
tence of death on them, without
holding out the slightest hope of
a reprieve. The trial occupied the
court eleven hours.
PUBLIC
 224i ANN'U'A-L REGISTER, 1817.

PUBLIC GENERAL ACTS,

Passed in the Fifth Session of the Fifth Parliament of the United Kingdom
(f Great Britain and Ireland—57 GEO. III. A. D. 1817.

AN act to continue and extend Royal Highness the Prince Re

the provisions of an act of the 49th gent against treasonable practices
of his present Majesty, for regula and attempts.
ting the trade and commerce to An act to revive and make per
and from the Cape of Good Hope, petual two acts of the 37th of his
until the 5th of July 1820; and present Majesty, the one in the par
also for regulating the trade of the liament of Great Britain, and the
Island of Mauritius, other in the parliament of Ireland,
.An act for raising the sum of for the better prevention and pu
24 millions, by exchequer bills, nishment ofat tempts to seduce per
for the service of the year 1817. sons serving in his Majesty's forces
An act to empower his Majesty by sea and land from their duty and
to secure and detain such per allegiance to his Majesty, or to
sons as his Majesty shall suspect incite them to mutiny or disobe
are conspiring against his person dience.
and government. An act to continue, until the 5th
An act to extend the privileges of April, 1820, an act of the 52d
of the trade of Malta to the port of his presentMajesty, to regulate
of Gibraltar. the separation of damaged from
An act forcontinuing to his Ma sound coffee, and to permit dealers
jesty certain duties on malt, sugar, to send out any quantity of coffee
tobacco, and snuff, in Great Bri not exceeding eight pounds weight
tain ; and on pensions, offices, and without permit.
personal estates, in England; and An act for vesting all estates
for receiving the contributions of and property occupied for the bar
persons receiving pensions, and rack service in the controller of
holding offices ; for the service of the barrack department; and for
the year 1817. granting certain powers to the
An act to make perpetual certain said controller.
parts of an act of the 86th of his An act to regulate the vessels
present Majesty, for the safety and carrying passengers from the
preservation of his Majesty's person united kingdom to certain of his
and government against treason Majesty’s colonies in North Ame
nble and seditious practices and rica.
attempts ; and for the safety and An act to facilitate the pro
preservation of the person of His gress of business in the court of
King’s
 ‘ I

APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 225

King's~bench in Westminster An act for making further rc

hall. gulations in respect to the pay of
An act for punishing mutiny and the oflicers of the royal nary, in
desertion; and for the better pay certain cases therein mentioned.
ment of the army and their quar An act to revive and continue
ters. for twa years, and from thence
An act for the regulating of until the end of the then next
his Majesty’s royal marine forces session of Parliament, two acts
while on shore. made in the 47th and 50th years
An act to indemnifysuch persons of his present Majesty, for the
in the united kingdom as have preventing improper persons from
omitted to qualify themselves for having arms in Ireland.
offices and employments, and for An act to amend two acts of
extending the time limited for those the 54th and 55th of his Majesty's
purposes respectively until the reign, to provide for the better
25th of March, 1818 ; and to per execution of the laws in Ireland,
mit such persons in Great Britain by appointing superintending ma
as have omitted to make and file gistrates and additional constables
affidavits of the execution of in in counties in certain cases.
dentures of clerks to attornies and An act to further continue, un
solicitors, to make and file the til the 25th of March, 1820, an
same on or before the lst day of act of the 7th of George 2nd, for
hilary term, 1818. the free importation of cochineal
An act to continue, until the 5thand indigo.
ofJuly, 1818, an act of the 46th of An act to alter and enlarge the
his present Majesty, for granting powers of an act passed in the
arradditional bounty on the ex 54th of his present Majesty, in
portation of the silk manufactures tituled, “ An act for the further
of Great Britain. improvement of the land revenue
An act for raising the sum of of the crown.”
eighteen millions by exchequer An act to explain and amend an
bills for the service of the year act made in the 48th of his pre
1818. sent Majesty, for repealing the
An act to repeal, during the con duties of assessed taxes, and grant
tinuance of peace, so much of an act ing new duties in lieu thereof;
of the 9th of his present Majesty, and to exempt such dwelling
as prohibits the exportation of pig houses as may be employed for
and bar iron, and certain naval the sole purpose of trade, or of
stores, unless the pre-emption lodging goods, wares, or mer
thereof be ofiei'etl to the commis chandise, from the duties charged
sioners of his Majesty's navy. by the said act.
An act to facilitate the hearing An act to amend and render
and determining of suits in equity more efi'ectual four several acts
in his Majesty court of Exchequer passed in the 48th, 49th, 52nd,
at Westminster. and 56th of his present Majesty,
An act for the more eil'ectually for enabling the commissioners
preventing seditious m‘eetings and for the reduction of the national
assemblies. debt to grant life annuities.
VOL. LIX. An
226 ANN UAL REGISTER, 1817.
An act for repealing the duties and fisheries in the united king
at“ customs on buck Wheat im dom, and employment of the poor
ported ’into this "kingdom, and 'for in Great Britain, in manner there
granting other duties, until the ‘in mentioned.
25th of March, 1891, in lieu An act for punishing mutiny
thereof. atnd 'deserti'on ; and for 'the better
An act to extend the p'oWers of payment of the army and their
'two acts, 'for allowing British quarters.
plantation-sugar and coffee, and An act to'regu'late the tradeto
other articles imported into ‘Be'r and from the places within the
mode in British ships, ‘to be ex limitso‘f the Charter of the East
ported to America in foreign ves ’India company, and certain pos
sels, and ‘to 'pemr'rt articles, the sessions 'of his Majesty in the Me'
produce 'of America, to he "ins ditel'ranean.
ported into the said island in to An act to explain and amend
rcign ships, to certain other or , an act of 53d of his present Ma
ticles. ‘ jesty, relating'to tolls on carriages
An act to extend to Newfound used in husbandry, and to remove
"land the provisions of 'an ‘act ‘puss dou’hts as to exemption of car
ed in the 82nd 'of his present Ma riages, not Whd‘l‘ly laden with
jesty’s reign, for permitting- the manure, 'from payment of toll.
exportation of wares, goods, and An act 10 continue, until the
merchandize ‘t’rom any of his 'M'a '15th ofJune, ‘1818, an act of the
jesty’s islands in the ‘W est inches, 52d of his present Majesty, for
to any other of the said "islands, 'the more e‘ifectual preservation of
and to and from any of the “Bri the peace,'by enforcingthe duties
tish colonies on the continent of of watching 'and warding.
America, and the said ishmds and An act ‘to extend certain provi
colonies. sions of the acts of the 36th and
An not to regulate the interests 521l of his present Majesty to
and periods of payment of navy, matters 'of charity 'and "fri'enxll
victualling, and transport 'b‘i'l‘ls. societies. ~
An act ‘t'or granting to his ’Ma An 'act'to authorize’the reward
jesty a sum of money to ‘bc raised ing officers of the customs for
by 'lotteries. " ' their services in preventing illicit
An act to repeal 'the duties of distillation in Scotland, under-an
excise-(m stone bottles, and charge act passed in the ‘last session of
other duties in *lieu‘ thereof. Parliament.
An act to reduce the :tllowance "An'act to repeal ‘two acts passed
' of spirits, tea, and tobacco, 't'or in ltheB’4t-h and 55th of'his present
the use of 'the seamen on ‘bom'd Majesty, relatingto the office of
certain ships or vessels making the agent-general , and fortransfer
short voyages. ring the duties of the said office to
An act '10 authorize the issue of ~the offices of the paymaster-gene
exchequer bills, and the advance rail and secretary at war.
of money out of theronsolidttted An act to revive and continue,
fund, to ‘a limited vamount, fill" until the 25th of March, 1819, an
the carrying 01'1'6f public works actmade in the 54th of ~his pre
sent
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 227
sent Majesty, for permitting the scend, in consideration of his emi
exportation of salt from the port nent services.
of Nassau in the island of New An act to make further provi
Providence, the port of Exuma, and sion for the adjustment of the
the port of Crooked island in the accounts of the consolidated fund
Bahama islands, in American ships of the united kingdom, and for
coming in ballast. making good any occasional defi
An act for granting, for two ciency which may arise in the said
years from the 5th of July, 1817, fund in Great Britain or Ireland
bounties on sugar, refined other respectively 5 and to direct the ap
wise than by claying. plication of monies by the com
An act to allow corps of yeo missioners for the reduction of the
manry or volunteer cavalry, when national debt.
assembled for the suppression of An act for altering and amend
riots or tumults, to be quartered ing the laws of excise with respect
and billetted, and officers on half to salt and rock salt.
pay to hold certain commissions An act to continue an act made
in such corps, and to exempt mem in the 54th of his present Majesty's
bers in such corps from serving reign, intituled, “ An act to pro
the office of constable. vide for the preserving and re
An act for the continuation of storing of peace in such parts of
all and every person or persons Ireland as may at any time be
in any and every oflice, place, or disturbed by seditious persons, or
employment, civil or military, by persons entering into unlawful
within the united kingdom of combinations or conspiracies."
Great Britain and Ireland, domi An act to regulate the celebra
nion of Wales, town of Bcrwick tion of marriages in Newfound
upon-Tweed, isles of Jersey, land.
Guernsey, Alderney, Sarke, and An act to alter an act passed
Man, and also in all and every of in the llth of George 2nd, for
his Majesty’s foreign possessions, .the more effectual securing the
colonies 0r plantations, which he payment of rents, and prevent
or she shall hold, possess, or ex ing frauds by tenants.
ercise during the pleasure of the An act for the more effectual
crown, at the time of the death or punishment of murders and man
demise of his present Majesty, slaughters committed in places
until removed or discharged there not within his Majesty's domi
from by the succeeding King or nions. _ _
Queen of this realm. An act to enable the commis
An act to prevent the issuing sioners of his Majesty's woods,
and circulating of pieces of cop forests, and land revenues, to make
per or other metal, usually called and maintain a road from Milbank
tokens. row, Westminster, to the Peni
An act for settling and securing tentiary.
annuities on Lord Colchester, and An act to continue an act to em
on the next person to whom the power his Majesty to secure and
title of Lord Colchester shall de detain such persons as his Majesty
Q ‘2 shall

2:7
228 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
shall suspect are con .piring against Majesty's mints in England and
his person and government.
An act to amend the laws in re
spect to forfeited recognizanees in
Ireland.
An act to empower his'Majesty
to suspend training, and to regu
late the quotas 0f the militia.
An act to allow British goods to
be exported direct from this coun
try to the United States of Ame
rica, upon the same terms as when
exported to any foreign country.
An act for letting to farm the
post-horse duties, and for better
securing and facilitating the re
covery of the said duties
An act to regulate certain offices
in the court of exchequer in Eng
land.
An act to abolish the offices of
the wardens, chief justices, and
justices in Eyre, north and south
of Trent.
An act to abolish certain offices,
and to regulate certain other of
fices, in Ireland.
An act to regulate the- offices
of clerks of the signet and privy
seal.
An act to abolish certain offices,
and regulate others, in Scotland.
An act to enable his Majesty to
recompense the services of persons
holding or who have held, certain
high and efficient civil ofiices.
An act to amend an act of the
22d of his present Majesty, for
suppressing or regulating certain
offices therein mentioned, so far
as relates to the board of trade;
and for enabling the vice-presi
dent of the board of trade to send
and receive letters and packets free
from the duty of postage.
An act to regulate certain of
fices, and abolish others, in his
Scotland respectively.
An act to amend the laws re
lating to sheriffs in Ireland.
An act to continue until the ‘29th
of September, 1818, and to amend
an act passed in Ireland, in the
36th of his present Majesty, for
the improvement and extension of
the fisheries on the coast of Ire
land.
An act to relieve persons im
pugning the doctrine of the holy
Trinity from certain penalties, in
Ireland.
An act to amend an act of the 50th
of his present Majesty’s reign, for
repealing the several laws relating
to prisons in Ireland, and for re
enacting such of the prbvisions
thereof as have been found usual,
with amendments.
An act to continue until the
end of the next session of parlia
ment two acts made in the 54th
and 56th of his present Majesty,
for regulating the trade in spirits
between great Britain and Ire
land reciprocally;
An act to allow the exportation
of woollen or bay yarn from Ire
land by Iicence obtained there.
An act to extend several acts for
allowing the importation and ex
portation of certain goods and
merchandise to Porta Maria in the
Island of Jamaica, and to the port
of Bridge Town in the Island of
Barbadoes.
An act to abolish the punish
ment of public whipping on fe
male offenders.
An act to amend an act of the
54th year of his present Majesty,
to regulate the payment of draw
back on paper allowed to the uni
versities in Scotland.
An
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 229
An act for extending the provi and other articles, or the taking
sions of an act of the 54th of his the same out of warehouse free of
present Majesty, for regulating duty, and who have acted in obe
the payment of army prize money; dience thereto.
and for authorizing; the commis An act to permit the importa- _
sioners of Chelsea-hospital to sus tion of foreign cambricks and
pend the pensions of such persons lawns into Ireland, on payment of
as shall be guilty of frauds in re the like duties as are chargeable
spect of prize money or pensions. in Great Britain.
An act for fixing the rates of An act to amend two acts passed
subsistence to be paid to innkeep in the 46th of his present majesty,
ers and others on quartering sol and in the last session of parlia
diers. ment, for the making more efl‘ec
An act to permit the transfer of tual provision for the prevention
capital from certain public stocks of smuggling.
or funds in Great Britain to cer An act to permit fullers earth,
tain public stocks or funds in lre fulling clay, and tobacco pipe clay
land. to be carried coast-wise under
An act for raising the sum of certain restrictions.
nine millions, by exchequer bills, An act to allow the importation
for the service of the year 1817 . of oranges and lemons from the
An act for raising the sum of Azores and the Madeiras into the
3,600,000l. British currency, by British colonies in North Ame.
treasury bills, in Ireland, for the rica.
services of the year 1817. An act for the prevention or
An act to continue an act passed persons going armed by night for
in Ireland in the 18th and 14th the destruction of game ; and for
years of his present Majesty re~ repealing an act, made in the'last
specting certain annuities, so long session of parliament, relating to
as the said annuities shall be pay rogues and vagubonds. _ _
able. An act to enable justices of the
An act to amend an not made in the peace toscttle the fees to be taken
last session of parliament, for pro-\ by the clerks of the peace of the
viding for the charge ofcertain addi respective counties and other divi
tions to the public debt of lrcland. sions of England and Wales.
An act to regulate the offices of An act to regulate the adminis
his Majesty‘s exchequer in Eng tration of oaths in certain cases to
land and Ireland respectively. officers in his Majesty‘s land and
An act to permit until the 14th of sea forces.
November, 1817, the importation An act to regulate the costs of
of corn and other articles in any distresses levied for payment of
ship and from any country; to per small rents. '
mit such articles which may have An act to amend an act of the
been warehoused for exportation last session of parliament, for the
only to be entered for home con more easy assessing of county
sumption '; and for indemnifying rates.
all persons who have given direc An act to exempt the territories
tions for the importation of com within the limits of the East India
company's
230 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
company‘s charter from certain An act to defray the charge of
of the navigation laws. the pay, cloathing, and contin
An act for suspending, until the gent expenses of the disembodied
lst of August 1820. the duties on militia in Great Britain, and of the
coals and 'culm removed coast-wise miners of Cornwall and Devon;
within the principality of Wales, and for granting allowances in
and granting other duties in lieu certain cases to subaltern oflicers,
thereof. adjutants, quarter-masters, sur
An act for ratifying articles of geons mates, and serjeant-majors
agreement entered into by the of militia, until the 625th day of
Right Honorable Henry Hall, Vis March 1818. '
count Gage, and the Commission An act for defraying until the
ers of his‘Majesty's Woods, forests, 25th of June 1818, the charge of
and land revenues; and for the the pay and cloathing of the mili
better management and improve tia of Ireland ; and for making
ment of the land revenues of the allowances in certain cases to sub
crown. altern officers of the said militia
'An act for ratifying the purchase during peace.
of the impropriate rectory of Saint An act to reduce the number of
Mary-le-bone in the county of serjeants, corporals, and dru'mmers
Middlesex. in the militia of Ireland, whilst
An act to consolidate and amend disembodied.
the hairs relating to spiritual per An act to encourage the estab
sons holding of farms ; and for lishment of banks for savings in '
enfbrcing the residence of spirit Ireland.
ual persons on their benefices ; and An act to provide for the estab
for the support and maintenance lishment of asylums for the lunatic
of stipendiary curates in England. pOor in Ireland. ~
An act to renew the povvers of An act to provide for the more
exonerating small livings and cha~ deliberate investigation of present
ritable institutions from the land ments to be made by grand juries
tax, and for making further pro for roads and public works in Ire
-vision for the redemption of the land, and for accounting for mu
land tax. 'ney raised by such presentments.
An act to continue an act, inti An act for the regulation of le
“tuled an act farther to extend and vying tolls at fairs, markets, and
render more‘effectual certain pro parts in Ireland.
visions of an act passed in the 12th An act to abolish the subsidy
of George lst. intituled ‘An act to alnage of the old and new drape
prevent frivolous and vexatious ries, and of all woollen manufac
arrests;' and of an act passed in tures in Ireland: and to' autho
the 5th of George 2nd, to explain, rize the payment out of the conso
amend, and render more efi'isctual lidated fund of an annual sum to
the said former act: and of two John Lord de Blaquire, during
acts, passed in the 19th and 43d of the continuance of his interest in
his present Majesty, extending the the office of alnager. I
provisions of the said former acts." An act to make further regula
tions
 APPENDIX TO‘ caaomcm.
tions for the better collecting and
securing the duties upon spirits
distilled in Ireland.
An act to suspend, until the
10th of October 1819, a part of the
duties on sweets or made wines.
An actto amend an act of the ‘15th
of his present Majesty, for better
regulating the ofiice of treasurer
of his Majesty's navy, as far as
respects, the mode of applications
for certain services in the victual
ling department.
An act to prevent the further
circulation of dollars and tokens,
issuedby the governor and company
of the Bank of England, for the
convenience of the public.
An- act to continue until the lst
August 1818, two acts of his pre*
sent. Majesty, allowing the bring
ing of coals, culm, and cinders to
London and Westminster.
An act to extend the provisions
of an act of the 12th of George
1st, and an. act of the Qflnd George
2nd. against payment of labourers
in goods or by truck, and to secure
their payment in the lawful money
of this realm, to labourers employ
ed in the manufacture of articles
made of steel, or of steel and iron
conbined, and of plated articles, or
of other articles of cutlery.
An act for limiting the time now
allowed by law for production of
the certificate of due delivery of
goods removed from one ware
housing port in Great Britain to
another for the purpose of expor
tation ; for altering the hours for
shipping goods in the port of Lon
don; and to empower officers of
the customs and excise to permit
the removal of goods from one
bonding warehouse to another in
the same port.
231'
An act to regulate the issuing of
extents in, aid.
An act for authorising the exe
cutors or administrators of deceas
ed‘ licensed navyagents to receive
prize money, bounty money, and
other allowances of money upon
orders given to such deceased
agents.
An act to exempt British and
Irish stone bottles, made and used
for the sole purpose of containing
liquid blaeking, from the duties
of excise on stone bottles granted
by an act of this session of par
liament.
An act to authorize the. mint of
directors of the East India com
pany to make extraordinary al
lowances, in certain cases, to the
owners of certain ships in the
service of the said company.
An act for regulating payments,
to the treasurer of the navy under
the head of old stores and im
prests. '
An act. to extend the provisions
of an act of the 12ih of George 1.,
and an act of the 2% of George
ll., against payment of labourers
in goods or by truck, and to se
cure their payment in the lawful
money of this realm, to labourers
employed in the collieries, or in
the working and getting of coal,
in the united kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland; and for ex
tending the provisions of the said
acts to Scotland and lreland.
An act for imposing a duty of
excise on the excess of spirits made
from corn in England above the
proportion of nineteen gallons of
spirits for every one hundred gab
Inns of wash ; and for further
securing the duties on wort or
wash made for distilling spirits in
England 5
 232 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
England; and for authorizing the
shipment of rum for stores in
\ casks containing sixty gallons.
An. act to amend an act made in
the present session of parliament,
for authorizing the issue of ex
chequer bills, and the advance of
money for carrying on public
works and fisheries, and employ
ment of the poor.
An act to authorize the driving
and'keeping a hackney coach or
chariot under the same licence.
An act to repeal an act, passed
in the 54th of his present Ma
jesty, for the punishment of per
sons destroying stocking or lace
frames, and articles in such frames ;
and to make until the 1515 of Au
gust, 1820, other provisions in
lieu thereof.
An act to settle the share of
prize money, droits of admiralty,
and bounty money payable to
Greenwich hospital, and for secur
ing to the said hospital all an
claimed shares of vessels found
derelict, and of seizures for breach
of revenue, colonial, navigation,
and slave abolition laws
An act for extending the ex
emptions from the duties granted
by certain acts of the 43rd and
45th ofhis present Majesty's reign,
in dwelling houses in Scotland;
and for altering the manner of
claiming and ascertaining the ex
emptions to be granted.
An act for vesting in his Ma
jesty a certain part of the open
commons and waste lands within
the manor or royalty of Rialton
and Retraighe, alias Reterth, in
the parish of Saint Columb Major,
in the county of Cornwall.
An act to encourage the esta
blishment of banks for savings in
England.
An act for the better regulation -
of polls, and for making other
provisions touching the election of
members to serve in parliament
for places in Ireland.
An act for applying certain
monies therein mentioned for the
service of the year 1817, and for
further appropriating the supplies
granted in this session of parli
anlcnt.
PATENTS
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 233

- PATENTS.
From June Q0, 1816, to May ‘22, 1817‘.

John Burnett, for his convolving Samuel Noch, for an improve

iron axle-tree for the reduction of ment in the pans of locks of guns
friction and animal labour. and fire-arms.
John Hawkins Barlow, for certain Robert Tripp, For a hussar garter
improvements on tea-urns, tea with elastic springs and fastenings,
pols, tea-boards, &c. and also elastic springs for pan
John Barlow, for a new cooking taloons, V &c.
apparatus. James Neville, for new and
John Towers, for a tincture for improved methods of generating
the cure of coughs, asthmas, &c. power by means of steam or other
Henry Warburton, for a method fluids for driving or working all
of distilling certain animal, vege kinds of machinery, &c.
table, and mineral substances,_and Edward Biggs, for improvements
manufacturing certain of the pro on the machinery used in making
ducts. or manufacturing of pans and
John Hague, for improvements stails of various kinds.
in the method of expelling the William Moult, for improvements
molasses or syrup from sugars. on his former patent for an im
Robert Salmon, for further im prOvcd method of acting upon
provements in the construction of machinery.
machines for making hay. Jean Samuel Pauly, for a ma
John Poole, for brass and cop chine for making of nails, screws,
per plating, or plating iron or steel and the working all metallic sub~
with brass or copper, and working ' stances.
the same into plates, bars, &c. Robert Salmon, for improved in
John Chill/den, for improvements struments for complaints in the
on valve water closets. urethra and bladder.
William Henry, for improvements John Burton, ' for certain im
in the manufacture of sulphate of provements in pistols.
magnesia. John Kirkman, for a method of
John Dayman, for a method of applying an octave stop to piano
coating iron, steel, and other inc fortcs. ‘
tals, or mixtures of metals. _ Louis Faurhe Borel, for a method
John H’etch, for an improve of making boots and shoes with
ment in making rollers used in out sewing, so as entirely to keep
spinning wool, cotton, silk, flax, out the wet.
tow, or any other fibrous sub Lewis Granholm, for a method
stance. \ of making articles of hemp or flax,
or
 254 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
or of hemp and flax mixed, more and other keyed musical instru
durable than any such articles now ments. i
manufactured. Robert Stirling, for diminishing
William Barley, and Robert Hop the consumption of fuel; and in
wood Furness, for a method of ob particular an engine capable of
taining saccharine matter from being applied to the moving ma
wheat, barley, rye, oats, bear, or chinery, on a principle quite new.
big. Robert Raines Baines, for a per
Joseph Gregson, for a new me petual log, or sea ambulator.
tho‘d ofconstructing chimneys, and William Russell, for an improve
of supplying fires with fuel. ment upon cocks and vents'for
Benjamin Shy/the, for a new me general purposes.
thod of propelling vessels, boats, John Barker, for an improve
barges, and rafts of all kinds ; and ment in the means of acting upon
also other machinery, as mill machinery. '
wheels, and other revolving pow Robert Ford, for a medicine for
ers. the cure of coughs, colds, asth
William Day, for various im mas, and consumptions.
provements in or on trunks, and lValter Hall, for a method of
on the application of machinery, making soft lead out of hard or
by means of which they will con slafar lead.
tract or expand at pleasure. James Kewley, for improvements
William Snowden, for an appar in and on thermometers.
ratus to be applied to carriages to Richard Wright, for improve
prevent them from being over ments in the construction and
turned. propelling ships and other vessels.
Simon Hashing, for a steam-_ William Dean, for machinery for
engine upon a new construction waxing calico, or any other cloth
for drawing water from mines, for previous to the process of glazing.
working different kinds of ma. Samuel Brown, and Philip Tho
chinery, and for other purposes. mas, manufacttu'ers of iron cables,
George Washington Dickinson, for a chain manufactured in a pc
_ for a method for preventing leak culiar way by a new process, and
age from vessels containing liquids, certain apparatus in performing
and for preventing the admission the same. ' '
of moisture into vessels or pack William Man ton, for an improve- '
ages intended to be kept dry ment in the application of springs
within. to wheel carriages.
Joseph Heathcoat, for improve John Rqflield, for certain im
ments upon machinery for making provements on, and additions to,
that kind of lace known by the his former patent for an apparatus
names of bobbin net, or Buck to be attached to fire-stoves, 81.0.
ingham lace net. Daniel IVilson, for improvements
William Piercy, for a method of in the prouess of boiling and re—
making thimbles. ' fining sugar.
John Day, for inipr0vemeiits in Robert Dickinson, for a method
the construction of piano~fortcs of preparing or paving streets or
' roads
 APPENDIX TO 'CHRGNICLE.
roads for horses and carriages so
as to render them more durable.
Joseph de Cavaillon, for improve
ments in the preparing, clarifying,
and refining of sugar, and other
vegetable, animal, and mineral
substances.
lVilliam Whll, for a horizontal
escapement for watches.
George Montague Higginson, for
improvements in locks.
Isaac Robert Mott, for a new
instrument called the Sostimente
Piano-forte.
William Bandy, for machinery
for breaking and preparing flax
and hemp.
James Atkinson, for improve
ments on lustres, chandeliers, lan
thorns, lamps, 81c. and in the
manner of conveying the gas to
thesame.
William Clarice, for a contri
vance to be called a safeguard to
locks, by which they may defy the
attempts of plunderers.
Robert Hardy, for improvements
in the manufacturing of cast-iron
bushes, or pipe boxes, for all kinds
of carriage wheels.
Richard Lilherland, for improve
ments in the escapementofwatches.
Richard Holden, for machines
for producing rotatory and pen
dulous motions in a new manner.
Daniel lVilson, for gas light ap
paratus, processes, and philoso
phical instruments.
William, Henry Osborn, for a
principle of producing cylinders of
various descriptions.
Urbanus Sartoris, for improve
ments in the construction and use
of fire-arms.
Ludwig Granholm, for means of
pressing .vegetable and animal
products.
William Raybould, for an im
235
provement applicable to fire-stoves,
grates, and ranges.
William Punter, for an improve
ment to facilitate rotatory motion,
and lessen or improve friction in
wheel carriages and machinery of
various descriptions.
John Winter, for a method of
joining and combining horn and
tortoise-shell together.
David Wheeler, for a method of
drying and preparing malt.
Edward .Nicholas, for a plough
to cover wheat and other grain
with mould when sown.
Antonio Joaquin Friere Marroce,
for a method of manufacturing an
improved machine for calculating
the longitude at sea.
Willzam Collins, for an improve
ment in the composition of a metal
for the manufacturing into sheets
or plates, and the application of
it for the preservation of ships;
and for the improvement of chain
pumps.
- Henry I'Vilms, for an artificial,
leg, arm, or hand, on animproved
construction.
John Gerard Colbert. for im
provements in the method of mak
ing screws of iron, brass, steel, or
other metals, for the use of all
kinds of wood-work.
John Walker, for an improved
method of separating molasses or
treacle out of muscovado, brown,
or'new sugar.
Richard Williams, the elder, for
improvements in the manufac
turing of cards for the dressing
of woollen cloths.
Archibald Thomson, for a machine
for cutting corks. -
William Owen, for a portable
table, or box mangle forsmoothing
linen, 8w.
William Bound, and William
Stone,
9.36 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
Stone; for a method of applying Benjamin Cook, for an improved
certain apparatus for converting method of making rollers and cy
the fuel for heating the retorts 0f linders, both solid and hollow.
gas-lights into coak or charcoal. Leger Didot, for certain im
Robert Salmon, for an apparatus provements upon the machines
for the more; useful, pleasant, already in use for making wove
and economic use of candles. and laid paper in continued length.

A GENERAL
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and
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XIGNElcIdV 0.1. 'EI'IOI'NIO’HHC) 696

Dec.
95
120
7.0

Oct.
Nov.

TABLE
ENGLAND,
BANKRUPTCIES
NUMBER
THE
OF
IN

March.
Feb.
January.
May.
July.
Sept.
April.
June.
August. 150
909
165
150
61
93
116
193
DTotal
last
the
from
B1575.
.454.
eanckyear.
reuapst.ecdies.
Dec.
iDw.
From
n1817,
1816,
20,
c1.
lmiue.

v_..‘
240 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
AVERAGE PRICES OF CORN

PER QUARTER

In- England and Wales, 1817.

Wheat. Rye. Barley. Oats. Beans.

s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d.
Jan. 103 l 60 6 51 8 31 9 63 O .
Feb. 102 O 6% 7 49 8 ‘29 5 56 10
Mar. 109 5 60 5 49 8 30 ll 54 5
Apr. 102 7 59 9 50 1 33 ll 51 0
May 105 O 69. 5 51 9 33 6 51 8
June 1ll 6 65 8 55 4 39 3 54 9
July 100 O 61 5 49 5 37' 5 50 10
Aug. 86 2 54 l l 45 O 34 6 4B 6
Sept. 76 2 45 11 44 2 30 10 46 4
' NOV.
Oct. 18
80 9
5 4G
46 4 9 4‘2
43 3
8 ‘27
9, 118 46 i 3
48 ‘2

DCC‘ 84 6 49 9 45 5 ‘27 10 59 l

.‘tz-crage of the Year.

944~§1565§|492 |311§|545§

A Statement qf the Quantity of Porter brewed in London by the Twelse

first Houses, from the 5th qf July, 1816, to the 5th qf
July, 1817 :—

- Barrels. Bands.
Barclay, Perkins, & C0. . £281,484 Calvert and Co. . . .. .,, . . 98,301
Hanbury and (To. . . . . . . 168,757 Good'wyn and C0. . . . . . . 60,307
Reid and C0.. . . . . . . .. 157,131 Elliott and C0. . . ..... . . 55,153
Whitbread and Co . . . . . . 151,888 Taylor and Co. . . . . .. . . 4‘2,9Q0
Henry Menx and C0. . . . l‘t4,8‘23 Golden-lane brewery . . . . . 25,756
'Combe, Delafield, 81. Co. 110,776 Hollingsworth . . . . . . . 7,029

The following is the Quantity qf' Ale brewed by the Seven principal Ale
Brewera in London, from the 5th July, 1816, t0 5th July, 1817.
Bar. Bar.
Stretton and (Jo . . . . . . . .25,051 Hale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,763
Wyatt and (‘0. . . . . . . . .18,119 Hull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7,048
Charrington . . . . . . . . . . l6,886 Whitmore . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,028
Goding..............1‘Z,352
 APPENDIX TO CHRONICLE. 24]}

LIST OF THE PRINCE REGENT’S MINISTERS,

As it stood at the opening of the Session.

CABINET MINISTERS.
. Earl of Harrowby . . . . . . . . . . . . Lord President of the Council.
Lord itldon . . . . . . .'. . . . . . . . . . . Lord High Chancellor.
Earl of Westmoreland . . . . . . . . . . Lord Privy Seal.
‘ . First Lord of the Treasury (Prime
Earl of Liverpool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . { Minister)
Right Hon. Nicholas Vansittart. . . Chancellor and undfir'Treasurcr Of
the Exchtquer.
Lord Viscount Melville . . . . . . . . . First Lord of the Admiralty.
Earl Mulgrare. . . . .. .. . .. . . . .. Master General ofthe Ordnance. .
SSecrc-tary of State for the Home
Lord Viscount Sidmouth . . - . . . . .
(_ Department.
Secretary of State for Foreign
Lord Viscount Castlereagh . . . . . .
Afi'airs.
. _ Secretary of State for the Depart
Earl Ba‘hmst ' ' ‘ ' ' ' ' ' ’ ' ' ' ' ' ’ ment of War and the Colonies.
.
Right .
Hon. George Canning. ... President of the Board
for ‘hs affairs of Controul
of India.
I Chancellor of the Duchy of Lan
Right Hon. C. Bragge Bathurst . .
l caster.
Right Hon. W. W. Pole . . Master ofthe Mint.
NOT OF THE CABINET.
Right Hon. George Rose. . . . . . . . Treasurer of the Navy.
President ofthe Board ofTradc.
Right Hon. F. J. Robinson. . . . . . {V'ffggts‘dem 0f the Board Of

Right Hon. Charles Long . . . . . . . Paymaster-General of the Forces.

Earl of Chichester . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Marquis of Salisbury. . . . . . . . . . Jmm POStmas'er'Gcneml'
Viscount Palmerston . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary at War.
g'gliitLlflggi'rgtzgges Arbumnm ' ' ' } Secretaries of the Treasury.

Sir T. Plomer.. . .. . . . . . . L . . . . Master ofthe Rolls.

Sir Samuel Shepherd . . . . . . . . . . . Attorney-General.
Sir Robert Gifiord . . . . . . . . . . . . . Solicitor General.

PERSONS IN THE MINISTRY IN IRELAND.

Earl Talbot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lord Lieutenant.

Lord Manners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lord High Chancellor
Right Hon Robert Peel . . . . . . . . Chief Secretary.
Right Hon N. Vansittart . . . . . . . Chancellor of the Exchequer.
VOL. LlX. R .
5116 ‘IYIINNV ‘HHLSIDHE 'LIBL,
IiTTllfl=.hl.vW' LLMU h; LYE‘K 76L
411
July
Aug.
29.06
30:00
1.95fl
.4.
26..
59.32
98743? 57‘
329.881?
48.2?!
.27.
30:34:
.()ct.
29.14
1.34v
1.-
-N'0v.

REGISTER;
RLOGICAL
E18
172v
T‘E~ORO
872'
May
33
29.16
29.99
25.‘
.7
3so,
9;
-.18J1813ne~
THEI
RBMAOMRBO'MFERT.EK;
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>11101128.
1.081281
8131111.
moé‘zs'l‘;
L9‘TES‘F.
HL
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GHEST. _
u
301.585
1fDec.
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5.61
28‘.
29.649
2. . 518 _
r:HTo(to'atewKept
nlar 'rnld,-b.y-)’L.

317,

00:.
30.10
Sept.
276
76"-
29.16
24-
5;
0-48
2.;
55.
3..
9.84.2.I

.~-41.“

Year.
The
224.
‘48;
78
26‘
09
9.;‘
53*
Mar.
Feb.
_30.2'9
29.592
28
2.68_
28.
8..
9.
78
4'~2.06 Apr.
10...25~‘ 8..May
Mar.
60
7.
41.
017
5
“.
30.51
30.070
29.72 Apr.
25
64‘
30.028
29.67
30.37
0.28
43.85
7.; July
June
302$
86'_
34
2.81
25;
29.17
6..
62.83
.;
9'-7-51 1
Sépt.
30:05.
311
75';
90
57.65
Aug.
2.13
2.‘
228.
5..
92-631. 4
59!-
29.878_
47.11-
1
Nov.
D80.
30.453
30‘
'22.00
2..
1.
9.26 _

1’81»?
31am.-
1-9
10..
30:58"
7‘.
54
1.38
40,-03
29.846
28.479
\'
 STATE PAPERS.

Treaty between his Majesty the the two High Contracting Parties
King of France and Navarre and will then proceed to other ar
his Majesty the Kingqf Portugal, rangements, under the mediation
of Brazil, and Algarva, concluded of Great Britain, and always con
at Paris, August ‘28, 1817. formably to the precise sense of
the 8th Article of the Treaty of“
RT. 1. His Most Faithful Ma Utrecht, concluded under the gua
jesty, animated with the de ranty of that power.
sire of executing the 107th Article 3. The fortresses, magazines,
of the Act of the Congress of Vien and all the military stores shall
na, binds himself to deliver up to be surrendered to his Most Chris
his Most Christian Majesty, in the “tian Majesty, according to the in
space of three months or sooner, ventory mentioned in the 5th Ar
if possible, French Guiana, as far ticle of the Capitulation of French
as the river Oyapor, of which the Guiana in 1809. I
mouth is situated between the 4th 4. In consequence of the above
and 5th degrees of northern lati mentioned articles, the necessary
tude, and as far as the 322d de orders for efi'ecting the transmis—
gree of longitude to the east of sion of French Guiana (which
the Isle de Fer (Iron Island) by orders are at present in the ‘pos
the parallel of 2 deg. 24 min. of session of the undersigned Pleni
northern latitude. potentiary of his Most Faithful
2. Commissioners on either side Majesty) shall, immediately after
are to be immediately nominated the signature of the present treaty,
and despatched to fix definitively be communicated to the French
the limits of French and Portu government, with an oflicial letter
guese Guiana, conformably to the of the same Plenipotentiary, to
precise sense of the 8th Article of which acopy of the present treaty
the Treaty of Utrecht, and to the shall be annexed; and Which will
stipulations of the Act of the Con inform the Portuguese Authorities
gr’ess of Vienna: the abovemen that they are to deliver up in the
tioned Commissioners must termi delay‘of three days, the said colony
nate their labours at the expira to the Commissioners charged by
tion of a year at latest, from the his Most Catholic Majesty to take
date of their arrival at Guiana. If possession of them as soon as they
at the expiration of this term of a shall have presented their instruc
year the abovementioned respec tions to that efi'ect. v
tive Commissioners cannot agree, 5. The French government en
R 2 gages
 244' ANNUAL' REGISTER, 1817.
gages to transport to the mari the very foundations of religion
time towns of Para and Per-nam are undermined ; and having, be
buco'(in the vessels which shall cause of the great importance of
have been employed for the con the subject, convened for con
veyance of the French troops to sultation our venerable br'ethren,
Guiana) the Portuguese garrison the cardinals of the holy Roman
of this colony, as well as the civil Church, we have, with the utmost
functionaries, with all their bag care and attention, deliberated
gflgfi upon the measures proper to be
SEPARATE ARTICLE. adopted by our Pontifical author
All the points upon which any ity, in order to remedy and abolish
difficulties may arise, resulting this pestilence as far as possible.
from the restitution of French In the mean time, we heartily con
Guiana, such as the payment of gratulate you, venerable brother;
debts, the recovery of the reve and we commend you again and
nues, and the reciprocal exchange again in the Lord, as it is fit we
' of slaves, will form the object of should, upon the singular zeal you
a particular treaty between the have displayed under circumstances
so hazardous to christianity, in
French and Portuguese govern
ment.
having denounced to the Apostolic
See, this defilement of the faith,
most imminently dangerous to
Translation of the Bull against Biblesouls. And although we perceive
Societies, issuedfrom Rome, June that it is not at all necessary to
29. 1816, by Pope Pius VII. to excite him to activity who is making
the Archbishop of Gnezn, Primate haste, since of your own accord'
of Poland. you have already shown an ardent
desire to detect and oppose the
PIUS P. P. VII. impious machinations of these ln—
Venerable Brother, novators; yet, in conformity with
Health and apostolic benediction. our office, we again and again ex
in our last letter to you we pro hort you, that whatever you can
mised, Very soon, to return an an achieve by power, provide for by
swer to yours; in which you have counsel, or effect by authority, you
appealed to this Holy See, in the will daily execute with the utmost
name also of the other bishops of earnestness, placing yourself as a
Poland, respecting what are called wall for the house of Israel.
Bible Societies, and have earnestly For this end we issue the pre
inquired of us what you ought to sent Brief, viz. that we may con
do in this affair. \Ve long since, vey to you a signal testimony of
indeed, wished to comply with our approbation of your excellent
your request ; but an incredible conduct, and also may endeavour
variety of accumulating concerns therein still more and more to ex
have so pressed upon us on every cite your pastoral solicitude and
side, that, till this day, we could vigilance. For the general good
not yield to your solicitation, imperiously requires us to combine
\Ve haw. been truly shocked at all our means and energies to frus
this most crafty device, by which trate the plans, which are pre
I
pared
 STATE PAPERS. 245

pared by its enemies for the de late in the Lord, trusting that
struction of our most holy religion : they all will very abundantly jus
whence it becomes an episcopal tify the opinion which we have
duty, that you first of all expose entertained of them.
the wickedness of this nefarious It is moreover necessary that
scheme, as you already are doing you should transmit to us, as soon
so admirably, to the view of the as possible, the Bible which Jacob
faithful, and openly publish the Wuiek published in the Polish
same, according to the rules pre language with a commentary, as
scribed by the church, with all well as a copy of the edition of it
that erudition and wisdom in lately put Forth without those an- -
which you excel; namely, “ That notations, taken from the writings
bibles printed by hereticks are of the holy fathers of our church,
numbered among other prohibited or other learned Cutholicks, with
books by the Rules of the lndex your opinion upon it; that thus,
(No. H. and ill.) ; for it is evi from collating them together, it
dent from experience, that the may be ascertained, al‘tcr mature
holy Scriptures, when circulated investigathm, what errors may lie
in the vulgar tongue,have, through insidiously concealed therein, and
the temerily of men, produced that we may pronounce our judg
more harm than benefit ;" (Rule ment on this affair for the preser
IV.) And this is the more to be vation of the true faith.
dreaded in times so depraved, when Proceed, therefore, venerable
our holy religion is assailed from brother, to pursue the truly pious
every quarter with great cunning course upon which you haie en
and elfort, and the most griemus tered ; viz. diligently to light the
wounds are inflicted on the church. battles of the Lord in soundness
It is, therefore, necessary to ad of doctrine, and warn the people
here to the salutary decree of the intrusted to your care, that they
Congregation of the Index (June fall not into the snares which
13th, 1757), that no versions of are prepared for them to their
the Bible in the vulgar tongue be everlasting ruin. The church
permitted, except such as are ap waits for this from you, as well
proved by the Apostolic See, or as from tne other bishops, whom
published with annotations ex our rescript equally concerns; and
tracted from the writings of the we most anxiously expect it, that
Holy Fathers of the Church. the deep sorrow we feel on ac
We confidently hope that, even count of this new species of tares
in these turbulent cirumstances, which an enemy is sowing so
the Poles will afford the clearest abundantly, may, by this cheer
proofs of their attachment to the ing hope, be somewhat alleviated:
religion of their ancestors; and and, we heartily invoke upon you
this especially by your care, as and your fellow bishops, for the
well as that of the other prelates good of the Lord’s flock, ever in
of this kingdom, whom, on ac creasing gifts by our Apostolic
count of the stand they are so benediction, which we impart to
wonderfully making for the faith yourself and to them;
committed to them, we congratus PZUS PP. VII.

PUBLIC
91’6 'IVHNNV ‘HHLSIOFIH 'LIQI

qf
lice
cRthe
INCOME
Punuc
An
EOamumnr
and
Account
qf
o-XaTnsRvAzoOtRuiDnIutcNaAzRstYing the~6mu
be
Objects,
and
Payment:
Ton)
paid
&c.
Sum
o!
m
wlc—
on! 2,985,098
8,169,780
li
C8%
1usfn11:2
~7§ ,m3
1l.5.4,..8.7.9.19,013,630
.3;
xi
> .5. . . 21.671,610 La7.2570061?
2,651,980
2x4.
9 Ii
nu7,562.4“
5’}
dAse7
30d9
'l‘4axe,s.5.0.H4.-.1. 85
xHackney
6
26,496
Cuache4,515
ofi‘
s1.7
31,01114
. 0. . . . . . . Ali6.51314.
e7,66!
na8
tionF1iuex
a0
I
2 . . . . . . . Po_st
. ,147 .4i
7,18:
7,082
.0
u
.99
4_
1;
2
for.
ERmumed
m:
xemmcvhenque.r.
I PTaxes.
emna c_d_
g
’4:
,1_
n£-
tad
ndAn8_
Lu,_l \

-C.mm““,E5"§€Z5.°EJF.OF
R¥PHEADS
§EO=°VEZ§N.‘U$?.E|S.I 710%
34.1876
618
3:}
5,;
,no:58146.J16i-&18.

S6Qd.Fiu4-
663
13.660 10
1
5
14.
at14,323
q»
her£.Ic. .s./.. . .
6
“.576
Pcnslonlsand
18
ls.7
int1°
h5
e£ll
4:,23.0.19
. . 53. . -. . - . .

BRITAIN,
GREAT
OF
INCOME
PUBLIC
‘6}?
Crow7,5
336,01:
2,688
n138,759
Lads.12
10z
17
....
Semuresf:
14,584.
|4,584.
5
0
o-—..

Fifth
January,
ending
Year
the
For
1817.

BRITAIN.
GREAT

RSmall
Hercditmy
qfthe
Bervaencuhe.s

REVENUES.
ORDINARY

6,845,028
Pn49,216,258
ATotal
65
55
uelDrut1
i12
4cms.13
1a.n,e.3u7.t0a. ,n.d2.30

Composmons
-608
Profi'ers
am}
608
49
~—....

H22,036
aw0%
k25,038
c3%
ra n10
5
3,002
d3
15
Pe lars. . . .

6
2Pos,tf4)6541933
18 fi2i410
c5e0.97,. 8.7548. 1.6. .
 H1LVJQ. 'SHEI'JVH £75
Customs.
1,1
93
233,599
,9i
9—7
045
26..,7.4031)0 Areasmfln3618
c eDu|8
ly536
ivc. 0o
Q
. Q.o. .1 . .- for
Bills
Exchequer
forjseuing
Grenada,
Geo.
81c.
37
0011827,
:5,
5,091
7
5,091
117
I-._ fin T6
'e“"ra813f
.174850.,-5
37.51..9.679;.,64.186453
for.
'Kounled
Revenue.
me
mm
Exchequer.
Dit‘clountse,
Driarwbac‘lbeg‘,
NFT
,PRQDUCR
R
v
I: v'
,g
d.
,5
1!.
s.I.i P1r3%
18
2o1,p4%
i2e2.3;,750
7
17rH1o
2..6,tun.0y38l97a,01xzo 118400
8118,00
85-.—.

9
4
5
,’aAct
CGeo.
by
appointed
oOn
;the
10f
Account
and
35
3..
mi27,
iv011p.
s ioners,
EXCISC..::
6,035,302
1i
“453,664
9i
4,581,637
16
7%
11
|5
- .- . .

woNet
service
the
for.
is(of
Profit
hLottery,
itpart
c252,166
hi7,486
o234,680
nlevA13
1
4,
0
-o
eh13
il4
.‘adnd) in8166
Total,
d79376-885
8
65
e01
p7
eon10dent,of
18'»
87WM.“
1C-OL1/2'01 1/ 1.~21w)5h>fle~Vh1wcq1~8
y<

t‘ux
2..-11'r '1 > IV

9‘8
89,}
10132.59
191,159
.-—.i.

GROSS
RECEIPT:

H“ET
OFE‘B‘EA011.
5D1 :1S 213mo51.:5;.31.1.
‘

Chief
DIhnkof
the
by
Exchequer
the;
Cashier
Uinvicdleandismpaeid-kzto
of ‘--
'1|* ,.
EIreland
joint
odue
by
Account
On
Unitedfiiug
ofthe
1tplon
eB1aldaintcuere suother
by
repaid
MMonies
mImprest
h'oy~1Pto
nblic$ecs01~mtpantasri1adn ,9
,5
4
9,’‘4‘(including
Exchequer,
the
fur
raised
those
of
inloithe
paid
Loans
amount

Afor
raised
loans
Service
the
coMonies
paid
etu4a~8
',Ifi40113
trh5,e1-lk5ntmu81.r_des,3.tm5f,583

REXTSROAURDCINEASR.Y

TAXES.
WAR

PubllC
Regulated
Feesof
Snrpius
28,619
83-
18,619
8%
10[0—-

Scrvi8ed=l,r(8~hnd9),._39.3
3,.-~9—8,.08-.20.2-1. 6

Eng1303,50618
l6
ag303,506
du,5
.6
. ..-. . . :. . .
 8115 NNV TLVfl ‘HHLSIDHH 'Ll8l
118
11%
,367,765 898,000
0 60,000
0 70,000
0
o 3o,050
1 0
31200 0
2.000 O
1-“ninth:
15:
.1 .r
511.]:11-
1817
fund,
it
n0!
mm ;.
11.
a. 0
4.000
1!:
npnn
0111.1“
Cull
Uncertain. }
Uncertain. Cease.
To Ccuac.
To

-—lNCOME
CHARGE,
1817'.
AND
21,613,206
7i1 18
105
1,544.
11;.tr(\L1.1.1v11. 111:
c
m"~11an-'1
Hum, £
d.
:. 898,000 0 70,000
0 60,000 0 13,050
0 16
0%
121791 6
201747
5 6,807
5
14 O 8119%;
o
2,000 9 O
0
4,1100
in
rndrd
Year
the
51111411
117.
3,200
o0

Charge
Total
Debt
for
cprior
rto
eated Forii‘ilthei
'Suboort
0f"
Majesty‘s
His Patrick
Colqulnmn,
D'
Esq
Tlto,
al 'lEb
aug DefiJudges
fiJurlges
of
England
Wales,
and
in of
cSin
iEng uitmnal John
aelncaireises ‘ASalaries
rthe
lWelcli
Judge:
t0 Baldwm,
Eur
Receiver
the
of Alexander
Uroke,
Esq.
Nova
at 4f
18
Henry
John
HEsq.
iJamaica
uchlifl’e,
i
W'iEsq.
lBcriuut'las
‘lenru1nt.,
Household,
Act
Gem
pcr
17
3.
FUND-'AND
CONSOLPIETAXES.
DRAMTAEDNENT Courts
Jusncs.
0? l
ltheir
nSol
eanltatri..ne.s. ‘Vici-r
AmJunA1L-zrsv1 Sof
England
heWales
and
ril’l‘s.
Ci'vu.
Lls'r
‘" "Dim,". 16
11;}
Ditto..5z
....
CHARGE.
75;
Police
Seven
Ollices.

P01ic I
'Olfice. . . . .

51min
2...
17
1807.;....
!
land...;... .

Bil
9

14,801,551 319 41718 '-,3471+1 1.5941 12

CU soliredated. scrving
iTOMw.
Conalter the
01110;
sum.000
pvrbe curricd
annum,
Duties
to10 SEX
ISE. olid-itethe
Calter
onsreservingd several
carricd
sumsperActs
and
(icu.
52,
53.
g5
to
3,
'ST‘
\MPi.
Connl'tcr
solirdeasterdv, 4.289
111o .Surplus
Duty
Sugar.
Malt,
Tu~
and
on
1809.
Anno
pro
pcr.Act
49
‘ the
Duties
Annis
8
8pro
I
1z13.
.
61
£516""
311
9s
404=9
ing
directed
Acts
4,8,
asper
50.

a11d181g.
F14,7}
51o,:52'15 bucco,
annually
granted.
INCOME. Gcu.3.
,[L6z61711
~83;
17.
Isle
of
Wan2. .Canal
Duties
6.190
11.5 BzDock
Duty
16
28,241
4 *~__ British
Spirit“,
Anno
QuDuty
ar.17.716
ain19
11
ine 1806,
SchcduleA
292.100
0
Liclursclling
encr-s L'ottcry
l‘ickets

'XNCID
NTS....
 EILVLS 'SHFIdVcI 6%
00 5% 000000

0 O UHC l il nu O 2,956
13 19
113 000000
Unc nain. Uncertain. Uncerta/in.
13,800 1,100 650 1,500 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,100
r,200

l
5% 000000

19 000000

4,000 13,800 1,200 236 2,036 650 1,123 2,956 113 1,500 1.200 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,200
75°

cotlan.d Fees
Mint
Deficiency
Esq.
Morrison,
1‘. to £6,000
Speaker
Commons,
of
House
the of
Salary
his
complete
per Bank,
Fees
Cashier
Chiel
for
the
of
at the
of
EFor
growth
ncouragement
Majesty's Sditto
Mint
in
His
of
Master
Eng l)itto an um. . Esq.
annual
Roberts,
Edward
an
sum, Ton
of
inspector
Esq.
Pepler,
George Chair
Esq.
Prucd,
Mackworth
William
man. . Bart..
Bonghton,
Rouse
W.
Charles
Sir
fical,
Great
the
of
Messenger
53
per
SALLOWAANDRNCIl-ELS. Consorns ronrins
Forum
SHemp
in
Flax
of
cand
otlan.d
Athe
paid
formerly
uto
dito.r
I.“.

Accou
111‘s.
Esq.
Eliot
Percival
l-rn c.ls
Oflices
Public
sundry
-.
CHanuper
lerkoftlie. Esq.
Hawkins,
RICl il.'tl

M1\"1~‘. Ctine
crtifiut.cs Esq.
.lolni
Sargent,
-.-. Esq...“
Ansley,
Jolni
.......-.

Gco.3,cap..8.9 . .

land

,L‘.
d.s. 58,516
Hi7
1,069,417
8.1; 3; 4i oi
6
374,006 1% 603,072
9}4 1% 6
221,685
19 6
1,422,685
19
553418
o0 36
0
o 19 1,8805%
23,622 s 33653915
4- $96,917
1;

_—_
Annual
Anno
Malt,&c.
1814,and
1813, Estates, Aniio
Arrears
of
Taxes,
Land
Aid,
4s. reasconerovuendt Lords
Nomi
of
Money appointed
of
by
the
nees and
Exchequer.
the
in
remaining
not carried
oatphto
eropwrisaeted, applicable
Duties
of
Income
Total
to payingprior
Charge
the
and
1807.
to they
ICharges
the
stood
nciasdental Brought
Taxes
the
War
from
topay
Pensions,
personal
and
Oflices, perma Annent0131.6 MIonucent.
nude
Customs
of
Duties
War tgcper
einrciets,atnd,£i.
CoAU:
Fund
Geo.
nso17
per
3,
lidated
Anna
Amount
1815,
Properly
of
Tax. Total..
Anno
'Treasury,
in
1789.
l'onli.ne, divers
Monies
by
paid
Persons. n.-.-.
Du'rlrs
Anno
18c7.
pro

1814,und
1815....
A111101813,
..
5thJanuary
the
1817.
on..... ILoan
for
reonlan..d.
1816..
180;"). Income
Anno
Duty,
1.801.
ot‘Loan..
Charge
cap.13,c.3z. .

1815..
0% 'IVfiNNV 'HHJJSISEI'H SUN
Chlrg:
Annual
Future n‘"Ca:.mH°eA.s"Rx“Ge¢'mE."l:zt.§:s" ,Q'.
d.
s.
I. 1,000
O 550,624.
449,156
2.7}
8 15
2
10%
3%
1I*1,.751340,4717
21,567,765
11%
18
d.
Esq.
Whislaaw,
,g.
John
1s.,200
1,200
0
o CUsaid
8
of
onmcie34,040
139,793
s4
oritoani..ern.s
14 U6,717
nce17
1
rtain.

1817
Jin-
5271
Jan.
5th
1:17.

outof
Actual
Payment 1,000
O 7%
1211,613,206
Esq. —-—-.—-—. Chapman,
Chairman.
Halltett,
John
1,500
0
1-,500
o
.0 Esq.
James
11,000
0
o,000.....

Cand
Office
Salaries
the
in
ontingencies tin
Cand
Sloanletai'nOrgiefinosceies Pand
(See
eMrnscniuomznosu Public
V.
Expen
No.
C.
Appendix Charges
the
of'iupon
Total
ncidental iCharge
prior
Total
debt
for
nto
cur ed
WCE8
148,606
OSM01-“
TI-14.
SINODEIRAS
stood
Cthey
Fund,as
on.011
solidated
. .- .

RECAPITU
LATION.
AC OUNTS. Cof
said
om is io.ners.
1817.
January,
of
5th
the
Esq..
Wilson,
John....

diture)...
.. 1807..

96
1,185n39t 83}
1,324,547
10 7i
0
150,000 8
438,400 13 18
0105,0 0 0:}
471,031 1:}
530,931 177,156
9
4 5%
1,630,132
10
135,077
15
3051.;84
9
I9

-. _-_—
Assessed
Duties
Consonolidated
Surplus for Loan
of
Taxes,
charge
War
Ditto
to
pay Customs,
made
of
Duties
War
perma &c.
for
Loan
MIant011aegremsetn,t, Act
Stamps,
CSurplus
onper
solidated 4BGeo.3for
&c.
Loan
Management,
Interest,
on

Loan
610.011
Management,
Interest, Customs
CBrought
from
onsolida.ted
Total.. Total....

Taxes. Stamps
CSurplus
onsolida.ted -. -. .

1803.
Anno
DUTIES
pro Anno
DUTIES
1810.
pro DUTJ-IS
1811.
Anno
pro
INCOME. Anna
809.
Dormspro
1 Taxes..
War
from
Brought

1816
Anno
nent.
Irelan.d. Ireland.. Ireland.
 ELLVLS 'SHHdVcI I95
D4,365,619
4,988,395
95
ino.10
14
z.Di1:o.. .|815
£
f
d
1.
.9.a.

103i43,4|o,q59
44,251,988
~33
18January,
77
.1;
. . -. . .

D2}
1,276,589
xi
1,276,539
i.lt.10
o18.1o.D1.t.10.

incurred
debt
for
Charge
Total
in
the
Conson
the
Caner-1
Torn.
upon
Year
51!;
ended
in
FUNDDATED
the

ohf12.10;
cTotal
3*airn1g1ce,isd57&e32cn.04la,.i37.24.71

Dino. D1i14
9
t,o.4198u.5.,9. 29 82,116,397
6%
Dino. Di10
8
2,216,393
t:}
o. 18tz. . .
878,055
Dino. D0i3
no. 1s°8. . .

Dilto....
Ditto....
1,378,013
10%
10}
18014
914.
...... 9%
4.1}
;Dit4o10.,1Dit5o.01,1823. 75. . 16
0;;
3,268,802.
05
Dit o. .Ditlo....18 4. .
3,188,802

7,1,
Y8}
1,261,631
1,261,323
ear180711
10
. . . . -. -. .

4'.
.1. 516,640
0 87,640
0 839,357
7%
15 615,834.
0 205,306
1 6493.914 308.736
6 0 16
1,573,800
7 516,885
8
18 437,169
710 954,15;
3
9 0
22,000

Let
of
Postage
Ad i011tional
Duty
the for Riding,
Horses
Carriages,
Servants,
Male MDitto
Horse
and
ules,Dcgs, Denh‘ra’
Certificates. Loan
Game
Licences, Interest,
810.
Management,
foron Interest,
810.
Management,
Loan
foron Money
from
rBrought
the
in
eserved of
being
Exchequer,
Annuity
part
to
0-0.
TotalU..
Total.. Total. . .
CTaken
Excise.
from
onsolid.ated
Permanent
Customs.
Duty
011.

British
Spirits,
Anno
1811.
pro. Dunes
1812
Annapro Dur s pr01\n 018 3. Dumas
1814..
Anno
pro
Wales.
of
Prince
-1he..

Foreign
dit o. .-. .
Ireland. . ... . Ireland. .

tcrs..... . . .
5§5 V 'IVIINN ‘HHLSIDEIH 'LISI
Annual
Fuu‘re
hug:
( lhup.
en
ConuJidalen I‘unn,
ix
“we!
a~
on

if
Paynnm
Ann: Fund,
our lthe
Cons
dl ed
ended
Year
me
in

Ju'uary
5th
"17.

1,593,630
8F;
14 6
43,642,116
4f
£1
4'.
3. 328,888
70 350,888
70 500,458
n}0 121,0 2
0 840,852.
13
9
13»,318
0
o
._ _

.—_
&c.
Loan
MIantonaegremsetn,t,
for for
Miantonaegremsetn,t,
&c.
Loan COTNoS-OrLAIDlANTCEODMs the
ofthe Janu
5th
ended
Year
in
Fuso,
sboalicda..toe.d LExcise.
TCTaken
onfrom icence...s.
Total-.. Total.
Stamps.
CSurplus
onsolida.n.'d

INLOME. Drums
Anpro
01815,.

lrcland.... ‘lrela...n.d.
ary1817... . . -.
 /

STATE PAPERS. 253

An Account qfthe Net Produce qfall the P211 MANENT TAXES qf GREAT
BRITAIN; takenfor two Years ending respectively 5”: January 1816
and 5th January 1817.

In the Year ended Ditto,

51h Jan.1816. 51h Jun11817.
,g s. d s. d.
CONSOLIDATED CUSTOMS......... 3,857,940 16 45 1,731,751 17 8%
.. -... Di1t0.. ..Ditto. ..(isie of Man) 9130' 9 5 6,180 2 "i
.. . . .. Ditto. . . . . ..Ditto. .. (Quarantine) 18,149 2 8% 17,716 19 11
. . . . . . Ditto. . . . . . . Ditto. .. (Canal and
Dock Duty) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 30,841 9 7 28,241 16 4
. . . . .. . Ditto . . . . . . . Ditto. . . . . (Permanent
Duty, 1813). . . 716,497 19 4% 516,88518 s
......Ditt0........Ditto....(late War
Duty 1809) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. — - 1,<=80,o71 o 2%
1110. .....Ditt01810and 1811 - - 47,781 3 11%
.......Di1to ...... ....EXCISE........16,663,379 o o 15,378,406 15 71
BRITISH SPIRITS... . . . . ..1806...... 5311700 0 0 291,300 0 0
..Ditto.....Dilto.. .. . 1311) 526,840 w 9% 516,640 0 o
..l~‘OREIGN Ditto.... ..... .. 87.025 19 10% 87,640 0 o
STAMPS, 3,338,119 3 10 - - -
...Ditro..1815 2,527,196 4 7 5,965,414 17 o
LOTTERY LICENCES........ ..... .. 1,961 6 0 4,189 11 w
LAND 1,045,536 1 6% 1,069,417 13 8
INCIDENTS.
LetterMoney........................»1,543,000 0 O 11426,000 o o
Hawkers and Pedlars........ . . . . . . . . 17,350 0 ° 15,350 0 0
Seizures... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,44; 7 1 14,534- 0 5
Prnfi‘ers.............................E 62.615 4. 608 6 o
Compositions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i — — o 3 4,
Fines and F111-feitures....... 228 15 3 100 o 0
Rent ofAlum Mines....... .--. 864, O O 864. 0 O
..Dino..aLighrHouse................ — — :6 11 4
Alienation Duty . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6,470 8 8 3,049 18 8
Hackney Coaches and Chairs. 1711....... 9,710 0 0 10,69; O O
......Diltu . . . . . . 13,130 0 0 15,473 0 0
Windows.... .. z 15 o - - -
Hunscs............ o 16 6 - - -
ArrearsofCarts....-.... . 311 c - - -
Servants..................-—-....... 5 5 o - — -
Arrears of 10!. per Cent. ....1793....... 5 11 3 - - -
Carriages . . . . . . . - . . . . . . . H1798..." .. 21 o o - - -
Husbandryllorses.........---—....... — — 318 3%
Windows..................1804....... 19612 11 7 8 0
Houses..-............ 27 710 o 10 6
Horsesand Muies..-..-....-—....... 1.16 o o 1 19 7
Horses.... 429 o o 26 5 5
gorse Dealers Licences......—.. - - 1 1 o
ervants...... . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1 ' o o
HairPowder . . . . . .. . 1g 17 - -4 -
Armorial Bearings. ..—— .. 33 6 2% - - -
Carriages. . ... :21 13 6 - - -
11818 0 2 8 o
10Lpe1-Ccnt. 37 16 1% - - -
( mm inued over leaf}
 Q54: ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
In the Year ended Dino _
51h Jan. 1816. 'gth Jan. 181-7.
INCIDENTS—( Continued.) (I. 1.7 d. _ £7 .1. a.
Consolidated Assessed Taxes. . 1808. . . . . . 6,113,659 1 9% 5,781,375 15 w
6d. per lib. on Pensions. . .. . . 1812. - . . . . . 49 17 10 - - -
1s. Ditto on Salariesv .. .. .. .. ... 417 s w - - ~
6d. Ditto on Pensions . . .. . .. 1813. . .. . . . 800 o 0 1,292. 5 0
521. Ditto on Pensions. . . . . . . . 1814-. . . . . . .
1:.Dittoon5alari'e‘s“....... 1,427 4. 1 190 13 0
5,100 o o v 694 5 71}
6d.
1s. Ditto‘onSélariés...
Ditto on Pensions“ .. .. 1815. . .... . .. 14,000 '0 o 1.879 4. 11*
2,550 o 0 6,180 o 0
1s. Ditto on Salaries.'. . ..---—.-H. 1,300 o 0 14,635 0 o
6d- Ditto on Pensions. . ...1816....-... - - - 2,600 o O
1.1. Ditto on Salaries. . ___'..._-__ . . . . . . - — 4,000 o o
Two~wheeled Carriages. . . . . . 1802. . . . . . - - ‘- 4.00 o 0
Surplus Duties Sugar and Malt. . . . . . . 285356 19 6 510328 6 6%
inmually grante'dyl Additional Ditt0.. 873,368 0 0 889,844, 3 2
filler discharging \ Annual Ditto. . . . 552,419 0 0 553.428 <1 0
3,000,0001. 1311- Tobacco.
Lind Tait. . . On
. . I killioes,. 91:924- 0 0 1531740 O 0
‘ ch'eqner Bills
charged th‘ereoh 8:0. ......... 34,460 18 6 58,516 7 11%
59,039,481! 11 11% 37,260,814 11 6%
Duties annually . Sugar and Malt . . . . . . 2,470,361 2 9 2,393,202 11 2
grantefl to 615-) Additional Ditto. . . . . . 238,119 0 0 220,604 0 o
charge three mil Annual Dilto. . .. . . - - 786 o 0
lions Exchequer Tobacco.... . .. 357,831 b 0 312,734, 0 o
Bills c'harged
thore‘on. 8 Land Tax on Oliices,
8w. . . .---.-.-.~. 1618 4 4,016 18 4,

42,105,817 14. vi 40,192,213 3 0}

 EILVLS 'SH‘EIdVrI 9'95
105 °lt 11b
d. 1 3%
$
'9 15
45,04 ,8 9 1,714,741 128,5:4. 9,516,315 2,661,711 13,047,581

,5. 21l961|
77

1,018,000
0 70,092
73 6
247,132 0o 33,749
14 17,700 6%
10 6,695,647
14 0 1,128,061
1 0 9
4%1,692,617 14078.7“
9
3 11%
1,731,139
12

44
7-710 9 60,588
3 123,815
10
15,236

___

816071497
8 7
d.
8o
PUBLIC
EXPENDITURE. 8.

6,171.22;

g.

Tviz.
(15.)
APVI.
Receipts;
thnaety-'imEoc'etixhnpceahtrsqinoenr
of Eother
Aincluding
SRand
xdeto
tmvriavtnoiacrnedcisn,ary Deduct
CAdvances
Amount
Rthe
of
and
other
oeto
umint rainces,
Q
For
I.
Interest,
&c.
Britain,
Great
of
Debt
Pnere;
uthe on
mdaenemnetd

--.-

Civil
III.. ..w .
(C)....
List
including
A2.)
Lives
Terms
(App.
Years
for
and
of
A.
n1.uiti.~es CAothe
IV.&c.
Family...
Royal
nlsto
olwiadnc.t.eds.,
.- ~.- n-.

Ffor
BCorn,
Mi&c.
oasnuhnfeatrcitue.rses,

Fund:
Sand
Alalowarncie..s.s.

OCourts
JtuhsetircCeh.a.r.ges
of PHereditary
Rthe
e‘neons'vieon.us.e
Miscel aneo.us
Dcscrters
and
Miiitia;.
Whrrants.
II.
I(B)
EnxtcehrqeusetroBnil s Cicv olGtmlruamcntdof,
SV. Services.....
General
and
Wages
Mint. ... .,
onthe iL...
Appendix
ncluded...i..n
VDepartment
ictua.l-.ing

(VJ—viz.
Navy,
The
VII. IX.
Army,
The
(I'M—viz.
'lraisport. dit.0 . . . . UrdinaryServices. . -..-.. ..- .

VIII.
TheiOrdna..nc., Countries. . . .. .
 9% ’IVIINNV ‘H’JJSIDEIH ’LISI
4,311,28719
15,— -— 3909,16:
1055
19 Fund,
Sinking
Tand
i‘
495,711].
of
Sum
the
Mfor
I6d.
55.
57,070l.
and
Loans;
Imperial
id.
ditto
n5s.
ahis
cnton
aleguredmestn,t,
(I.)—viz,
CX.
,5.
d.
(I.
&ocu.tnss.otrt.ihesr,
Loans, 1}
16
81,899,975 16%
,71,4.— -_,._14616 *80,185,8;8
719

At4i
3,661,300
Home. -. .9
-.~-. ..- . . 2-i
6
2,581,148
11;}
112
,731,139 6
247,86110
:--‘- 132,998
4.
10
~-

Nap7i»
263les.1;
-'. .-. -. .-. -. 8%
1,12110 2318
9Minor
WDuke
with
of
Peowler9,527
the s10
ioundgertEnogan.em n.ts
PUBLIC
EXPENDITURE—(Continued)

Lozm.
Portuguese
Account,
the
of
which,
Sums,
iDeduct
this
in
form
although
part
ncnoluded

Sinking
C0111
India
East
Fund
Loan
the
to
on

(K.)—viz
XI.
MSisecrelvainceoeus ,
Expenditure
viz.
Britain;
Great
of

&c.forl eland. .....

Loan,

lr6
2,581,148
e2u1d. . .-.}. . 1,096,355
R7;
us i17
a. >. . . . . . Sw50609813
edn. 7
.“ . . . . .
S117,748
6i8
cily. ... . . . .
 TrRaeto,
mdorfe-r0Lo"!
me-d _Anwm“ed
Com inTOTAL
the
by ioSUNS
nen, the
from
CAPITAL3_
1786,
Augurr,
Fat
UNDS.
ut31E
gI
raid.
'8'7'
Fcb’
'g!
mf
England.
of
Bank
“
£.
4'.
i£.
d.
a.d.
s5.6.. 32‘f.’l
i‘§1';.1§? 13'611i
0‘1189N.6125-O:00'“ewi1:.8°?"1».:'1:. . BankA1ui4tes.,0.68.-6. —,. 8. 0I l l'1,219,851
Ditto 01
1l
82123901,0437619,.12713 which
have
claimed
been
for
and
notym -— 1which
upwards,
539,258
ears
-19 subject
Claims
the
Parties
of
ethereto
to
naretitled i TCroaRe-2
of
mto
Tax
Land
nsiafoncesl
ironeudnrst, zo _ _6%1
_ _ ._.I 97‘87,47—1,7__Dltto.
0I for
Life
of
purchase
AG80.
Act
48
n per
u33.
.i0
ll t4i.e9s,95 l6%
.,4,4,:0
o 05
97
71511.i
101751.743;1 Debt
UFebruary,
n7}!
1817...
r6at
lst
e81,311,961
I
4,1}
d2e17
,5
7m6e9d,314

Aceount
An
Progress
qfthe
in
made
tire
Rof
the
eFUNDED
Punuc
DEBT
dGREAT
Bun-11m,
eFebruary,
mlst
orat
p1817.
tion

RDitto
ed3u0110c81,5e.611.1
-d430o6.1,873.40,2671. 7 ; perC1e.3n,ts907.70%
A1n-,30o91.0,38679;,01 10

10%
1,1,219,852
10
oi
0291‘
312.2,179
685,16,9430

FUNDED
PUBLIC
DEBT.

1|.

Rcdecm dhyt1he9C6
8
om2i911
s,471
i2one5rs8. ,. 4.3.0. ‘
.- . . . I I
Capitals
tthe
CroaDmto
nisvfion-esdrieonedrs—,-,

Cent.
AAnnis
nand
.5
per
1802
1,063,798
3u0
1797
iti-e~.*s.-,— ,
C£4
oCent.
nAs7no6lper
i7,796,400
,u3d26i78
at,84$:
ei'507d-e.9
8,s67,4934,
Cent.
Ditto.
Anno1726
.3per01,1
0.'‘.-0—,'-0—0
Ditto
.5;
Ditto.
.Ditto
1317
6
,8.9
18-7
0.24-035,9%
0.5710 3
5’9
deemed,
'994'
4
3atrstofFcb—ruary,

c5.3
0o1m45%
1-iper
8d164
61%;
,m1e451-95
0d637.3
14,.“9153.8419;01

"MA 'XI’I U)
8!?5 TVHNNV ‘HEILSIQTHI 'LIBI
&~0000\m-h

8 I [‘0 [O O 12
I3
13,369 7,030 23,154 7,776 4,7roxo,r$o 418,33; 1,929,85z
will
of
1802,
that
21d
the
since
jun:
in
Fuller:
or g.

l r
that
of
passing
in
the
nuiasties the
fall'
after are ofi
placed-
Account
be
Aer,
to
not Rfor
Ceof
the
the
odmuicstionenrs
Anne,
Anex—uities;
Exchequer
3d
and
2d An-'
such
Geo.
42d
By
3,
71,
Act
cap.
an

AN UlTlES hfull
ein
reafte_r.
--no.-~. 1808
Jan.
5th
Ado.
Bank
Short
n uit.ies 5th
Jan.
expire
will
1860.
do.-.
Long
Do.

April
Do.
5th
do.
A4
nne.
April'T...SO.S-. Do...do
pired'Sth bthJan.‘1805... -.
5Do.
td5
hApo.
rl 1806. . D0.6do.
. .dlr. ..1.807 Debt.
National
the
5thJul
6do...
D0.

01,0 0,0 0 0
200,000 06
260,000 54,880
14 0 25,000 28,838
7-
0 6
21,43: 8,157,236
r 8'7 7,:75
o
0- 103,498'
0
13 1541%3,494
6
3u,856
0
o o0
4,420
,Q
11.
s.

16,3I9,o34
1|}
5
'5,6ol,053
190

l 616,255
5
10
.aoColol‘nuegio-o shall
Do.
which
of
Nomin.e.s
the
have Dividend
[.3
t449.955.
3
rto
cents.
aon
nper
sfer ed The
Proportion
Sinking
of
Fund
Loan
Bills
and
raised
on funded,
borne
Cbe
Fund
by
1815,
onto
unno
solidated Annual
Aof
£p.part
1r?on
o,p0ril)a,t(i\o0n.
Reapnlirahlrm
the
ofAnnually
the
durlin Do. onst..a.nd ing
being£.1
O55,
ucent.
tper Exchequer
and
u5th
Bills,
Jun.
fbr
nat
provid’cd Annuity
of
Feb.
capitals
from
created
1
lst
cent.
per
on

AJan.
Life
Unfor
Y1817.
5th
3
cat
ears,
uliatime.sd
DEBT.
NATIONAL
purchaseLifeAnm ties. .,. D414,420.
ividend
ADo.
Long
for
nonuiti.es, (1Geo.
Loan
55.
43,
1807,
47
,2cup.
90,.0 0.
Dcent.
.
£i.3
v2at
7ion1per
d.e9n07.d.,8 1.
SUM-'6

Ann.
for
Years,
and
99
96
expired
1792.. Do.
£7,4-per
cat
on2e9n6t,.4..0._.,.

diedpriortobth-..lu.ly-.lfwg
urn5
Do.-c£per
e1n4t5.,.30 . 1793
both
1812,
inclusive
a,.
Amrual
Charge,
Geo.
3.
26
per.
do...
Do. .1.781O'.Yea.r-.s.do. .

1816a- -.L- -. .
 HLVLS 'S'HHJVcI 695

11%
17
301371
10 16
17,318,573
10
8
5m.64—5l1 9
Uncla9,810
with imedDivde0
no
s. . . . . .

_—

Capital,
I1purchased
Annual
nby
t,on8e6r9e,3s9t1. ,7£Capital
I3u9|.
11d.
n1tc2one0nl,ra2ei5sm8etd., £317,000.
Interest
Apurchased
Reduced
nonuities, “39g
7.858124
17 Hills
and
Loans
218
10§
,218,.094
Co3
the
ditto.
of
cent.
m56,081
at
aicper
on
s7
3
14
ioun.erts

Aof
Fund
Britain.
Great
11,67;,374
11;
-1u7
alSi.n.'.l1ing

Deduct
Fund
Sinking
said
for

unclaimed,
Annuities
Long
Ditto
8
6 471 ..
Loans
from
funded
Bills,
and
1813

Chargeable
Sinking
Fundon:
Great
of
Britain
6,920
2%
ac19
ou.n.t

in95»
71815
14
cto
,l6us3i9v.,e9.69

ALife
£.225,254
n13
0uiti...es.

m —-_
 and
scum
Old
5"Enslmd,
ACoDCnIsUomlildiaCtlec!d AII797
0I“n nm"
u1‘A
‘i-tniue.s
at d
Ammmu,
New
and 8

[.3
Ctnlper
Annum.
Ca1t.
pu-
m.
[5e: ConrolidMd
P" ated \
Cipllals,
Capitals, }
able
Br1ta1n
Great
41,087,615
51,768,750
111
90
5-,954,375
2O
c
0.,2. 2,0 0 5
49
)3
s
9
5339,
7o
94
31
5
2n,74,9
l 034+Transferre‘d
lheto
Com is.b.Y

PUBLIC
ofthe
ACCOUNT
of
An
DEBT
GREAT
FUNDED
Februan
Bthe
stood
a1817.
lst
nsameon-as.1 ,14,
Total
De1$2ht1318
£95,686,8000
o571,063,798
6f,2G8
2.
3850r,10
e413a5,0
t979
3,B2,68ri713t,.846,319q436$7,

nnumu'
1:711'6
1.79
[.4
Cent.
I_per
of
Bank
Aunuilies
684.
'58
983
115385
11&1
16
6
58,
,34.5
8,14
13
1
0'
1
1,0
61,
o888
6,,3 8

Geo.
A0148
2,275,876
to1c.142.
ant
3,
0 ,o-1~——7—-4—,079

Reduced.

~ Loans
Emperor
the
to... in Regent
Ditto
Prince
to.
Ireland,
"2
pay
I .. payable
Germany,
of 01' forth:
Nanies
the
In
Commis. R18,370,161
6,692,000
e36,851,915
461
du0
c16,313
t7
17-708
.1o115f7
-2t15
10
17
l2
11,294.
11 e1D bt. pAnn.
umhpursu
um-rsofL.
D0.
in
payable
Portugal,
of
395
7
151
1-'.“—_'—_
9
Total.$&16
c-6
01£.541,65
18 781,3148901,.39458614,932“,$1.83954707,06814531

$216
71,063,798
5,8}8
13
47
069
0712
3,0
1
4879
1,4639,5619380,5497,01.76‘f‘;
91397
Di07,502,633
t6
8
o. . . -_-.__._-
 1 I.
0
.u
.
Eaoaé mwom .23w 2: 5932 *0 52 .KHDUQEOXQ
v I.8
l ._.
¢ .3 . ,
. u I | 1 a | . . . . . . .EEZQ E30 5 935?; Sufi
TH ¢ o+§-¢é1
. . . .‘ ““ . y , , Au
...
‘- .*.m
. Ia .. .h.\r . 25 .7. 552.13% £2 .3 @395}? EacE<
\.
.
I I I “I I I I I I I I
o I._¢ ll I. oon-oooouaooo.Uoooaouo..mv=£_w=mu~o
. - ca m 2:.“ Q ahamkzssz < o_ 6: mu u Q
r, ..l . hi . $7 .1» ~ .»w\J11. I. .l . l .. p
»‘ l .. l. :1 .2. r. b,» I, A .v. . 1&5
J.
~.w
.hH—F
NH wk“; I
mmnn MOOQM+WQM_ I
I
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I I I I II I I I I I I
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v! .\~UI\1\
2 .. , is». 5m as 6.5?» out: .3.“ 8.5323
v , ; k .
. . .Esvosuxm 9: E 025?; 351.5% 25.
. ‘mwnwfit. 5? .L. . A.‘ .
0 . .. .... ...
@2601; m~ ~ o~smw~.m€.m_ m Hy 1w: Tm. w #oafimwfilmm + 3563.2 mo $9+w§~>h £51m 2&6 E
| - Lil Irl | 2.3.95 Chan .5.“ ....u:<:0 A52;
.. 1.» .. Ngiwuédww w¢3<
l L o mfwaég 1 | .n | - o 0 01¢ - o r mains o 0 30631».
{.7 I 3 252.25 62:25,» 85 .3 $3.?
.‘J 70%,; . .. . . .. , . . .. .
~
:1 xi. ,. I -25 v..- EvsomwflEEoO .2: 2 133%22H.
a I. I .
m "l amiwfi mm w : Duwémfiwfl mo a \ \1
m‘ Iv 2.181.; m: 5 9331.? FLTNww; m“ "$3.36? v
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I
. - q 1 ..I. . . .. . 1‘. 2: .5“ whocomnflEEcO 2t Me 3:82 2: :H -
mm“ + 210011. mm w wijmwif m HNQ62£$ T ~ “$343.. mo ,3 wiéSJfi m: H w+.\..mw..wmw .. . a.» \ A.
1 lllll I Ill \
w . ) a 000000
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lwm w I“ -. W“;.
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Ig c '3. . . - - .7 .. w... \ ,1. R \. . l . . . ,.. i i r 1 .Ewztsnm he Eu?“ 851% 3 31¢
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,
. .x m 'Mu. I ., . u. .3 .. w . . .... .l L D. 3958.30 .3 SBQES 9: 3 QEQH
.mm fl
Gmémmi. .9 +3.30; Wm m w~w£~ w w Q“. "Ff o m margin, o /o 35183.0. 25.2.5 . . . . ... . . . . . .
n! umOWQOBm . .I .‘ 0w .330 E Saga 6:20; .2.» _
. .. . .. . .
I A868.“ m 09.1448 ,T +2 03.34 mm s Ominomlumuw . 2 “£62.? A... ~+w.w:6: .Efitm 530.3 Bug 7308 .....»m...\..
*m
. 1
w
If mw
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..{$41, . 41... . ..
.mmmzmmxm 1.» .5255 a. . ..
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.wr I l
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5:6 :56 E _:=E<
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69?, 'IVHXNV ‘HI'ILSIQ'HH '9181

4 1°9650 39 1a 1
2,500,842
1%14 391164“
s
3 50,047,088
o} 13
d.
£41.a.1.
731.65»!
11 36,961
19

Amount
Outstanding.

1,735,731
!
3 L m
Anofthe
jDEBT
Uofhnuary,
Othe
Dmumns
and
5th
Day
A1817..
NTcFSUTonaNA/DmEItDNG
1,650,300
1
0 30,0 0,0 0 ‘ 41
7%
OQKI

1,487,743476,888536,171

- q

-.noug -. -|u. -
|-.¢ .- .- 0n.o- u'.|-
n.- o.0 -‘an. u0-naoc. u |.40-ou .-
UNFUNDED
DEBT.

MiSsecrevilceasn.eo-..u.1s-'.w-“nuL.”

f.or-".H- .- .un.pr.ov.id.e-‘. -.

Exchequer
for.- '. .\-. .- .-. .
provided
Bills
Wfor
Army
aSre vaincte.sa.

Treasury
Bils. . . . >.“ . - . .-

Excnm-ua.n:
I Bar‘cks. . . . . . .- .- . Ordnance....
Army-. . . . . . .
'Tau/151'1 1:
 STATE PAPERS.

PARLIAMENTARY REPORTS.
,_________,

The Select Committee of the House enlightened men have practically

of Commons appointed to consider failed. ,
of the Poor Laws, and to report In bringing under the view of
their Observations thereupon fromthe House the whole of this sys
time to time to the House, have, tem of laws, they feel it unneces
pursuant to the Order of the. sary to refer minutely to the sta
House, considered the same ac tutes which passed antecedent to
cordingly, and agreed to the fol the reign of Queen Elizabeth. It
lowing Report. may be sufficient to state, that
they were generally directed to the
Yoon Committee have for-borne relief of the impotent poor, by the
to avail themselves of the permis contributions of the church and
sion to report their observations the aims of the charitable, and to
from time to timeto the House, the suppression of vagrancy and
from the persuasion that they could idleness; for while permission to
not do justice to so extensive and solicit support from private bene
intricate a subject, by presenting volence was given to those who
it in detached parts before they had were disabled by age or infirmity,
the means of taking a deliberate it became probably extremelydif
view of the whole; and not seeing fiou'lt to repress the same practice
it probable that they could recom in others, who “ as long as they
mend any such alteration of the might live by begging, did refuse
existing laws as would afi‘ord im to labour, giving themselves to
mediate relief in those cases of idleness and vice." E'nactments
severe. and urgent pressure, which the most harsh were therefore
can scarcely be deemed to have provided against “ strong beggars,
arisen out of the ordinary ope persons wholo and mighty in
ration of this system, they could body 3" and the relentless rigour
not feel themselves justified in of of these *laws, which was consum
fering any suggestions hastily to mated in the first year of Edward
the 'House on questions ofacknow VI. visited the ofl'éncc of vagrancy
ledged dilficulty, enhanced in a with the barbarous penalties ol'sla
high degree by the circumstances very, mutilations, and death. And
ofthe times, and on which they although these sevaritieswere some
cannot but, recollect, that the re what relaxed, even before the expi
medial eii‘orts of the most able and ration of that shmt reign, yet they
did
964 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
did not wholly give way to a milder trade of life to get their living by;
system till the beginning of the and also to raise by taxation, &c.
last century. “ it convenient stock of flux, &c.
The impotent poor, on the other to set the poor on work 5" and also
hand, were permitted to beg within competent sums of money for and
certain districts, and no means of towards the necessary relief of
exhortntion were spared to excite the lame, impotent, old, blind,
the people “ to be liberal, and and such other among them, being
bountifully to extend their good poor and not able to work."
and charitable aims towards the This new and important prin
comfort and relief of the poor, ciple of compulsory provision for
impotent, decrepit, indigent, and the impotent, and for setting to
needy people." Subsequent sta work the able, originated, without
tutes in the reign of Edw. VI. doubt, in motives of the purest
were directed to the same object, humanity, and was directed to the
till at length by the 5th Eliz. c. 3, equitable purpose of preventing
upon the exhortutionof the priest, this burthen falling exclusively
bishop, and justices in sessions, upon the charitable. But such a.
having been directed in vain to compulsory contribution for the
those who were unwilling to con indigent, from the funds originally
tribute, thejustices, after repeated accumulated from the lnbour and
admonition, were empowered with industry of others, could not fail
the churchwurdens to assess such in process of time, with the in-
persons according to their discre crease of population which it was
tion for a. weekly contribution. calculated to foster, to produce
'I‘hus gradually was established a the unfortunate etl'ect of abating
general and compulsory provision those exertions on the part. of the
for the maintenance of the im labouring classes, on which, ac
potent poor ; it was modified and cording to the nature of things,
extended by various successive the happiness and welfare of man
enactments, and at length ma kind has been made to rest. By
tured and consolidated by the sta diminishing this natural impulse
tute of the 43d of the same reign, by which men are instigated to
which continues to this day the industry and good conduct, by
fundamental and operative law superseding the necessity of pro
on this important subject. viding in the season of health and
This statute enacts, that “ the vigour for the wants of sickness
churchwardens and overseer-s" and old age, and by making po
shall take order from time to verty and misery the conditions
time (with the consent of two or on which relief is to be obtained,
more justices) for setting to work your Committee cannot but fear,
the children of all such whose pu from a rcfcrencc to the increased
rents shall not be thought able to numbers of the poor, and increased
lteep and maintain their children; and increasing amount of the
and also for setting to work all sums raised for their relief, that
such persons, married or unmat this system is perpetually encou
ried, having no means to maintain raging nnd increasing the amount
them, and use no ordinary or daily of misery it was designed to alle
viute,
 STATE PAPERS. 265
viate, creating at the same time an which each person can expend in
unlimited demand on funds which labour are limited, in proportion
it cannot augment; and as every as the poor-rate diminishes th0se
system of relief founded on com funds, in the same proportion will
pulsory enactments must be di the wages of labour be reduced,
vested of the character of bene to the immediate and direct pre
volence, so it is without its bene judice of the labouring classes;
ficial elfects; as it proceeds from the system thus producing the
no impulse of charity, it creates very necessity which it is created
no feelings of gratitude, and not to relieve. For whether the ex
unfrequently engenders disposi penditure of individuals be applied
tions and habits calculated to sepa directly to labour, or to the pur
rate rather than unite the interests chase of conveniences or super
of the higher and lower orders of fluities, it is in each case employed
the community; even the obli immediately or ultimately in the
gations of natural affection are no maintenance of labour.
longer left to their own impulse, This system, it is also to be re
but the mutual support of the marked, is peculiar to Great Bri
nearest relations has been actually tain ; and even in Scotland, where
enjoined by a positive law, which a law similar in principle was
the authority of magistrates is about the same period enacted, the
continually required to enforce. intelligent persons to whom the
The progress of these evils, which administration of it has been en
are inherent in the system itself, trusted, appear by a valuable re
appears to have been favoured by port (for which your Committee
the circumstances of modern times, are lately indebted to the prompt
by an extension of the law in prac exertions of the General Assembly
tice, and by some deviations from of the Church of Scotland) to have
its most important provisions. How possessed so much foresight and
much ofthe complaints which have judgment as to its effects, that
been referred to your Committee they have very generally and suc
may be attributable to one cause cessfully endeavoured to avoid
or the other, it is perhaps not easy having recourse to its provisions
to ascertain. The result, how for a compulsory assessment. Their
ever, appears to have been highly funds, therefore, continue to be
prejudicial to the moral habits, derived, except in comparatively
and consequent happiness of a few placcs, from charity, and are
great body of the people, who dispensed with that sound discri
have been reduced to the degra mination, which in the ordinary
dation of a dependence upon pa transactions of life belongs to real
rochial support; while the rest of benevolence; and the committee
the community, including the most of the General Assembly state,
industrious class, has been oppress “ That it is clear to them, that in
ed by aweight of contribution taken almost all the country parishes
from those very means which would which have hitherto come under
otherwise have been applied more their notice, where a regular as
beneficially to the supply of em sessment has been established, the
ployrnent. And, as the funds wants of the poor and the extent
of
 266 AN NU'AL RE-GISTE R, 1817’.
of the assessment haVe gradually deration of the subject in detail,
and progressively increased from as it relates to the assessment and
their commencement; and that it the purposes for which it is le
does appear to be a matter of vied.
very serious interest to the com' Before your Committee proceed
munity at large, to prevent as far to these considerations, they must
as possible this practice from be lament that it has yet been found
ing generally adopted—#to limit impossible to reduce the returns
4 the assessments as much as they made under the 55th of the King
can be limited, where the circum to the shape in which they should
stances of particular parishes ren be presented to Parliament; even
der them unavoidable, and when the abstract of the expenditure
ever it is practicable to abandon could only very recently be com
them." pleted, from the tardiness with
Under this impression, respect which the statute has been exe
ing the effect of a system, which cuted in no less than 854 pa
having been in operation upwards rishes" From the want of the de
of two centuries, has become in tails of these returns, they have
terwoven with the habits and very been deprived of a large mass of
existence of a large class of the the most valuable, and for some
comu-mnity, your Committee have purposes indispensable informa
anxiously endeavoured to devise tion; they have been compelled
such means as may be calculated, to make new and otherwise Unne
by their gradual operation, to cessary inquiries, and they are still
revive, with habits of industry without the means of presenting
and frugality, those moral feel to the House any view of the com
ings in the people which are inti parative increase or diminution of
mately connected with their self this expenditure in difl‘erent parts
.suppo-rt and independence; and of the kingdom.
further, to correct any such de What might have been the
fects in the mode in which the amount of the assessments for the
law has been executed, as may ' poor during the 17th or 18th cen
have tended to create or aggravate turies, the Committee have no
the evils to which they have refer means of ascertaining; for al
red. VVith these views, they have though the preamble of 13th and
felt it their duty to consider ma 14th Ch. II. states “the neces
turely every plan which has either sity, number, and continual in
suggested itself to your Commit crease of the poor, to be very
tee, or which has at various times great and exceeding burthen
been proposed by the most emi some,” and in the year 1699,
nent persons, who have devoted King \Vi‘l'liam thus expressed him
their attention and efforts to the self in a speech from the throne,
nmciioration of this part of our “ the increase of the poor is be
law ; and such suggestions as may come. a hurthen to the kingdom ;
seem worthy, either of the adop and their loose and idle. life does
tion or consideration of the in some measure contribute to
House, your Committee will no that (lepravation of manners which
tice as they arise, on the wash is complained of, l fear with too
i much
 STATE PAPERS. 267
much reason ; whether the ground the amount of money levied by
of this evil be from defects in the assessment, are progressively in
laws already made, or in the exe creasing, while thc situation of
cution of them, deserves your con the poor appears not to have been
sideration ;" and though com in a corresponding degree im
plaints appear continually to have proved; and 'the Committee is of
been since made of the increasing opinion, that whilst the existing
numbers of the poor, yet it was poor laws, and the system under
not till the present reign, in the which they are administered re
year I776, that authentic accounts main unchanged, there does not
of this expenditure were required exist any power of arresting the
under the authority of the legisla progress of this increase, till it
ture. From the returns made shall no longer be found possible
under acts passed in that and to augment the sums raised by
subsequent years, it appears that assessment.
in 1776, the whole sum raised For if the means could be found
was 1,7Q0,316L ofwhich there was to distribute the burthen more
expended on the poor, 1,556,804l. 3 equally, by rendering the interest
on the average of the years 1783, of money and the profit of stock
1784, and .785, the sum raised liable to the assessment, these
was ‘2,167',749l. expended on the funds being also in themselves
poor, Q,004, '23'8L; in the year 1803 limited, must finally be absorbed
the sum raised was 5,348,?05l. by the increasing and indefinite
expended on the poor, 4,267,965l.; amount of the demand. It having,
in 1815, 7,068,999l. expended on however, been strongly pressed
the poor, 5,072,02fil. The ex upon the House and the Commit
cess above the sum applied to the tee, in petitions from various
poor, was expended in church quarters, to devise some better
rates. county rates, highway and means than now exist, of bringing
militia; and it appears from the the income derived from personal
evidence before your Committee, property in aid of this assessment,
that the amount of the sums as which is now nearly confined in
sessed is largely increased since practice to the revenue arising
those last returns ; a part of which from land and houses, and bears
increase cannot fail to have arisen undoubtedly with unequal pressure
from the peculiar pressure and on the occupier of land, the Com
difficulty of the times, aggravated mittee have given their mostats
by the high prices incident to the tentive consideration to this sub-
calamity of a deficient harvest. ject. They find that the only
But independent ot the pressure enactment which regulates the
of any temporary or accidental description of persons and pro
circumstances, and making every perty subject to the rate, is the
allowance for an increased popu original clause in the 43d Eliz.
lation, the rise in the price of pro which directs the churchwardens
visions and other necessaries of and overseers “ to raise weekly
life, and a misapplication of part or otherwise ‘ by taxation of
of these funds, it is apparent that everyinhabitant, parson, vicar and
both the number of paupers, and others, and of every occupier of
land,
268 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
land, houses, tithes impropriate,
proportions of tithes, coalmines,
or saleable sunderwoods in the
said parish, in such competent
sum and sums of money as they
shall think fit,‘ a convenient stock
of flax, &c. to set the poor on
work; and also competent sums
for and towards the relief of the
lame, impotent, &c. to be ga
thered out: of the same parish,
according to the ability of the
same parish." \Vithout troubling
the House with the numerous,
and in some instances contradic
tory decisions, of the courts of
law upon this short enactment, it
will be sufficient to state, that the
intention of the statute to tax the
inhabitants of the parish for their
local and visible property, as well
as the occupiers of land, has been
recognized as indisputable; and
if in practice the burthen has
been imposed almost exclusively
on land and houses, it has not
arisen from the taxation of per
sonal property being either illegal
or unjust, but from the insur
mountable difiiculty of ascertain
ing legally the amount, or even
existence of a species of property,
to which in truth the terms local
and visible seem scarcely to apply.
The intention of the legislature
therefore to bring into equal con
tribution all species of income,
has failed in this instance, as it
has done subsequently under the
original land-tax act, which was
designed in its first establish
ment as a tax on all income, and
from the same cause, namely, the
difficulty of ascertaining with any
reasonable precision, the amount
of the contribution, without the
exercise of powers which the exi
geucy of the state in time of war
has alone induced the legislature
to grant. The Committee conceive
therefore that the House would
deem the equalization of the poor
rate, if practicable, purchased too
dearly at such a price. There is
however one species of income
derived from personal property,
the dividends payable to the pub'
lic creditor, which though it has
been decided not to come within
the existing law, as being neither
local nor visible, is yet free cer
tainly from the above difficulties,
and if it presented no others,
would afford a. facility of assess
ment which has naturally sug
gested it as a convenient source
of contribution. But without con
sidering in what proportions a
sum raised by an assessment on
su_cl1 property should be distri
buted among all the parishes of
England and \Vales, to none of
which it has any local relation, it;
is a far more important ques
tion for the consideration of the
House, whether justice and good
faith to the public creditor would
permit. the income derived from
this one species of personal pro
perty alone to be taxed, in direct
violation of the clause in every
loan act, by which the payment of
the dividends is secured; “ free
from all taxes, charges, and im
positions," when almost all pro
perty of a similar description is
practically exempted. In the case
of the income tax, the profits of
all personal property were brought
into equal contribution for the
general purposes of the empire ;
in this instance it is proposed to
select one species of such property
for taxation, which has been bylaw
specially exempted, and to apply
it in aid of the disbursement in
local~
 STATE PAPERS.
local districts, in the control and
administration of which this class
of contributors would alone have
no share. it must be recollected
also that even the general‘ tax on
income did not attach on the divi
dends due to :1 foreigner: and
that the stockholders, inhabitants
of Ireland and Scotland, must be
considered, with reference to the
poor rate, in the same light. Nor
can the Committee think, that
either justice or policy would per
mit 11 tax to be imposed on money
lent to the state, while sums at
interest on other securities remain
practically exempt.
If, therefore, it should be deem
ed neither practicnble to provide
the means for rating all personal
property, nor wise or just to se
lect one species of such property,
so circumstanced, for taxation, it
may be still considered, whether
any other means could be devised
of correcting the inequality of the
assessment, in parishes in which
the occupier of land now bears
the principal part of the burthen.
As each householder is likely to
burthen the parish in proportion
to the number of persons he em
ploys in his service, it has been
suggested, that it would be equi
table that his contribution to the
poor rate should bear some pro
portion to that number An ob
vious objection, however, to any
such arrangement presents itself,
in the case of the numerous per while, it is represented, the pro
sons employed by manufactures; prietors find no difficulty in secur
and from the possibility of such a ing a rent, which is increased in
principle of assessment creating, the exact proportion of the amount
in other cases also, some discou
ragement to employment. But if
this, or any other expedient on a
similar principle could be adopt
ed, which would bring other pro
269
potty in aid of the land, it would
in that case become doubly ne
cessary to provide efl'ectually a
gainst the mischief of a practice,
to which the Committee must
more particularly advert hereafter,
of making tip the deficiency of the
wages of labour out of the poor
rate. While that rate is derived
chiefly from land, the occupier
pays, in the shape of poor rate,
what should be more properly
paid in wages ; he still, however,
throws some share of the burthen
of the maintenance of his labour
ers on other contributors, accord
ing to the share of the rate. But
if personal property were brought
efl‘ectually in aid, the mischief of
this practice would become of in—
tolerable magnitude, and would
produce, perhaps, more injustice
than the present inequality of the
rate.
in large towns little inequality
in the mode of assessment might
be expected to prevail; but va
rious representations have been
made to your Committee, of a
large proportion of property ne
cessarily escaping its share of eon~
tribution, from tenements being
of small value, rented for short
periods, and the occupiers, who
alone can be rated under the ex
isting law, either quitting their
residence before the rate can be
collected, or being too poor to
admit of the rate being levied;
of the rate which is due, but im
possible to collect. in these cases
the tlcliciences arising from this
cause must be added to the suc
cecding rate, and paid by the
more
270 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
more industrious class of occu in particular instances, some de
piers. This complaint is not new parture from the general law
to the House, their attention hav might be expedient. But your
ing been called to the subject by Committee cannot wholly concur
the application from the town of in the reasoning of that Report,
Birmingham, for relief from this because they conceive that the
alleged grievance ; and though the occupiers of such tenements are
House rejected a proposed Bill, much more likely to bring a
for rating the owners of such te burthen upon the parish than
nements in that town, in default to control its expenditure; and
of payment by the occupiers ; yet they are disposed to think, that
as that vote might have proceeded such beneficial control would
from the provision being proposed most probably be produced by the
to be local, which, if expedient, owner having, in these instances,
the House might have thought a more direct interest than at pre
should be general, the Committee sent in the disbursements of the
feel it their duty to represent, parish. In the assessment oflands,
that similar applications have been it would undoubtedly, for obvious
made to them from other quar reasons, be far otherwise. In the
ters, from Bristol, Brighthelm case of houses, however, it seems
stone, Hull, Manchester, Portsea, of for more importance to pre
and Coventry, in each of which a serve the principle of making all
large portion of the property of property contribute equally when
the town escapes contribution, it is practicable, than to adhere to
from the poverty or transient resi the law of rating the occupier ra
dence of the tenant; while the ther than the owner, by which, as
landlord secures on that very ac in the case of Birmingham, nearly
count au increased rent. The half the rental of the town, and
objection to rating the owners, above three-fourths of the houses, _
instead of the occupiers, which escape a burthen which it largely
would at once equalize the bur contributes to create. _On this
then in such towns, is, that it subject the committee can speak
would be introducing a new prin from experience, for the practice
ciple into this law, whereby per has been adopted with perfect
sons would be made to contribute success, and without a complaint,
to the rates, who are not on the as it should seem, in the parishes
spot to control the expenditure. of Christ Church, Spitalfields,
Such, at least, is the objection Shadwell, Gravesend, and proba
stated in the Report of the Com bly others which have not come
mittee, to whom the difi'erent pro within the knowledge of your
visions of various local acts for committee. In such cases the
the management of the poor were landlord, no doubt, makes his
referred in the year 18l3 ;* who, agreement with his tenant accord
nevertheless, were of opinion, that ingly, and has no reasonableground
of complaint, if he is deprived of
that part of his rent which should
‘t See Report or Yered to be printed 26th in justice have been paid to the
March, 1813. v parish fund . if it were possible
to
 STATE PAPERS. 9171
/

to distinguish in any enactment that, unless some efficacious check

between parishes in large towns be interposed, there is every reason
and those in the ~country,'your to think that the amount of the as
committee would recommend such sessment will continue, as it has
an alteration in the persons rated, done, to increase, till at a period
to be limited to parishes of the more or less remote, according to
former description. But if that the progress the evil has already
should be found, as they fear, im made in different places, it shall
practicable, they would still re have absorbed the profits of the
commend sdch a general provi property on which the rate may
sion, exempting cottages below a have been assessed, producing
certain value, from its operation. thereby the neglect and ruin of
By which exemption, such cot the land, and the waste or removal
tages as are now rated, would be of other property, to the utter sub
excluded from the assessment. version of that happy order of so
With the same view of making ciety so long upheld in these
all property contribute to the re kingdoms.
lief ot' the poor, where it is prac The gradual increase which has
ticable, the committee think that taken place, both in the number of
provision should be made to pre paupers, and in the assessments
ventcxtra-parochial places being for their support, can hardly fail
exonerated from this burthen. to have arisen from causes inhe
Whether they should be made rent in the system itself, as it does
contributory to some other dis not appear to have depended en
trict, or compelled themselves to tirely upon any temporary or local
provide for their own poor, it is circumstance. Scarcity of provi
obviously most unjust, that bur sions, and a diminished demand for
thens properly belonging to them particular nmnufuctures, have oc
should continue to be borne by casioned from time to time an in
others. creased pressure in particular pn
The committee are 'well aware, rishes, and at no former time in so
that however important and de great a degree as during the early
sirable it undoubtedly is to equal purl; of the present. But by com
ize this heavy burthcn, yet if new paring the assessments in the two
funds are provided, it should at counties in this kingdom, in which
the same time be remembered, the largest portion is employed in
that a facility of expenditure will agriculture, namely Bedfordshire
he also created. But whether the and Herefordshire, it will be seen
assessment be confined to land and that there has been the same pro
houses, or other denomination of gressive augmentation in the a
property be made practically liable mount of the assessments, as may
to the same charge, your commit be observed to have taken place in
_ tee feel it their imperious duty to the manufacturing counties.
state to the House their opinion,

County
272 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
:(cdiuln; were}: of _

'-—‘
21:32:.“ 3:32: Tmuxfi-m‘ assessor. Erin‘azrznz.
.endmg Enter I776.
Ilhlll IXPfiII

P55" nu‘ "84'

lull

Inner 5803.
_ I

a; March 1813.
_

17 5.

County of )6. s. d. ,4". a. d ,4. s. d. g. I. d.

HEREFORD 10,595 7 2 16.7“)? 18 2 48,067 8 10 59,255 19 0

BEDFORD 16,662 17 1 20,977 0 11 38,070 3 8 50,370 10 11

. ~
What number of years, under and the number of persons to
the existing laws and manage whom relief is actually given, be_
ment, would probably elapse, and ing now far more than any work
to what amount the assessments houses would contain, the system
might possibly be augmented, be itself is from necessity, as well as
fore the utmost limitation would by law, materially relaxed.
be reached, cannot be accurately In addition to these important
ascertained; but with regard to considerations, it is also apparent,
the first, your committee think it that in whatever degree the addition
their duty to point out, that many to the number of paupers depends
circumstances which, in the early upon theirincrease by birth,tliat ad
periods of the system,‘rendered its dition will probably be greater than
progress slow, are now unfortu in past times, in the proportion in
nately changed. The independent which the present number of pau
spirit of mind which induced indi pers exceeds that which formerly
viduals in the labouring classes to existed ; and it is almost needless
exert themselves to the utmost, to point out, that, when the pub
before they submitted ,to become lic undertakes to maintain all who
paupers, is muchimpaired; this may be born, without charge to
order of persons therefore are the parents, the number born will
every day becoming less and less probably be- greater than in the
unwilling to add themselves to the natural state. On these grounds,
list of paupers. The workhouse therefore, your committee are led
system, though enacted with other to apprehend, that the rate at which
views, yet for a long time acted the increase would take place un_
very powerfully in deterring per der the existing laws, would be
sons from throwing themselves on greater than it has heretofore
their parishes for relief; there been; but at whatever rate the
were many who would struggle increase might take place, it could
through their difficulties, rather not fail materially to depend on
than undergo the discipline of a the general state of the country,
workhouse; this etfect however is whether it was in an improving,
no longer produced in the same a stationary, or a declining state',
degree, as by two modern statutes and it would also be afi'ected by
the justices have power under cer the recurrence of plentiful or de
tain conditions to order relief to ficient harvests.
be given out of the workhouses, With regard to the second point,
namely,
 STATE PAPERS. 273
namely, the probable amount be possible-for atenant to do so as to
yond which the assessments can undertake to pay any rent which
not be augmented, your Com the wants of his landlord might
mittee have again to lament, that induce him to desire, which con
the returns collected in 1816 are dition could never be complied
not yet before them in detail, and with. The apprehension, how
there are no means of ascertaining ever, of being placed in such a
with sufficient accuracy, either the situation as this, could not fail to
amount of the rates now assessed, deter persons from holding land
or the gross rental of the property long before they paid to the poor
on which they are levied. What rate asmuch as they would other
ever indeed that may be, it appears wise pay in rent; and as under
to be certain that the land owners these circumstances, the land
and the farmers would cease to owner would still remain enitled
have an adequate interest in con to the soil. the paupers could not
tinuing the cultivation of the land, enter and cultivate for themselves;
long before the gross amount of nor could it be occupied for any
the present rental could be trans beneficial purpose, as whatever
ferred to the poor rate ; for it is stock might be found on the land
obvious, that a number of charges would be liable to distress for poor
must be provided for out of the rate.
gross rental of land, without an The consequences which are
adequate provision for which the likely to result from this state of
land cannot be occupied ; the things are clearly set forth in the
general expenses of management, petition from the parish of Wom
the construction and repairs of bridge, in Salop, which is fast ap
buildings, drains, and other ex proaching to this state: the peti~
pensive works, to which the te tioners state, “ that the annual
nant's capital cannot reach, con value of land, mines, and houses
stitute the principal part of these in this parish, is not sufficient to
charges, and the portion of the maintain the numerous and in
grOss rent which is applied to creasing poor, even if the same
these purposes, can never be ap were to be set free of rent; and
plied to the augmentation of the that these circumstances will in
poor rate. evitably compel the occupiers of
Even if it can be thought possi lands and mines to relinquish
ble that any landlord could sufi‘er them, and the poor will be with
his land to be occupied and culti out relief or any known mode of
vated, or that he would continue obtaining it, unless Some assist
to give to it the general superin ance be speedily atforded them."
tendance of an owner, when the And your Committee apprehend,
whole of the net rental was trans from the petitions before them, that
ferred to the poor, it is perfectly this is one only of many parishes
clear that no tenant could hold a that are fast approaching to a state
farm upon the condition of main of dereliction.
taining all the poor who might By following the dictates of their
under any circumstances want own interests, land owners and
relief; it would be as much im farmers become, in the natural
Vot. LIX. T order
274 ‘ANNUAL REGlSTER, 1817.
order of things, the best trustees can be found for their relief, those
and guardians for the public; evils may in some degree be Ini
when that order of things isde tigated ; but when such resources
stroyed, and a compulsory main— can no longer be found, then will
tenance established for all who these evils be.felt in their full
require it, the consequences can force 5 and as the gradual addition
not fail in the end to be equally of .fresh funds can only create an
ruinous to both parties. These increased number of paupers, it is
impressions, upon subjects of obvious that the amount of the
such great importance, could not misery which must be endured,
fail to induce your committee to when these funds can no longer
take into their consideration what be augmented, will be the greater
ever plans Could be referred to or (though the longer delayed) the
suggested, the object of which greater the supplies are, which
might be to check and modify the may be applied to the relief of
system itself, a duty to which they pauperism, inasmuch as the suf
were the more strongly urged by fering to be endured must be in
the view which had presented creased with the number of suf
itself to their consideration of the ferers. '
state of society, created by an ex Your committee forbear to ex
tensive system of pauperism, and Vpatiate on these considerations
which led them, for the sake of which have pressed themselves on
the paupers themselves, to seek their attention; they have said
for the means of setting again into enough to show the grounds which
action those motives which impel induce them to _think that the la
persons, by the hope of bettering bouring classes can only be plung
their condition on the one hand, ed deeper and more hopelessly
and the fear of want on the other, into the evils of pauperism, by
so to exert and conduct them the constant application of addi
selves, as by frugality, temper tional sums of money to be dis
ance, and industry, and by the tributed by the poor rate; true
practice of those otherivirtues on benevolence and real charity point
which human happiness has been to other means, which your com
made to depend, to ensure to mittee cannot so well express as
themselves that condition of ex in the emphatic language of Mr.
istence in which life can alone be Burke; “ patience, labour, fru
otherwise than a miserablebur gality, sobriety, and religion,
then ; the temptations to idleness, should be recommended to them ;
to improvidence, and want of all the rest is downright fraud." *
forethought, are under any cir W'ith the view then of providing
cumstances so numerous and en such acheck as may lay the founda
ticing, that nothing less than the tion for a better system, it may be
dread of the evils, which are their ,worth the most serious considera~
natural consequence, appears to tion, whether a provision of various
beisutliciently strong in any de local acts by which the assessment
gree to control them ; which the itself
neglect and absence of those in"
tues, as long indeed as fresh funds . * Thoughts and Details on Scarcity.
Burke’s Works, vol. vii. p, 337.
 STATE
itself was limited for the time to
come, might not be applied to all
other parishes or districts. Your
committee are not aware that such
a provision would be less prac
ticable, as applied generally, than
locally; and it would obviously
not only operate in aid of any
other cheek to expenditure which
might be devised, but would ne
cessitate a degree of economy,
which would probably be more
effectual than any detailed regu
lations which could be prescribed
by particular enactments, and ren
der necessary such Careful and just
discrimination in selecting the
properest objects of relief, as
would contribute materially to put
an end to numberless evils arising
from the lax administration of the
poor laws 3 the check, indeed,
which is proposed is perfectly con
sonant with the nature of things,
not only individuals, but states
themselves are compelled to limit
their expenditure according to
their means ; and the money
raised for the poor being strictly
a tax, is in no greater degree ca
pable of unlimited extension, when
applied to relieve the necessities
of the poor than for the purposes
of the state. Whether the future
assessments should be limited in
the first instance to the amount of
any one year, or to an average of
many, your committee think the
amount in each succeeding year,
not exceeding seven, ten, or even
a greater number. should then af
ford an average, taken always
from the last seven, ten, or greater
number; by which means a di
minution in the amount might be
afi'ortled, without the possibility,
on the other hand, of an increase
beyond the original limitation. It
PAPERS. 275
is fit, however, to apprise the
House, that it was thought neces
sary by the legislature, in the year
1795, to relieve these parishes
from the obligation of this clause,
“ by reason (as it is stated) of the
late very great increase of the
price of corn, and other necessary
articles oflife." They were, there
fore, enabled to raise sums ex-'
ceeding the amount of the limited
assessment, whenever the average
price of wheat in Mark-lane ex
ceeded the average price at the
same market, during those years
from which the average amount
of the poor rates were taken. But
a new limitation was again im
posed by the same act, providing,
that after the lat January, [795,
no assessment should exceed dou
ble the sum raised in 1795. And
your committee apprehend, that
this limitation remains still in
force. In case it was thought ex
pedient to adopt this limitation of
assessment generally, it appears
to your committee, that provision
might be made against such an
emergency as that of the year
1795, without abandoning the
principle, by providing, that in
case of an urgent and unforseen
necessity, far exceeding any such
average, the vestry of the parish
might apply to the justices, in their
quarter sessions, for an aid from
the county to the amount of one
moiety of such necessary excess,
and for permission to raise the
other moiety, by way of assess
ment within the parish, in addition
to such average amount; and if
the justices, or a committee of
them appointed for that purpose,
should, after examination on oath
as to the necessity of such excess
of expenditure, be of opinion that
T 2 it
276 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1m.
it was unavoidable, they might penditure ; and on these grounds
order the moiety of' such excess your committee are not disposed
required for the ensuing quarter to recommed any facility being
to be paid out of the county rate, granted for the execution of this
(subject to exception in the case provision of the law. ‘
of a parish whose rate is below Your committee cannot close
the average ratio of the county) their observations on the subject
and make an order to permit the of' the assessment, without advert
overseers, &c. to levy the other ing to a suggestion which has been
moiety, by way of assessment, on made to them from various and
the parish. The necessity of the ‘respectable quarters; that the
strictest economy, which would maintenance of' the poor should be
be created by the limitation of the made, by way of equalizing the
rate, would not, it is hoped, be burthen, national rather than pa
impaired under this strict scrutiny, rochial. To this proposal your
in case of' excess. For an interest committee feel one, among vari
would thus be given to the jus ous other difficulties, which ap
tices, to make the examination pears to them insuperable, and of
into the expenditure of such parish such a nature and magnitude as to
rigorous; and further, to regard supersede the necessity of entering
continually the mode in which the into the other considerations con
poor are managed and maintained nected with such a measure. They
in the different parishes of their refer to the impossibility of devising
county. It would be necessary any adequate means to check the
also to provide, that the power to demands upon such a fund, when
levy the augmented rate should every excess in parochial disburse
never be continued longer than ments would be merged in the
the duration of the temporary general expenditure of the em
exigency which gave occasion to pire._ _
to it. . - If your committee have been
The House are aware, that by desirous to recommend some gra
the statute of Elizabeth, the pa dual but effectual check to the
rishes of the hundred, and in some otherwise certain growth, and ul
instances those of the county, timately inevitable effect of the
might be rated in aid of every present system of the poor laws,
parish in which the inhabitants they have not been less attentive
are not able to levy sufficient sums to the duty of suggesting every
for the relief of their poor: great possible means of affording spe
difficulties however have occurred cial encouragement and facility to
in practice, from the want of a meritorious industry, for rescuing
clear definition of such inability ; itself from the evils of an habitual
nor does it afford any sufficient reliance on parochial relief, and
security against the mismanage they have looked to this part of the
ment or misapplication of the subject with the more anxiety, from
funds of one parish being render the entire conviction, that, in pro
ed, against every principle of equi portion to the aggregate number
ty, 0. charge on others, who had of persons who are reduced to this
no share or interest in such ex unfortunate dependancc, must be
not
 STATE PAPERS. 277
not only the increase of misery to condition of the people; but they
each individual, but also the molal trust that they may be enabled to
deterioration of the people, and set .before the people, in a way
ultimately, front the concurrent that they cannot misunderstand,
tendency of these evils, the insecu the means of securing their own
rity and danger of the state it\elf. comfort and happiness, by holding
The encouragement of frugal outadvantagesexceedingin amount
habits would, in any state of so any that the existing establishments
ciety, be an object of importance ; with which they are familiar can
but your committee are strongly olfer, with the certainty of the ad—
impressed with the opinion, that, vantages offered, viz. reliefin sick
in the present situation of the poor ness, and an annuity in old age
in this country, it is chiefly by the being secured by the contribution
gradual restoration of a feeling of of the parish. Your Committee is
reliance upon their own industry, therefore of opinion, that it will be
rather than upon the parochial as expedient to enable parishes to esta
sessments, that the transition to a blish Parochial Benefit Societies,
more wholesome system can be under the joint management of
effected. the contributors and the nominees
Your committee have the satis— of the parish, calculated to afford
faction of seeing, that institutions greater pecuniary advantages than
for the secure and profitable depo could result f1 om the unaided con
sit of the earnings of the industri tributions of the subscribers. Your
ous, which was heretofore pro Committee trust, that, holding out
jected, are now, by the spontane to the people benefits somewhat
ous exertions of individuals, in superior in amount and security,
actual and successful operation; to any which they can now obtain
and from the growth of the sys by the contributions of their earn
tem of Saving Banks, they are ings. and adding sotne which are
inclined to expect very beneficial not generally afforded by volun
results, not only in afibrding to tary association, they may be ena
the industrious poor a secure de bled to render these institutions
posit for their savings, but in fa notless popular than advantageous.
miliarizing them with a practice, They are of opinion therefore,
of which the advantage will be that parishes should be enabled to
daily more apparent. afford to the contributors a benefit
Other insti:utions founded upon rather greater than that “hit'h a
a principle of mutual'assurance, table formed on were calculation
are familiar to the people, and as would yield ; and in order to adapt
far as they provide for sickness and their new system to the situation
old age, and some other casualties, of the country, under the admi
have received the sanction of Pat' nistration of the poor laws, your
liament, underthe name of Friend Committee are of opinion, that at
ly Societies. Your Committee the outset of these institutions,
have reason to believe that these parishes should be permitted to
societies, judiciously managed, place, by contribution from the
have in some parishes tended parochial funds, those who have
greatly to the melioration of the advanced in years without having
made
278v ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
made any provision of this nature, ing what it now pays for the main
on the footing of advantage on‘ tenance of children, would be the
which they would have stood, if bestjudge f0! itself of the policy
they had commenced their contri of' adopting this course.
butions at an earlier age. In the view with which the
Your Committee is well aware, Committee suggest the expediency
that under present circumstances of ati'ording this assistance from
the incapacity of individuals to the parochial funds, it is essential
make even the smallest deduction that, whatever may be the contri
from their wages, may render this bution in the first instance, the
species of institution inapplicable parish should have the power of
in some parts of the country ; but reducing prospectively its propor
they conceive, that it may safely tion, without aflecting the rights
be left to each parish, under the of existing contributors, so as
inspection of the local magistracy, gradually to render the people de
to determine upon the propliety of pendent upon their own contri
trying the experiment within itself. butions only; but in the mean
The casualties, however, for time they may be used in destroy
which friendly societies generally ing the familiarity with parish pay,
provide, namely, those of sickness which it is above all things desir
' and old age, do not constitute the able to eradicate.
greater proportion of the demands Your Committee have taken
upon the poors rate which have measures for ascertaining by cal
raised it to its present high amount ; culation, the operation of societies
a much greater pr0portion, as formed upon the principle which
theyshall have occasion to observe, they have recommended; and on
consists of the allowances distri this ground, as well as on account
buted in most parts of England to of the impracticability of framing
the labouring poor, in addition to any Bill upon this subject in the
their wages, by reason of the num present session, they fol-bear from
ber of their children. ' entering into the detail of the ar
Your Committee are of opinion, rangrments which have occurred
that parochial benefit societies may to them, as desirable for efl‘ec
furnish facilities for all‘ecting the tuating their recommendation.
desired transition, from the present llut the House may perhaps
svsteui of relief to one founded think it reasonable, that persons
upon better principles; and. that who have the option of partaking
it Would therefore be expedient in the advantages which it is thus
under the present circumstances proposed to secure to them, should
of the country, to enable parishes be subjected to an administration
to increase the benefits of the in of the laws of relief, rather less
stitutions, to an extent beyond the favourable than that which is ap
prerisc result of the contribution plied to the community in general;
required; or, at least, to pay for and particularly that the benefits
the admission into those benefits of the Act 36 Geo. lll. c. ‘23, and
of persons now having large fami 54 Geo. lll. c. 170, respecting
lies, and receiving relief on that workhouses, should be withholden
account. Each parish, consider from such persons.
They
 _m

STATE PAPERS. 27:?

They cannot, however, quit this Elizabeth ; and though the persons
topic without observing, that a entitled to relief, and the sort of
bill passed this House in the year relief, seem to be pointed out with
1789, having for its object much sufficient clearness, yet the prac
of what the Committee have now tice has in many instances long
recommended, and accompanied been at variance with the law.
by tables which the Committee The statute directs the children to
have reason to hope may be found be set to work; the almost general
useful in arranging any similar practice is to give money to the
measure. One of the tables will parents, without any provision
be found in the Appendix. for setting the children to work.
Having submitted to the House The course adopt-ed requires, un
such observations as have occurred doubtedly, less trouble and atten
to them, with respect to the as tion than the providing and super
sessment of the poor rate, your intending proper establishments
Committee proceed to consider the for their moral instruction, em
purposes for which it is authorized ployment, and maintenance; and
to be levied, as they regard the this deviation from the injunction
persons entitled to relief, and the of the statute obtained so early as
mode in which it should be admi to have attracted the attention of
nistered. These will be found, Lord Hale and Mr. Locke; and
by a reference to the same part of the Committee cannot but avail
the fundamental law of Elizabeth, themselves of the high authority
to be directed to— of a Report of the Board of Trade,
lst. Setting to work the chil in the year 1697, drawn up by
_ dren of all those whose parents Mr Locke, and confirmed (if it
shall not be thought able to main needed confirmation) by the con
tain them. currence of the other Commis
2nd. Setting to work all per sioners, after an exercise of the
sons having no means to maintain full powers of inquiry conferred
them, and using no ordinary or on them for this purpose by King
daily trade to get their bread by. \Villiam the Third, and which ap
3rd. The necessary relief of the pears to your committee still more
lame, impotent, old, blind, and applicable to the present moment
such other among them as are than to the time at which it was
poor and not able to work, as well written.
as for apprenticing such children “ The children of labouring
as are before described. people are an ordinary burthen to
And it appears to your Com the parish, and are usually main
mittee, that the above description tained in idleness, so that their
and classification of persons en labour also is generally lost to the
titled to relief has not been inten public, till they are twelve or
tionally altered by any subsequent fourteen years old. The most
st-ttute; that the general term, effectual remedy for this, that we
the Poor, contained in all subse are able to conceive, and which we
quent acts on this subject, has re therefore humbly propose is, that
ference only to th poor as above working schools be set up in
classed and defined in the 43d of each parish, to which the children
of
980 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
of all such as demand relief of the years old will be able, at that age,
parish, above three and under to get their livelihoods at the
fourteen years of age, whilst they working school; but we are sure,
live at home with their parents, that what is necessary for their
and are not otherwise employed relief will more effectually have
for their livelihood, by the allow that use, iltit- be distributed to
ance of the overseer of the poor, them in bread at that school, than
shall be obliged to come. By this if it be given to their fathers in
means the mother will be eased money. What they have at home
of a great part of her trouble in from their parents is seldom more
looking after and providing. for than bread and water, and that,
them at home, and so be at more many of them, very scantily too;
liberty to work ; the children will if, therefore, care be taken, that
be kept in much better order, be they have each of them their belly
better provided for, and from their full of bread daily at school. they
infancy be inured to work, which will be in no danger of famishing;
is of no small consequence to the but, on the contrary, they will be
making of them sober and indus healthier and stronger than those
trious all their lives after; and who are bred otherwise. Nor will
the parish will be either eased of this practice cost the overseer any
this burthen, or at least of the trouble, for a baker may be agreed
misuse in the present manage with to furnish and bring into the
ment of it ; for a great number of school house every day the allow
children giving a poor man a title ance of bread necessary for all
to an allowance from the parish, the scholars that are there. And
this allowance is given once a to this may be added also, with
week, or once a month to the out any trouble, in cold weather,
father in money, which he, not if it be thought needful, a little
seldom, spends on himself at the warm water-gruel; for the same
alehouse, whilst his children (for fire that warms the room may be
whose sake he had it) are left to made use of to boil a pot of it.
suffer, or perish under the want From this method the children
of necessaries, unless the charity will not only reap the foren en
of neighbours relieve them. We tioned advantages, with fans less
humbly conceive, that a man and charge to the parish than what'is
his wife in health may be able, by now done for them, and apply
their ordinary labour, to main themselves to work, because other
tain themselves and two children; wise they will have no vietuals;
more than two children at one and also the benefit thereby, both
time under the age of three years to themselves and the parish, will
will seldom happen in one family; daily increase; for the earnings
if, therefore, all the children above of their labour at school every day
three years old be taken otf their increasing, it may reasonably be
hand, those who have never so concluded, that computing an the
many, whilst they remain them earnings of a child from three to
selves in health, will not need any fourteen years of age, the nou
allowance for them. Vi'e do not rishment and teaching of such
suppose that children of three child, during that .whole time.
.fi Wm
 STATE
will cost the parish nothing;
whereas there is no child now
which from its birth is maintained
by the parish, but before the age
of fourteen, costs the parish fifty
or sixty pounds. Another advan_
tage also of bringing poor children
thus to a working school is, that
by this means they may be obliged
to come constantly to church every
Sunday along with their school
masters or dames, whereby they
may be brought into some sense
of religion: whereas ordinarily
now, in their loose and idle way
of breeding up, they are as utter
strangers both to religion and
morality as they are to industry.
In order, therefore, to the more
elfectually carrying on this work
to the advantage of this kingdom,
we further humbly propose that
these schools be generally for
spinning or knitting, or some other
part of the woollen manufac
ture, unless in countries where the
place shall furnish some other
materials fitter for the employ
ment of such poor children; in
which places the choice of those
materials for their employment
may be left to the prudence and
direction of the guardians of the
poor of that hundred; and that
the teaching in these schools be
paid out of the poor rates, as can
be agreed. . the said hundred, as
“ This, though at first setting
up, it may cost the parish a little,
yet we humbly conceive that the
earnings of the children abating
the charge of their maintenance,
and as much work being required
of each of them as they are rea
sonably able to perform, it will
quickly pay its own charges, with
an overplus.
"That, where the number of
PAPERS. 231
the poor children of any parish is
greater than for them all to be
employed in one school, they be
there divided into two, and the
boys and girls, if thought conve
nient, taught and kept to work
separately. That the handicrafts
men in each hundred be bound to
take every other of ther respec
tive apprentices from amongst the
boys in some one of the schools
in the. said hundred, without any
money, which boys they may so
take at what age they please, to
be bound to them till the age of
twenty-three years, that so the
length of time may more than
make amends for the usual sums
that are given to handicraftsmen
with such apprentices.
“ That those also in the hun
dred who keep in their hands land
of their own to the value of 251.
per annum, or upwards, may
chose out of the schools of the
said hundred what boy each of
them pleases, to be his apprentice
in husbandry upon the same con
dition.
“ That whatever boys are not
by-this means bound out appren
tices before they are full fourteen,
shall, at the Easter meeting of the
guardians of each hundred every
year, be bound to such gentle
men, yeomen, or farmers, within
have the
greatest number of acres of land
in their hands, who shall be oblig
ed to take them for their appren
tices till the age of twenty-three,
or bind them out at their own
cost to some handicraftsmen ; pro
vide lways, that no such gentle
man, 'eoman, or farmer, shall be
bound to have two such appren
tices at a time."
There can have been no period
at
282 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
at which the literal and faithful
execution of the law so strongly
recommended, and by such high
authority, can have been more
indispensable than at the present
moment; and some facilities ap
pear to offer themselves at this
time, which have not existed at
former periods ; the institution of
parochial or district schools for
education, proposed some years
since as the basis of an amended
system, are now so generally esta
blished and supported by volun
tary subscriptions, that they ap-
pear to afford the readiest means
by which education and industry
may be most advantageously unit
ed. And if the large sums of
money now given to the parents
were really bestowed on the main
tenance of their children in such
schools, it Would probably more
than deft'aylthe expense of such
an institution.
‘ The Committee would therefore
recommend most earnestly a more
faithful execution of the existing
law by the establishment of
schools for the above purposes;
and they believe such institutions
would be in all respects more be
neficial, if the children were lodg
ed where they would be employed
and maintained, for in extensive
parishes the daily attendance of
the younger class. would be im
practicable ; and. where proper'
establishments for these purposes
shall he adopted to the satisfaction
of two justices, who shall certify
the same, relief should no longer
be given on account of such chil
dren as shall be of a fit age to be
there instructed and maintained.
And ifit Should be found that the
43d of Elizabeth aided by the 9th
Geo. 1. has not provided suffi
cient means for the accomplis'h'
ment of its own purpose, new
powers should be given to parishes
for this end.
In such an execution of the
directions of the 43_d Eliz. to set
to work the children of parents
who cannot maintain them, your
Committee see, besides the ad.
vantages so forcibly above stated,
the only remedy for that practice
which has prevailed in the south
of England particularly, of defray;
ing what should be part of the
wages of labour out of the poor
rates, according to an uniform
scale of relief, to which an unde
viating adherence is in some in
stances required, without refer
ence to any other consideration
than the numbers of the family
of the claimant, and the amount
of their actual present earnings,
and the priCe of bread. Higher
wages may have been squandered
away, and the actual earnings
'may be far less than increased
and reasonable industry might se
cure, and yet the amount of relief
is unvaried. Such a practice, by
placing the idle and industrious
upon an equal footing, must ne
cessarily destroy every human
motive to exertion ; nor does your
Committee conceive it to be strict
ly consonant to law; for an order
of relief they apprehend to be in
valid that does not adjudge the
party to be “ impotent" as well
as “ poor." 1t has_familiarized
the labourer to a dependence upon
the parish, which he would for
merly have conssdered as a degra
dation, has imposed upon those
contributors to the rate who eni
ploy no labourers a most unjust
bin-then, and has swelled the a
mount of the assessment to a de
- gree
 STATE
gree that makes it impossible to
ascertain how much should be
considered as a. relief, properly
speaking, and how much wages.
This deviation from the provisions
of the 43d Elizabeth, may per provided for any child wh0.~e fa~
haps have arisen not only from ther being living, has not above
the neglect of providing proper
p‘aces for setting to work such of age.
children, but from the necessity
of abandoning the practice at that tote directs the overseers “ in
time enjoined by law, of regulat
ing the wages of labour, by which
it was attempted to bring to one
standard the value of each man's
labour, which must be in the na
ture of things unequal; and your
committee would deeply lament,
if the continuance of the present
low price of labour, and of this
practice growing out of it, should
create a general wish throughout
the kingdo n to revive those laws,
which haic not only been aban
doned in practice, but at length re
pealed by the legislature; where—
as, if such children were set to
work and maintained as the law
directs, this practice would scarce
ly continue in any great degree to
prevail.
On this general head, however,
your committee think it their du
ty, in pursuance of their wish, to
suggest to the House such provi
sions as may tend to remove the
general dependence on the poor
rate; to submit for their consi
deration, whether, when the de
mand for labour may have re
vived, it may not safely be pro
vided, that, from and after a
certain time, no relief shall be
extended to any child whose father
being living,‘ is under years
of age; a principle, which by al
tering the age from time to time,
might, ifit should be thought de
PAPERS. 983
sirable, be carried still further
into operation,
It may also be provided with a
similar view, that from and after
a specified time, no relief shall be
children under —— years
The next provision of the sta-'
like manner, to take order for
setting to work all such persons,
married or unmarried, as have no
means to maintain them, and use
no ordinary or daily trade of life
to get their bread by,“ and it
then prescribes the manner in
which this is to be done, which is
directed to be “ by raising a con
venient stock of flax, hemp, wool,
thread. iron, or other necessary
stuff or ware, to set the poor on
work."
These plain and simple provi
sions continue to this day to be
the rules and authority by which
the'overseers and magistrates are
bound to govern themselves, in
setting. able-bodied poor to work.
The act of 9 Geo. 1. cap. 7,
which enables parishes to establish
workhouses, was designed to li
mit, rather than enlarge, the
powers above recited; by provid
ing that the work, as ab0ve pre
scribed, should be carried on un
der the superintendence of the
overseers, in houses to be provid
ed for the purpose.
What class of persons it is who
are described as “ using no ordina
ry or daily trade oflife to get their
living by," cannot at any time
have been very easy correctly to
ascertain; the words were pro
bably, in the first instance, to ap
ply to such persons as appear to
have
284 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
have been the object of all the oldof the funds which alone are ap
statutes to which your committee plicable to the maintenance of la
have before alluded. Your com bour.
mittee, howe\ er, think it extreme In whatever way these funds
ly doubtful, whether persons who may be applied or expended, the
may from time to time be out of quantity of labour maintained by
work, but who for the most part them in the first instance, would
occupy themselves in a daily trade be very nearly the same. The
ought to be comprehended within immediate efl'ect of a compulsory
the description of the statute. application of the whole or a part
But whatever may be the class of these funds, is to change the
of persons to which the description application, not to alter the a
of the statute applies, it is clear, mountof them. Whatever portion
that the powers of the overseer as is applied under the provisions of
to setting them to work, are, by the law, would have been ap
the existing law, confined within plied to some other object had
narrow limits ; they are to be em the money been left to the distri
ployed in working “ flax, hemp, bution of the original owner;
wool, thread, iron, or any other whoever therefore is maintained
ware or stuff." by the law as a labouring pauper,
Your committee have already is maintained only instead of some
explained the manner in which other individual, who would other
they think provision should be wise have earned by his own in
made for such children as it may dustry the money bestowed on the
be necessary to maintain and em pauper; as long as the amount of
ploy; it is their duty now to state the funds remains the same, the
to the House, their opinions on effect of a compulsory distribution
the subject of providing work for would not be such as materially
all such persons as may require it. to alter the total number of la
If the object of the statute was bourers employed; but there are
merely to set to hard labour such many modes by which the com
idle wandering persons as might pulsory application under the pro
be found in a state nearly ap visions of a statute, of the funds
proaching to that of vagrancy, which provide the maintenance of
such an object might possibly be labour, would tend most mate
carried into effect, with a fair rially to place the labouring classes
hope of beneficial consequences; in a much worse Condition than
but if the object of the statute that in which they would other
was (as it is now interpreted) wise be situated.
that the state is to find work for lst. An increased demand for
all, who in the present and in all labour is the only means by which
succeeding time may require it, the wages of labour can ever be
your committee are of opinion, raised ; and there is nothing
that this is a condition which it is which can increase the demand,
not in the power of any law to but the increase of the wealth by
fulfil. What number of persons which labour is supported; if
can be employed in labour, must therefore the compulsory applica
depend absolutelyupon the amount tion of any part of this wealth
tends
 STATE PAPERS. 285
tends (as it always must tend) to marriage and multiplication dis—
employ the portion it distributes couraged until the supply is gra
less profitably than it would have dually adapted to the reduced de
been, if left to the interested su mand. It is obvious, that the
perintendence of its owners, it condition of a country, whilst
cannot fail, by thus diminishing this latter course is in progress,
the funds which would otherwise must be painful; but it is more or
have been applicable to the main less so according to the degree in
tenance of labour, to place the which the foresight of the indus
whole body of labourers in a worse trious classes might have prepared
situation than that in which they them for such a reverse. The
would otherwise have been placed. habits and customs of the labour
‘Zdly. The effects of holding out ing classes in different countries
to the labouring community, that must in a great ,degree depend
all who require it shall be provid on the circumstances which, by
ed with work at adequate wages, affecting the demand for 1a
is such as to lead them to form bour, regulate the condition in
'false vieus of the circumstances which they are content to exist.
in which they are likely to be But where prudent habits are
placed. As the demand for labour established, they avail themselves
depends absolutely on the amount of a high rate of wages, to better
of the wealth which constitutes its their condition, rather than great—
support, so the rate of wages can ly to increase their numbers. In
only be adjusted by the proportion England a labourer would not,
that demand bears to the supply. formerly, have thought himself
Now it is on the greater or less justified in marrying unless he
degree of nicety in which that had the means of providing him
supply is adjusted to the demand, self with many things which in
that the happiness of the labour other countries would have been
ing classes absolutely depends. deemed unnecessary luxuries. In
If' the demand for labour in a state similar to this, if the la_
creases faster than the supply, bouring classes are met by a fall
high wages are the natural result ; in wages, they will always have
labourers are enabled to provide something to spare, which will
better for their children; a larger assist in mitigating any difficulties
proportion of those born are rear to which they may be exposed.
ed; the burthen, too, of a large Though it is by contemplating
family is rendered lighter ; and in the possibility of a reverse that
this manner the marriage and they can alone be stimulated to
multiplication of labourers are prepare for it, it is, unfortunately,
encouraged, and an increasing far less difficult to induce men to
supply is enabled to follow an in neglect all such preparation: by
creastd dcmand. If, on the con holding out to the labouring
trary, the waste or diminution of classes, that they shall at all times
wealth should reduce the demand be provided with adequate em
for labour, wages must inevitably ployment, they are led to believe
fal', and the comforts of the la they have nothing to dread while
bourer will be diminished, the they are willing to labour. The
supply
286 ANNUAL REGISTER, 18l7.
supply of labour, therefore, which be the real object of the statute,
they alone have the power to re— has by many been held to be so.
gulate, is left constantly to in On this head, your committee
crease, without any reference to submit, that if the provisionwhich
the demand, or to the funds on they have pointed out be made
which it depends. Under these for children whose parents cannot
circumstances, if the demand for maintain them, and the provision
labour suddenly decreases, the also for such as are of the class of
provisions of the poor law alone poor and impotent be continued,
are looked to, to supply the place the labouring classes will continue
of all those circumstances which to be relieved frotn the heaviest
result only from vigilance and part of their necessitiesv But if
caution. The powers of law, any portion of the general and in
whilst they profess to compel both discriminate relief which is now
labour and wages to be provided, given must of necessity be With
under these circumstances, in re held, your committee think it can
ality elfect nothing but a more be withheld from none by whom
wasteful application of the dimin the privation could so well be
ished capital than would otherwise borne, as by those who are in the
take place: they tend thereby full vigour of health and strength;
materially to reduce the real it may therefore be worthy of con
wages of free labour, and thus sideration, whether, if under fa
essentially to injure the labouring murable circumstances of the
classes. In this situation of things, country, the demand for labour
not only the labourers, who have should again be materially enlarg
hitherto maintained themselves, ed, it might not be enacted, that
are reduced, by the perversion of no person should be provided with
the funds of their employers, to work by the parish, other than
seek assistance from the rate, but those who are already so provided,
the smaller capitalists themselves and who might be permitted to
are gradually reduced, by the bur continue until they could provide
then of the assessments, to take for themselves; but if the change
refuge in the same resource. The by this provision might be thought
efi'ect of these compulsory distri too rapid, limitation might still be
butions is to pull down what is provided, the effect of which
above, not to raise what is low; Would render it more gradual, as
and they depress high and low to by enacting, that none shall be
gether, beneath the level of what provided with employment who
was originally lowest. are between the ages of 18 and
If these views of the efiect of 30 ; and then after a certain lapse
undertaking to provide employ of time, that none between 16
ment for all who want it are and 35, 40 and so on, until the
founded in truth, there results object shall be gradually effected.
from them an obvious necessity of As whatever money would have
abandoning gradually the impos been applied to the maintenance
sible condition, that all who re of these persons by the means of
quire it shall be provided with the poor rate, cannot fail to be
work, which, whether or not it employed in some such way as to
put
 STATE PAPERS. 287
put other labour in motion, the should be due to industry alone;
money thus restored to its natural care however should be taken,
channel cannot fail to assist in in with a view to the interests of in
creasing the natural demand for dustrious persons, that the local
labour; and if the wages of agri~' work to be supplied, should be
cultural labour, which are. now in such as will least sensibly interfere
so great a proportion paid through with existing occupations and
the poor rate, were left to adjust trades. In country parishes, agri
themselves by the operation of the culture affords the most obvious
market, it could hardly fail to and useful source of employment;
have the efl'ect of gradually raising for though the whole stock of
the wages of labour: for it is the subsistence be thereby increased,
obvious interest of the farmer yet the cultivator of the land
that his work should be done with would be more than compensated
efl‘ect and celcrity, which can hard for any diminution in the value
ly take place unless the labourer of his produce, by the correspond
is provided according to his habits, ing diminution of the expense
with such necessaries of life as of maintaining his family and la
may keep his body in full vigour, bourers, and the more important
and his mind gay and cheerful. reduction of the poor rate. Your
If, however, it should be thought committee find, that in the county
wise or even practicable to perse of Kent it has been thought expe
vere in endeavouring to provide dient, in two instances, to carry
work for all who want it, fresh this practice so far as to establish
powers must certainly be devised parochial farms in the parishes of
for that purpose; the narrow Benenden and Cranbrooke ; an ac—
limits and the strict specifications count of them, which has been
by which the existing authority to communicated to your committee,
set to work is confined, have made will be found in the appendix.
your committee somewhat at a If it should be found impracti
loss to ascertain on what legal cable or inexpedient, as from the
provision the practices of making difficulty of providing a careful
up the wages of labour, according and economical superintendent
to a certain scale, of sending over such aconcern, it probably
roundsmen, &c. have been imagin may be in the generality of agricul
ed to depend. But if labour is to tural parishes, to make such an ex
be continued, it would be idle to periment on so large a scale ; yet
attempt to prescribe to every great benefit might, in the opinion
parish the means which they of your committee, be derived
should respectively adopt, in order from some parishes being enabled
to comply as far as it be possible to possess themselves of as much
with such an injunction of the land as might produce at least an
law; and your committee can only adequate supply of provisions for
recommend all possible facility of those vvhom they are bound to
providingemploymentbeinggiven, maintain, and would afl'ord the
not so much with a view to the means, which otherwise might be
profit to be derived from it, as wanting, of bringing to the test
from the necessity of withholding the willingness to work of some
from idleness the wages that of the applicants for employment;
but
988 ANNUAL REGISTER,y1817.
but it would operate still more to have rendered this mode of set
beneficially, if it enabled parishes ting persons to work highly ob
collectively, under proper restric Jectionable; for the occupiers of
tions, to follow the example of land are supposed in many in
those individual proprietors of stances to get their work thus per
land, who have been in the prac formed, and paid for, in a great
tice of letting very small portions part, out of the parish fund.
of land, on reasonable terms, to With respect to large towns, in
industrious labourers, to cultivate the present state of this kingdom,
on their own account: some of your committee fear the difficulty
the instances to which your com of fulfilling the obligation of this
mittee allude will be found in the part of the law must be almost in
appendix; and they cannot too superable, notwithstanding all the
earnestly recommend them to the exertions which can be made to
practice and imitation of those provide useful, if not profitable
who have similar opportunities. employment—Your committee,
Where the means of providing a therefore, feel that all obstacles to
supply of productive labour are seeking employment wherever it
wanting, the repair of the roads can be found, even out of the
has been found to afford a useful realm, should be removed; and
occupation, and it might be expe every facility that is reasonable
dient to make the duty of the sur afforded to those who may wish to
veyor of the highways more avail resort to some of our own colonies.
able to the overseer for the pur The sums to be raised for the
pose of providing employment. relief of the lame, impotent, 8m.
A practice has long prevailed in your committee apprehend can be
agricultural parishes in different applied, according to the letter of
parts of the kingdom, of sending the law, to the relief of such per
men out of work to the inhabitants sons only as the justices can con
of the parish, in rotation, accord scientiously adjudge to be not only
ing to their share of the rate; and poor, but impotent. For this ap
this usage has naturally increased pears not only by reference to the
as the demand for labour is dimi 43d Eliz. and the adjudged cases,
nished, as it appears to afford the but the 8th and 9th W. 111. c. 30.
means of securing some return imposes on those receiving relief
for the sums paid. It has been as such the necessity of wearing a.
generally, and perhaps wisely, badge, (since repealed) “to the
arranged in those cases, that the end that the money raised only for
remuneration for such service the relief of such as are as well
should be less than the ordinary impotent as poor, may not be
wages of labour in the parish, misapplied or consumed by the
that an inducement might remain idle, sturdy, and disorderly beg
to such persons to seek employ gars.“ Notwithstanding which,
ment for themselves. A propor chiefly from the want of proper
tion of the sum has also been means to set to Work their chil
usually paid by the overseers out dren, and the difficulty of finding
of the rate. This latter practice employment for those out of work,
has been subject to such abuse, as persons, who are avowedly not
impotent,
 STATE PAPERS. 289
impotent, have, by a long course and whether it be or be not expe
of practice, received pecuniary re dient to incorporate different pa
lief on account of the number of rishes, under Mr. Gilbert‘s or local
their family. Your committee acts, must depend entirely on the
must, therefore, again state, in circumstances of such parishes and
how great a degree the faithful the adjoining districts. As far as
execution of the law respecting your committee can judge, from
children would remedy the abuses the imperfect materials before
which have prevailed respecting them, they believe that great be
the administration of pecuniary nelit has been derived from such
relief: on this head, therefore, it institutions, in every casein which
remains only to consider the mode they have been superintended by
of giving the relief granted to per the principal inhabitants of the
sons more properly belonging to united district ; and that their
this class. Whether they should success and advantage depend al
receive the necessary assistance in most wholly on that circumstance.
money, or by a supply of the ar Under such an impression, they
ticles wanted—whether at their think every facility should be given
own houses, or in workhouses, are to render that act available for the
questions which it is conceived purpose ; thereby saving the ex—
would be best left to the uncon pense which has in various in
trolled discretion of their respec stances been incurred, of resorting
tive parishes. to the legislature in particular
Your committee are aware how cases.
very frequently workhouses have It is obviously of the last im
been condemned, as little corres portance that this enactment re
ponding with the denomination specting the impotent, which was
they iave received; and being humanely intended to secure the
rather in truth, in many instances, indigent and helpless from actual
houses of idleness and vice.—Yetin want, should not be made equally
some parishes, from the want of ha available to the idle and the disso
bitations, such establishments seem lute. For it is to be recollected,
to be indispensable, to avoid the that there will always be aclass of
greater evils of granting pensions persons, and among them the
to out-lying parishioners. If, by most industrious, who find it diffi
the means which your committee cult, with their utmost labour and
are about to suggest, an improved exertion, to maintain their fami
administration of parochial afl'airs lies, after having contributed their
should be produced, these estab quota to the assessment. Such is
lishments would undoubtedly de the cultivator of a small farm; of
rive the immediate benetit of a whotn it has been said, forcibly
constant and active superinten and truly, that he “rises early,
dence. The proper separation of and it is late before he can retire
the respective inmates of such to rest 5 he works hard and fares
houses can antl ought to be regu hard, yet with all his labour and
lated at present by the vestry and his care, he can scarcely provide
parish officers, without minute in. subsistence for his numerous fa
structions from the legislature; mily. He would feed them bet
Vet- LIX. ter,
 2'99 ANNUAL REGISTER, '1817.
ter, but the prodigal must first be distributing the parochial funds is
fed; he would purchase warmer respectively vested; the heritovs
clothing forhis children,,but the and. kirk session (i. e. the land
children of the prostitute must owners and ministers. and elders
first be c10thed."* There are of the church) being selected in
others, whose contribution could the one case, the churchwar-den,
only be levied by the seizure of and 4, 3, or 2 substantial house
that part of their property which holders (overseers) to be nomina
the pauper himself is, humanely ted yearly in the other. knsteed
and properly allowed to retain; therefore of- having in this part of
till by a late statute (54 Geo. Ill. the kingdom, persons the most
c. 170. s. 2.) such persons may educated, enlightened, and inten
be, by magistrates, legally exone ested in the welfare of the parish,
rated from the charge. entrusted with the administration
Your committee feel, that it is of its attains, we have doubtless a
.in the execution of this part of the respectable but less enlightened
law that a discriminating power class of persons appointed annually
hasfi in practice at least, been for the purpose; and however fit
chiefly wanting; such a discrimi for the duty, annual officers of
nation as would direct voluntary this description may have been: in
benevolence in the distribution of the- reign of- Elizabeth, it is obvi
its bounty, not excluding wholly ous that the task which now. de
from its care even the victims of volves upon them, is of such dis
their own vices, as in some of the proportionate magnitude as to re
numerous charitable institutions quire qualifications to be found
by which this kingdom is distin only in wall-educated. persons, and
guished. a degree of~ knowledge and. expe
That such discrimination may rience which is incompatible with
be found practicable. your com an annual appointment, together
mittee cannot doubt, after the ex with a sacrifice of time which it- is
perience atlorded by Scotland—— unreasonable-toexpect, when it is
The provisions of the law in Eng inconsistent with the attention due
land. and Scotland were almost co from such persons to their own
eval with each other, and. in. prin affairs; and though- your com
ciple nearly the same; but the mittee fZ-el tl'nut no/enactments can
results are so diti'crent, that secure a oonrect judgment and dis
they must be ascribed chiefly to crimination inv the execution of'any
the ditl‘erent mode in which relief, law, yet they think it not difficult
from. whatever fund it may hai'e to correct so, much of the evil as
been provided, has been adminis results from the oflice being an
tered. This has arisen perhaps, nual, and its dutieswithoutremu
.in a considerable degree, from the neration. Withthis view, there
different description of persons in fore, they. think it expedient, to
whom the raising, managing, and enable every. parish or township,
maintaining their own poor, at
any legal meeting called for that
' Dissertation on the: Poor Lam, by the purpose, to appoint aniotiicer or
Rev. Joseph Townsend. Written in 1786,
end re-publiahed in 1817. officers, with such salary as they
shall
 STATE PAPERS} 991
shall think fit, to assist the over appointment of an overseer with o.
seers in the execution of their salary,compulsory, because in many
duty, and that two or more pa small parishes it may be unneces
rishes or townships might unite for sary ; and your committee take
the appointment of such officer, this opportunity of observing, that
and apply such proportion of their they have felt it their duty in other
respective rates for the payment of instances to recommend enabling
his salary, as shall be agreed upon rather than compulsory provi
between them. Such an officer sions, from the obvious considera
properly selected and remunerated, tion, that the most judicious mea—
may be expected so to devote his sures cannot be equally adapted to
time and attention to his duty, as the town and country, to an agri
to make himself fully acquainted cultural and manufacturing popu
with the character and circum lation.
stances of each applicant. Having thus attempted to correct
In recommending such an ar the defective execution, arising
rangement, your committee pro from the duration of the oliice of
ceed on grounds of experience ra~ overseer being only annual, your
ther than theory, the practice committee are of opinion, that the
having been long beneficially a relief and maintenance of the poor
dopted in many populous parishes, might be better administered“ if
either under a provision in local more important assistance could be
acts, or with the unanimous con required from the vestry of each
sent of the parishioners. And it parish, than is usually derived
would be sufficient strongly to re from that quarter. The legisla
commend such a practice, if it ture has indeed contemplated their
were not necessary to legalize the interference, but having left it to
payment- of the salary; for, ac“ the body at large, which is not
cording to the present law, the perhaps in populous parishes very
objection of an individual, how conveniently constituted for that
ever unreasonable, may control, purpose, their interposition has in
in this respect, the wishes of the many places been discontinued.
rest of the parish. Your commit Your committee think it expedi
tee are also of opinion, that it ent, therefore, to enable parishes,
might in many cases tend to an either singly or in union' with
improved'managem'ent in parishes, others, to establish select vestrie's',
where no such oflic'er with a salary for the purpOse‘ of* managing the
might be appointed, if the present parochial concerns; and that such
law was so far altered as to admit select vestries should be annually
of any individual rated toa parish, chosen at a' general vestry, and
being eligible to fill the oliice of should consist of the minister, or,
overseer in such parish, although in his absence, the resident curate
not actually residing therein, pro (being assessed to the poor rate) ;
vided the place of his habitual re the churchwardens, overseers, and
sidence should not be distant more as many other substantial house
than three miles from the church holders, not exceeding a- limited
of such parish. It is not, how‘ number, as the maiority of such
ever, proposed to make such an general ‘vestry shall think proper
U ‘2 to
 292 ANNUAL REGISTER,
to elect; provided that the amount
of the property for which such
majority shall be assessed to the
poor rate, shall be equal to at least
two-third parts of the property for
which the whole of the persons at
tending such general vestry are as
sessed; and the appointmentofsuch
select vestry should be made under
the hands and seals of two justices
of the peace, in the same manner as
the appointment of overseers of
the poor has heretofore been made;
that such select vestry should meet
once in each fortnight, or oftener
if necessary, and at such meeting
should examine into the state of
the poor, determine upon the na
ture and quantity of relief re
quired, superintend the collection
and administration of all funds
arising in and belonging to Such
parishes, as well as the execution
of all laws relating to the poor,
and which have been heretofore
executed by the overseer ; and in
all cases relative to the poor, ex
cept in those of urgent necessity,
the interference of justices of the
peace, acting in that capacity,
shall not be admitted, either di
rectly or indirectlyyuntil refer
ence has been made to such select
vestry; but that in cases of ex
treme necessity the orerscers of
the poor shall have the power to
furnish temporary relief, or to
take such other steps as the ar
' gency of the case may require;
and in all such urgent cases in
which the overseer-s of the poor
shall have refused or neglected to
take cognizance thereof, any jus
tice of the peace acting for the di
vision should, upon complaint, to
be verified by oath, inquire into
such case; and if he shall find
matter which he shall deem of
1817.
sufiicient importance to call for
the immediate consideration of the
select vestry, he shall have power
to require such select vestry to as
semble forthwith, and to take such
case into consideration; and if
such select vestry shall refuse or
neglect so to assemble and to con
sider such case, such magistrate
should then have power to make
such an order as he would have
been empowered to make, had the
case been previously considered
and determined upon by the select
vestry; and where the parties
shall not be satisfied with the de
cisions of such select vestry, they
should have a right to apply to
two or more justices of the peace,
in petty sessions assembled, who,
upon the complaint being verified
by oath, shall have power to sum
mon the overseers to inquire into
and decide upon the merits of the
case, and to make such order as
they may think proper, stating the
grounds upon which they make
their adjudication ; and in all pa
rishes in which the select vestry
shall be established, general ves
tries shall in future be held within
one week after Easter, and within
one week after Michaelmas, in
each year, for the purpose of con
sulting and determining upon pa
rochial matters; before which g -
neral vestries, shall be laid for con
sideration and approval, the pro
ceedings and accounts of such se
lect vestry, according to the prac
tice of Scotland. It might also
be expedient that the accounts of
the parish should be kept in a
prescribed form.
In such a body, acquainted as
they must be with the situation,
character, and habits, of the ap
plicants, might well be vested
am
 STATE PAPERS. 993
that discretion which is so much plication had been made in vain
wanted to discriminate between to the parish; and the justice is
the claims of the idle and indus ordered to summon two of the
trious; and their decisions may, overseers, to show cause why such
it is hoped, supersede the necessity relief should not be given. But
of those appeals to the magis under this statute every person
trates, which have been so nu who is dissatisfied with the de
merous as to preclude fiequently cision of the Overseer, of course
that attention being given to each applies to the justice, to whom his
particular case, which it might wants and habits must generally
otherwise have received, and per be less known ; and in default of
haps suggested the adoption of the attendance of the officers,
that scale of relief, which has which, constituted as the office of
been applied indiscriminately to Overseer is, frequently happens,
those whose earnings, so mea either from the distance of the
sured, were found insufficient for magistrate or from the pressure
their maintenance. of other business, an order or
The frequent application to recommendation is given on the
magistrates originated, perhaps, statement of the applicant. This
in a proviso of the 3d and 4th of preventive provision of the 9th
William and Mary, c. 11, that no Geo. I'. appearing therefore to
persons, but those registered in a have wholly failed, it is hoped that
book directed to be kept in each the intervention of such a select
parish, should “ receive collec vestry would be more etTectual,
tion," but by the authority of a especially if they were aided by
justice or the justices in sessions. the establishment of the parochial
If any neglect therefore occurred benefit fund, which would afford,
in keeping such register, recourse after some time, the surest cri
would naturally and properly be terion of the industry and provi
had to the justices; but without dence of each parishioner.
such neglect, a probability was The efficacy however of this as
afforded of procuring from the well as of any other expedient
justices that which was refused by which can be suggested, must de
the parish officer, insomucb that it pend upon some of those who are
should seem from the 9th Geo. I. most interested in the welfare of a a
c. 7, that it had become necessary parish, taking an active share in
to check such applications; for it the administration of its concerns.
recites, “ that many persons have \Vithout this, the committee are
applied to some justice of the convinced no benefit will be de
peace without the knowledge of rived from any amendment that
any officers of the parish, and can be made in the details of the
thereby upon untrue suggestions, system- and with it, even under
and sometimes upon false and the existing law, much may be
frivolous pretences, have obtained efl'ected, as it has been, both in
relief." It therefore provided that single and in incorporated pa
no poor person should be relieved rishes, where such superintend
till oath made of a reasonable ence prevails; and they think no
cause for such relief, and that ap means are so likely to lead to this
desirable
$94 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
desirable practice, as giving to recommend, that, whene any per,
such a. part of the vestry as may son entitled ,to a. pension or other
hear some analogy to the heritors allowance from Chelsea or Green
and kirk session of Scotland, :8. wich hospital, shall apply for
practical and efficient discriminat parish relief, the parish oflicers
ing pow/er in granting relief, still may require, and any magistrate
leaving an appeal to the petty may authorise and direct the as
se‘ssions open, if the judgment of signment of such pension or al
such a should be thought lowance for the reimbursement of
erroneous. The herito rs and kirk the parish, such assignment to be
session continue to perform the made in a short form to be pre
duty of adjusting the list of the scribed, to be of one or more
poor; and though, by 3 and .4 quarterly payments, as the magis
W. III. e. 11, the some duty has trate may think fit, regard being
been enjoined upon the parish-. had to the amount of the relief
ione-rs generally, and none but ordered. The parish officers should
those in suoh list are permitted be required to give immediate
to a share of the assessment, ex notice to the revenue officer of
cept by order of a justice, your the district who is authorised to
committee believe that this pro pav such pensions, and the parish
vision has been so generally neg oflicers, or their successors, should
lected, as to be almost forgotten. be authorised to receive the pay
One of the cases in which such ments when due, according to the
it discriminating power may be tenor of the assignments, subject
exercised with the greatestjustice, to account with the pauper before
occurs not unfrequentty where the a magistrate.
party is in present want, from And as it might contribute ma
‘ having squandered away earnings terially t0 the comfort of the
that would have afforded ample persons entitled to such allow
means for the support of afamily ; ances, and tend to prevent the
in such instances, in conformity necessity for such applications on
with this principle, it might be their part for relief, if they were
expedient that there should bea enabled to receive the sums due
power to advance such sumsas to them weekly instead of quar
may be necessary for the imme terly, it is recommended that
diate support of the family, by authority should be given by law
way of loan only, to be repaid by to any person entitled toa pension
instalments, according to the dis? or other provision from Chelsea
cretion of the select vestry or ma or Greenwich hospital, to assign
gistrates ;' such a. raetice would such pension to the overseer of
at least be attended with the ad the parish in which he may re-idc,
vantage of securing inquiry and and to provide that upon such as
discrimination. The application sigmnent being made with the
of the same principle to the wants approbation of a. magistrate, and
of persons who are in the receipt registered at Greenwich or Chel
of allowances from Chelsea and sea, it shall be lawful for the
Greenwich hospitals, leads the overseer to pay to such person out
committee to think it expedient to of the poor rates a weekly allow
, ance

STATE
ance corresponding to the rate of fund; and the 14th Eliz. conse
such pension; and the directors quently authorised the removal of
and governors of Chelsea and persons “ to the place where they
Greenwich respectively should di
rect the quarterly issue of any
pension so assigned to be paid to
such overseer, in reimbursement
of the weekly advance, under
proper regulations to be made for
that purpose. In the one case,
the parish will be reimbursed the
sums advanced, as in justice it
ought to be; and in the other, the
temptation to extravagance being
removed, the want perhaps will
not be created.
Having thus considered the de
scription of persons to be relieved,
either by employment or pecuniary
assistance, it remains to your
committee to direct the attention
of the House to the place in which
such persons were respectively to
be so relieved or set to work, em
bracing what is termed the Law
of Settlement; which, if not the
most important branch of the
subject in other respects, yet, as it
affects the comforts, the happiness,
and even the liberty of the great
mass of our pepulation, is of the
highest interest.
From the reign of Richard ll.
impotent beggars were directed
to repair to the place of their
birth; afterwards, to the place
where they had last dwelled or
were best known, or were born,
or had “ made last their abode by
the space of three years." And
such continued to be the law at
that period, when funds for the
relief of the poor were first raised
by a compulsory assessment; a
provision which rendered it still
more important to define cor
rectly, what persons were locally
entitled to partake of this local
w_,___l
PAPERS W5
were born, or most conversant for
the space of three years next
before." And this enactment ap
pears to have remained unaltered
by any act of the legislature, ex—
cept in the case of rogues and
vagabonds, who were to be sent
to their last dwelling, if they had
any; if not, to the place where
they last dwelt by the space of
one yr u ; though decisions of the
courts of law seem to have con
sidered a month‘s abode, or a re
sidence of forty days, in some
cases sufiicient to gain a settle
ment. The doubts which, how
ever, existed on this subject, were
removed by 13 and 14 Car. ll.
0. 1‘2, which established a new
system, imposing a restraint on
the circulation of labour, essen
tially affecting the domestic com
forts and happiness of the poor,
and giving risa to various sub
sequent provisions, which have
become the fruitful source of, liti
gation.
The statute enacts, that, “ where
as by reason of some defects in the
law, poor people are not restrained
from going from one parish to
another, and therefore do endea
vour to settle themselves in those
parishes where there is the best
stock, the largest commons or
wastes to .build cottages, and the
most woods for them to burn and
destroy; and when they have con
sumed it, then to another parish,
and at last become mgues and
vagabonds, to the great discou
ragement of parishes to provide
stock, when it is liable to be de_
vuured by strangers : Be it there
fore enacted by the authority afore
said,
993 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
said, That it shall and may be be deemed to have a legal settle
lawful, upon complaint made by ment in the parish, though no
the church-wardens or overseers such notice in writing be delivered
of the poor of any parish, to any or published : ‘
justice of the peace, within forty lst. Any person executing a
days after any such person or per public annual office in the parish,
sons coming to settle, as afore or paying parish taxes.
said, in any tenement under 2d. Any unmarried person, with
the yearly value of 101. for any out child or children, hired for
two justices of the peace, whereof one year. -
one to be of the quorum, at the 3d. Any person bound an ap
division where any person or per_ prentice by indenture.
sons that are likely to be chargea~ Notwithstanding these excep
ble to the parish shall comet: in tions, the mischief of making the
habit, by their warrant to remove labouring claéses thus stationary
and convey such person or persons appears to have been soon felt,
to such parish where he or they and the expedient was adopted of
were last legally settled, either as granting certificates by the major
a native householder, sojourner, part of the parish officers, and
apprentice or servant, for the allowed by two justices, acknow
space of forty days at the least, ledging the persons removing to
unless he or they give sufficient belong to their parish, undertaking
security for the discharge of the to pr0vide for them whenever they
said parish, to be allowed of by may be forced to ask relief of the
the said justices." parish to which such certificate is
But as a settlement would be brought; in that case they were
thus gained by forty days residence, irremovable till actually chargea
and that residence might not be ble; but in that event they might
matter of notoriety, when such a be conveyed to their place of set
natural inducement Would exist to tlement. By these means, it was
conceal it, bya subsequent act the hoped, that those who were in
forty days residence is to be reck want of work in one parish might
oned, not from the day of the be enabled to seek it in another,
person coming to inhabit, but notwithstanding the provisions of
from the time at which he gives a the 13th and 14th, C. I]. which re
notice in writing _to one of the strained them from carrying their
parish officers of his abode, and labour to the best market.
the number of his family. But By a subsequent act, care was
even this precaution ngainsta clan taken that no settlement should be
destine residence was not enough gained by a residence under such
to prevent such notice being de certificate, unless the party took a
feated by the inattention and mis lease of a tenement of the annual
conduct of the officers; and it was value of 10!. or executed some
therefore further provided, that annual office, being legally placed
such notice should be published in therein. And by the 12th Anne,
the church and registered; it was c. 18, an apprentice or a hired
felt necessary, however, to provide servant to a certificated person,
that the following persons should could not by virtue of the appren
‘ ticeship,
 STATE PAPERS. ' 297
ticeship, or hiring and service, dentures of apprenticeship, or
gain any settlement in such parish. having served a year under a yearly
Another act was passed to ensure hiring, as an unmarried man,
the regular execution of such cer without a child, or by executing a
tificate, by the attestation of wit public annual office during the
nesses, and again for the more year. If a settlement has been
certain reimbursement by the cer acquired by neither of these means,
tifying parish, of the expenses at the father's settlement becomes
tendant on the removal of the that of his issue; if that be un
certificated person. After all, it known, the mother‘s; and if that
was solemnly decided, that the also should not be ascertained, re
granting these certificates was course must be had to the place
quite discretionary, both with re of birth, which is also (with cer
gard to the parish ofl‘icers and the tain exceptions) the place of set
magistrates. And such continued tlement of illegitimate children,
to be the only means by which till they have acquired another by
this restraint on the free circula one of the modes described by the
tion of labour could be avoided, statute above. enumerated. Per
till in the thirty-fifth year of the sons not born within the kingdom,
present reign, the privilege of per and who have acquired n0 settle
sons not being removed till ac ment by either of the above means,
tually chargeable, which had been are by the humane interpretation
recently conferred on members of of the law to be relieved, in case
friendly societies, was extended by of necessity, in the parish in which
a law which deserves perhaps more they are found.
notice and applause than it has These various provisions have.
received, and the liberty of re given rise to a course of expensive
010ving from place to place was and embarrassing litigation, of
made no I'onger to depend upon which a very inadequate measure
the will and judgment either of would be formed by reference to
parish officers or magistrates, but the cases, numerous as they are,
the removal of poor persons was which have been reported in the
prevented till they were actually superior court; for supposing all
chargeable. that have been there decided to
No material alteration has been have been reported, still they are
made in the law of settlement decisions of such questions of law
since this act; and the result of only as seemed doubtful to the
the various enactments on this magistrates and courts below, ex
subject now is. that every poor clusive of the infinitely greater
person, when entitled to parochial number of questions of fact, on
relief, can claim it only (except in which it is the peculiar province
cases of sudden accident or cala of the justices alone to decide,
mity) in that parish in which he either in the first instance, or by
has resided during forty days, either way of appeal; and it may per
on an estate of his own, it' pur haps be added, that on no branch
chased, ofthe value of 30!. or in a of the law have the judgments of
tenement rented by him of the the superior court been so contra
annual value of 101. or under in dictory. A better judgment may
perhaps
 298 ANNUAL REGISTER, 18l‘7.
perhaps be formed 'by'a reference fund, in order to relieve particular
to the sums expended in litigation, places from the pressure which
and the removal of paupers at might in that case arise from an
different periods. These sums accumulated number of paupers.
amounted in 1776, to 35,072l ; But believing (for reasons which
in 1786, to 35,79ll.; in 1803, have been stated in a former part
190mm; in l815,'287,0001. And of this Report, to which it more
it appears that the appeals against properly belongs,) thattranst'erring
orders of removal, entered at the these funds from parishes to the
four last quarter sessions, amount government, would be on various
to about 4,7001. Great however as grounds in the highest degree in
the inconvenience confessedly is cxpedient, the committee cannot
of this constant and increasing li but feel, that as long as a provi
tigation, there are still other effects sion for the poor is raised by com
of the law of settlement, which it pulsory parochial assessments,
is yet more important to correct; some means must continue to
such are the frauds so frequently exist of assigning them to their
committed by those who are in respective parochial limits; and
trusted to prevent even the pro they are satisfied, that something
babilityof a burthen being brought short of a total repeal of the law
on their parish; and such are the of settlement, yet going further
measures, justifiable undoubtedly than all the various minor altera
in point of law, which are adopted tions which have been suggested
very generally in many parts of from different parts of the king.
the kingdom, to defeat the obtain dom, would simplify the law so
ing a settlement: the most com much, as to reduce the subject of
mon of these latter practices is litigation to a very few questions
that of hiring labourers for a less of fact, place the maintenance of
period than a year; from whence those who want relief upon a far
it naturally and necessarily follows, more just and equitable footing,
that a labourer may spend the and at the same time consult in
season of his health and industry the greatest degree the comfort
in one parish, and be transferred and happiness of the poor them
in the decline of life to a distant selves. lVith these views, your
part of the kingdom. If the means committee recommend, that in
cannot be found of wholly re future any person residing three
moving both the mischief of liti years in a parish, without being
gation, and the hardship that in absent more than months in
particular and not unfreqncnt in each year, and without being in
stances attends the operation of any manner chargeable, should
this part of the law, still the com obtain a settlement in such parish ;
mittee hope much may be done to and to prevent as far as possible
mitigate both. The entire abro this fact becoming the source of
gation of the law of settlement such litigation as frequently arises,
has indeed been suggested, and from the difficulty of ascertaining
the suggestion has generally been the most simple facts, by the evi
accompanied with a proposal to dence of the paupers themselves,
maintain the poor from a national it might be permitted that after
’ i such
 . STATE PAPERS. 999
such residence was completed, a distance from the farms which '
deposition of the fact might be they cultivate, would tend, it is
made by the party before two jus hoped, to counteract the evil; for
tices. after notice given to the it is chiefly from motives of this
Overseers. Your committee are sort, that such tenements are in
persuaded, that if service was re many instances at present upheld.
quired to be combined with resi It Will, however, be for the House
dence, it would not only render to consider whether the advantages
the provision complicated, but resulting:r from such a change are
would prevent a settlement being not calculated to counterbalance
acquired within either of the pa this, which the committee deem
rishes in which the person serves the only substantial objection to
or resides. And it is recommended, the alteration ; recollecting always,
that no person, from a day to be that inconveniences must be in
named, shall acquire a settlement, separable from such a compulsory
by renting a tenement, serving an provision for the poor, as exists
office, hiring and service for a in this part of the United King~
year, apprenticeship or estate. dom alone.
With respect to such poor persons Your committee. however, may
who, not being natives of Eng cite, in support of their opinion,
land, may be without asettlement, the authority of the accurate and
the influx of them to particular judicious author of the History of
places has been so great and up the Poor Laws, who says, “ It
pressive, that the committee think must be owned, the statute of the
provision should be made for pass 13th and 14th Car. H. hath ex
ing such persons, upon their ap ceeded, perhaps, the due bounds.
plication for parochial relief, to If alterations should be thought
the nearest ports or places, from requisite, it is submitted, whether
which they may return to their it might not be reasonable to re
native country; but that any na duce the settlement to where it
tive of the' British Empire shall was before that statute, to wit, to
acquire a settlement in any parish the place of birth, or of in-ha'
in which he may have resided five hitancy for one or more years.
years without being chargeable. For so long as this was the plain
It is not to be supposed that simple settlement, there were very
such an abrogation in Future of few disputes in the courts of law
the 13th and 14th Car. II. and all about settlements. It was the easy
that has been built upon that sta method of obtaining a settlement
tute, can be wholly exempt from by residency of forty days, that
inconvenience: but the only ob brought parishes into a state of
jection that has appeared entitled war against the poor, and against
to seriousconsideration, is founded one another; and caused the sub
on an apprehension that it might sequent restrictive statutes to be
tend to the reduction of the num made; all which Would fall, of
ber of cottages, a consequence course, by reducing the settlement
which would he undoubtedly much to its ancient (and indeed most
to be lamented; but the inconve natural) standard."
nience of driving labourers to a To state the advantages attend
10g
500 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
ing the alteration fairly, it is ne settlement by estate, it is obvious,
cessarv to direct the attention of besides the question of value,
the House to the sort of questions which, in case of purchase, must
which arise out of each of the amount bona fide to 30!. involves
heads of settlement proposed to be necessarily some of the most intri
abrogated. cate questions respecting real pro
In the case, for instance, of a perty and testamentary bequests
settlement being supposed to be and devises. The committee are
acquired by renting a tenement of persuaded they need do no more
the annual value of 101. the ques than refer to these several heads
tion in dispute generally respects of litigation to shew its extent;
the value. If it may be really not and that minor alterations in any
far from that sum, and the family of these, while each head of set
of the pauper be numerous, the tlement is retained, would only
interests ofthe contending parishes, lead to new questions. It has, for
supported by the conflicting opi— instance, been suggested, that the
nion of their respective surveyors, rent of, the tenement should be
leads to the utmost expense and substituted for its value; but the
extremity of litigation. question would then be shifted,
But this question of fact has not and every agreement for a rent a
been the only subject of dispute. little above or a little below 10!.
The kind of tenement, and the would be impugned as collusive.
nature of the tenure, will be found, Raising the sum from 101. to 201.
by a reference to the reports of has been also suggested, and would
the King's Bench, to have given have its advantages by diminishing
rise to the most difficult and nui litigation; but it would at the
merous questions; the same re same time increase the difficulty
ference will afford a still greater of changing a settlement, and,
variety of intricate questions, and consequently, of permitting skill
of conflicting decisions, respecting and labour to find its best market.
hiring and service ; as to who may ]t has been proposed also to the
be hired as servants; what the committee from various quarters,
contract of hiring, whether gene that under the head of hiring and
ral, special, customary, retro service, a contract of hiring should
spective, conditional, personal ; be dispensed with, and service for
hiring' service in difi'erent places, a year confer a settlement. But
with difi'erentiuasters; of marriage your committee fear, that the same
during the service; and absence means which are now successfully
from service. adopted to prevent a settlement
The settlement by serving an from being obtained under this
apprenticeship has also its various head, Would in that case operate
decisions, arising out of the nature more prejudicially to the labourer,
of the binding, the time of the by preventing his remaining a
service, the place of the service, year in one place; at present he
the discharging the indentures, can do so, under successive hir
and the service with difl'erent mas ings, fora shorter period. I f these
ters, the execution of indentures, apprehensions are well founded,
and stamps. The last head of the change would be most preju
dicial
 STATE PAPERS.
dicial to him, and so impolitic in
its effects, as to counteract any
advantage which could be derived
from such diminution of litigation.
These are among the reasons for
which the committee suppose that
no alteration, short of that which
they venture to propose, would
have the effect of removing the
evil of litigation incident to the
present law of settlement. But it
is to the labouringr class of the
community that they conceive this
great alteration would be most
beneficial. It would insure their
being maintained where they had
maintained themselves ; where they
would be more likely, if merito
rious persons, to experience in
case of need the kindness of real
benevolence. It is hoped also that
it might operate as an inducement
to active and faithful service on
the one hand, and on the other, to
prevent such service being inter
rupted by an interested consi
deration for parochial funds. And
they propose this alteration with
the more confidence, because they
therebyrecommend the restoration
of that law, which was coeval with
parochial contributions, whether
voluntary or compulsory; and
because it is still the existing law
in that part of the United King
dom, Scotland, where the local
management and maintenance of
the poor has been best conducted.
There are some other sugges
tions of inferioriinportance, w hich
have not found a place in the fore
going part of the Report, to which
your committee would refer be
fore they conclude their observa—
tions.
It appears desirable, that jus
tices out of sessions should have
the power, which they can now
301
only execute in sessions, of mak
ing orders of maintenance on near
relations.
That a power should also be
given to enable overseers to re
cover, by a summary process, the
possession of tenements which
they may have rented and used for
the accommodation of the poor,
without being driven to the tedi
ous and expensive proceeding by
way of ejectment.
Your committee moreover think,
that the vexation and expense of
removals might, in some instances,
be saved, by an arrangement for
postponing the execution of the
order, till after a final decision in
case of appeal.
It is also suggested, that the
power given by the Mutiny Act
(vide 56 Geo. 111. cap. 10, sect.
70,) “ to any justice of the peace,
where any soldier shall be quarter
ed, in case such soldier have either
wife, child, or children, to ex
amine such soldier as to the place
of his last legal settlement, and
which requires him to give an at
tested copy to such soldier, of any
affidavit made by him in this re
spect, in order to be produced
when required; and which pro
vides that such attested copy shall
be at any time admitted in evi
dence, as to such last legal settle
ment," be extended to any person
'confined in any gaol or place of
safe custody in Great Britain, pro
vided that such copy of the exami
nation sliall not be admitted in
evidence after the discharge of
such prisoner.
By the act 22% Gen. 1]]. c. 83, it
is provided, that when any appli
cation shall be made to a justice
of the peace for relief, such justice
shall not summon the guardian,
unless
309 ANNUAL. REGISTER, 1817.
unless application shall have been
first made by the applicant to the
guardian, and if he refuses redress,
to the visitor. In incorporated
parishes, the visitor is frequently
from ten to fifteen miles dis-taut
from the residence of the pauper,
and frequently absent from home.
Some alteration in the law appears
necessary to obviate this incon
venience.
Your committee have thus stated
to the House the result of a la
borious- investigation, which has
been protracted to a period of the
session whichiprecludes their pro
posing at present such legislative
enactments as it might be thought
fit to adopt. They cannot, how
ever, regret- this circumstance;
for, conceiving that the House
expected at their hands a general
revision of the whole system of
our Poor Laws, in which, though
it benot'difiicult- to point out im
conveniences and mischiefs, yet
the taskmf providing practical rev
medies- is so arduous that your
committee is. persuaded, that even
Incle- time and labour would not
have been mispent'in‘considering
further the various provisions of
the: 1m, and the numerous pro
posals which, from difi'crent quart
ters, have been submittedtotheir
judgment. The: House also will
not be, called upon to adopt any
of the suggestions of tbispReport,
till an amplc opportunity will have
been afforded to correct any errors
in the judgment of your commit
tee, or to confirm their opinions-z
and this delay will above- all be so
lutary, if3the lapSe of‘time,‘ aided
by- a more favourable season,
should restore. the kingdom in
some degree to its wonted and
healthy state. For, though a pe»
riod of depression and distress
may bring out more prominently
the weak and unsound parts of
the system, it is obvious that the
application of the most effectual
remedies is at such a moment of
more than ordinary diificulty.
And if it should be the pleasure of
the House that the consideration
of this subject should be resumed
in the next session of parliament,
no inconsiderable advantage will
be derived from that mass of in
formation contained in the returns
in 1815, to which they have not
yet had access, and from a further
valuable accession of detailed ac
counts of the admirable practice
of Scotland.
July 4, 1817.
The Committee appointed to eramirre
the several Petitions, whichhave
been presenz ed to the House against
the Employment (If Boys insweep
ing Chimneys; and who were mt“
powered to report the same, with
their Opinion and Observations
thereupon, together with the Mi
nutes of the Evidence taken before
v them ,--—having examined Evi
dence upon the sufg'ect, have agreed
to the following Report.
Your committee. have felt it
their duty, in the first place, to
inquire into the laws that at pre
sent regulate the tradeof chimney
sweeping; and tlvcy find, that in
the year 1788 an act of parliament
(‘29 Geo. lll. chap. 48;) was pass
ed, entitled, “ An Act for the bet
ter regulation of Chimney-sweep
ers and their Apprentices." To
the preamble of which, they wish
to direct the attention of the
House :—Whereas- the laws: now
a in
 STATE PAPERS. so:
in being, respecting masters and that it is the custom of the trade
apprentices, do not provide sufii to take the parent‘s word for the
cient regulations, so as to prevent age of the apprentice—~that no
various complicated miseries to other evidence is asked for—that
which boys employed in climbing he never heard of its being the
and cleansing of chimneys are practice of the masters to get a
liable, beyond any other employ certificate 02' the age, and he was
ment whatsoeVer in which boys of ignorant that: the act of parliament
tender years are engaged: and required-it. Your commit-tee re
whereas the misery of the said fer generally to the evidence for
boys might be muchv alleviated, if proofs of the cruel-ties that are
some legal powers and authorities practised, and of the ill-usage,
were given for the regulation of and. the peculiar hardships that are
chimney-sweepers and their 21p, the lot: of the wretched. children
prentices."-—This act, though it who are employed in this trade. Lt
has in some respects fulfilled the is in evidence that they are stolen
intention of the legislature, yet from their parents, and inveigled
your committee have heard in, evi out of workhouses ; that in order
d'ence- before» them, that its. prin— to. conquer the natural repugnance
cipal‘ enacting clause, viz. the re of- the infants to ascend! the nar
gulating the age at which appren row and dangerous chimneys, to
tices shall be taken, is constantly clean which their labour is requir
evaded; and they are decidedly of ed, blows are used ; that pins are
opinion, that the variousand con» forced into their feet: by the boy
plicated miseries to which therun that follows them up the chimney,
fortunate children are exposed, in order to compel them to ascend
cannot be relieved by. regulations. it; and that lighted straw has
The 28th of Gem LII. enacts, been applied for that. purpose;
That no. person shall employ any that the children are subject to
boy, in the nature of an appaen sores and bruises, and wounds
tice or servant, under the age of and: burns on their thighs, knees,
eight; years; yet your committee and elbows; and that it. will re'
have been informed, that infants quire many months before the ex—
of- the early ages of four, five and tremities of the elbows and knees
six years, have beenemployed, it become sufficiently hard to resist
being the practice for parents to the excoriations to which they are
sell their children] to this trade, at; first- subject; and that one of
undenstating their age; besides, the masters being asked. if those
this. clause is not considered by boys. are employed in sweepingr
the master chimney-sweepers, as chimneys during the soreness of
prohibiting their employment of those parts, he answered, “ It
their own children; andinstances depends upon the sort of master
have been adduced before~ your they. have-got. Some are obliged
committee, that have satisfied to'put them to=work= sooner than
themi thatv such cases are by no others; you mustv keep them a
means nnfrequent. Your com little at it even during the sores,
mittee have also heard, from one or they will. never learn their
of the master chimney~sweepers, business." Yuun committee are
informed
304 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
informed that the deformity of the tum; the witness never saw but
spine, legs, arms, &c. of these two instances of the former,
boys, proceeds generally, if not though several of the latter. Mr.
wholly, from the circumstance of Cline informed your committee by
their being obliged to ascend letter, that this disease is rarely
chimneys at an age when their seen in any other persons than
bones are in a soft and growing chimney-sweepers, and in them
state; but likewise, by their being cannot be considered as frequent;
compelled to carry bags of soot for during his practice in St.
and cloths, the weight of which Thomas‘s Hospital, for more than
sometimes exceed twenty or thirty forty years, the number of those
pounds, not including the soot, the cases could not exceed twenty;
burthen of which they also occa but your committee have been in
sionally bear for a great length of formed, that the dread of the ope
distance and time; the knees and ration which it is necessary to
ancle joints become deformed, in perform, deters many from sub
the first instance, from the positionmitting to it; and from the evi
they are obliged to put them in, in dence of persons engaged in the
order to support themselves. not trade, it appears to be much more
only while climbing up the chim common than Mr. Cline seems to
ney, but more particularly so be aware of. But it is not only
whilst coming down, when they the early and hard labour, the
rest solely on the lower extremi spare diet, wretched lodging, and
ties, the arms being used for harsh treatment, which is the lot
scraping and sweeping down the of these children, but in general
soot. Your committee refer ge they are kept almost entirely desti
nerally to the observation of every tute of education, and moral or
one as to the stinted growth, the religious instruction; they form
deformed state of body, the look a sort of class by themselves, and
of wretchedness and disease which from their \Vl'l‘k being done early
characterizes this unfortunate in the day, they are turned into
class 3 but it is in evidence before the streets to pass their time in
them, that there is a formidable idleness and depravity : thus they
complaint which chimney~sweep become an easy prey to those
ers in particular are liable to ; whose occupation it is to dcludc
from which circumstance, by way the ignorant and entrap the un
of distinction. it is called the wary ; and if their constitution is
Chimney-sweepers Cancer. Mr. strong enough to resist the dis
\Vright, a surgeon, informed eases and deformities which are
your committee, that whilst he the consequences of their trade,
was attending Guy's and Saint and that they should grow so
Bartholomew's Hospitals, he had much in stature as no longer to
several cases under his care, some be useful in it, they are cast upon
of which were operated on; but the world without any means of
in general they are apt to let them obtaining a livelihood, with no
go too far before they apply for re habits of industry, or rather. what
lief. Cancers of the lips are not too frequently happens, with con
so general as cancers of the scro firmed habits of idleness and vicis.
n
 STATE PAPERS. 305
In addition to which, it appears, in general among the most respect‘
that from the trade being con able part of the trade, the ap
stantly overstocked, a large pro prentices are of the age prescribed
portion of the older chimney by the act, viz. from 8 to 14;
sweepers (as it is stated, one half) but even among the most respect
are constantly in a course of being able it is the constant practice to
thrown out of employ. Your borrow the younger boys from
committee have endeavoured to one another, for the purpose of
learn the number of persons who sweeping what are called the nar
may be considered as engaged in row tlues. No accurate account
the trade within the bills of mor could be obtained of the ages of
tality: they have learnt that the the apprentices of the other clas
total number of master chimney ses; but they had the youngest
sweepers might be estimated at children, who either were their
200, who had among them 500 own, or engaged as apprentices ;
apprentices ; that not above 20 of and who, in many instances, it
those masters were reputable was ascertained, were much below
tradesmen in easy circumstances, the prescribed age; thus, the
who appeared generally to conform youngest and most delicate child
to the provisions of the act, and ren are in the service of the worst
which twenty had, upon an aver class of masters, and employed
age, from four to five apprentices exclusively to clean flues, which,
each ; that about ninety were of an from their peculiar construction,
inferior class of master chimney cannot be swept without great
sweepers, who had, upon an ave personal hazard.
rage, three apprentices each, and Your committee have had laid
who were extremely negligent of before them an account of various
their health, their morals, and their accidents that have happened to
education ; and that about ninety, chimney-sweepers, by being forced
the remainder of the 200 masters, to ascend these small flues. They
were a class of chimney-sweepers beg leave to refer particularly to
recently journeymen, who took a recent case, which occurred on
up the trade because they had no Thursday the 6th day of March
other resource—who picked up 1817, and which is contained in
boys as they could—who lodged the minutes of evidence. They
them with themselves in huts, wish also to direct the attention of
sheds, and cellars, in the outskirts the House to one of those instances
of the town, occasionally wander of cruelty, which terminated in
ing into the villages round: and the death of an infant of about
that in these two classes, being in six years of age, in the month
the proportion of 180 to 20, the of April 1816: William Moles
miseries of the trade were princi and Sarah his wife were tried
pally to be found. It is in evi at the Old Bailey for the wil
dence before your committee, that ful murder of John Hewley alias
at Hadleigh, Barnet, Uxbridge, Haseley, by cruelly beating him.
and Windsor, female children Under the direction of the learned
have been employed. judge, they were acquitted of the
Your committee observe, that crime of murder, but the husband
VOL. LIX. “'8'
 306 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
-was detained to take his trial for themselves, who have been brought
a misdemeanor, of which he Was up in the trade, establishes the
convicted upon the fullest evi fact, that of the chimneys in the
dence, and sentenced to two years metropolis three-fourths may be
imprisonment. Thefacts of the as well, as cleanly, and as cheaply
case were, that this infant was swept by mechanical means as by
forced up the chimney on the the present method ; and the re
shoulder of a larger boy, and maining part being, on the very
--aftcrwards violently pulled down greatest calculation, one-fourth of
n-again by the leg, and dashed the whole number, with altera
' against a marble hearth; his leg tions that may easily and cheaply
was thus broken, and he died a be made, can be swept also with
few hours after ; on his body and out the employment of the climb
knees were .found sores, arising ing boy. Mr. Bevans, an archi
{from wounds of amuch older date. tect much conversant with build
' But it is not only the ill-treatment ings in the Metropolis, has no
wvhich 'the. regular apprentices doubt that 95 out of 100 can be
at suffer from the cruel conduct of swept by the machines that are at
some masters that your committee present in use; and he has also
.are anxious to comment on; it no doubt that, supposing there
.appears that in order to evade the was to be a legislative enactment
.,-_penalty_of theract of parliament, that no chimney should be swept
some of these masters frequently by the means of climbing boys,
:ehire young lads as journeymen that easy substitutes could be
who have not been apprenticed to found that would sweep every
chimneywsweepers; these are chil chimney that now exists. He
dren who have no parents, and adds, that though there may be
who are enticed away from the difficulties in cleaning an horizon
"aditferent workhouses of the Me tal fine, from the quantity of soot,
tropolis. ' yet it is equally bad for the boys
Having thus shortly detailed the as for the machine; because the
leading facts of the evidence which boy, as he comes down, has an ac
has been given before them, of cumulation of soot about him,
the miseries which the unfortu which stops up the circulation of .
nate class of beings who are sold air necessary to support life. So
to this trade eitperience, your that it is evident, in all those
committee have with great anxiety chimneys where, under their pre
examined various persons, as to sent construction, the machine
the possibility of performing by cannot be used, the hazard of loss
the aid of machinery whatiiis now of life to the boy who sweeps
done by the labourof the climbing them, is most imminent.
boys : the result of their inquiries Some of these fiues are stated
is, that though there may be some not to he above sevcninches square;
difference of opinion as to the ex and one of the witnesses, who re
tent >__to which machinery is here lates this fact to the Committee,
applicable, yet the lowest calcula informs them, that he himself had
.tion of practical and experienced been often in hazard of his life;
persons, .master chimney-sweepers and that _he has frequently swept
a long
 STATE PAPERs
a long narrow flue in Goldsmith’s
Hall, in which he was shut up six
hours before his work was finished.
Upon a review then of the evidence
of the evils necessarily belonging
to this trade, as well as of the re
medies which have been suggested,
First, in the substitution of me
chanical means, thus superseding
the necessity of employing chil
dren in this painful and degrading
trade; and, secondly, in allowing
the system to continue in the
main as it is, with only those
amendments to the existing law,
that may attempt to remedy the
present practice ;-—your Commit
tee are decidedly of opinion, that
no parliamentary regulations can
attain this desirable end; that as
long as master chimney-sweepers
are permitted to employ climbing
boys, the natural result of that
permission will be the continuance
of those miseries which the legis
lature has sought, but which it
has failed to put an end to ; they
therefore recommend, that the
use of climbing boys should be
prohibited altogether; and that the
age at which the apprenticeship
should commence should be ex
tended from eight to fourteen,
putting this trade upon the same
footing as others which take ap~
prentices at that age ; and, finally,
your committee have come to the
following resolution :
Resolved, That the Chairman
be directed to move for leave to
bring in a bill for preventing the
further use of climbing boys in
sweeping of chimneys. ' The subject is by no means new
23d June, 1817.
307
rxasr Reron'r non 'rnp sneer
' comm-run on FINANCE.
The Select Committee appointed
to inquire into, and state, the
income and expenditure of the
United Kingdom, for the year
ended the 5th of January, 1817 ;
and also to consider and state
the probable income and expen
diture, (so far as the same can
now be estimated) for the years
ending the 5th0f January, 1818,
and the 5th of January, 1819,
respectively; and to report the
same, together with their obser
vations thereupon, from time to
time, to the House, and also to
consider what further measures
may be adopted for the relief
of the country from any part of
the said expenditure, without
detriment to the public interest;
Having had under their con
sideration the state of various of
fices in the United Kingdom, which
are commonly, though incorrectly,
known under the general denomi
nation of sinecures, conceive that
they cannot better discharge the
duty imposed upon them by the
latter part of the orderof reference,
than by bringirig under the early
notice of the ouse, the annual
charge incurred by the continuance
of offices, either wholly useless, or
the salaries of which appear dis
proportionate to their actual duties ;
and of the system, which they sub
mit, as fit to be substituted in their
stead.
to the house, having been brought
under discussion at various times
within the _last ten years, and par
ticularly in the session of 1819,
when
X 2it was made
I the fopndation
of
808 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
of a bill, which having passed the ing had in these, as well as in
House, was carried to the House every other office which forms the
of' Lords on the 17th of June, and subject of' this report, to the ex
in the session of' 1813, when the isting interests.
same bill was carried to the House In the Exchequer, reasons of a
of' Lords on the 5th of' April. like nature exist for dealing in the
The classification of the several same manner with the offices of
offices, and some of the provisions Auditor of the Exchequer,
of that bill, are followed and re Clerk of the Pells,
ferred to in the course of this re Four Tellers of the Exchequer;
port, as the most convenient mode so that, whenever vacancies shall
of conducting the inquiry relating occur in any of them, the salary
to them. payable to the principal in such
The object of your committee office shall cease, and become a
was to ascertain, first, what offices saving to the public.
may be reduced or regulated (after .Warden of the Cinque Ports,
the expiration of the existing inte Governor of the Isle of' Wight:
rests) without detriment to the The same rule applies to these
public ‘service. Secondly, under two offices, so that the salaries pay
what regulations such of those able at the Exchequer, or out of
offices as it may be deemed proper any public funds, may cease, and
to continue ought to be adminis become a future saving to the
tered after the expiration of the public.
existing interests. Thirdly, as it Commissary General of Musters.
is obvious, that whenever such —-Th is office may be abolished with
regulations and reductions as are out inconvenience to the public
contemplated by your committee service.
shall be carried into effect, the Joint Paymaster-General.--The
means of rewarding meritorious office of one of the Joint Pay
public service will be in great masters may also be abolished,
measure taken from the Crown, being wholly inefficient and use
your committee deem it indispen less, with regard to all business
sable that provision should be connected with the army; but it
made for enabling the Crown, un must be recollected, that an ef
der proper regulations and restric fective and very important situa
tions, to afi‘ord a reasonable recom tion, without salary, has been fre
pense for the faithful discharge quently held, and is now held, by
one of the Joint Paymasters; for
of high and effective civil offices.
the discharge of“ which your com
OFFICES IN ENGLAND. mittee do not consider the salary
The view which your committee of 2,0001. at present attached to
have taken of the tWo offices of the office of second paymaster, as
Chief Justice in Eyre, North and more than adequate ; but they sub
South of Trent, is, that they may mit to the House, that it will be
be abolished without detriment to more consistent with the system
the public service, and the emo which they wish to introduce, that
luments thereof become a future the Vice-President of the Board of
saving to the public; regard be Trade should receive a salary as
such,
 _STATE PAPERS. 30
such, than be paid indirectly as dom, and many of them resident
one of the Joint Paymasters-Ge~ abroad. It must be further ob-'
neral. served, that though the salary of
One Deputy Paymaster-General. this office, having been formerly
—-The office of Paymaster-General paid out of the produce of“ old
being recommended to he exe stores, is now annually voted in
cuted by one person, it follows, of the naval estimates, yet the ap
course, that one deputy in the of pointment is not vested in the
fice will be sufficient; and that the Crown, but in the governors of
salary now received by the second this charity.
deputy should be saved. Law Clerk in the Secretary of
There are no longer any De State's Office—1t appearing that
puty-Paymasters abroad acting by no duties whatever are annexed to
deputy; and the duties of all the this office, your committee recom
Deputy-Paymasters themselves, mend that it should be altogether
during peace, are transferred to abolished.
the commissariat. Collector and Transmitter of
The office of Paymaster of Ma State Papers.—The same observa
rines is now discharged in person, tion applies as to the last office.
under regulations adopted in 1813, The inconsiderable offices of
without any deputy allowed, or Principal Housekeeper and Ware
paid by the public; but as some housekeeper in the Excise Office,
further inquiries may be neces Established Messenger in the War
sary before your committee can Office, and some others, included
finally report upon it, they defer in the table of the bill of 1812 and
their observations until the esti 1813, were at that time held as
mates for the Navy shall come be sineeures: with regard to these,
fore them, with which this office it is sufficient to lay down as a
is immediately connected. rule, that no person in future
Upon the office of' Paymaster of should be allowed to hold any in
Widows’ Pensions, although no ferior office of this description,
strong objections occur to your without performing the duty in
committee against uniting it with person; and where no duty is
the foregoing office, yet so long as attached (as in the case of Car
it continues at the low scale of taker to his Majesty) all such
expense at which it is now fixed, nominal offices should be sup
it does not seem expedient to re pressed.
commend any alteration for the The offices of Joint Postmaster
purpose of' effecting asaving, which General in England and Ireland
would, if any, be very inconsider do not appear to your committee
ahle. The annual charge is no to come under the general de
more than 680l. and ample secu scription of those which form the
rity is taken,amounting to 20,0001. subject of this report. They are,
for the money in charge, and for therefore, not prepared at present
the punctual payment of' nearly to suggest to the House any alte
70,0001. in very small sums, to ration in this mode of conducting
2,200 widows, scattered over this important department of the
every part of the United King public service. If, on. the one
hand,
sio ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
hand, they are sti'dngly or opinionlition, which it is the object 6f
that it Would be inexpedient to your committee to extend to all
place this branch of the public re offices of this description.
ycnue under the direction of 'a Clerk of the Parliaments.—
bbard, with a Constitution similar Your committee recommend that
tti that of othér_revenue boards, this oHice should be abolished,
as recommended by the finance and that the fees, if continued,
committee of 1797, in their se should be appropriated towards
tenth' report ; on the Other hand, defrayihg the sess'ionttl expenses
they are by no means prepared to of the House of Lords.
state an opinion, that the manage Four Clerks of the Signet, and
ment of the ret'enu'e of the PostFour Clerks of the Privy Seal.—
o'tlicé, amountin‘ in England to Your committee are not aware of
'a gross rEceip of 2,116,087l. any detriment which can accrue
and involving an expenditure of to the public service from discon
593,620l. and amounting in Ire tinuing these offices, the duty of
land to a gross receipt (if 980,000l. which is executed by deputy. ‘
and introlvih'g an expenditure of Comptroller-General of Ae
l48,0001., together With the coins
counts; Excise, and Instiector
plicatcd concerns by which this Genéral.—Thc5e oflices being con
department is connected with the nected with the collection and
convenience at the community, management of the revenue, and
and the commercial interests of having no efficient duties, ought
the empire, can, without disad of course to'be abolished.
vantage, be permanently confided Register to Commissioner of
to one individual. Excise, InspeCtor-Generalof Cof
Your committee have learnt With fee and Tea, 8th. and all other
Satisfaction, that, by the inst in offices, whether enumerated in
denture of the Mint, the ofiic'é of the table to the bill of 1813,
Clerk of the Irons has been merg or not, the dunes 6f which are
ed in that of Superintendent of connected With the collection and
the machinery, Which is a very receipt of the public revenue,
necessary and effective office; and ought, in the opinion of your
that it is provided by the same committee, to Be abolished, so far
indcnture, thattthe office of Comp as the salaries of those oilices are
troller of the Mint should, at the payable to individuals who do not
termination of the present exist execute in person the efficient dd
ing interest, be eiiecuted in per ties of such offices. ‘ - Y,
son by the present deputy, at the -\
salary which he now receives, sco'runu. 1*: r,
thereby efi‘ecting a saving of the Keeper of the Great Seal;
salary and emoluments of the prin Your committee recommend, that
cipal. The ofiicé of Warden of this office should be preserved;
the Mint, it is understood, will, but the salary regulated, so as not
in like manner, be discontinued; to exceed 2000!. per annum. '
as well as every other office in this Keeper of the Privy Seal.--ln
- department which comes within recommending that this ntlice
the’ principle 'of regulation or abo should be continued, a salary of
10001.
 W

ISTA'I‘E PAPERS..
311
lOOO'l. a year appears to‘ be Suf which is stated to be 30;000l. they
ficient. are of‘ opinion that a salary~ of
The office of Lord Justice-Ge 10001. a year would be ample to
neral.--Your committee recom insure the regular attendance of a
mend, that after the termination responsible person competent to
of the existing interest in this give security to that amount.
ofiice, the President of the Court Three old Inspectors of Wheel
of Sessions, for the time being, carriages, Gazette W'riter, and
should assume the title, rank, lnspector-Géneral 'of Roads, are
and privileges of Lord Justice offices to be abolished ; the last
General, and that the salary now being added to this list as included
annexed to this office should be in the army estimates.
discontinued.
IRELAND.
Keeper of the Signet.—-All the
duties of this office may be an Clerk of the Pells.
nexed to that of Lord Register, Teller of the Exchequer.
and the fees should be carried to Auditor-General.
the public account ; and with re The necessary duties attached to
spect to the office of Lord Regis these ofliCcs must continue to be
ter, a fixed salary of 1500l. a year performed ; but the salary and
appears to be an adequate provi emoluments now receivable by. the
sion. principals shOuld become, as in
Knight Marshal.—The office to the English Exchequer, a saving
be retained, but the salary discons to the public. .
tinued. Keeper of the Privy Seal.—This
Vice Admiral.—-—Ditto. office is now held for life ; but it
Goyernor and other offices in should, after the termination of
the Mint may be abolished. The the existing interest, be granted
buildings of the Mint in Scotland during pleasure only, and alWays
should be disposed of in such man anneired to the office of Chief Se
ner as may appear to the Lords of cretary to the Lord-Lieutenant.
the Treasury most advantageous Surveyor-General of Crown
to the crown. Lands.
Receiver-General of Bishops’ Keeper of Records, Birming
Rents. ham ToWer. .
Auditor of Exchequer. Keeper of the Records of Pars
Assistant Surveyor General of liament.
Taxes. Clerk of the Paper-office.
Comptroller - General of Cus Thcse ofiicers have charge of
toms. public documents, which may be
These offices may be abolished. transferred to the building which
The Cashier and Receiver-Ge has been constructed for the cus
neral of Excise —-Your committee tody of the public records of }re
cannot too strongly express their land; and the seVeral appoint
opinion that this office ought to ments above enumerated maybe Y
be executed in person; and even abolished.
taking into consideration the a ' Accountant to the Board of
mount of .the security required, General Officers.
Secretary
W1

312 ANNUAL REGISTER,~1817.

Secretary to the Board of Gene to the bill of l8l3, in the Cus
ral Olficers. toms and Excise departments of
Corrector and Supervisor of his the revenue, the duties of which
Majesty‘s Printing Press. were not performed in person.
Compiler of the Dublin Gazette. Your committee have learnt with
Master of the Revels. satisfaction, that to any of these
Seneschal of his Majesty's Ma offices which have become vacant
nors. since the passing of that bill by
Accountant-General (an office the House, no appointment has
paid from the civil list.) been made by the Irish govern
Supervisor of Accounts, Bar ment; and that the salaries at
rack Department. tached to them have been saved,
Barrack Master of the Royal by removing the individuals hold
Barracks. ing them to other effective offices.
These oifices may be ab01ished, They therefore have only to ex
or if in any instance they have press their opinion that such of
powers or functions attached to the offices enumerated in the table
them which it is necessary to re as yet remain, should be abolished
tain, they may be transferred to as opportunities occur, and to re
other effective offices, without any commend generally that the duties
addition whatever to their emolu of all offices, of whatever descrip
ments: as the transfer cannot im tion, connected with the collec
pose any additional labour or re tion and receipt of the public re
sponsibility. venue, should be performed in
Constable of the Castle of Li person, by those who hold them,
merick. > at reasonable rates of salary.
. Ditto, Dublin.
-Ditto, Castlemain.
The salary payable to these olfi
cers out of the civil lis't‘should ENGLAND.
become a saving to the public. Ofiires in Courts of Law in the Gift
The offices may, if necessary, be of the Crown.
retained without salary.
Clerk of the Council. The appointment to the under
Muster-master-General (held by mentioned offices in the Court of
two persons). Exchequer having been stated to
Prat-ique Master of the port of your committee not to belong to
Dublin. the judges of that court, but to be
Storekeeper of the Customs. in the gift of the crown, and it ap
The duties attached to these pearing that the duties of them
offices ought to be discharged in are executed by deputy, there ap
person by those who hold them, pears no reason for their being
and the salaries now paid to the continued, except upon such an
principals to become a saving to establishment as may afford an
the public. adequate remuneration to the pro!
There were several other offices per officers hereafter appointed to
enumerated in the table annexed discharge the duties in person.
‘ Bfcasausa.
 STATE
BXCHEQUER
King's Remembrancer.
Clerk of the Pleas.
Clerk of the Pipe.
Comptroller of the Pipe.
Deputy ditto.
Marshal.
Foreign Apposer.
Surveyor and Receiver-General
of Green Wax.
Three Messengers out of four.
Lord Treasurer's Remembran
cer.
Clerk of Foreign Estreats.
Clerk of the Nichils.
Comptrollers of First Fruits.
ALlENATlON OFFICE.
Three Commissioners.
Receiver-General.
Two Entering Clerks.
Master in Chancery.
Solicitor of the Exchequer.
SCOTLAND.
Direction of the Court of Chan
cery.
Clerk of the Court of Chan
cery.
Principal Clerk in the Court of
Admiralty.
King’s Remembrancer.
Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer
in the Court of Exchequer.
One of the Clerks in the Pipe
Oflice. .
Presenter of Signatures, Ex.
chequer.
Register of Seisins.
Clerk of the Admission of No
taries in the Court of Session.
All these offices are understood
by your committee to be executed
wholly by deputy, and to come,
PAPERS.» 313
therefore, within the principle of
regulation or abolition after the
termination of the present inte
rests. It is however necessary to
observe, with respect to the offices
of Director of the Court of Chan
cery, Presenter of Signatures, and
Register of Seisins in Scotland,
that as the duties of these three
offices are stated to be highly im
portant, and not only intimately
connected with each other, but
with the legal forms and proceed
ings on which the titles and secu
rity of real estates es~entially de
pend in that part of the united
kingdom, your committee would,
upon every principle, abstain from
interfering with any of those legal
forms and proceedings; and all
which they have to submit with
respect to the offices in question
is, that the emoluments of them
ought to be so regulated, as to
ensure the due execution in per~
son of their respective duties, by
individuals competent by their
professional knowledge to dis
charge those duties, and by their
station in society to give such
security as may be deemed ade
quate to the extent and nature of
the trust appertaining to each of
them respectively.
IRELAND.
All the offices in the courts of
law in Ireland, included in the list
annexed to the bill of 1813, with
the exception of those which have
hitherto been in the gift of the
chiefjudges of the courts of law
in Ireland, ought, in the opinion
of your committee, to be regulated
on
$14 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1317.
on such principles as Shall ensure conon'ut. omen.
the performance of their duties in
person,- by thOse who hold them, Upon the colonial offices suffi
at such just and reasonable sala cient materials have not been laid
ries as sliatll hereafter be deter before your committee for present-'
mined on._ ing them fully and satisfactorily
The following are the offices to the view of the House; but the
enumerated in that list, Which are general principle to be applied in
understood to have hitherto been dealing with them appears to be,
in the nomination of the crown :—' in the first place, that of enforcing,
Public Registrar of Deeds, to the utmost, residence within
Clerk of Crown and Hanapeir, the colonies, or foreign possessions
Chief Remembrancer, to which those offices belong, and
Clerk of the Pipe, personal performance by the prin
Comptroller of the Pipe, cipal of the duties annexed to
Chirograph'er, them: the second object to be
rothOnotary, Coihtnbn Pleas, attained ought to be the reduction
Proth‘onotary, King‘s Bench, of the salaries to such a rate, as
crown Office, King‘s Bench, may afford a fair and sufficient re
Ti'anscriptdt‘ and Foreign Ap compense for the services to be
poser, performed; and any saving which
Clei'k of the Report Oliice, can be derived from such regu
Pursuivant, Court of Exches lations should he applied (as the
tiller, case may be) in aid of some of the
Register of Forféitures, public burdens incidental to the
Usher of the Eitchequer, civil government of such colonies
Register, Court of Chancery, or foreign possessions : observing
Accountant-General, ditto, I farther, that in the old colonies
Serjeant at Arms, Pleas Oilil-‘e, any such application of savings
Lord Treasurer's, or 2d Re must be made at the recommen
membrancer, Exchequer. dation of the gbvernors of such
, The right of appointment lb the colonies, with the consent of the
Clerkship 0f the Pleas of ' the local legislatures of each. .
Court of Exchequer has been con ‘ It is difficult to state, with ac
tested by the Chief Baron of that curacy, the aggregate annual value
court; and the right is not yet of all the offices which have been
finally determined. . mentioned. Those Which depend
The duties of the Accountant upon fees fluctuate considerably in
General of the Court of Chancery their amount from various cir
are now performed in perSo'n by cumstances; and there are several
the individual Who holds the office 5 others (particularly those belong
a vacancy in the office havin oc ing to the colonies) of which the
curred since the paSsing o_ the ihcOme has never been exactly
bill of 1813. _ ' returned. Referring, therefore,
The same observation applies to the statements already before
to the ~o'flicé ofCo'mpt'rolle'r ‘ot'th'e the House in the Third Report of
Pipe. _ \ ' . Piiblit'; Expenditure, and in the
Reports
 STATE PAPnns 315
Rbports iipo'n Sinecure Offices, ment the present salanes'may b'e
and taking also into‘ account the Wholly saved, whenever these 'dfii
regulation or abolition of some ces shall become vacant. These'
offices since that period, your salaries,- as well as that of the
committee see no reason to doubt Lord Warden of the-Cinque Ports,
that the annual income now de Being paid out of the English civil
rived from the offices which are list, and the salaries of sereral
thus brought under the observa offices in Scotland and Ireland
tion of the House, as being at the being in like manner charged upon
disposal of the crown, and fit to the respective cit-ll lists df those
be abolished or regulated, may parts of the United Kingdom, your
be estimated at from 90,000l. to enmmittee recommend, that a
‘100,000l. general rule should be laid dOWll
for carrying to the consolidated
REGULATIONS
fund these and similar savings,
as they may arise, after the ter
Applicable to Oflices, the Duties of mination of the interests how
which are necessary to be cdn existing in any offices charged upon
tinued. those funds. ’
The inquiries now made have In swam-d there is one oihce
fully confirmed the observation of high rank and emolument, that
contained in the First Report of of Lord Justice-General,-tvhich
the committee updn sinecure ofilces appears to come under the Same
appointed in 1810: “ That the description as having no employ—
number of ofiices which have re ment either of principal or deputy,
venue without any employment and to the salary of which the
either of principal or deputy, is same principle of réduction 'virould
very i'nconsider'able, and that by consequently apply, in the event
far the greatest number of offices of the office being annexed by
which are commonly described as law to that of Lord President of
sinecure, fall properly under the the Court of Sessions. One or
description of offices executed by two other oliices eninnerated in
deputy, or offices having revenue the schedule, but of inferior rank
disproportionate to employment.” and emolument, have not, as far
The only situations, in England, as your committee have- been
of any considerable emolument enabled to ascertain, any duties or
which can be considered as per~ responsibility annexed to them ;'
fect sinecures, are the two ofiices they therefore sh‘duld be abolished
of Chief Justice in Eyre, North altogether, as sobn as they may
and South of Trent ; upon which become vacant.
your committee have only to state, ’ With respect to all the remain
that there will he no difficulty in ing offices included in the schedule
transferring any formal duties be of the bill of 1813, being those
longing to these ofiices (if any which are not altogether Without
such still remain) to the Commis employment, but which have either
_ sinners of Woods and Land Re emoluments greatly disproportiohi'
venue: and that by this arrange :ite to such emPldym'ent, or are
r - who‘ll?
316 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
wholly executed by deputy, your
committee do not feel themselves
competent to recommend any ge
neral regulation by which the
proper scale of salary in any of
them may be settled, as soon as
the proposed reductions can be
accomplished. They do not pos
sess all the information necessary
for this purpose; and, even if
they did, it is possible that an es—
tablishment, which might be now
adequate for any particular office,
might cease to be so before the
termination of the existing in
terest.
Your committee are therefore
of opinion that it should be left
to the judgment and responsibility
of the Lords of the Treasury for
the time being, as vacancies occur,
to place the several offices pro
posed to be regulated upon such
an establishment with respect
to the number and rank of the
persons requisite for the discharge
of the efiicient functions of such
oflices, and the amount of salary
to be assigned to each person, as
may appear to them adequate,
after a full inquiry into the nature
and extent of the duties to be per
formed, and the degree of ofiicial
and pecuniary responsibility which
necessarily attaches to some of
them. If it should be thought
proper in any act to be passed,
with reference to the subject of
this report, to enact, that when
ever any of the said offices shall
be reduced and regulated, there
should be laid before both Houses
of parliament a comparative state
ment of the number, duty, and
emolument of the respective offi
cers under the old and new estab
lishments, your committee con
ceive that the parliamentary check,
created by this arrangement, would
be sufficient to prevent any abuse
of a power which seems properly
to belong to the Lords of the
Treasury, as the official and re
sponsible advisers of the crown,
upon all matters which relate to
the superintendence and control
over the public expenditure.
It may not be improper, in
treating this part of the inquiry, ‘
to call the attention of the House
more distinctly to some peculiar
circumstances before alluded to,
which are connected with offices
of great emolument in the courts
of law in Ireland.
It appears, that upon a vacancy
which recently occurred in the
office of Clerk of the Pleas in the
Court of Exchequer, by the death
of the Earl of Buckinghamshire, a
claim to the appointment to that
office was preferred by the Chief
Baron of the Exchequer in Ireland,
and an individual was appointed
by him, and was sworn in before
the Court of Exchequer. A pro
ceeding, by qua warranto, was in
stituted on the part of the crown,
and the judgment of the Court of
King's Bench was adverse to the
claim of the Chief Baron. An
appeal, however, has been made
to the Court of Error; and may
hereafter be made, by either party,
to the House of Lords. In the
mean time, by an act of the legis
lature, 56th Geo.lII. 0.1242, the
emoluments of the office are paid
into the treasury, and the due dis
charge of all the official duties
provided for. It is not impossible
that claims, similar to those which
have been preferred in this in
stance by the Chief Baron, may
be preferred to the appointment
to other offices in the law courts
of
 STATE PAPERS. 817
of Ireland, of great and d'rspro be required to suggest such a plan
portionate emolument, which have for the future regulation of these
hitherto been considered as at offices, as shall provide for the
the disposal of the crown. respective duties being discharged
Your committee cannot, how in person, at such salaries as shall
ever, avoid submitting to the be deemed a just and reasonable
House, whether it would not be compensation to the individuals
perfectly consistent, both injustice discharging them.
and sound policy, to provide for An act of the legislature will
the regulation of all such offices be necessary to give effect to any
after the expiration of the legally plan which may be suggested by
vested interests, upon the princi the commissioners ; it will there_
ple on which it is proposed to fore be competent to Parliament
regulate other offices partaking of to adopt generally the suggestions
the nature of sinecures. made by the commissioners, or to
The duties attached to many of depart from them according to
the principal offices in the courts their discretion.
of law in Ireland appear indeed to In the supposable event of a va
be so various and important, and cancy occurring in any of these
to be necessarily performed by so offices before the commissioners
many persons, that it would be make their report, it is of course
extremely difficult, without the understood, that a temporary ar
most mature consideration, and rangement will be made for the
probably without inquiries insti performance of all the neccssary
tuted on the spot, to suggest any duties, which shall not in any way
arrangement for the future con interfere with the immediate re
duct of the business of these gulation of the offices, on the prin
offices, when the existing interests ciples above recommended.
in them shall have terminated.
MODE OF REWARDING HIGH AND
Your committee understand,
EFFICIENT POLITICAL SERVICES.
however, that there is at present
a commission in Ireland, appointed Your committee would have
in consequence of an address of found themselves under consider
the House, to inquire into the able difficulty in submitting to
state of the courts of law in that the House any specific plan for
part of the. United Kingdom. It enablingtbc Crown to reward high
would be very desirable that the and efficient political services, if
members of this commission should they had not taken for their gui
be required by the Executive Go dance the principles and regula
vernment, to examine, with as tions established by the bill so
little delay as possible, into the often referred to, as the basis of
circumstances under which the the suggestions which they have
several offices in the courts of law, to offer under this head.
which have hitherto been consi After an attentive consideration
dered in the disposal of the Crown, of the mode proposed in that bill
stand, with respect to the per for enabling the Crown to recom
formance of the duties attached to pense the faithful and meritorious
them; and that they should also discharge of high and efficient
civil
318 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
civil offices, your committee cannot
but entertain an opinion that, con
sistently, as they trust, with this
important object, it will be prac
ticable to make the new means of
reward which it is proposed to
grant to the Crown less extensive,
and, at the same time, to place
the power of conferring those re
wards under limitations more re
strictive than had been provided
by the regulations of that bill.
Retaining the list and classi
fication of offices according to that
bill, your committee are of opi
nion, that it would be expedient
either to limit the total sum, which
should in no case be’exceeded, or
to proceed, in another mode, to
wards attaining the same object:
lst. By limiting the number of
pensions which could be granted,
and in operation atv any one time
in each class. 2dly. By providing
that the power of granting such
pensions should be called pro
gressively into operation at stated
intervals, affording a reasonable
probability, that at least an equal
saving will have been effected by
the falling in of the salaries or
emoluments of some of the offices
to be regulated or abolished, in
stead of commencing at once upon
the vacancy of the first of such
offices as might exceed 2,000l. a
year, or at any one given period.
2dly. That the provision of the
bill which would have made it
lawful for his Majesty, when any
person should have served in more
than one of the four classes, to
grant such pension as is annexed
to the highest class in which he
may have been employed (without
any reference to the duration of‘ his the offices of the President of the
service in that class) should be so Board of Control, and Secretary
far amended as to require from ' to that Board, come within the
any such person a certain period
of service in the higher class.
With reference to these prin
ciples of modification, your com
mittee submit, that the number
of pensions in each of the four
classes should be limited as fol
lows :
1st Class—First Lord of the
Treasury, First Lord of the Admi
ralty, Three Secretaries of State,
Chancellor of the Exchequer—six
pensions of 3,000l.
2d Class—Chief Secretary for
Ireland, Secretary at War—three
pensions of 20001.
N. B. The Chancellor of the Ex
chequer for Ireland was included
in this class in the Bill of 1813.
‘3d Class—Two Secretaries of
the Treasury, Principal Secretary
of the Admiralty—6 pensions of
1,5001.
4th class—Under Secretaries of
State, Clerk of the Ordnance—
6 pensions of 1,000l.
That the Crown should have the
power of granting one pension in
each of these classes, except the
second, at the end of two years
from the adoption of this system
by the legislature, and so in suc
cession at intervals of two years,
until the expiration of twelve years,
when it shall be lawful to the
Crown to grant the whole number
of pensions proposed in each class.
With respect to the second class,
it is proposed that the power should
not commence till the expiration
of four years, so as to come into
complete operation at the same
period of twelve years, as in the
three other classes.
Your committee conceive that
description
 w“wimvvu

STATE stress. 31.9

description of effective, civil, and upon the grantee being appointed
political offices, so far as to entitle to any civil office or employment
them to be considered in any ge under the Crown of equal or
neral system intended to be laid greater amount.
down with regard to such offices ; It has occurred to your com
but they leave it to the wisdom of mittee, that circumstances might
the House to determine whether, possibly arise, though of occasional
as their salaries are entirely drawn and rare occurrence, in which it
from another quarter, and not might be highly expedient for the
from public revenue, these offices Crown to possess the power of
ought to be included in the pro granting one pension in the first
visions of any bill which may be class, without reference to any
framed upon the recommendations specific period of service in the
contained in this report, or to person to whom it might be grant
form the subject of some other ed; and although there might be
legislative measure. no actual vacancy in the class.
The regulations of the bill, with They therefore submit to theli ousc,
respect to length of service in whether it might not be expedient
each of the four classes, your com to grant such a power, subject to
mittee are of opinion might be any regulations in the mode of
amended in the following man exercising it which may be thought
ner:-— necessary, and subject also to a
1st Class—not less than two provision that any such grant
years' service in one or more of should beheld to be superhumeraryg
the offices of that class: 2d and so that, upon any subsequent va
3d classes-either five years’ ser cancy arising in the first class, it
vice in one of the offices of that should not be filled up, except in
class, or three years in that class, favour of the person holding such
and not less than five years in extraordinary pension; who from
some of the ofiices of the other that time would be considered
classes, so as to make, in that case, as forming one of the limited list
at least eight years’ service; but of six.
in the whole 4th class, at least Although it may be objected to
ten years‘ service. the limited number proposed by
The only further alteration your committee for each class,
which it has occurred to your that circumstances may arise in
committee to recommend in li which, from the whole number of
mitation of the regulations of the pensions in any of the classes
bill, is, that the pensions of each having been previously granted,
class should, in all cases, be li the crown might for a time be de—
mited to the smaller sum specified barled from remunerating a per
in the bill, viz. 3,0001. for the son, who, by long and meritorious
first class ; 2.0001. for the second; services, might be entitled to such
1,500l. for the third; and l,OOOl. a reward; such an inconvenience,
for the fourth; without any pro they apprehend, could only exist
greasive increase depending upon for u shQrt time; and on the other
length of service; and that one hand, your committee are of opini
half of such pensign should abate on that, without some such limita
tion,
320 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
tion, the saving, which they con themselves in the question. In
template as one of the induce taking into consideration the peace
ments for substituting this mode establishments of' the country, it
of recompensing public service, for must be remembered, that if on
that which is now at the disposal the one hand they are proposed to
of the crown, might be ultimately be kept in a state of complete pre
disappointed. paration, with a view of affording
March 98, 1817. entire security to the nation both
at home and abroad, the conti
nued expense must bear so heavily
SECOND REPORT FROM THE SELECT upon the resources of the country,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE. as to preclude all hope of relief
from the burdens of taxation, and
[Ordered by the House of Commons the load of debt incurred during a
to be printed, March 29, 1817.] long series of protracted hostili
The Select Committee, appointed ties: on the other hand, if they
to inquire into, and state, the should be reduced too low, the
income and expenditure of the temporary gain in point of eco
United Kingdom for the year ended nomy might be more than coun
the 5th of January, 1817, and also terbalanced by the hazardous
to consider and state the probable situation in which this kingdom,
income and expenditure (so far as together with its numerous and
the same can now be estimated) distant dependencies, might even
for the years ending the 5th of tually be placed upon the breaking
January 1818, and the 5th of Ja out of an unforeseen or sudden
nuary, 1819, respectively, and to war ; for which such a state of
report the same, together with deficient military preparation
their observations thereupon from might possibly offer no small
time to time, and also to consider temptation.
what further measures may be It is rather, therefore, for the
adopted for the relief of the coun executive government, acting on
try from any part of the said ex their responsibility, to propose,
penditure, without detriment to and for the wisdom of the House
the public interest, have proceeded to judge of, a matter of this high
to investigate the principal estab importance, than for your com—
lishments of the country, begin mittee to ofi‘er an Opinion; but
ning with the army. they observe, in the mean time,
In this department the first with satisfaction, that upon a com
object that presents itself is the parison between the estimates of
numerical amount of force. the two last years, and those for
Your committee are deeply sen the present year, much will appear
sible of the extreme difficulty of to have been effected in the way
ascertaining the precise point at of reduction, both as to numbers
which our military establishments
and as to expense; and they en
should be fixed, on account of po
tertain a confident hope, that such
litical considerations, and others
further reductions will continue to
of a still more delicate nature,
be made, as may be found con
which must necessarily involve sistent with all the true interestsf
0
 STATE PAPERS. 321
of the country, neither erring on The second gives the comparison
the side of absolute confidence on‘ of the total numbers in the years
the long duration of peace, nor 1814 and 1817.
giving. way to i unwarrantable The third sltews the compara
apprehensions of danger and ag~ tive expense in the years 18l6 and
gression. 1817, and also the expense in
And your committee further curred in the year 1815. The re
submit, that as the duration and duction of that great establish
magnitude of the astonishing exer ment which the war had occa
tions made by this kingdom during sioned was begun in 1816, and
the late war must mainly be attri has been carried considerably fur
buted to the pecuniary resources ther in the present estimates ; the
then broughtinto operation, which ditference amounts to no less a
could neverhe more justly deemed sum than 1,788,4961. upon the
the sinews of war than during the net balance; although several
whole course of that eventful con charges, such as half pay, the
test; so these can be renovated Compassionate List, and other
and strengthened in no other way allowances of a similar kind, are
than by retrenchment and eco necessarily augmented by the ter
nomy during the opportunity af mination of the war, and a dimi
forded by a return of peace. nution of the numbers maintained
‘ At the same time, this most im on active service.
portant consideration must always Besides the mere numerical re
be kept in view—that if our mili duction, a principle of economy
tary establishments should once has been applied to the cavalry, by
be suffered to fall below the stand a diminution of the number of
ard of efficiency and discipline, to 7 horses kept for the service of each
Which they are now raised by regiment, to the extent of 20 in
great exertions founded on expe each troop; in the last year there
rience, it will not be possible to were only ten men dismounted in
restore them again to the same each 4 troop, and that number is
height without great waste of now doubled, by which a consi
time, however urgently their best derable charge is saved, without
services may be required. too far breaking down the eificié
ency of the regiments.
“LAND roacss. The particulars of the charge of
P. 1, in the Estimates. a regiment of infantry in the years
The first of the returns com 1792 and 1817 are annexed, for
pares the numerical force main the purpose of showing the ge
tained in the year 1816, with that neral establishment of each sepa
intended to be maintained in 1817; rate regiment which prevailed at
both as to the difference of actual that period, compared with the
establishments in those tWo years, present; and also for giving at
and of the force on account of one view the relative charge of
which a charge is incurred by the maintaining the same numerical
public, distinguished from the force, in the two periods, which
force in France and in India. bears the proportion of very nearly
Vor... LIX. two
322 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
two to three; being Q45,QML in ings were first fixed in the reign
1792,;and3oi,9741. in LSl/Z, for of Queen Anne, and they remain
8,000 infantry. the same at the present day; but,
A comparisen- is also given ‘of in consequence of the great in
the expense of regimenting a force crease in the price of leather
of 8,000 infantry into battalions during the early part of the late
of 400 rank and file each (the es war, an allowance of 15 per cent.
tablishment existing in 1792).,- and upon the off-reclooni-ngs was gran t
into bultalions of 800 rank and ed to colonels-oi' cavalry regiments
file each; by which judicious ar from July,- 1799, after deducting
rangement an annual saving of therefrom ll. 16s. pcr annum for
74,326]. as well as a more eflieieut every man wanting to complete
stall“, by the present mode of the full establishment. This al
fermiag this amount of furce on lowance has been issued every two
the same number, is admired to years, upon a memorial from the
the public. respective colonels, showing that
The pay of the army, with re no diminution had taken place in
gard to rank and file, has been the price of appointments, with
exact/By (Ibubled since 1793, with the exception of two years, from
additional allowances afiber' seven Lhe 25m day of December, 1803,
years of service; but the augmen to the 24th day of December,
tation of pay and daily allowance 1805, for which the colonels did
has been made upon a much lo‘wer not claim it,
scale to the officers ; and the colo The difference which appears in
n'el stands upon the same footing the present and in former esti
as in i792. mates, between the expenses of
in the cavalry no addition has clothing some regiments of equal
been made to- bhe Pay of any rank numbers, is occasioned by some of
superior to that of lieutenant, shem being upon the British and
which has been increased from some upon the Irish establish
8s. 5d. to 9s per day; the dragoon ment, which, for a- cavalry regi
soldiers, Whose daily pay Was 8d. ment 054 64 rank and file, amounts,
in I792, now receive 1s. 3d. with upon the British establishment, to
the addition of 1d. am: ten 2,845L, and upon the Irish (in
years, and 2d. sizer, seventeen years Irish currency) to 3,500!., or
of service. 3330!. British. This is staled to
The relic of agency remains pre be a very old regulation, in which
cisely the same as in 179': for no alteration has been made of
corps of infantry; for corps of hits years.
cavalry, the rateof agency afipears [Here follmrs the comparison a]
to have been reduced mic-fourth, ludcd m, by which it appears that
from the 25th- of July, 1809‘. It in 1816 the total number, in the
is remarkable, that no augmenta aim tract, of the estimates, omiLting
tiun has ever been made to the the corps ordered for reduction in
allowances for clothing and ap 18M), and the corps fm' service in
pnintments of either cavalry or India and in France, but includ
lni'amry. The rates of olpreckon ing 21,401 oiliccrs and men in
foreign
 STATE PAPERS.
foreign corps, in British pay,
was . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133,505
In 1817, total number,
omitting corps ordered
home from India, and the
corps for reduction in
1817, and alsoomittingthe
corps for service in India
and in France . . . . . . . . 92,606
Difference or diminu
tion in 1817, upon the
force chargeable to the
United Kingdom . . . . . . 40,899
Next follows a comparison be
tween the establishment of the
army in 1814, and in 1817; from
which it appears that, in 1814,
we had, in cavalry, infantry, fo
reign corps and embodied militia,
a force of . . . . . . . . . . .344,746
In 1817, a force of . . ..122,95‘Z
Decrease in 1817, as
compared with 1814 . . . . Q21,794
We have then a comparative
view of the sums voted for army
services in 1815 and 1816, with
the sums estimated for 1817. The
votes for 1815 were, l3,435,39‘21.:
in 1816, 8,727,9941. : in 1817,
6,959,498!. making a decrease for
1817, of 1,738,496l.
This comparative view is suc
ceeded by the particulars of the
charge of a regiment of infantry
for 179% and 1817 ; and it appears
that, by forming ten battalions of
800 rank and file each, the present foreign possessions newly annexed
ordinary establishment, instead of to the Crown, amounted, for the
’20 battalions of 400 rank and file,
as in 179%, a saving is effected of
74,3261]
Your committee, in making; a
reference to the year 1792, desire
to call the notice of the House to
the low establishments of the latter
part of that year, which were
deemed sufficient for all national
purposes at that time, in the con
3‘23
templation of a long continuance
of peace ; and although many cir
cumstances are materially changed
by events which have subsequently
taken place, so as to prevent any
exact parallel from being drawn
between the two cases, especially
in the amount of pecuniary charge,
yet they submit, that as near an
approximation to that low scale of
establishment and expense as may
be found consistent with our more
extended possessions, and with the
augmented rates of various fixed
disbursements, would be highly
advantageous in relieving the bur
dens, and in supporting the public
credit of the country.
The difl‘erenee in numbers be
tween the estimate of 1792 and
the present estimate is, for Great
Britain, 14,011.
Of these, 3,000 are on account
of reliefs for the foreign service,
which is very considerably in
creased by the distant possessions
acquired during the war. The
difference for lreland is 12,000.
The numbers estimated to be
kept up in the colonies and foreign
dependencies, for the last six
monthsof the year 1792, amounted
to 1‘2,650 rank and tile. The num
bers allotted to the estimate for
the current year, for the same 1'0
reign service, amount to 20,416.
The numbers maintained in the
last year, to 18,200 rank and file ;
and they are for the current year
12,600. It is observable, that
this last number is almost exactly
the same numerical force as was
spread over the whole colonies and
foreign possessions of the Crown of
Great Britain previous to the war.
It may be further remarked,
that in the estimates for the year
Y2 1816,
324 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
1816, these newly acquired pos dent Lieutenant-governor at Gi
sessions bore the proportion of braltar, are no longer included in
two-thirds to the force employed the estimate for the staff pay of
in the old colonies; but in the es their military rank, their civil ap
timates for the current year, the pointments in time of peace being
force in the former is intended to considered adequate to the support
be 12,600, and in the latter20,4l6; of their respective situations.
so that the force in the former is Your committee cannot leave the
relatively somewhat more reduced subject of governments abroad,
than in the latter. thus incidentally brought before
A charge of 5,0001. in the regi them, without expressing a wish
mental contingenciesi(page 13) for
that some means may be devised
repairs at the Horse-guards, in for rendering the foreign posses
cluding the salary of the surveyor, sions of the Britsh empire more
belongs properly to the army ser efiicient towards defraying the ex
vices; but all expenses of that penses of their own military pro
kind should in future be carried tection, since their value to the
on under the direction of the parent state must be greatly di
Board of Works, by which regu minished by their continuing a
lation the office and salary of a lasting drain on its resources.
separate surveyor for this depart The subject here adverted to
ment will be rendered unnecessary. may well deserve the attention of
The present surveyor appears to the House hereafter; but the
have been appointed by the Se papers and in formation before your
cretary at War, and his salary Committee are not at present suffi
fixed in the manner recommended ciently ample to afford the means
by the Commissioners of Military of pursuingr such an inquiry, dur
Inquiry, in their 8th Report, p. ing the present session, to any
165 and 166. useful result ; they content them
STAFF. selves, therefore, with giving a
P. 14 (No. 2.) very short general summary of the
The expenses of the staff exhibit documents which the Colonial
a considerable saving. Office at present affords, so far as
The total expense of the staff relates to the dependencies ac
for Great Britain, as originally quired during the late war.
estimated in 1816. was . . 66,411 It appears from these, that the
For Ireland, in lrish cur revenue of Malta, with its depen
rency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48,040 dencies, forthe year 1815, amount
In the present estimate, ed in sterling money to 114,1961. ;
it stands forGreat Britain at89,o'30 and that the expenditure for 1816,
For Ireland, in Irish cur consisting principally of what are
rency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24,406 denominated salaries and pensions
In the staff upon foreign sta on fixed establishments, amounted
tions, the reduction seems to be to 60, l 19L
carried to a still greater extent; The funds in the Ionian islands,
and your committee notice with under the immediate administra
much satisfaction, that the Go tion of Great Britain, in July
vernors resident at Ceylon and the 1815, left a favourable balance of
Cape of Good Hope, and the resi 20,6501.
Expensel
\
 STATE PAPERS.
Expenses are stated in this re
turn as being incurred in the
island of Zante, by buildinga mole,
by the continuation of an aqueduct,
and in the making roads.
The revenues of the Mauritius
for the year 1814, including those
of the isle of Bourbon (since re
325
Total Stafi‘ in Great Britain,
Jersey, Guernsey, and Ireland:
Appointments in the years 1815,
217—1816, Ill—and 1317, 100.
Foreign Staff in 1815, {329; in
1316,141; in 1817, 111.
PUBLIC DEPARTMENTS.

stored to France by the treaty of The detailed particulars of the

peace) gave 206,860l.; and the public departments, printed by
charges for the same islands order of the House in the present
amounted to 119,9001. session (No. 73.) led to an in—
There being no later return for quiry into the necessity of keeping
the Mauritius, in the Colonial the office of Commander~in-Chief
Office, it will be proper that orders at its full establishment, under the
should be sent out to the go circumstances of so large a reduc
vernor of this, as well as of every tion in the numbers of the army; in
other foreign possession, to render which it appeared to your commit
more accurate information with tee, that no decrease of business in
regard to the several heads of that office has yet taken place, the
income and charge in each re multiplicity of correspondence, of
spectively. applications and references, having
The military expenditure of the been, in fact, for the present,
islands of Mauritius, Bourbon, materially augmented. Some re
and their dependencies, for the trenchment may reasonably be ex
same year, 1814, amounted to pected in the number of persons em
186,912l. ployed, whenever this temporary
The revenue, and other receipts, pressure of business shall cease,
of the island of Ceylon, during and when the military establish-
the year 1815, including also a ments shall have been settled upon
balance in hand, amounted to the basis of a permanent peace.
640,444l. and the expenditure to The salary of the Secretary of
6473481., a very large proportion the Commander-in-Chief was fix
of which expenditure was incurred ed, in conformity to those of the
for the military establishments of Under Secretaries of State, at
the island, the whole of which, Q,OOOl. with an augmentation of
with the exception of the King’s one-fourth after three years of
pay of the European troops, is service ; which your committee
defrayed out of the civil revenue. submit to the House as being too
The native troops, at the period rapid a scale of advance to be fol-~
of this return, are stated to have lowed in any future appointment
amounted to about 5,000 rank in any of those departments. And
and file. they further submit, as an im
The revenue of the Cape of provement in this arrangement,
Good Hope, for the year 1815, that the augmented rate of allow
was '229,495l., and the expenditure ance should not commence till
234,832l., including the pay of a after the expiration of seven years'
native corps. service.
DEPART
326 ANNUAL REGISTER,
DEPARTMENTS or THE ADJUTANT
sauna“. AND or was QUAR
TER-MASTER-GENERAL AT HEAD
QUARTERS.
Your committee have ascertain
ed that a considerable reduction
has been made in both of these
branches of the military establish
ment.
The charge of the Adjutant-Ge
neral‘s Department appears to
have been,
In the year 1815 . 10,383l.
1816 . 9,5‘28l.
.And the estimate for the pre
sent year is 8,3t)9l.; being a di
minution of 2,07“. as compared
with the year L815.
The charge in the department
of the Quarter-Master-General ap
pears to have been,
Intheyear 1815 . 8,695l.
1'816 . 9,849l.
And the estimate for the present
year is, 5.9811. ; being a diminu
tion of 3,868l. since the reduction
of the army. Your committee
have had the further satisfaction
to find, by a comparison of the
present establishment of this office
with that of 1792, that the num
ber of persons now employed ex
ceeds only by one, the number
borne on the establishment of
1792.
PAY EFFICI
In the Paymaster-General's de
partment,the business has in some
respects necessarily increased by the
cessation of the war, which occa
sions a very considerable augmen
tation of the number of claimants
for half-pay, and other retired al
‘ lowances ; and which may, for a
1817.
considerable time, in a great de
gree counterbalance the decrease
of expense which would otherwise
be occasioned by a reduction of
establishment, or a diminution of
the magnitude of the annual ac
counts.
The Deputy and Assistant-De—
puty Paymasters-Gcneral abroad
are intended to be abolished during
peace, and the duties of paying
the troops on foreign stations are
to devolve upon the Commissariat
Department: the saving of ex
pense upon this head will be, for
the present year, as compared with
the last, 8,528l. which is the dif—
ference between the actual reduc
tion of the expense of this branch
of the department, and the allow
ances granted according to a re
gulation of l‘Zth July, 1:416, fix
ing the rate of such allowances.
These allowances amount to one
fourth of the pay of those. De
puties who received 31. or‘ZL per
day, and to one-third to all Depu
ties who received ll. lOs. and to
assistants (in all cases) to one
fourth of their pay; which allow
ances, considering the great trust
anti responsibility imposed on those
officers, your committee do not
think unreasonable.
Your committee observe, that
many of the clerks who have been
added during the war for conduct
ing the increased business of this
departnent, have been admitted as
temporary or extra e’leiks, with
out being put upon the establish
ment; in consequence of which,
no permanent expense can be
thrown upon the public, whenever
the diminution of ‘business will
allow a reduction in the number
of the persons employed.
WAR
 STATE PAPERS. 327
wan oerrcz. a salary of 51,5091. per annum,
On directing their attentionto the with an increase of 500i. a year,
official establishment of the War after a continuance in his office of
Otllce, your committee could not 10 years, will be sufiicient; and
avoid remarking several articles, they also venture to recommend
which, although sanctioned by the 1,0001. as a proper salary for the
estimates of former years, appear first and principal clerks.
to them to call for observation. In addition to the establishment
The extra allowances made to of this department, which, in~
clerks for preparing the annual eluding 19,5261. the charge of the
estimates seem unfit to be conti branches employed in the exami
nued, as the duty performed con nation of accounts for the period
stitutes a part of the regular and in arrear, amounts to 60,8021.;
ordinary business of this office. the compensations and retired al
The number of messengers is lowances, enumerated in p. 67’,
also very large, amountingr to 29, and forming the sum of 6,77ll.
several of whom receive above must be regarded as a very large
1001. a year. , burden incidental to the charge of
But you-r committee wish par this ollice.
ticularly to observe on the retired Your committee, however, have
allowances possessed by two clerks considerable satisfaction in con
in this office on account of their trasting the state of the current
having filled the situation, in accounts of this otlice with that of
succession, of Private Secretary the period when the Committee on
to former Secretaries at \Var, Public Expenditure, in the year
by authority from those Secre 1811, noticed “the disordered
taries at War themselves, when and disgraceful state in which the
they ceased to fill that oflice. Such accounts of this great branch of
allowances are certainly unusual, public expenditure has been for so
if not without example; and there many years suffered to remain."
fore, on account of the precedent, ln the current accounts the arrear
wholly unfit to be continued, more is inconsiderable, and by the more
especially as those two individuals modern and judicious arrange
still retain their situation in the ment, a considerable portion of
otfice. the establishment had been trans
Your committee observe that ferred (without any interruption
these two cases have been remark— of the current business) to the
ed upon in the 6th Report of the examination of the periods in ar
Commissioners of Military lnqui rear ; by which means nearly the
ry, pp. 293 and 294 ; and the whole of the outstanding accounts
practice of making such grants has from the. year 1784 to the car
been discontinued in pursuance of l797 have been settled; an the
the suggestions contained in that committee have reason to expect
Report. that the settlement of those now
Your committee conceive, that outstanding for the period be
in any future appointment to the tween the years 1797 and 1810
ollice of Deputy Secretary at War, will take place with on mach ex
peditkm
328 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
pedition as the difl'iculty of inves to enter into any detail respecting
tigating accounts which have re the army stationed in France.
mained so long unexamined will The estimate points out a dimi
permit. nution of the expense: the num
The hours of attendance are ber of this army will soon be re
stated to' be from 10 to 4, as they duced by a fifth, viz. from 30,000
are in the Pay Office. to 24,000 men ; and it is under
The number of persons employ stood that all practicable retrench
ed in examining accounts in the ments are now making in every
War Office, and the charges aris thing not essential to the well
ing therefrom, in the several years being of the troops.
from 1813 to 1817, appear by an Your committee have great sa
nexed papers. tisfaction in stating, that no part
I of die charges of this force have
MEDICINES, &c. hitherto fallen on this country;
The charge of medicines and and they are enabled to add a
surgical materials in Great Britain confident and well-grounded ex
and lreland amounted, for the year pectation, that the whole will
1816, to 60,2661. which is reduced continue to he defrayed out of the
in the current year to 26,466l. sums contributed by the Govern
ment of France, according to the
voum'rssa coars. provisions of the Treaty of Paris,
1'. 25. (I\_To. 5.) of '20th of November, 1815; in
addition to the 15 millions of
Your committee would not have francs (1,000,0001. sterling) re
thought it requisite to make any cently bestowed by His Royal
remark on the estimate for pay Highness the Prince Regent on
and contingent allowances to vo the gallant army which con
lunteer corps of yeomanry, were quered at Waterloo, and captured
they not desirous of bearing their Paris.
testimony to the great utility and
importance of that species of force, REGIMENTS IN THE EAST INDIBS.

for the maintenance of order and The troops serving within the
protection of property; supported territorial possessions of the East
as it is by a comparatively small India Company do not fall under
expense, and calculated to keep the consideration of your commit
alive the ancient spirit of the na tee, as the whole expense is borne
tion, in the quarter where it is by the company; but, with regard
most desirable and most useful. to the recruiting service, for which
They, therefore, highly approve of a charge appears in the estimates
the addition of ll. to each indivi of 17,8241. clearly inadequate to
dual of this body, the allowances cover the expenses, it appears
having been previously reduced that an arrangement has been
from 4!. a year to 21. made for the payment; and the
computed charge forrecruits trans
TROOPS IN FRANCE. ferred to the Company's service,
It does not appear to your com from the year 1799 to 1815, is
mittee that their duty calls on them credited to government in the ac
count
 STATE PAPERS. 329
countwiththeEastlndia Company, present on the establishment are
presented to the House on the Q8th to be provided with commissions,
of May, 1816, as follows :— it must unavoidably operate nearly
Prlncipal, partly esti-} 410,000 to the exclusion of all other classes
mated . . . . . from the army; and your com
Interest]. . . . . 195,000 mittee submit, whether such a
system would not be in direct va
£535,000 riance from what has hitherto been
Two regiments of dragoons, and practised in this kingdom ; and
five battalions of foot, are under whether it might not justly be
orders to return, which will re considered as inconsistent with the
duce the amount of force stationed spirit of our constitution. But if
in the territorial possessions of the these young men cannot be pro
East India Company to very nearly moted, it is almost superfluous to
the number of 20,000, provided remark on the inexpediency and
for by the charter. Every ex eventual cruelty of educating them
pense belonging to these troops for stations which they are not
will be borne by the Company up likely to fill, and of encouraging
to the period of their landing, hopes that must be disappointed.
when a reduction of numbers to Some reductions of expense have
the extent of these regiments and already taken place; among which
battalions will take place; so that your committee cannot but notice,
no charge can fall on the public the voluntary relinquishment of
beyond the pay and allowances his table allowance by the distin
requisite for the short period of guished officer at the head of the
etfecting that reduction. establishment, accompanied at the
same time by a statement, that
ROYAL MILITARY COLLEGE although an accession of property
' P. 32. (No. 9.) rendered it unnecessary for him to
In the Royal Military College receive any longer this allowance,
every thing seems to be conducted he wished to be understood as by
in a mannerhonorable to those who no means considering it improper
are in authority, and on a plan to he continued to any ofiicer who
conducive to the good education might be his successor. Some
of all classes resorting to it for other reductions may probably
instruction. Your committee can still be made, independently of
not, however, but question the ex lowering the number of young
pediency of continuing this esta persons who receive eleemosynary
blishment on its present extensive education ; and it well deserves
scale. They most heartily join consideration, whether, with re
in the feelings which would in gard to the senior branch, for
duce Parliament to provide for the which an entirely separate esta
orphan children of those gallant blisiunent is maintained at Farn
men who have sacrificed their lives ham, some additional contribution
in the service of their country; might not be reasonably demand
and also for the children of meri ed from the officers who desire to
torious officers now actually serv receive the benefits of the mode of
ing; but if the whole number at instruction there afiorrled. The
whole
330 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
whole sum now paid is no more in the proportion of their respec
than thirty guineas per annum for tive numbers, an addition must be
each ofiicer admitted, and it is made 0f151.nearlytoeach student:
stated that the present applications and if the pay of the gentlemen
for admission are much more nu cadets is not deduct-ed, which, al
merous than it is possible to com though it may be carried to ano
ply with. ' ther department, is still a charge
It may further merit considera on the public (as those young
tion, whether in time of peace it gentlemen, but for the purposes
would not be advantageous to in of education, would not he re
crease the rate of payment to be ceived at so early an age) 451.
required from the third class of more will be added to the cost of
junior students, who now con each individual, giving on the
tribute lOOl. each, while the num whole an annual disbursement
bers of the other two classes are from the public, for each student
reduced: and, perhaps, to give in the senior department, of 13%.
somewhat more of a civil character and for each student in the junior
to the education of the place. By department, of 1031.
these means, great numbers of It appears, by a return made
young persons, best adapted by from the college, that the whole
their station in the country to lead expense in the
the armies of a free people, may Year 1816 amounted to 38,8191.
be drawn to the college, in conse And the estimate of this
quence of a mode of education year is . . . . . . . . . . . . 28,155
uniting the advantages of our ———-q
public schools with the qualifica Making a diminution of 5,6641.
tions that. are considered necessary
for the military profession. in ARMY PAY QF QENERAL GQFFICERS.
this manner the college may be
made to pay the greater part, at 1n proceeding to remark on this
least, of its own expenses, and and several of the subsequent
become, during peace, a much heads of the estimate, your com
lighter burden upon the resources mittee think it necessary, in the
of the country. Whenever war first instance, to ress upon the
shall unhappily return, temporary serious attention 0 the House, the
alterations may easily be effected amount of the allowances of the
suited to the existing state of army which have reference to re
things. muneration for past services, with
The rate of expense, according a view to their reconsideration
to the present estimates,v supposing prospectively ; and to observe
the numbers to be full, appears upon the very great proportion
to be for each student in the se which these allowances, amount
nior branch (besides the thirty ing _nearly to ‘Z,400,000l. bear to
guineas paid by himself) about 6,682,000l. the gross sum pro
1 17!. a year; and for each student posed to be voted in the present
in the junior branch about 43/.; year for the support of the military
but if the salaries of the oiliccrs are establishment of the country.
divided between both departments The excess of expense to the
public,
 STATE
public, occasioned by assigning a
special rate of pay to general offi
cers, which was first granted from
the ‘35th of June, 1814, must be
estimated for the current year at
83,0001. being the difference be
tween the amount of regimental
pay or half-pay, to which they
would have been entitled if this
unattached allowance had not
been granted, and the total sum
of 1714,0441. proposed to he voted
for the current year under this
head: the arrangement which
created this charge appears to have
arisen in the circumstance of a
protracted war, during which the
establishment of regiments he
came burdened by ollicers who hail
risen to the rank of general, and
who, when necessarily replaced
by elfectire field-ollicers, became
entitled to an equivalent for their
regimental commisions, until they
should be promoted respectively
to the command of regiments. So
far the arrangement appears to
have been suggested by a necessity
of upholding the efficiency of the
service, and of alfording some
remuneration to general ofiicers
more suitable to their rank than
the mere‘half- pay of the regimen
tal commissions, which, in many
instances of long standing and
meritorious services, seems to
have been the only provision for
enabling them to support their
station in the service. But your
committee are of opinion, that the
liberality of “Parliament was car
ried beyond what was requisite to
satisfy either the claims of Justice,
or the efficiency of the military
service, when an unattached pay
progressivcly increasing for the
three classes of mnjOr-general,
lieutenant-general, and general,
PA'PERS. 33]
was granted indiscriminately to all
who, by successive brevets, had
attained those ranks respectively,
without having been appointed to
the command of regiments.
The aggregate expense of this
system has appeared to be such,
as to lead your committee to in
quire how far the public could be
protected from its progressive in
crease in proportion to future pro
motions, by any change in the
existing regulation, which might
at the same time elfect the gradual
reduction of the present charge to
a more moderate scale of expense,
without breaking faith towards
the individuals to whom this pro
vision ‘has been granted. Your
committee have. great satisfaction
in being enabled to state to the
House, as the result of their in
quiries on this head, that it is in
the Contemplation of the proper
department, to modify the whole
system, by providing that this un
attached pay, instead of accruing
to all who may be promoted to
the rank of general-officer, shall
hencefoiward be granted to a
fixed and limited number only;
to which number the present list
will be gradually reduced, either
by casualties, or by the officers
now receiving this provision be
ing appointed to the command of
regiments. Your committee trust
that they shall be enabled on some
future occasion to bring before
the House the particulars of the
proposed arrangement; and that
it will then he found to be such as
on the one hand to satisfy the ex
pectations which have been held
out to them, of its ultimately
efi'ecting a. very large, though gra
dual, reduction in the amount of
this charge 5 and on the other, to
remove
33Q ANNUAL REGISTER, l8l7.
remove one great objection to the contracted on duty, were incapable
present system—that of placing of active service. The several
the advisers of the crown, with corps to which they belonged were
respect to military promotion, in composed of soldiers nearly of the
the painful alternative, either of same description ; and by the let
withholding brevets, which the ters of service for raising the vete
claims and efficiency of the ser ran or invalid corps (principally
vice might render expedient, or by a call of Chelsea pensioners),
of subjecting the country on every the officers were promised full
occasion of such a brevet to a pay on disbandment. These in
very considerable addition to the valid corps were indeed rather
expense of its military establish~ looked upon as honourable situa
ments. tions of retirement for the vete
ran oflicers.
GARRISONS
Some of these officers, however,
The estimate for 1817 is less were placed on the retired list,
than for 1816, in consequence of from actual incapacity for any fur
some vacant appointments not ther military duties I
having been, and not being in The promotion of the ofiicers of
tended, to be filled up ; such as a veteran and invalid corps did not
barrack-master general for Scot go on by brevet.
land, a garrison surgeon at Edin
burgh, and some other small HALF PAY, AND MlLlTARY

reductions on the establishment of ALLOWANCES.

the home garrisons. The proportion of charge in the

In the garrisons in North Ame present estimate, under the head
rica, 8w. various appointments are of half pay, arising from the in
not continued in 1817; such as creased grant in June, 1814, may
garrison-surgeons and barrack be reckoned at about 105,000l.
masters, which have ceased to for the British establishment: but
exist on their former footing. no exact estimate for the Irish
The Irish garrisons vary but establishment can be given, with
little. out waiting for a return {rom lre
The charge for 1817 is also ef land ; the amount of that increase
fected, by a day's pay less than in may in the mean time be sup
1816 for leap year. posed about 10,0001.
Upon carrying back the com
FOREIGN HALF PAY.
parison of this head of charge to
the year 1792, it appears that the The half pay and reduced al
difference in favour of the pre lowances to officers of disbanded
sent year is between 15,000l. and foreign corps have not been grant
16,0001. ed upon any uniform system which
strictly applies to all; but some
FULL PAY FOR RETIRED sort of principle has prevailed, to
orricsns, &c. give them only to those whose ser
Almost all the persons provided vice has extended to the period of
for in this estimate were officers, five years, or whose regiments had
who, from wounds or infirmities so long served, ‘
1e
 STATE
In some cases half-pay has been
allowed to those officers only who
had been removed from other re
giments in which they would have
been entitled thereto; the other
oificers receiving, as disbanding
money, from 3 months to 3 years'
full pay, according to the periods
of their service.
It is to he observed, that the
following classes of ofiicers are
allowed to continue their half-pay
(contrary to the general rules of
service;) viz.
Officers receiving (under the
Act 52d Geo. lll. cap. 151) pen
sions for the loss of limbs.
~Oificers of the King‘s German
Legion, or Foreign Veteran Batta
lion, serving in the Hanoverian
army.
Officers of the Brunswick Corps ,
serving in the forces organized for
the protection of the dominions of
the Duke of Brunswick.
Swiss officers serving in the
Swiss Militia.
Officers receiving pensions from
the French government, pr0vided
no service be attached to such
pensions.
IN AND OUT - PENSIONERS OF
CHELSEA AND KILMAINHAM
HOSPITALS.
The increase of the current
year, as compared with the last,
is not quite ‘Z,600L for the in
pensioners; but with regard to
the amount of the expense attend
ing the out-pensioners, it is ne
cessary to enter into considerable
detail, embracing the information
which your committee have called
for from the Paymaster-general
and the Secretary at War.
The Paymaster-general of the
Forces holds, in virtue of his pa
PAPERS. 333
tent, the office of Treasurer of
Chelsea-hospital ; he presides at
the boards which are held for the
general business of the hospital,
and attends the examination of the
discharged soldiers, who claim,
either in respect of service or dis
ability, to be placed upon the
pension-list.
By the act of 46th Geo. 111.
cap. 69, persons are enabled to
enlist in the infantry for a limited
period of seven years, to re-enlist
for a second period of seven years,
and for a third period of seven
years. In the cavalry, for a first
period of ten years, a second of
seven years, and a third of seven
years. They are to be entitled to
their discharge at the expiration
of any of these periods of service;
and further to such pensions for
their services as his Majesty, by
any regulations to be framed in
consequence of that act, might
think proper to allow.
7 By a warrant of his Majesty, of
7th of October 1806, a pension of
5d. per day was granted to pri
vates who were discharged, and
had served their second period,
viz. fourteen years in the infan
try, or seventeen years in the ca
valry; and a pension of ls. per
day to those who were discharged,
and had served their third period,
viz. twenty-one years in the in
fantry, or twenty-four years in the
cavalry.
In addition to these rates of
pension, all those who have served
beyond the third period are to he
allowed one halfpenny a day for
every year of service after the ex—
piration of the third period; and
in estimating the number of years‘
service for the pension, two years'
service in the East or \Vest Indies
- reckon
334 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
reckon as three years in any other spect of pension, was a consider
part of the world. able increase given by the same
And subsequently, all soldiers regulations in consequence of dis
present at the battle of Waterloo ability or infirmity contracted in
have been allowed, by direction of service 5 as to which the Commis
his Royal Highness the Prince sioners of Chelsea-hospital, in fix
Regent, 31st July, 1815, to add ing the amount of pensions, exer
two years to their term of service, cise their discretion, within cer
in estimating the amount of pen tain prescribed limits, according
sion which they claim. to the nature of the case. But as
There is also a regulation, by to the pension for service, no
which soldiers discharged during discretion is vested in them; it
their second or third period of having been the intention of the
service, are to be allowed, upon act, and the regulations founded
registering their names in a book upon it, to confer upon the soldier
to be kept at Chelsea, to reckon a legal claim to a pension accord
every two years which may elapse ing to a fixed rate, and of which
after such discharge as equiva he cannot be deprived, except by
lent to one of service; and to re the sentence of a general court
ceive the pension belonging to the martial.
second or third period of service The amount of the out-pension
at the expiration of the number at Chelsea-hospital in 1806, six
of years which are requisite to months previous to the new regu
complete such periods of service lations being adopted, was, upon
respectively; such discharged sol 21,177 men, 179,90‘Zl. 8s. 4d.
diers being liable to be called upon per annum: six months subse
to attend masters, and in time of quent to the regulations, on
war to be enrolled, if found fit for Q0805 men, the amount was
service, in the veteran battalions. 347,66QL 108.
Each year from the period of the In 1793, previous to the war,
first discharge till that of being the Chelsea out-pension was, upon
called again into service is termed 20,594' men, 157,759l. 15s. and
a year of absence. the annual amount of it at Mi
This regulation appears to have chaelmas 1816 was, upon 51,591
been so little understood by the men,* 884,639l. 10s. 8d. The
soldiers, that up to the 9th of pension at Kilmainham in 1793
December last only 277 men had was, upon 2,550 men, 16,1601.;
tendered their names, with the it was at Michaelmas 1816, upon
view of obtaining pensions under 10,031 men, l59,b7'01. making,
that regulation; and none had with 834,659l. 10s. 8d. the a
proposed to take advantage of it mount of the Chelsea pension,
until the regulation was commu 1,044,5991.
nicated to commanding otlicers,
* Upon the disbandment after the seven
who were directed to promulgate years war, in 1763, the number of Chelsea
it in their respective regiments. pensioners was 14,700, and the amount of
The only other important alte their pensions 1114,8001. per annum. After
ration which was introduced by the. American war, the numbers were
20,700, and the amount of pension about
the new system of 1:06, in re 100,0001
 STATE PAPERS. 335
1,044,529l. 10s. kid, or an in— lst. To orphans. _
crease in both establishments, oc ‘Zd. To those whose fathers have
casioned by the war, of 870,710l. been killed, or have died on foreign
per annum. service. _
But this is not the whole of the 3. To those who have lost their
increase occasioned by the arrange mothers, and whose fathers are
ment of 1806; because, by the absent on duty abroad.
provisions of that arrangement, a 4th. To those whose fathers are
much larger proportion of dis ordered on foreign service, or
charged soldiers are added to the whose parents have other children
pension list than were formerly to maintain.
admitted.
The average rate of pension, COMP‘ASSIONATE Lisr, BOUNTY—
previous tothe regulations of 1806, wsnasn'rs, nun PENSIONS ron
was little more than 5d. per man wovnos.
per day; whereas, under those Allowances to ofiice-rs wounded
regulations, it is nearly one shil» on service have been put upon a
ling. new footing since the battle of
Great as the charge has been \Vaberloo, in 181-5, which entails
which the measure of 1806 has considerable expense upon the
thrown upon the country, your public, without keeping that exact
committee are decidedly of opinion, gradation which was apparently
that no step should be taken to re— the object of it. The inequality
duce the rate of pension as then of the rule will be evident by
fixed with respect to those who putting the case of any young
are at present serving or receiving officer, so for disabled in action as
such pensions, but that they should to be absolutely incapable of fol
all be continued under certain re lowing his profession, who must
gulations. remain with the pension attached
to the rank which he held when
ROYAL MILITARY ASYLUM. he received his wounds, while ano
(If the Royal Military Asylum, ther of the same age and rank, less
your committee need say no more, injured by wounds, and there'
than to express their general ap fore not incapable of continuing
probation of the economical man in the service, receives an aug
ner in which it is conducted, mentation of his pension accord
annexing the substance of the ing to the successive steps which
regulations for~ its government, he may obtain in rank. There
and a retarn'of casualities since it seems to be neither reason nor
v: as established in 1903. equality in such a. regulation as
The object of the institution isthis; which requires to be recon
to provide for“ the “maintenance sidered, and perhaps to be replaced
and education of a certain number upon its former footing.
of orphan and other children of The grants of bounty warrants
non-commissioned officers and are to be understood as generally
privates" of the army. confined to the relatives of officers
In the selection of the children l\l118(l in action, or dyin from the
for admission, preference is given, immediate effects of iatigue on
service,
 336 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
service, and to the relatives of special permission to that effect.
general officers who have no other
adequate provision; leaving it of
course still open foradeparture
from this rule in any individual
instance of particular service, or
of extreme distress. The circum
stances of each case are stated to
the Secretary of War, by whom
the same are particularly investi
gated; and then submitted for the
royal consideration.
COMPASSIONATE LIST.
Proper Objects of the Bounty.
Children of officers of the regular
army who die on full pay.
Officers of fencible regiments
who die on full pay and out of
Great Britain.
Ofiicers of the invalids.
Medical officers.
Staff officers, including com
missaries.
Chaplains.
Officers who have been reduced
upon half-pay.
Widows and children of adju
tants of local militia, who had pre
viously served as officers in the line.
Widows of officers not strictly
entitled to the regular widows'
pension have been placed on this
list in cases of particular distress,
and in some special cases at rates
equivalent to such pension. -
These allowances are in no case
considered as being granted for
life, but only so long as the per
sons enjoying them shall remain
unpr0vided for: the daughters of
officers, therefore, cease to receive
them upon their marriage, unless
they can show in a satisfactory
manner that they are still in cir
cumstances to require the assist
ance of the bounty, when they are
sometimes allowed to retain it by
The sons (except in cases of mental
or bodily infirmitles which incapa
citate them from obtaining a liveli
hood) are struck oi? the list on
their attainingr the age of 18 years,
or on receivmg commissions in
the army or navy, or other ap
pointments which may be sup
posed to aflbrd a provision; and
generally, all persons on the list
are discontinued, on its being
known at the War ()flice, that
they are provided for in a way to
render this assistance unnecessary.
Persons ceasing to apply for pay
ment for four years are also con
sidered as giving up their claim
to the allowance, and their names
are struck otf the list.
sueaaasuuarron ALLOWANCES.
Upon the allowances, compen
sations, and emoluments, in the
nature of superannuations, a con
siderable increase is to be observed.
The amount for 181 Gwas 17,96“;
it is for this year £25,566L; which
is accounted for by the various
reductions which have been made
in some of the departments, giving
claims for compensations or re
tired allowances to several of those
who have been hitherto employed
in effective service ; but this head
of charge should always be watch
ed with peculiar attention, and
the injunction contained in the
letter from the treasury of 1816,
which prescribes that no allow
ance should be made within any
department whatever to its own
officers, without the special sanc
tion of the Lords Commissioners
of the Treasury, should in no case
whatever be departed from.
axcnaouaa rams.
On the charge of 35,0001. for
Exchequer
 STATE PAPERS. 337
Exchequer fees, your committee service; and as we think this a
observe, with much satisfaction, favourable occasion for endeavour
that in consequence of the late ing to remedy the inconvenience
generous and patriotic conduct of which arises from these irregu
the distinguished nobleman who larities, and to reduce, as far as
holds the only tellership which may be practicable, the several
continued upon the old establish alterations which have been made
ment, the whole produce of these into one regular system, we most
fees, with some inconsiderable ex humbly beg leave to submit to
ceptions, is now applicable to na your Royal Highness’s gracious
tional purposes, in conformity to consideration, the following ob
the act for regulating the Exche servations and propositions, on the
quer, ‘23d of the King, c. 83, rates, classification, and schemes
without affording an increase of oii arming and manning His Ma
emolument to any individual jesty’s ships; and on the pay,
whatever. ratings, and numbers of the otlicers
March 29, l8l7’. and warrant and petty and non
commissioned officers of His Ma
jesty's navy and royal marines,
PROPOSALS AND REGULATIONS RE
and the establishment of the com
LATIVE TO THE ROYAL NAVY,
panies of Royal Marine Artillery.
Made by the Board of Admiralty, l. The postships of the Royal
and sanctioned by Order in Coun Navy are divided into six rates;
cil, commencing on the 1st of besides which, there are the vari
January, 1817. ous classes of sloops, fire-ships,
IT was to be expected, that, in the bombs, gun-vessels, yachts, schoo
natural lapse of time, and still ners, and cutters.
more, in the course of a war, un— The division of the Royal Navy
exampletl in duration and extent, into six rates took place in the
several variations from the old reign of King Charles I. and at
establishment and regulations of that period, and for several years
the Royal Navy should have taken afterwards these rates included
place; and however desirable, in the whole navy.
the view either of economy or con In the reign of King Charles ll.
venience, uniformity may be, it the sloops, tire-ships, and yachts,
was impossible, during the pres became'distinguished from the
sure of war, either to resist the sixth rates.
innovations which temporary cir At the Revolution, the rates
cumstances rendered necessary, or comprised nearly the same classes
to remould and reform the whole of ships which they now do, ex
system of the navy, on every oc cept that the sixth rate still in
casion on which some alteration cluded vessels of a less number of
was introduced. guns than twenty.
We therefore find that there in the year 1719, a general
have grown up several inconsis establishment for building was
tencies, irregularities, and depar adopted, which hOWever was not
tures from the establishments, in long adhered to.
particular articles of ' the naval In 1738, a scheme of manning
VOL. UK. Z and
 ‘33'8 ‘ANNUAL,REG1$TER, 1817.
and arniar'n'ent, or gunning, as it his Majesty’s ships, Were to be Is
was called, was proposed, but the follow :*
latter was not adopted .till the yeaér Ram. 'Gu‘ns. ’Men.
1741-2, and then only as applying 1 . . . . ..1‘00......8500r750
to ships built'since 1740. 2 . . . . .. 90......7500r660
In 1742, the ships of 20 guns, 3 (90......6500r600
of the sixth rate, vrere increaSed """Q70. . . . ..‘5200r4'60
'to 24 guns, and 160 men, and 4 {60. ...4200r380
this became for the time the low ' ‘30. . . . ..‘3500r280
est class of post sh‘ips. 5 . . . . . ..44......9-80'or§2‘20
In the year 1745, the Board of $........‘24..J-..1600r149
Admiralty, observing that “ no
“ establishment or regulation for On this establishment, it is to he
“ building ships had been made observed, that the eighpy -gun ships
“ since the year 1719, which had of the third rate were on three
“ been long discontinued; that decks, and that the Board of Ad
“ instead thereof ships had bden miralty had suggested tothe com
“ built according to particular mittee the expediency of substi
“ schemes and proportions,without tuting, instead of this class, ships
‘ ‘ any Standard or uniformity ; those of 74 guns on two decks and "a
‘ of the same rate being often of half, a preposition decidedly re
“ unequal dimensions, so that the jected by the committee.
_“ stores and furniture of one A short period only had how
“ would not suit another of the ever elapsed, beftn‘e a very striking
“ same class,-—a ‘matter of infi instance was given, both of the
“ nite inconvenience in point of way in which innovations are pro
“ service, as well as the occasion duced, and of the impossibility of
“ of extravagance in point of ex resisting them 5 for, on the 3d of
“ pense, &c. ;" directed a corn February, 1747, the Board of Ad
' mittee composed of all flag oflicers miralty acquainted his Majesty,
unemployed, ot' the commissioners that, ‘.‘ the French ship Invincible,
of the navy who were sea oi’fice'rs, “ lately captured, was found to be
under the presidency of Sir John “larger than his Majesty's ships
N'H‘l'lS, admiral of the fleet, and “ of 90 guns and 750 men; and
assisted by all the master ship “ suggested that-this ship, and all
wrights, to cansider itndpropoSe “ other prizes of the'hke class, and
proper establishments of guns, “ also his ,Majest-y‘s ships. of 90
men, scantiing of timbers, masts, “ guns, when reduced to tWo
yards, stores, Sic. for each rate “ decks and a half, and 74 guns,
and class of his Majesty's ships. “ should be allowed a 00mplcnieiit
This committee made a very ela “ of 700 men ;" and, in 1748,
borate report, and the whole was the Board represented to the King
established by Cider in Council in Council, that the ships built
of his Majesty King George the acCording to 'the representations
Second, do ‘the fifth of March, of the committee had not answered
' -1 7%)“. their expectations, and they there
fore prayed his Majesty's sanction
By this establishment, the rates,
armament, and complements, of for departing, ‘in new ships about
. to
 STATE PAPERS. 839
to be built, from the forms and course of the first revolutionary
models so lately established. This war, increased the armament of
was granted, but not till the Board the vessels, as they were found
had been called upon by the Conn! able to carry a greater num
cil, to lay before it a particular ber of carronades than the guns
account of the alterations and va in whose stead they were adopted,
riations designed; and on several so that the real force of the ships
subsequent occasions, in which the has no longer corresponded with
said establishment was departed their nominal force; and that prin
from, a minute detail of the va ciple of variation being once ad
riation was previously submitted mitted, ships have since that time
for the approbation of his Majesty received denominations as to their
in Council. We the rather notice number ofguns, often, we believe,
these particulars, to show the dif capriciously, and in one or two
ficulty, not to say the impossibility, classes only, of the whole navy,
of establishing and adhering to any agreeing with their real force.
fixed forms or scantlings; on which A few instances will show your
subject we shall humbly submit Royal Highness the inconsistencies
some observations hereafter. into which this deviation from the
Subsequent to this period. the old rules of the service has led.
introduction of 74’s appears to The Caledonia, rated [‘20 guns,
have gradually advanced, as well carries 120 guns; while the Hi
as of frigates of intermediate sizes, bernia, a ship of nearly the same
between 44’s and 24's; for, in the dimensions, which carries exactly
latter end of the reign of King the same number of guns, is rated
George the Second, the classes of only at 110 guns, being a less
ships comprised in the several rates number by 4 than that at which
were as follow, viz. :— the San Joseph is rated, though
the former has in fact [0 guns
Rate. Guns. Rate. Guns.
more than the latter.
lst.....100 5th.....44
.‘Zd . . . . . 90 38
All ships of the second rate,
3d . . . . . SO 36
though rated at 98, carry upwards
of 100 guns, and they have all
74 3‘3
70 6th . i . . . 3O
more guns than the St. George, a
64 Q8
first rate, which is rated and car
4th .. . . . 60 24
ries IOO guns; and they ought all,
therefore, according to the esta
5O 20
blished regulations, to be included
During the whole of the period in the first rate, and there are in
herein before referred to, and in fact no real second rates, viz. three
deed down to 1793, the force of deckers of between 90 and 100
the ships was stated from the ac guns, at present existing in the
tual number of guns they really Royal Navy, in a sea-going con
carried; but the introduction of dition.
carronades, which began partially In the third rate, some of the
in 1779, and which was finaJly ships rated at 80 guns carry near
adopted, on the present extended 90, and others rated at 74 carry
scale in 'the Navy, during the 80 guns, but the majority of the
Z ‘1 same
340 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
same denomination carry 74, and 7 We therefore humbly recom
this is one of the very few cases‘in mend, that your Royal Highness
which the real and nominal force will be pleased to order, that the
agree. rule for stating 'the force of his
In the fourth rate, of the ships Majesty's ships, which prevailed
rated at 50 guns, one class (that prior to the year 1793, and which,
on two decks) carries 58 guns, in fact, never was formally abro
another, (that on one deck) carries gated, should be revived and esta
60 and upwards. blished ; and that in future all his
In the fifth rate there are three Majesty's ships should be rated at
frigates rated as of44 guns, namely, the number of guns and carronades
the Sybille, taken from the French, which they actually carry, on their
which carries 48 guns; the Lavi decks, quarter-decks, and fore
nia, built after her, which carries castles.
50 guns; and the late American The recurrence to this ancient
ship President, the guns mounted practice of the service will render
in which, on the day of her cap some slight variation, as to the
ture, were 54, besides one 42¢ limits of some of the rates them
pounder howitzer. selves, necessary; and we there
The frigates rated at 40 guns fore humbly propose that the fol
carry 50, and those rated at 38 lowing scale of rates be adopted :—
carry 46 and upwards. The first rate to include all 3~
The majority of those rated at deckers, inasmuch as all sea-going
36 guns carry 44, and some of ships of that description carry 100
those rated at 32 carry 46 and 48, guns and upwards.
being more than others that are The second rate to include all
rated at 35 and 36. ships of 80 guns and upwards, on
Similar differences between the two decks.
real and the nominal amount of The third rate to include all
force exist in the fifth rate, but it ships of 70 or upwards, and less
is unnecessary to specify the de than 80 guns.
tails. The fourth rate to include all
\Ve trust we shall be excused ships of 50 and upwards, but less
for observing to your Royal High than 70 guns.
ness that it is wholly unworthy The fifth rate to include all ships
the character of the Royal Navy of from 86 to 50 guns.
this kingdom to'maintain this sys The sixth rate to include all
tem, which, though introduced by ships from 24 to 36 guns.
the accidental cause we have men Though, by this regulation; no
tioned, and without‘any design of ship under ‘24 guns will hereafter
deception, yet may give occasion be a post ship, we, in pursuance
to foreign nations to accuse us of of the ancient practice of the ser
misrepresentation, when we state vice, propose that all his Majesty‘s
that a British frigate of 38 guns yachts should he considered as
has taken a foreign frigate of 44, post ships, and should be rated,
when, in fact, the British frigate one as a second rate, and the rest
was of equal, if not superior, as third rates, but with such com
force. plements as we may appoint. I
l
 STATE PAPERS. 344
It is necessary here to state, there were sixteen schemes of man
that several sloops are now rated ning, and the variety of ships which_
as post ships, and vice versd; and have been from time to time built
as much inconvenience to the of or captured (which though they
ficer who may be in the command may fall under the same rate, are
of such ships, and much embar yet of very different sizes) render
rassment to 'the public service, perfect uniformity in this point
would arise, if the present- rates impracticable: we are, however,
of such vessels were to be imme of opinion, on mature considera
diately changed, we submit to tion, that this variety may be very
y0ur Royal Highness that with re much diminished, and that two,
gard to any such vesselsat present and, in one or two rates, three
in commission, this new arrange schemes of manning, in each rate,
ment shall not apply, until they will be found to answer all the
shall be paid off, or until some practical purposes of the service,
other favourable opportunity shall and will tend to simplify the sys
offer of placing them in their pro tem, by thus reducing the twenty
per rates. ' nine schemes before-mentioned to
Your Royal Highness will ob thirteen or fourteen.
serve that this scheme diifers very We therefore submit for your
vlittle from that which is grown Royal Highness's gracious appro
into use, and still less from the bation, that the following be the
last establishment (that of 1746), only complements to be hereafter
which had the sanction of his Ma allowed to the several rates of his
jesty in council, and which, strictly Majesty's ships and vessels :.
speaking, may be said to be still lst rate. . 900, 850, or 800 men.
in force. ‘Zd do. ......7'00, or650 . .
\Ve beg leave farther to repre 3d do. ......650, 01‘600 ..
sent to your Royal Highness that 4thdo.
5thdo. 300,
450,01'350
or280 ..
the schemes for manning his Ma
jesty’s ships have, from the causes 6th do. . . 175, 145, 01125 ..
already referred to with regard to Of sloops there are so many
the guns, and from accidental and varieties, that we cannot propose
temporary circumstances, become to reduce the eight schemes of
so very various, that though these complement now existing, to less
six rates were originally intended than four, as follow : viz. sloops,
to regulate, amongst other things, l35, 125, 95, and 75 men.
the amount of the respective com Hrigs (not sloops), cutters,
plements, there exist at this mo schooners, and bombs, we propose
ment not fewer than twenty-nine to reduce from ten schemes of
different scales for manning the complement to two, namely, 60
ships of the six rates; the third or 50 men.
rate alone including seVen distinct And we also propose that for
complements. small craft, which may not re
It were to be desired that all quire so large a complement as
this variety and irregularity should 50 men, we may be authorized to
be abolished; but we have seen assign such a complement as we
that, so early as the year 1746, may deem necessary,
As
342 ANNUAL REGISTER,
As there are no longer any re
gular fire-ships in the service, we
humbly propose that, whenever it
may become necessary to fit out
any vessels of this description, we
may be authorized to assign to them
such complement of oificers and
men, together with the pay of such
rates or class, as the size of the
vessel employed, or the nature of
the particular service, may render
expedient. ‘ fleet; this will be. explained to
We farther propose, that when
it shall be necessary to fit out troop
ships, we may be authorized to
assign to them such rates. and com
plements as may seem proper.
By these regulations, the forty
seven varieties of complements,
now in use in the navy, will be re
duced to twenty.
Having thus submitted to your
Royal Highness our propositions
for the rating and manning of his
Majesty‘s ships, it is next our duty to
state, that the varieties in the rig
ging and arming of ships are at
least asgreatas in the complements;
the irregularities and deviation
from establishment in regard to
the form, seantling, &c. of his
Majesty's ships, complained of in
1745, are now exceedingly in
creased, and are of much more se
rious injury to the service, both in
respect to convenience and eco
nomy.
It is obvious that the extra ex~
pense of providing masts, yards,
rigging, and stores of various di
mensions. for ships of the same
actual force, must he very great ;
because, if .not required for the
particular ship for which they
Were originally prepared, they are
either useless, or must be altered
to fit some other ship at a great
loss of labour,time, and materials;
1817.
and, in case of accidents or ur
gency, this variety disables the
ships from assisting each other:
and it requires that the naval ar
senals, both at home and abroad,
should be furnished, at a very
great expense, with a much larger
assortment of these articles than
would be necessary if they could
be made more generally applicable
to the probable wants of the whole
your Royal Highness more forc
ibly, by stating that for the single
class of ships of the third rate,
called 74’s, there were lately not
less than seven difl'erent schemes
of niasting and rigging; and that
a squadron might be composed of
seven vessels of this force, which
could not properly employ one
anothers spare spars and sails,
and for each of which the dock
yards must necessarily have their
individual gear.
It is in this particular, above
all others. that uniformity would
be desirable; but the experience
of 'what occurred inunediately
after the establishment of 1746, as
we have already stated, and of all
subsequent times, shows that it is
unfortunately unattainable: the
varieties of ships produced by suc
cessive endeavours to improve our
models, and still more the great
numbers of ships of all classes
which have been captured from the
various enemies with whom we
have been at war, render any
scheme of perl'ect uniformity im
practicable ; but this very import
ant subject has not escaped our
consideration. \Ve have, in con
junction with the Navy Board,
and with the assistance of a com
mittee of experienced sea officers,
taken measures for pushing this
principle
 STATE PAPERS.
principle of uniformity as far as
the nature of the case would al
low; and though the experience of
what has occurred on former oc
casi'ons dissuades us from attempt
ing to establish, by the approba
tion and sanction of your Royal
Highness in council, minute de
tails of the forms, lines, and scant
lings of his Majesty‘s ships, we
have the satisfaction of stating
that a system of gradual assimila pensation, has an equally irregular
tion is in progress, and that we effect.
hope to see it every day become of
more extensive operation, and tains is the same for all ships of
more practical utility; and we beg the same rate; anti yet in the
leave humbly to assure your Royal
Highness, that no efforts shall be
spared, on our parts, to prevent,
for the future, any unnecessary
deviation from the establishments
of rigging and armament, and to
reduce the variations which exist
to as few classes as possible.
We now proceed to submit to
your Royal Highness some obser
vations on the present mode of
calculating the sea pay of the offi—
cers and men of the fleet.
The pay of all classes in the
service is liable to certain perma
nent deductions; and the pay of
commissioned and warrant officers
receives a very considerable addi
tion, under the name of compem
sation; so that the rates of pay
stated in the pay table would give
a very erroneous idea of the actual
pay of the several classes.
But the present system is also
liable to other and more serious
objections ; for these deductions,
from causes which are now become
ohselete, affect the difi‘erent classes
very irregularly.
Thus, the deduction from the
pay of a post captain, commanding
a ship wimse complement may be
Q15 men, is 4:. $11. per mensem,
343
while that from the pay of all cap
tains of smaller post ships, and
of all commanders, is 48. 9d. ;
while the deduction from the still
inferior pay of lieutenants and
masters is as much as from (is. to
7s. 9d. per mensem; and while
the deductions from a gunner 0r
boatswain ot' a first rate are 5s. 9d.
those from the carpenter are 6s.
The addition, by way of com
The nominal pay of post cap
third rate, for instance, for which
the pay in the pay-table is 23L 2s.
per mensem; there are, in fact,
six rates of pay, namely :—
. s. d. _s. d.
40 s 9 er 42 0 9
43 15 9gmegsem {45 lo 0
47 5 9 ' 4S 3 3
It is obvious that this system of
alternate deduction and addition,
must occasion great trouble and
perplexity in the mode of keeping
the accounts; and it will be evi
dent to your Royal Highness, how
inconvenient this cont'u‘sion must
he, to all branches of theipvublic
service concerned with this matter ;
which is increased by the cit-cum,
stance that the Officers who are en~
titled to draw for their pay by bill,
can only draw for their personal
pay, from which the several de
ductions are previously to be made;
We have therefore humbly to
recommend to your Royal High
ness, that the pay of all officers
and men he established, and stated
in the pay-table, at a rate of net
pay, including all additions, and
exclusive of all deductions. ’
The ellfect of this, as it regards
all classes, will be stated in a ge
neral pay-table, hereunto annexed ;
but
344 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
hut as the change of system obliges your Royal Highness a view of the
us to propose an average rate of several rates of pay, or of pay and
pay for officers of the same rate, compensation united, as they now
who now receive various compen stand, and the annual rates of net
sation; and as we have also to pay which we propose to establish
propose some increase of pay to in lieu thereof, to which we shall
some other classes, we think it subjoin some explanation of seve
proper, in this case, to lay before ral points of alteration, viz.—
Flag Ojficers.
ADMIRAL AND commune R-IN-CHIEF or THE FLEET.
Present. Proposed.
1?. s. (1. . 8. -
Net pay and com- , Net pay, 6l. per '
pensation . . . . .. 2,663 12 0 diem.......... 2,190 0 0
As commander-in As commander-in
chief.......... 54710 O chiefiil. per diem 1,095 0 0

Total 3,211_ 2 0 “ Total 3,285 0 o

ADMIRAL COMM ANDING-lN-CHIEF.
Net pay and com Net pay 5i. per
pensation . . . . - . 1,788 11 9 diem.......... 1,835 0 0
As commander-in As commander-in
chief.'......... 54710 0 chief 3L. perdiem 1,095 0 0

Total 2.336 1 9 Total 2,930 0

NOT COMMANDING-lN-CHIEP.
Net pay and com Net pay 5!. per
pensation. . . . . 1,788 11 9 diem.......... 1,835 0 0
VICE-ADMIRAL COM MANDING-lN-CHIEF.

Net pay and com Net pay 4!. per

pensation . . - . . 1,251 19 0 diem.......... 1,460 0 0
As commander-in As commander~in
chief.......... 54710 0 chief3l.perdiem 1,095 0 0

Total L799 9 0 Total 9,555 0 0

NOT COMMAN mne-m-cnnzs.
Net pay and com Net pay 41. per
pensation...... 1,25119 0 diem.... . . . . .. 1,460 0 0
REAR ADMIRAL COM MANDING-IN-CHlEF.

Net pay- and com Net pay 3!. per

pensation . . . . . . 881 5 1 diem . . . . . . . . .. 1,095 0 0
As commandenin- , As commander-in
chief. . . . . . . . . . 547 10 0 chiefSl-perdiem 1,095 0 0
a
~—

~ Total 1,498 15 1 Total 2,190 0 o

NUT
 ST‘ATE‘PAPERS. 345
NOT COMMANDING-lN-CHIEF

Present. Proposed.
£. s. d. £1.
Net pay and com- Net pay 31. per
pensation...... 881 5 l diem.............. 1,095
CAPTAINS

lst Rate....... 812 6 mw mwu w nwu w tow mo

800 18 } lstRate............... 800
2d d0......... 683 6
3d do . . . - . . .. 626 18
615 10 2dd0...........-...... 7'00
592 15
570 O
547 5 3ddo.................. 600

4th tlO......... 461 9

AM
on
w
4thd0.........-....... 500

5thd0 36810

5thdo.~......e......... 400

6th d0. 80618

6thd0................. 350

COMMANDERS.

Various rates from 868 10 9

to"... I I i I n. 261 8 9 ....-..-.--........... 300

LIEUTENANT!

Commanding. . . . 148 1‘2 8

lstlinebat.shipif}:::: 1: Z "l'."."""'""i""" 150
of7years standing .
MASTERS.
giltfiitfjfix:
Ofthefieet..... it; I; g8 } 1stRate........-....... 17o
17219

ad‘dou.un’u 1451111 2(1d0........-.....-... 160

'
3dd0.--qv mas'rsas.
.' .0.I-0.00'.

\
 3346' ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
Mits'rzast
Present, Proposed.
.19. s. d. .
4thdo......... 132 1 s 14o
5thd0......... .118 ll '2 ' . . . . ....-........-...-. 120
6thd0. . . . . . . .. 105 ll 10 ...-....--.-........... 110
Sloop....-..--, 9110 8 . . . . . .. 100
sscoun masrsas.
In lst, Qd, 3d, and
1n5thrates&infra
4thrates-.-..-. 67 9 3 a..II-I'g.". .D‘nl'lclo. 60

' PURSERS.
lstRate....... 79. 4 4
Qddonnuuh .6515 9 _ IstRate-............... 70
. Qddp. . . . . . . . .
60
3ddo..........' 59 6 10 sddo_l___n__n_m__u 60
4th and 5th do.. 5218 3 4thand5th Rate. 55
6th, and sioop.. 491310 6th, and Sloop.......... 50
, cuarnams.
InallRates.... 160 8 8 160
MATES WHO HAVE PASSED.

lstRate......'- 4817' 9 _
2ddo.u_nuu 4419 6 lstBate......-...--.... 60

sed°----~---- 4% 9 6 { 2dd0-.,,.---n.-.Isutll
55
4th,do.._....... 37_10 o 4thd0.... . . . . . . . . . .. so
In all others.-.. 33 410 In all others. . . . . . . . . .. 45
MIDSHIPMEN PASSED.
lstRate....... 35 310
gddo'“ SI 18 9 lstRate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 50
3ddo...-...... - 30 6 2 2dand3dRate.......... 45
4thd0.---..--. 2717 3
Allothershuh 25 8 3 } Inallothers.... . . . . . . .. 40

ctssxs.
15¢ Rate . . . . . .. 55 14 1_ 1
2ddo..-.... . 511910
3ddo..-....... 4811 ‘2 ‘
4thdo. 411‘: 8 - lstRate....-.......... 60
Allothers.-...- 37 3 1 241do.................. 55
'. SCHODLMASTERSI 3ddo...-.............- 55
'tet.Rate-.----, 3.5. 3 10 4thdo.-t..-'..-.-.-... 50
$ddo....---.-. 8118 9 5thandGth-...-........ 45
_8dglo..-I--'----' - so 6 2 '
2,4tl1‘dO...-..'... 2717 s
Rumbas"... 25 s 5
Your
 STATE PAPERS. 347
Your Royal Highness will ob the pay of the flag officers of the
serve in this table, that the most fleet was at a higher rate than it
considerable alteration has been stands at present, as will appear
made in favour of flag officers; on a comparison of the rates es
and of this we beg to submit the tablished by order in council of
following explanations :— the 2d of February of that year,
So long ago as the year 1693, with the present rates :—
1693. 1816.
s. d. ag. s. d.
Admiral of the Fleet 6 0 0 5 10 0 ‘ §
Admiral.......... 4 O 0 317 0(‘5
Vice-Admiral . . . . . 3 0 0 2 15 0g 56
Rear-Admiral .,. .. 2 0 0 1 18 6 , C“
By the said order in council of which excluded all profits on ser
the 22d of February, 1693. the rants, and assigned an adequate
extravagant number of servants rate of net pay, was, however,
previously allowed was abolished, rescinded by order in council of
and the officers were allowed a the 13th April, 1700, which eats..
number equal to the present es blished the following rates of pay,
tablishment. ' and re-establish'ed/ the following
This wise and salutary plan, exmravagant number of servants :
Pay. Servants.
58. s. d. - '
Admiral of the Fleet 5 O O 50
Admiral.... 3 lO 0 30
Vice-Admiral . . - . . 2 [0 0 Q0
Rear-Admiral .. . . . 1 15 0 15

And at these rates the pay of Vice-Admiral . . . 304 4 0

the tlag-bflicers remained for up Rear-Admiral . . . 177 9 0
wards of 100 years, till, by order Whether, therefore, these sums,
in council of the 23d of April, or the sums granted as compen
1906. his Majesty was pleased, by sation; be added to the, ofiict-rs
a small addition, to make the pay pay, it will be apparent to your
what it at present 15. Royal Highness. that even on the
It is not easy to determine what, reduced scale of ’1700, the pecu
‘besides their pay, were the ad niary advantages of the Flag
vantages that these officers made Ofiicers of His Majesty's fleet
by their servants; but it is com were as great as they were for up:
wards of 100 years
puted, in the appendix to the linconsiderably, if atafter, and than
all, less very
order in council of the ‘22d of Fe
bruary, 1693, that the annual they are at present.
saving to the public, on the re We trust, therefore, on a re
duction of the serVants, would be view ot‘ these circumstances, and
on each cflicer as follows :— of_ the increase which has taken
l. s. d. lace in other parts of his Majes
_ Adm. of the Fleet 1,014 0 0 ty'sservice,that the addition which
Admiral . . . . . . 557 14 D We propose, of about 1501. per
annum
348 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
annum to Admirals, 1901. to Vice command ; and your Royal High
Admirals, and 2105. to Rear-Ad ness is aware, that of six Rear
mirals, will appear moderate and Admirals, now commanding in
reasonable. chief on foreign stations, we have
. With regard to the latter class been obliged to recommend that
of officers, it is worthy of observa your Royal Highness should be
tion, that if a Rear-Admiral should pleased to allow three of them to'
be serving in a first-rate, his whole receive the emoluments of full
pay and compensation amount to Admirals; and we should, if the
but 8151!. while his Captain, who measure we now propose should
lives at his table, and who is com not be adopted, find ourselves
paratively at no expense, receives under the necessity of proposing
8121. We notice this, not as to your Royal Highness to ex
thinking the Captain‘s pay too tend the same indulgence to the
much, as we propose only to re other three Commanders-in-Chief
duce it to 800i. but as showing abroad.
the inconsistency of the present \Ve have also not been inatten
arrangement, and the necessity of tive to the rates of pay allowed to
making some addition to the Flag the officers of his Majesty‘s army
Officers“ pay. ' of corresponding ranks. A mili
Your Royal Highness will far tary Commander of the Forces,
ther observe, that we propose to whose situation is equivalent to
double the allowance at present that of a Naval Commander in
granted to Commanders-in-Chief Chief, receives, in addition to his
under the name of table money. unattached pay, 91. 9s. 6d. per
We have done so, on a very ma diem; whereas we propose for
ture consideration of the situation the Naval Commander in Chief,
of officers of this rank ; and your an addition of only 3L per diem ;
Royal Highness must be aware of but as the sea pay of the Flag
the necessity of this increase from Otficer is greater than the un
the circumstance which has been attached pay of the General, it is
frequently communicated to your necessary, in order to give your
Royal Highness, of the difiiculty Royal Highness a fair compara
of inducing officers to accept, par tive view of the subject, to submit
ticularly in times of peace, this the following table :—

Commander in Chief. Commander of the Forces.

ADMIRAL. GENERAL

Sea pay . . . . . . . . . £1,835 Unattached pay . . £693 10 0

As Commander in Chief . 1,095 As Com.ofForces . 3,458 0 0

2,930 4,15]. 10 O
VICE-ADMIRAL. LlEUT.-GENERAL.
Sea pay . . . . . . . . . 1,460 Unattached pay _. . 598 0 0
As Commander in Chief . 1,095 As Com. of Forces . 3,458 0 0

2,555 4,051 0'0

REAR
 STATE -PAPERS. 349
REAR-ADMIRAL. MAJOR-GENERAL.
Sea pay . . . . . . . . . 1,095 Unattached pay . . 446 0 0
As Commander in Chief . 1,095 As Com. of Forces . 3,458 0 0

£2,190 £3,904 0 o
Your Royal Highness will per equality as the difference of the
ceive that the military oilicer’s pay
two services will admit of.
is, in every case, nearly one-third We have presumed to enter into
more than we propose‘for the na this comparison with the pay of
val officer; but there are circum the army, lest it should be here
stances peculiar to the naval ser after supposed that we had not
vice, which, in our opinion, coun considered the subject in reference
terbalances this superiority. to the military service ; and in
In times of peace, the number order to show that, although a
of officers having commissions as perfect similarity cannot be effect
Commanders of the Forces, is, ed, we have endeavoured, as far as
we are informed, very limited; it was possible, to attain a real
whereas the Commanders in equality, and to obviate any com
Chief in the navy are almost as plaint on the score of the apparent
numerous in peace as in war : the differences.
number, therefore, of flag officers We think it farther necessary
who will receive this advantage, to propose, that Commanders in
and the narrower sphere of their Chief shall be entitled to this al
duties, must be set elf against the lowance of SI. per diem, only
inferiority. of thesum received. while their flags are flying within
In times of war, the number the limits of their respective sta_
of Commanders in Chief, if not tions, and that, on their decease,
greater, is not less than that of or during their absence, the said
Commanders of the Forces; but sum shall be paid, as is at present
we consider that the superior ad provided, to the officer who shall
vantages to be derived by the flag succeed to the command, if he be
oflicer, from his share of prize a flag-officer ; but if he be a cap
money, will generally atilird an tain, that he shall be entitled “to
ample compensation for the pro the sum of ll. per diem during the
posed inferiority of pay. time his broad pendant may he
Upon the whole, then, of this hoisted as commanding -on the
. part of the subject, we trust that station. .
your Royal Highness will agree And we farther propose that all
with us, that the proposed rates of flag-officers, whether Commanders
pay are just and equitable, as well in Chief or otherwise, shall be al
with regard to the officers them lowed to draw for the whole of
selves, as to the public service at
their sea pay and Commander in
large; and that, however they may Chief‘s pay, without distinction.
nominally differ from the rates We farther beg leave to ob
allowed to the general oflicers of serve to your Royal Highness, that
his Majesty's army, they will be the advance of three months‘-pay
found to establish as much real now made to flag-officers on their
appoint
360 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
appointments, is so inadequate to of first lieutenants of line of battle
the necessary expenses of their ships shall be increased from 1191.
outfit, that it has been the custom 3d. per annum, which they now
‘to grant to flag-officers, appointed receive in common with all other
'Commanders in Chief on certain lieutenants, to 150i. per annum,
foreign stations, an imprest of one ‘ provided they shall be of 7 years'
thousand pounds by way of outfit; standing ; and we recommend
but we think it better that, in lieu that lieutenants commanding small
of this occasional indulgence,every vessels should be raised to the
flag-officer appointed to the chief same sum; and we trust that your
iCommand of a foreign station, Royal Highness, considering the
should be entitled to receive an important duties and high respon
advance of six months’ pay, which sibility of the senior lieutenants of
would obviate the necessity of the line of battle ships, will he of
occasional imprests we have hi opinion that this increase is just
therto-been obliged to grant. and expedient: and the increase
The pay of the other classes has of 18!. per annum to lieutenants,
been computed, not with the view who may be subjected to the ex
to any considerable increase, but pense and responsibility of a sepa
at a sum calculated upon the aver; rate command, willnot, we trust,
ages of the present rates.‘ be considered too great.
It will at first sight appear, that It is proper to add, that the
the pay proposed for captains and principle of making a distinction in
commanders is considerably more favour of first lieutenants of line
than the average of the several ‘of battle ships, is not new to the
rates now established: but upon service: as at the first establish
this we have to observe, that the ment of half-pay, in 1693, this
difference is not so great as it advantage was extended only to
appears to be :— first lieutenants of lst, 2d,.and
Firstly, because thclowerrates of 3d rates, who had served as such
pay are attached to ships of the for a certain period.
smallest size in each rate, which Though we have, for the reasons
.are gradually disappearing from before stated, recommended the
the navy, so that the majority of discontinuance of the flag pay to
officers now employed receive the captains, (having provided an equi
higher rates of pay ; and, secondly, valent thereof), we do not pro
because captains of flag ships are pose to withdraw the allowance of
at present entitled to a considera 6d. per diem allowed to lieutenants
ble addition of pay, which comes of flag ships, by his Majesty's
highest in the lowest rates, and 'in order in Council of the 21st Sep
peace affects a greater proportional tember, 1796, having made no
number thanin war. The value addition to the pay of this class of
of this addition we have calculated officers, except in the single in
in the amount of net pay before stance before mentioned.
proposed, and these circumstances VVe have further taken into
render the real increase of expense consideration the pay at present
on this head less than it appears. granted to young gentlemen, mates
“’0 have proposed that the pay or midshipmen in his Majesty's
service,
 STATE PAPERS. 351
service, the aver-age of which (for tain persons of adequate acquire
it varies in different rates) may be ments to undertake this duty;
taken of the former at 40!. and of we, however, feel so strongly the
the latter at 301. per annum. We importance of the subject of the
do not feel it necessary to propose education of young persons in his
an increase of these rates, with Majesty’s navy, as well of the up
regard to young men who have per ranks as the lower, that we
not passed their examination for have felt ourselves bound to pro
lieutenants ; but we hope that pose to your Royal Highness an
your Royal Highness will be of addition to the pay of the school
opinion, that those who have pass masters in the fleet: and if the
ed that examination, and whoSe re— chaplain should perform the duty
sponsibility and usefulness,~as well of schoolmaster, which is highly
as their necessary eXpenses, in desirable, we propose that he
crease with their age, are entitled should receive the pay of both
to. a higher remuneration than offices : this regulation, we think,
young persons who may hat/elate will have the double tendency of
ly entered his Majesty’s service. improving both the condition and
We have therefore proposed an respect-ability of the chaplain and
increase of pay to all mates and the schoolmaster ; and our desire
midshipmen who may have passed to encourage persons to under
their examination. take this duty induces us to re
We have to observe that the ex commend that the allowance to
' aminetimr of young gentlemen for the schoolmaster, called Queen
the. rank of lieutenant has been Ann’s bounty, of 201. per annum,
lately made more strict, as, besides and the remuneration to the chap
the usual examination in seaman lain for the tuition of young gen
ship before naval officers, they are tlemen granted by the Orders in
now obliged to undergo another at Council of the 4th of March, 1812,
the naval college, as to their .pro and 4th March, 1813, may be
ficiency in the scientific branches continued.
of their (profession. \Ve cannot The arrangements respecting
but hope that the distinction, which warrant and petty officers we shall
we propose to establish in favour state ’distinctlyin subsequent sec
of those who shall have passed the tions of this memorial.
prescribed examination (though it * * -)(' at *
is new in his Majesty‘s service), The rest of this section relates
cannot be considered as objec to the drawing of bills for pay, 840.
tionable, either in principle or lll. This section, after stating“
amount. the inconsistencies in the existing
Connected with this part of the rates of pay for boatswains, gun
subject is the situation of school ner-s, carpenters, &c. proposes the
master ou board his Majesty‘s following regulations :—
ships, which is at present so ill lst. The pay and superannuation
remunerated (namely, at the same of gunners, hoatswains, and car-
rate. as the youngest midshipmen) penters, shall be regulated by the
that‘it is found impossible to ob same scale.
' 2d. The
 352 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
2d. The scale of sea and ordi opportunity of giving him another
nary pay shall be as follows, in appomtment.
the several rates : - 6th. The rates of superannua
Rate. . . . . . 18t 2d 3d 4th 5th 4th etinfra
tion of warrant officers shall be
according to the following scale,
Sea.... 100 90 80 7O 65 60 formed on a consideration of the
Ordinary 85 7f) 65 55 50 45 total length of service as warrant
3d. The above pay is to be officer, with the length of service
personal and net, and no deduc in commissmn :—
'tions or compensations are to be Total Service. Commissioned Service. Pensions.
made. 30 years .. . .. ‘20 years. 485
4th. No warrant officer shall be 30...’....;l5 . . . . . ..75
appointed to a fifth rate, who shall 80. ......-10...,...65
not have served two years either 5.......55
in a sixth rate or sloop in com 20.........20 . . . . . ..75
mission; nor to a fourth rate, 20.........15.......65
who shall not have served two 20.........10.......55
years in a fifth rate in commis 5....-..45
sion: nor to a third rate, who l5.........l5.......60
shall not have served one year in 15.........10.......50
a fourth rate in commission, or 5.......40
three years in a fourth or fifth 10..... -..10.......45
rate in commission ; nor to a se 10......... 5.......85
cond rate, who shall not have 7th. Officers whose length of
served two years in a third rate in service may-happen not to fall
commission; nor to a first rate; exactly under any of the preced
who shall not have served three ing numbers, shall be pensioned
years in a second or third rate in agreeably to the rate which may
commission. But as in times of come nearest to their length of
peace it may not be possible for service.
officers to serve the required time 8th. Ol‘licers having a shorter
in commission, we submit, that period of service than the lowest
in cases of vacancy, when there of the foregoing, shall receive
happens to be no man who has either the pension to which their
served the requisite time for an services would entitle them from
appointment, it may be given to Green wich-hospital, or such other
the person who may be, in our sum, not exceeding 30L per an
Opinion, in other respects the best num, as we, on a view of the in
qualified for and entitled to the dividual case, may appoint.
situation. 9th. No warrant officer shall
5th. in the event of any war reckon as service, either for pro
rant oificer being put out of his motion or superannuation, any
ship by her being lost, broken up, time for which he shall not have a
or otherwise, he shall be placed as certificate of good conduct from
supernumerary in one of his Ma the captains or commanders of the
jesty's ships in ordinary of the ships in which he may have serv
same rate, until we may have an ed; and if the certificate should
not
 STATE
not state the good and meritorious
conduct of the officer for the spe
cified period, such time is to be
disallowed him; but if the war
rant officer thinks he has any rea
son to complain thereof, he may
address his complaint to our se
cretary, for our inquiry and final
decision ; and in this case, we sub
mit that we be authorized to allow
the time or not, as we may judge
Ilrtipel'.
li‘ your Royal Highness shall be
graciously pleased to sanction the
Foregoing propositions on this
branch of the subject, we shall be
enabled to superannuate several
hundreds of worn-out and dis
abled otficers, who are at present
on the ordinary, and of whom we
cannot clear the list (which ought
to be etl'eetive) with justice and
humanity to these old servants of
the public, while the present par
tial and inadequate rates of supe~
rannuation exist; but we have
farther the satisfaction of stating
to your Royal Highness, that this
benefit to the naval service will
not create any additional expense
to the country; as the saving of
the cost now incurred for victual
ling and keeping in full pay so
large a number of inefficient per
sons, will not only compensate
the whole additional expense of
the arrangement relative to war~~
rant officers, which we thus hum—
bly submit to your Royal High
ness‘s gracious consideration, but
will even diminish considerably
the expense which, on the peace
establishment, may arise from the
other propositions which we have
submitted
1V. \Ve now beg leave humbly
to represent to your Royal High
ness, that having had under con~
VOL. LlX.
PAPERS.. 353
sideration the numbers and ratings
of the petty oflieers of his Majes
ty's fleet, we have found that there
are several useful duties for which
no other ratings are provided ;
while, on the other hand, several
ratings are preserved in the table
which have become obsolete, and
which have no duties now attached
to them, and which are now, we
have reason to think, given to
men whom the several captains
think deserving of higher pay, and
for whom they have no appropriate
ratings.
With a view therefore, of re
medying these irregularities, and
of giving fair encouragement to
that class of men, the petty offi
cers, we humbly submit that your
Royal Highness may be pleased to
sanction the establishment of the
following additional ratings, the
efl‘ective duties of which are now
performed without any correspond
ing rating :
Admiral's Coxswain,
Coxswain' of the Launch,
- of the Pinnace,
Captain of the Hold,
Yeoman of the Signals,
Cooper's Mate, ’
-— Crew,
Gunner's Yeoman.
Carpenter's Yeoman,
Captain’s Steward,
—----—- Cook,
Ward or Gun- room Steward.
—-———--——-- Cook,
Ship's Tailor.
Two of these ratings have been
already established by Order in
Council; but we have neverthe
less included them in the above
list, because they are not in the
general table of ratings, and in
order to lay before your Royal
2 A Highness,
 \

354 ANNUAL REGISTER, 18l7.

Highness, at one view, the whole to the companies of Royal Marine
of this part of the subject : Artillery.
And we further submit to your These companies were formed,
Royal Highness, to be pleased to one at each division, in the year
sanction the abolition of the fol .1504, for the purpose, in the first
lowing obsolete or unnecessary instance, of supplying the service
ratings : of his Majesty‘s bomb-vessels, be~
~ Yeoman of the Powder-room, fore that time performed by the
~w— of the Sheets, .Royal Artillery; but it was also
Quarter-Master's Mates, intended that these companies
Trumpeters, should, particularly in time of
(iun Smiths, peace, be employed at the respec—
Midshipman Ordinary, tive divisions, in drilling the whole
Coxswain’s Mates, of the marines tu gunnery.
Swabbers, We are so well satisfied of the
Ordinary Trumpeter, great utility of having a considera
Shifter, ble body of marines trained to
Gunner‘s Tailor. gunnery, that we are induced to
The expense to be occasioned recommend that the Royal Marine
by the establishment of the former artillery he increased to eight
ratings will, after deducting that companies, as well for the purpose
of the ratings proposed to be abo of encouraging and training the
lished, be Very inconsiderable ; other marines, as to enable us,
namely, 31. 2s. per mensem in a on occasions, to embark a certain
first rate, and less in proportion number of well-trained artillery~
in the others, being in the whole, men in other of his Majesty’s
on one ship of each class in the ships as well as in the bombs;
Royal Navy, only 121. 7:. per men experience having proved the great
sem. advantages to be derived to the
We beg leave farther to state, service from this practice, which
that, as the carpenters and car has been of late tried to a small
penters’ mates and carpenters’ extent.
crews find their oWn tools, and We therefore humbly propose
are alone, of all the classes in the to your Royal Highness, to be
ship, liable to this species of extra pleased to sanction the establish
expence; and as we have, by late ment of eight companies of Royal
regulations, given much more ac Marine artillery; but in order
tivity and employment to this de that the whole establishment may
scription of persons, to the great not exceed what your Royal High
benefit of the service, we propose ness has pleased to declare to be a
to allow to each person of these fit peace establishment of marines,
classes 7s. per mensem, in addition we humbly propose to transfer a
to their pay, to supply themselves Certain number of officers and
with tools; this allowance being, men from the ordinary marines to
in fact, already, though partially, the artillery, and we hereunto
made. subjoin schemes of the establish
V. We now beg leave to call the ment of Royal Marines and Royal
attention of your Royal Highness Marine artillery, respectively,
which
 STATE PA‘PERS. i355,
which we think proper for the expediency of correcting this er
present period, by which the corps ror, at this favourite Opportunity,
will consist of eighty companies, when it can be done without any
of which eight will be artillery. immediate injury to individuals,
This measure, which will give because at present none of the
great efficiency to the corps of marine artillery are embarked,
marines, and, to use the expres nor, according to the original re
sion of the original promoters of gulations, Would they have been
the marine artillery, double its embarked, in time of peace; while
utility both ashore and afloat, will we therefore propose to continue
be a very inconsiderable, if any, the increased shore pay, and to
expense to the public; because encourage the artillery and the
we have proposed to reduce an corps in general, by doubling the
equivalent number of ordinary numbers who will receive this
marines, and shall farther submit increased pay, we think we may
some reductions in the number of fairly propose to abolish the dis
officers attached to the artillery tant and contingent advantage of
companies: and in time of war, the extra sea pay, to which in fact
a farther diminution of eXpense we doubt that any other right has
from what it would be under the hitherto existed, than an erroneous
present system, will, ii'your Royal construction of his Majesty's Ur
Highness shall be pleased to adopt der in Council.
our suggestions, arise from the We there fore propose, that when
following circumstances :— the royal marine artillery shall em
'l'he Royal Artillery, when em bark, the sea pay of all ranks shall
barked in bombs, had certain ad bear to their pay ashore the same
vantages granted to then , in con proportion that the sea pay of the
sideration, we presume, of their marines in general bears to their
being taken out of their natural shore pay.
course of shore service: these ad For all these purposes herein
vantages \the Royal Marine Artil before-mentioned, we beg leave to
lery have claimed, and hitherto subjoin to this memorial at table of
enjoyed, under, we think, an er the rates of His Majesty‘s ships,
roneous construction of his Ma and the force and complements of
jesty‘s Order in Council establish each rate, and also of the pays,
ing the pay and allowances of numbers, and ratings of all the.
these companies. officers and men in the fleet, both
It is evident that, however just seamen and marines : and we
it was to grant such advantages humbly recommend to your Royal
to the Royal Artillery, when re Highness, to be pleased to recal
moved from their ordinary duties, and annul the table now in force
it was certainly unnecessary to under his Majesty's orderin coun~
give them to the Marine Artillery, oil of the 31st December, 1806,
whose natural course of service it and to sanction and establish in
was to embark, and which in fact lieu thereof, the table hereunto
was formed for this especial pur~ annexed, on which, for the sake
pose. We trust therefore- that of perspicuity and convenience,
your Royal Highness will see the we have distinguishes the several
‘8 A 2 classes
35 6 ANNUAL REGISTER,
classes for sharing the produce of the precise views on which former
seizures, agreeably to your Royal
Ilighnes's's order in council of the
14th October last.
\Ve now have to submit to ynur
Royal Highness, in order that the
funds of the chest and hospital at
Greenwich,- and of the .widows’
charity,» to which the distinctions,
herein before proposed to be abo—
llsh'eil; are Applied, may not sid’ibr
by this arrangement, that your
Royal Highness May be pleased to
direct. that the calculated amount
(if the said deductions, on the
number of officers, and then re
spectively employed, shall be paid
over by the Navy Board to the
funds of the said institutions,
under such regulations and checks
as we may think necessary, thr
ensuring the full and equitable
arrangement of this matter be
tween th'e'se dili‘erent branches of
the service; ivhi'ch, we have no
doubt, can be attained with great
convenience to all the offices con
carried, and Without, any increase
of establishment, or any Expense
whatsoever to the public. And,
finally; We haVe to submit that the
Whole of this arrangement shall
be carried into execution from and
after the 1stot' Jnnuary next, or
as scon after as conveniently may
be.
In proposing alterations in the
present practice of the naval esta
blishment, so important as those
hereinhet‘ore submitt’ed to yo‘ur
Royal Highness, we have thought
it right to enter into a detail of the
motives and principles by which
we have been guided. We have
ourselves, in the investigation
which has led to this Memorial,
found considerable inconvenience
from the want of explanation in to
1817.
arrangements Were made ; and we
therefore humbly hope that your
Royal Highness will be graciously
pleased to excuse the length of
detail into Which, an the present
occasion, We have prEsumed to
enter.
new POLICE naron'r.
[Ordered by the House of Commons to lb
printed July 8, 1817.]
Set-0nd Report from the Cammitlee
on the Poti'cé of the MetTOpolis:
with Extractsfr'om the Minutes qf
Evident-e annexed.
The Committee appointed to in~
quire into the state of the police
of the metropolis, end to report
the some, with their observations
thereuptin, from time to time,
to the House, together with the
minutes of the evidence taken
before them ; and who were in
structed to report generally upon
the execution of the laWs relat
ing to the licensing of victual
lers; and to whom the several
petitions which have been pre
sented to the House in this ses
sion of parliament, relating to
licensed victuallers, and disor—
_ derly houses, ‘were referred,
have, pursuant to the order of
the House, further inquired into
the matters to them referred,
and hate agreed to the follow
ing Report :—'
Your committee have examined
evidenCe upon a gem: variety of
subjects as connected with the po
lice of the metropolis, and propose
to pursue the plan which has been
adopted in the case of the licens
ing system, by bringing under the
consid'emti. n of parliament the
various and impOrtant subjects
that
 STATE
that have beeti submitted to their bring into the kingdom any clipt
investigation, in distinct and sepa
rate heads. They have, therefore,
thought fit to divide the. general
questionof police, and to lay before
the House the result of their in
quiries upon two of the most im
portant branches of their investi
gation.
First, The consideration of the
system of parliamentary rewards.
Secondly, That of theestahlish
ment of penitentiary prisons.
It appears, that early in the
reign of William and Mary, an
act was passed for encouraging the
apprehension of highwaymen ; in
which it is enacted, “That all and
every person and persons who shall
apprehend and take one or more
such thieves or robbers, and shall
prosecute until he or they shall be
convicted of the robbery, such
person shall receive from the she
rilf of the county where such rob
bery and conviction shall be made
and done, without paying any fee
for the same, for every such of
fender so convicted, the sum of
40L within one month after such
conviction and demand made, by
tendering a certificate to the said
sherifi', under the hand of the judge
or justices before whom such felon
or felons shall be convicted, certi
fying the conviction of the same ;
and also that such felon or felons
were taken by the person or per.
sons who claim the reward." This
principle was further extended by
various acts.
By the 6th and 7th \Villinm lII.
ch. 17, entituled, “ An act to pre
' vent counterfeiting and clipping
the coin of this kingdom," 40!.
upon conviction of every person
who have counterfeited the coin,
.or clipping, 8:0. the same; ,or shell
PAPERS. 357'
or counterfeit coin.
By the 5th Anne, cap. 31, enti
tuled, “An act for the encourag
ing the discovery and apprehen
sion of housebreakers,” 40!. upon
the conviction of every burglar or
housebreaker.
By the 14th Geo. II. cap. 6, in
tituled, “ An act to render the laws
more effectpal for the preventing
the stealing .and destroying of
sheep and other cattle," lOl. upon
the conviction of every ’ sheep
stealer, Bic.
By the 15th Geo. H. cap. 28,
entituled, “An act for the more
etfectlml preventing the counter
feiting the current coin of this
kingdom, and the uttering or pay
ing false orcounterfeit coin," 40!.
upon the conviction of any person
of treason or felony relating to the
coin, upon this act; and 10L upon
conviction for counterfeiting cop
per money. '
By the 16th Gen. 11. cup. 15,
entituled, “ An act for the more
easy and elfectual conviction of
offenders found at large within the
kingdom of Great Britain, after
they have been ordered for trans
portation, before the expiration of
the term for which they were or
dered to .bc transported."
These various acts form a part
of the law of the land at the pre
sent moment; and the sums of
money which are thus paid in the
way of encouragement to the ap
prehension and conviction of of
fenders hns risen from 7,7 701.,
which was the amount in 17 98, to
that of 18,000l. which was paid
for the purpose in 1815. Your
committee ureof opinion that this
system of parliamentary rewards
for the conviction of offenders is
of
3.58 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
of most questionable policy. They minor offenders. The answer has
have felt it their duty to examine, been from all, that they did not
not only the magistrates of the conceive any such consequence had
various police offices in the metro followed; but, with due deference
polis, but the officers of the police to the opinion of these persons,
themselves ; and the testimony of your committee cannot avoid re—
many of these persons, as well as marking, that estimating the con
of those, with the exception of the duct of the police ofi‘icers to be
Recorder of London, who have guided by the common interest
had most opportunities of witness and motives that govern the actions
ing the effects of this practice is, of mankind, it is impossible that
that the system is uipst dangerous they should not be stimulated into
in itself; that it has produced the greater activity in cases where that
the worst consequences ; and that activity was to be rewarded, than
it cannot be too speedily aban in those where it was not; besides,
doned. It has been stated to your it has been allowed that the pecu
committee, that it has the tendency, niary rewards offered by indivi
and in some instances has pro duals are great stimulants to the
vduced the practice of inducing exertions of ofiicers ; and it seems
persons to forswear themselves for reasonable to conclude, that the
the lucre of the reward ; that, absence of these rewards would
while sometimes the innocent have operate in a direct opposite ratio.
forfeited their lives, from the eu There can also be no doubt that
pidity of those who swore them offenders have been suffered to be
away, to obtain the money which trained on in their career of crime
was to be paid on the conviction from the first ofi'ence which made
of the accused ; in other cases, them amenable to the law, though
substantial justice has not been not yet objects of profit, till, step
had, from the suspicion which by step, they have been led to the
iuries have entertained that the commission of offences for which,
real truth was not spoken, and on their conviction, the parlia
that the prosecutor or witness on mentary reward could be obtained.
the trial forswore himself 'for the Your committee have inquired
value of the reward. The odious into the mode in which parlia
appellation of blood-money has mentary rewards are distributed.
been given to these rewards ; and At the county assizes they are ap
your committee have found in all portioned by the judge who tries
quarters an abhorrence to exist the prisoners, the expenses of the
against them, which constantly prosecution being first deducted;
operates as impediments to public ’and though, contrary to the ex
justice. Your committee have press words of the various Acts of
sought with great anxiety to learn Parliament, considerable demands
from the various magistrates whom are made in the nature of fees.
they have examined, if to their In the Midland Circuit, the prac
knowledge or belief the system was tice is to deduct first 15:. (id. for
productive of carelessness and in procuring the signature of the
attention on the part of the oflicers judge to the certificate of the con
of the police to the conviction of viction, besides a fee taken for the
under
 STATE' PAPERS. 359
under sheritf of two guineas, if derstand, the propriety of taking
the reward is paid within amonth. this poundage money rests upon
Your committee have reason to custom, and that this witness re
believe that even larger demands ceived no more than his prede
than these are made in the nature cessor. The witness delivered in
of fees, and that for the prompt a paper, which purports to be an
payment the under sheriff charges account of the rewards which have
for the four weeks' advance of the been paid every sessions, from the
money above sixty per cent. Your month of February, 1813, to Fe
committee have inquired as to the bruary, 1817, and which amount
practice which takes place in the to ll,4|0l.; so that this witness
metropolis and the county of Mid has received the sum of 550l., out
dlesex upon this subject. The Re of which he has paid the stamps,
corder, Sir John Sylvester, distri which aze due Upon the receipts
butes the rewards, and apportions that are taken from the different.
them according to the merits of persons who receive their share of
their ‘respective claimants. They the rewards. Thecommiltee feel
examined Mr. Thomas \Vatsun, it but just to the Recorder to de
the clerk to the Recorder, who has clare, that the witness denies that
told them that prior to receiving he is at all privy to this irregula~
that situation, he had learnt from rity, or that he ever had any con
the clerk to Mr. Sergeant Adair, versation with him on the subject.
that in his time, as well as in that The Recorder was shown the evi
of Sergeant Glynn's there was con dence which was given by his
siderable emoiulnent arising from clerk, and denied heing acquainted
the payment of the rewards; that with any part of the transaction
he took that situation without which is there detailed; he had
having any thing mentioned by however heard, that the under
the Recorder concerning these re sheriif claimed a fee as well as his
wards; but that-making an appli own clerk, yet he gives him a
cation to another person, he re larger salary than his predecessors
ceived the information that there ever did, without having any con
was eighteen-pence in the pound sideration whatever to his obtain
to be asked for, for the sherifl', ing gratuities or fees, or emolu
and a compliment to himself for ments of any sort. Your com
his trouble. In respect to that mittee wish generally to observe,
compliment, it is sometimes more that this practice of taking pound
and sometimes less ; but the wit age money on these rewards, or
ness stated, he was perfectly sa deducting, under any pretence,
tisfied with what was given to him, any portion of them, in the nature
even under the supposition that he of fees and gratuities, is highly
was to pay one shilling and six irregular. The acts of Parliament
pence in the pound over to the are positive upon this subject;
under sheriti‘; upon taking the and though it is but fit that the
money to the under sherifl“, that money for the stamps 'should be
oflicer tool-t six-pence in the deducted from the portion of the
pound, and returned the witness reward which is paid, and that if
one shilling. Your committee un prompt payment is demanded, the
person
 330 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
person who advances the money vreward which iti‘s now the custom
may have a claim to the discount; to pay for the expenses of the trial
yet they cannot but think the to the prosecutor might be con
demand is exorbitant, and the tinued, and a reasonable allowance
whole practice liable to great made for loss of time to the wit
abuse. With respect to the dis nesses. But your com-mittee con
trihution itself. no fixed rule seems sider' the payments of reward for
to exist; and from evidence which the discovery and apprehension of
has been submitted to your com criminals to be perfectly unneces
mittee, they haVe reason to be sary; and they think the evidence
lieve, that while in some cases a of Mr. Shelton, the clerk of the
lmuch larger sum than the exer Arraigns, decisive upon this ques
tions of the claimants can warrant tion, who, from long practice in
is proportioned to them, in others, courts of law, is so fully capable
- great partiality is shoWn, and sew of estimating correctly the diffi
vices, however important, are suf culties attending on criminal pro
fered to go unrew‘arded. secution: he says, speaking of
There is another species of re highway robberies, “ I should
‘ward Which your committee would conceive there could be no more
equally wish to do away with, vdifliculty in discovering and ap
namely, that which is technicaily prehending a person charged with
Called a. Tyb'm‘n Ticket, which is highWay robbery, where a re ward
an exemption from the service of isgiven, than there would be in
parish offices in the \parish where the discovery and apprehension of
the felony was committed, and oil'enders guilty of crime, for
which by the 10th and 11th of which there is 110 reward.”
William 11-]. chap. 23, is to be Your committee remark, that
given to the apprehender and there is no evidence to prove that
ta'ker of the felon on his or 'her any difficulties are found in the
'convictio‘n. This mode of remu prosecution of larccnies, or that
neration has all the 'bad conse there is any unwillingness in the
quences of the parliamentary re injured to seek legal redress. The
wards by money. as the ticket is only impediments that are to be
generally =sold, varying in its price met with upon the general sub
from ‘12 or 14 ito 30 or 40L ac 'ject of legal prosecutions are of
cording to the parish in which the two kinds—lst, The expenses of
exemption is‘to arise; and indeed the prosecution; 2d, '1 he severity
it may be considered in some re of the laws, which often deter
spects as worse, it having all the men from pursuing the ofl'ender
effect of a money'r'eward without .to conviction ; so that if the par
its name. Your committee think ties prosecuting were assisted in
‘it fit that the officers of the police their expenses by an allowance.
should have a sufficient salary, and the witnesses remunerated for
ample enough 4to'keep them above loss of time, the public justice of
the temptation of corruption ; and the country would be no more in
if the rewards be abolished,-somc terrupted than under the present
. arrangement to-thai efl'ectshould practice.
take place. That portion of the As an illustration of this'systen}
o
 STATE PAPERS. 36!
ofassigning rewards for the ap rather apprehend beggars than
prehension of offenders, your com thieves , and he says that the
mittee refer to thupractice which, practice is so general, that there is
on the evidence of Mr. Barnley, an expression which describes it,
the beadle of St. Andrew’s parish, and it is called “ getting an easy
Hatton-garden, and Ely-tents di ten shillings." '
vision, takes place in respect of The opinionof the police-officers
the 108. which are paid on the ap themselves on this subject is of.
prehension of a vagrant; This no small importance. and your
witness stated, that he had often committee refer to the remarks
seen, when poor people came to which some of the most intelli
' the police-oifice at Hutton-garden gentof them have made in strong
to solicit a pass, that the officers and forcible language, and which
will give them ‘ld or 2d. and then present a true picture of the (lan
bring them in and swear thatthey ger and evil of this system.
found them begging, when in John Townshcnd, one of the
fact they never begged at all. The oificers of Bow-street, who has
officers are accustomed to swear ‘held that situation for 34 years,
that they have taken the man who says, “ l have with every attention
is thus a petitioner for a pass, that man could bestow, watched
begging in the street, who is sent the conduct of various persons
for seven days to the house of cor who have given evidence against
rection, when the ollicers get l0s. their fellow creatures for life and
for their trouble : in other cases, death, not only at the Old Bailey,
perhaps the man committed is an but on the circuits; 1 consider
Irishman or Scotchman, and they officers as dangerous creatures,
cannot ,pass him ; he is often met who have it frequently in their
with again when discharged from power (no question about it) to 0
prison, again committed, and 10s. turn the scale, when the beam is
more obtained. He was asked if level, to the other side : he swears
he had ever complained to the against the wretched man at the
magistrates of this practice; his bar; and why? because that thing
answer was, that he thought it —--natur_e says, profit—is in the
wrong, but he never complained scale; and melancholy to relate,
much. A question was put to but 1 cannot help beingr perfectly
him, whether any of the vagrants satisfied, that has been the means
ever remonstratctl against the of convicting many and many a
fraud which had been practised on man. I have always been of opi~
them ? and his reply was, that he nion, that an officer is a dangerous
once was in the oifice when an subject to the community."
individual laid a complaint, and John Lavender, of the Queen
that the magistrates made no squarc office, remarks upon these
answer at all ; the officers of the rewards, “ That it is a subject
police were very indignant at his which he always declines, if he
interference, and threatened him can, as no officer can go into the
with turning himout of the office. box as a witness with any comfort
It was his opinion, from long ex~ to himself." .
perience, thatpolice officers would John Vic-kery, of Bow-street,
says,
 862 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
says, “ Thal he knows the public taken' from the person, there has
opinion is against the officers en appeared little or no reason for
tirely, in consequence of that re the offence being so laid, except
ward by act of parliament; and for the sake of the reward on con
the officers are not considered by viction. But it is not only that
the public so respectable as they the system of rewards stimulate
would be if those'rewards were witnesses to forswear themselves,
done away." “in order to obtain them: facts
Mr. Philip Holdsworth, the have recently come before the
Upper Marshal of the city of public that pr0ve the existence of
London, informed your committee, conspiracies which have been
that he has witnessed ofiicers giving formed by a police officer and.
evidence against criminals, swear others, in order to induce people
hard against the prisoner, evi to commit crimes for the purpose
dently for the sake of the reward ; of swearing away their lives and
that he knew one instance where obtaining the reward on their con
a wrong person was convicted in viction. The different magistrates
consequence, and has heard of who have been examined on this
several more. subject have denied all belief that
Thomas Shelton, Esq. clerk of this crime has been often com
the Sessions of ()yer and Terminer, mitted ; but your committee wish
and Gaol delivery, at the Old to observe, that where the temp
Bailey, for London and Middlesex, tation is so strong as that “hich
and who has held that situation the reward offers to the cupidity of
for 38 years, upon a. question police ofiicers, as well as to that
being put to him, if he observed of all other men, the crime not
the efl’ect of the rewards on the having been before proved, is no
v evidence that is tendered in court, evidence of its non-existence ! and
informed your committee, that it they feel themselves further obliged
appeared evident to him that wit to remark, that the first report of
nesses have been desirous to ob the police committee in 1816 had
tain them; that he believes officers hardly been issued from the press,
sometimes get briefs given to containing, as it did, the praises
counsel, when there are difficul of the magistrates of their own
ties in the case, which shows an officers, as well as their positive
anxiety for conviction; and that denial of its being possible they
not only among oflicers but among could be affected by any tempta
other witnesses: he considers pro tion to sacrifice the public inter
bable that these rewards warp the ests to their own, when Vaughan,
minds of witnesses, and occasion of the Bow-street ofiice, was tried
stronger testimony on points that and cast for death for the crime
are doubtful, than would other ab0ve mentioned. And also, that
wise be given; he adds also, that in the last summer no less than
he has witnessed cases where it three other persons were sentenced
has happened that persons were to a capital punishment- for similar
put on trial for the crime of high offences, on three different charges.
way robbery, when on examina To what extent the evil has ex
tion, although pl'0perty had been tended, and how many innocent
persons
 STATE PAPERS. 363
persons have sufi‘ered, and what commission of crime: that the
crimes have been planned and causes of this deplorable evil are
perpetrated, or how far the in to be traced to the improper and
crease of offences may be caused criminal conduct of parents, the
by those whose duty it is to lessen want of education, the deficiency
their number, by the early appre of employment, the violation of
hension of ofi‘enders, your com the Sabbath, the prevailing habit
mittee have no means of ascer of gambling in the public streets,
taining; but in closing this sub which, to the disgrace of our
ject they are decidedly of opinion, police, is practised daily with im
that the system, as it is, cannot be punity; all these may be consi
too soon abandoned, as furnishing dered as the principal incitements
allurements to officers to betray to crime impelled into extraordi
their trust—to witnesses to break dary action, during the last few
their oaths, as bringing punish years, by an increased population,
ment on the innocent, and afford and by the distress among the
ing encouragement to a descrip lower orders, arising from the
tion of persons of all others, the want of employment. To these
most fatal to the peace and well causes may be added the existence
being of society—those who go of flash houses and brothels, al
about to ensnare the guiltlcss and most exclusively set apart for chil
entrap the unwary, who, whilst dren of both sexes; and, lastly,
they shut their eyes to the com to the bad management of the
mission of offences for which no prisons, which, instead of correct
reward can be obtained, plan the ing the criminal delinquent by
perpetration of crimes, in order to discipline, are schools and acade
profit by the conviction oi the mies of vice, which corrupt and
perpetrator. vitiate their wretched inmates, and
The next head of inquiry upon throw them back upon society
which your committee wish par- ' confirmed in every bad habit.
ticularly to direct the attention of Your committee refer to the
the house, is that of the propriety evidence given by Mr. Bennet (a
of establishing a penitentiary sys member) as to the present situa
tem for the juvenile offenders in tion of the diiferent gaols of this
the metropolis. Your committee metropolis, as to that of Mr.
refer generally to the minutes of Crauford and Mr. Poynder; and
evidence that they have taken on they feel that they should be want
this subject, but more particularly ing in their duty if they did not
to that of Mr. Crauford, the se protest against the present sys
cretary to the society, of which the tem ; and if they failed to state it
object is toenquirc into the causes to be their opinion that the gaols
of juvenile delinquency. It ap are a discredit to those who have
pears, then, from the evidence of the direction of them, and who
that respectable and intelligent are deeply amenable to the public
person, that from a minute inves for the evils that arise from their
tigation of the subject, there are mismanagement. If these prisons
several thousand boys in the me are too small for the number of
tropolis who are engaged in the criminals who are confined therein,
it
 864 ANNUALIUMHSTER mm.
it is the duty of those who can tropolis, the ages of the prisoners
alone bring forward such subjects, were not then taken; but your
to propoee' to their respective committee are enabled to state,
county or city, or to parliament, that in the year 1816, there were
the necessity of a prison upon a eonfincd in the diEerent prisons
more enlarged plan; but it is 1,683 persons under 20 years of
many years since this subject has age, Bic. viz.
been first agitated, and yet even Mglgp. Femalep.
now, in all the prisons, offender; In Newsate . . . . 4‘29 -— 8.5.
of diiferent character; and stages Clerkenwell - - - .- 399 "-— 92
of crime are mixed indisgrirninote Cold-bmb-fields - ,- 291 == 5.0
I" together, It is scarcely possible Horsemnger-lane- 67 18
to devise a system better calculated Tothillrfiekle. _. . . 20$ 7- 75
to vitiate and corrupt than the Giltgpnr-lreet . . , 8;} 5
mode in which juvenile ofi'endgrs
are thus confined: a number of 1357 ago
boys are mixed indiscriminately
together, from eight to sixteen 0r . Total 1,683
eighteen years of age, exhibiting ofsevemgim remand under
a great variety of character, end In ,Newgete - - - - 247 --— 48
differing in degrees of guilt, the Clfitkflwfill ' r ,- P _ .91
tried and untried, and the first Cold-both-field; . . Q92 -.— 83
oifender with the hardeneil eon. Horsenwngerrlane. 5.5 1w 10
vict. ‘ Tothill-fiehls. . , , 117 r- 29
Your mmittee have anxiously Giltspur-sfl'ret 17 1+ 3
sought for information as to the
number of juvenile delinquents 1,4017 “:95;
who are annually committed to the
difi'erent prisons in the metropolis, Total 1,281
and find that. in 1818, the number And of seventeen years and under
committed to Newgate, under the {or felon'w #01161
age of sixteen, were 43 boys and In Newgote , . . . 247 .-—,- 48
19 girls, :total 62.; .of whom one Clerkenwell . . . . 28$ .-.- 48
was of nine, three of ten, and Cold-bnth-fields . . 135 —- 37
three of eleven years of age-Flo I-loreenionger-lalie, 44 n-.- 9
1814, there were 89 boys mad nine Tothill-fielihs . . . - 117 m- 89
girls, tota198; of whom four were Giltspupstreet. . . 17 -— 8
of nine, eightof ten, andtwelve of -_-—__

eleven years of age—1n 1815, 758 169

there were 76 boys and 12 giris,
total 88, of whom three were of TMal—Qé?
ten, and eight of eleven years of Your .committee remark, that
age—In 1516., there were 134 the greater part of these juvenile
boys and 12 girls, hotel .146, of qflenders, some of them infants of
whom one was of nine, three were 9. 10, and 11 ,yeam of nge,are
of ten, and {fire of eleren years of mixed indiscriminately .with old
age. ofl'enalers of all ages, and all of
In .the other prison!» of :the me them with boysof the ngeaof 1.5
or
 STATE PAPERS. 365
or 16, many of whom have been yard. A boy Was lately committed
long practised in the commission and confined in this yard for offer
of various acts of fraud and crime. ing for sale some numbers of a
No one but those who have wit work without having a. license;
nessed such painful exhibltions he Was there three months; the
can be aWar'e of the pleasure which only son of poor but reputable
the older thieves take in corrupt parents.
ing those who have just entered From a return which your com
into vicious courses, by the detail mittee have received, it appears
of their exploits, the narrative of that in the New Prison, Clerken
hairsbreadth escapes, the teaching Well, where young and old are all
of technical phrases; all of which mixed indiscriminately together,
are great allureiiients to a youth and where no classification ac
ful mind, being- the amusements cording to age or offences exists,
of the idle, and the resources of the 399 boys under tWenty were con
desperate, and Serving to enliven fined for felonies in the last year,
the solitude of a prison. In order of whom one Was of nine, two
to demonstrate to what an extent were of ten,se\'en of ll, 14 of 19,
this iiiterniiktur'e of children is and 32 of 13 years of age; if
' carried, your committee observe, Were for misde'meanours, 15 for
that there Were in Newgatc, at the riots, and 61 for assaults: of which
commencement of the last sessions, last, three were of the ages of ii,
84 boys of all ages and oilisncee 1‘2, and 13. That of females, 92
confined together; that in the were for felonies, 6 for misde
New PriSOn, Clerkenwell, there meanoms, 10 for riots, and Q9 for
were, in May last, 13 boys con assaults.
iined, tour of Whom awaited their Your committee observe, that
trial For burglary; three were it is in evidence that the most nu
committed for tossing up in the merous class of delinquents are
street, God would he broughtup street pilfiat'ers, and for stealing
and dismissed the next sessions; privately from the person ; many
one was confined For an assault; of those boy's may be considered
and fire were committed for re as just commencing a course‘of
examination; they were all con crime: the mode then in which
fined in one yard With the men. they are treated on apprehensioh
It is scarcely possible that a boy has a natural tendency to encou
should he a single day in this pri mge them in vicious practices, for
son Without being contaminated ; the greater number found guilty
and yet itis usual for hoys to re of the former offence are usually
main there until Within a kit days committed for a short'tlme to pri
'of their trial, a period sometimes son, sometimes severely flogged,
of three or four vveelcs. At the and then, without a shilling in
House of Correction, Cold-bath their pockets, tumed loose upon
fields, there Were then 46 boy-s the World more hardened in cha
confined, Who Were committed for racter than ever. The condition
misdemeanors, for felony, and for, of these poor children is of all
tic-examination; the untried and others the most deplorable ; man»
convicted were confined in one hers are brought up to thievc as a
trade,
366 ANNUAL REGISTER,
trade, are driven into the streets
eVery morning,and dare not return
home without plunder; others are
orphans, or completely abandoned
by their parents, who subsist by
begging or pilfering, and at night
sleep under the sheds, in the
streets, and in the market places ;
_When in prison no one visits them,
'nor do they seem to possess one
friend in the world : they are oc
casionally treated with severity,
sometimes sentenced to be flogged,
a practice than which nothing
tends more to harden and degrade.
Mr. Crauford, who gives this af
fecting picture of the sulferings
of these children, adds, that many
of them occasionally apply to the
members of the committee solicit
ing their advice and relief, and
declaring their readiness to shun
their former connexions, and to
abandon their vicious pursuits ;
but how are they to subsist; with
out friends or character, who will
give them employment? Without
temporary aid, where can they
procure food? He is convinced
that many are driven to renew
their depredations by their neces
sities. He knows of several in
stances in which this has been the
case 5 and thus some boys are no
sooner discharged from prison
than they are again brought in,
for in reality a prison is their only
home.
Your committee decline enter
ing at present. even if at any time
it was within their province, into
a minute investigation of the va
rious causes which have produced
this alarming increase of juvenile
delinquency: many of these causes
may be traced to the peculiar situa
tion of the country, and to the ex
iatence of poverty and distress,
1817.
unknown perhaps at any former
period to the same extent. But
your commitee hope, that with the
gradual removal of these causes,
their lamentable eli'ects will cease.
They, however, feel it their duty
to observe, that as long as any
means are left untried, by which
those who are of authority in a
state have it in their pouer to
check, indirectly by education, or
the enforcement of religious ob
servances, the tendency which the
young and the ignorant have to
fall into the snares and allurcments
which are spread around them by
the guilty and designing, the de
linquencies that are the result of
such neglect are not wholly to he
set to the account of the ofi‘enders;
and that till all the ways are ex
hausted by which the morals and
manners of a people can be re
formed, the existence of an aug
mented state of crime, the severity
of the penal law,and the frequency
of capital punishment, are evi
dences little creditable to the sys
tem of which such evils are the
result. In order, then, to remedy,
if possible, some of these ev ls,
and more particularly those which
result from the deplorable state
and management of the different
prisons of the metropolis, your
committee have examined various
plans that have been olfered to
their inspection, for the establish
ment of a penitentiary, or place
of separate confinement for juve
nile offenders; and they are of
opinion, that it is expedient to
construct a prison to be peculiarly
set apart for that purpose. They
have thought fit to print tWo plans
of prisons of this description in
their appendix: both have their
separate advantages; but your
com
 STATE PAPERS. 367
committee prefer that delivered in public, than in the construction of
by Mr. Bevans, which seems to places of penitentiary confinement
them to unite nearly all the dif Your committee have inquired
ferent arrangements which have into the expenses of the mainte
been generally approved, and nance of the persons in the differ
which combines these advantages ent penitentiary establishments, as
with the strictest economy. The well as the number of individuals
whole cost for the construction of they are calculated to hold : with
a building capable of containing the exception of that at Milbank,
400 boys will amount at furthest they are all supported by volun
toQ4,000L which sum they cannot tary contributions.
help contrasting with the expense The Refuge for the Destitute, on
of erecting a penitentiary at Mil- the 14th of May last, contained
bank, which is estimated to cost 40 males, and 60 females. The
350,0001 and which is only in former cost annually for food and
tended to contain 800 persons of clothing ‘23l. 17s. and the latter
both sexes. 281. lls. ; the difference arises
Your committee have examined from a greater allowance of food
much evidence as to the general being given to the females, who
management of the various peni work extra hours. The success
tentiary establishments supported of this society has been considera
by private benevolence which exist ble; and it has been found that
in the metr0polis. They refer about two-thirds of the persons
generally to the testimony of those confined and employed there have
best qualified to give the most cor been reformed, and returned to
rect in formation as to these places; habits of industry.
and the concurrent opinion of all Your committee have also learnt
is favourable to measures such as that the applications from persons
they think it their duty to recom of both sexes to enter into this
mend. The Refuge for the Desti establishment are most numerous,
tute, and the Philanthropic. have both from the criminal as well as
fully answered the views of their the destitute poor; and that if
charitable founders and benefac the funds of the institution were
tors. They have redeemed hun greater, is much larger proportion
dreds from the ruin and misery of those persons would be received.
into which they were plunged; The Philanthropic Society con
and it is with peculiar satisfaction tains at present 41 girls and 160
your committee have learnt, that boys, the children of convicts, and
the only check to the further pro those who are convicts themselves :
gress of this great work is to be the expense per head,dividing the
found in the deficiency of the funds cost of the whole establishment by
at present appropriated for that the number of persons, is about
purpose. That deficiency it is the 85!. per annum. But your com
object of your committee to sup mittee observe, that the appren
ply ; and they feel convinced that tices to the number of 60 maintain
the government cannot more eco themselves, having earned near
nomically employ the funds of the 2,0001. last year, the principal ex
pauses
338 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
pense being incurred for the
younger part of the community.
This institution has fully answered
the views of its benevolent found
ers. By much the greater pro
portion of those who have been
brought up turn out well, and
fully warrant the remark of one of
those who had deviated a little
from the rules of discretion and
good conduct, “that within its
walls the society taught them ha
bits which they could not get rid
of if they would "
Your committee wish to direct
the attention of the public to this
excellent institution, which is well
deserving a more extended pa
tronage, not only for the end
which the establishment has in
view, but also for the success
which has attended its labours,
arising from the excellence of its
regulations, and the frugal man
ner in which its funds are admi
nistered.
The Magdalen Hospital contains
80 females: it has been establish
ed from the year 1758, and has
from that period to the present
day admitted about 4,594 persons,
of whom 8,012 have been restor
ed to their friends or placed in re
putable service; QIQ have been
discharged at their own request;
556 for improper behaviour; and
85 have died while in the hospital.
Of 246 women who were dis
charged in the last four years, of
every description, 157 are reform
ed; 74 have relapsed; four are
insane; one is dead, and of ten
the situation is not known; so
that it may be estimated that two
thinls of the women who enter
into this society are permanently
reclaimed: the average age of
those unfortunate females is from
17 to 18. They apply very young,
some few at even 13 or 14, but
generally from 15 to 25; some
have been admitted there of 12
years of age
The London Female Penitenti
ary contains [00 persons, at an
average expense per head of 23!.
This institution has been estab
lished about ten years; in that
time 2,000 persons have petitioned
to be admitted, and 1,565 alone
have been received = of whom ‘265
have been reconciled to their
friends and placed out to service ;
18 have married; 87' have been
discharged from various causes;
17 have eloped ; 66 left the house
at their own request, and I4 have
died. Your committee observe
that the labour of the women of
this latter institution produced
6651., while that of the Magdalen
was only 1671,, during last year.
The General Penitentiary, Mill
bank, contained 52 males and 76
females, total 128, en the ‘Z‘Zd
May last. The cost of each pri
soner as to food is sixpencc to seven
pence a day, or about 9!. 2s. 6d.
per annum. Your committee were
informed that the clothing and
maintenance of each prisoner
would not eXCeed ‘201. per annum.
This establishment is of so recent
a date, as not yet to furnish much
evidence of the beneficial result of
its regulations. But your commit
tee cannot refrain from inserting
the following extract from the
journal of the chaplain, who states,
that during the ten or twelve
months that the prisoners have
been under his direction, he has
observed a great alteration in their
manner, appearance, and charac
ter, and that the practical advan
tages of the system are far beyond
his
 STATE PAPERS. 369
his expectation. “The chaplain of maintaining the convicts of the
feels much pleasure in closing his country is susceptible of great
journal at the expiration of the improvement, and they trust they
year, with stating, that the gene shall be enabled to enter more
ral conduct of the prisoners duringfully into that subject early in the
their confinement in the peniten ensuing session.
tiary has been most satisfactory. Your committee feel conscious
The repentance and amendment that they have not made as full a
of many of them is visible; and report upon the various subjects of
there is every reason to presume, their inquiries as perhaps might
that on their leaving the prison have been expected from them;
they will become honest and in they have thought fit to separate
dustrious members of society." these subjects into distinct heads,
Your committee are fully aware and they have brought them before
of the expense which the plan of the House in the order of' their
building a new prison will entail importance. There are, however,
on the finances of the country, many points which they are anxi
but. they cannot consider the cost ous to take into their serious con
entirelyadditional, or one of which, sideration ; viz. the establishments
if the object to be attained is of the police; the attendance of
brought into account, the public t magistrates; the duties of the
can have any right to complain. in rior parish officers ; the state
At present the children committed of the public streets; the laws
to the different prisons are main concerning the suppression of dis
tained at the county or city charges. orderly houses; all of them are,
And your committee do not pro in their view, objects of great pub
pose to shift that cost on the pub lic importance; and in order to
lic treasury; they have. been in bring them in the most advan
formed by persons who have taken tageous manner under the view
pains to obtain a correct estimate and consideration- 'of parliament,
as to the expense of the mainte your committee trust they shall be
nance of prisoners, that on an permitted to renew their labours
average, the cost at the Philan in the ensuing session.
thropic, the Refuge for the Desti
tute, and the common prisons,
may be taken at I‘ll. per annun; EXTENTS IN AID.
and that part of that expense may
be defrayed by the labours of the The Select Committee appointed
prisoners. to inquire into the mode of is
Upon the important question of suing Extents in Aid, the nature
employing convicts in the different of the Process, its eti'ects, and
prisons, as well as on board the the expediency of regulating or
hulks, both as to the moral no of discontinuing the same, and
less than the economical conse to report their observations
quences, your committee at pre thereupon to the House, toge
sent wish to give no decisive 0pi~ ther with the Minutes of the
nion. They, however, entertain Evidence taken before them;
little doubt that the whole system and to Whom the several peti
VOL. LIX. 2 B tions
 3H) ANNUAL REGISTER, 18l7.
tions regarding Exte-nts in Aid, thousand oceasional exacticus, in
which have been presented to which neither justice nor the con
the House in this Sessidn of venience of the subject were much
Parliamentwere referred ; have, regarded, it will not appear sur~
pursuant to the order of the prising if the sheritls, or other
House, examined the matters to arbitrary collectors of such reve
them referred, and have agreed nues, Were vested with very sum
to. the following report :— mary powers; especially as the
‘l n the execution of their duty, king himself was, in reality as
your committee, advertlng to the well as in theory, too much en
specific terms of their appoint gaged about the “ ardua regui" to
ment, have conside'redit as direct pay the necessary attention to his
ing their attention not so much to treasury; and matters of finance
speculative or historical inquiries, were not then systematized as now,
as to points more. immediately and placed under the management
ractical; they have therefore re of public oflicers assembled in
gained from going more at large boards, whose only business is to
into the origin and history of ex stiperintend the different depart‘
_tents in aid than seemed necessary met-its, so as to ensure Just, re
to the elucidation of the subject; rular, and ellicient 'collection.
and they have the more willingly Ihere seems also-reason to appre
'adopted this course, because these hend that the sheriffs weie some
writs having commenced in the times compelled to undertake this
early ages of our monarchy, when task, and made in some dagree
the frame of society ’difl‘ered so responsible for its execution 5 but
widely, in almost every point, the oflicer, his duties, and his
l’rom that state of things which we powers, were known, His most
now 'witness. However interest frequent debtors seem also to haVe
ing such an inquiry might be asa been the'persons he was obliged to
subject of antiquarian research, it employ in the tem orary custody
_could not be expected to a'il'ord or transmission 0 his receipts,
much practical instruction. They who, if they bcczune defaulters,
‘ 'miglit perhaps even suggest, that had probably been either negligent
the very antiquity, 'which in some or criminal ; and of whom, there—
.cases might be regarded as a sane fore, there was some colour for
tion to legal proceedings, would seeking the repayment of the
be more likely in "the present in king‘s monies with despatch and
stance, if held up as a precedent, even rigour. In those times, too,
' or,p1'opOsed as an example, to de little national inconvenience, com
lurle and mislead. paratively, could arise from such
Wiben our monarchs, in the proceedings; commerce, so far
(lays oi" the Edwards and Henrys, from forming, as in the present
depended for the success 0t" their day, a main pillar of our national
eatpetlitions on the produce of the strength and prosperity, being
estates of the crown, of scutages then unimportant.
on knights" fees, and other feudal Even in H33, during the me
services performed or com-muted, morable reign of Henry \'., as
or of duties let out to farm, and a _ appears from the records of Par
liament,
 STATE PAPERS. 371
liament, the customs on wood, ference, however, we find thatin
goods, and tonnage and poundage, 1639, 15 Car. 1., it became expe
amounted only to 40,688!., which dient to frame rules in the Court
may be taken as equal to about of Exchequer, apparently for the
250,0001. of money at its present remedyof similar inconveniences .
value. But another reason also since which time, your committee
presents itself for limiting our ob observe with concern, that the
servations to more recent periods; issue of this prerogative process
for, although regulations coimect has increased in a degree inconsis
ed with this subject are to be tent with the equitable spirit of
found in the statute-book certainly the Bankrupt Laws, and the ease
as far back as Edward 1., yet it is of the subject, and peculiarly i1l
the statute of 83 Henry V111. suited to the state of things pro
cap. 9, on which extents at the duced by that extended commerce
suit .of the crown are founded; of which this country so justly
and whatever may be thought of boasts.
the character of Henry or of his At what particular time the law
government, yet the tenour of acquired that latitude of interpre
that statute afi'ords a strong pre tation, of which some individuals
sumption that the courts thereby have not scrupled to avail them
created for the king‘s lands (and selves with such mischievous effect,
which in the 1st of Mary were does not exactly appear. That
united to the Exchequer) were in sudden and excessive growth of
tended to take cognizance only of the issue of these writs, which
debts bonajide due immediately to alarmed and irritated the whole
.the king ; and that the extensions country, did not occur until 1816:
of the process which have since their previous use having been
arisen have been unwarranted en almost wholly confined to the de
croachments. partment of stamps, out of which
That the temptation aiforded to alone nearly half of all issued since
individualsspeedilyproducedabuse, the year 1806 have proceeded.
we have indeed convincing evi F'om the accounts in the appen
vdenee in the privy seal of 12 Jac. I. dix, it will appear, that the whole
(1614), which in the strongest number of extents in aid issued
terms acknowledges and condemns from the office (the king‘s re_
the practices by which the “ pre membrancer‘s),from 1801 to 1814,
rogative had been made an instru both inclusive, had been only Q07,
ment of oppression and greefe to or less than 15 per annum, of
his loving subjects," and “the which the majority, probably, had
commerce, intercourse, and deal a legitimate object, i. e. the re
ing between men and men greatly coveryfrom the parties of monies
hindered 5" nor could J ames‘s love which really belonged to the pub
of power, or high notions of pre— lic, and might otherwise have been
rogative, render him tinsensible to .lost.
these evils, or to the duty of cor Of the multitude which have
recting them. Notwithstanding lately been granted, a very small
this royal and wholesome inter proportion can pretend to this
2 B2 character,
372 ANNUAL REGISTER,1817.
character, but have been obtained
for the purpose of gaining an un
just priority in the recovery of
private debts, in direct contra
diction to the law, as formerly laid
down; and an inspection of the
documents will yield the strongest
presumption, that many persons
have procured themselves to be
made crown debtors, with the ex
press and sole view of abusirg
the power they surreptitiously ob
tained.
The avowed object of these writs
being to obtain this preference
over all other creditors in the di
vision of an insolvent’s effects, in
defiance, as your committee think,
of the common dictates of justice,
and of the intention of all the laws
respecting bankrupts, it is of their
very nature to inflict hardship;
without this they do not attain
their end : but in order better to
illustrate the full efl‘ect of the pro
cess, it will be expedient shortly
to trace it from its commencement,
leaving the more full detail to be
collected from the minutes of evi
dence.
The crown debtor, suing for the
process in his favour, must first
record his own debt; if it be on
bond, by the exhibition of that
bond; if otherwise,* by a com~
mission, as it is called, composed
of two persons, one of whom is
generally a clerk in the Remem
brancer's office, and the other the
under sheritf, or his clerk, who
receive one guinea each for their
return ; on this the extent issues
against the crown debtor, which
' It appears to be the soundest opinion
that no other debtor could claim it at all.
See Evid. p. 22, et a]. App. No. 4. Bun
bury.
however may properly be termed
collusive, as it is not only done at
his own request, for his own ex
clusive advantage, on evidence fur
nished by himself only, but the
words directing the seizure of his
body, goods, and lands, are omitted
in the warrant. The debts due to
this crown debtor are then found
by an inquisition or inquiry, made
before the sheriff and a jury sum
moned for that purpose; when the
vivrl voce testimony, or even the
aflidavit of the creditor himself, or
of a third person (often without
any examination), is accepted as
sufficient proof of the debts,
though the debtor not only has no
notice to attend to make objec
tions, but, unless by accident, has
no means of knowing any thing of
the proceeding against him: and
thejury seem to be of a description
most incompetent to perform any
duty of delicacy or difliculty ; men
whose ofiice is considered as wholly
formal ; who rely on the direction
of the under sheriff, or some one
in his employ, generally acting as
their foreman ; and of whose qua
lity a proper estimate may be
formed from their receiving one
shilling each from the prosecutor
on giving their verdict, and in
cases where “ they have had any
extraordinary trouble, sometimes
a guinea being thrown among
them." After the proof of the
debt, by this evidence, and before
such a jury, an affidavit is made
in which the following particulars
are stated; \‘iz.
lst. The debt due to the crown:
‘Zd. The debt due to the crown
debt-or by his debtor:
3d. That such debtor is in bad
circumstances, and the debt in
danger of being lost :
4th.
 STATE PAPERS am
4th. That it is a debt originally This part of the affidavit, though
due to him, and without trust : implying the injury done to the
5th. That it has not been sued other creditors, and therefore jus
for elsewhere : tifiable only on the strong pre
6th. That by not recovering it, sumption, at least, that the public
the crown debtor would be less interest would sufier from the loss,
able to pay the crown. On each is deemed indispensable in all
of these points a few observations cases; and, therefore, when the
may be expedient :— private creditor is anxious to secure
lst. The statement of the debt himself at all events, it is not
to the crown.——As the real object wonderful that the assertion should
throughout is solely the advan sometimes be hazarded on slight
tage of the individual, so he can grounds ; accordingly it has been
in most cases make this debt ap stated, on the loosest evidence-—
pear larger or smaller, as may mere assertion of hearsay; and
best suit his purpose, especially if the “ fiat," with all its destructive
it be a bond debt ; by stating consequences, has been granted
either the whole sum for which on no better foundation. It has
he is bound, or that portion only happened, that after all the mis
which is due or demandable at the chief has been accomplished, and
time.* the man ruined, the extent itself
Qdly. The debt due to the crown has been set aside for Want of suf
debtor.—This being taken on his ficient proof on this necessary
own evidence, without any means point.
of contravening it, instances are 4thly. That the debt is origi
not wanting of persons resorting nally due to the party without
to an extent in aid as the shortest trust. ——Your committee must
_mode to obtain payment of a dis doubt if this can be truly sworn,
puted account : for which, in when, at the request of a man
deed, it affords facilities which no holding a bill of exchange, a bond
other process will give. debtor to the crown consents to
3dly. “ That the debt is in take it of him, knowing at the
danger, unless means more speedy time that the party to pay it is in
than the common course of law solvent; and when the matter
can be resorted to." comes before the court, rather
chooses to abandon it than proceed
' Formerly this made little or no dif to trial. The transfer of debts for
ference, because on proof of any debt due
to the crown, however small, a man might this purpose, by taking bills \of
procure an extent in aid against his debtor exchange, has been frequent not
for any debt, however large; but this gross withstanding this deposition.
absurdity, as well as injustice, having been 5thly. That the debt has not
remedied by the actjust passed, it may now
become, in some cases, of consequence to been put in suit in any other
prove the debt to the crown as largelyas court ;—n proceeding rarely ne
possible; and it will be seen in the Appen cessary. '
dix, that a sub-distributer of stamps has 6thly. Thatimportant clause called ,
called himself a bond-debtor to the crown
in 1,200]. when his sale or distribution the quo minus, which lies at the foot'
varied from only about 4-00]. to less than of the whole, whereby the party
BOOI. per annum.—Evid. p. 21. swears, that if he cannot recover
this
 374- ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
this debt he will be the less able obvious reply is, that in other suits
to satisfy‘his debt to His Majesty.
That primafacie this was, and must
have been, the real foundation of
granting the aid desired, is self
evident: the words themselves, in
perfect consistency with the obvi
ous intention, afi'ord irrefragable
proof of it; and yet the common
practice is to grant the writ when
this is not believed on the one
side, nor even pretended to be
true on the other; nay, where
even the i'n'sinuation of its truth
would be treated as an affront, at
least, if not as a. libel. On what
grounds, then, is it defended?
First, on the quibble, that of what
ever surplus a man may be pos
sessed beyond what is required for
the dischar e of his debts, every
diminution of that surplus brings
him nearer, and consequently
makes him more liable to, actual
insolvency; and that therefore if
he cannot be said to be actually
less able at the moment, he may
be less able at some future time ;
i. e. supposing a man worth
10,000l. surplus, to make the affi with all the expedition of a race,
davit in order to prevent a loss‘of to defeat that equitable division of
50L. it may be said that a surplus the property which a rival com
of 9,950l. will exteris'parz'bus, he
sOOner exhausted by misfortune
or accident than one of 10,000l.
But another plea, of a nature quite
different, is also offered ; viz. that
the words are merely formal in
this case, as Well as when used in
common suits between subjects in
the same court ; and therefore
ought so to be regarded, and to be
' dispensed with entirely. * The
_ 1‘ This opinion seems to be in some degree
countenanced by the fact, that though this
allegation has by some been deemed abso
lutely necessary, yet in practice it was
omitted in many of the allidavits on which
the words are known and acknow
ledged to be employed merely to
bring the plea into that court
which is peculiarly the King‘s ;
and no prerogative advantage being
afforded to either party, the use of
verbal forms is wholly indifferent
and innocent ; whereas in the
present case they are used on a.
pretext, known to be untrue, to
work a real wrong. Your com
mittee cannot but be of opinion
that both excuses are equally un
satisfactory: that the oath ought
to be materially altered, so as to
make it really what it seems: or
if there be any solid and substan
tial objection to the alteration (of
which your committee are not
aware), that it would be better to
abandon it altogether, than to suf
fer it to remain a casuisti'cal snare
for perjury, and an opprobrium to
the administration of justice. In
On this affidavit however, and
the previous legal proceedings,
loose and unsatisfactory as they are
at best, and often hurried through
mission of bankrupt is seeking to
effect, does an extent in aid issue;
and against a person, not a debtor
to the crown, sometimes not so
even in the second degree ; but it
may be against a solvent man, un
fortunately indebted to one who
chooses to believe him insolvent,
and who has sufficient ingenuity
to set himself up as a crown debtor.
The execution is of the severest
kind :—every thing, down to the
minutest article of his property, is
writs were granted in the last year; but as
the omission was unnoticed, the grants inight
have been made only through inadvertence.
thenI
 STATE PAPERS. 37‘5'
then seized; his books, papers, ported ;" but as it hasbeenallowed,
and accounts by which he might and even maintained by the most
be enabled to dispute his creditors’ respectable authority, that in these
demands, or to enforce his own, cases the prerogative is only ano
are carried off and withheld from ther name for the public interest,
him. Nor is this all ; .his person a certain and unexceptionable
too* (which a common execution, standard to which to refer is there
after having taken the property, by furnished. Is the revenue hereby
would leave untouched) may be secured? Is the public interest
thrown into gaol, and kept there advanced ? Of the numerous cases
at the discretion of that very cre which have of late been brought
ditor by whose oppressive conduct within public observation (and a
such a waste of his property may small portion only of which could
be occasioned, as alone to produce be inserted in the Appendix) this
that very insolvency, on the alle does not appear to have been the
gation of which, as previously ex object in one single instance; in
isted, the whole process was very few can it be shown to have
founded ; and neither can a com been even incidentally or probably
mission of bankruptcy or an in served; and in several, the interest
solvent act release him. Nor is of the individual prosecutor of the
this mere imagination : it appears extent has been pursued t0 the
to your committee, that, as far as absolute injury of that very reve
respects the debtor, the Whole is nue, for the safety of which, ex
realized in at least one case de clusively, the process was originally
tailed in_the Appendix. instituted. To the former part of
Your committee apprehend that this statement the solicitors of the
enough has been stated to point Revenue Boards bear the most
out the extreme oppression often unequivocal testimony; and the
worked by this mode of procedure cases mentioned, besides others
on the unfortunate debtor who is which might have been produced,
the object of it, and the injustice ail‘ord decisive proof of greater loss
committed towards his other cre than the whole list can supply of
ditors. It remains to inquire into probable advantage. Indeed it
the validity of the reasons urged s eems scarcely doubtful whether the
for the maintenance of any por whole. process for private debts
tion of the practice, which are all might not be abolished, Without
contained in the one sweeping any disadvantage to the public in
phrase. the security of the reve terest ; while it will be worth con
nue. One indeed of the witnesses sideration how far any supposed
has spoken of “the right of the benefit may be outweighed by the
subject to claim the benefit of this evils attendant on continuing the
prerogative, that the solvency of practice. Time min of unfortunate
the crown debtor may be sup debtors, the injury of innocent
and unsuspecting creditors, and the
* It seems, by rule 3, 15 Charles I. that extensive injury wrought among
the person could not be taken unless by the community at large, by the
special order made in open court, nor any
debts without specialty ; if so, the late prac
breach of good faith, and the con
tice is an encroachment. sequent destruction of that ho
nour
376' ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
nourable confidence on which the process. It will also be seen that
interest and the prosperity of a an intention has been declared, of
commercial country so essentially not appointing bankers in future
depends. to these ofiiccs. Of the propriety
To one argument which has of this supposed determination,
been adduced, your committee are or how far it may have been in
disposed to allow considerable fluenced by considerations con
weight, viz. that all the sureties ornected with the subject of this
bondsmen for crown receivers of report, your committee offer no
every kind, having become such, opinion: but they have no hesi
depending on their claims to this tation in saying, that in the in
process in case of necessity, it stances which have come before
would be unjust to deprive them them, of the exercise of the power
of this weapon without notice; and by banking-houses, the advantage
that perhaps in equity, if not in of the individuals seems alone to
law also, they might thereby be have been attended to, without
discharged of their responsibility. any reference to the safety of the
To this it may be replied, that revenue. I
if it be so, notice may be given ; There are also various other
and as far as experience can guide embarnassments and vexations in
us, no great difficulty need be ex the course of these proceedings,
pected to arise. The situation of which, though small in compari
Receiver-General is too much son of the enormous grievances
sought after to excite any appre which have been detailed, are yet
hension that it will not be able to too considerable in themselves to
find itself securities. in the case be passed without observation,
of the increase of surety required and which, your committee hope,
on account of the collection of the will, ere long, be also subjected to
property-tax, no additional emo legislative correction. Such are,
lument of poundage was granted; the waste of the property by the
nor have the instances of default sheriii‘s poundage, by forced and
been so frequent as to create hasty sales, and by other expenses
alarm : but should such a dil'licul of the process, especially that of
ty be unexpectedly found, it may resistance, or the attempt to set
easily be removed bylessening the aside the extent, which even when
balances now allowed to be re successful, must equally be borne
tained, accelerating the payments by the insolvent‘s estate: the ex
into the Exchequer, and increas tending the operation of the writ
ing the number of receivers: by to the debtor in the fourth degree,
all or any of which means the re instead of the third; the issuing
sponsibility of the securities would immediate extents instead of scire
be diminished, and the facility of facias; the modes and rules of
obtaining them proportionally in pleading, all too much in favour
creased. On referring, however, of maintaining that possession
to the evidence, it will be found which is so hastily, and which,
that scarcely any surety has ever sometimes when too late, appears
been called on, and that very to have been unjustly obtained;
few of the receivers, not being and all of which, whether de
bankers, have ever employed the pendent on the rules of court, or
otherwise,
 STATE PAPERS. 377
otherwise, undoubtedly require a had it not been speedily checked,
careful revision. threatened to supersede all the
That these practices, though fair and ordinary modes of reco—
really so injurious, should have vering debts by the common course
been permitted so long to exist, of law.
and of late even so greatly to in-' Your committee cannot con
crease, seems easily explicable from clude without expressing their sa
what has been already stated. It tisfaction, that even during the
is but too much in the nature of consideration of this report, a bill
all old establishments to be par has passed, which, in its present
tial to their own modes: to be state, they trust will remedy much
slow in perceiving their imperfec of the evil which they have been
tions, and not very forward in compelled to expose and to con
correcting them, even when ac demn. But as much power is still
knowledged, especially if risk be continued to some classes, in which
thereby incurred of diminishing are found individuals who have
their influence or jurisdiction. It exerted'it in the most censurable
has been already observed, that manner, they feel bound to re
previous to 1814, the whole num commend an increased vigilance
ber of instances in which these over its exercise in every quarter
writs were employed was compa in which it may be at all controll— ‘
ratively very small, and the gross ed, in order that it may be at least
abuse of them still more rare, so confined to the objects of its ori
that the call for reformation was ginal intention. The laudable
neither loud nor urgent; but as practice of the Post-office, the
soon as ever they began to be Board of Customs, and, perhaps,
more known and used, the en more prominently still, v of the
croaching principle of power he Excise, has shown not only how
gan to operate; each instance of unnecessary extents in aid are to
their unjustifiable misapplication the security of the revenue, but
served also as a pretence for ano how beneficially the solicitors to
' ther, by way either of self-defence the public boards might be em
or reimbursement; and those per ployed, in limiting their issue;
sons with whom interest is the but your committee must observe
rule of action, eagerly sought the that, in order to gain this advan
means of including themselves tage to its proper extent, the ex
within the class so privileged, at ample ot' the Excise should also
the expense of their neighbours : be followed in another point,
while the profits arising to all the which to them appears very im
agents and officers engaged in the portant, viz.—that these solicitors
soliciting the issue, and the exe should confine themselves to their
cution of the process, naturally ofiicial practice; or_at least be
induced them to facilitate it by absolutely prohibited from under
every means which could be de taking, for private individuals,
sired, and to recommend its adop the management of any affairs in
tion, till, by the concurrence of which the revenue is at all con—
all these causes, the mischief was cerned.
increasing with a rapidity which, July 11, 1817.
CHARACTERS.
 [ 3 8 ]

CHARACTERS.

LETTERS FROM THE PRIVATE COR making the least direct return ;
RESPONDENCE 0F BENJAMIN and numberless mercies from God,
FRANKLIN, LL-D. F.R-S. 84(3 who is infinitely above being bene
fited by our services. Those kind
nesses from men, I can therefore
To Goons: \Vnrrsrieu),
(The Preacher.) only return on their fellow men,
and I can only show my gratitude
On Faith and Good lVorks.
for these mercies from God, by a
Sm, Philadelphia, June 6, 1753.
readiness to help his other chil
RECEIVED your kind letter of dren, and my brethren. For I do
the 2d instant, and am glad to not think that thanks and compli
hear that you increase in strength; ments, though repeated weekly,
I hope you will continue mending can discharge our real obligations
till you recover your former health to each other, and much less those
and firmness. Let me know to our Creator. You will see in
whether you still use the cold this my notion of good works, that
bath, and what effect it has. I am far from expecting to merit
As to the kindness you mention, heaven by them. By heaven we
I wish it could have been of more understand a state of happiness,
use to you. But if it had, the only infinite in degree, and eternal in
thanks I should desire is, that you duration: I can do nothing to de
would always be equally ready to serve such rewards. He that for
s rve any other person that may giving a draught of water to a
need your assistance, and so let thirsty person, should expect to be
good offices go round; for man paid with a good plantation,'would
kind are all of a family. be modest in his demands, com
For my own part, when lam pared with those who think they
employed in'serving others, I do deserve heaven for the little good
not look upon myselfas conferring they do on earth. Even the mixed
favours, but as paying debts. In imperfect pleasures we enjoy in
my travels, and since my settle this world, are rather from God's
ment, 1 have received much kind goodness than our merit: how
ness from men, to: whom I shall much more such happiness of
never have any opportunity bf Heaven! For my part,l have not
the
 CHARACTER-S.
the vanity to think I deserve it,
the folly to expect it, nor the am
bition to desire it; but content
myself in submitting to the will
and disposal of that God who made
me, who has hitherto preserved
and blessed me, and in whose
fatherly goodness I may well con
fide, that he will never make me
miserable; and that even the af
flictions I may at any time suffer
shall tend to my benefit.
The faith you mention has cer
tainly its use in the world; I do
not desire to see it diminished, nor
would I endeavour to lessen it in
any man. But I wish it were
more productive of good works,
than I have generally seen it; I
mean real good works ; works of
kindness, charity, mercy, and pub
lic spirit; not holiday-keeping,
sermon-reading, or hearing; per
forming church ceremonies, or
making long prayers, filled with
flatteries and compliments, de
spised even by wise men, and much
less capable of pleasing the Deity.
The worship of God is a duty;
the hearing and reading of sermons
may be useful; but if men rest
in hearing and praying, as too
many do, it is as if a tree should
value itself on being watered,
and putting forth leaves, though
it never produced any fruit.
Your great Master thought
much less of these outward ap
pearances and professions, than
many of his modern disciples. He
preferred the doers of the word
to the there hearers; the son
that seemingly refused to obey his
father, and yet performed his
commands, to him that pro
fessed his readiness but neglect
ed the Work ; the heretical but
charitable Samaritan, to the un
379
charitable though orthodox priest,
and sanctified Levite; and those
who gave food to the hungry,
drink to the thirsty, raiment to
the naked, entertainment to the
stranger, and relief to the sick,
though they never heard of his
name, he declares, shall in the last
day be accepted; when those who
cry Lord! Lord! who value them- I
selves upon their faith, though
great enough to perform miracles,
but have neglected good Works,
shall- be rejected. He professed
that he came not to call the righ
teous, but sinners to repentance ;
which implied his modest opinion
that there were some in his time
who thought themselves so good
that they need not hear even him
for improvement; but now-a-days
we have scarce a little parson that
does not think it the duty of everv
man Within his reach to sit under
his petty ministrations; and that '
whoever omits them, offends God.
I wish to such more humility, and
to you health and happiness ;
being o
Your friend and servant,
B. FRANKLIN.
TO THE 118‘" DR» PRIESTLEY
Reflections on the Conduct of Man
kind to each other.—.4pologue.
Dean SIR, Passy, June, 7, 1789.
I received your kind letter of
the 7th of April, also one of the
3d of May. I have always great
pleasure in hearing from you, in
learning that you arewell, and
that you continue your experi
ments. 1 should rejoice. mac-h if
I could once more recover the lei
sure to search with you into the
works of nature; I mean the in
animate, not the animate or mo
ral
 380 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
ral part of them; the more] disco guide ; they arrived over the seas
vered of the former, the more 1 ad of Martinico, in the middle of the
mired them; the more] know of the long day of obstinate fight between
latter, the more I am disgusted the fleets of . Rodney and De
with them. Men, 1 find to be a sort Grasse. When through the clouds
of beings very badly constructed, as of smoke he saw the fire of the
they are generally mOre easily pro guns, the decks covered with
voked than reconciled, to do mis mangled limbs, and bodies dead or
chief to each other than to make re dying; the ships sinking, burn
paration, much more easily de ing, or blown into the air; and
ceived than undeceived, and having the quantity of pain, misery, and
more pride and even pleasure in destruction, the crews yet alive
killing than in begetting one ano were thus with so much eagerness
ther; for without a blush they dealing round to one another;
assemble in great armies at noon he turned angrily to his guide,
day to destroy, and when they and said, you blundering block
have killed as many as they can, head, you are ignorant of your
they exaggerate the number to business ; you undertook to con
augment the fancied glory; but duct me tothe earth, and you have
, they creep into corners, or cover brought me into hell! No, Sir,
themselves with the darkness of says the guide,l have made no
night when they mean to beget, as mistake ; this is really the earth,
being ashamed of a virtuous action. and these are men. Devils never
A virtuous action it would be, and treat one another in this cruel
a vicious one the killing of them, if manner; they have more sense,
the species were really worth pro and more of what men (vainly)
ducing or preserving ; but of this call humanity.
I begin to doubt. I know you
have no such doubts, because in
your zeal for their welfare, you TO MRS. BACHE.
are taking a great deal of pains to On the proposed Order of the Cincin
save their souls. Perhaps as you nati, Hereditary Nobility, and
grow older, you may look upon descending Honours.
this as a hopeless project, or an
idle amusement, repent of having Mr Dan CHILD, PassyJanJG. 1784.
murdered in mephitic air so many Your care in sending me the
honest, harmless mice, and wish newspapers is very agreeable to
that to prevent mischief you had me. I received by Captain Barney
used boys and girls instead of those relating to the Cincinnati.
them. In what light we are view~ My opinion of the institution can
ed by superior beings, may be not he of much importance: I
gathered from a piece of late only wonder that, when the united
West-India news, which possibly wisdom of our nation had, in the
has not yet reached you. A young articles of confederation, mani
angel of distinction being sent fested their dislike of establishing
down to this world on some busi ranks of nobility, by authority
ness, for the first time, had an old either of the congress or of any
courier-spirit assigned him as a particular state, a number of pri
vate
 CHARACTERS. 38]

vate persons should think proper been owing to the education, in

to distinguish themselves and their struction, and good example af
posterity, from their fellow-citi' forded him by his parents, that he
zens, and form an order of here was rendered capable of serving
ditary knights, in direct opposition the public. This ascending honor
to the solemnly-declared sense of is therefore useful to the state, as
their country! I imagine it must it encourages parents to give their
be likewise contrary to the good children a good and virtuous edu
sense of most of those drawn into it, cation. liut the descending honor,
by the persuasion of its projectors, to a posterity who could have no
who have been too much struck share in obtaining it, is not only
with the ribbands and crosses they groundless and absurd, but often
have seen hanging to the button hurtful to that posterity, since it is
holes of foreign officers. And I apt to make them proud, disdain
suppose those who disapprove of ing to be employed in useful arts,
it, have not hitherto given it much and thence fallinginto poverty, and
opposition, from a principle some all the meannesses, servility, and
what like that of your good mo wretchedness attending it; which
ther, relating to punctilious per is the present case with much of
sons, who are always exacting what is called the noblesse in
little Observances of respect; that Europe. Or if, to keep up the
“if people can be pleased _with dignity of the family, estates are
small matters, it is a pity but they entailed entire on the eldest male
should have them." In this view, heir, another pest to industry and
perhaps, I should not myself, if impr0vement of the country is
my advice had been asked, have introduced, which will be followed
objected to their wearing their by all the odious mixture of pride
ribband and badge themselves ac and beggary, and idleness, that
cording to their fancy, though I have half depopulated and decul
certainly should to the entailing it tivated Spain ; occasioning con
as an honor on their posterity. tinual extinction of families by the
For honor, worthily obtained, (as discouragements of marriage, and
that for example of our officers) neglect in the improvement of
is in its nature a personal thing, estates. 1 wish therefore that the
and incommunicable to any but Cincinnati, if they must go on
those who had some share in ob with their project, would direct
taining it. Thus among the Chi the badges of their order to be
nese, the most ancient, and from worn by their fathers and mothers,
long experience the wisest of na _ instead of handing them down to
tions, honor does not descend, but their children. It would be a good
ascends. If a man from his learn precedent, and might have good
ing, his wisdom, or his valour, is effects. It would also be a kind
promoted by the Emperor to the of obedience to the fourth com
rank of Mandarin, his parents are mandment, in which God enjoins
immediately entitled to all the us to honor our father and mother,
same ceremonies of respect from but has no where directed us to
the people, that are established as honor our children. And cer
due to the Mandarin himself ; 0n tainly no mode of honoring those
the supposition that it must have immediate authors of our being
can
382 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
can be more effectual, than that of father and mother, they are two;
doing praise-worthy actions, which each of them had a father and
reflect honor on those who gave mother, they are four. Those of
us our education; or more be the next preceding generation will
coming, than that of manifesting, be sight, the next sixteen, the
by some public expression or token, next thirty-two, the next sixty
that it is to their instruction and four, the next one hundred and
example we ascribe the merit of twenty-eight, the next two-hun
those actions. dred and fifty-six, and the ninth in
But the absurdity of descending this retrocession five hundred and
honors is not a more matter of twelve, who must be now existing,
philosophical opinion, it is capable and all contribute their propor
of mathematical demonstration. A tion of this Future Chevalier dc
man’s son, for instance, is but Cincinnatus. These, with the rest,
half of his family, the other half make together as follows:
belonging to .the family of his
wife. His son too, marrying into
another family, his share in the
grandson is but a fourth; in the
great grandson, by the same pro
cess, it is but an eighth. in the
next generation a sixteenth; the 128
next a thirty-second; the next a Q56
sixty-fiiurth; the next an hundred 51‘!
and twenty-eighth; the next a
two hundred and fifty-sixth ; and Total. . . IOQQ
the nexta five‘hundred and twelfth :
thus in nine generations, which One thousand and twenty-two
will not require more than 300 men and women, contributors to
years, (no very great antiquity for the formation of one knight. And
a family) our present Chevalier of if we are to have a thousand of
the order of Cincinnatus's share these future knights, there must
in the then existingr knight, u ill be now and hereafter existing one
be but a 512th part; which, million and twenty-two thousand
allowingthc present certain fidelity fathers and mothers, who are to
of American wires to be insured contribute to their production,
down through all those nine ge unless a part of the number are
nerations, is so small a considera employed in making more knights
tion, that methinks no reasonable than one. Let us strike off then
man would hazard for the sake of the 2Q,000 on the supposition of
it, the disagreeable consequences this double employ, and then con
of the jealousy, envy, and ill~will sider whether, after a reasonable
of-his countrymen. estimationofthenumberofrogiwfi,
Let us go back with our calcu and fools, and scoundrels, and
lation from this young noble, the prostitutes, that are mixed with,
5l‘2th part of the present knight, and help to make up necessarily
through his nine generations, till their million of predecessors, p05
we return to 'the year of the in terity will have much reusim to
stitution. He must have had a boast of the noble blood of the
then
 ,CHARACTERS. 383
than existing set of Chevaliers of sical elegance and correctness;
Cincinnatus. The future genea and since our nine universities
logists two of these Chevaliers, in were not able to furnish better
proving the lineal descent of their Latin, it was pity, they say, that
honor through so many genera the mottos had not been in Eng
tions, (even supposing honor ca lish. Others object to the title,
pable in its nature of descending) as not properly assumable by any
will only prove the small share of but General Washington, and a
this honor which can be justly few others, who served without
claimed by any one of them, since pay. Others object to the bald
the above simple processjn arith eagle, as looking too much like a
metic makes it quite plain and dindon or turkey. For my own
"clear, that in proportion as the part, 1 wish the bald eagle had
antiquity of the family shall aug— not been chosen as the represen
ment, the right to the honour of tative of our country ; he is a bird
the ancestor will diminish; and a of bad moral character: he does
few generations more would re not get his living honestly ; you
duce it to something so small as may have seen him perched on
to be very near an absolute nullity. some dead tree, where, too lazy
I ho e therefore that the order to fish for himself, he watches the
will rop this part of their project, labor of the fishing hawk: and
and content themselves, as the when that diligent bird has at
Knights of the Garter, Bath, This length taken a fish, and is hearing
tle, St. Louis, and other orders of it to his nest for the support of
Europe do, with a life enjoyment of his mate and young ones, the bald
theirlittle badge and ribband, and eagle pursues him, and takes it
let the distinction die with those from him. With all this injus
who have merited it. This I ima tice he is never in good case,
gine will give no offence. For my but like those among men who
own part, 1 shall think it a con live by sharping and robbing, he is
venience, when I go into a com generally poor,and often verylousy.
pany where there may he faces Besides, he is a rank coward : the
unknown to me, if I discover, by little king bird, not bigger than
this'badge, the persons who merit a sparrow, attacks him boldly and
some particular expression of my drives him out of the district. He
respect; and it will save modest is therefore by no means a proper
virtue the trouble of calling for emblem for the brave and honest
our regard, by awkward round Cincinnati of America, who have
about intimations of having been driven all the king birds from our
heretofore employed as ofiicers in country; though exactly fit for
eaconti ntal service. that order of knights which the
.The gentleman who made the French call Chevaliers d'ImIustrie.
voyage to France to provide the 1 am on this account, not dis
ribbands and medals, has executed pleased that the figure is not
his commission_ To me they s rem known as a bald eagle, but looks
tolerably’done ; butall such :h'ngs morelike a turkey. For in truth,v
are criticised. Some 'find fault the turkey is in comparison a much
with the Latin, as wanting clas more respectable bird, and withal
a true
384 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817'.
a true original native of America. What, says he, is the meaning
Eagles have been found in all of this ()IA? ‘tis a Word 1 don‘t
countries, but the turkey was pe understand. I will tell you, said
culiar to ours ; the first of the spe the gentleman: ] had amind to
cies seen in Europe being brought have the motto cut on a piece of
to France by the Jesuits from smooth marble, but there was not
Canada, and served up at the wed room for it between the orna
ding table of Charles the Ninth. ments, to be put in characters large
He is besides, (though a little vain
enough to be read. I therefore
and silly ’tis true, but not the made use of a contraction anciently
worse emblem for that) a bird of very common in Latin manuscripts,
courage, and would not hesitate to whereby the m‘s and 11's in words
attack a grenadier of the British are omitted. and the omission
guards, who should presume to noted by a little dash above, which
invade his farm-yard with a red you may see there, so that the
coat on. word is oinnia, OMNIA VANITAS 0,
I shall not enter into the criti said his friend, I now comprehend
cisms made upon their Latin. The the meaning of your motto, it re
gallant officers of America may lates to your edifice ; and signifies
not have the merit of being great that if you have abridged your
scholars, but they undoubtedly omnia, you have nevertheless left
merit much as brave soldiers from your vamras legible at full
their country, which should there length.
fore not leave them merely to 1 am, as ever,
fame for their “ oirtutis premium,“ Your afl'ectionate father,
which is one of their Latin mottos. ' B. FRANKLIN.
Their “ esto perpetua," another, is
an excellent wish, if they meant
it for their country; bad, if in To W. Srnaaan, Esa. M. 1’.
tended for their order. The states (King's Printer, London.)
should not only restore to them
the omnia of their first motto, Suggestions as to the deplorable Si
which many of them have left and tuation of the English Got-eru
lost, but pay them justly, and re ment.
ward them generously. They Dun Sin, Pussy, Feb. 16, 1784
should not he suffered to remain I received and read with plea
I with all their new created chivalry sure your kind letter of the first
entirely in the situation of the instant, as it informed me of the
gentleman in the story, which their welfare of you and yours. I am
omnia rcliquit reminds me of. You glad the accounts you have from
‘know every thing makes me recol your kinswoman at Philadelphia
lect some story. He had built a are agreeable, and I shall be happy
very fine house, and thereby much if any recommendations from me
impaired his fortune. He had a can be serviceable to Dr. Ross, or
pride however in showing it to his any others, friends of yours, going
acquaintance. One of them, after to America.
viewing it all, remarked a motto Your arguments persuading me
over the door OlA VANITAS. to come once more to Englamh
are
 CHARACTERS.
are very powerful. To be sure I
long to see again my friends there,
whom I love abundantly : but
there are difiiculties and objections
of several kinds, which at present
1 don‘t see how to get over.
1 lament with you the political
disorders England at present la
bours under. Your papers are
full of strange accounts of anarchy
and confusion in America,of which
we know nothing, while your own
ati‘airs are really in a deplorable
situation. In my humble opinion.
the root of the evil lies not so
much in too long, or too unequally
chosen parliaments, as in the enor
mous salaries, emoluments, and
patronage of your great ofiieers;
and that you will never be at rest
till they are all abolished, and every
place of honour made at the same
time, instead of a place of profit,
a place of expense and burthen.
Ambition and avarice are each of
them strong passions, and when
they are united in the same per
sons, and have the same objects most adectioiiately,
in view for their gratification, they
are too strong for public spirit
and love of country, and are apt
to produce the most violent fac To THE Rev. Doe'roa Mam-lea,
tions and contentions. They should
therefore be separated, and made
to act one against the other. Those
places, to Speak in our old style Rev. SIR,
(brother type) may be good for
the CHAPEL, but they are bad for
the master, as they create con
stant quarrels that hinder the bu
siness. For example, here are two
months that your government has
been employed in getting its form
to press,- which is not yet fit to
work on, every page of it being
squabbled, and the whole ready to
fall into pye. The founts too must
be very scanty, or strangely out of one little instance, which though
VOL. LIX.
385
sorts, since your compositors cannot
find either upper or tower-case let
ters sufficient to set the word An
MINISTRATION, but are forced to
be continually turning for them.
However, to return to common
(though perhaps too saucy) lan
guage, don't despair; you have
still one resource left, and that
not a bad one, since it may re
unite the empire. We have some
remains of affection for you, and
shall always be ready to receive
and take care of you in case of
distress. So if you have not sense
and virtue enough to govern your
selves, e'en dissolve your present
old crazy constitution, and send
members to congress. '
You will say my advice “ smells
of Madeira." You are right. This
foolish letter is mere chit-chat be
tween ourselvespver the second bottle.
If, therefore, you show it to any
body, (except our indulgent friends
Dagge and Lady btrachan) I will
positively sutless you. Yours ever
B. FRANKLIN.
Bosrou.
On his Advice to the People Qf
America.
Passy, May 12, 1784.
I received your kind letter with
your excellent advice to the peo
ple of the United States, which I
read with great pleasure, and hope
it will be duly regarded. Such
writings, though they may be
lightly passed ever by many read
ers, yet if they make a deep im
pression on one active mind in an
hundred, the effects may be con
siderable. Permit me to mention
2 (I it
 386 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
it relates to myself, will not be quently been of use to me, and I
quite uninteresting to you. When often think of it,when I see pride
I Was a boy, 1 met with 'a b00k mortified, and misfortunes brought
entitled Essays to do blood, which upon people by their carrying their
I think was written by your father. heads too high. '
it had been so little regarded by a B. FRANKLIN.
former po'sSessor, that ~several
leaves of it were torn out : but the
remainder gave me such a 'tum of To vWinn/m Srannim, Esa.
thinking as to have an influence (King's Printer, London.)
on my conduct through life ; for l Invites him to Pussy—Annihilation
have always set a greater value on of profitable Pluces.-—~American
the character of a doer of good, Congress and British Parliament.“
than on any other kind of 'reputa The late Wan—Gen. Clarke, 8w.
tion; and if I have been, as you
seem to think, auseful citizen, the Din: FIHEND, Pussy, Aug. 19, 1784-.
public owes the advantage of it to -1 received your kind letter of
that book. You mention your April 17. You will have the good
being in your 78th year; 1 am in ness to place my delay in answer
my 79th; we are grown old to ing, to-the accountof indisposition
gether. it is now more than sixty and business, and excuse it. 1
years since i left Boston, but i horse now that letter before me;
remember well both your father and my grandson, whom you may
and grmtdfather, having heard formerly’remember a little scholar
them both in the pulpit, and seen at Mr. 'Elphinston‘s, purposing to
them in their houses. The last set out in a day or two on a visit
time I saw your father was in the to his father in London, I sit
beginning of 1794, when I visited doWn to scribble a little to you,
him after my first trip to Penn first recommending him as a
sylvania. He received me in his wortiry young man to your civili
library, and on my taking leave ties and'counsels.
Shewed me ashorter way out of You press me much to come to
the house through a narrow pas England. lam not without strong
sage, which was crossed by a beam inducements to do so; the fund of
over head. We were still talking knowledge you promise to com
as I withdrew, he accompanying miuiicate to lne‘is an addition to
me behind, and '1 turning partly them, and no small one. At pre
towards him, when he said' hastily, sent it is impracticable. But when
stoop, stoop! I did not under my grandson returns, come with
stand him till] felt my head hit him. We will talk the matter
agahrst the beam. lie was a man over, and perhaps you may take
that never missed any occasion of me back with you. -1 have a bed
giving instruction, and upon this at your service, and will try to
it‘ said to me, you are ydung, and make your residenCe. while you
have the world before you,- STOOP can stay with us, as agreeable to
as "you go through it, and you will you, if possible, as 1 am sure it
missmony hard thumps. This advice will be to me.
thus beat into any head has fre You do not “approve the an
nihilotioa
 CHARACTERs. 387
nihilationof profitable places ;” for use by shifting too often.—But
you do not see “ why a statesman they have two other rights ; those
who does his business well, should of sitting when they please, and
not be paid for his labour as well as long as they please, in which
as any other workman." Agreed. methinks they have the advantage
But why more than any other of your Parliammt; for they can
workman? The less the salary not be dissolved by the breath of
the greater the honour. In 80 a minister, .or sent packingas you
great a nation there are many were the other day, when it was
rich enough to afford giving their your earnest desire to have re
time to the public; and there are mained longer together.
I make no doubt many wise and You “fairly acknowledge that
able men who would take as much the late war terminated .qui-te con
pleasure in governing for nothing, trary to your expectation.” Your
as they do in playing chess for expectation was ill founded; for
nothing. It would be one of the you would not believe your old
noblest amusements. That this friend, who told you repeatedly
opinion is not chimerical, the that by those measures England
country 1 now live in affords ,a would lose her colonies, as Epic—
proof 5 its whole civil and criminal tetus warned in vain his master
law administration being done for that he would break his leg. You
nothing, or in some sense for less believed rather the tales you heard
than nothing, since the members of our poltroonery and impotence
of its judiciary parliaments buy of body and mind. Do you not
their places, and do not make remember the story you told me
more than three per cent. for their of the Scotch serjeant who met
money, by their fees and emolu with a party of forty American
ments, while the legal interest is soldiers, and though alone, dis
five ; so that in fact they give two armed them all, and brought them
per cent to be allowed to govern, in prisoners? a story almost as
and all their time .and trouble into improbable as that of the Irish
the bargain. Thus profit, one man, who pretended to have alone
motive for desiring place, being taken and brought in five of the
abolished, there remains only am “enemy by surrounding them. And
bition; and that being in some yet, my firiendgsensible and judi
degree balanced by loss, you may cious as you are, but partaking of
easily conceive that there will not the general infatuation, you seem
be very violent factions and con ed to believe it. The word general
tentions for such places; nor much puts me in mind of a general,
of the mischief to the country that your General Clarke, who had the
attends your factions, which have folly to say in my hearing at Sir
often occasioned wars, and over John Pringle’s, that with a thou
loaded you with debts impayable. sand British grenadiers he would
I allow you all the forceof your undertake to go from one end of
joke upon the vagrancy of our America to the other, .and geld all
congress. They have a right to the males, partly by force and
sit where they please, of which partly by a little coaxing. It is
perhaps they have made too much plain he took us for a species of
2 C 2 animals
 388 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
animals very little superior to our machine, not to see, that our
brutes. The Parliament too be human means were unequal to our
lieved the stories of another foolish undertaking, and that if it had not
general, I forget his name, that been for the justice of our cause,
the Yankies never felt bold. Yan and the consequent interposition
key was understood to be a sort of Providence, in which We had
of Yahoo, and the Parliament did faith, we must have been ruined.
not think the petitions of such If 1 had ever before been an Athe
creatures were fit to be received ist, I should now have been con
and readlin so wise an assembly. vinced of the Being and govern
What was the consequence of this ment of a Deity! It is he who
monstrous pride and insolence? abases the proud and favours the
You first sent small armies to humble. May we never forget
subdue us, believing them more his goodness to us, and may our
than sufficient, but soon found future conduct manifest our gra
yourselves obliged to send greater; titude!
these, whenever they ventured to But let us leave these serious
penetrate our country beyond the reflections, and converse with our
protection of their ships, were usual pleasantry. I remember
either repulsed and obliged to your observing once to me, as we
scamper out, or were surrounded, sat together in the House of Com
‘ beaten, and taken prisoners. An mons, that no two journeymen
American planter who had never printers within your knowledge,
seen Europe, was chosen by us to had met with such success in the
command our troops, and con world as ourselves. You were
tinued during the whole war. then at the head of your profession,
This man sent home to you, one and soon afterwards became a
after another, five of your best member of parliament. l was an
generals baffled, their heads bare agent for a few provinces, and now
of laurels, disgraced even in the act for them all. But we have
opinion of their employers. Your risen by different modes. 1, as a
contempt of our understandings republican printer, always liked a
in comparison with your own ap form well plained down-,- being
peared to be not much better averse to those overbearing letters
founded than that of our courage, that hold their heads so high as to
if we may judge by this circum hinder their neighbours from ap
stance, that in whatever court of pearing. You, as a monarchist,
Europe a Yankey negotiator ap chose to work upon crown paper,
peared, the wise British minister and found it profitable; whilstl
'was routed, put in a passion, worked upon pro patria (often in
picked a quarrelwith your friends, deed called fools-cap) with no less
and was sent home with a flea in advantage. Both our heaps hold
his car. But after all, my dear out very well, and we seem likely
friend, do not imagine that I am to make a pretty good day's work
vain enough to ascribe our success of it. \Vith regard to public affairs,
to any superiority in any of those (to continue in the same style) it
points. I am too well acquainted seems to me that the compositors
with all the springs and levers of in your chapel do not cast of their
COPI/
 CHARACTERS. 889
copy well, nor perfectly understand country, why should you be against
imposing: their forms too are acquiring by this fair means a re
continually pestered by the outs, possession of it, and leave it to be
and doubles, that are not easy to taken by foreigners of all nations
be corrected. And I think they and languages, who by their num
were wrong in laying aside some bers may drown and stifle the
faces, and particularly certain English, which otherwise would
head-pieces, that would have been probably become in the course of
both useful and ornamental. But, two centuries the most extensive
courage! The business may still language in the world, the Spanish
flourish with good management; only excepted? It is a fact, that
and the master become as rich as the Irish emigrants and their chil
any of the company. dren are now in possession of the
By the way, the rapid growth government of Pennsylvania, by
and extension of the English lan their majority in the assembly, as
guage in America, must become well as of a great part of the ter
greatly advantageous to the book ritory; andI remember well the
sellers, and holders of copy-rights first ship that brought any of them
in England. A vast audience is over. I am ever, my dear friend,
assembling there for English au yours most affectionately,
thors, ancient, present, and fu B. FRANKL1N.
ture, our people doubling every
twenty years; and this will de
mand large and of course profit LETTER mom on. STILES, ran.
able impressions of your most SIDENT or YALE COLLEGE, &c.
valuable books. I would, there TO DR. FRANKLIN.
fore, if I possessed such rights, Requesting his Portrait for Yale
entail them, if such a. thing be
College, and wishing to be made
practicable, upon my posterity;
acquainted with his religious Sen
for their worth will be continually
timents.
augmenting. This may look a
little like advice, and yet] have Sm, Yale College, Jan. Q8, 1790.
drank no madeira these six months. We have lately received Gover
The subject, however, leads me to nor Yale’s portrait from his family
another thought, which is, that in London, and deposited it in the
you do wrong to discourage the College Library, where is also de
emigration of Englishmen to Ame posited one of G0vernor Salton
rica. In my piece on population, stall's. I have long wished that
I have proved, I think, that emi we might be honoured also with
gration does not diminish but that of Dr. Franklin. In the
multiplies a nation. You will course of your long life, you may
not have fewer at home for those probably have become possessed
that go abroad; and as every man of several portraits of yourself.
who comes among us, and takes Shall I take too great a liberty, in
up a piece of land, becomes a humbly asking a donation of one
a citizen, and by our constitution of them to Yale College? You
has a voice in elections, and a obliged me with a mezzotinto
share in the government of the picture of yourself many years
“gm
$90 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
ago, which I often view with reverence the Deity, are filled with
pleasure. But the canvass is more integrity, righteousness, and be
permanent. We wish to be pos— nevolence. Wishing you every
sessed of the durable resemblance blessing, 1 am, dear Sir, your
of the American patriot and philo most obedient servant,
sopher. You have merited and EZRA STILes.
received all the hunours of the re—
public of letters 3 and are going to ANSWER TO THE RIVEREND PRE
a world, where all sublunary glo SIDENT ETILBB.
ries will be lost in the glories of
immortality. Should you shine Philadelphia, March 9, 1790
throughout the intellectual and Rlvz‘nmm nun one SIR,
stellary universe, with the emi~ I received your kind letter of
nence and distinguished lustre January 28, and am glad you have
with which you havo appeared in at length received the portrait of
this little detached part of the cre Governor Yale from his family,
ation, you would be what I most and deposited it in the college
fervently wish to you, Sir, what library. He was a great and good
eVer may be my fate in eternity. man, and had the merit of doing
The grand climacteric in which I infinite service to your country by
now am, reminds me of the in his munificence to that institution.
teresting scenes of futurity. You The honour you propose doing
know, Sir, that I am a Christian, me, by placing mine in the same
and would to heaven all others room with his, is much too great
were such as I am, except my im~ for my deserts; but you always
perfections and deficiencies of mo had a partiality for me, and to
ral character. As much as I know that it must be ascribed. I am
of Dr. Franklin, I have not an hOWever too much obliged to Yale
idea of his religious sentiments. I College, the first learned society
wish to know the opinion of my that took notice of me and adorned
venerable friend concerning Jesus mewith its honours, to refuse a re
of Nazareth. He will not impute quest that comes from it through so
this to impertinence or improper esteemed afriend. Butl do not think
curiosity, in one, who for so many any one of the portraits you mention
years has continued to love, esti as in my possession worthy of the
mate, and reverence his abilities situation and compAny you propose
and literary character, with an to place it in. You have an ex
ardour and afl'ection borderingr on cellent artist lately arrived. If he
adoration. If I have said too will undertake to make one for
much let the request be blotted you, 1 shall cheerfully pay the
out, and be no more; and yet I expense: but he must not delay
shall never cease to wish you that setting about it, or I may slip
happy immortality which I believe through his fingers, for I am now
Jesus alone has purchased for the in my 85th year, and very infirm.
virtuous and truly good of every I send with this a very learned
religious denomination in Chris work as it seems to me, on the
tendom, and for those of every ancient Sanaritan Coins, lately
age, nation, and mythology, who printed in Spain, and at least cu
rious
 ' CHARACTERS. 38!
rious for the beauty of the im however in its being behaved,’ if
pression. Please to accept it for that belief has the good conse
your College library. I have sub quence, as probably it has, of
scribed for the Encyclopedia now making his doctrines more re
printing here, with the intention spected and more observed; t'spe
of presenting it to the college. I cinlly as I do not perceive that the
shall probably depart before the Supreme takes it amiss by dis
work is finished, but shall leave tinguishing the unbelievers in his
directions for its continuance to government of the world with any
the end. With this you will re peculiar marks of his displeasure.
ceive some of the first numbers. I shall only add respecting myself,
You desire to know something that having experienced the good
of my religion. It is the first ness of that being in conducting
time 1 have been questioned upon me prosperously through long
it. But I cannot take your curi life, i have no doubt of its conti
osity amiss, and shall endeavour nuance in the next, though with
in a few words to gratify it. Here out the smallest conceit of merit
is my creed: I believe in one ing sue-h goodness. My senti
God, the creator of the universe. ments on this head you will see
That he governs it by his Provi in the copy of an old letter
dence. That he ought to be wor inclosed, which I wrote in au
shipped. That the' most accep swcr to one from an old reli
table service we render to him is. gionist whom I had relieved in a
doing good to his other children. paralytic case by electricity, and
That the soul of man is immortal, who being afraid I should grow
and will be treated with justice in proud upon it, sent me his serious
another life respecting its conduct though rather impertinent caution.
in this. These I take to be the I send you also the copy of ano
fundamental points in all sound re~ ther letter, which will show some
ligion, and I regard them as you do thing of my disposition relating to
in whatever sect I meet with them. religion. With great and sincere
A: to Jesus of Nazareth, my opi esteem and affection,
nion of whom you particularly I am, &c. B. FRANKLIN.
desire, I think the system of mo P S. Had not your college some
rals and his religion as he left present of boolts from the king of
them to us, the best the World France? Please to let me know if
ever saw or is like to see ; but I you had an expectation given you
apprehend it has received various of more, and the nature of that
corrupting changes, and l have, expectation? I have a reason for
with most of the present dissen the inquiry.
ters in England, some doubts as I confide that you will not ex,
to his divinity ; though it is a pose me to criticisms and censure-s
‘ question I do not dogmatise upon, by publishing any port of this
having never studied it, and think communication to you. I have
it needlesa to busy myself with it ever let others enjoy their reli-v
now, when I expect soon an op gious sentiments without reflects
portunity of knowing the truth ing on them for those that up,
with less trouble. I see no harm peflred to me unsupportable or
even
392 ANNUAL’REGISTER 18l7.
even absurd. All sects here, and in the power of the treasury. And
we haven great var'iety, have ex it will seem hard, while their
perienced my good will in assist hands are tied, to 'see the profits
ing them with subscriptions for of that article all engrossed by a
the building their new places of few particulars.
worship, and as I have never Enclosed I take the liberty of
opposed any of their doctrines, I sending you a small piece of mine,
hope to go out of the world in written to expose, in as striking a
peace with them all. light as I could, to the nation, the
absurdity of the measures towards
To run HONORABLE THOMAS America, and to spur the ministry,
CUSHING, Esa. if possible, to a change of those
measures.
Project to avoid repealing the Ame Please to present my duty to the
rican Tea Duty. -— Pretended House, and respects to the com
Prussian Edict. mittee. I have the honour to be,
SIR, London, Sept. 12, 1773. with much esteem, Sir, your most
To avoid repealing the American obedient humble servant,
tea duty, and yet find a vent for B. FRANKLIN.
tea, a project is executing to send
it from this country on account of [Enclosed in the foregoing Letter.]
the East India Company, to be
sold in America, agreeable to a late A PRUSSIAN EDlC'I‘, &c.
act empowering the Lords of the Dantzic, Sept. 5, 1773.
Treasury to grant licences to the “'e have long wondered here at
company to export tea thither, the supineness of the English na
under certain restrictions, duty tion, under the Prussian imposi
free. Some friends of govern tions upon its trade entering our
ment, (as they are called) of Bos port. We did not, till lately, know
ton, New York, Philadelphia, &c. the claims, ancient and modern,
are to be favoured with the com that hang over that nation; and
mission, who undertake by their therefore could not suspect that it
interest to carry' the measure might submit to those impressions
through in the colonies. How the from a sense of duty, or from
other merchants thus excluded principles of equity. The follow
from the tea trade will like this, I ing edict, just made public, may,
cannot foresee. Their agreement, if serious, throw some light upon
if I remember right, was not to this matter:—
import tea, till the duty shall be "‘ Frederick, by the grace of
repealed. Perhaps they will think God, King of Prussia, &c &c. &c.
themselves still obliged by that to all present and to come : health.
agreement notwithstanding this The peace now enjoyed throughout
temporary expedient ; which is our dominions, having alforded us
only to introduce the tea for the leisure to apply ourselves to the
present, and may be dropped next regulation of commerce, the im
year, and the duty again required; provement of our finances, and at
the granting or refusing such li ~ the same time the easing our du
cense from time to time remaining mestic subjects in their tastes: for
these
 CHARACTERS. 393
these causes, and other good con¢ there shall be levied, and paid to
siderations us thereunto moving, our ofiicers of the customs, on d1
we hereby make known, that after goods, wares, and merchandiscl,
having deliberated these affairs in and on all grain and other produce
our council, present our dear bro of the earth, exported from tle
thers, and other great officers of said island of Britain, and on all
the state, members of the same; goods of whatever kind importai
we, of our certain knowledge, full into the same, a duty of four anl
power, and authority royal, have a half per cent. ad, valorem, ft!‘
made and issued this present edict, the use of us and our successori.
viz. And that the said duty may more
“ Whereas it is well known to effectually be collected, we do
all the world, that the first Ger hereby ordain, that all ships (1“
man settlements madein the island vessels bound from Great Britain
of Britain, were by colonies of to any other part of the world, ol
people, subjects to our renowned from any other part of the world
ducal ancestors, and drawn from to Great Britain, shall in theit
their dominions, under the con respective voyages touch at out
duct of Hengist, Horsa, Hella, port of Koningsberg, there to be
Ulfa, Cerdicus, Ida, and others; unladen, searched, and charged
and that the said colonies have with the said duties. 1
flourished under the protection of “ And whereas there hath heed
our august house, for ages past; from time to time discovered i
have never been emancipated there the said island of Great Britain,
from ; and yet have hitherto yield by our colonists there, many mines
ed little profit to the same: and or beds of iron-stone ; and sundr
whereas we ourselt' have in the subjects of our ancient dominion
last war fought for and defended skilful in converting the said ston
the said colonies, against the power into metal, have in time past trans~
of France, and thereby enabled ported themselves thither, carrying
them to make conquests from the, with them and communicating that
said power in America; for which art; and the inhabitants of the
we have not yet received adequate said island, presuming that they“,
compensation: and whereas it is had a natural right to make the}
just and expedient that a revenue best use they could of the natural;
should be raised from the said co productions of their country, fork
lonies in Britain, towards our in their own benefit, have not only,
demnification ; and that those who built furnaces for smelting the‘
are descendants of our ancient said stone into iron, but have,
subjects, and thence still owe us erected plating-forges, slitting
due obedience, should contribute mills, and steel-furnaces, for the
to the replenishing of our royal more convenient manufacturing
coffers, (as they must have done of the same ; thereby endangering
had their ancestors remained in a diminution of the said manufac-“g
the territories now to us appertain 'ture in our ancient dominion ; we 3
ing): we do therefore hereby 0r do therefore hereby farther ordain, i
dain and command, that, from and That, from and after the date here- ‘
after the date of these presents, of, no mill or other engine for l
slitting
l
l
35L ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
sitting or rolling of iron, or any mixed with wool in any of the said
phting-forge to work with a tilt counties, be carried into any other
hanmer, or any furnace for mak county, or be water-borne even
in; steel, shall be erected or con across the smallest river or creek;
tiiued in the said island of Great on penalty of forfeiture of the
Britain: and the Lord Lieutenant same, together with the boats,
of every county in the said island carriages, horses, &c. that shall
is hereby commanded, on infor be employed in removing them.
mation of any such erection within Nevertheless, our loving subjects
hi; county, to order, and by force there are hereby permitted (if they
tr cause the same to be abated and think proper) to use all their wool
distroyed ; as he shall answer the as manure for the improvement of
reglect thereof to us at his peril. their lands. ‘
lot we are nevertheless graciously “And whereas the art and mys
deased to permit the inhabitants tery of making hats hath arrived
If the said island to transport their at great perfection in Prussia; and
run into Prussia, there to be ma the making of hats by our re
iufactured, and to them returned; moter subjects ought to be as
hey paying our Prussian subjects much as possible restrained: and
or the workmanship, with all the forasmuch as the islanders before
osts of commission, freight, and mentioned, being in possession of
isk, coming and returning; any wool, beaver, and other furs, have
hing herein contained to the con presumptuously conceived they
rary notwithstanding. had a right to make some advan
\Ve do not, however, think fit tage thereof, by- manufacturing
0 extend this our indulgence to the same into hats, to the prejudice
he article of wool ; but meaning of our domestic manufacture :—
.0 encourage not only the manu we do therefore hereby strictly
Facturing of woollen cloth, but also command and ordain, that no hats
;he raising of wool, in our ancient or felts whatsoever, dyed or un
lominions ; and to prevent both, dyed, finished or unfinished, shall
as much as may be, in our said be laden or put into or upon any
island, we do hereby absolutely vessel, cart, carriage or horse ; to
forbid the transportation of wool be transported or conveyed out of
thence even to the mother -c0untry, one countyin the said island into any
Prussia ;-and that those islanders other county, or to any other place
may be farther and more effectual whatsoever, by any person or per
ly restrained in making any advan sons whatsoever; on pain of for
tage of their own wool, in the way feiting the same, with a penalty of
of manufacture, we command that five hundred pounds sterling for
none shall be carried out of one every ofi‘ence. Nor shall any hat
county into another ; nor shall maker, in any of the said counties,
any worsted, bay, or woollen employ more than two apprentices,
yarn, cloth, says, bays, kerseys,_ on penalty of five pounds sterling
serges, frizas, druggets, cloth-. per month: we intending hereby
serges, shalloons, or any other that such hat-makers, being so
drapery stuffs, o'r woollen manu restrained, both in the production
factures whatsoever, made up or and sale of their commodity, may
' find
 CHARACTERs 395
find no advantage in continuing island are hereby cautioned not to
their business. But, lest the said oppose in any Wise the execution
islanders should suffer inconve of this our edict, or any part
niency by the want of hats, we are thereof, such opposition being
further graciously pleased to per high-treason; of which all who
mit them to send their beaver are suspected shall be transported
furs to Prussia 5 and we also per in fetters from Britain to Prussia,
mit hats made thereof to be ex there to be. tried and executed
ported from Prussia to Britain; according to the Prussian law.
the people thus favoured to pay all Such is Our pleasure.
costs and charges of manufactur Given at Potsdam, this twenty
ing, interest, commission to our fifth day of the month of Au
merchants, insurance and freight gust, one thousand seven hun
going and returning; as in the dred and seventy-three, and in
case of iron. ‘ the thirty-third year of our
“ And lastly, being willing far reign.
ther to favour our said colonies in By the King, in his council,
Britain, we do hereby also ordain RECHTMESSIG, Sec."
and command, that all the thieves,
highway and street robbers, house
breakers, forgerers, murderers, Character of the late Robert Fulton,
s—d—tes, and villains of every
Esq. from Colden‘s Lt'feqf that
denomination, who have forfeited celebrated Engineer, read before
their lives to the law in Prussia; the Literary and Historical So~
but whom we, in our great cle ciety of New York.
mency, do not think fit here to lVe cannot think that it will be
hang; shall be emptied out of imputed to an undue partiality for
our gaols into the said island of our regretted associate, if we say
Great Britain, for the better peo that there cannot be found on the
pling of that country. records of departed worth, the
" We flatter ourselves that these name of a person to whose indi
our royal regulations and com vidual exertions mankind are more
mands will be thought just and indebted than they are to the late
reasonable by our much favoured Robert Fulton. The combined
colonists in England; the said efforts of philosophers and states
rrtgulations being copied from men have improved the condition
their statutes of 10 and 11 lVill. of man; but no individual has
lll. c. 10.—5 Geo. II. c. Q2.— conferred more important benefits
28 Geo. II. c. 29.-—4 Geo. ]. c. on his species than he whose
1 1.-—and from other equitable laws memory now engages our atten
made by their parliaments; or tion.
from instructions given by their When we have taken a view of
princes, or from resolutions of what he has done, and bestowed
both houses, entered into for the some consideration on its effects,
good government of their own it will not appear that this praise
colonies in Ireland and America. is exaggerated, and we shall be
_“ And all persons in the said obliged to acknowledge that
though
396 ANNUAL REGISTER. 1817.
though others may have been con~ as to derive emolument from paint
ducted in the paths of science by ing portraits and landscapes, in
superior learning, and may have Philadelphia, where he remained
had a more dazzling career, the till he was about twenty-one. In
labours of no individual have been this time he had made the ac
more honourable, meritorious, or quaintance of our celebrated coun
practically useful. tryman Doctor Franklin, by whom
The establishment of steam na he was much noticed.
vigation will form an important Mr. Fulton throughout his
epoch in the history of our species. course as a mechanist and civil
-—The. name of the man who ac engineer, derived great advantage
complished it will live to the re from his talent for drawing and
motest ages, if he be not robbed painting. He was an elegant and
of the fame which is due to the accurate draftsman.
employment of a superior genius, It is gratifying to find, that Mr.
with surprising courage, industry, Fulton ever felt as an American.
perseverance, and success. His long residence abroad did not
Robert Fulton was born in the enfeeble his attachment to his
town of Little Britain, in the country. Thoughts of her pros
county of Lancaster, and state of perity and welfare were connected
Pennsylvania, in the year 1765; he with all his projects; and those
was’of a respectable though not that he thought might be of ad
opulent family. His father, Robert vantage to her, he communicated
Fulton, was a native of Kilkenny, with a promptness and disinte
in Ireland. His mother was also restedness which marked his desire
of a respectable Irish family, by to serve her.
the name of Smith, established in Ardour and perseverance were
Pennsylvania. / - characters of Mr. Fulton‘s mind ;
In his infancy he was put to when he had conceived what he
school in Lancaster, in Pennsyl thought a practicable and benefi
vania, where he acquired the rudi cial project, he left no means un
ments of a common English edu tried, and spared no pains for its
cation. accomplishment.
His peculiar genius manifested It may be well to notice here,
itself at a very early age. In his a matter not otherwise of import
childhood, all his hours of recrea ance, than as it serves to mark
tion were passed in the shops of the pliancy of Mr. Fulton's mindI
mechanics, or in the employment and the versatility of his genius.
of his pencil; and at this early At a time when he was taking a
period of his life he had no other step which, as he thought, would
desire for money than to supply be decisive to the fate of nations,
himself with the necessary mate which put his life at risk, and
rials to indulge his taste for me might determine his own fortune,
chanism and drawing. he amused himself with making
By the time he had attained the sketches from the scenery of Hol
age of seventeen years, he became land, and representations of the
so much an artist with his pencil, 'manners, figures, and costume [of
i Q
 CHARACTERS. 397
the Hollanders ; some of them are his time, his talents, and his purse,
broad caricatures, which cannot for the promotion of the useful
but excite a smile. They are found and the fine arts. One of the last
in his port folio, and though in acts of his life manifested this dis
general they are but sketches, position. By his will, which was
they show that they are from the made but a few days before his
hand of a master, guided by wit death, he devised that, in certain
and genius. events, his pictures, and one half
Throughout the whole course of his property not otherwise dis
of his experiments, no opposition posed of, should go to an academy
or contradiction, no failure or dis of fine arts, when such an academy
appointment, irritated, discourag should be established, at the place
ed, or discomposed him. When which may be the seat of the na
his machines were broken or dis tional government.
ordered, he, with the utmost calm Mr. Fulton was about six feet
ness and composure, pointed out high. His person was slender, but
their defects or the causes of his well proportioned, and well form
disappointment. if an experiment ed.—Nature had made him a gen
failed, though it had cost him tleman, and bestow'ed upon him
great pains and labour in the pre ease and gracefulness. He had too
paration ; and although the failure unuch good sense for the least af
was frequently, and obviously, fectation ; and a modest confidence
owing to the awkwardness or un in his own worth and talents, gave
skilfulness of those who assisted him an unembarrassed deportment
him, his temper could not be dis in all companies.—His features
turbed ; he would not hear the were strong, and of a manly
scoffs of some of the numerous beauty: he had large dark eyes,
bystanders, which were frequently and a projecting brow, expressive
expressed in whispers intended to of intelligence and thought: his
reach his ear. Not a fretful or temper was mild, and his dispo
angry word ever escaped him, and sition lively: he was fond of so
after a disappointment he recom ciety, which he always enlivened
meuced his preparations with the by cheerful, cordial manners, and
same ardour, and with the same instructed or pleased by his sensi
calmness, with which he at first ble conversationz—He expressed
began. Even when his physical himself with energy, fluency, and
strength must have been exhausted correctness, and as he owed more
by his corporeal exertions, and to his own experience and reflec
the excessive fatigue he Would tions, than to books, his senti
sometimes undergo through a sul ments were often interesting from
try day, his spirits were never for their originality.
a moment depressed. On these In all his domestic and social
occasions he showed himself as relations he was zealous, kind,
much a moral as a mechanical generous, liberal, and affectionate.
philosopher. He knew of no use for money but
We have all witnessed with as it was subservient to charity,
what zeal Mr. Fulton bestowed hospitality, and the sciences. But
what
398 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
what was most conspicuous in his
character, was his calm constancy,
his industry, and that indefatigable
patience and perseverance, which
always enabled him to overcome
difficulties.
He was decidedly a republican.
The determination which he often
avowed, that he never would ac
@6111; an Office, is an evidence of
the disinterestedness of his poli
tics; but his zeal for his opinions
or party, did not extinguish his
kindness for the merits of his
opponents. Society will long re
member and regret him ; but he
will be most lamented by those,
by whom he was best known.
Marquess
 [399]

MANNERS, CUSTOMS, &c.

OI"

NATIONS AND CLASSES OF PEOPLE. \

DESCRIPTION OF A SERTANEJO. upon his naked heels,-—the straps

which go under the feet prevent
(From Koster‘s Travels. the risk of losing the slippers. A
MAY give some description of long whip of twisted thongs hung
my friend, who turned back from his right wrist; he had a
to shew me the well, and this sword by his side, hanging from
may be taken as the usual appear a belt over one shoulder; his
ance of a travelling Sertanejo. knife was in his girdle, and his
He rode a small horse with a long short ,dirty pipe in his mouth.
tail and mane; this saddle was Fastened to his saddle behind, was
rather raised before and behind; a piece of red baize, rolled up in
his stirrups were .of rusty iron, the form of a great coat, and this
_ and his bit was of .the same, the usually contains a hammock and
reins were two very narrow thongs. a change of linen,—-a shirt, and
His dress consisted of long panta drawers, and perhaps a pair of
locus or leggings, of tanned but nankeen pantaloons; his boroacas
undressed leather, of a rusty hung also on each side of the back
brown colonrywhich were tied of his saddle, and vthese generally
tight round his waist, and under contain farinha and dried meat on
these are worn a pair of cotton one side, and on the other a flint
drawers or trowsers, as the seat and steel, (dried leaves serve as
is left unprotected by the leather. tinder) tobacco, and a spare pipe.
He had a tanned goat-skin over To this equipment is sometimes
his breast, which was tied behind added, alarge pistol, thrust partly
by four strings, and a jacket also under the left thigh, and thus se
made of leather, which is gene cured. The usual‘paee of the Ser
rally thrown ovcr one shoulder; tanejo‘s horse is a walk, approach
his hat was of the same, with a. ing to a short trot; so that the
very shallow crown, and small horses of these people often have
brim; he had slip~shod slippers acquired the habit of dragging
ot' the same colour, and iron spurs their hind legs, and throwing up
the
 400 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
the dust. The usual colour of the THE INDIAN NATIVES.
Sertanejos is a dark brown; for
even those who are born white, (From the same.)
soon become as completely tanned The Indians of these villages,
as the dress which they wear, and indeed of all those which I
from exposure to the sun. passed through, are Christians ; '
The colour of the Sertanejos though it is said that some few of
varies from white, of which there them follow in secret their own
are necessarily few, to a dark heathenish rites, paying adoration
brown; the shades of which are. to the maracd, and practising all
almost as various as'there are per the customs of their religion, if 1
sons : two of exactly the same tint may use this word, of which so
are scarcely to be met with. Chil exact a description is given in Mr.
dren of the same parents rarely if Southey‘s History of Brazil. When
ever are of the same shade ; some the Roman Catholic religion does
difi'erence is almost always perceiv take root in them, it of necessity
able, and this is, in many in— degenerates into the most abject
stances, so glaring, as to lead at superstition. An adherence to
first to doubts of the authenticity; superstitious ritcs, whether of
but it is too general to be aught Roman Catholic ordination or pre
but what is right. The offspring of scribed by their own undefined
white and black persons leans, in faith, appears to be the only part
most instances, more to one colour of their character in which they
than to the other, when perhaps show any constancy. Each village
a second child will take a contrary has its priest, who is oftentimes a
tinge. These remarks do not hold vicar, and resident for life upon
good in the Sertam, but are ap the spot. A director is also at
plicable to all the country which I tached to each village, who is sup
had opportunities of seeing. The posed to be a white man ; he has
Sertanejo, if colour is set aside, great power over the persons with
is certainly handsome; and the in hisjurisdiction. lfaproprietor of
women, whilst young, have well land is in want of workmen be ap
shaped forms, and many of them plies to the director, whoagrees for
good features; indeed I have the price at which the daily la
seen some of the white persons bour is to be paid, and he com
who would be admired in any mands his chief Indians to take so
country. Their constant expo many men, and proceed with them
sure to the sun, and its great to the estate for which they are
power at a distance from the sea, hired. The labourers receive the
darkens the complexion more than money themselves, and expend it
if the same persons had resided as they please; but the bargains
upon the coast: but this gives thus made are usually below the
them a decided dark colour, which regular price of labour. Each
has the appearance of durability, village has two Juizes Ordinarios
and is much preferable to a sallow or mayors, who act for one year.
sickly look, though of a lighter One Juiz is a white man, and the
tint. other an Indian ; but it may easily
be supposed that the former has,
in
 'Mnnhhns AND customs. '40 l
in fact, ’the management. These ’whom'theyare imperious'ly treated ;
Juizes hove the power of piitting 'consequently it is not surprising
suspiciOus persons into confine, that they should do all in their
‘ment, and of punishing for stnall power to leave their villages, and
crimes; those of more importance 'be free from ‘an immediate su
‘vvait for the Correiqam, or circuit perior; but even when they have
of the Ouvidor of the captaincy. escaped‘from the irksome domi
Each village contains a town-hall 'nion of the director, they never
'and prison. The administration settle in ohe'pla'ce. The Indian
ofljustice in the Sertam is gene scarcely ever ‘plants for himself,
rally spoken of as most wretch or if :he does, rarely Waits the
edly had ; every crime obtains crop ; he sells his maize or man
impunity by the payment of a suin dioc for half its value, before it is
(if money. ‘An innocent_ person fit to be gathered, and removes 'to
is sometimes punished through some other district. ‘His favourite
the interest of a grem’mm, whom pursuits are fishing and hunting;
he may have attended, and the a. lake or'rivul'et will alone induce
murderer 'esc‘apes who has the him to be statibnary for any‘length .
good fortune to be tinder the pro of time. He has a sort of inde
tEcti‘o‘n of a powerful patron._ This pendent "feeling, 'which makeshim
p'rocee‘ds'still mere from the feudal spurn at any thing like a Wish to
State of the country than from the deprive him or ‘ his own free
corruption ofthe magistrates, who agency; to the director “he 'sub
might often be inclined to do'their mits, because it is out of his power
duty, and yet be aWare that their to resist. 'lKn‘Indi‘an can'neverbe
exertions Would be of no avail, persuaded
vto whom he'tomay
address the master
have hired him
and would possibly tirove fatal to
themselves. The Indians have self, by the term of S'enhor,
likewise their Capitaéns-mores, though it is made use of'by the
'and‘th‘is title is cenferred for life; whites in speaking to each other,
>it_give's the holder some power and by all Other free people in the
‘over' his fellows, but as it is among country; but the n'egroes also use
them iinac'cot'n'panie'd by the pos it in speaking to their masters,
session of prdperty, the Indian thereforethe Indian will not; he
Gapihiéiis-r’nores “are much ridi addresses ' his temporary master by
culed 'li'y the 'white's; and indeed the term of amo ‘or p'atram, pro
‘the _hhlf§i'iakféd officer with his tectdr or patron. The reluctance
golfl~headéd caneis a personage to tree the term of Senhor may
who would t-e'xcite laughter frdm perhaps have commenced with the
‘th‘eyih'o‘st rigid nerves. immediate descendants of those
The Indians are in general a who were in slavery, and thus the
quisnma inolfe‘tisive people; they objection may have become tradi
have 'not 'much fidelity; but a1 tionary. They may refuse to give
than ' they desert, they Will not by courtesy what Was once re
'inj e these 'whb'm they have quired from them by law. How
served. Their lives are certainly ever, if it began in this manner,
not passed in a pleasant manner it is not now continued f0r the
'l'mde’r the eye of a director, by same reason, as none of‘ those with
Von. LIX. 2 D whom
402 _ANNUAL REGISTER, 1s17.
whom I conversed, and they were
very many, appeared to know that
their ancestors had been obliged
to work as slaves.
The instances of murder com
mitted by Indians are rare. They
are pilferers rather than thieves.
When they. can, they eat immo
derately; but if it is necessary,
they can live upon a very trifling
quantity of food, to which their
idleness often reduces them. They
are much addicted to liquor, and
willdance in a ring, singing some
of the monotonous ditties of their
own language, and drink for
nights and days without ceasing.
Their dances are not indecent, as
those of Africa. The mulattos
consider themselves superior to
the Indians, and even the Creole
blacks look down upon them;
“ he is as paltry as an Indian,"
is a common eXpression among
the lower orders in Brazil. They
are vilely indifi‘erent regarding the
conduct of their wives and daugh
ters; lying and other vices at
tached to savage life belong to
them. Affection seems to have
little hold upon them; they ap
pear to be less anxious for the
life and welfare of their children
than any other cast of men who
inhabit that country. The women
however do not, among these
semi-barbarians, perform the prin
cipal drudgery; if the husband is
at home. he fetches water from
the rivulet and fuel from the
wood; he builds the hut whilst
his wife takes shelter in some
neighbour's shed. But if they tra~
vel, she has her young children to
carry, the pots, the baskets, and the
excavated gourds, whilst the hus sent in pursuit of him, as a last
‘band takes his wallet of goat-skin resource. It is well known that
and his hammock rolled up upon they will not take him alive ; each
his back, his fishing-net and his
arms, and walks in the rear. The
children are washed on the day of
their birth in the nearest brook or
pool of water. Both the men and
the women are cleanly in many of
their habits, and particularly in
those relating to their persons;
but in some other matters their
customs are extremely disgusting;
the same knife is used for all pur
poses, and with little preparatory
cleaning is employed in services
of descriptions widely opposite.
They do not reject any kind of
food, and devour it almost with
out being cooked ; rats and other
small vermin, snakes and alliga
tors, are all accepted.
The instinct, for I know not
what else to call it, which the
Indians possess above other men,
in finding their way across a wood
to a certain spot on the opposite
side without path or apparent
mark, is most surprising; they
trace footsteps over the dry leave
which lie scattered under the
trees. The letter-carriers, from
one province to another, are most
ly Indians, for from habit they
endure great fatigue, and will
walk day after day, with little
rest, for months together. 1 have
met them with their wallets made
of goat-skin upon their shoulders,
walking at a regular pace, which
is not altered by rough or smooth.
Though a horse may outstrip one
of these men for the first few
days, still if the journey conti
nues long, the Indian will, in the
end, arrive before him. If a cri
minal has eluded the diligence of
the police officers, Indians are
man
 ‘ MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. .403
man who sees the offender fires, advantage of it. I never saw an
for they do not wish to have any Indian mechanic in any of the
contention. Nor is it possible for towns; there is no instance ofa
the magistrate to fix upon the wealthy Indian ; rich mulattos
individual of the party who shot and negroes are by no means rare.
the criminal; for if any of them I have had many dealings with
are asked who killed him, the an them as guides and carriers, and
swer invariably is, “ os homems," subsequently as labourers, and
“ the men." have no reason to complain, for l
It is usually said, that a party was never injured by any of them;
of Indians will fight tolerably but neither did I receive any par
well; but that two or three will ticular service, excepting in the
take to their heels at the first instance of Julio. For guides
alarm. Some of them however and carriers they are well adapted,
are resolute, and sufficiently cou as their usual habits lead them to
rageous; but the general charac the rambling life which these em
ter is usually supposed to be cow ployments encourage. As labour
ardly, inconstant, devoid of acute ers, I found that they had usually
feelings, as forgetful of favours as a great inclination to overreach;
of injuries, obstinate in trifles, but their schemes were badly made,
regardless of matters of import and consequently easily discovered.
ance. The character of the negro I never could depend upon them
is more decided; it is worse, but for any length of time, and to ad
it is also better. From the black vance money or clothing to them
race the worst of men may be is a certain loss. lfl had any
formed; but they are capable labour which was to'be performed
likewise of great and good ac by a given time, the overseer‘
tions. The Indian seems to be would always "reckon upon his
without energy or exertion; de mulatto and negro free people;
void of great good or great evil. but did not mention in the list
Much may at the same time be of persons who were to Work,
said in their favour; they have anyof the Indians whom I was then
been unjustly dealt with, they employing ; and on my speaking
have been trampled upi-n, and of them, he answered “An lndian
afterwards treated as children; is only to be mentioned for the
they have been always sub present day," meaning that no re
jected to those who consider liance is to be placed upon them.
themselves their superiors, and Like most of the aboriginal in~
this desire to govern them has habitants of the western hemi
even been carried to the direc sphere, these people are of a cop
tion of their domestic arrange per colour. They are short, and
ments. But no,—if they are a stoutly made; but their limbs,
race of acute beings, capa though large, have not the appear
ble of energy, of being deeply ance of possessing great strength ;_
interested upon any subject, they they have no show of muscle.
would do more than they have The face is disproportionately
done. The priesthood is open broad, the nose flat, the mouth
to them; but they do not take wide, the eyes deep and small, the
2 D 2 hair
 '40'4 AN'NTiA‘L REGISTER, ism.
hair l'bl‘l'ack, coarse, and lan‘k;
Two 'lndians presented them
'iibne [of the men have whiskers, selves at the gate of the Carmelite
and their ‘beards are not thick. convent of Goiana, and requested
The Wo'men,wheh‘they are ytiun‘g, and were permitted to See the
'have'b‘y no means "an unpleasant prior. They put into his hands a
appearhhCe; but they scon rhl purse Containing several gold
oli‘, and become ugly ; their'tigu'rc's coins, saying that they had found
are seldom ‘ivell "shaped. Defor it near ‘Dous ’Rios ; they begged
m‘ity'i’s 'rai‘e ‘ariibng the Indians ; that he would order a number of
1 do riiitlrecollect to ha've seen an masses to be said in their behalf,
individimlof this rac‘e'who‘had been which were to be paid for from
born defec'tir're ; and the well-in the contents of the purse. The
formed persons With whom ‘1 con prior, admiring their honesty,
‘versed were 'of opinion, that ‘tlie aSkcd one of ’them to remain with
months are more fortunate in this him as his servant, to which the
respect than any _other'race With man agreed. The friar was in the
Wham they were acquainted. All habit of going into the country‘to a
the Indians of P'efrnan'ibuco speak friend‘s house to shoot. On one oc
Portuguese, ibiit new (if them pro-v casion, after the Indian had served
nounce vtv’vah'g
‘certain it well which
; thered-i'scoy'e'i-s
is always vthea him for some time, he left the con
vent, and took him On one of theSe
s‘ e‘ake‘r to be an Indian, a'ltho'hgh expeditions, but when they were
't ie which
person wasseeh;
billing heardmany
a-iuiqat the
ofithe'm
about half Way, the friar discm'er
ed that he had forgotten his pow
hovvever do not 'uritlei‘stand any der born; he gave the key of his
other language. The ’Indiati's‘siél trunk to the 'lndian, and desired
dom if ever speak Portuguese So him to fetch the powder whilst he
t'ven iis the generality'tif’the Credle prbceeded. In vain he waited at
neg-robs. ~ I his friend‘s house for his servant,
lt'tniist be perfectlytinilerstmd, and on his return to the convent
"that although there may beso'me in the evening he heard that he
titifitir‘dealing‘s occasionally of the was not there. He went immedi
direétor towards the indian, still ately to his cell, supposing that
[this race cannot be enslaretl ; the he had been robbed of all his m0
Indian cannot 'be made to ivork ney, and 'whzitever else the fellow
for any-person'tigainst- his inclina could carry oli'; but to his joy he
tion, he cannot be bought and discovered on examination, that
sold. An Indian 'will soir'i‘étlmes the mun'liad only taken‘the poiv
make over 'his child, When very der-horn,‘two silver coins of about
young, to a rich person to be 45. value each, an old clerical
- ‘taug‘ht some'frade, or to be brought gown, and a Pair of Worn-out
~'up‘as a household serrant, but as liahkeen pantaloons. This stdry
soon as the child 'is of hn age ’to I had frOm an intimate friend of
provide for itself. it cannot be pre the prior.
venteil from So doing; it why The free population of Brazil at
‘leave tli‘e'p‘ers‘on udder Whose care the present time consists of Euro
ititiss‘be‘enpnced if it be so ‘in peans; Brazilians, that is, white
bi'me'dz persons bom in Brazil , mtduttos,
that
 MANNERiS AND CUSTOMS.
that is, the mixed cast between, and even now, not so much. atten
the whites and blacks, and all the tion is paid to the subject as its,
varieties into which it can branch ; great importance seems to require.
mamalucos, that is, the mixed The Brazilian white man of
cast between the whites and la large property, who draws his de_
dians, and all its varieties; Indians scent from the first donatory of a
in a domesticated state, who are province, or whose family has for
called generally Caboclos ; and some generations enjoyed distinc
those. who still remain in a savage tion, entertainsa high opinion of
state, and are called generally Ta his own importance, which may
puyas; negroes born in Brazil, sometimes appear ridiculous ; but
and nianuinitted Africans; lastly, which much oftener leads him to
Mestizos, that. is, the mixed cast acts of generosity,—to the adop
between the Indians and negrocs. tion of liberal ideas,—-to honour
Of slaves, 1. shall speak by-and— by able conduct. If he has been well
more at large ; these are Africans, educated, and has had the good
creole negroes, mulattos, and mes fortune to have been instructed by
tizos. The maxim of the civil law, a priest whose ideas are enlighten
partus sequitur ventrem, is in force ed, who gives a proper latitude
here as well as in the colonies of for difference of opinion, who to
other nations. lerates as he is tolerated, then the
These several mixtures of the character of a young Brazilian ex;
human, race have their. shades of hibits much to admire. Surround
ditference of character as well as ed by, numerous, relatives, and by
of colour. First. we must treat of? his immediate dependants, living
the whites. The Europeans who in a vast and half-civilised country,
are not in office, or who are not he is endued with muchindepend
military men, are, generally speak ence of language and behaviour,
ing, adventurers who have arrived which are softened by the subor
in that country with little or no dination which has been imbibed
capital; These men. commence during his course of education.
their career. in low situations of That this is general, I pretend not
life, but by parsimony and. con to say ;. few persons are instructed
tinual exertion directed to ‘one in. a proper manner; and again,
end, that of amassing money, they few are those who profit by the
often attain, their object, and pass education which they have receiv
the evening of their lives in opu ed; but more numerous are the
lence. These habits fail not, often individuals who now undergo ne
times, to give a bias to their dis cessary tuition, for powerful mo
positions, which is unallicd to ge tives have arisen to urge the at
nerosity and liberality. They look tainment of knowledge.
down upon the Brazilians, or rap 1 have heard it often observed,
ther they wish to consider them and I cannot help saying that I
selves superior to them ; and until think some truth is to be attached
lately the government took no to the remark, in the country of
pains to remove the jealousy which 1 am treating, that women
which existed between the two are usually less lenient to. their
descriptions of- white persons ; slaves than men, but this doubt
less
 406 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
less proceeds from the ignorant in such climates, so the animal
state in which they are brought sooner arrives at maturity than in
up; they scarcely receive any edu those of less genial warmth ; and
cation, and have not the advan here again education is rendered
tages of obtaining instruction doubly necessary to lead the mind
from communication with persons to new ideas,to curb the passions,
who are unconnected with their to give a sense of honour, and to
own way of life; of imbibing new instil feelings of that species of
ideas from general conversation.‘ pride which is so necessary to a.
They are born, bred, and continue, becoming line of conduct. The
surrounded by slaves without re state of society, the climate, and
ceiving any check, with high no the celibacyof the numerous p1 iest
tions of superiority, without any hood, cause the number of ille
thought that what they do is gitimate children to be very great ;
~wrong. Bring these women for but here the roda dos engeitados,
wards, educate them, treat them and a custom which shows the na
as rational, as equal beings, and tural goodness of the people, pre
they will be in no respect inferior vent the frequent occurrence of
to their countrymen ; the fault is infanticide, or rather render it al
not with the sex, but in the state most unknown. An infant is fre
of the human being. As soon as‘ quently during the night laid at'
a child begins to crawl, a slave of the door of a rich person, and on
about its own age and of the same being discovered in the morning
sex is given to it as a playfcllow, is taken in, and is almost invariably
or rather as a plaything; they allowed to remain; it is brought
grow up together, and the slave is up with the children of the house
made the stock upon which the (if its colour is not too dark to ad
young owner gives vent to pas mit of this), certainly as a depend
sion ; the slave is sent upon all ant, but not as a servant; how
errands, and receives the blame of ever a considerable tinge of colour
all unfortunate accidents ; in fact will not prevent it trom being
the white child is thus encouraged reared with the white children.
to be overbearing, owing to the These engeitados,or rejected ones,
false fondness of its parents. Upon as individuals who are so circum
the boys the elfect is less visible in stanced are called, are frequently
after-life, because the world curbs to be met with, and I heard of
and checks them, but the girls do few exceptions to the general kind
not stir from home, and therefore ness with which they are treated.
have no opportunities of wearing Public feeling is much against the
of? these pernicious habits. it is refusing to accept and rear an en
only surprising that so many ex geitado ; the owner of a house,
cellent women should be found who is in easy circumstances, and
[among them, and by no means yet semis the infant from his own
strange that the disposition of door to the public institution
some of them should be injured which is provided for its reception,
by this unfortunate direction of is generally spoken of in terms of
their infant years indignation. Sometimes a poor
As vegetation rapidly advances man will find one of these presents
at
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 407
at his door, and he will generally stances of cruelty occur, (as has
place it at the landholder‘s thresh been, and will yet be seen,) but
old on the following night; this these proceed from individual de
is accounted excusable and even pravity, and not from systematic,
meritorious, forat the great house cold-blooded, calculating indiffer
the child has nearly a certainty of ence to the means by which a de
being well taken care of. sired end is to be compassed.
I have observed that, generally Notwithstanding the relation
speaking, Europeans are less indul ship of the mulattos on one side
gent to their slaves than Brazi to the black race, they consider
lians ; the former feed them well, themselves superior to the mamu
but they require from the poor lucos; they lean to the whites,
wretches more labour than they and from the light in which the
can perform. whilst the latter al Indians are held, pride themselves
low the affairs of their estates to upon being totally unconnected
continue in the way in which it with them. Still the mulattos
has been accustomed to be di are conscious of their connection
rected. This difference between with men who are in a state of
the two descriptions of owners is slavery, and that many persons
easily accounted for; the Euro even of their own colour are un
pean has probably purchased part der these degraded circumstances;
of his slaves on credit, and has they have therefore always a feel
during the whole course of his ing of inferiority in the company
life made the accumulation of of white men, if these white men
riches his chief object. The Bra are wealthy and powerful. This
zilian inherits his estate, and as inferiority of rank is not so much
nothing ur res him to the neces felt by white persons in the lower
sity of obtaining large profits, he walks of life, and these are more
continues the course that has easily led to become familiar with
been pointed out to him by the individuals of their own colour
former possessors. His habits of, who are in wealthy circumstances.
quietude and indolence have led Still the inferiority which the
him to be easy and indifferent, mulatto feels is more that which
and although he may not provide is produced by poverty than that
for the maintenance of his slaves which his colour has caused, for
with so much care as the Euro he will be equally respectful to
pean, still they find more time to a person of his own cast wh0'
seek for food themselves. That may happen to be rich. The de
avaricious spirit which deliberate graded state of the people of co
ly works a. man or a brute ani lour in the British colonies is
mal until it is unfit for farther most lamentable. In Brazil, even
service, without any regard to the trifling regulations which ex
the well-being of the creature, ist against them remain unat
which is thus treated as a mere tended to. A mulatto enters into
machine, as if it was formed of holy orders or is appointed a ma
wood or iron, is however seldom gistrate, his papers stating him to '
to be met with in those parts of be a white man, but his appear
the country which I visited. It} ance plainly denoting the con
trary.
4% ANNUA 1.; has 1513153, 1817.
trhry. In conyersing on one oc-I blood, this proof. cannot be re-,
cas‘ion1 with a man. of. colour~ who garded as, being required against,
was in my service, I asked him the mulatto or mamaluco part of
if a. certain Capitam-mor was not the population. Thus. an Euro
a mulatm man; he answered, pean adventurer could not obtain
“ he was, but is not, now," I, a commission in these regiments,
begged1him to explain, when he. whilst a Brazilian, whose family
aqdfidt “Cain *1 Capitarnrmor be. has distinguished itself inthe prQ
a mulatto man i," I_ was inti Vince in farmer times, will prove
mately acquainted with a priest, his eligibility
the blood withoutin.regard
whichruns his veins.
Whose wmrlexiQn-snd. hair elsinly
denoted from whence he’drew He is noble, let that flow from
his origin -, I liked him much}: whence it may.
he was a,weu7edgcqted, and intels '[he late colonel of the mulattp
' ‘1: man.‘ Besides this indi-_ regiment of Recife, by name No;
vrdual instance, I. met with seve gueira, went to Lisbon, and re
ral other: of the same descrip-_ turned to, Pernamhuco with the
tical. order of Christ, which the Queen
he regiments oi militia, which,v had conferred. upon him. A chief
are called inul‘attov regiments, are person of one of the provinces. is
so
mennamedfrom all the casts;
being of mixed. ofiicers nor the son of a white man and a wo
man of colour; he has received
can white persons be admitted an excellent, education, is of a ge
into them. The principal offi nerous disposition, and entertains
cers‘ are men Ofi property; and most. liberal views. upon all sub
the colonel, like the commander Jects. He has been made a colo
of any other regiment, is only nel, and a degree of nobility has
amenable to the goyernor of the been conferred upon him; like
province. In the white militia wise the Regent issponsor to one
regiments, the officers on ht to ofi his children. Many other in;
be by law white men; ut in stances might be mentioned, Thus
practice they are rather reputed. has Portugal, of late years from
white men, for very little pains. policy, continued. that system into
which shewas, led by her peculiar
are taken to prove that there is no:
mixture of blood. Great num circumstances in former times.
bers of the soldiers, belonging to Some of the wealthy planters of
the regiments which are ofiicered Pernambuco, and of the rich in
by white men, are mulattos, and habitants of Recife, are men of
other persons of colour. The colour. The major part of ‘ the
regiments of the line, likewise, best mechanics are also of mixed
(as I have elsewhere said) admit blood.
into the ranks all persons except It is said that mulattos make
ing negroes and Indians ; but the bad masters ; and this holds good
olficers of these must prove nobi ofientimes, with persons of this
lity of birth; however, as certain description, who have been in a
degrees of nobility have been con state of slavery, and become pos
ferred upon persons in whose fa sessed of slaves of their own, or
milics there is much mixture of are empleysd. is mwasers‘ upon
estates.
 MANNEas AND; CUSTOMS. 40$
estates. The change of. situation be with me on one Occasion wither!v
would lead to thesame (muses, the commandant from the Sertaml
quences. in. any race of. human Was- staying at my house. The
bein s, and cannot be accounted commandant asked him if he could.
pecuiar to the mined casts. I read and write, and being. an
have, seen mulattos of free birth swered in the. negative, said,
as kind, as lenient, and as for “Then you will not. do," and.
bearing to their slaves. and other turning to me, added, “I have
d; endants as any white man. ' a__ commission from a friend of
lilarriages betweenjwhite. ingn mine to take with me back to the
and women of colour are, by, no 5cm"! a seed-looking you":
means rare, though theyare suffi Portuguese of- regular habits, who
ciaitly so to cause the circum-, can read and write, for the pur
start e. to be mentioned when pose of marrying him to his daugh
spe ling ofan individual who has. ter." These kind of commis
connectedzhi'mself in this. man;-v sions (encommendas) are not un
ner; but this is not said with the usual
intent of lowering him in the Sftill the Brazilians of highbirth
estimation of others. the anddargeproperty do not liketo
remark isonly ends it thermon intermarry with persons whose
is‘a. planter of, any importance, mixtureofl blood is very apparent,
and the woman is, decidedly of and hence. arise peculiar circum
dark colour, for even inconsider stances. A man of this descrip-,
able tinge will pass. for white -, if tion. becomes attached to a woman
thp. white, man belongs to thev of colour, connects himself with
lower, orders, the woman is not her,‘ and takes her to his home,
accounted as being unequal tov where she is in a short time even
him in rank, unless she is nearly. visited by married. women ; she
black. The European adventurers governs his household; affairs, acts
often marry in this manner, which andconsiders herself as his wife,
generally occurs when the. woman and frequently after the birth of
has, a dower. The rich mulatto several children, when they are
families are often. glad to dispose neither of them young, he mar
of their daughters to theserpen, ries her. In connections of this
although the person who has nature, the parties are more truly
been fixed upon may be in indif attached than in marriages be
ferent circumstances; for the co tween persons who belonged to
lour of the childrenof their daugh two families of the first rank;
ters! is. bettered, and from the for the latter are entered into
well-known prudence and regula from convenience ratherthan from
rity of this set of men, avery large affection; indeed the parties, on
fortune may be hoped for even some occasions, do not see each
from very small. beginnings. other until a few days before the
\Yhiist l was at Jaguaribe, l. was ceremony. takes place. It often
inthe frequent habit of. seeing a occurs, that inclination, necessity,
hapdsome. young man, who was or convenience induce or oblige a
a native of the island of St. Mi man. to separate from the person
chaelfs. This person happened to with whom he has thus been con~
nected ;
410 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
nected ; in this case, he gives her
a portion, and she marries a man
of her own rank, who regards her
rather as a widow than as one
whOse conduct has been incorrect.
Instances of infidelity in these
women are rare ; they become at
tached to the men with whom they
cohabit, and they direct the affairs
of the houses over which they are
placed with the same zeal that
they would display if they had the
right of command over them. It
is greatly to the credit of the
people of that country that so
much fidelity should be shown on
one side, and that this should so
frequently, as it is, be rewarded
by the other party, in the advance
ment of those who have behaved
thus faithfully, to a respectable
and acknowledged situation in
society. It should be rccollected,
too, that the merit of moral feel~
ings must be judged of by the
standard of the country, and not
by our own institutions. I have
only spoken above of what occurs
among the planters ; for in large
towns man is pretty much the
same every where.
The Mamalucos are more fre
quently to be seen in the Sertam
than upon the coast. They are
handsomer than the mulattos; and
the women of this cast particu
larly surpass in beauty all others
of the country ; they have the
brown tint of mulattos, but their
features are less blunt, and their
hair is not curled. I do not think
that the men can be said to possess
more courage than the mulattos ;
but whether from the knowledge
which they have of being of free
birth on both sides, or from re
sidingin the interior of the country
where government is more loose,
they appear to have more inde~
pendence of character, and to pay
less deference to a white man than
the mulattos. \Vhen women re
late any deed of danger that has
been surmounted or undertaken,
they generally state that the chief
actor in it was a large mamaluco,
mamalucam ; as if they thought
this description of men to be su
perior to all others. Mamalucos
may enter into the mulatto regi
ments, and are pressed into the
regiments of the line as being men
of colour, without any regard to
the sources from which their
blood proceeds.
Of the domesticated Indians I
have already elsewhere given what
accounts I could collect, and what
1 had opportunities of observing.
The wild Indians are now only to
be met~with at a great distance
from the coast of Pernambuco;
and although they are very near
to Maranham, and are dreaded
neighbours, I had no means of
seeing any of them.
I now proceed to mention that
numerous and valuable race of
men, the creole negroes; a tree
of African growth, which has thus
been transplanted, cultivated, and
much impmved by its removal to
the New \Vorld. The creole ne
groes stand alone and unconnected
with every other race of men, and
this circumstance alone would be
sufiicient, and indeed contributes
much to the effect of uniting them
to each other. The mulattos, and
all other persons of mixed blood»
wish to lean towards the whites,
if they can possibly lay any claim
to relationship. Even the mestizo
tries to pass for a mulatto, and to
persuade himself, and others, that
his veins contain some portion of
white
 MANNERS AND, CUSTOMS. 411
white blood, although that with Rosary, the patroness of negroes.'
which they are filled proceeds They were dressed in white cloth
from Indian and negro sources. uniforms, turned up with scarlet,
Those only who can have no pre and they looked very soldier-like.
tensions to a mixture of blood, They were in tolerable discipline,
call themselves negroes, which and seemed to wish to go through
renders the individuals who do the duty of the day in the best
pass under this denomination much manner that they were able; they
attached to each other, from the acted with an appearance of zeal
impossibility of being mistaken for and the desire of excelling. Those
members of any other cast. They of which I speak formed a finer
are of handsome persons, brave, body of men than any other sol
and hardy, obedient to the whites, diers which] had an opportunity
and willing to please; but they of seeing in that country. On gala
are easily afl'ronted, and the least days the superior black officers in
allusion to their colour being made their white uniforms, pay their
by a person of a lighter tint, en respects to the governor, exactly
rages them to a great degree; in the same manner that the per
though they will sometimes say, sons of any other cast, holding
“ A negro I am, but always up commissions of equal rank, are
right." They are again distinct expected to go through this form.
from their brethren in slavery, These men receive no pay, so that
owing to their superior situation their neat appearance on such oc
as free men. casions bespeaks a certain degree
The free creole negroes have of wealth among them ; neither
their exclusive regiments, as well are the privates nor any other
as the mulattos, of which every person belonging to these regi
officer and soldier must be per ments paid for their services.
fectly black. There are two of Some of the whites rather ridicule
these regiments for the province the black officers, but not in their
of Pernambuco, which consist of presence; and the laugh which is
indefinite numbers of men, who raised against them is caused per
are dispersed all over the country. haps by a lurking wish to prevent
These regiments are distinguished this insulted race from the display
from each other by the names of of those distinctions which the go
Old Henriques and New Hen vernment has wisely conceded to
riques. The name of Henriques them, but which hurt the Enro
is derived from the famous chief pean ideas of superiority. The
tain, Henrique Diaz, in the time old regiment of Henriques was, at
of the Dutch war. I have heard the time that I resided in Pernam
some of the most intelligent of buco, without a colonel, and I
those with whom I have converse-d, heard much discussion on several
speak in enthusiastic terms of the occasions among the creole negroes,
aid which he gave to the whites about the fittest person to be ap
in that struggle. I have seen pointed to the vacant situation.
some portion of one of these regi The .creole negroes of Recife
ments in Recife, accompanying are, generally speaking, mechanics
the protession of our Lady of the of all descriptions ; but they have
not
 412 ANNUAL. REGWTEB, W7
not yet reached the higher ranks of the Henrique regiments are so
of life, as gentlemen, as planters, united toeach other, that the pri
and as merchants. Some of them vates and subalterns are less liable
have accumulated considerable to he oppressed by any white man
sums of money, and possess many in office evenv than the soldiers of
slaves, to whom they teach their the mulatto regiments. ' Of these
own trade, or these slaves are latter the officers, having a. con
taught other mechanical employ siderable tinge of white, some
ments by whichv they may become times lean towards the wishes of
useful. They work for their the capitam-mor, or some other
owners, and render to them great rich white officer, instead of pro
profits, for every description of. tecting his soldiers.
labour is high, and that which The men whose occupation it is
requires any degree of skill hears to. apprehend runaway negroes,
even a higher comparative value are, almost without exception,
than the departments of which a creole blacks; they are called
knowledge is more easily attained. capitaens-do-campo, captains of
The best church and image painter the field; and are subject to a
of Pernambuco is a black man, capitarn-mor-do-campo who re
who has good manners, and quite sides in Recife, and they receive
the air of a man of sorpeirnport their commissions either from the
ance, though he does not by any governor or from this oflicen. By
means assume too much. The these they are authorised to ap
negroes are excluded, from the prehend and take to their owners
priesthood, and from the offices any slaves who may be found
which the mulattos may obtain absent from their homes without
through their evasion of the law, their master‘s consent. Several
but which the decided and une of these men. are to be found in
quivocal colour of the negro en every district, employing them.
tirely precludes him from aspiring selres in such pursuits as they
to. In law all persons who are think fit, when their services are
not white, audare born free, class not required in that calling which
equally; manumitted slaves are forms their particular duty. They
placed upon the same footing as are men of undaunted courage,
persons born free. However, and are usually followed by two
although the few exclusions which or three dogs, which are tmined
exist against the negroes are de to seek out, and if necessary to
grading, still in some instances attack and bring to the ground
they are befriended by them. those persons whose apprehension
They are, unable, owing to their their masters are desirous of efl’ect
colour, to serve in the regiments ing. The men who hear these
of the line, or in any regiments commissions can oblige any un
excepting those which are exclu authorised person to give up to
sively their own; but by means of them an apprehended negro, for
this regulation they escape the the purpose of being by them re
persecutions under which the other turned tohis owner.
' casts suffer during the time of re It is scarcely necessary to name
cruiting. The otiicers and men the. mestinos, for they usually class.
with
 MANNE-RS AND CUSTOMS. 413
with the mulattos; nor are. they be overburthened, these felloWs
to be easily distinguished from will only accommodate matters by
some of the darker varieties of riding slowly upon their own
this cast. A dark-coloured man horses, and never think of dividing
of a disagreeable countenance and the loads more equally; but they
badly formed person is commonly preserve themselves and the ani~
called a mestiio, without any re mals upon which they ride quite
ference to his origin. unencumbered. They are said to
Yet one race of human beings be unmindful of all religions 0b
remain to be spoken of; but the servances 3 and never to hear mass
individuals who compose it are not or confess their sins. It is like
sufficiently numerous to permit wise said that they never marry
them to take their place among out of their oWn nation.
the several great divisions of the
human family which form the po
SLAVERY.
pulation of Brazil, and therefore
i did not rank this among the (From the same.)
others which are of more import The general equity of the laws
ance. Still the ciganos, for this regarding free persons of colour
they are called, must not be for in the Portuguese South-American
gotten. ] frequently heard of possessions, has been to a certain
these people, but never had an degree extended to that portion of
opportunity of seeing any of them. the population which is in a state
Parties of ciganos Were in the of slavery; and the lives of the
habit of appearing formerly once slaves of Brazil have been ren
every year at the village of Pas dered less hard and less intolera
mado, and other places in that ble than those of the degraded
part of the country ; but the late beings who drag on their cheerless
governor of the province was ini existence under the dominion of
mical to them, and some attempts other nations. The Brazilian slaVe
having been made to apprehend is taught the religion of his master,
some of them, their visits Were and hopes are held out of manu
discontinued. They are repre tnission from his own exertions;
sented as being a people of a but stillhe is a slave, and must be
brownish cast, with features which guided by another‘man‘s will, and
resemble those of white persons, 'this feeling alone takes away much
and as being tall and handsome. of the pleasure that would be felt
They wander from place to place from the faithful discharge of his
in parties of men, Women, and duty, if it was voluntarily perform
children ; exchanging, buying, and ed. The censciousness that if the
selling horses, and gold and silver directions were not willingly at
trinkets. The wOmen travel on tended to, the arbitrary will of
horseback, sitting between the the master would enforce their
panniers of the loaded horses, and performance, l‘CmOVCS much of the
the young ones are placed within desire to please; obedience to a
the panniers among the baggage. command is not required'witb any
The men are excellent horsemen, idea that [refusal can possibly en
and althdugh the packhorses may sue, and thErefore no merit is
attached
\
.414 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
attached to its accomplishment by in bondage in that country are
him whose orders are obeyed; Africans, and their descendants
nor does the slave feel that he is on both sides, or individuals whose
doing in any degree more than mothers are of African origin;
would be enforced if he had made and no line is drawn at which the
any doubts. The world has heard near approach to the colour and
so much, and from so many quar blood of the whites entitles the
ters, of the enormities which have child, whose mother is a slave, to
been committed by slave-owners freedom. I have seen several
in the colonies with which England persons who were to all appear
has had any communication; both ance of white origin, still doomed
from her own possessions, and to slavery.
from those of other nations, that Slaves, however, in Brazil have
no doubts can be entertained of many advantages over their bre
their existence. That such evil thren in the British colonies. The
deeds are of frequent occurrence, numerous holidays of which the
I would not wish to suppose, Catholic religion enjoins the ob
though that they are dreadfully servance, give to the slave many
too frequent is too well known; days of rest or time to work for
1 had rather not be persuaded his own profit; thirty-five of
that a man in so depraved a state these, and the Sundays besides,
is often to be met with ;—-that allow him to employ much of his
many civilized beings should have time as he pleases. Few masters
made such rapid returns to barba are inclined to restrain the right
rism. I have to say,~ that in of their slaves to dispose of these
Brazil, too, such instances of bar days as they think fit, or at any rate
barity are spoken of—that they do few dare, whatever their inclina
exist ; they are, however, of rare tions may be, to brave public
occurrence, they are seldom heard opinion in depriving them of the
of, and are always mentioned with intervals from work which the law
abhorrence; but it is enough that has set apart as theirown, that their
instances should be recorded, of lives may be rendered less irksome.
the abuse of this absolute power The time which is thus afl‘orded
of one man over another; it is enables the slave, who is so in
enough that this absolute power clined, to accumulate a sum of
itself should be allowed to conti money; however this is by law
nue, to render the system upon his master’s property, from the
which it is founded an evil of such incapability under which a slave
great importance, as to sanction labours of possessing any thing
all exertions for its removal, as to which he by right can call his
make any government overlook own. ButI believe there is no
many inconveniences rather than instance on record in which a
increase the numbers of those master attempted to deprive his
human beings who sufier this slave of these hard-earned gains.
dreadful degradation. The slave can oblige his master to
The Indian slavery has been for manumit him, on tendering to
many years abolished in Brazil, him the sum for which he was
and the individuals who are now first purchased, or the price for
which
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 415
which he might be sold, if that bour, but this is never thought of,
price is higher than what the slave because the slave preserves his
was worth at the time he was first money in a secret place, or has in
bought. This regulation, like trusted it to some person upon
every one that is framed in favour whom he can depend, and would
of slaves, is liable to be evaded, sulfer any punishment rather than
and the master sometimes does disclose the spot in which his
refuse to manumit a valuable wealth lies concealed. A still more
slave; and no appeal is made by forcible reason than any other, for
the sutferer, owing to the state of the forbearance of the master, is
law in that country, which renders to be found in the dread of acting
it almost impossible for the slave against public opinion; in the
to gain a hearing; and likewise shame which would follow the
this acquiesence in the injustice of commission of such an act ; and
the master proceeds from the perhaps the natural goodness which
dread, that if he was not to suc exists In almostevery human being,
ceed he would be punished, and would make him shun such gross
that his life might be rendered injustice, would make him avoid
more miserable than it “as before. such adeed of baseness.
Consequently a great deal depends A slave is often permitted by his
upon the. inclinations of the mas owner to seek a master more to his
ter, who will however be very liking ; for this purpose a note is
careful in refusing to manumit, given, declaring that the bearer
owing to the well known opinion has leave to enter into the service
of every priest in favour of this re of any one. upon the price which
gulation, to the feelings of the in the master demands being paid by
dividuals of his own class in so the purchaser. With this the
ciety, and to those of the lower slave applies to any individual of
orders of the people, and likewise property whom he may wish to
he will be afraid of losing his serve ; owing to having heard a
slave ; he may escape with his good report of his character to
money, and the master will then wards his slaves, or from any
run much risk of never seeing him other cause. This is a frequent
again, particularly if the individual practice, and at least admits the
is a creole slave. ln general possibility of escape from a severe
therefore no doubts are urged, state of bondage to one that is
when application is made for ma less irksome.
n‘imission by a slave to his master; A considerable number of slaves
who is indeed oftentimes prepared are manumitted at the death of
for it by the habits of industry their masters, and indeed some
and regularity of his slave, and by persons of large property fail not
common report among the other to set at liberty a few of them
slaves and free persons upon the during their own lifetime. A
estate, that the individual in ques deed of manumission, however
tion is scraping together a sum of simply it may be drawn out, can
money for this purpose. The not be set aside; a register of
master might indeed deprive the these papers is preserved at the
slave of the fruits of his own ia— office of every notary-public, by
which
 416- ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
which any distress which might be
occasioned by the los‘s'of the ori
ginals is provided against, for the
copy of course holds geod in law.
A slave who has brOught into the
world, and has reared ten children,
ought to be ‘free, for so the law
ordains ; but this regulation is
generally evaded ; and besides,
the number of children is too
great for many womeh 'to be en
abled to be benefited by it. The
price of a new-born child is 51.
(20,000 mil-reis) and the master
is obliged to manumit the infant
at the baptismal font, on the sutn
being presented. in this manner
a considerable number of persons
are set at liberty, for the smallness
of the priCe enables many freeman
who have connections with female
slaves to manumit their offspring;
and instances occur of the spon
sor‘s performing this most landable
act. Not Unfrequently female
slaves apply to persons of consider
ation to become sponsors to their
children, in the hopes that the
pride of these will be too great to
allow of their god-child remaining
in slavery. Thus by their own
exertions, by the favour of their
masters, and by other means, the
individuals who gain their freedom
annually are very numerous.
The comforts of slaves in dif
ferent situat1ons are widely dis
proportionate ; whilst some are
doomed to an existence of exces
sive toil and misery, from the
nature of their occupations and the
characters of their masters, others
lead a comparatively easy life. It
is true, that in cohntries of which
the workmen are free, the daily
labour is unequally divided, but
their wages are proportidned ac
cordingly, and as each man is a
free agent he seeks that employ
ment to which his bodily and
mental powers are befitted. The
slave is purchased for a certain
purpose, and is to follow the line
of life which his master has chalk
ed out for him; he is not to be
occupied in that which he would
himself prefer, or at any rate his
wishes are not consulted upon the
subject. The price for which a
slave is to be obtained, and the
convenience of the purchaser, are
oftencr consulted than the fitness
of his bodily strength to the la
bour which it is his lot to be
ordered to perform. Besides the
obligation of following an unsuit
able trade, or at any rate of fol
lowing one which he has not
chosen, he has to endure the still
incomparably greaterI grievance of
bearing with a tyrannical,.an in
considerate, or a peevish master,
whose commands are not to be
called in question, whose will is
absolute, and from whom the pos
sibility of appeal is far removed,
and that of redress placed at a still
greater distance. Masters are
punished by the payment of fines,
for cruelty to their slaves, if any
account of such behaviour should
reach the ear of the Ouvidor of the
province; but I never heard of
punishment having been carried
farther than this trifling manner
of correction. The emoluments
which proceed from this mode of
chastising the oii'enders weigh
heavily in its favour; the injury
which the slave has received is not,
I am afraid, the only cause which
urges the exaction of the stipulated
penalty 5 of this the slave does not
receive any part.
All slaves in Brazil follow the
religion of their masters 5 and
not
 ' fi
I
o.
C

MANNERS' AND CUSTOMS. 417

notwithstanding the impure state string of opprobrious epithets with
in which the Christian church ex— the name ofpagam (pagan). The
ists in that country, still such are unbaptised negro feels that he is
the beneficent effects of the Chris considered as an inferior being,
tian religion, that these, its adopted and although he may not be aware
children, are improved by it to an of the value which the whites
infinite degree 5 and the slave who place upon baptism, still he knows
attends to the strict observance of that the stigma for which he is
religious ceremonies invariably upbraided will be removed by it ;
proves to be a good servant. The and therefore he is desirous of
Africans who are imported from being made equal to his compa
Angola are baptized in lots before nions. The Africans who have
they leave their own shores, and been long imported, imbibe a Ca
on their arrival in Brazil they are tholic feeling, and appear to forget
to learn the doctrines of the that they were once in the same
church, and the duties of the re situation themselves. The slaves
ligion into which they have enter are not asked whether they will be
ed. These bear the mark of the baptized or not; their entrance
royal crown upon their breasts, into the Catholic church is treated
which denotes that they have un as a thing of course; and indeed
dergone the ceremony of baptism, they are not considered as mem
and likewise that the king's duty bers of society, but rather as brute
has been paid upon them. The animals, until they can .lawfully
slaves which are imported from go to mass, confess their sins, and
other parts of the coast of Africa, receive the sacrament. "
arrive in Brazil unbaptized, and The slaves have their religious
before the ceremony of making brotherhoods as well as the free per
them Christians can be performed sons ; and the ambition of a slave
upon them, they must be taught very generally aims at being ad
certain prayers, for the acquire? mitted into one of these, and at
ment of which one year is aIIOWed being made one of the oflicers and
to the master, before he is obliged directors of the concerns of the
to present the slave at the parish brotherhood ; even some of the
church. This law is not always money which the industrious slave
strictly adhered to as to time, but is collecting for the purpose of
it is never evaded altogether. The purchasing his freedom will often
religion of the master teaches him times be brought out of its con
that it would be extremely sinful cealment for the decoration of a
to allow his slave to remain a saint, that the donor may become
heathen; and indeed the Portu‘ of importance in the society to
guese and Brazilians have too which he belongs. The negroes
much religious feeling to let them have one invocation of the Virgin
neglect any of the ordinances of (or I might almost say one virgin)
their church. The slave himself which is peculiarly their own.
likewise wishes to be made a Our Lady of the Rosary is even
Christian, for his fellow-bondmen sometimes painted with a black
will in every squabble ~0r trifling face and hands. It is in this man
disagreement with him, close their ner that the slaves are led to place
VOL. LIX. ' ‘2 E their
418 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
their attention upon an object in than from any political plan ; but
which they soon take an interest, it has had the most beneficial ef
but from which no injury can pro fects. The slaves are rendered
ceed towards themselves, nor can more tractable; besides being bet
any through its means be by them ter men and women, they become
inflicted upon their masters. Their more obedient servants; they are
ideas are removed from any brought under the control of the
thought of the customs of their priesthood; and even if this was
own country, and are guided into the only additional hold which was
a channel of a totally difi‘erent na gained by their entrance into the
ture, and completely unconnected church, it is a great engine of
with what is practised there. The power which is thus brought into
election of a king of Congo (which action.
I have mentioned in chapter xiii.) But in no circumstance has the
by the individuals who come from introduction of the Christian reli
that part of Africa, seems indeed gion among the slaves been of
as if it would give them a bias to more service than in the change
wards the customs of their native which it has wrought in the men
soil; but the Brazilian Kings of regarding the treatment of their
Congo worship Our Lady of the women, and in the conduct of the
Rosary, and are dressed in the females themselves. A writer of
dress of white men; they and their great reputation on West Indian
subjects dance, it is true, after the affairs, states that the introduction
manner of their country; but to of the marriage ceremony among
the slavas of the colonies of which
these festivals are admitted African
negroes of other nations, creole he treats “would be utterly im
blacks, and mulattos, all of whom practicable to any good purpose 5"
(lance after the same manner; and and again, that he who conceives
these dances are now as much the that a remedy may be found for
national dances of Brazil as they polygamy “ by introducing among
are of Africa. The Portuguese them the laws of marriage, as es
language is spoken by all the tablished in Europe, is utterly ig
slaves, and their own dialects are norant of their manners, propen
allowed to lie dormant until they sities, and superstitions.” Is it
are by many of them quite for not that by the masters these things
gotten. No compulsion is resorted are considered to be of little im
to to make them embrace the portance, and therefore unworthy
habits of their masters, but their of much trouble ? As long as the
ideas are insensibly led to imitatework is done, little else is thought
and adopt them. The masters at .of. Where the interest of the
the same time imbibe some of the master .is concerned, the “man
customs of their slaves, and thus ners, propensities; and supersti
the superior and his dependant are tions,” Will soon be overcome.
brought nearer to each other. I hope that at the present day such
doubt not that the system of bap opinions do not generally exist
tising the newly-imported negroes All men in the same state of bar
proceeded rather from the bigotry barism treat their women in the
of the Portuguese in former times same manner; the evil lies not
' with
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 4119
with the race of beings, but in the are incapable of lasting attach
dreadful situation to which this ment, without supposing'that the
one is reduced. Why, therefore, regard of each sex is mere animal
not attempt to improve and to be desire, unconnected with predi
nefit the individuals of which it is lection. That species of affection
composed ? which is heightened until personal
The slaves of Brazil are regular possession is almost forgotten;
ly married according to the forms doubtless is not felt by human be
of the Catholic church; the bans ings who are in a state of barba
are published in the same manner rism; but still a negro may be at
as those of free persons; and I tached ; he may fix upon one object
have seen many happy couples (as in preference to all others. That
happy at least as slaves can be) this is the case, I can vouch; 1
with large families of children have known and have heard of
rising around them. The masters many instances in which punish
encourage marriages among their ments and other dangers have
slaves, for it is from these lawful been braved to visit a chosen one;
connections that they can expect in which journies by night have
to increase the number of their been made after a day of fatigue 5
creoles. A _slave cannot marry in which great constancy has been
without the consent of his master, shown, and a determination that
for the vicar will not publish the the feelings of the heart shall not
banns of marriage without this be controlled. 0
sanction. It is likewise permitted
that slaves should marry free per
sons; if the Woman is in bondage, NARRATIVE OF A VOYAGE
the children remain in the same
state; but if the man is a slave, Of his Majesty’s late Ship Alceste,
and she is free, their offspring is to the Yellow Sea, 8:0. 8m. to the
also free. A slave cannot be mar Island of Lewchew: By John
ried until the requisite prayers M‘Leod, Surgeon of the Alceste.
have been learnt, the nature of
confession be understood, and the The island of Lewchew is about
sacrament can be received. Upon fifty miles long and from twelve
the estates the master or manager to fifteen broad; Napa-kiang, our
is soon made acquainted with the position, (and within five miles of
predilections of the slaves for each Kint-ching, the capital) lying in
other, and these being discovered, lat. 26° 14’ N., long. 127° 52' 1”
marriage is forthwith determined E. This is its south-west point,
upon, and the irregular proceed the main body of the island ex
ings are made lawful. In towns tending from hence north at little
there is more licentiousness among eastwardly. It is Washed on the
the negroes, as there is among all one side by the Northern Pacific
other classes of men. The passion Ocean, and on the other by the
of love is supposed only to exist in Tang Hai, or Eastern Sea.
a certain state of civilization, and The rocks about it are all of the
this may be granted without at the coral kind, and immense masses,
same time declaring that negroes some assuming very odd shapes,
QE 2 were
420 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
were seen every where along the them. The following is the sub
sea-shore; and many of the same stance of his report as to their
formation were found on the origin :—“The Lewchewan tra
higher land, at some distance dition states, that, in the begin
from the beach, whose situation ning, one man and one woman
is not easily to be accounted for, were produced in the great void or
unless we suppose them to have chaos. They had the joint name
been elevated by the force of vol~ of Omo-mey-kieou. From their
canic fire. union sprung three sons and two
It is the principal island of a daughters; the eldest of the sons
group of thirty-six, subject to the had the title of Tien-sun, or
same monarch, and the seat of the Grandson of Heaven, and was the
government. The natives trace their first king of Lewchew; the se
history back to a period long an cond was the father of the tribu
terior to the Christian era; but tary princes; the rest of the peo
their first communication with the ple acknowledge the third as'their
rest of the world, when their ac progenitor. The eldest daughter
counts - became fully corroborated had the title of Celestial Spirit;
and undisputed, was about the the second the Spirit of the Sea.
year 605, when they were invaded After the death of Tien-sun,
by China, who found them at that twenty-five dynasties reigned suc
time—a time when England and cessively in this country, occupy
the greater part of Europe were ing' (according to their story) a
immersed in barbarism—the same period of 17,802 years previous to
kind of people they are at the the time of Chuntein, who com
present day, with the exception of menced his reign in 1187. This is
a few Chinese innovations; or, at their fabulous history, of which
least, they appear to have altered they are veryjealous ; but nothing
but in a very slight degree. In certain was known until 605, be
deed, it is very obvious that a re fore which the inhabitants of For-v
volution in manners, and altera mosa and the adjacent islands were
tion of habits, are by no means so denominated by the Chinese the
likely to occur with a people thus Oriental Barbarians. In this year
living in an obscure and secluded the emperor sent to examine them ;
state, as among those who have a but, from want of interpreters, no
wider intercourse with other na clear account was obtained. They
tions. The only connexion which brought back, however, some of
the Lewchewans have had with the islanders to Sin-gan-fbo, the
their neighbours, and that but capital of the province of Chen-si,
very limited, has been with Japan and the seat of the court under
and China, from neither of whom the Souy dynasty. Some Japan
they were likely to receive any ese, who happened to be there,
example of change. i knew the people, and described
The clearest, and, perhaps, the them as a race of barbarians. The
only account given of their history Emperor Yang-ti sent forthwith
is by Su-poa-Koang, a Chinese some who understood. their lan
doctor or philosopher, who was, guage to Lewchew, to command
in 1719, sent as embasSador to their homage, andsacknowledg
ment
l
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 421
ment of [him as their sovereign. the king and queen ; among which
The prince of Lewchew haughtily was a gold seal.
replied, that he would own none “ The two kings of the other
as his superior. A fleet with ten districts, Chan-pe and Chan-nan,
thousand men was now fitted out followed the example of Tchon
from Amoi and the ports of F0 chan, and their submission was
kien, which force, overcoming the most graciously received. Thirty
efforts of the islanders, landed at six Chinese families were sent to
Lewchew; and the king, who live in Cheouli, where grants of
had put himself at the head of his land were conceded to them ; here
people to repel the enemy, being they taught the Chinese written
killed, the Chinese burned the characters, introduced Chinese
capital, and, carrying ofi' five thou books. and the ceremonies in
sand of the natives, as slaves, re honour of Confucius. The sons
turned to China. From this, until of'the Lewchewan grandees were
1291, the Lewchewans were left also sent to Nankin to study Chi.
unmolested, when Chit-sou, an nese, and were educated with dis
emperor of the Yuen family, re tinction, at the expense of the em
viving his pretensions, fitted out peror.
a fleet against them from the ports “ The reigns of Ou-ning and
_ of Fo-kien; but, from various Tse-chao, the son'and grandson of
causes, it never proceeded farther Tsay-tou, presented nothing ex
than the western coast of Formo traordinary ; but that of Chang
sa, and from thence returned un pa-chi was marked by the re
successful to China. In the year union of Chan-pe and Chan-nan
1379., Hong~ou,emperor of China, with Tchon-chan into one king
and founder of the Ming dynasty, dom, and the government has
sent a great mandarin to Tsay since continued in the hands of a
tou, who governed in Tchon-chan, single chief. Lewchew is said
the country being at this period henceforth to have had consider
divided, in consequence of civil able intercourse with China and
disturbances, into three kingdoms, Japan in the way of commerce,
who, in a private audience, ac much to her advantage, and to
quitted himself with such address have even mediated between those
as to persuade the king to declare two powers when misunderstand
himself tributary to China, and to ings had occurred.
request of the emperor the inves “ The famous Tay-cosama,
titure of his estate. however, emperor of Japan, whom
“ Having thus managed by the Chinese call ambitious, pirati
finesse what arms had been unable cal, irreligious, cruel, and de
to effect, the emperor took care to bauched, because he had pillaged
receive, with great distinction, their coasts, sent a haughty letter
the envoys sent by their master. to Chang-ning, commanding him
They brought offerings of fine _ to transfer his homage from China
horses, scented woods, sulphur, to Japan, which Chang-ning, as
copper, and tin, and were sent firmly refused. Notwithstanding
back again with rich presents for the death of Tay-cosama, the Ja
panese
422 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1311.
panese fitted out a fleet at Satsu they practised sorcery and witch~
ma, made a descent on Lewchew, craft: Cang-hi likewise intro
took the king prisoner, and car duced among them the adoration
ried him ofi', having plundered the of a new deity, under the name of
palace, and killed one of his near Tien-fey, or Celestial 'Queen.
relations, who also resisted the Polygamy is allowed here, as in
acknowledgment of the Japanese. China, but seldom practised. Men
During a captivity of two years, and women of the same surname
Chang-ning acquired the admira cannot intermarry. The king can
tion of the captors by his unyield only take a wife from one of three
ing firmness and constancy in re great families, who always hold
fusing to swerve from his first al the most distinguished posts:
legiance, and they generously sent there is also a fourth, -of the high
him back to his states. est consideration, but with which
“ The Tartar dynasty, so'on the princes cannot form an alli
after this, was placed, by con ance, because it is doubtful whe
quest, on the throne of China, and ther that family is not itself of the
made some alteration in the nature royal line. Their chiefs are ge
of the tribute to be paid, stipula nerally hereditary, but not always;
ting that envoys, in future, should for men of merit are promoted,
be sent to Pekin only once in two and all are liable to be degraded
years. Cang-hi paid much atten for improper conduct. The king’s
tion to the welfare of Lewchew ; revenue arises from his own do
and his memory to this day is mains; from imposts on salt, sul
much respected by the people. It phur, copper, tin, and several_
is said to be nearly a thousand other articles; and from this in
years since the bonzes of the sect come he defrays the expenses of
of F0 introduced their mode of the state,~ and the salaries of the
worship into these islands, which great officers.
has continued to the present time. “ These salaries consist nomi
“ When they make a vow, it is nally in a certain number of bags
not before the statues or images of rice; but they are paid gene
of their idols; but they burn in rally in silks, and various other
cense, and, placing themselves in necessary articles of clothing and
a respectful attitude before certain food, in proportions equal to the
consecrated stones, which are to value of so many bags of that
be seen in various public situa grain. All their interior com
tions, they repeat some mysterious merce or marketing is performed
words, said to have been dictated by the women and girls at regu
by the divine daughters of Omo lated times. They carry their
'mey-kieou. They have also among little loads upon their heads with
them aset of holy women, who singular dexterity, consisting of
worship certain spirits deemed_ the usual necessaries of life and
powerful among them, and who wearing apparel, which they ex
visit the sick, give medicines, and change for what they more imme
recite prayers. This seems to have diately want, or for the copper
given rise to the accusation of an coin of China and Japan. The
old missionary at Japan, who said men are said to be neat workmen
in
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 423
in gold, silver, copper, and other remarkable for its simplicity as
metals; and there are manufacto it is for its elegance. The hair,
ries of silk, cotton, flax, and pa which is of a. glossy black, (black
per. They also build very good anointed with an oleaginous sub
vessels, quite large enough to un stance, obtained from the leaf of a
dertake voyages to China and Ja tree,) is turned up from before, from
pan, where their barks are much behind, and on both sides, to the
esteemed. They have adopted the crown of the head, and there tied
Chinese calendar with respect to close down 3 great care being taken
the ‘division of the month and that all should be perfectly smooth ;
year. This island produces rice, and the part of the hair beyond
wheat, and all sorts of vegetables, the fastening, or string, being now
in abundance. The people of the twisted into a neat little top-knot,
coast are expert fishermen, and is there retained by two fasteners,
the sea and rivers are well furnish called camesashee and usisashee,
ed with fish. They are famous made either of gold, silver, or
divers, and obtain shells and mo brass, according to the circum
ther-of-pearl, very much esteemed stances of the wearer; the former
in China and Japan. of these having a little star on the
“ They possess many woods pro end of it, which points forward.
per for dying; and one tree in par This mode of hair-dressing is prac—
ticular yields an oil which is held tised with the greatest uniformity,
in great repute. They have like from the highest to the lowest of the
wise a great variety of most deli males, and has avery pleasingeffect,
cate fruits, oranges, citrons, le whether viewed singly, or when
mons, long-y-ven, lee-tchees, they are gathered together. At
grapes, 8w. \Volves, tigers, and the age of ten years the boys are
bears, are unknown; but they entitled to ‘ the usisashee, and at
have many useful animals, such fifteen they wear both. Except
as horses, water-dogs, black cat those in office, who wear only a‘
tle, stags, poultry, geese, pea cap on duty, they appear to have
cocks, pigeons, doves, 8w. no covering for the head, at least
“ The camphor, cedar, and ebo in fine weather. Interiorly, they
ny, are among the number of their wear a kind of shirt, and a pair of
trees; and they have also wood drawers, but over all a loose robe,
well fitted for ship-building, and with white sleeves, and a broad
for public edifices'. They are re sash round their middle. They
presented as disdaining slavery, have sandals on their feet, neatly
lying, and cheating. They are formed of straw, and the higher
fond of games and amusements, orders have also white gaiters,
and celebrate, with much pomp, coming above the ancle. The
the worship of their idols, at the quality of their robes depends on
end and commencement of the that of the individual.--The supe—
year; and there exists much union rior classes wear silk of 'various
among the branches of families, hues, with a sash of contrasting
who give frequent and cheerful colour, sometimes interwoven with
entertainments to each other." gold .—The lower orders make use
The dress of these people is as of a Sort of cotton stufi', generally
of
424 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
of a chesnut colour, and some no diseased objects, nor beggars
times striped, or spotted blue and of any description, among them.
white. The verdant lawns and roman
There are nine ranks of gran tic scenery of Tinian and Juan
dees, or public officers, distin Fernandez, so well described in
guished by their caps ; of which Anson’s Voyage, are here display~
we observed four.-—The highest ed in higher perfection, and on a.
noticed was worn by a member much more magnificent scale; for
of the royal family, which was cultivation is added to the most
of a pink colour, with bright yel enchanting beauties of nature.
low lozenges.--The next in dignity From a commanding height above
was the purple; then plain yel the ships, the view is, in all di
low; and the red seemed to be the rections, picturesque and delight
lowest. ful. On one hand are seen the
On the female attire we could distant islands, rising from a
make but little observation—The wide expanse of ocean, whilst the
higher ranks are said to wear (and clearness of the water enables the
some indeed were seen with) sim eye to trace all the coral reefs,
ply a loose flowing robe, without which protect the anchorage im
any sash; the hair either hanging mediately below. To the south is
loose over the shoulders, or tied the city of Napafoo, the vessels at
up over the left side of the head, anchor in the harbour, with their
the ends falling down again. The streamers flying ; and' in the in
lower orders seemed to have petti termediate space appear numerous
coats scarcely deeper than a High hamletsscatteredaboutonthebanks
lander’s kilt, with a short, but of the rivers, which meander in the
loose habit above. One lady, who valley beneath ; the eye being, in
very frequently promenaded at the every direction, charmed by the
,nearest village, in front of the varied hues of the luxuriant foli-I
ships, appeared to have her robe age around their habitations—
richly embroidered. Turning to the east, the houses
The island of Lewchew itself is of Kint-ching, the capital city,
situate in the happiest climate of built in their peculiar style, are
s the globe.-—Refreshed by the sea observed, opening from among.
breezes, which, from its geogra the lofty trees which surround
phical position, blow over it at and shade them, rising one above
every period of the year, it is free another in gentle ascent to the
from the extremes of heat and summit of a hill, which is crowned
cold, which oppress many other by the king‘s palace: the inter
countries ; whilst from the gene vening grounds between Napafoo
ral configuration of the, land, and Kint-ching, a distance of
being more adapted to the pro some miles, being' ornamented by
duction of rivers and streamlets a continuation of villas and coun
than of bogs 0r marshes, one try houses. To the north, as far
great source of disease in the as the eye can reach, the higher
warmer latitudes has no existence: land is covered with extensive
and the people seemed to enjoy forests.
robust health 5 for we observed' About half a mile from this
eminence,
 MAN NERS AND CUSTOMS. 4%
eminence, the traveller is led by a were a great temptation, they beg
foot-path to what seems only a ged that none might be left careless
little wood; on entering which, ly about.—Although, however, the
under an archway formed by the rope machinery and other articles
intermingling branches of the op remained, for many nights, un
posite trees, he passes along a guarded on the beach, and their
serpentine labyrinth, intersected opportunities on board were num
at short distances by others. Not berless, yet not one theft occurred
far from each other, on either side during the whole of our sojourn
of these walks, small wicker doors among them.
are observed, on opening any of That proud and haughty feeling
which, he is surprised by the' of national superiority, so strong
appearance of a court-yard and ly existing among the common
house, with the children, and all class of British seamen, which
the usual cottage train, generally induces them to hold all foreigners
gamboling about ; so that, whilst cheap, and to treat them with
a man fancies himself in some contempt, often calling them out
lonely and sequestered retreat, he landish lubbers in their own coun
is, in fact. in the middle of a try, was, at this island, completely
populous,'but invisible village. subdued and tamed by the gentle
Nature has been bountiful in manners and kind behaviour of the '
all her gifts to Lewchew: for most pacific people upon earth.
such is the felicity of its soil and Although completely intermixed,
climate, that productions of the and often working together, both
vegetable kingdom, very distinct on shore and on board, not a sin
in their nature, and generally gle quarrel or complaint took place
found in regions far distant from on either side during the whole of
each other, grow here side by side. our stay; on the contrary, each
It is not merely, as might be ex succeeding .day added _to friendship
pected, the country of the orange and cordiality. \
and the lime; but the .banyan of Notwithstanding it was an in
India and the Norwegian fir, the fringement of their established
tea-plant, and sugar-cane, all rules for strangers to land upon
flourish together. In addition to their coasts, yet they granted
many good qualities, not often every possible indulgence, and
found combined, this island can conceded the point as far as they
also boast its rivers and secure could; for their dispositions seem
harbours; and last, though not ed evidently at war with the unso
least, a worthy, a friendly, and a cial law. When any of the oflice'rs
happy race of people. wandered into the country beyond
These islanders are represented the bounds prescribed, they were
as .being remarkable for their never rudely repulsed, as in China
honesty and adherence to truth, or Morocco, but mildly entreated to
and to this character they appear return, as a favour to those in at
to be fully entitled. The chiefs tendance, lest they should incur
informed us that there was little blame; and, as this appeal was
probability of their stealing any powerful, it was never disregarded.
thing; but, as iron implements They erected little temporary
bamboo '
 426 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1'817.
bamboo watch-houses or 'sheds, tremely trying to the health of the
where those engaged in this duty men. On our arrival at Lewchew,
resided ; and, as we wandered our cases of sickness, though not
about, handed us over from one numerous, were severe; and to
post to another. In these houses the kindness of the natives may,
they always pressed the ofiicers to in a great measure, be attributed
partake of their fare, which was their recovery. They were not
often very good, especially a kind only comfortably lodged, but
of hung beef which they have the the higher class of people daily
' art of curing extremely well. attended, inquiring into their
They appeared to be much ac wants, giving additional coogas or
customed to these pic-nic sort of eggs, and other delicacies, to those
parties, having a small japanned whose cases more particularly re
box, containing sliding drawers quired them, and paying a cheer
for the various viands, which a ing attention to the whole; for
boy generally carried, on the end theirs was a substantial, not a cold
of a bamboo, to any part of the or ostentatious charity.
fields where they thought proper Captain Maxwell, in riding one
to dine. _ _' morning to inspect the progress
, One man, very often accompa of the artificers, by the stumbling
nied by Gero‘o, or (as he was of his horse, which fell among
sometimes termed, from having a the rocks, not only fractured the
constant smile upon his counte bone, but badly dislocated the
nance) the laughing mandarin, joint of his fore-finger. Some of
seemed to carry about with him his Lewchewan friends, who were
a constant supply of these refresh near him, ran to the next village
ments, and chazzi, a liqueur, which for one of their surgical profes
led us to believe that he had been sors. He soon arrived, and, after
deputed for the express purpose of much salutation, proceeded to
paying attention to our officers.» examine the injury, (the disloca
The sudden vicissitudes of wea tion had in the interim been re
ther to which we had been exposed, duced by the coxswain pulling
by leaving England during extreme upon it,) and stated that he would
cold, and passing suddenly into the come on board the ship, whither
torrid zone; then immediately af the captain was then proceeding,
terwards into the cold raw climate in an hour, with the applications
of the southern Atlantic; meeting he thought necessary for it. At‘
with heat again at the CapeofGood the time appointed, one of the
Hope; then crossing in rather a chiefs, with this surgeon, and
high latitude the chilly Southern another more in the character of
Ocean; and, quickly .following a physician, and their retinue,
that appearing on the burning some of them bearing a medicine
coast of Java ; might, in fact, be chest, made their appearance
said to have exposed us, in the alongside. The injury being again
short period of four months, to examined, (and it having been
the effects of three summers and previously decided that they were
three winters ; and proved as to have the management of the
might naturally be supposed, cx~ cure, under surveillance, in order
to
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.
to observe how they would act,) a.
fowl was killed with much form,
and skinned, and a composition of
flour and eggs, with some warm
ingredients about the consistence
of dough, was put round the
fractured part, (which had the
efi'ect of retaining it in its posi—
tion,) and the whole enclosed in
the skin of the fowl. As this fowl
appeared to have been sacrificed,
its skin being applied to enclose
the whole was most probably
meant to act as a charm.
The manual part finished, the
physician proceeded to examine though they had never been taken
the general state of health, and
the pulse appeared to be his chief,
and indeed only guide, in this re~
spect. The arm was laid bare to
the shoulder, and he applied his
fingers with great attention, and
with as much solemnity as ever
issued from Warwick-lane, to the
course of the artery, and at all
parts of the arm where he could
feel it beat, to ascertain whether
it- was every Where alike; and,
lest there should be any mistake
in this point, the other arm un
derwent the same investigation;
the whole party looking all the
while extremely grave. Having
now decided as to the medicines
necessary on this occasion, his
little chest was brought forward,
with his pharmacopaaia, and a
sort of clinical guide, directing the
quantity and quality of the dose.
His chest was extremely neat,
its exterior japanned black, and a
number of partitions in it, again
subdivided, so as to contain about
a hundred and eighty different
articles (quite enough in all con
science, even among the greatest
hypochondriacs and drug-swal
lowers); but they were fortu
427
nately all simples, being a collec—
tion of wood-shavings, roots, seeds,
and dried flowers of his own
country. There appeared also
some ginseng, a product of Tar
tary and Corea, much in vogue in
these parts. Small portions of
the specified articles were mea- '
sured out with a silver spatula,
and put up in little parcels, and
directions were now issued as to
the mode of boiling and drinking
the decoction. Next day they
were highly delighted to hear the
good effect of their medicines,
(as many a poor doctor is cheated
by cunning patients) ; and a new
application was brought for the
finger, termed a fish poultice,
so composed as to look, and in
deed to smell, something like
currant-jelly.
Having carried on this scheme
for a few days, they were then
informed that the finger was so
much better as to render their at
tendance unnecessary any longer ;
\ and, as a reward for their services,
they were presented with some
little articles, and among others,
as an addition to the chest, some
spirits of hartshorn, displaying to
them its efi'ect on the olfactory
organs, with which they were
quite astonished and pleased;
some spirits of lavender and oil of
mint, they also considered a great
acquisition. The physician, more
especially, seemed to be a very
respectable man, and was treated
as such by those about him. Their
practice seems to be a good deal
derived from the Chinese, for
their notion of the circulation of
the blood, or rather their having
no correct notion about it, is the
same. Neither have they any idea
of
 4-28 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817'.
of anatomy from actual observa grotesque assembly. They at
tion, and, of course, the greater tempted our mode of country
operations cannot be undertaken; dancing, and managed (consider
one man only was examined by ing it was necessary to make use
Mr. Rankin, who had lost his arm, of both feet) tolerably well.
and his stump was rather a rude The Lewchewans are a very
one. Some corn was left with small race of people, the average
them, which they promised to height of the men not exceeding
cultivate; and fortunately Cap five feet two inches at the utmost.
tain Hall had some English pota Almost the whole animal creation
toes, which were likely to be pro ‘ here is of diminutive size, but all
ductive, and the mode of planting excellent in their kind. Their
them was particularly described. bullocks seldom weighed more
Their own, or sweet potatoes than 3501bs., but they were plump
(convolvulus balatus) with which and well-conditioned, and the beef
they supplied us, contain a great very fine; their goats and pigs
quantity of saccharine matter, and were reduced in the same propor
are extremely nutritious. Their tion, their poultry seeming to
fields were extremely neat, and form the only exception. How
their furrows arranged with much ever small the men might be,
regularity by a plough of a simple they were sturdy, well-built, and
construction drawn by bulls, as athletic. The ladies we had no
sisted occasionally by the use of a opportunity of measuring, but
hoe; and they practised irrigation they appeared to be of correspond
in the culture of their rice. A ing stature. _
young bull of English breed _ These islanders, most probably,
(though calved on the island) was originated from Japan or Corea,
presented to the chief authorities having a good deal of the Corean
by Captain Maxwell, leaving them lineaments, but rather milder, and
also a cow (having two on board) , softened down. They are obvi
so that it is possible the next ously not of Chinese origin, having
visitors who touch at Lewchew nothing whatever of that drowsy
may find a larger, though they and elongated eye which peculi
cannot find a better race of cattle. arly distinguishesthe latter; nor
' The mode of dancing of these would it seem that the- few Chi
people may, strictly speaking, be nese and their descendants settled
termed hopping; for they jump on the island freely mixed with
about upon one leg only, keeping 'the native Lewchewans, the na
the other up, and changing occa tional features and the natural
sionally, making a number of ex disposition of the two people being
travagant motions, and clapping ' perfectly distinct, and difl'ering in
with their hands, and singing at every respect. Neither have they
' the same time their dancing song. any mixture of Indian blood, being
According to our notions, this was quite as fair as the southern Eu
their only ungraceful action. A ropeans ; even those who are most
number of them thus engaged, exposed being scarcely so swarthy
more especially when joined by as the same class of society in
the officers, (who must needs ac Spain or Portugal.
quire their style,)‘formed rather a The Chinese language is learnt
by
 MANNERS ‘ AND CUSTOMS. 429
by a few, as the French is in our order was immediately issued by
own country,- but the Bonzes, or the commanding officer to desist
priests, who are also school from this sort of sporting.
masters, teach the boys their The people of Tatao and the
native language, which is a dialect north-east islands are reported to
of the Japanese, and is rather soft have been in possession of books
and harmonious; and they have previous to the Chinese attack on
nothing of that hesitation in ut Grand Lewchew, and to have been
terance, or appearance of choking, even more polished than in the
which is observed in the former, principal island. Tatao and Ki
often requiring the action of the ki-ai are said to produce a sort of
hands to assist the tongue. The cedar, termed kienmou by the
orders and records of government Chinese, and iseki by the inhabi
are in their own, or Japanese tants, which is considered incor
character; but they have -books ruptible, and brings agreat price,
in the Chinese language. the columns of the palaces of the
They burn the.bodies of their grandees being generally formed
dead, and deposit their bones in of it. -
urns, (at least in our neighbour A remarkable production is
hood,) in natural vaults, or caverns found on this island, about the
of the rocks along the sea-shore. size of a cherry-tree, bearing
The graves of the few Chinese flowers, which, alternately on the
residents here are formed in their same day, assume the tint of the
own style. rose or the lily, as they are ex
Crimes are said to be very un posed to the sun-shine or the
frequent among them; and they shade. The bark of this tree is
seem to go perfectly unarmed, for of a deep green, and the flowers
we observed no warlike instru bear a resemblance to our common
ments of any description; and our roses. Some of our party, whose
guns, shot, and musquetry, ap powers of vision were strong (as
peared to be objects of great sisted by vigorous imaginations)
wonder to them. ‘It must have fancied, that by attentive watch
been the policy of the Chinese to ing, the change of hue from white
disarm them, for it appears that, to'red, under the influence of the
in the first instance, they defended solar ray, Was actually perceptible
themselves . nobly against their to the eye 5 that they altered their
attacks, as well as those of the colour, however, in the course of
Japanese. Not even a bow or .a few hours was very obvious.
arrow was to be seen ; and, when The vessels of these islands, in
they observed the effect of fowling the general appearance of their
pieces in the hands of some of the hulls and plan.of rigging and
gentlemen, they begged they might sails, are precisely the same as we
not kill the birds, which they were had observed throughout the whole
always glad to see flying about of our track from the Gulf of
their houses; and if we required. Pe-tche-lee to Napa-kiang. They
them to eat, they would send in had, in common use, canoes hol
their stead an additional quantity lowed from the trunk of a tree,
of fowls on board every day. An much the same in shape as those
of
 430 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
of other parts of the world where As he passed along the decks,
they are employed, and of suffi his own .people saluted him by
cient size to contain easily from kneeling ; clasping the hands be
six to eight or ten people. For fore their breasts and bowing the
purposes of heavier burden, they head.v He examined minutely
.had boats strongly built, and rather every thing about the ship, and
flat-bottomed. seemed equally pleased and sur
In these boats they brought our prised with all he saw. After
water, bullocks, and other stock, joining in a sumptuous collation
on board. The water was not in the cabin, he took his leave
sent in barrels,.but in open tubs, with the same honours as when
and baled from these into our he came on board, having pre
casks. viously invited, the captain and
A few days previous to our officers to an entertainment on
leaving the island, intimation was shore. The day appointed for this
s’ent that a man of the first dis feast happening to be the 25th of
tinction (said to be one of the October, the anniversary of our
princes, and nearest heir to the venerable soveru'gn’s accession to
crown) intended paying a visit to the throne, a royal salute was
the ship. He was carried down fired, at sun-rise, by both ships;
to the mouth of the little river, at noon the standard was hoisted,
opposite to the anchorage, in a the ships dressed in colours, and
close chair, or palanquin, amidst another salute fired; after which
an immense concourse of people, the boats with their flags flying,
who had flocked from all parts to containing the captain! and every
this spot. He embarked in great _ oflicer that could possibly be spared,
state, in their own boats, with proceeded into Napa-kiang.
their flags flying; and was sa They were received precisely as
luted, on his approach to the ships, on the former occasion, except
by seven guns from each, and re that the number of grandees was
ceived on board the Alceste with greater, and there appeared a
every possible mark of respect higher degree of state. The prince
and attention; the rigging being received the party at the gate, and
manned, and the officers in full conducted them into the hall.
dress. He was above the usual Three tables were laid close to
size of the Lewchewans, and had each other ; the first for the great
rather more of the European cast man and the captains, the second
of countenance. ' His robe was of for the superior officers, and the
a dark pink-coloured silk; the third for the young gentlemen.
cap rather lighter, with bright This prince, or chief, did the ho
yellow lozenges on it. In his nours of his own table, occasion
mien and department. there was ally directing his attention to the
' much dignified simplicity; for, others 5 but a man of some rank
although his carriage was that of was added to each of them for the
a man of high rank, it was totally purpose of seeing the strangers
unmixed with the least appear properly treated, as well as to
ance of hauteur; and his demean pass and proclaim the toasts; and
our was, altogether, extremely en for this purpose they were allowed
gaging. to be seated, all the rest standing
7 round
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 431
round the room, but, at the same neck ; and the ceremony, being in
time, joining heartily in the ge public, had the appearance of in—
neral mirth and glee. The healths vesting him with an order, with
of our king and Royal Family which he seemed to be highly
were toasted with much respect, gratified. As the boats shoved ofi'
and the anniversary of his ma from the landing-place, the crews,
jesty’s accession Was a day of real whom they had handsomely enter
jubilee at Napafoo. The sove tained, gave them three cheers,
reign of Levvchew, the queen and which they returned in their own
princes, were proposed by' our style of salutation; and in this
party; whilst our hosts (never manner followed the boats along
deficient in politeness) toasted the the pier, to the mouth of the
wives and children of their friends river. They had sent on board
the Engelees. In dining on board the ship a great number of co
the ship, Captain Maxwell had loured papervlanterns, for the
given confectionary to those who purpose of illuminating her at
were married, in parcels, propor night, in honour of our king.
tioned to the number of children This was done after dark, the lan
they had ; and on this occasion terns being regularly ranged along
they returned the compliment 5 in the yards and rigging, the main
the distribution of which the grey— deck ports illuminated, sky-rockets
beards were highly amused on ob thrown up, and blue lights burnt
serving some of the young mid at the yard-arms, bowsprit, and
shipmen acquiring at once wives spanker-boom ends, with a feu
and large families. de-joie of musquetry, thrice re
Some personal presents from peated round the ship. The whole
the captains were on this day had a very brilliant eEect from
offered to the chiefs, consisting of the shore, where thousands of the
various articles as before, adding natives had collected to view this
some damask table cloths, and display.
elegantly cut decanters and glasses, The occurrences of this day, so
which they seemed greatly to ad novel and remarkable, will often
mire. Specimens of their manu be recalled with delight by all who
factures in cloth were sent on witnessed the pleasing scene of
board the ships in return. two people differing widely in na
At their departure, the prince tional manners, language, and
attended the party nearly to the dress; distinct, in fact, in every
landing-place; and, when about thing that is exterior, yet so har
to take his leave, two small addi moniously united in hearty good
tional presents (at the suggestion will and convivial friendship.
of Captain Hall) were given to The period of our departure
him, as memorials. One was a being now fixed, all the stores
very neat pocket thermometer (the were embarked on the evening of
use of the larger ones having been the 26th October. The next morn
explained to him on board,) and ing, as the ships unmoored, the
the other acornelian seal set in Lewchewans, as a mark of respect,
gold, with a ribband attached to arrayed themselves in their best
each; they were hung round his apparel, and, proceeding to the
temple,
432 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
temple, ofl'ered up to their gods a quainted with, the utmost precau
solemn sacrifice, invoking them to tion was taken by keeping the
protect the Engelees, to avert every leads going in both chains, men
danger, and restore them in safety looking out at the mast-heads,
to their native land! In the man yard-arms, and bowsprit end; the
ner of this adieu there was an air captain, master, and officer of the
of sublimity and benevolence com watch, on whom the charge of
bined, by far more touching to the ship at such a time more par
the heart than the most refined ticularly devolves, having been
compliment of a more civilized vigilantly on deck during the
people. It was the genuine be whole of the previous night and
nignity of artless nature, and of this morning. Steering under all
primitive innocence. Immediately these guarded circumstances, the
following this solemnity, oar par soundings exactly corresponding
ticular friends crowded on board with the charts, and following the
to shake hands, and say “ Fare express line prescribed by all con
well !" whilst the tears which curring directions to clear every
many of them shed, evinced the danger (and the last danger of this
sincerity of their attachment. . sort between us and England), the
_ ship about half-past seven in the
morning struck with a horrid
NARRATIVE OF THE SHIPWRECK.
crash, on a reef of sunken rocks,
A course was now shaped to and remained immoveable !
avoid the numerous rocks and It was very soon indeed but too
shoals, not well defined, which evident that any attempt to move
lie in that part of the Chinese sea. her would be attended with the
more immediately to the west most fatal consequences; for, on
ward of the Philippines, and to the each side of the rocks on which
north-westward of Borneo ; and she hung, the water deepened
having by the 14th passed the from ten to seventeen fathoms im
whole, and got into the usual track mediately around her 5 and, from
for the passage of either the Straits the injury received, she must have
of Banca 0r Gaspar, it was resolved gone down in a few minutes, had
to proceed through the latter, as she forced her way over this nar
being more direct and less subject row reef. The best bower anchor
to calms than the former, and con was therefore let go, to keep her
sidering them equally safe, from fast; and the pumps were soon
the latest surveys and directions abandoned, being clearly of no
being on board, some of them by avail.
those who had personally examined - The boats were hoisted out, and
them. At day-light in the morn~ Lieutenant Hoppner, with the
ing of the 18th we made Gaspar barge and cutter, ordered to pro
Island, exactly at the time ex ceed with the embassador and
pected, and, passing it, stood on suite; and all those not essentially
for the straits. As is customary required, to the nearest part of the
in approaching any coast or pas island, which seemed about three
sage whatever, but more especially miles and a half distant. Mean
one that all are not familiarly ac while every exertion was used by
the
 aliinnaas aND cus'roius. 433
the captain and officers, who re the sea lifting her from the rocks,
mained by the ship, to secure what she dashed on them again with
provisions and stores could be ob such violence, as to render it
tained; a task of considerable necessary about midnight to cut
labour and dilficulty, for all was away the topniasts. At day-light,
under water, which now rose above on Wednesday the 19th,. Mr.
1 'the orlop- deck. ~ M‘Leod landed with two men .who
“than she struck, the tide must had been severely wounded by the
have been rising, for towards the fall of the masts, and with a re
afternoon it' fell outside, and cons port from the captain to. Lord
sequently inside the ship several Amherst. The spot in which our
feet ; thereby enabling us to save party were situated was sufficiently
Ourselves from absolute starvation romantic, but seemed at the same
by laying hold of some articles of time the abode of ruin and of
provender which floated up, as havoc. Few, ofits inhabitants (and
sisted by divers, and which the among the rest 'the‘embassador)
boats were employed in convey had more than a shirt or pair of
ing to the shore. A raft was also trowsers on. The wreckof books,
‘cdnstructed,’ on w hich were placed or, as it was not unaptly termed,
the heavier stores, with some bag “ a literary manure," was spread
gage; and towed towards the about in all directions; whilst
island. By the return of these parliamentary robes, court-dresses,
boats which carried his Excellency and mandarin habits, intermixed
on shore we learnt the very great with check shirts and tdrry jack
difficulty of effecting a landing, the ets, were hung around in wild
mangrove trees growing out to a confusion on every tree.
considerable distance in the water; ()n his lordship being informed
and it was not until after ranging that no fresh water had as yet been
'alongsbore for nearly three miles obtained from the ship, and that
from the place they at first at it was barely probable some might
tempted, that a small Opening ap be got by scuttling the lower deck,
peared, through which, by scram he desired every body might be
bling from rock tov rock, they at called around him, and ordered
last obtained a footing on term that a gill of that which had been
firma. Here, by cutting away a sent on shore the day before
quantity of the smaller jungle at (what happened to be on deck in
the foot of ’ashill (for the island the dripstones and water-jugs),
was completely overgrown with with half that quantity of rum,
wood), a space was cleared away, shouldbe equally served out to
where, under the shade of the lof every man without distinction,and,
tier trees, they bivouacqued for taking his mvn share with perfect
that‘day anr‘. night.‘ good vhumour, afforded to others
On board the ship the work an example of calm' fortitude ; and
went on with activity, endeavour a cheerful readiness _to share in
ing to save whatever might be every privation, which never fails
most useful on such an occasion ; on such .occasions to have a pow
but, as the tide rose, the swell of erful and beneficial effect, more.
Von. LIX. 2 F especially
4-34 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
especially when that example is of safety; and, by their safety, en
found, where it ought to be, in the suring more eifectually than by
first rank. any other means that of the offi
Parties were now returning, who cers and men who remained with
had been searching for water in himself upon this desert isle. It
vain, every attempt to dig for it was thought probable that row
having proved fruitless; or, being boats might be despatched from
too near the sea, salt water alone Batavia after the arrival of his
had oozed into the pits. At one excellency, so as to reach the
spot they found the skeleton of a island (even against wind and
man, and the horrid idea of his current) in twelve or fifteen days ;
having died from thirst rushed on and, as Mr. Ellis volunteered to
every mind. Those who went into return with the first boat or vessel
the wood, on these excursions, that shoved oif to our assistance,
were obliged to notch the trees, an additional assurance was thus
and leave marks as they advanced, given, that, combined with the
in order to find their way back. In influence of the embassador with
the forenoon Captain Maxwell the Dutch government, no delay
came on shore, to confer with would occur in forwarding relief.
Lord Amherst on the best mode After a short, and very slender
to be adopted in the perilous situ' fe’te champétre in this wilderness
ation in which they were then (in which salt was viewed with
placed. The boats were utterly the same horror as arsenic), his
incapable of conveying half our lordship, about five in the evening,
number any where; and, as some accompanied by the gentlemen of
must necessarily go to the nearest his suite, by Lieutenant Hoppner,
friendly port for assistance, Cap in command of the boats, Mr.
tain Maxwell judged it best that Mayne to navigate, Lieutenant
his excellency and suite should Cooke, R. M. (with a party, as
proceed with a proper guard for officer of the guard. in the event
Batavia, or whatever part of Java of falling in with any of the Malay
they could fetch, from whence pirates who infest these seas),
vessels could be despatched to Mr. Blair, midshipman, and Mr.
bring off those who remained bc Somerset (who had come to see
hind. > the world a little), waded out to
This being what is termed the the edge of the reef, and embarked
north-west monsoon, there was in the barge and cutter. They
every likelihood of the boats reach were in all forty'sevcn persons,
ing Java (the current being also and had with them a small stock
in their favour) in three days; and of provisions, consisting of a side
by this arrangement, which very of mutton, a ham, a tongue, about
happily was settled without loss of twenty pounds of coarse biscuit,
time, two grand purposes were and some few more of fine; seven
answered, the nearest to the cap— gallons of water, the same of beer,
tain’s heart and his first duty; as many of spruce, and about
viz. the immediate conveyance of thirty bottles of wine. This was
the embassador and suite to a place all that could be spared; and,
being
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.
oeing deemed equal to sustain na
ture for four or five days, in which
period they must either make the
land, or be so disposed of as to
require no provisions, it was con
sidered sufficient by the party
themselves, and they looked for no
more. After pulling outwards a
little way to clear all the rocks,
they made sail to the southward,
attended by the best wishes of every
man on the island, and were soon
out of sight. The number left
behind was two hundred men and
boys, and one woman.
The first measure of Captain
Maxwell, after fixing a party to
dig a well in a spot which was
judged, from a combination of
circumstances, the most likely to
lind water, was to remove our bi
vouac to the top of the hill, where
we could breathe a cooler and
purer air; a place in all respects
not only better adapted to the pre
servation of our health, but to our
defence in case of attack. A path
was cut upwards, and a party em
ployed in clearing away and sett~
ing fire to the underwood on the
summit. This last operation tend
ed much to free us from myriads
of ants, and of snakes, scorpions,
centipedes, and other reptiles,
which in such a place and climate
generally abound. Others were
employed in removing upwards
our small stock of prmisions,
which new deposited (under a
strict guard), in a sort of natural
magazine, formed by the tumbling
together of some huge masses of
rock on the highest part of this
eminence. On board the wreck
a party was stationed, endeavour
ing to gain any accession they
could to our stock of prmisions
435
and arms, and to save any public
stores that could be found. There
was a communication for this pur
pose between the shore and the
ship whenever the tide permitted.
For the last two days every one
had experienced much misery from
thirst : a small cask of water (the
only one which could be obtained
from the ship) was scarcely equal
to a pint each in the course of that
period; and perhaps no question
was ever so anxiously repeated, as
“What hope from the well?”
About eleven at night the dig
gers had got, by rather a tortuous
direction (on account of large
stones), as far down as twenty
feet, when they came to a clayey
or marly soil, that above it being
a red earth, which seemed rather
moist, and had nothing saline in
the taste. At a little past mid
night a bottle of muddy water was
brought the captain as a specimen,
and, the moment it was under
stood to be fresh, the rush to the
well was such as to impede the
workmen; therefore it became
necessary to plant sentries to
enable them to complete their
task, and permit the water to set
lle a little. Fortunately about this
time a heavy shower of rain fell,
and, by spreading sheets, table
cloths, &c. and wringing them,
some relief was afforded. There
are few situations in which men
exposed without shelter to a tor
rent of rain would, as in the pre
sent instance, hail that circum
stance as a blessing: bathing in
the sea was also resorted to by
many in order to drink by absorp
tion, and they fancied it afforded
relief.
Thursday, ‘20th. This morning
‘3 F ‘3 the
2i136 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
the captain, ordering all hands to might be enabled by scuttling at
gether, stated to them in few low water, or by burning her up
words, that every man, by the per-works, to acquire many useful
regulations of the navy, was as articles. .
liable to answer for his conduct On Friday, 21st, the party sta
on the present as on any other oc tioned at the ship found them
casion ; that, as long as he lived, selves, soon after day-light, sur
the same discipline should be ex rounded by a number of Malay
erted, and, if necessary, with proas, apparently Well armed, and
greater rigour than aboard; a full of men. Without a single
discipline for the general welfare, sword or musquet for defence,
which he trusted every sensible they had just time to throw them
man of the party must see the ne selves into the boat alongside, and
cessity of maintaining ;--assnring push for the shore, chased by the
them, at the same time, he would pirates, who, finding two of our
have much pleasure in recom other boats push out to their as
mending those who distinguished sistance, returned to the ship, and
themselves by the regularity and took possession of her. Soon after
propriety of their conduct ;—that wards it was reported, from the
the provisions we had been able to look-out rock, that the savages,
save should be served out, although armed with spears, were landing
necessarily with a very sparing at a point about two miles oif.
hand, yet with the most rigid Under all the depressing circum
equality to all ranks, until we ob stances attendiug shipwreck—of
tained that relief which he trusted hunger, thirst, and fatigue ; and
would soon follow the arrival of menaced by a ruthless foe; it was
Lord Amherst at Java. glorious to see the British spirit
During this day thewell aiford staunch - and unsubdued. The
ed a pint of water for each man ; order was given for every man to
it had a sweetish milk-and-water arm himself in the best way he
taste, something like the juice of could, and it was obeyed with the
the cocoa-nut, but nobody found utmost promptitude and alacrity.
fault with it; on the contrary, it Rude pike-stares were formed, by
diffused that sort of happiness cutting down young trees ; small
which only they can feel who have swords, dirks, knives, chisels, and
felt the horrible sensation of thirst even large spike-nails sharpened,
under a vertical sun, subject at the were firmly allixed to the ends of
same time to a harassing and fa these poles ; and those who could
tiguing duty. This day was em find nothing better hardened the
ployed in getting up every thing end of the wood in the fire, and,
from the foot of the hill; boats bringing it to a sharp point, form
passing to the ship, but unfortu ed a tolerable weapon. There
nately almost every thing of real were, perhaps, a dozen cutlasscs 3
value to us in our present case the marines had about thirty mus
was under water. \Ve were in kets and hayonets, but could mus
hopes; however, that, as no bad ter no more than seventy-five ball“
weather'was likely to happen, we cartridges among the whole [may
e
 MANN ERS' AN D‘ CUSTOMS.
We had fortunately preserved some
loose powder drawn from the up
per-deck guns after the ship had
struck, (for the magazine was
under water in five minutes) and
the marines, by hammering their
buttons round, and by rolling up
pieces of broken bottles in cartrid
ges, did their best to supply them
selves with a sort of langrage
which would have some efl'cct at
close quarters, and strict orders
were given not to throw away a
single shot until sure of their aim.
Mr. Chefl'y, the carpenter, and his
crew, under the direction of the
captain, were busied in forming a
sort of abattis, by felling trees,
and enclosing in a circular shape
the ground we occupied ; and, by
interweaving loose branches with
the stakes driven in among these,
a breast-work was constructed,
which afforded us some cover, and
must naturally impede the pro
gras ofany enemy unsupplied with
artillery. That part of the island
we had landed on was a narrow
ridge, not above musket-shot
across, bounded on one side by the
sea, and on the other by a creek,
extending upwards of a mile in
land, and nearly communicating
with the sea at its head. Our hill
was the outer point of this tongue,
and its shape might be very well
represented by an inverted punch
bowl: the circle on which the
bowl stands would then shew the
fortification ; and the space within
it our citadel.
It. appeared by the report of
scouts, a short tiiuc after the first
account, that the Malays had not
actually landed, but had taken
possession of some rocks near this
point, on which theydepositcd a
quantity of plunder brought from
43?
the ship ; and during the day they
continued making these predatory
trips. >
In the evening all hands were
mustered under arms, and a mot
ley group they presented ; it was
gratifying, however, to observe,
that, rude as were their imple
ments of defence, there seemed to
be no want of spirit to use them it'
occasion offered. The officers and
men were now marshalled regu—
larly into the different divisions
and companies, their various posts
assigned, and other arrangements
made. An officer and party were
ordered to take charge of the boats
for the night, and they were hauled
closer into the landing'~place. An
alarm which occurred during the
night shewed the benefit of _thcse
regulations, for, on a sentry chal
lenging a noise among the bushes,
every one was at his post in an
instant, and without the least con
fusion.
On Saturday morning 22¢], some
of the Malay boats approached the
place where ours were moored ;
and, with the View of ascertaining
whether they had any inclination
to communicate on friendly terms,
the gig with an officer and four
hands, pulled gently towards them,
waving the bough of a tree (a
general symbol of peace every ‘
where), shewing the usual demon
strations of friendship, and of a
desire to speak to them; but all
was vain, for. they were merely
reconnoitring our position, and
immediately pulled back to their
rock.
The second lieutenant (Mr. Hay)
was now ordered with the barge,
cutter, and gig, armed in the best
way we could, to proceed to the
ship, and regain possession of her,
time:
488 A NNUA'L REGISTER, 1817.
either by fair means or by force ; around, and excited the most
the pirates not appearing, at this mournful ideas. This night also
time, to have more than eighty all hands were suddenly under
men. Those on the rocks, seeing arms again, from a marine firing
our boats approach, threw all his musket at what he-very pro
their plunder into their vessels, perly considered a suspicious cha
and made ofi“. racter near his post, who appeared
Two of their largest proas were advancing upon him, and refused
now at work on the ship; but, on to answer after being repeatedly
observing their comrades abandon hailed. It turned out afterwards
the rock, and the advance of the that the branch of a tree, half-cut
boats, they also made sail away, through the day before, had given
having previously set fire to the way, under one of a race of large
ship, which they did so efi'ectually; baboons, which we found about
that in a few minutes the flames this time disputed the possession
burst from every part, and she of the island with us. At the well,
was soon enveloped in a cloud of where there generally was kept a
smoke. The boats were unable good fire at night, on account of
toboard her, and therefore re the mosquitoes, the sentries had
turned. more than once been alarmed by
Here was a period to every hope these gentlemen shewing their
of accommodation with these peo black faces from behind the trees.
ple, if, indeed, any reasonable They became so extremely trou
hope could ever have been enter blesome to some ducks we had
tained on that head. The Malays, saved from the wreck, (seizing
more especially those wandering and carrying them up the trees,
and piratical tribes, who roam and letting them fall down again
about the coasts of Borneo, Billi when alarmed,) that on several
ton, and the wilder parts of Sn occasions they left their little yard,
matra, are a race of savages, per and came up among the people,
haps the most merciless and inhu when the monkeys got among
man to be found in any part of them, thus instinctively preferring
the world. The Battas are lite the society of man for protection.
rally cannibals. ln setting fire to On Sunday morning, (93d) the
the ship, they gave a decided boats were sent to the still-smok
proof of their disposition to us; ing wreck, and some flour, a. few
but, although certainly with no cases of wine, and a cask of beer,
good intention, they did merely had floated up. This last God
what we intended to do; for, by send was announced just at the
burning her upper works and conclusion of divine service, which
decks, every thing buoyant could was this morning held in the
float up from below, and be more mess-tent, and a pint was ordered
easily laid hold of. to be immediately served out to
The ship continued burning each man, which called forth three
during the whole of the night; cheers. This seems to be the only
and the flames, which could be style in which a British seaman
seen through the openings of the can give vent to the warmer feel—
trees, shed a melancholy glare ings of his heart. It, is his mode
of
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 439
of thanksgiving for benefits re cases of wine, and afew boarding
ceived; and it equally serves him pikes were obtained, both excel
to honour his friend, to defy his lent articles in their way, in the
enemy, or to proclaim victory. hands of men who are inclined to
This day we continued improving entertain either “ their friends or
our fence, and clearing away a their foes.” On shore we were
glacis immediately around it, that employed completing the paths to
we might see and have fair play the wells, and felling trees which
with these barbarians, should they intercepted our view of the sea.
approach. They had retired behind \Vednesday, (26th,) at day-light,
a little islet. (called Pulo Cha two of the pirate proas, with each
lacca,,or Misfortune's 151e,) about a canoe astcrn, were discovered
two miles from us, and seemed close in with the cove where our
waiting there for reinforcements ; boats were moored. Lieutenant
for some of their party had made Hay, (a straight-forward sort of
sail towards Billiton. fellow,) who had the guard that
Monday morning, (Q-lth,) the night at the boats, and of course
boats, as yesterday, went to the slept in them, immediately dashed
wreck, and returned with some at them with the barge, cutter,
casks of flour, only partially da and gig. On p'erceiving this they
maged ; a few cases of wine, and cut adrift their canoes, and made
about forty boarding-pikes, with all sail chased by our boats ; they
eighteen muskets, were also laid rather distanced the cutter and
hold of. With the loose powder gig, but the barge gained upon
secured out of the great guns in them. On closing, the Malays
the first instance, Mr. Holman, evinced every sign of defiance,
the gunner, had been actively placing themselves in the most
employed, forming musket-cart threatening attitudes, and firing
ridges; and by melting down their swivels at the barge. This
some pewter basins and jugs, with was returned by Mr. Hay with
a small quantity of lead, lately ob the only musket he had in the
tained from the wreck, balls were boat, and, as they closed nearer,
cast in clay moulds, increasing not the Malays commenced throwing
a little our confidence and security. their javelins and darts, several
A quart of water each had been falling into the barge, but without
our daily allowance from the well wounding any of the men. Soon
hitherto, and on this day a second after they were grappled by our
was completed near the foot of the fellows, when three of them having
hill, in another direction, which been shot, and a fourth knocked
not only supplied clearer water, down with the butt end of the
but in greater plenty; and we musket, five more jumped over
could now, without restriction, board and drowned themselves,
indulge in the luxury of a long (evidently disdaining quarter,) and
drink, not caring even to excite two were taken prisoners, one of
thirst, in order to enjoy that whom was severely wounded. This
luxury in higher perfection. close style of fighting is termed by
On Tuesday, (Q5th,) the boats seamen man-handling an enemy.
made their usual trip; some more The Malays had taken some
'1".
measure
'HO ANNUAL REGISTER, l817.

measure to sink their proa, for wise an unjoyous race, and seldom
she went down almost immedi smile.
ately. Nothing could exceed the The state of one of the wounds
desperate ferocity of these people. received by the Malay (his knee
()ne who had been shot through jnint being penetrated, and the
the body, but who was not quite bones much injured) would have
dead, on being removed into the justified, more particularly in this
barge, with a view of savinihim, kind of field practice, amputation;
(as his own vessel was sin ing,) but, on consideration that it would
furiously grasped a cutlass 'which be impossible to convince him of
came within his reach, and it was this being done with the intention
not without a struggle wrenched of benefitting him, and might
from his hand : he died in a few have the appearance of torture,
minutes. The consort of this which it was not improbable might
proa, firing a parting shot, borc suggest the idea of amputation
up round the north end of the and other operations to them, in
island, and escaped. Their canoes the event of any, or all of us,
(which we" found very useful tofalling into their hands, it was de
termined, therefore, to try the
us) were also] brought on shore,
centaining several articles of efl'ect of a good constitution, and
plunder from the ship. They ap careful attention. A little wig
peared to be the two identical wam was' built, and a blanket and
proas which set fire to her. The other comforts given to him, his
prisoners (the one rather elderly, comrade being appointed his co'ok
the other young) when brought and attendant. They refused at
on shore, seemed to have no hope first the provisions we offered
of being permitted to live, and them; but, on giving them some
sullenly awaited their fate; but, rice to prepare in their own way,
on the wounds of the younger they seemed satisfied. Never ex
being dressed, the hands of the pecting quarter, when over-power
other untied, and food offered to ed in their piratical attempts, and
them, with other marks of kind having been generally tortured
ness, they became more cheerful, when taken alive, may account for
and appeared especially gratified the others drowning themselves.
at seeing one of their dead com in the forenuon, immediately
panions, who had been brought after this rencontre, fourteen proas
on shore, decently buried. and smaller boats appeared stand
The Malays are a people of ing across from the Banca side,
very unprepossessing aspect; their and soon after they anchored bc
bodies of a' deep bronze colour; hind Pulo Chalncca. Several of
their black teeth and rcddened their people landed, and carryin
lips, (from chewing the betel-nut up some bundles on their should
and siri,) their gaping nostrils, ers, left them in the wood, and re
and iank clotted'huir hanging turned for more. We had. some
about their shoulders and over hope, from the direction in which
their scowling count'enanees, give they first appeared, as well as their
them altogether a fiend-like and anchoring at that spot (the ren
murderous look. They are like dezvous agreed 'upou at the de
~ parlure
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. Ml
parture of Lord Amherst,) that soups. All this was made out
they might have been from Ba chiefly by signs, added to a few
tavia to our relief. Malay words which some un.lcr~
The small flag (belonging to stood. 7
the embassy) was brought down Mr. llay. with his division
and displayed on the look-out armed, proceeded down to their
rock; the strangers, each, imme anchorage, himself and some other
diately hoisted some flag at their oflicers, going on board with their
mast-heads. Anxious to know Rajah, (as they styled him) who
still more about them, Mr. Sykes expressed a great desire to see the
was allowed to advance with the captain on board, and sent him a
union-jack, accompanied by some present of a piece of fish, and
more of the young gentlemen, some cocoa-nut milk. During the
along the strand, to a considerable night many schemes were pro
distance; and soon after some of posed as to the best mode of ne
their party, with a flag, set oi? to gotiating with these people. Some
meet them. As they mutually thought that, by the hope of re
approached, the Malays dropped a ward, they might be induccl to
little in the rear of their flag carry part 'ot‘.u5 to Java\ and our
hearer, and laid down their arms; four remaining boats would their
ours also fell astern, and the two be equal to the conveyance ot the
ancients (or colour men), wading rest. Others, adverting to the
into a creek which separated them, treacherous character of the Ma
cautiously met each other. The lays, and the great temptation to
Malay salained a good deal : many murder us when in their power,
fine Yorkshire bows were made from that sort of property still in
on the other side: shaking hands our possession, and to them of
was the next ceremony, and then, great value, considered it safest to
joining flags, they walked up arm seize upon and disarm them, car
and arm to the place where they rying ourselves to Bataria, and
captain and several others were then most amply to rcmunrrate
stationed. Satisfied now they must them for any inconvenience they
be friends sent to our assistance, might:- have sustained from being
they were welcomed with cheers, pressed into the service.
and every countenance was glad The morning of Thursday, the
dened. But our joy was of short 27th, however, perfectly relieved
duration; for, although their flag us from any further discussion on
was laid submissively at the cap this subject/the Rajah and his
tain‘s feet, and all were sufficiently suite having proceeded to plunder
civil in their deportment, yet they the wreck, which by this time
turned out to be mere wanderers, they had espied. It is prol able
employed gathering a sort of sea they were not certain of our real
weed, found on the coast of these situation on the first evening, but
(but in still greater abundance might have supposed, from seeing
among the Pelew) islands, said by the uniforms, colours, and other
some to be an article of commerce military appearance, that some
with the Chinese epicures, who settlement, as at Minto, (in tM
use it like the bird-nests in their island of Banca) had been esta
blished
44-2 ANNUAL REGISTER,
blished there; and this may also
account for their civility in the
first instance ; for, from the mo~
ment their harpy-like spirit was
excited by the wreck,.and they
saw our real condition, there were
no more offerings of fish, or of
cocoa-nut milk.
To have sent the boats openly
to attack them was judged impo
litic; it would only have driven
them otf for a moment, and put
them on their guard against sur
prise by night, should it be thought
necessary, in a day or two, to do
so. They could deprive us of
little; for the copper bolts and
iron work, which they were now
most interested about, were not to
us of material importance.
\Ve had the day before moved
the boats into another cove, more
out of sight (from the overspread—
ing branches of the trees,) and
safer in case of attack, being com
manded by two strong little ports
(one having a rude draw-bridge,)
erected on the rocks immediately
above it, and wattled in, where an
officer and piquet were nightly
placed ; and a new serpentine
path was cut down to this inlet,
communicating with our main po
sition aloft.
On Friday, the 28th, the Ma
lays were still employed on the
wreck. A boat approached us in
the forenoon; but on the gig
going out to meet it, they refused
to correspond, and. returned to
their party. No relief having ap
peared from Batavia, and the period
being elapsed at which (as was now
thought) we had reason to expect
it, measures were taken, by re
pairing the launch and construct
ing a firm raft, to give us addi
tional powers of transporting our
1317.
selves from our present abode,
before our stock of provisions was
entirely exhausted.
On Saturday, the lst of March,
the Malays acquired a great acces
sion of strength, by the arrival of
14 more proas from the north
ward (probably of the 01d party,)
who joined in breaking up the
remains of the wreck.
At daydight, on Sunday, the
2d, still greater _ force having
joined them during the night, the
pirates (leaving a number at work
on the wreck) advanced, with up
wards of twenty of their heaviest
vessels, towards ourlanding-place;
fired one of their patereroes ; beat
their gongs; and, making a hide
ous yelling noise, they anchored
in a line, about a cable's length
from our cove. We were in
stantly under arms, the party
covering the boats strengthened,
and scouts sent out to watch their
motions, as some of their boats
had gone up the creek, at the
back of our position ; and to beat
about, lest any should be lying in
ambush from the land. About
this time, the old Malay prisoner,
who was under charge of the
sentries at the well, and who had
been incautiously trusted by them
to cut some wood for the fire,
hearing the howling of his tribe,
left his wounded comrade to shift
for himself, ran off into the wood,
and escaped, carrying with him
his hatchet. Finding, after wait
ing a short time in this state of
preparation, that they made no
attempt to land, an officer Was
sent a little outside the cove in a
canoe, waving in a friendly manner.
to try how they would act. After
some deliberation, one of their
boats, with several men armed
with
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 443
with creeses, or their crooked possession; and they blockaded
daggers, approached: here, as us with increased rigour, drawing
usual, little could be made out, closer into the cove, more espe
‘ except adisplay of their murauding cially at high water, fearful less
spirit, by taking a fancy to the our boats, being afloat at that
shirt and trowsers of one of the period, should push out and escape
young gentlemen in the canoe; them. In the afternoon some of
but, on his refusing to give them the Rajah's people (whom we at
up, they used no force. first considered our friends) made
A letter was now written, and their appearance, as if seeking a
addressed to the chief authority at parley; and on communicating
Minto, a small settlement on the with them, gave us to understand/
northwest point of Banca, stating by signs, and as many words as
the situation in which we were could be made out, that all the
placed, and requesting him to for Malays, except their party, were
ward, if in his power, one or two extremely hostile to us; that it
small vessels to us, with alittle was their determination to attack
bread and salt provisions, and us that night; and urging also
some ammunition. Again the that some of their people should
officer went out in the canoe, and sleep up the hill, in order to pro'~
was again met by the Malay boat. tect us. Their former conduct
Thisletter was given to them, the and present connexions displayed
word Minto repeatedly pronounc so evidently the treachery of this
ed, (which they seemed to under offer, that it is needless to say it
stand,) the direction pointed out, was rejected, giving them to un
and signs made that on their return derstand we could trust to our
with an answer they should be re selves. They immediately re~
warded with abundance of dollars, turned to their gang, who cer
shewing them one as a specimen. tainly assumed a most menacing
This was done more to try them attitude. In the evening, when
than with any hope of their per the officers and men were assem
forming the service ; for, although bled as usual under arms, in order
a boat went down to Pulo Cha to inspect them, and settle the
lacca, (where they appeared to watches for the night, the captain
have somebody in superior autho spoke to them with much anima
rity,) yet none took the direction tion, almost verbatim as follows:
of Banca. Meantime their force “ My lads, you must all have
rapidly increased, their proas and observed this day, as wellas myself,
boats of different sizes amounting the great increase of the enemy's
to fifty. The larger had from force, for enemies we must now
sixteen to twenty men ; the smaller consider them, and the threatening
about seven or eight ; so that, posture they have assumed. I
averaging even at the lowest ten have, on various grounds, strong
each, they had fully five hundred reason to believe they will attack
men. The wreck seemed now us this night. I do not wish to
nearly exhausted, and appeared to conceal our real state, because I
be a very secondary object, know think there is not a man here who
ing the chief booty must be in our is afraid to face any sort of danger.
We
444 ANNUAL REGISTER, "W.
We are now strongly fenced in, the wells, the instant it caught
and our position in all respects so their ear, instinctively joined their
good, that, armed as we are, we sympathetic cheers to the general
ought to make a formidable de chorus. ’
fence against even regular troops: There was something like unity
what then would be thought of us, and concord in such a sound, (one
if we allowed ourselves to be sur neither resembling the feeble
prised by a set of naked savages, shout nor savage yell,) which,
with their spears and crecses? it rung in the ears of these gentle
is true they have swivels in their men, no doubt had its effect; for
boats, but they cannot act here. about this time (S P M.) they
1 have not observed that they were observed making signals
have any matchlocks or muskets ; with lights to some of their tribe
but, if they have, so have we. I behind the islet. If ever seamen
do not wish to deceive you as to or marines had a strong induce
the means of resistance in our ment to fight, it was on the pre
power. When we were first thrown sent occasion, for every thing
together on shore, we were al conducted to animate them. The
mostdefenceless; seventy-fiveball feeling excited by a savage, cruel,
cartridges only could be mustered : and inhospitable aggression on the
we have now sixteen hundred! part of the Malays,——an aggression
They cannot, I believe, send up adding calamity to misfortune,—
more than five hundred men; but, roused every mind to a spirit of
with two hundred such as now just revenge ; aml the appeal now
stand around me, I do not fear a made to them on the score of na
thousand, nay, fifteen hundred of tional character was not likely to
them! 1 have the fullest confi let that feeling cool. That they
dence we shall beat them; the might come, seemed to bethe anxi~
pike-men standing firm, we can ous wish of every heart. After a
give them such a volley of mus slender but cheerful repast, the
ketry as they will be little pre men lay down as usual upon their
pared for; and, when we find arms, whilst the captain remained
they are thrown into confusion, with those on guard to superin
we‘ll sally out among them, chase tend his arrangements. An alarm
them into the water, and ten to during the night showed the efieet
one but we secure their vessels. of preparation on the people‘s
Let every man, therefore, be on minds, for all like lightning were
the alert with his arms in his at their posts, and returned growl
hands; and, should these barba ing and disappointed because the
rians this night attempt our hill, alarm was false.
I trust we shall convince them Day-light, on Monday the 3d,
that they are dealing with Bri discovered the pirates exactly in
tons." Perhaps three jollier hurras the same position in front of us;
were never given than at the con ten more vessels having joined
clusion of this short but well them during the night, making
timed address. The woods fairly their number now at least six
echoed again; whilst the piquet hundred men. “ The plot began
at the cove, and those stationed at to thicken,“ and our situation be
came
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 445
came hourly more critical. Their great distance to the southward,
force rapidly accumulating, and which he thought larger than a
our little stock of provisions daily Malay vessel. The buz of con
shortening, rendered some despe versation was in a moment hush
rate measure immediately neces ed, and every eye fixed anxiously
sary. ‘ on the tree for the next report, a
That which seemed most feasible signal man and telescope being
was by a sudden vnight attack, instantly sent up. She was now
with our four boat-s well armed, lost sight of from a dark squall
to carry by boarding some of their ovcrspreading that part of the
vessels, and, by manning them, horizon, but in about twenty mi
repeat our attack with increased nutes she again emerged from the
force, taking more, or dispersing cloud, and was decidedly an
them. The possession of some of nounced to be a square-rigged
their proas, in addition to our vessel. “ Are you quite sure of
own boats, (taking into consider that E" was eagerly inquired :—
ation that our numbers would be “Quite certain," was the reply:—
thinned on the occasion,) might “ it is either a ship or a brig
enable us to shove ofi‘ for Java, in standing towards the island; under
defiance of them. Any attempt to all sail l"—Thc joy this happy
move on a raft, with their vessels sight infused, and the gratitude of
playing round it, armed with every heart at this prospect of de
swivels, was evidently impossible. liverance, may be more easily
Awful as our situation now was, conceived than described. It oc
and every hour becoming more casioned a sudden transition of the
so ;—starvation staring us in the mind from one train of thinking
face, on one hand, and without a to another, as if waking From a
hope of mercy From the savages disagreeable vdream. \\"e imme
on the other -,—-yet there were no diately displayed our colours on
symptoms of depression, or gloomy the highest branch of the tree, to
despair ; every mind seemed buoy attract attention, lest she should
ant; and, if any estimate of the only be a passing stranger.
general feeling could be collected The pirates soon after this dis- '
from countenances, from the inan covered the ship, (a signal having
ner and expressions of all, there been 'inade with a gun by those
appeared to be formed in every anchored behind Pulo Chalaeca,)
breast a calm determination to which occasioned an evident stir
dash at them, and be successful ; among them. As the water was
or to fall, as became men, in the ebbing fast, it was thought pos
attempt to be free. sible, liy an unexpected rush out
About noon on this day, whilst to the edge of the reef, to get
schemes and proposals were flying some of them under fire, and sc
about, as to the mode of executing cure them. They seemed, how
the measures in view, Mr. John ever, to have suspected our pur
stone, (ever on the alert,) who pose; for, the moment the sea
had mounted the look-out tree, men and marines appeared from
one of the loft-iest on‘the summit under the mangroves, the nearest
of our hill, descried a sail at a pron let tly her swivel among a
party
 446 ANNUAL REGISTER 1817.
party of the officers, who had day was employed in getting all
been previously wading outwards, the moveables we had saved from
and the whole, instantly getting the~wreck ready for embarkation.
under weigh, made sail oil, fired Wednesday the 5th, lauded Messrs.
at by our people, but unfortu Ellis and Hoppner: the recollec
nately without effect ; for, in ad tion of the voluntary promise made
dition to the dexterous manage by the former at parting, now
ment of their boats, the wind en fulfilled, and re-appearing as a
abled them to weather the rocks. deliverer, added to the many in
It was fortunate, however, this at teresting and peculiar circumstan
tack on them took place, and that it ces of the meeting, gave a new
had the efl'eetof drivingthem away : glow to every feeling of friend
for had they stood their ground, we ship; and on entering Fort Max
Were as much in their power as well, they were received with
ever, the ship being obliged to heartfelt aeclamation by the whole
anchor eight miles to leeward of garrison under arms.
the island, and eleven or twelve This fortification and its inha
from our position, on account of bitants had altogether a very sin
the wind and current ; and, as this gular and romantic look. The
wind and current continued the wigwams (or dens, as they were
same for some time afterwards, called) of some, neatly formed by
they might, most easily, with their branches, and thatched with the
force, have cut off all communi palm-leaf, scattered about at the
cation between us. Indeed it was feet of the majestic trees, which
a most providential and extraor shaded our circle; the rude tents
dinary circumstance, during this of others ; the wrecked, unshaven,
monsoon, that the ship was able ragged appearance of, the men,
to fetch up so far as she did, The with pikes and cutlnsses in their
blockade being now raised, the hands, gave, more especially by
gig, with’Messrs. Sykes and Ab fire-light at night, a wild and pic
bot, was despatched to the ship, turesque effect to this spot, far
which proved to be the Ternate, beyond any robber-scene the ima—
one of the company's cruisers, sent gination can pourtray.
by Lord Amherst to our assist Two of the Ternate’s boats also
ance, having on board Messrs. arrived with a twelve-pounder
Ellis and Hoppner, who embarked carronade, some round and grape,
on the day of their arrival at and musket ammunition, in the
Batavia, and pushed back to the event of the pirates thinking pro- '
island. per to return before we had
The gig was able to return finished our business ; which,
, (being a light boat); but our from the difficulty of communica
'friends, who attempted to pull ting, rcquired the Whole of Wed
ashore in the cutter, were com nesday to perform.
pelled to put back, after struggling On Thursday the 6th, the ma
with the current for nine hours, jority 'of the officers and men
during the night of Monday, and embarked in the boats (now in
morning of Tuesday the 4th. That creased in number), and proceeded
to
/
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.
to the Ternate 3 the raft, also,
with four officers and forty-six
men, and acow, got under sail,
and, after a comfortable cold-bath
navigation of eight hours, reached
the ship after dark. Every article
which could not be carried ofl’, and
was thought might be of the
slightest use to the savages, was
piled into a heap, on the top of the
hill, and made into a bonfire.
At midnight the boats returned
to bring 05 Captain Maxwell, and
those remaining with him ; the
whole arriving safe on board the
Ternate on the morning of the 7th
March, where we were most hos
pitably received by Captain David
son and his officers. ' vages had taken post there.
The island of Pulo Lent is about
six miles long, and five broad ;
situate about two degrees and a
half to the southward of the equa
tor : it lies next to Banca, and is
in the line of islands between it
and Borneo. As far as we could
explore, (and exploring was no
easy task) it appeared to produce
nothing for the use of man. We
I found a great number of the rinds
of what we afterwards discovered
at Batavia to be the far famed and
delicious mangustin, which only
thrives near the Line ; but the
baboons, who manage to live here,
had previously monopolized all the
fruit. Had we found any entire,
we might have indulged in them,
even without knowing their na
ture ; as, more especially in a case
of short commons like ours, there
could be no great danger in fol
lowing the eXample of a monkey.
\Ve found a number of oysters
adhering to the rocks along the
sea-shore, which at first We were
afraid to eat, from their exciting
447
thirst; but as soon as we were
happy enough to obtain a sufiici~
ent supply of water, they very
speedily disappeared.
The soil of the island appears
to be capable of afi'ording any pro
duction of the torrid zone, and, if
cleared and cultivated, would be
a very pretty place ; the tree which
produces the caoutchouc or Indian
rubber grows here.
From something like smoke
having been repeatedly observed
rising at one particular place
among the trees, about a mile from
the head of our creek, it was by
some imagined that either the is
land was peopled, or that the sa~
In
various attempts, however, to re
connoitre this spot, no trace of
human footstep could be found,
being in every direction an impe
netrable thicket ; and we ultimately
ascertained that it was entirely un-
inhabited. '
The small stock of provisions
saved from the wreck, and the
uncertainty of our stay there, ren
dered economy in their distribu
tion, as well as the preventing
any waste‘or abuse, a most impor
tant duty. The mode adopted by
Captain Maxwell, to make things
go as far as possible, was to
chop up the allowance for the
day into small pieces, whether
fowls, salt beef, pork, or flour,
mixing the whole hutch-patch,
boiling them together, and serving
out a measure of this to each,
publickly and openly, and without
any distinction. By these means no
nourishment was lost; it could
be more equally divided than by
any other way: and, although
necessarily a scanty, it was not an
' unsavoury
 443 ANN UAL REGISTER, 1817.
unsnoury mess. All the bread, tries were on the alert, and called
exctpt a few pounds, was lost. out every quarter of an hour ;
The men had half allowance of rum -the younger midshipmen, Messrs.
divi led betweendinner and supper, \ Maxwell, Martin, Hawthorn, Gor
(sometimes more on hard fags,) don, and Browne, being perched,
and the officers two glasses of in rotation, on the look~out rock
win: at dinner, and a quarter al during the day, to watch the mo
low mce of rum (a small dram tions of the pirates, and give no
vglass) at supper. It is astonishing tice of any ship or vessel which
how soon order sprungr out of might appear in the offing.
confusion, and the general cheer As there is no evil from which
fulness and content which pre some good may not be derived, so
vail-d, for Saturday night was the young ofiicers had, on the pre
drank in defiance of the Malays. sent occasion, an opportunity of
A small bag of oatmeal was marking the resources it h ich spring
found one morning, which some from self-possession and cool ex
of the young Scotch midshipmcn ertion, even under the most ap
considered as their own, and sat palling ditliculties; and thereby of
do“ n, with great glee and smilingI imbibing a character of prompti
countenances, round a washhand tude, with a contempt of helpless
basin full of burgoo, made from indecision—a failing of all others,
it; but they reckoned too securely in cases of danger or emergency,
on the antipathies ol'their English not only the most injurious to
friends, (for not thinhing this, private fame, but to the public
perhaps, a proper time fol“ indul service.
giny,‘ national prejudices) they It is somewhat remarkable,
_claimed their share, and managed that, during our stay here of nine- '
'to get through it without a wry teen days, exposed alternately to
face. A few weeks schooling on a heavy rain, and the fierce heat of
desert isle would also be a great a vertical sun, none were taken
blessing to many thousands who sick, and tho=e who landed so
are capriciously unltappy in the (some very ill) all recovered, ex
midst of superfluity, and wretched cept a marine, who was in the last
only because they have never stage of a liver complaint, con
known distress. tr'acted whilst in China, as one of
The guards at the posts, cover guard to 'the Embassador. Ano
ing the boats, were generally un ther man, of very troublesome
der charge, alternately, ot' Lieult. character, thought proper to leave
Hay, Messrs. Casey, Johnstone, his companions (in the third day
:SYLK‘S, Abbot, Brownrigg, and after landing. He may have been
‘Hope. The garrison duty, at [bitten by a serpent in the woods,
night, was conducted, in turns, and died there‘, or have fallen into
by the surgeon, chaplain, Messrs. the hands of the savages ; but he
Etit n, Raper, Mostyu, Stopford, was never afterwards heard of.
and Gore ; thus making it light, “’e marked with oil and blaclting',
and enabling them to keep thcir in large characters, on the rocks,
eyes open, and walk vigilantly the date of our departure, to be a
round to oberve that all the sen guide to any that might come
> there
 . MANNERS AND .CUsroMs. 449
there in quest of us, and in the Tongataboo, lie nearly in latitude
afternoon of the 7th, we bid adieu 20 S. to the west of Otaheite.
'to Pulo Leat, where it is not won William Mariner, then a youth,
derful that, in our situation, we was engaged by his father's con
should have suffered some hard sent to accompany Captain Duck
ship and privation; but it is re in a ship which had a two-fold
markable, indeed, that, surround~ commission, Which was first to
ed by so many dangers, the cruise for prizes, and then to
occurrence of any one of which double Cape Horn, and proceed
would have proved fatal, that into the Pacific Ocean in search of
we should have escaped the whole. whales. The vessel, named the
“'e had, for example, great Port-au-Prince, having met with
reason to be thankful that the small success in the earlier part of
ship did not fall from the rocks her cruise, entered upon the se
on which she first struck into cond part of her commission, and
deeper water, for then all must employed a considerable part of
have perished5—that no accident the year 1806 in whaling. At
happened to the boats which length the ship anchored for the
conveyed the embassy to Batavia ; last time at'Lefoogs, one of the
for, in that case, we should never Friendly islands, where it was de—
have been heard of ,—-that we serted, first by four of the crew,
found water ,e-that no mutiny or and then by fifteen others. This
division took place among our desertion was probably the cause
selves ,—that we had been able of an attack by the natiVes, which
and willing to stand our ground took place on the first of Decem.
against the pirates ;—and that the ber 1806, and ended in the death
Ternate had succeeded in anchoring of all the crew except Mariner,
in sight of the island ; which she who was probably preserved in
was enabled to do by a fortuitous consequence of his youth. Hi
slant of wind for an hour or two. fortunately attracted the notice of
Had we been unfortunate in any Finow, the king of the islands,
one of these circumstances, few before whom he was brought, and
would have remained to tell our by whose orders the ship was run
tale. aground and plundered.
Mariner, who was born near
London, on September 10, 179l,
An Account of the Native: of the was somewhat past 15 at the time
TONGA lsLANDs in the South Pa of this unhappy event. Under the
cific Ocean. Compiled and arrang patronage of Finow, and after his
ed from the extensive Communica death, of his son, he passed some
tions of Mr. IVilliam Mariner, years in tolerable comfort; and he,
several years resident in those is with some of his remaining com
lands. By Joan MARTIN, M.D. panions who had gone ashore
In 9 vols. 8vo. before the massacre, were engaged
The Tonga. islands, named by to join an expedition against the
Capt. Cook the Friendly islands, Isle of Tonga. At length, in the
of which, one of the principal was year 1810, being with three other
known under the appellation of men, in a canoe of his own, he
VOL. LIX. ‘2 G cast
450 ANNUAL REGISTER, i817.
cast his eye upon a sailjust altbe
sun had descended beneath it, and
directed his men to paddle him on
board. As they made some scru
'ple, he gave a violent stab ' the
loins with a musket to one of the
three, which disabled him, and the
other two submitted to his orders.
The vessel proved to be the Eng
lish brig Favourite, bound to Ma
cao roads, and thence to England.
To this fortunate escape, for such
it. was, the history of the Tonga
islands owes its origin, as will ap
pear from the preceding account
of its composition. His arrival at
Gravesend is dated in June 1811.
From the voluminous narrative
relating to these isles we shall only
copy the 17th chapter, in which
are discussed the different ranks in
society under which the natives
are distributed, from the king to
the peasant.
" The rank or estimation in
which individuals are held in society
at the Tonga islands may be most
conveniently treated of, first, under
three different points of view, viz.
religious, civil, and professional,
with reference to their mythology,
political subordination, and their
arts and manufactures; .and se
condly, with reference to old age,
female sex, and infancy. In this
chapter, we propose to speak
merely of rank in society, and the
degree of respect due from one
man to another; all which is de
termined ih regard to every indi
vidual, by one or other, or more
of the foregoing circumstances,
mythology, politics, arts, age, sex,
and childhood.
‘ To divide society into distinct this high title ; so that if afl‘airs
classes, and to discourse of the de still remain in the same state at
gree of rank or respect accruing to vVavaoo, there is at present no
individuals, accordingly as they Tooitonga, and probably never
may belong to one or other of these
classes, would be a task very dif
ficult to execute, and perhaps im
possible in respect to the people of
these islands 5 at least, not without
making numerous exceptions and
explanations, which would only
be the means of rendering the de
scription both tedious and com
plicate. For one and the same
individual (a priest), who to-day
is held in scarcely any estimation,
may to-morrow (under the influ
ence of the inspiration of some
god), take place of every body
present, seat himself at the head
of the cava ring, be respected}!
the god himself, and his discourse
attentively listened to as oracular.
Again,-—-the king himself, whom
one might suppose to be the great
est person in the country, (and in
fact he has the greatest power) is
by no means the highest noble,
but must yield in point of rank
to many others. In this order of
things, therefore, we shall first
speak of those persons to whom
rank and respect is yielded, on the
score of religious circumstances;
and these are Tooitonga, Veachi,
and the priests.
We here speak of Tooitonga as
if actually existing in his full rank,
with all the public honours of re
ligious estimation ; but it will be
recollected, that before Mr. Mari
ner's departure from Vavaoo the
king had done away entirely with
all the ceremonies formerly con
sidered due to the divine character
of this chief; and as this was done
immediately after Tooitonga’s
death, his son did not succeed to
again
 ilMANNERS AND cusrons.
451
again will be, but if there should tonga, and the high rank which
happen some violent political he holds in society, is wholly of a
change, it is possible the son of religious nature, and is far supe
the late divine-chief may be raised rior, when occasion demands it,
to that honour: we therefore speak to that which is shewn even to the
of Tooitonga as if actually exist king himself ; for this latter, as
ing. The family name of Tooi will by and by be seen, is by no
tonga is Fatafehi, and the present means of the most noble descent,
head of the family the only son but yields in this respect to Tooi
(of legitimate rank) is now a youth tonga, Veachi, and several 'families
of about 16 or 17 years of age; related to them ; and if the king
his name is Fatafchi Lew fili Ton were accidentally to meet any chief
ga: he is still considered a chief of nobler descent than himself, he
of high rank, and has respect paid would have to sit down on the
to him accordingly. ground till the other had passed
'[ooitonga and Veachi are both him, which is a mark of respect
acknowledged descendants of chief that‘a common peasant would be
gods who formerly visited the is obliged to shew to any chief or egi
lands of Tonga, but whether their whatsoever; and for this reason
original mothers were goddesses the king never associates with any
or merely natives of Tonga, is a chief superior to himself, and al
question which they do not pretend ways endeavours to avoid meeting
to decide. Of these two person them, and they in like manner en
ages, Tooitonga, as maybe guessed deavour to avoid him, that he
from his title, is far higher in might not be put to the trouble
rank ;-—the word imports chief of of sitting down while they passed :
Tonga, which island has always for if any one were to forego this
been considered the most noble of ceremony in presence of a superior
all the Friendly islands, and from egi, some calamity from the gods
time immemorial the greatest would be expected as a punish
chiefs have been accustomed to ment for the omission. Sitting
make it their principal place of re down is with them a mark of re
sidence, and after their decease to spect, as standing up is with us,
be buried there in the tombs of before a superior ; upon the prin
their ancestors. This island more ciple, perhaps, that in this posture
over gives name, by way of pre' a man cannot so readily attack or
eminence, to all the islands taken assassinate the person in whose
collectively, as a capital town presence he is ; or it may be that
sometimes gives name to a coun in this posture loWering his height
try; and withal it has acquired is significant of his rank or merit
the epithet of sacred, tdboo, and being humbled in presence of the
is thus sometimes called Tonga other. ‘
tdboo, denoting its excellence ; There are many ceremonies
from this circumstance it is erro which characterise , the high re
neously noted down in our charts spect and venerution shewn to
Tongataboo ; but taboo is only an 'l‘ooitonga'; but as in this place
epithet occasionally used. The we are discoursing of rank, not of
respect which is shewn to Tool ceremonies, the full description of
9 G 9 the
4-52 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817. 'I“—

the latter must be deferred till we has-somewhat more than the ge

come to speak of religious rites. nerality of the nobles, but much
Here we shall only mention, in a less than the king, who by his ar_
general way, in what these cere bitrary sovereignty can lay claim
monies chiefiy consist. to almost any thing.
1. The grand ceremony of Thus all that can be said in this
ina’chi, which is performed once a place of Tooitonga is, that he is
year (about the month of Octo by far the greatest egi, having the
ber), and consists in offering the credit of a high divine original, and
first fruits of the year to Tooi that all respect and veneration is
tonga. It was supposed that if therefore due to him.
this ceremony were neglected, the Veachi, as mentioned before, is
vengeance of the gods would fall another egi of divine original, but
in a signal manner upon the far from being equal to Tooitonga.
people. - The king, indeed, avoids his pre
‘2. Peculiarity of his marriage sence, the same as he would that
ceremony. of Tooitonga, and always pays him
3. Peculiarity of his burial cere the usual obeisance when he hap
mony. pens to meet him : but he has no
4. Peculiarity of the mourning peculiar marks of high respect
for his decease. shewn to him, as are shewn to
5. Tooitonga is not circumcised, Tooitonga; that is to say, no ce
as all the other men are, unless he remonies that are, in themselves,
goes to foreign islands_to undergo peculiar and difl'erent from what
this ceremony; nor is he tat are shewn to other chiefs by their
towed. ' ' inferiors. There is this one uni
6. Peculiarities of speech used versal acknowledgment, however,
in regard to Tooitonga; for in viz. that he is a great chief de
stance, if the king or any chief scended from a god, that he is
but Tooitonga be sick, they say next in rank to Tooitonga, and
he is ténga tdngi, but Tooitonga superior to every other chief. His
being sick, ‘he is said to be boo name has no known literal mean
100’hi : so with many other words ing that Mr. Mariner can dis
that are used exclusit’ely for him, cover.
and which will be noticed here Priests or Fahe-gehe. The
after. ‘ term fahesgehe means split off,
These things are mentioned in separate, or distinct from, and is
this place, merely to afford an idea applied to signify a priest, or man,
of the‘high veneration in which who has a peculiar or distinct sort
Tooitonga is held; for to whom of mind or soul, differing from
but the greatest personage can that of the generality of mankind,
such peculiarities belong? Not which disposes some god occasion
withstanding his high rank, how ally to inspire him. These inspi—
ever, he has comparatively but rations, of which an account has
very little absolute power, which been given vol. i. p. 105, fre
extends in a direct and positive quently happen, and on such oc
manner only tohis own family and casions the priest has the same
attendants : as to his property, he deference and respect shewn to
him
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 453
him as if he were the god himself; served, he is differently circum-~
if the king happen to be present, stanced. In this last particular,
not only Tooitonga, Veachi, and
he retires to a respectful distance,
and sits down among the body of priests actually inspired, are su
the spectators, so would Veachi, perior to him, but even several
and so would even the high divine. other nobles are higher in rank,
chief Tooitonga, because a god is ‘not as to office or power, but as to
believed to exist at that moment blood, or descent, for nobility con
in the priest, and to speak from sists in being related either to
his mouth: but at other times a Tooitonga, Veachi, or the How,
priest has no other respect paid to and the nearer any family is related
him than what his own proper to them, the nobler it is ; those
family rank may require. They related to Tooitonga being nobler
generally belong to the lower order than those equally related to Vea
of chiefs, or to the matabooles, chi, and those related to this latter
though sometimes great chiefs are being more noble than those
thus visited by the gods, and the equally related to_ the How.
king himself has been inspired by Hence it appears that there must
Tali-y-toobo, the chief of the gods. be many egis more noble even
During the time a priest is in than the king himself, and to such
spired he is looked on with more the king, meeting them, must
or less veneration, according to shew the same marks of respect
the rank of the god that inspires as are usual from an inferior to a
him. But more upon this subject superior : and if he were to touch'
under the head of religion. any thing personally belonging to
The civil ranks of society may . the superior chief, as himself, or
be thus divided 3 How, or King; his garments, or the mat on which
Egi, or Nobles ; Matabooles ; he sleeps, he becomes tabooed, as
Mooas, and Tooas. it 'is termed, or under the prohi—
The How, or King, is an arbi~ bition to feed himself with his
trary monarch, deriving his right own hands; or, if he does, it is at
to the throne partly from here the risk of becoming diseased, or
ditary succession, and partly from sufl‘ering some other calamity from
military power, which latter he the gods as a punishment: but
is occasionally obliged to exert to from this taboo he can readily free
secure himself in the former. His himself, by performing the cere
power and influenceoverthe minds mony of moe-moe, which consists
of the people is derived from the in touching, with both hands, the
following circumstances; viz. he feet of the superior chief, or of
reditary right; supposed protec one equal to him: but more of
tion of the gods, if he is the lawful these ceremonies in their proper
heir; his reputation as a warrior; > place.
the nobility of his descent; and Egi, or Nobles. All those per
lastly, but not leastly, the strength sons are egi, or nobles, or chiefs
and number of his fighting men. (for we have used these terms syno
He, of course, possesses the great nymously) , who are anyway related
est powa of any individual, but, either to the family of Tooitonga,
in respect to rank, as before oh or Veachi, or the How: and all
and
 454 ANNUAL REG'lSTER, 1817.
and nobody else but chiefs, have 8w. or, if there be no children, the
the privilege of freeing people next brother to the man, then the
from the taboo, under circum sister, the second brother, the se
stances, and in the manner related cond sister, &c. But if the woman
in the above paragraph. Tooiton is more noble than the man, then
ga and Veachi may easily be cen her relatiOns, in like order, take
ceived the source of nobility, on precedence in rank, but they do
account of their supposed divine not inherit his property, as will be
original, and the How because he seen in another place. All the
holds the reins of government, and children of a female noble are,
is invested with power. The without exception, nobles.
family of Finow, who is the pre -The Matabooles rank next to
sent How, say, that they descended the chiefs ; they are a sort of
neither from Tooitonga nor Vea honourable attendants upon chiefs,
chi, but are altogether a distinct are their companions, counsellors,
race: the fact, probably, is, that and advisers; they see that the
Finow’s family is a distant branch orders and wishes of their chiefs
of one of the others ; but having are duly executed, and may not
at length ascended the throne, it improperly be called their minis
drew its rank and consequence ters, and are more or less regard
more from this circumstance than ed according to the rank of the
from such distant relationship. chief to whom they are attached.
.The present Finow‘s father was They have the management of all
the first of his family that came to ceremonies. Their-rank is from
the throne, which he did by usur inheritance; and they are sup
pation and expulsion of the then posed to have been, originally, dis
reigning family. (Vide vol. i. tant relations of the nobles, or to
p. 77.) The Hows before that have descended from persons emi
time, as far back as they have cre nent for experience and wisdom,
dible records, which is not more and whose acquaintanceand friend -
than about four, or at most, five ship on that account became valu
7 generations, were all relations of able to the king, and other great
Tooitonga. At all events, this is chiefs. As no man can assume
certain, that the present acknow the rank and title of mataboole
ledged fountains of nobility are till his father be dead, the greater
Tooitonga,Veachi, and the king, in part of them are beyond the mid
the order in which they here stand. dle age of life, and, as it is their
In every family nobility descends business to make themselves ac
by the female line 5 for where the quainted with all rites and cere
mother is not a noble, the children monies, and with the manners,
are not nobles ; but supposing the customs, and affairs of Tonga, they
father' and mother to be nearly are always looked up to as men of
equal by birth, the following is experience and superior informa
the order in which the individuals tion. Some of the matabooles are
of the family are to be ranked, adepts also at some art or profes
viz. the father, the mother, the sion, such as canoe-building, or
eldest son, the eldest daughter, the supe'rintending funeral rites : this
second son, the second daughter, last, though a ceremony the gene—
rality
 MANNERS AND cosrons. 4:55
rality of matabeolu do not attend. attention, they report them to the
it is also a distinct profession. older chiefs, and advise that some
hose few that are canoe-builders thing should be done to remedy
are very perfect in their art, and such evils. They are very much
only make canoes for the king, or respected by all classes. Tooas
other great chiefs. The mata are the lowest order of all, or the
booles also make themselves ac bulk of the people. They are all,
quainted with traditionary records, by birth, kyfonnooa, or peasants ;
d hand them down to their sons. but some of them are employed
hen a mataboole dies his eldest occasionally in the various occu
son, or, if he have no son, his next potions of performing the tattow,
brother, becomes a mataboole. All cooking, club-carving, and shav
the sons and brothers of mata ing, according to their abilities in
bmdes are mooas. these respective arts, and meet
003.! are the next class of with encouragement by presents.
people below the matabooles; the Those tooas that are evidently
are either the sons or brothers 0 related to mooas, and consequently
matabooles, or descendants of the have a chance of becoming mooas,
latter. As the sons and brothers are respected by those who can
of matabooles are mooas, and as trace no such relationship.
no mooa can become a mataboole Professional Class of Society.—
till his father or brother Whom he We now come to speak of those
is to succeed is dead, so in like who draw respeet rather than rank
manner, the sons and brothers of according to their usefulness in
menu are only tooas, and no tooa different arts and manufactures,
can come a mooa till his father more or less regarded. Some of
or brother whom he is to succeed these, as we have before seen, are
is dead. The mooas have much matabooles, and rank accordingly,
to do in assisting at public cere the greater part of them are moo
monies, such as sharing out food .xs, and the remainder of course
and cave. under the direction of tooas.
the matabooles : they sometimes Among those that practise the
arrange and direct instead of the arts there are many that do it be
matabooles, unless on very grand cause their fathers did the same
occasions. Like the matabooles, before them, and consequently have
they form part of the rctinuc of brought them up to it, and these
chiefs, and are more or less re are for the most part such as prac
s ccted according to the rank of tise arts that are considered inge
t eir chiefs. Most of the mooas nious, and therefore respectable;
are professors of some art. and hence they have no motive
Both matabooles and mooas have sufficiently strong (unless it he
the business of attending to the sometimes laziness), to engage
good order of society, to look to them to relinquish it, particularly
the morals of the younger chiefs, as they obtain presents from their
who are apt to run into excesses, chiefs for their ingenuity. There
and oppress the lower orders (the is no positive law to oblige them
tooas), in which case they ad to follow the business of their
monish them, and if they pay no fathers, nor any motive but the
honourable
456 ANNUAL REGISTER, lair.
honourable estimation in which follow any of them because his~
their arts are held, or their own father did the same, they are
interest, or the common custom. practised by any one who has a
None of| them are matabooles' natural turn that way.
but a few of the canoe builders But the two lowest of all, viz.
and the superintendants of funeral the cooks and peasants, are such
rites, perhaps about a fifth or a by inheritance, for the chiefs in
sixth part 'of them, and some of _ whose service they may be, neces
these are very expert' in cutting sarily require their services, and
ornaments out of whales teeth for their children naturally succeed
necklaces, or for inlaying clubs, them, for neither of these arts re
likewise in making clubs and quire any great talent to learn:
spears, and other warlike instru every body knows how to cook
ments, which are not separate and till the ground in a tolerable
professions, but arts practised by degree 5 but those who are born
the canoe-builders as being expert to no better fate have no alterna
in the use of the togi or axe ; at tive left them, they must follow
least there are no toofoonga fono le these nuessary employments as
(iniayers of ivory), nor toqfoonga the busineSs of their life, if their
gnalu' mea tow (makers of warlike chiefs command them; and to
instruments), but who are also such alone the terms cook and
canoe-builders. All the toofoonga peasants are here applied. The
fo vaca (canoe-builders), and too cook is somewhat the superior;
foonga taboo (intendants of funeral he sees to the supplying of provi
rites), that are not matabooles, are sions, takes care, of the store
mooas, for no person of so low a house, looks to the thatching and
rank as a tooa can practise such fences of the dwelling-house, oc
res ‘ectable arts. casionally gives an eye to the plan
he remaining professions are tation, and sometimes works upon
followed both by moons and t'ooas, it himself. The head cook is ge
with the exception of the three nerally not a little proud of him
following, viz. toqfoonga fy eava self, and is looked on with some
(barbers or shavers with shells), respect by the cooks below him
tangata fe oomoo (cooks), and kg and the common peasants.
_forgnooa (peasants), all of whom The term cook is frequently ap
are'tooaj, r. plied to a man though he be not a
.'.!._ Of I the~ different professions, cook, to signify that he is of very
stamina hereditary in the way low rank: for although a cook
[ma mentioned, and some are belonging to a chief may give him
not ; the latter consist of toqfoonga self many airs, and be thought
ta lattow (those who perform the something of by the common tooas
tattow), toofoonga tongi acow (club about him; yet if there be a com
carvers, or engravers of the ban- pany of peasants together, he that
die, not inlayers); and toofoonga has the least to boast of in- respect
fy cava (barbers). The arts fol of family connexions is sure to
lowed by these are nothereditary, be made the cook, and as it were
because they are not of that re servant to the rest. ~
spectability to engage a man to The following then will be the
order
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.
order in which the difl'erent pro
fessions will stand as to the re
spect they may command in so
ciety_:—all individuals are nOt,
however, esteemed according to
their profession, but according to
their abilities in it; for a clever
457
man in one art will he sometimes
more esteemed than a man of mo
derate abilities in a higher. In
this arrangement the cooks are
placed before the peasants, because
the cooks of chiefs generally have
to overlook them.

"Toofoénga fo véca ; canoe build

81‘s..
Followed both
Too'foonga féno le; cutters of
whale-teeth ornaments.
by matabooies
and mooas.
Toofoonga taboo; superintendents
of funeral rites.
Hereditary.< Toofoonga. ta mica ; stone-ma
sons, or makers of stone-cofiins.
Toofoonga jia cobénga; net
makers.
Toofoonga toty’ ica; fishermen. Followed both
Toofoonga langa félle; large } by moons and
house- builders. tooas.
Toofoonga ta tatto’w; those who
perform the tattow.
Hereditary Toofoonga tongi a'cow ; club
or not. carvers.
Toofoonga fy cava; barbers or
shavers with shells. Followed only
Tangata fe oo’moo 5 cooks. by tooas.
Hereditary. { Ky fonnoo’a ; peasants.

Property in these islands, as their age and experience, in so

may easily be conjectured, con much that it constitutes a branch
sists principally in plantations, of their first moral and religious
houses, and canoes, and the right 'dnty, viz. to reverence the gods,
of succession to it is regulated by the chiefs, and aged persons 3 and
the order of relationship, as given consequently there is hardly any
under the head of Nobles, p. 89, instance in these islands of old age
so in like manner is the right of being wantonly insulted.
succession to the throne. Women have considerable re
Having given a view of the spect shewn to them on account of
rank of individuals in society, with their sex, independent of the rank
reference to religion, civil govern they might otherwise hold as no
ment, and professional occupa bles. They are considered to con
tions; we have now to consider it tribute much to the ’comforts and
in respect to old age, sex, and domestic happiness of the other
childhood. sex, and as they are the weaker
Old persons of both sexes are of the two, it is thought unmanly
highly reverenced on account of not to shew them attention and
kind
458 ANNUAL REGISTER, M17.
kind regard; they are therefore of her premature death; but the
not subjected to hard labour or original intention seems not now,
any very menial work. Those understood, for it happens some
that are nobles rank like the men times, that a young man having
according to the superiority of both his natural mother and awi e
their relationship, If a woman living, will take it in his head to
not a noble is the wife or daugh have an adopted mother, whom
ter of a mataboole, she ranks he regards the same as his natural
as a mataboole; if she be a no parent. If a woman is the foster
ble, she is superior in rank to mother to a person superior to
him, and so are the children male herself, which is mostly the case,
and female; but in domestic she acquires no additional respect
matters she submits entirely to his from this source in society, though
arrangements; notwithstanding the adopted person be ever so
this, however, she never loses the great a noble ; but if a woman is
respect from her husband due to an attendant to a person of con
her rank, that is' to say, he is sequence, some respect always
obliged to perform the ceremony accrues to her on that account,
of mo’e-mo’e‘ before he can feed because it is a thing publicly
himself. If the husband and wife known, she forming a part of the
are both nobles of equal rank, the retinue of the chief, and accom
ceremony of mo’é-mo’é is dis panying him every where; where
pensed with; but where there is as, the relation in which a woman
any difi'erence the inferior must stands to her adopted son or
perform this ceremony to be freed daughter is more a matter of pri
from the taboo. If a woman mar vate agreement and mutual under
ries a man higher in rank than standing. Thus, Mafi Habe, one
herself, she always derives addi of the wives of Finow the first,
tional respect on that account; the father of the present king, was
but a man having a wife who is a Mr. Mariner's foster mother, ap
greater noble than himself ac pointed by the king her husband.
quires no additional respect from To this person Mr. Mariner feels
this source, but he has the advan himself greatly indebted for a con
tage of her larger property. siderable portion of his intimate
It is a custom in the Tonga knowledge of the language and
islands for women to be what true customs of Tonga, in contra
they call mothers to children or distinction to words and customs
grown up young persons who are introduced from other islands.
not their own, for the purpose of She would frequently take the
providing them or seeing that they greatest pains in teaching him the
are provided with all the conve correct Tonga pronunciation, and
niences of life; and this is often would laugh him out of all little
done, although their own natural habits and customs, in dress, man
mothers. be living, and residing ners, and conversation, that were
near the spot,—no doubt for the not strictly according to the Ton
sake of greater care and attention, fashion, or not considered 80. -
or to be afterwards a substitute ciently polished and becoming an
for the true parent, in the event egi (nobles) In all respects, and
on
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.
on every occasion, she conducted
herself towards him with the
greatest maternal afi‘ection, mo
desty, and propriety: she was a
woman of great understanding,
personal beauty, and amiable man
ners.
If a young girl is betrothed, or
set apart to be the wife or concu~
bine of a noble higher in rank
than herself, she derives more re
spect on that account, independent
of what is due to her own proper
rank.
The women employ themselves
(particularly nobles,) in making
a variety of articles, chiefly orna
mental; these employments, how
ever, are considered accomplish
ments, not professions: some of
the higher class of women not
only make these employments an
amusement, but actually make a
sort of trade of it, without'pre
judice to their rank; which‘is
what the lower class of women
could not do, because what they
make is not their own property,
but is done by the order of their
superiors; the highest accomplish
ments cannot add to a Woman‘s
rank, though it'does somewhat to
the estimation in which she may
be held, for such things, when
Well done, are honourable in a
woman of rank. These things
will be farther spoken of here
after.
Children acquire their rank by
inheritance, as before observed,
from the mother's side: if she be
not a noble they are not, and vice
versa. If a man, however high
his rank, have a child by a woman
who is only a tooa, no matter
whether they are married or not,
(but indeed there is no instance
of a noble marrying a tom.) that
459
child would not be a noble, though
it were known that the father was
a noble; the child might rank as
a mooa, but not higher : on the
contrary, if a woman who is a
noble were to have a child by a
tuna, the child would be a noble ;
but this perhaps seldom happens,
for the pride of the females would
not allow of such a low intrigue ;
or if such a circumstance were to
take place, the greatest care would
be used that it should not be
known. Children that are nobles
are somewhat less respected, as
may be supposed, on account of
their childhood 3 but then any
familiarity or slight disrespect that
might be shew‘n them would only
be by nobles nearly equal or su
perior to them. If Finow were
to see a child of superior rank,
approach or be brought near him,
he perhaps would say, (and fre
quently does on such occasions,)
Take that child away! why do you
bring him here, troubling me with
the taboo? or some such abrupt
expression : such language, how
ever, would not be decorous from
an inferior, unless he be of nearly
equal rank, and then only by au
thority of his superior age."
NARRATIVE O! A VOYAGE TO NEW
ZEALAND.
Performed in the Years 1814 and
1815, By John Liddiard Nicho
las, Esq.
The relater of this voyage ac
companied the Rev. Samuel Mars
den, principal chaplain of New
South Wales, on whose character
he has paid the highest enco
mimns, and whose purpose was to
settle
460 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
settle a mission from the latter depraved hart was perfectly legi
country to New Zealand. They ble in every one of them. He had
were attended by a chief of the acquired too, from his intercourse
island named Duaterra, together with European sailors, a coarse
with two other chiefs, Shungi and familiarity of manner mingled
Korra-korra, who sailed with with a degree of sneering impu
them from New South Wales. dence, which gave him a character
In December 1814, the ship, completely distinct from his coun
with two other missionaries on trymen, and making him odious
board, arrived otf the North Cape in our view, reconciled us the
of New Zealand. Mr. Marsden more easily 'to their unsophisti
was principally induced to make cated rudeness. This chief having
this attempt by a conviction that served on board some of the
the merchant vessels which had whalers, could speak English very
occasionally touched upon the fluently, and on my going up to
islands had been the aggressors, shake hands with him, he thought
and had propagated the opinion, proper to return the compliment
that the natives were no better with “ How do you do, my boy ?"
than cannibals 5 he therefore, with which he uttered in so characte—
his companions, landed without ristic a style of vulgar freedom,
scruple upon an isle within the yet so totally unlike the blunt fa
Bay of islands. This was very miliarity of honest friendship, that
near the spot. where the English be excited at the same moment my
ship Boyd had been totally out off abhorrence and disgust. It was
in 1809; and it happened that necessary, however, to be very
about a hundred of the warriors circumspect towards this designing
of Wangeroa, the scene of the chief, and I took care that he
action, were collected on the isle should see nothing in my conduct
to attend the funeral of a deceased that could lead him to suspect he
chief. The description given by was at all obnoxious to me.
Mr. Nicholas of his adventure with The contending parties being
this band of warriors, is extremely now in perfect amity with each‘
striking. - other, andpeace firmly established,
“ The public, I should suppose, we left the camp to return to the
'are already aware frOm Mr. Mars village, resolving however to come
den’s statement, that the chief back again, and spend the night
George, who is known by this among these warriors, with whose
name to. the European sailors, reception of us we had every rea
some of whom, in all probability, son to be satisfied. We wished to
first gave it to him, had been the shew them by all the means in
principal agent in cutting off the our power, that we were capable
Boyd, and certainly the face of of forgetting the enormity of the
this man bespoke him capable'of crime they had committed, and
committing so atrocious an act. that we harboured no resentment
His features were not unsightly, against them for the cruel slaugh
but they appeared to veil a dark ter of our unfortunate countrymen.
and subtle malignity of intention, It was with this view, therefore,
and the lurking treachery of a that we determined on trusting
ourselves
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 46]
ourselves for the night to their space, and we were quickly sur
good faith, and Mr. Marsden was rounded by crowds of the natives,
anxious to convince Geor e, by each with wild amazement visible
such confidence, he was no onger in his countenance. Men, women,
in our eyes an object of hatred or and children, flocked in upon us
suspicion. But whatever may have in one oppressive body, so that
been the sentiments of this gen to keep ourselves from being suf
tleman towards that insidious bar focated, we were obliged to form
barian, my own were decidedly a circle, which none was allowed
prejudiced against him; and if I to pass, and seating themselves all
had no apprehensions for our per round the verge of it, they watched
sonal safety, it was because I our motions with the most eager
trusted more to the hearts of his curiosity. Many of them had
people, than to any other honour never before in the whole course
able principle in their chief. As of their lives beheld an European,
sured. by Duaterra that these and to see packaka kiki, (the
people were never known to vio white man eat,) was a novelty of
late the signal'they had given us, so curious a nature, that they
I felt perfectly at ease ; and though gazed on it with wonder and
George might himself be disposed delight. Our situation at this
to act treacherously, he could find moment reminded me very for
none in this instance who would cibly of certain European kings,
co-operate in his designs. Yet who to shew their subjects that
here let me be understood as monarchs must eat as well as
speaking of this man only'from themselves, have long 'been in the
my own individual feelings, and habit of taking their sumptuous
the impression he made on me by banquets in public. They kept
his appearance and behaviour, for their eyes steadfastly fixed on us
there was no positive act to war all the time, and not a single oc
rant the censure I have passed currence escaped their observa
upon him, though _I rather think tion; while staring with surprise,
I have not been much deceived as they frequently called to those
to his real character. , around them to look at the won
lVhen we got back to the village, ders we presented. Many of them
Duaterra, with Mr. Kendall and expressed their astonishment in
Mr. King, returned to the.vessel, silent attention, and others, burst
and Shunghi, who had ordered ing out into fits of laughter at
his people to prepare some fish every bit we ate, were exceedingly
and potatoes for our dinner, had amused by the spectacle. We .dis
them now brought before us, and tributed biscuit and sugar-candy
we sat down with a good appetite. among several of them, which
Mr. Maraden‘s New Zealand ser they liked so well that they ap
vant, Tommy Drummond, had by peared eagerly desirous to get
this time come on shore with some more, smacking their lips with an
tea and an iron tea kettle, and exquisite relish for these unknown
this favourite beverage was never luxuries.
before more grateful to us. The I observed among the crowd
repast was laid out in a large open some venerable looking old men,
who
 462‘ ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
who regarded us with silent con to the camp, accompanied by our
templation, and seemed rather oc friend Shunghi, whose fidelity and
cupied in forming conjectures as attachment were sincere and de
to the motives that induced us to voted. We were also attended by
visit their country, than in taking the New Zealand sailor, who used
any particular notice of what we to act as interpreter between us
were doing. They appeared. not and his countrymen; and on our
- to feel any interest whatsoever in arrival, we found the warriors all
the distribution of the biscuits and seated on the ground, and the
sugar-candy, andwhile the young brother chiefs, George and Tip
folks, with few exceptions, were pouie, in the midst of them. On
all as merry as possible, these our approach they instantly made
mute sages were wrapped in pro _ room for us, and we were invited
found meditation. Still looking by George to place ourselves next
on us with an air of dignified gra to him, and some dressed potatoes
vity and serious reflection, they were laid before us in a basket,
neveruttered aword, and a strange which we were to partake of for
association of ideas formed in my our supper.
mind some resemblance between After eating a few of the pota
them and the Roman senators, toes, we entered into conversation
when Brennus came with hostile .with George, and anxious to learn
vengeance to destroy the city. from him all the particulars re
But they had nothing of this kind specting the Boyd, we immediately
to dread from us, as we wished commenced that melancholy sub
rather to improve, than demolish ject.
their wretched capital. After George had communicated
After having finished our repast, to us all the particulars 1 have
we walked through the village, narrated, it was time to prepare
which we found to consist of for rest, and the Warriors, stretch
about fifty huts, and one hundred ing themselves on the ground, he
and fifty inhabitants. The huts gan to wrap their kakahows more
were much better built than those closely about ‘them. ,The' scene
upon the island, and the roofs of now became awfully appalling.
many of them were shaped like Night threw its gloomy shade over
the curved top of awaggon, while the ruthless murderers of our
others extended in the form of a countrymen, while we, but two in
sharp ridge, increasing in breadth number, remained perfectly de
from the summit to the extremi fenceless in the midst of them;
ties on each side. A small enclo trusting only to the internal dic
sure in which there was a shed tates of their hearts, for the pri
where the inhabitants used to take rilege of existing a single instant.
their meals, surrounded each of Yet reflecting on their disposition,
these huts, and the general effect ‘ which is never vengeful without
of the whole was not uninter sufficient cause, we felt no alarms
esting. ‘ for our safety; and though per
The solemn hour of night was haps we may have subjected our
now approaching, and leaving selves to the imputation of having
these poor villagers, we returned unnecessarily exposed our lives in
' a per
 MAN NERS AND CUSTOMS; 463
a perilous situation, we ourselves vitae, they rose with lively spirits
could see no danger in what we to their desultory pursuits, and
had done, and were prompted to spent no timein lethargic slumbers .
it by far other motives than the Our next object was to proceed
vanity of adventurous enterprise. up the Cowa-cowa, to the part of
George, to whom I wish to render the island where timber is found
all the merit he deserves, however in the greatest abundance. It was
I may dislike his appearance and therefore determined that Mr.
manner, was, 1 must say, parti Marsden and myself, together
cularly attentive to us, and wished with Mr. Kendall and Mr. Hall,
to make us as comfortable as be should set out without loss of
possibly could. At his particular time, in order to engage the na
request, we laid ourselves down tives to cut down as much timber
to sleep beside himself and his as would be necessary for our pur
wife,_ Mr. Marsden being on one pose, and bring it by the usual
side, and I on the other. The conveyance to the vessel. \Ve
ground was our bed, and we had rowed to the head of the cove,
no other covering than the clothes which is about five miles from the
we wore; while stretched at full place where the ship was lying at
length under the broad canopy of anchor, and is navigable to this
heaven, we prepared for repose, distance for small vessels, and then
and feared not to close our eyes in came 'to some extensive flats,
the very centre of these cannibals. which though inundated with the
They proved themselves worthy of tide, are always dry at low water,
such confidence, and in no instance except the small channel through
did there appear the least disposi which the Cowa-cowa discharges
tion to take advantage of it. I itself into the cove. We now en
slept tolerably well for some part tered the open river, and rowing
of the ni ht, and awaking at the up along its smooth surface for
dawn of day, a scene, the strang about ten miles, the scenery on
est that can be imagined, present either side was bold and attractive.
ed itself to my view. An immense On whatever part we turned our
number of human beings, men, eyes, a rich and romantic prospect
women, and children, some half invited our attention, and the river,
naked, and others loaded with fan taking a serpentine course, offered
tastic finery, were all stretched to our view at every new turning,
about me in every direction ; while a delightful variety of picturesque
the warriors, with their spears images. The tide, which rises in
stuck in the ground, and their this river about four feet, might
other weapons lying beside them, render it navigable to some dis
were either peeping out from un tance for small craft, were the
der their kakahows, or shaking fallen timber cleared away, with
from off their dripping heads the which its channel is occasionally
heavy dew that had fallen in the obstructed ; a work, I should
night. Before sun-rise they were think, of no great labour, though
all up, and being invigorated and of obvious utility in the. event of
refreshed by that profound sleep a more regular intercourse with
which health is alwayssure to in_ theisland. If the accounts given
by
i
 464 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
by the natives can be credited,
this romantic stream might be
sailed up almost to its source; but
this I very much doubt, though
timber comes down in rafts from
remote parts of the interior.
The principal chief in this part
was Tekokee, to whom the district
belonged, though he was in some
degree tributary to Tarra. Land
ing on the ‘27th, at a small village
.not dissimilar to that in which
. Tarra resided, we met with two
young men, who readily under
.took to conduct us to the chief;
and after walking over some flat
and marshy ground for about a
mile, we ascended a hill, on the
summit of which he was seated,
with several of his people around
him, who all behavedvwithmuch
apparent respect. Like Terra, he
received us with manifest symp
toms of pleasure and good-will,
though his manner possessed not
those engaging demonstrations of
native politeness, which in that
venerable chief were so clearly
discernible. His demeanour; how . cursion on foot, we walked along
ever, was firm and convincing, the banks through a thick grove, ‘
and his ingennous countenance,
the very index of sincerity, afford
,ed the strongest proofs that nature
had never intended it to reveal the
subtle machinations of a designing
heart. Nothing was to be seen in
it that could in the least degree in»
dicate either fraud or deceit, but
the opposite qualities of honesty
and candour were plainly legible
to every beholder. In his person
he was more robust than any man
I had yet seen, and all his limbs
displayed a perfect correctness of
symmetry, evincing at the same
time the greatest capability of 1a
borious exertion. His broad shoul
ders were covered with a large
skin of difi'erent coloured fun,
and his tall figure, bold as it was
stately, and perfect as it was com
manding, might have supplied
even to Phidias, had it existed in
the days of that celebrated artist,
a model not unworthy his inimi
table powers. The chief, before
we apprised him of the object of
our visit, was already aware of it,
having learned by some means
that we wanted to buy timber of
him; and addressing __us on the
subject, he told us there was nuee
nueo racow, (plenty of wood,)
and promised very willingly to
shew us where we could be sup
plied.
The adjacent land was generally
level, and the soil, with the ex
ception of the marshy parts, most
excellent‘. ‘
Being accompanied by Tekokee,
we re-entered the boat, and pro
ceeded about two .miles further up
the river, till we came to where it
divided itself into two branches;
when getting out to enjoy an ex
which lined it on that side as far as
the eye could reach. The under
wood was here in such quantities,
and so entangled with the trees,
that a passage through it would
have been utterly impracticable,
had not the natives taken the pains
to clear a path, which ran along
through variOus intricate windings.
The timber in this grove was not
large, nor could I observe any
tree's of the pine species ; \though
there were several that appeared
of an excellent quality, and many
of them I thought would supply
very good materials for turnery in
particular.
Leaving this side of the river,
‘ We
 rig MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 465
we got into a canoe, and crossed me to give my readers any thing
over to the opposite bank, where like an accurate idea of the count
we entered a noble forest of pines, less beautiful views that are to be
growing to the height of eighty met with in this island; and the
and a hundred feet, before they part of it where we had now been,
branched out, and all of them as was not surpassed by any other in
straight as if they had been shaped grandeur and variety. A noble
by nature, for no other purpose river, smooth and transparent,
than to shew her regularity. There winding for some distance its in
were none of them more than tricate course through a forest
six or seven feet in circumference, both gloomy and majestic; hills
and being close to the river, could forming themselves into grand
be floated down without any great amphitheatres, or ascending, with
trouble or expense. impervious steepness, to a con
\Ve now engaged with Tekokee siderable elevation; valleys sink
to set all his people to work at ing down in the most picturesque
cutting down the trees, and giving recesses, and green fields opening
him a large English axe, a present on the view at the skirts of the
with which he was much gratified, forest ;-—these scenes, and many
we returned with him to his vil more, which I shall not here en
lage, and thence repaired back deavour to enumerate, present
again to the ship. 4 themselves on either side of the
During this excursion, we were Cowa-cowa.
highly gratified with the friendly
reception we met with from the
natives, and with the general ap Travels in the Interior of America,
pearance of the country, which in the Years 1809, 1810, 1811 ;
was every where remarkably beau including a Description Qf Upper
tiful. The land on the east side Lousiana, together with the States
of the cove rising in bold perpen of Chio, Kentucky, Indiana, and
dicular eminences, connected with Tennessee, with the Illinois and
each other, and stretching along Western Territories. By Jon):
the whole extent in that quarter, Basnsuav, F.L.25. London, &c.
forms as it were a natural wall, or
rather a continued chain of fertile Mr. Bradbury relates, that having
hills, producing on their sides a arrived at St. Louis in Upper
great deal of brush-Wood and Louisiana, intending to make
small trees, with a rich covering that town or neighbourhood his
of varied herbage. The prospect principal residence whilst ex—
on the western side assumes a dif ploring the interior of > Upper
ferent appearance, but not less Louisiana and the Illinois territory
attractive; the land swelling up for the purpose of collecting sub
in curious hillocks, covered with jects of natural history; and (lur
shrubs and fern, or extending in ing the ensuing spring and sum
level plains of the richest verdure, mer, making frequent excursions
and offering to the eye some of the for the purpose; he was informed
most delightful spots that can be on his return to St. Louis, that a
imagined. It were impossible for party of men from Canada had
VOL. LlX. arrived
466 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
arrived with an intention of as
cending the 'Missouri, on their also saw me and ceased, upon
way to the Pacific Ocean, by the
same route that Lewis and Clarke
had followed by descending the
Columbia river. Becoming ac
quainted with the principais of this
party, he accepted their invitation
to accompany them ; and in
March 18“, they all proceeded
on their journey.
One of the first of Mr. Brad
bury‘s narratives relates to an
Indian tribe, named the Osages,
of whom the foilowing account is
given :—
“ l inquired of Dr.Murrnycon
earning a practice which E had
heard prevaited amongst the Osa
ges, of'rising before day to lament
their dead. “He informed me that
such was really the custom, and
that the loss of a horse or a dog
was as powerful astinrulus to their
lamentations as that of a relative
or friend; and he assured me,
that if I should be awake before
day the t'oltowing morning, I
might certainly hear them. Ac
cordingly, on the 9th, I heard be
fore day that the bowling had com
menced ; and the better to escape
observation, I' wrapped a blanket
round me, tied a black handker
chief on my head, and fastened on
my beit, in which I stuck my
tomahawk, and then walked into
the viilage. The doors of‘ the
lodges were closed, but' in the
greater part of them the women
were crying and howling in a tone
that seemed to indicate excessive
grief; (In the outside of the vil
lage ] heard the men who Dr.
Murray-had informed me always
got out of the lodges to; lament.
] soon came with-in twenty paces
of one, and could see him dis
tinctly, as it was moonlight: he
which I withdrew. I was more
successful with another, whom I
approached nearer unobserved.
He rested his back against the
stump of a tree, and continued for
about twenty seconds to cry out
in a loud and high tone of voice,
when he suddenly lowered to a
low muttering, mixed with sobs:
in a few seconds he again raised
to the former pitch. We break
fasted with the commandant, and
afterwards walked out to view
some improvements he had made
in the fort. In our walk we ob
served what, on the first view ap
peared to be two squaws carrying
a tub of water, suspended on a
pole. Mr. Crooks desired me to
notice them, which I did, and Bé
marked that one of them had
more the appearance of a man
than of a Woman. He assured me
that it was a man, and that there
were several others in the village,
who, likethe one we saw, were con
demned for life to associate with
the squaws, to wear the same
dress, and do the same drudgery.
I now learned, that when the
Osages go to war, they keep a
watchful eye over the young men
who are then making their first
essay in anus, and such as appear
to possess the necessary qualifica
tions are admitted to the rank of
warriors, or, according to their
own idiom, brave men. But if any
exhibit evident proofs of coward
ice, on the return of the party
they are compeiied to assume the
dress and- character of women,
and their doom is fixed for life, as
no opportunity is afterwards af‘
forded them to retrieve their cha
racter. The men do not associate
with
 -MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 46-7
with them, nor are they suffered siderable time before they become
to marry, or have any intercourse the last rank, but strictly adhere
with the women: they may be to their regulations, and never
treated with the greatest indignity rise until there are none behind
by any warrior, as they are not them."
sufi'ered to resent it." The account of a famous chief,
The pigeons of the country af nar‘ned Blackbird, or Oiseau Noir,
ford a curious narration—thus presents a remarkable example of
described:— a man doomed by nature to act
“ I proceeded to examine the the part of a tyrant.—- ~
neighbouring country, and soon “ This chief, called by the French
discovered that pigeons were in Oiseau Noir, ruled over the Mahae
the woods. I returned, and ex with a sway the most despotic:
changed my rifie for a fowling he he‘dv managed in such a manner
piece, and in a few hours shot as to inspire them with the belief
271, when I desisted. I had an that he was possessed of supema
opportunity this day of observing tural- powers ; in council no chief
the manner in which they feed ; durst oppose him—*in war' it was
it afi'ords a most singular spectacle, death to disobey. It is related of
and is also an example of the rigid him at St. Louis, that a trader
discipline maintained by gregarious from that town arrived at the
animals. This species of pigeon Mahas with an assortment of In
associates in prodigious flocks: dian goods ; he applied to Black
one of these flocks, when on' the bird for liberty to trade, who
ground, will cover an area of se ordered that he should first bring
veral acres in extent, and are so all his goods into his lodge, and
close to eachother that the ground the order was obeyed; Blackbird
can scarcely be seen. This pha commanded that all the packages
lanx moves through the woods should be opened in his presence,
with considerable celcrity, picking and from them he selected what
up-as it'- passes along every thing goods he thought proper, amount;
that will serve for food. It [is evi ing~to nearly the fourth part of
dent that the foremost ranks must the whole ; be caused them to he
be the most successful, and that placed in a part of the lodge dis
nothing will remain for the hin tinct from the rest, and addressed
dermost. That all may have an the trader' to this etfect—‘ Now,
equal chance, the instant that any my son, the goods which I have
rank becomes the last, they rise‘ chosen are mine, and those in your
and flying over the whole flock, possession are your own. Don’t
alight exactly ahead of the fore cry, my son, my people shall trade
most. They succeed each other with you for your goods at your
with so much rapidity, that there own price.’ He then spoke to his
is a continued stream of them in herald, who ascended to the top of
the air 5 and a side view of them the lodge, and commanded in the
exhibits the appearance of the seg name of the chief, that the Mahas
ment of a large circle, moving should bring all their bearer, bear,
a through the woods. I observed that otter, muskrat, and other skins to
they ceased to look for food a con~ his lodge, and not on any account
2 H 2 ‘ to
468 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
to dispute the terms of exchange our sight, but immediately re
with the trader, who declared on appeared on horseback, and went
his return to St. Louis, that it was at full speed Over the blufi‘s. Mr.
the most profitable voyage he had Hunt informed us on his return,
ever made. Mr. Tellier, a gen that these Indians belonged to the
tleman of respectability who re Sioux nations; that three tribes
sided near St. Louis, and who had were encamped about a league
been formerly Indian agent there, from us, and had 280 lodges.
informed me that Blackbird ob They were the Yangtons Ahnah, the
tained this influence over his na Tetons Bois Brulé, and the Tetons
tion by the means of arsenic, a Min-na-kine-azzo. The Indian
quantity of that article having informed Mr. Hunt that they had
been sold to him by a trader, who been waiting for us eleven days,
instructed him in the use of it. If with a decided intention of op
afterwards any of his nation dared posing our progress, as they would
to oppose him in his arbitrary mea sufl'er no one to trade with the
sures, he prophesied their death Ricaras, Mandans, and Minate
within a certain period, and took rees, being at war with those na
good care that his predictions tions. It is usual to reckon two
should be verified. He died about warriors to each lodge, we there
the time that Louisiana was added fore found that we had to oppose
to the United States ; having pre near six hundred savages, with the
viously made choice of a cave for character of whom we were well
his sepulchre, on the top of a hill acquainted; and it had also been
near the Missouri, about eighteen stated by the Indian that they
miles below the Maha village; by were in daily expectation of being
his order his body was placed on joined by two other tribes, Tetons
the back of his favourite horse, Okandandas and Tetons Sahone.
which,was driven into the cave, We proceeded up the river, and
the mouth closed up with stones, passed along an island, which, for
and alarge heap was afterwards about half an hour, intercepted
raised on the summit of the hill." our view of the north-east side of
An interview with a tribe of the river. On reaching the upper
Indians is the subject of the fol point we had a view of the bluffs,
lowing narrative :— and saw the Indians pouring
“ Before breakfast this morning down in great numbers, some on
we discovered two Indians on a horseback, and others on foot.
bluff on the north-east side of the They soon took possession of a
river: we stopped opposite to them point a little above us, and ranged
to breakfast, during which they themselves along the bank of the
frequently harangued us in a loud river. By the help of our glasses
tone of voice. After we had break we could perceive that they were
fasted, Mr. Hunt went over the all armed and painted for war.
river to speak to them, and took Their arms consisted chiefly of
with him Dorion, the interpreter. bows and arrows, but a few had
We noticed, that when he landed, short cm'bines: they were also
one of the Indians went away, and provided with round shieldh We
for a short time disappeared from had an ample sufficiency of arpis
or

I
~/ ., »- 1,.\ ~'--_ _./ W, /,. x iA_,-_-/'_- ,
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.
for the whole party, which now
consisted of sixty men; and be
sides our small arms, we had a
swivel, and two howitzers. Any
attempt to avoid the Indians would
have been abortive, inasmuch as a
boat, in ascending the Missouri,
can only effect it by going along
the edges of the river, it being
wholly impossible to stem the
middle current ; and as the banks
are in many places high and per
pendicular, we must inevitably be
in their power frequently, as they
might several times in the course
of a. day shower a volley of arrows
upon us, and retire unseen. Our
' alternative, therefore, was, as we
supposed, either to fight them or
return. The former was imme
diately decided on, and we landed
nearly opposite to the main body.
Our first care was to put all the
arms in complete order: after
wards the swivel and the howit
zers were loaded with powder
only, and fired to impress them
with an idea that we were well
prepared. They were then hea
vily loaded, and with as many
bullets as it was supposed they
would bear, after which we crossed
the river. When we arrived within
about one hundred yards of them,
the boats were stationed, and all
seized their arms. The Indians
now seemed to be in confusion,
and when we rose up to fire, they
spread their bufi'aloe robes before
them, and moved them from side
to side. Our interpreter called
out, and desired us not to fire, as
the action indicated, on their part,
:t‘wish to avoid an engagement,
and to come to a parley. We ac
cordingly desisted, and saw about
fourteen of the chiefs separate
themselves from the crowd who
469
were on the summit of the bank,
and descend to the edge of the
river, where they sat down on the
sand, forming themselves into a
portion of a circle, in the centre
of which we could see preparations
making to kindle a fire, evidently
with a design to smoke the calumet
with us, and signs were made,
inviting us to land. Mr. Hunt
requested that Messrs. Crooks,
M‘Kenzie, Miller, and M‘Clellan,
would attend him in his boat, and
I accompanied Mr. M‘Kenzie. The
object was to consider whether it
was advisable to place so much
confidence in so ferocious and
faithless a set, as to accept the in
vitation. It did not require much
deliberation, as we found ourselves
under the necessity of either fight
ing or treating with them 5 it was
therefore determined to hazard
the experiment of going ashore.
The party who remained in the
boats were ordered to continue in
readiness to fire on the Indians
instantly, in case of treachery, and
Messrs. Hunt, M‘Kenzie, Crooks,
Miller, and M‘Clellan, with the in
terpreter and myself, went ashore.
We found the chiefs sitting where
they had first placed themselves,
as motionless as statues ; and
without any hesitation or delay,
we sat'down on the sand, in such
a manner as to complete the cir
cle. When we were all seated,
the pipe was brought by an Indian,
who seemed to act as priest on
this occasion; he stepped within
the circle, and lighted the pipe.
The head was made of a red stone,
known by mineralogists under the
term of killas, and is often found
to accompany copper ore ; it is
procured on the river St. Peters,
one of the principal branches of
the
470 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
the Mississippi. The stem of the near the great chief, who then
pipe was at least six feet in length. rose and commenced a speech,
and highly decorated with tufts of which was repeated in French by
horse hair, dyed red. After the Dorion. He commenced by stat
pipe was lighted, he held it up to ing that they were at war with the
wards the sun, and afterwards Ricaras, Mandans, and Gros Ven
pointed it towards the sky, in dif tres or Minaterees, and the injury
ferent directions. He then handed it would be to them if these na
it to the great chief, who smoked tions were furnished with arms
a few whiffs, and taking the head and ammunition ; but as they
of the pipe in his hand, com found we were only going to our
menced by applying the other brothers, they would not attempt
end to the lips of Mr. Hunt, and to stop us. That he also had bro
afterwards did the same to every thers, at a great distance north—
one in the circle. When this cere ward, whom he had not seen for
mony was ended, Mr. Hunt rose, a great many moons, and for whom
and made a speech in French, he also had been crying. He pro
translated as he proceeded into fessed himself satisfied with our
the Sioux language by Dorion. present, and advised us to encamp
The purport of the speech was to on the other side of the river, for
state, that the object of our voy fear his young men should he trou
age up the Missouri was not to blesome. When the speech was
trade; that several of our brothers ended, we all rose, shook hands,
had gone to the great salt lake in and returned to the boats. Dur
the west, whom we had not seen ing this conference, I had an
for eleven moons. That we had opportunity of noticing these in
come from the great salt lake in dians, a great number of whom
the east, on our way to see our were assembled on the bank above
brothers, for whom we had been us, and observed that they are in
crying ever since they left us ; and stature considerably below the
our lives were now become so Osage-s, Mahas, and Poncars, and
miserable for the want of our bro much less robust. They are also
thers. that we would rather die much more deficient in clothing
than not go to them, and would and ornaments, a considerable
kill every man that should oppose number being entirely naked, but
our passage. ~ That we had heard all armed."
of their design to prevent our The return of a war party of
passage up the river, but we did Indians is lelated in the following
not-wish to believe it, 'as we were manner :--
determined to persist, and were, “ It had been a custom with us
as they might see, well prepared to keep a guard round our camp
to effect our purpose; but. as a during the night since our arrival
proof of our pacific intentions, we at the Aricaras. Four of .the party
had brought them a present of were stationed for this purpose
tobacco and com. About fifteen until midnight, and were then re
carottcs of tobacco, and as many lieved by four others, who re
bags of corn, were now brought mained on guard until morning.
from the boat, and laid in a heap On the morning of the 10th, at
' day
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 4'71
day-break, some Indians came to poor squaws seemed in the least
our camp from thevillage, amongst solicitous about her own person :
whom was my friend the young they are too insignificant to be
warrior. As I happened to be on thought an appendage to a
guard, he came to me, and by triumph. It was nearly the mid
signs invited me to go and break dle 0f the day before the proces
fast with him. Whilst we were sion came in sight, when I went
sitting together, he suddenly to meet it, in order that my view
jumped up, and pointed to the might be prolonged. A number
bluifs, at the distance of three or of the old men and squaws were
four miles down the river. On also moving down from the town,
looking, I observed a numerous to meet them. At the head of the
crowd of Indians. He gave me procession were four standard
to understand that it was a war hearers, followed by a band of
party on their return, and innue warriors on foot ; after which
diately ran to the village. In a came a party on horseback: to
few minutes the tops of the lodges these succeeded two of the prin
were crowded with Indians, who cipal chiefs, betwixt whom was a
appeared much agitated. $00n young warrior, who I understood
after an Indian gallopped past our had been severely wounded. Then
camp, who I understand was a came two other standard-bearers,
chief. In a-few minutes after who were succeeded by another
wards parties began to come out band of foot and horse, which
of the village, on their way to order was observed until the four
meet the warriors, or rather to bands of which the party consisted
join them, as it is the custom for had passed. They were about
a war party to wait at a. distance 300 in number: each man carried
from the village when a victory a shield ; a few were armed with
has been gained, that their friends guns, some with bows, and others
may join in the parade of a tri with war clubs. They were painted
umphal entry ; and on such ocea in a manner that seemed as if they
1sions all their finery and decora had .tudied to make themselves
tions are displayed: some time hideous. Many of them had the
also is requisite to enable the war mark which indicates that they
riors at home and their friends to had drank the blood of an enemy.
paint themselves, so as to appear This mark is made by rubbing the
with proper eclat. During the hand all over with vermilion, and
time that elapsed before the ar by laying it on the mouth, it leaves
rival of the procession, Iwallted a complete impression on the face,
into the village, where an uni which is designed to resemble and
versal stillness prevailed. No bu indicate a bloody hand. With
siness seemed to be going on, every band some sealps were car
excepting the preparing; of some~ ' ried, elevated on long sticks ; but
thing for the warriors to eat on it was easy to perceive, on a close
their return. The squaws were examination, that the sealps had
0 employed in that business in all been divided, to increase the ap
the lodges into which Icatered, parent number. The number of
and I noticed that not one of the the enemy that were killed we.
supposed
472 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
supposed did not exceed seven or
eight, and they had themselves
lost two, so that this engagement
had not been a very bloody one.
As the body approached the town,
the squawa and old men began to
meet them, and excepting the la
mentations of those whose relatives
had been killed or wounded, the
expressions of joy became general,
but without disturbing in the least
the order of the procession.
walked into the village, which
assumed a busy air. ()n the en
trance of the party the warriors
were conducted to the different
lodges, that they might refresh
themselves, and the old men went
about shaking hands with some,
and seemingly bestowing praises
on others, who had conducted
themselves well in the battle."
Butfaloes.-—“ On my return to
the boats, as the wind had in some
degree abated, we proceeded, and
had not gone more than five or
six miles before we were surprised
by a dull hollow sound, the cause
of which we could not possibly
imagine. It seemed to be one or
two miles below us; but as our
descent was very rapid, it in
creased every moment in loudness,
and before we had proceeded t'ar,
our ears were able to catch some
distinct tones, indicating the ML
lowing of bufl'aloes. When oppo
site to the place from whence it
proceeded, we landed, ascended
the bank, and entered a small
skirting of trees and shrubs, that
separated the river from an exten
sive plain. On gaining a view of
it, such ascene opened to us as
will fall to'the lot of few travellers
to witness. This plain was lite
rally covered with. buffaloes as far
as we could‘xsee, and we soon dis
covered that it consisted in part of
females. The males were fight
ing in every direction, with a fury
which I have never seen paralleled,
each having singled 'out his anta—
gonist. Wejudged that the num
ber must have amounted to some
thousands, and that there were
many hundreds of these battles
going on at the same time, some
not eighty yards from us. It will
I be recollected that at this season
the females would naturally admit
the society of the males. From
attentively observing some of the
combats nearest to us, I am per
suaded that our domestic bull
would almost invariably be worsted
in a contest with this animal, as
he is inferior to him both in
strength and ferocity. A shot was
fired amongst them, which they
seemed not to notice. Mr. Brac
kenridge joined me in preventing
a volley being fired, as it would
have been useless, and therefore
wanton ; for if we had killed one,
I am certain the weight of his
carcass in gold would not have
bribed us to fetch him. I shall
only observe farther, that the noise
occasioned by the trampling and
bellowing was far beyond descrip»
tion. In the evening, before we
encamped, another immense herd
made its appearance, running
along the blutl‘s at full speed, and
although at least a mile from us,
we could distinctly hear the sound
of their feet, which resembled dis
tant thunder.” fins?
The Grand Saline, —- “ The
Grand Saline is situated about
two hundred and eighty miles,
south-west of Fort Osage, between
two forks of a small branch of the '
Arkansas, one of which washes
its southern extremity, and the
’ other
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 473
other principal one, runs nearly pa above the entrance into the chan
rallel, within a mile of its opposite nel. After supper, we went to
side. It is a hard level plain, of sleep as usual : about ten o’clock,
reddish coloured sand, and of an and in the night I was awakened
irregular or mixed figure. Its by a most tremenduous noise, ac
greatest length is from north-west companied by an agitation of the
to south-east, and its circumfe boat so violent, that it appeared in
rence full thirty miles. From the danger of upsetting. Before I
appearance of drift-wood that is could quit the bed, or rather the
scattered over, it would seem that skin, upon which I lay, the four
the whole plain is at times inun men who slept in the other cabin
dated by the overflowing of the rushed in and cried out in the
streams that pass near it. This greatest terror, ‘ 0 men Dieu!
plain is' entirely covered in hot Monsieur Bradbury, qu’est ce .9 qu'il
dry weather, from two to six y a :9' I passed them with some
inches deep, with a crust of beau difficulty, and ran to the door of
tiful clean white salt, of a quality the cabin, where I could distinctly
rather superior to the imported see the river as if agitated by a
blown salt : it bears a striking re, storm; and although the noise
semblance to a field of brilliant was inconceivably loud and ter
snow after a, rain, with a light rific, I could distinctly hear the
crust on its top. On a bright crash of falling trees, and the
sunny morning, the appearance of screaming of the wild fowl on the
this natural curiosity is highly pic river, but found that the boat was
turesque 2 it possesses the quality still safe at her moorings. I was
of looming, or magnifying objects, followed out by the men and the
and this in a very striking degree, patron, still in accents of terror,
making the small billets of wood inquiring what it was: I tried to
appear as formidable as trees. calm them by saying, ‘ Restez
Numbers of bufl‘aloes were on the vous tranquil, c‘est an tremblement
plain. The Saline is cnvironed de terre,‘ which they did not seem
by a stripe of marshy prairie, with to understand.
a few scattered trees, mostly of “ Bythe time we could get to our
cotton wood; behind these is a fire, which was on a large flag, in
range of sand hills, some of which the stern of the boat, the shock
are perfectly naked, others thinly had ceased; but immediately the
clothed with verdure and dwarf perpendicular banks, both above
plum bushes, not more than thirty and below us, began to fall into
inches in height, from which we the river in such vast masses, as
procured abundance of the most nearly to sink our boat by the
delicious plums I ever tasted." swell they occasioned; and our
Earthquakes.—“ As it required patron, who seemed more terrified
every eil'ort of skill and exertion even than the men, began to cry
to pass through this channel in out, ‘ 0 mon Dieu .‘ nous perirons !‘
safety, and as the sun had set, i I wished to consult with him as to
resolved to wait until the morning, what we could do to preserve our
and caused the boat to be moored selves and the boat, but could get
to a small island, about 500 yards no answer except ‘ 0 mon Dieuj
o nous
474 ANNUAL. REGISTER, 1817.
mm! perimns! ' and ‘Alloru d terre! that it could not be less than
Alton: d terre!‘ As 1 found Mr. eighty yards; and where it tern
Bridge the only one who seemed minated at each end, the banks
to have retained any presence of had fallen into the river. I new
mind, we consulted, and agreed to saw clearly that our lives had been
send two of the men with a candle saved by having moored to a slop
up the bank, in order to examine ing bank. Before we had com
if it had separated from the island, pleted our fire, we had tv'vo more
a circumstance that we suspected, shocks, and they occurred during
from hearing the snapping of the the whole night, at intervals of
limbs of some drift trees, which from six to ten minutes, but slight
were deposited betwixt the margin in comparison with the first and
of the river, and the summit of second. At four o'clock I took a
the bank. The men, on arriving candle, and again examined the
at the edge of the river, cried out bank, and found to my great sa
‘ Venez (I terre! Venez a terre ! and tisfaction that no material altera
told us there was a chasm formed tion had taken place; Ialso found
already, so wide that it Would be the boat safe, and secured my
difficult to pass it, to attain the pocket compass. I had already
firm ground. I ordered them to - noticed that the sound which Was
go upon the island and make a heard at the time of every shock,
fire, and desired Mr. Bridge and always preceded it at least a se
the patron to follow them; and cond, and that it always proceeded
as it now occurred to me that the from the same point, and went 011'
preservation of the boat in a great in an opposite direction. 1 now
measure depended on the depth of found that the shock came from a
the river, I tried with a sounding little northWard of east, and pro
pole, and to my great joy, found ceeded to the westward. At day
it did not exceed eight or ten feet. light we had counted tWenty-seven
“ Immediately after the shock we shocks, during our stay on the
noticed the time, and found it was island, but still found the chasm
near two o'clock. It was now so that it might be passed. The
nearly half past, and 1 determined river was covered with foam and
to go ashore myself, after scouring drift timber, and had risen con
some papers and maney, and was siderably, but our heat was safe.
employed in taking them out of Whilst we were waiting till the
my trunks, when another shock light became sufficient for us to
came on, terrible indeed, but not embark, two canoes floated down
equal to the first. Morin, our the river, in one of which we could
patron, called out from the island, perceive some Indian corn and
‘ Monsieur Bradbury .' sauce: was, some clothes. We considered this
sauce: com ." 1 went ashore, and as a melancholy proof that some
found the chasm really frightful, of the boats we passed the pre-'
as it was not less than four feet in ceding day had perished. Our
width, and besides the bank had conjectures were afterwards eon
sunk at least two feet. 1 took the firmed, as three had been over
candle, and examined to deter whelmed, and all on board perish
mine its lenglh. and mneluderl ed. When the day-light appeared
o {O
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 475
to be sufficient for us, I gave the time We were at breakfast,
orders to embark, and we all went and a third as we were preparing
on board. Two men were in the to reimbark. In the last, Mr.
act of loosening the fastenings, Bridge, who was standing within
when a shock occurred nearly the decliiity of the bank, nar
equal to the first in violence‘ The rowly escaped being thrown into
men ran up the bank, in order to the river, as the sand continued to
save themselves on the island, but give way under his feet. As I ob
before they could get orer the served that the men were still very
chasm, a tree fell close by them, much under the influence of ter
and stopped their progress. The tor, I desired Morin to give to each
bank appeared to me to be moving aglass of spirits, and reminded
rapidly into the river, and I called them that their safety depended on
out to the men in the boat ‘ Cou their exertions, and we pushed out
pez tes cordes!‘ on hearing this, into the river. The danger we
the two men ran down the bank, had now to encounter Was of a
loosened the cords, and jumped nature which they understood :
into the boat. lVe now found the nearer we approached it, the
ourselves again on the river: the more confidence they appeared to
Chenal du Diable was in sight, and gain ; and, indeed, all their
appeared absolutely impassable, strength, and all the skill of Mo
from the quantity of trees and rin, was necessary, as 'there Wm
drift wood, that had lodged during no direct channel through the
the night against the planters fixed trees, and we were several times
in the bottom of the river; and in under the necessity of changing
addition to our difliculties, I no our course in the space of a few
ticed that the patron and the men seconds, and that instantaneously, '
appeared to be so terrified and con not a moment being left for deli
fused, as to be almost incapable of beration. Immediately after we
action. I determined to stop, had cleared all danger, the men
previous to passing the channel, dropped their cars, crossed them
in order that the men might have selves, and gave a shout, congra
time to become more composed. tulating each other on our safety.
I had the grind fortune to discover “ We continued on the river till
a bank, rising with agentle slope, eleven o'clock, when there was a
where we again moored, and pre violent shock, which seemed to
pared to breakfast on the island. affect us as sensibly as if We had
W'hi-lst that was preparing, I been on land. The trees on both
' walked down the island, in com sides of the river‘were most vio
pany with Morin, our patron, to lently agitated, 'and the banks fell
view the channel, in order to as in, in several place-i, within our
certain the safest part, which we view, carrying with them innu
soon agreed upon. Whilst we merable trees, the crash of which
were thus employed, we expe falling into the river, mixed with
rienced a very severe shock, and the terrible sound attending the
found some difficulty in preserving shock, and the screaming of the
ourselves from being thrown geese, and other wild-fowl, pro.
down; another occurred during duced an idea that all nature was!
in
 476 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
in a state of dissolution. During the river. One of the men, who ap
shock, the river had been much peared to be considered as possess
agitated, and the men became ing more knowledge than the
anxious to go ashore : my opinion rest, entered into an explanation
was, that we were much more of the cause, and attributed it to
safe on the river ; but finding that the comet that had appeared a few
they laid down their oars, and months before, which he described
seemed determined to quit the boat as having two horns, over one of
for the present, we looked out for which the earth had rolled, and
a part of the river where we was now lodged betwixt them:
might moor it in security, and that the shocks were occasioned
- having found one, we stopped by the attempts made by the earth
during the remainder of the day. to surmount the other horn. If
“ At three o'clock, another canoe this should be accomplished, all
passed as adrift on the river. would be well, if otherwise, inevi
We did not experience any more table destruction to the world
shocks until the morning of the would follow. Finding him con- *
17th, when two occurred; one fident in his hypothesis, and my
about five, and the other about self unable to refute it, I did not
seven o’clock. We continued our dispute the point, and we went on
voyage, and about tWelve this day about a mile further. Only one
had a severe shock, of very long shock occurred this night, at half
duration. About four o‘clock came past seven o‘Clock. On the morn
in sight of a log-house, a little ing of the 18th, two shocks, one
above the Lower Chickasaw blufl‘s. betwixt three and four o‘clock,
More than twenty people came out and the other at six. At noon, a
as soon as they discovered us, and violent one, of very long duration,
when within hearing, earnestly which threw a great number of
entreated us to come ashore. I trees into, the river within our
I found them almost distracted view. In the evening, two slight
with fear, and that they were com shocks, one at six, the other at
posed of several families, who had nine o'clock.
collected in order that they might “ 19th. We arrived at the mouth
pray together. On entering the of the river St. Francis, and had
house, 1 saw a bible lying open only one shock, which happened at
on the table. They informed me eleven at night.
that the greatest part of the in “ 20th. Detained by fog, and ex
habitants in the neighbourhood perienced only two shocks, one at
had fled to the hills, on the oppo five, the other at seven in the
site side of the rivor, for safety; evening.
and that during the shock, about “ 21 st. Awakened by a shock at
sun-rise on the 16th, a chasm had half-past four o'clock: this was
opened on the sand bar opposite the last, and not very violent, but
the bluffs below, and on closing lasted for nearly a minute."
:q’irain, had thrown the water to Description of the Missouri
the height of a tall tree. They territory.—-“ it is necessary to ob
also aflirmcd that the earth opened serve, that Upper Louisiana was
in several places back from the settled from Canada, not by Way
' ' of

<4.
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 477
of Orleans, but by proceeding more than sixty years five of them
along the Lakes, and descending existed, isolated in a wilderness,
the Illinois or Miami rivers, and 600 miles at least from any other
may be considered as a distinct white settlers.
colony, the history of which, so The villages were regularly laid
far as may be gathered from them out in squares of 300 feet on each
selves, does not present those hor side, the houses standing towards
rid examples of treachery and in the streets, and the interior of the
justice to the Indians, which will area composed of gardens and or
for ever digrace the memory of chards. To each of these villages
those who first formed the lower was appropriated a large space of
settlement. The consequence has ground, and fenced in the form of
been, that although individual acts a parallelogram. In this space al
of injustice or aggression, com lotments are laid out, correspon
mitted against the Indians, have dent in number and relative mag
met with due and appropriate pu nitude with the town lots. These
nishment, yet no general act has allotments extend the whole length
been committed of a nature so of the field; but their magnitude
atrocious as to provoke general is determined by the breadth,
extermination ; a thing extremely which is marked on one of the
easy to have been etfected by the fences, being once, or once and a
Indians inthe early part of the half, or twice, &c. the length of
settlement, as there were several the side of a square arpent of land.
powerful tribes in their vicinity. In the common field belonging to
The inhabitants of Kaskaskias say Carondolet, these narrow stripes
that it was coeval with Philadel are more than a mile and a half in
phia, and the Common term for length. Besides the appropriation
Vincennes, (Old Post) shows that of land for cultivation, an exten
it must have been one of the first sive tract was laid out for each
settlements, if not the first. Both town as a forest, or demesne, from
these are on the east side of the which each individual cuts what
Mississippi, as also are Cahokia wood he thinks proper. All these
and the small settlement of Prairie appropriations have been ratified
du Roche. Besides these four, on by the commissioners appointed
the west side, there were five vil- , by the government of the United
lages originally settled, each of States, since the cession of Loui
which, besides its proper name, siana, to examine into claims. The
has a nick-name given to it. St. French, who are the descendants
Genevieve is Misere; Carondolet, of the first settlers, are very indo- ,
Vuide Poehe ,- St. Louis, Pain lent, and so much attached to the
Court ; St. Ferdinand, Florissante; manners of their ancestors, and
and St. Charles, Petit Cote. These even their practices in husbandry,
nine villages were scattered some that although they see their Ame
more than 100 miles distant from rican neighbours, by the applica
each other, and no two of them tion of improved implements and
were so situated as to be capable methods, able to cultivate double
of rendering mutual aid, in case of the quantity of ground in the same
attack from the Indians, and for time, nothing can induce them to
abandon
 478 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
abandon their old practices : and within three or four miles of his
if any one] attempts to reason with house, he thinks himself fortu
them on the subject, their con nate; but it sometimes happens
stant reply is, ‘As it was good that he is two days in ‘hunting
enough for our forefathers, it is them up,’ as they term it. When
good enough for us;‘ whence it he finds them, he throws down an
appears that even veneration for ear of corn, which they devour,
ancestry may become an evil. They and he rides gently towards home,
cultivate maize, wheat, oats, bar with the whole herd screaming
ley, beans, (phaseolus) pumpkins, after him. When they are almost
water and musk melons, and to inclined to give up the chase, he
bacco and cotton for their own throws down another car, which
use. Apples and peaches are very practice he continues until he
fine; the former abundant, and brings them into his yard, where
do not require to be engrafted. he shuts them up, and feeds them.
They pay great attention to gar Here they remain until the morn
dening, and have a good assort ing when he again feeds them,
ment of roots and vegetables. marks the young pigs, sets them
Notwithstanding their want of at liberty, and probably does not
industry, there is an appearance see them again for a fortnight or
of comfort and independence in three weeks. That each planter
their villages, as, from the rich may identify his own hogs, he
ness of the soil, and fineness of marks them in the ear, and in each
the climate, the labours atten township an office is established,
dant on agriculture, and attention in which these marks are register
necessary to their cattle, are com ed ; they are either holes or slits,
paratively trivial. They have or both, differently arranged; so
abundance of horses, cows. and that no two marks are alike 5 and
hogs, all which run at large on the it is against the laws of the ter
prairies, as they have no inclosures ritory to expose the carcase of a
but for the purpose of agriculture. hog for sale without having the
They mow a little grass on the ears upon it.
prairie, which they make into hay, “ St. Louis, the capital ol’ this
and give it to their horses and territory, is very pleasantly si
cattle when the ground is covered tuated on the Mississippi, about
with snow: at other- times they eighteen miles below the mouth of
leave them to provide for them the Missouri, in latitude 88° 5' and
selves. The hogs. sustain them longitude 89° 55' \V. It has a
selves on strawberries, hazle nuts, decided advantage over any of the
hickory nuts, acorns, and roots ; other towns, on account of its
and must be occasionally sought being situated on a rock, but little
for in the woods, to prevent them elevated above the high floods of
from becoming entirely wild. On the river, and immediately on its
these occasions, the proprietor fills border. Such situations are very
his saddle bags with the ears of rare, as the Mississippi is almost
Indian corn, with which he mounts universally bounded-either by high
his horse, generally with his rifle perpendicular rocks or loose allu~
'on his shoulder. If he findsthem vial soil, the latter of which is in
continual
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.
continual danger of being washed
away by the annual floods, to such
an extent, that a whole plantation,
situated on the border of the river,
has been known to have been
swept away during one flood. Fort
Chartres, erected at a vast expense
by the French government on the
border of the river, prior to the
cession of Louisiana in 1768, is
now almost entirely swept aWay.
The fur trade of the Mississippi
and the Missouri, together with
that of the tributary streams, al
most wholly centers in this town ;
_aud after the return of Messrs.
Lewis and Clarke from the Pacific
Ocean, a fur company was formed
for the purpose of trading with
the nations on the head waters of
the Missouri, which, from a variety
of untoward ments, but princi
pally from the hostile and bloody
disposition-of the Pnd'ians, has mis
carried."
James's Journal of a Tour in Ger
many, Sweden, Russia, and Po
land,- (luring the Years 1813 and o'clock, or a. profuse supper at
1814.
Early in the course of this
month the severity of the cold
began to be felt, and the natives
shrouded themselves in their first
surtouts- for the winter. There
are certain pleasures, notwith
standing, that accompany this
season. The preceding week had
been productive of a vast quantity
of- snow, and fortunately (being
the necessary conditions for good
trainage) it had fallen on aground
already hardened by the frost.
The. atmosphere, disburdoned of
its load, immediately clears up,
giving place to a settled state of
479
Weather. The sledges are brought
out, the. horses harnessed, and all
the world, before sluggish and in
active, at once is set in motion.
Figures innumerable are seen
gliding over the white carpet of
snow, with a pace so quick and
yet so silent, that it appears to a
stranger as an exhibition of en
chantment. The cart of the
peasant, the carriage of the noble,
shoot by as swift as lightning:
you hear nothing but the safety
bell, which tinkles in your car as
it passes, and declines in the dis
tance, before you have yet well re
cognized its sound. The gladden
ing ray- of a bright sun, and a
sky perpetually serene, lend so
pleasing a variety of colours to the
view as to render a picture of
Stockholm, in the month of No
vember, one of the liveliest pros
pects in nature.
The gay season now commences,
as the chief families arrive from
the country to winter in the me
tropolis. Early hours are still
preserved here in spite of French
fashions, and a dinner at two
ten, are. the usual offers of SWed
ish hospitality: but neither are the
private parties frequent, or yet the
public amusements verynumerous.
An Italian opera-house, and a.
small Swedish theatre, alone, were
open during our stay: for the
company of French comedians,
who had lately attracted so much
notice, had been dismissed, by
order of the Crown Prince. There
Were, however, several clubs and
institutions. The first of these,
the Society, or Selskopet, was re
gu-lutedona plan similar to that
of a ciuh in London. The others
were lodges, that held assemblies
and
 480 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
and balls at stated times; the dress is ordinarily worn by all
Amaranth, the lnnocence, the that are entitled to it ; and excep
Narcissus, &c. The Amaranth is tions can only be few, when the
by far the most fashionable, and members of every rank and pro
the best attended, and includes fession, from the highest civil
several associated establishments officers of the crown to the Royal
in the larger towns of Sweden. Academy of artists, have their
There was formerly an order of distinctive and appropriate uni
knighthood, instituted by Queen form. The citizens, too, have
Christina, under this title, to per their regular gala habit; a Spanish
petuate the memory of her lover, cloak and hose of black, being
Pontus de la Gardie; but having the same in colour, and not dif
afterwards fallen into disuse, it fering much in shape from the
was nominally revived in this common dress of the court. It is
spurious shape about 70 years but fair to add that, among other
since by a private association. accomplishments, the young of
The ceremonials of inauguration both sexes all dance‘extremely
are conducted with all the due forms well, and in a style inferior per
of chivalry. On the ballot for a haps only to the bean monde of
new member being declared, the Paris.
elect is introduced by a lady, and Among the lower classes the
a procession arrayed to the strains first indication of the approach of
of solemn music: when this is winter gives them the hint to lay
concluded, she decorates him with up their stock of eatables for the
the ribbon and insignia of the frozen market; the provisions
Amaranth, and he receives on his lasting, in a congealed state, un
shoulder the sword of the presi~ hurt during the whole season.
dent, who is usually one of the They next pile their stocks of
first officers of the state. The wood for firing, and light up the
grand cordons, and grand crosses stove of their wooden cabin, that
and collars, are distributed in pro is never sufl‘ered to grow cool, or
fusion—mock honours, that give, even to undergo ventilation, from
nevertheless, a strikingly gay air this day till the arrival of the
to the whole assembly. In the genial month of May.
midst (not the least conspicuous) One of the most pleasing sights
shone the Marechalls of a late of this time was the return of the
noble marriage, wearing, in si seamen, discharged for the winter,
milar knightly guise, the garters to their bostellars, or apportion
of the bride ; which, according to ments of land. We saw adivision
custom, are the prize of those who of them on their march, carrying
light the bridegroom to his cham their families, with all their little
her on the nuptial night. But store, in light Swedish waggons
ceremonious decorations, so uni from the port to their homes:
versal on the continent in general, here they were housed, each with
are objects of a nature particularly his hut and plot of ground, in se.
captivating to the ostentatious parate ranges, according to the
mind of a Swede. At a meeting gradation of their respective ranks ;
even of this description the full the habitation of the commands;
0

My». "A
*3 " 2*? ’T“' ,__/~_.-
 MANNERS AND cus'roms. 481
of the ship's company being placed under our windows to her home
in the centre of the permanent a lifeless corpse.
encampment. It is a mode of It will be well to observe, that
provision peculiar, I believe, to the extraordinary increase of cold
Sweden ; and was made, during a is not directly made known by
former reign, by the application symptoms such as might be ex
of certain lands of the crown to pected ; no external sensation will
this purpose. The advantages of enable any person to form an es
this plan of maintenance are ex— timate of its comparative rigour.
tended to the army as well as the
The action of a temperature such
navy, for the regiments of pro as the above is not like the nip
vincial militia are all supported in
ping of a frost in England, but a.
the same way; and these (if we general extension of its baneful
except the artillery, and a few influence is felt over the whole
regiments of guards), form, in body, its access being so gra
fact, the only standing force of dual that, for several minutes
the country. after leaving a warm room, the
Jan. 25.--At this time the cold air seems to make little or no im
was excessive, generally‘ below pression: an attempt, however, to
20°, and on the ‘Zlst day_of this endure it for even a quarter of an
month the mercury stood at 88° hour, unless extraordinarily well
of Celsius's scale below freezing wrapped up in fur or wadded
point, or ‘28° below zero of Fah clothing, would be attended with
renheit. It is impossible to re the highest degree of danger.
count all the horrors of such a Exercise alone is totally unable to
season : no example had occurred keep up the necessary vital warmth :
during the last sixty years of one the linen becoming moist is in
so severe. The peasants attend stantly converted to a covering of
ing the market came with their ice, and the animal heat escapes
faces, arms, and legs, frozen: as fast as it is excited.
the soldiers on guard, though re Even with the adoption of every
lieved every hour, were often taken possible precaution, very injurious
up in the same condition; and efl'ects will sometimes manifest
one, it was said, had been found themselves. A soreness in breath
dead at his post. Besides the mi ing, an oppressive headaeh, a
serable cases of persons frostbitten want of sense in the extremities,
that daily thronged the hospitals, and a stilfness in the thighs, are
several deaths took place among the first symptoms which give the
those who were out of the way of stranger warning to seek again
immediate assistance. A poor the timely shelter of his house.
woman, to mention one instance, Frequently did we remark the
being ignorant of the unusual in dead white patch on the cheek,
clemency of this morning, had the ears, or the noses of the lower
gone early to her usual occupation class, who were moderately pro
of washing on the river side; vided in point of clothing; and
scarce half an hour elapsed before to guard against such contingen
we saw her on her return, borne cies, it Jwas usual to see many of
VOL. LlX. 2l the
I
482 ANNUAL REGISTER. 13.17
the well furred gentry with the animal electricity in the frame is
upper part of their faces in masks, also remarkable; the natural
with coverings fitted to their ears, moisture necessary to carry it oil‘
and applying their fingers with not having been produced during
incessant care to every part of the day, it is retained in great
their visages in succession: or quantities, which are visibly dis
sometimes, which is the best pre charged at night on undressing in
servative for travelling, theirskins, 8 warm room.
where exposed, were greased with The power of the constitution
oil. Salutations in the street at to bear against cold, contrary to
this period are short; scarce a vulgar ideas, is weakened gra
word or an aIISWer ; and the dually more and more by en
greatest assemblage of people (for durance ; the frame is enervated,
the groups are seldom. numerous) in artificial life at least, and a
can be compared only to a meeting stranger, instead of growing more
at a deaf and dumb asylum. A 'hardy and secure, braves the
north-east wind, during such sharpness of the first winter with
weather as this, is a chill blast of much greater success than he can
death that exceeds in horror any attempt a second year.' In the
other curse of heaven. course of the first spring, indeed,
I t is not without rewon that so after his arrival, he feels infinitely
much care is used to prevent the more sensible of its injury than he
face from being taken by the had been of a similar temperature
frost, for as the skin is destroyed in the preceding autumn.
by its action, a blemish like the Several striking natural pheno
sore of a burn serves to renal the mena attend this season: syn p
memory of the accident during toms of a degree of rigour of
the whole of the succeeding sum which an Englishman has little or
mer. As to the general etiects of no conception. The smoke seems
the constant cold on the body, 1 to ascend from the chimney-tops
cannot help remarking that the a dense compact cloud, and the
women of all classes both here, atmosphere itself, though not ob
and as l afterwards observed in scure, assumes a heavy aspect,
Russia, seemed to be much less more particularly made. observable
ali'ccted than the men. It may at the rising and setting of the
be that they seldom stay out of sun. While no sooner has the
doors for so great a length of thermometer fallen to BOO—(Cel
time as the other sex, but it is sius), or 4° below the zero _of
certainly true that the influence of Fahrenheit’s scale, than the cel
the climate on the body varies lars of the houses emit a strong
much in degree upon difl'erent vapour to the streets; and all the
habits; but I think i may be streams of water, “hose rapidity
warranted in saying, that it is is sufficient to check congclation,
most commonly manifested in a give out in similar way a power
determination of blood to the ful steam during day and night
literal, and a tendency to lethargy, from their surface. It was an e;
but this is by no nmans universal. trsordinary spectacle to see the
The extreme accumulation of bridge at Stockholm, through
, which
 MANN ERS AND CUSTOMS. 483
which the waters of the Maelar On setting foot in the Aland
were discharged, constantly en islands we passed the frontier
veloped during the month in a of the Russian empire, for the
thick exhalation, as if rising from line of their coast was settled as
boiling water. the boundary by the treaty of
This effect admits of an easy ex 1809: it is singular, that not—
planation: a perpetual supply of withstanding their vicinity to
water takes place from under the Stockholm, so dangerous in case
ice, great part of which (since the of a rupture, the Swedish govern
freezing of its surface) has reas ment has not reclaimed these im
sumed a higher degree of tempe portant posts,_for there was atirne
rature from the warmth of the when Russia could‘ not have re
earth; the interchange of parti— fused to cede them.
cles occurring in the steam, be The island scenery appeared, as
cause they are in this way pos we journeyed, even at this time,
sessed of a different quantity of beautiful; the dark lush of the fir
heat, prevents the whole from formed a strong contrast with the
being cooled down to the point silvery fleeces of snow that roofed
necessary for congelation: the the forest, and the whole seemed
declivity continually keeps up the to have assumed a. new charm in
effect; and so great a. difference this livery of winter. Our road
existing between the temperature Was an undeviating line from
of the air and that of the water place to place, no obstacle pre
will occasion steam to be given sented itself; we passed over the
out from its 'surface at any point fields, through the woods, across
of the thermometer. the ice ; hill and dale,“ land and
The wolves at thistime, severely water, were all alike : sometimes
pressed by famine, lost their usual we traversed the rocky channel of
dread of man, and prowled fear~ a deep-bedded river, at other times
lesslyon the roads, following the wandered among the inlets of a
track of the carriages, to a great lake, at others again steered our
distance ; in one or two instances way between the islands over the
indeed they were known to ven open sea. The path was traced
ture, during the night, into the out on shore by large poles headed
villages in search of prey. with straw, over the ice by boughs
All communication with Eng of trees, stationed at intervals,
land, through the port of Gotten drawing a long thread over‘ its
burgh, was entirely out off; the surface that in some places reached
packet-boat came in sight, but to the very edge of the horizon;
was inaccessible from the regions we were skirted, indeed, by one
of broken ice that encircled the of these hedges in _our passage
coast: an hundred guineas were across the Delet, foI the distance
offered to any one that would un— of more than twenty English miles.
dertake 'the perilous office of The burden of providing these
fetching the mails ashore; yet necesSary marks is a duty that falls
even this temptation was held out upon the inhabitants of the several
in vain, and after waiting more parishes respectively; notice is
than a fortnight the vessel re given at the church as soon as the
turned to Harwich. ice may be reckoned secure, and
2 I2 certain
 at ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
certain distances are allotted to of draught, because neither here
the share of each individual. nor in Sweden is the animal train
\Vithout such an arrangement all ed to resist the weight of the car
communication would be entirely riage on a descent, however steep
at an end, not only during the it may be.
long winter nights, but every time Very little grain is produced;
that the snow was falling, or that the chief dependance of the people
a mist should arise to intercept is placed on the purchases they
the sight. are enabled to make at Stockholm
The cottages of the islanders by the sale of their wdod. For
were rough-hewn log-houses, and our own subsistence, it was abso
they were themselves people ap lutely necessary to carry with us
parently of such simple manners our provisions; cofi‘ee being the
and habits, as their secluded situa only article of luxury which they
tion and scanty number might had boarded up for the use of a
lead one to expect: each rustic chance traveller. We cut ofi‘ our
householder was provided with meat and bread, as occasion re
the tools and implements of a quired, from our store with‘ a
dozen necessary arts or professions; cleaver or hatchet, and having
performing for himself with equal been dressed at Stockholm before
address the duties of carpenter, we set out, ‘the beef steaks, 810.
shoemaker, tailor, fisherman, were unfrozen by the application
baker, miller, 8w. So little was of cold water, then placed for a
~ the division of labour studied, or few minutes in the stove-oven,
the appropriation of means, that and served up to table as if fresh
we observed the corn-mills almost from the hand of the cook. Our
equalled in number the houses of wine and brandy underwent a
the villages; they were cheap and partial decomposition, and the
of simple form, acting by sails watery particles were converted to
constructed of wooden planks, a core of ice; nevertheless, after
and their mill-stones shaped like what we had before endured, the
the querne or old Celtic machine weather could not now be called
for grinding with the hand. severe, except during a few hours
Luxuries, such as ochre paint of the night, and these accidents
for their cabins, or coats of wool were regarded but as so many
len cloth, where sheep-skins would agreeable novelties that relieved
suffice, were not common. Caps the weariness of our journey.
of the most ordinary fur served as Four days were spent in our
covering for their heads ; and for passage, when we once more set
their" feet the want of shoes was our feet on the continent, and
supplied bya mis-shapen bag of after a short stage arrived at Abo,
dried seal-skin: the harness of the great university of Finland.
their horses consisted of nothing
more than a plain collar attacl.ed
to the shafts of the cart or sledge; Kmv.-Amidst the toils of a
the horse‘s neck was thrust in, long journey, oppressed by the
and he had nothing to do but pro constant heat of the climate, and
ceed ; the contrivance, it must be wearied with the restless travel
added, answers all the purposes ling of many days and nights,
there
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 485
there are yet some few moments streamlet, was seen winding its
when the local interest of a par silvery path into the horizon: it
ticular spot, heightened perhaps was a land seemingly untouched
by the accidental glow of sunset, by man, and affording a prospect
or other adventitious circum as wild in its character as any that
stances, has power to excite a the most uncivilised tracts of
sentiment of ecstasy that amply America could furnish. I
compensates all the privations and Our first duty on the morning
inconveniences one had under after our arrival, in the true spirit
gone. The imagination, which of pilgrimage, was to pay a visit
riots to satiety on the battle to the catacombs. Upon proper
ground, or dWells with rapture on application being made at the for
proud memorials of ancient art, tress called Perchask, within
may yet feel a quiet enjoyment in which the monastery is situated,
the contemplation of a scene which we were admitted; and received
appears to lull in harmonious re infinite amusement from all we
pose all the higher feelings of our saw; The entrance was ornament
nature. Such was the delight with ed with pictures, that, like those
which we closed our journey on used for country shows in England,
the evening of the 19th of July. were illustrative of the exhibition
The Dnieper rolled at our feet, a in the interior; around stood a
smooth majestic river, of more miserable looking crowd, the pur
than a verst in breadth; On its chasers and venders of cr05ses, re
banks was a caravan of Tartars lies, and various other articles of
and Russians, listening to the superstition: the walls of the court
simple notes of the balalaika; within too were covered with huge
above our heads rose a long range religious paintings; and number
of hills encircled by a rich foliage less pilgrims, of both sexes, were
of trees, and crowned with the assembled in groups, reading, ad
gilt domes of the sacred city ' miring, bowing, praying._ The
Having waited some time while stories were chiefly selected from
the horses and carts, near twenty the legendary tales of the lives of
in number, were placed aboard, the saints; on one side was re
we at length crossed the ferry, and presented the virgin Theodosia,
toiled up the steep ascent, over a accompanied at each stage of her
road as usual covered with planks. life (a continued series of tempta
“’hen arrived at the summit, a tion) by two guardian angels, and
new scene presented itself: the three or four ministers of darli
cupolas that before were but as ness; the devils always defeated,
spots in the view, faced us with a the angels _ever triumphant; and
blaze of gold, and a thousand gay in the last painting she was repre
colours shining around us dazzled sented as having surmounted all
the eye : if we looked to the coun her difiiculties, and arrived in
try below, one unvaried plain ap heaven. The artist‘s imagination,
peared of immeasurable extent, however, has somewhat failed,
and covered with a thick forest, hnd seems not quite to have seized,
through the middle of which the on this occasion, the true notion
Dnieper, now dwindled to a of the sublime, or the beautiful;
but
486 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
but we should recollect that, in
the Russian vocabulary, the terms
beautiful, red, and coloured, are all
three represented by the same
word, so that a confusion of ideas
might easily occur.
On another side an old miser is
seen on his death-bed: the'com
pany surrounding him are, as be
fore, angels and devils ; the latter
are very urgent to seize upon his
parting soul, but prevented by the
former, who claim him to them
selves, because, forsooth, he'had
bequeathed a large sum by will to
the monastery. The devils, thus
disappointed, peruse the will and
codicil with much earnestness and
apparent chagrin. The moral of
the tale needs no explanation.
The profound respect and awe
impressed on the countenance of
every one we met lent an air of
solemnity even to their ludicrous
superstitions; and a stranger al
most felt inclined to chide himself
for making a visit of mere curio
sity. Our meditations, however,
on this singular spectacle were in
terrupted by our guide arriving to
inform us the priest wasNvaiting
to conduct us to the relics. We
descended a long staircase en
ramp, to the mouth of the sacred
catacomb, being formed into a
regular procession, and each bare
headed, carrying a lighted taper
in his hand. It was a labyrinth
mined in the solid rock, consist
ing of walks, chambers, branches,
&c., ascending and descending for
the distance of several hundred
yards; the passage about six feet
wide, and cored at the top; its
sides neatly plastered and stained,
with a black wash; the flooring
laid with iron plates about a foot
square. The remains of seventy
three saints, or primitive Chris
tians of Russia, the objects of
veneration, were deposited in semi
circular niches that occurred at iri
tervals on the passage. The bo
dies were wrapped round and ban
daged up with sWathings of silk
after the'fashion of mummies,
though no part, not even the face,
was left visible; what was within
I know not; but they Were scat
tered over with pieces of money,
the ofiefings of the devotees. The
coffins, which were always left
open, were of an oblong square
figure, decreasing in breadth from
the head downwards, adorned on
the interior with flowers of gold
painted on a red ground. These
personages were the same who
once found an asylum here while
alive, at a day when the unsettled
nature of the times rendered them
liable to perpetual persecutions
abroad.
St. Anthony is the chief and
patron saint: we were first shewn
his oratory, and the cell in which
he dwelt, say they, forty years,
which, in memory of the holy
man, the monks are 'constrained
to visit at leasttwice every day.
Next we proceeded in regular
order to the shrines of St. Precop,
St. Polycarp, St. Theodore, St.
Luke (the Russian), and St.
Nicholas, the last of whom having
died at the distance of 3000 versts,
was wafted hither by the angels
in one hour: there was also a
Russian St. Mark, who, to outdo
all other acts of abstemiousness,
never drank even of pure water
oftener than once each day, and
then only the contents of a small
cruse made in the shape of a
cross, containing about a gill in
quantity; and a certain St. John
who
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 487
who was pointed out, being bu south, either of those who have
ried up to his shoulders in earth; sins to eitpiate, or of those whose
a penance which he imposed upon quiet and holy life requires some
himself for forty days, when he notable act to grace its monoto
expired. Here we halted, and nous career, but imposes on him
the priest, placing the saint‘s cap self, at one time or other, the task
on our head, gave us (for it was of performing this burdensome
the custom of the place) a short act of over-Zealous piety. The
blessing. The only other persons ground plan of this building was
whose good works entitled them the same, as to distribution, which
to look for repose here were the seems commonly to have prevailed
tWelVe inch of Constantinople who in all the older Russian churches;
excavated this subterraneous re in Greek cross divided by four
treat, about 800 years ago : their square pillars in the centre, with
bodies Were seen collected together a vestibule or parvis, one arch in
in one chamber, and were the last breadth, advanced in front; the
of the series that were shewn us. mod was, according to custom,
On our return to the realms of covered with three several ranges
day, we heard the chant of mass of pictures of saints, in compart
sounding from the church of the ments of rich gilt carved Work,
monastery, and thither we instantly profusely interspersed with pearls,
repaired. The people whom we lapis laZuli, turquoises, enamel,
found assembled completely filled &'c. and exceeding, in gaudy cost
cVery part of the area: it was a liness, whatever We had before
herd of pilgrims, habited in all seen displayed.
the various costumes of the - From hence we visited the
southern provinces of the empire, churches of St. Sophie, and of the
some of them being said to have miraculous St. Avare in old Kiev,
made ajourney on foot of fifteen where ends the ordinary course
hundred versts, in order to dis' I of pilgrimage.
charge their vows at Kiev: and The former is the oldest church
indeed their lank worn looks and in the Russian dominions, and
tattered garments seemed, in many though not, as is said, built
instances, to bespeak the toil~ strictly after the model of the
someness of their undertaking. famous church of the same name
While their devotions detain them at Constantinople, yet was, no
here, they are for the most part doubt, the work of architects who
obliged to lie out at night, being came from thence ; and bears on
destitute of/money to pay for lodg the interior many traces of By
ing, and by day only perhaps once zantine architecture. It is, how
receiVe refreshment, at the gra ever, almost a. singular instance
' tuitous repast which is provided of that style; while the fashions
by the Emperor in the refectory and taste of those oriental nations,
of the monastery. But the enthu whose character is so strongly im
siasm, devotion, and superstition printed in the lineaments of the
of a Russian is easily able to sur Russian visage, are easily recog
mount all these ditii'culties; and nised in the more durable monu—
there is scarce a\ person inthe ments of architecture.
The
488 ANNUAL REGISTER, l817.
The Gostinnoi dvnr, or square large quantities, were forwarded
market-place, which we see in under contract for three roubles
every town, constructed with and a half, or four roubles, each
double arcades, one above the poud, (36 lb. English,) from Mos
other, as in an eastern bazar ; the cow to Kiev. As this distance is
thick baiuster-shaped column, the about 7’50 versts, or 500 English
pagoda fashion of the old steeples, miles, the rate may be considered
the facades adorned with painted as something lower, in nominal
and glazed tiles, the bulging form value, than the average amount of
of the cupola, and its situation in the price of water carriage in
the centre of the building, sur En land. -
rounded by four smaller ones, all ' he necessaries of life Were
peculiarities common throughout much cheaper here than in any
the Mohammedan countries of the other town of Russia which had
east, will sufficiently prove from fallen within our route ; though
what quarter this people must the inhabitants of Kiev complained
have drawn its ideas of architec that a great augmentation of
ture. prices in general had taken place
The trade of Kiev, though it during the visit of the Empress
has attracted a few settlers from Catherine, and that they never
Germany, is extremely dull; it afterwards sunk to their former
consists chiefly in exportation of value.
corn and wood to the south, for The town has become, within
which salt or money is received a few years, a place of greater
in exchange. But a very consi resort than formerly; for the fair,
derable business of transit had which used to he held at Duhno,
been carried on, through this has been transferred hither by the
place, during the last year or two. Emperor's command. It is to this
The articles of English manufac the Polish nobles, and indeed all
ture, or the produce of our colo the people of the country around,
nies, which the French prevented meet for the sake of transacting
from being introduced by more business, and making leases or
direct means, found their way into transfers of land, while at the
the interior of the continent, by same time the merchants attend
the circuitous route of Riga or with stores of provision for sale,
Petersburg, Moscow, and the which are purchased for the baro
south of Poland. Some parts of nial household in the wholesale
Austria and Germany were latterly way; and the concourse is im
supplied in this way; and the mense. At present very little
quantity of goods was so great, company was to be seen except some
that a merchant, who had consi Greek merchants, who seemed the
derable dealings in this line, told chief beaux of the place, and dis
me he had sometimes forwarded played themselves every evening
three or four hundred carts in a with their ladies in the gardens of
single day. _ the governor. .
Expense of carriage, as was The resident population of Kiev,
before remarked, is not very including its university, is sup
heavy ; and these articles, when in posed to be about Q0,000; they
inhabit
 MANN ERS AND CUSTOMS. 489
inhabit, however, three distinct the actual state of the drama, and
towns ; the Perchask fortress with indeed of that department of lite
its adjoining streets, standing upon rature in general which is usually
the summit of a hill on the east; known by the name of belles let
Old Kiev, with its Polish fortifi tres. Led astray by Chinese pre
cations, lying to the west; and judices, and falling in with Chi
below, the Podolsk quarter ; which nese feelings, respecting their
last is in a dilapidated state, having ancient books, these writers have
sutlered a dreadful conflagration so stuffed their communications
about four years ago. Many with excessive panegyrie on the
houses had been renewed, but it beauties of the four King, and the
contains nothing very striking, wisdom and virtues of Yao and
except the remains of some old Chun, as to leave themselves no
Greek convents, and buildings of time to inquire into the moderate
that nature. On ascending the state of general literature. \Ve
hill from hence, the road passes are told, indeed, by Pere Cibot,*
near the spring where St. Vlado and the remark is copied from him
mir baptised the first Russian by the Abbé Grozier, “ that they
converts : the place is held sacred, Would speak, in China, of a. man
and a cohlmn bearing a cross is of letters making good verses,
erected over it to commemorate just as they would speak, in
the pious act, as well as to record France, of a captain of infantry
the former importance of Kiev as playing well on the violin ;" yet
the seat- of sovereignty. both the one and the other imme
diately contradict such a notion,
\ by quoting several pieces of poetry,
both ancient and modern, extolling
A brief View of the Chinese Drama, their beauties, and endeavouring
and of their Theatrical Exhibi to shew their influence over the
tions. Prefited to a Translation
passions, and the estimation in
of a Chinese Drama, entitled “An which they have been held from
Heir in his'Old Age." the earliest periods to the present
Among the many interesting and times. The truth is, the most an
valuable communications, for cient records that remain of China,
which Europe is indebted to the consist of poetry. The very sym.
Jesuits and the other less enlight bol by which compositions of this
ened and more prejudiced orders kind are designated, points out
of the Catholic missionaries, who their early origin ;—shee, a cha
established themselves in China racter compounded of a word, and
more than two centuries ago, very a hall or temple, a place from which
little is to be found respecting the the magistrates anciently delivered
taste of that extraordinary nation instruction to the people—the words
for lyric poetry, or theatrical ex of the temple—being short-mea
hibitions ; and from the infre sured sentences, composed gene
quency of European visitors, we rally of four characters, so chosen
are left almost wholly in‘the dark as to be each of them very expres
with regard to the nature of this
kind of composition, as well as of ' Mem. Chin. Tom. viii. p. 237.
sive
 490 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
sive and significant, and easily China, and with as little know
committed to the memory. The ledge of what their “goodness”
Book of Odes, one of the four consisted in; but Mr. Morrison,
most eminent and ancient of their in his Chinese grammar, quotes a
classics, is chiefly composed of this Chinese author who seems to have
kind of verse. sounder notions on the subject
It is not necessary, however, to than either Pere Cibot or the Ahbé
dive into the depths of antiquity, Grozier: he compares the pro
or to have recourse to ancient com gress of poetry among his coun
positions, in order to prove a very trymen to the gradual growth of
general predilection of the Chinese a tree : “ the ancient She-king
for epic and lyric poetry. The late (the Book of Odes) may be likened
Kien-lungamusedhimselfwithwrit to the roots ; when Soc-loo flou
ing an epic poem, called Moukden, rished, the buds appeared ; in the
and two or three others of consi time of Keen-ngan there was abun
derable length, besides several ly dance of leaves; but during the
rical odes, songs, and epigrams, dynasty Tang, many reposetl under
as half the tea cups in the empire the shade of the tree, and it yield
can testify; his unfortunate fa ed rich supplies of flowers and
vourite, whose Wealth and influ fruit."*
ence drew upon him the vengeance In like manner the twa writers
of the reigning emperor, wrote above mentioned, Cibot first, and
verses in his prison the day before Grozier servilely copying him, pre
his execution; and the editor has tend to say, that from the earliest
in his possession the translation of periods in which theatrical ex
a copy of verses, entitled “ Lon hibitions entered into domestic
don ; ” written by a Chinese, who amusements, and the public enter
had accompanied a gentleman to tainments of the court, the learned
England, in the capacity of his have not ceased to publish philo
servant, describingr very concisely, sophical observations on the dan
butcharacteristically, what he saw, gers of the theatre, and its baneful
and more particularly, those things effects on public manners. " Plays
which contrasted with the man (says one of these philosophers)
ners and appearances of his own are a kind of artificial fire-works
country. of wit, which appear in the night
It is not correct, therefore, to of disorder ; they debase and ex
say that the Chinese have no relish pose those who let them off, fa
for poetry. They cannot avoid, tigue the delicate eyes of the sage,
occupy dangerously idle minds,
liking it, for every symbol of their
expose women and children who
written language is poetical ; each
character presenting to the eye, listen to them, give out more of
and through it to the mind, the smoke and stench than of light,
picture of the idea which it is leaving only a dangerous dazzling,
meant to represent. It is true, and often cause dreadful conlla
,50me of the missionaries make a t.grations.“qL Yet in the same page
reserve in favour of ancient poe ‘ Grammar of the 'Chinese Langulge,
try: “ the good old times" are p. 2730
praised in more countries than in t Mela. Chin. Tom. viii. p. 227.
I the
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 491
we are told that the greater part scenical deception to assist the
of Chinese comedies and tragedies story, as in the modern theatres of
’ appear to be Written to shew the Europe; and the odd expedients
deformity of vice and the charms to which theyare sometimes driven
of virtue. The writer might have by the want of scenery are not
added, that they are universally many degrees above Nick Bot
performed and encouraged from tom’s " bush of thorns and a lan
the court to the cottage ; that the thorn, to disfigure or to present
Chinese are so passionately fond of the person of moonshine; " or the
scenic representations, that in most man with “ some plaister, or some
houses of the great, a hall is set lome, or some rough cast about
apart for the performance of plays; him to signify wall 5 " thus a ge
that no entertainment is ever given neral is ordered upon an eitpe
without a company of comedians dition to a distant province, he
to amuse the guests; that they mounts a stick, or brandishes a.
constitute a part of all public fes whip, or takes in his hand the
tivals ; and that foreign ambassa reins of a bridle, and striding three
dors are invariably entertainedwith or four times round the stage in
theatrical representations: -- he the midst of a tremendous crash
might further have added, that it of gongs, drums, and trumpets,
is'not true, as he" asserts, that he stops short, and tells the au
public theatres are put on a leVel dience where he is got to; if the
With houses of prostitution and Wall of a city is to be stormed,
confined to the subiirbs of cities.* three or- four soldiers lie down on
There is no such thing, in fact, as each other to “ present wall." A
a public theatre in all China. A tolerable judgment may be formed
Chinese company of players will of what little assistance the ima
at any time construct a theatre in ginatimis of an English audience
the course of a couple of hours ; ( erived from scenical deception, by
a few bamboos as posts to support the state of the drama and the stage
a rod of mats, and a fl00r of as described by Sir Philip Sidney,
boards, raised some six or seven about the year 1583. “ Now you
feet from the ground 5 and a few shall have three ladies walk to
pieces of painted cotton to cover gather flowers, and then We must
the three sides, the front being left believe the stage to be a garden.
entirely ope‘n, are all that is re By and by we have news of ship
quired for the construction of a wreck in the same place; then
ChineSe theatre; which very much we are to blame, if we accept it
re'semblés,lwhe'n finished, one of not for a rock. Upon the back of
those booths erected for similar that, comes out a hideous monster
purposes in Bartholomew Fair, but with fire and smoke; and then
is far less substantial. Indeed a the miserable beholders are bound
common apartment is all that is to take it for a caVe ; while in the
necessary for the performance of mean time two armies ily in, re
a Chinese play. They have no presented with four swords and
bucklers, and then what hard heart
' Ut 'supra. ' Gmzi‘er,vol.ii p.417, will not receive it for a pitched
' field i"
492 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
field ?"* Inigo Jones appears to terton, about 1660, being the first,
be the first who invented painted or about the first, female who
cloths for moveable scenes, which played Juliet and Ophelia. It is
were used at Oxford in 1605. observed in the prologue to the
It is very true that stage players Moor of Venice, in introducing
are not held in great respect by the first female who played Des
the Chinese; and Cibot had pro demona,—
bably read the statute 1- against “ 'Tis possible a virtuous woman may
civil or military ofiicers of govern Abhor all sorts of looseness, and yet play.” i
ment, or the sons of those who
possess hereditary rank, frequent No prohibition, however, of fe
ing the company of prostitutes and males acting on the Chinese stage,
actresses, which led him into the appears in the code of laws; but
mistake of the junta-position of it is enacted, that “ all strolling
their trading concerns, a mistake, players, who shall be guilty of
the more likely to be committed, purchasing the sons 0r daughters
as he frankly owns he knows very offree persons, in order to educate
little of the matter, and takes no them as actors or actresses; or
interest in the subject. We must who shall be guilty of marrying
be cautious, however, in estimat or adopting as children such free
ing the conduct of the Chinese persons, shall, in each case, be
from their moral maxims or legal punished with a hundred blows of
precepts: there is no people on the bamboo;“f—and thesame pu
earth whose practice is so much at nishment is extended to the seller
variance with their professed prin of free persons, and to females born
ciples ; as a striking instance of of free parents voluntarily inter
this remark, it may be observed, marrying with strolling players.
that the late emperor Kien-lung,‘ It has been said, that in Pekin
in the teeth of the above mentioned alone there are several hundred
statute, took an actress for one of companies of comedians, when the
his inferior wives or concubincs ; court is there, and that at other
since which, it is said, females times they travel about from one
have been prohibited from appear city to another. A company ge
ing on the stage, and their places nerally consists of eight or ten
supplied by boys, and those crea persons, who are literally the ser
tures who are of neither sex. No vants or slaves of the master or
women ever appeared on the manager. They travel about from
Greek and the Roman theatres ;. place to place in a covered barge,
but the characters in the dramas on canals or rivers near to which
of the latter, as in those of China, most great cities are situated ;
were sometimes played by eunuchs. these barges are their habitations,
The soft and delicate female cha and in these they areinstructed in
racters of Shakespeare had not the their parts by the master. When
advantage of being played by a called on to perform before a party,
female during his life; Mrs. Bet~ a list of the plays they are prepared

' Malone’s Shakespeare, vol. ii. p. 57. ' Malonc's Shakespeare, vol. ii. p. 93.
f Ta-tsing-leu-lee, p. 410. f Ta-tsing-leu-lee, p. 410.
to
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 4-93
to represent is put into the hands resort for gamblers, and the lodg
of the master of the. feast, who ing-houses of foreign ambassadors,
consults his guests as to the choice and officers travelling in the pub
to be made; this done, the dra lic service. But neither in this
matis persona: are read over ; and respect would the Chinese be sin
if it should happen that a name gular; our old mysteries and mo
occurs therein, corresponding with ralities were frequently played in
the name of any of the guests, churches. Taverns in China have
another piece is immediately cho also a large room set apart for the
sen, in order that no offensive act entertainment of guests with thea
or allusion in the play may be trical exhibitions ; just as in Eng
coupled with the name of the au land, companies of players had
ditor. Perhaps, however, this occasional stages erected in the
restrained delicacy is only on pa yards of the principal inns, in
per, and not followed up in prac Queen Elizabeth‘s time.
tice; just as the statute which If the missionaries have com
prohibits musicians and stage municated little information re
players from representing, in any specting the actual state of thea
of their performances, “ emperors, trical representations in China, the
empresses, famous princes, minis descriptions, which occasional vi
ters, and generals of former ages," sitors to that country have given
is perpetually infringed, such re of the actual state of scenic exhi
presentations being, in fact, the bitions, convey a tolerably correct
favourite and most usual subjects notion of what they are : and they
of theatric exhibition. Indeed certainly are not of a nature to
there is a saving clause, which says, give us any very exalted notion of '
that “ this law is not intended to the state of the drama, or of the re
prohibit the exhibition upon the finement of the people. The most
stage of fictitious characters of just singular and inexplicable part of
and upright men, of chaste wives, the subject is, that those repre
and pious and obedient children, sentations would appear to descend
all which may tend to dispose the into lowness and vulgarity, in the
minds of the spectators to the inverse ratio of the rank and situ
practice of virtue."* ation in life of the parties for whose
lVhen the common people wish amusement they are exhibited.
for a theatrical entertainment, Thus, at the court of Pekin, and
they subscribe among themselves in presence of His Imperial Ma
a sum sufficient to cover the ex jesty, Ysbrandt Ives, the Russian
p'ense of erecting the temporary ambassador in 169‘), was enter
theatre and paying the actors, tained with jugglers, posture-ma
which is said to be very moderate. kers, and harlequins, while on his
De Guignes says, that the temples way thither; and not far from the
or pagodas are sometimes used for great wall, the governor of a city
theatres,1~ which is not impossible, entertained him with a regular
as they are the common places of play. “ First," says he, “ entered
a very beautiful lady, magnificently
* ’l‘a-tsing-Ieu-lee, p.418. dressed in cloth of gold, adorned
t Voyage a Pekin, Tom. ii. p. 32‘). with jewels, and a crown on her
head,
494' ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
head, singing her speech, with a
charming voice, and reeable
motion of the body, playing with
her hands, in one of which she
held a fan. The prologue thus
performed, the play followed, the
story of which turned upon a Chi
nese emperor, long since dead,
who had behaved himself Well to
wards his country, and in honour
of whose memory the play was
written. Sometimes he appeared
in royal robes, with a flat ivory
sceptre in his hand, and sometimes
his officers shewed themselves with
ensi ls, arms, and drums, &c. and
b intervals a sort of farce was
acted by their lacqueys, whose an
tick dress and painted faces were as
well as any I have seen in Europe ;
and, as far as was interpreted to
me, their farce was very diverting,
especially part of it which repre
sented a person who had in his
marriage been cheated by a de
bauched wife, and fancying her
constant to him, had the mortifi
cation to see another make love to
her before his face.“ *
Mr. Bell, who accompanied the
Russian ambassador to'Pekin in
1719, describes the court amuse
ments to consist of wrestling,
sham~fights, tumbling, posture
entertainment
making, given to the gentle
and fire-works. At
men of the embassy, by one of
the emperor's sons, the amuse
ments where somewhat better.
Speaking of the comedians, he
says, “There entered on the stage
seven warriors, all in' armour,
with different weapons in their
hands, and terrible vjzards on their
faces. After they had taken a few
turns about the stage, and survey_
' Harris's Voyages, vol. ii. p. 939..
ed each other's armour, they at
last fell a quarrelling; and, in the
encounter, one of the heroes was
slain. Then an angel descended
from the clouds, in a flash of light
ning, with a monstrous sword in
his hand, and soon parted the com
batants, by driving them all off
the stage ; which done, he ascend
ed in the same manner he came
down, in acloud of fire and smoke.
This scene was succeeded by sc
vcral comical farces, which, to me,
seemed very diverting, though in
a language I did not understand."*
But the comedy performed at a
tavern in Pekin, “byacompany
of players maintained by the
house," at an entertainment given
to them by “ a young Chinese
gentleman," afforded to all great
pleasure; “ and the performers
consisted of both men and wo
men, well-dressed, andof decent
behaviour."1- , .
Lord Macartuey, in his own
journal, describes the wrestling,
tumbling, wire-dancing, conjur
ing, and fire~works, that were
exhibited at his introduction to the
late Emperor Kien-lung, and
seems to speak of them with great
contempt, except the ingenuity
with which the Chinese had dis~
played their art in clothing fire
with all manner of colours and
shapes. Their " wretched dra
rnas," as he calls them, are thus
described. “The theatrical en
tertainments consisted of great
variety, both tragical and comical;
several distinct pieces were acted
in succession, though without any
apparent connexion with one am
ther. Some of them were his
- Bell's Travel: from St. Petersburgh,
age 288
? Ibid. p. 310.
torical,
 MANNERS. AND CUSTOMS. 4.95
torical, and others of pure fancy, highest applause, and two or three
partly in recitativo, partly in sing of the great men at my elbow de
ing, and partly in plain speaking, sired me to take particular notice
without any accompaniment of of it ; repeating, at the same time,
instrumental music, but abound ‘ hao .' hung hau!‘—charming, de
ing in battles, murders, and most lightful ! *
of the usual incidents of the drama. 'Mr. Barrow, in describing the
Last of all, was the grand panto amusements given to the Dutch
mime, which, from the approba ambassadors in 1795, from the
tion it met with, is, Ipresume, journal of a gentleman in their
considered a first-rate effort of suite, speaks of posture-making,
invention and ingenuity. lt seem rope-dancing, “ and a sort of pan
ed to me, as far as 1 could com tomimic performance, the princi
prehend it, to represent the mar pal characters of which were men
riage of the Ocean and the Earth. dressed in skins, and going on all
The latter exhibited her various fours, intended to represent wild
riches and productions, dragons beasts ; and a parcel of boys, ha
and elephants and tigers and bited in the dresses of mandarins,
eagles and ostriches, oaks and who were to hunt them/’1L And
ines, and other trees of dilferent again, after the whole court had
inds. The ocean was not behind been terribly frightened by an
hand, but poured forth on the eclipse of the moon, an entertain
stage the wealth of his dominions, ment was given to the ambassa
under the figuresof whales and dors, during which “ a panto
dolphins, porpoises and leviathans, mime, intended to be an exhibition
and other sea=monsters, besides of the battle of the dragon and the
ships, rocks, shells, as onges, and moon, was represented before the
corals, all performed y concealed full court. In this engagement,
actors, who were quite perfect in two or three hundred priests, hear
their parts, and performed _t_h_eir ing lanterns suspended at. the ends
characters to admiration. These of long sticks, performed a variety
two marine and land regiments, of evolutions, dancing and caper
after separately parading in a cir ing about, sometimes Hover the
cular procession for a considerable plain, and then over chairs and
time, at last joined together, and tables, atl'ording to his imperial
“forming. one body, came to the majesty, and to his courtiers, the
front of the stage, when, after a greatest pleasure and satisfaction.”
few evolutions, they bpened to the e Guignes also, who accompanied
right and left, to give room for the these ambassadors, describes this
whale, who seemed to be the com scene as a very puerile and ludi
.manding officer, to waddle for crous representation. “A number
ward; and who, taking his station of Chinese," he says, “ placed at
esactly opposite to the emperor's the distance of six feet from one
bong, s outed outofhis mouth into another, now entered, bearing two
the pit several tuns of water, which
QUlCkly disappeared through the
per'firratiqns of the floor. This * Life of the Earl of Macarlney, vol. ii.
ejaerdation was received with the 1' Barrow's Travels in China, p. 916.
long
 495 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
long dragons of silk or paper, hibits so much truth, that the scene
painted blue, with white scales, becomes extremely indecent: "
and stufl'ed with lighted lamps. and he mentions an instance of
These two dragons, after saluting which he was an eye-witness,
the emperor with due respect, where the heroine of the piece
moved up and down with great “ devint grosse et accoucha sur le
composure ; when the moon sud theatre d'un enfant." The piece
denly made her appearance, upon was called the See-hon Pagoda,
which they began to run after her. being the history of the destruction
The moon, however, fearlessly of the pagoda in ruins on that fit
placed herself between them, and mous lake described by Mr. Bar
the two dragons, after surveying row under the name of Lei-fung
her for some time, and concluding ta, the temple of the thundering
apparently, that she was too large winds. " Several genii mounted
a morsel for them to swallow, upon serpents, and marching along
judged it prudent to retire ; which the margin of the lake, opened
they did with the same ceremony the scene ; a neighbouring bonze
as they entered. The moon. elated shortly after made love to one of
with her triumph, then withdrew these goddesses, who, in spite of
with prodigious gravity: a little the remonstriinces of her sister,
flushed, however, with the chase listened to the young man, mar
which she had sustained."* ried him, became pregnant, and
It would seem, however, that was delivered of a child upon the
meanness and vulgarity are not stage, who very soon found itself
the most objectionable charges to in a condition to walk about. En
' which the exhibitions of the Chi raged nt this scandalous adventure,
nese stage are obnoxious; some the genii drove away the bonze,
of them being grossly indecent and and finished by striking the pa
obscene. An instance is mention goda with lightning, and reducing
ed by Mr. Barrow, of a woman it to the ruined condition in which
being condemned to be flayed it now appears." *
alive, for the murder of her hus As scenes like these are stated
band; she appears on the stage to have thrown the audience into
not only naked, but completely raptures, M. de Guignes very na
excoriated : and he adds, that the turally concludes the real character
European gentlemen at Canton, of the Chinese to be vicious. We
are sometimes so disgusted with must not, .however, judge too
the filthy and obscene exhibitions, harshly on performances, which,
as to leave the theatrext “ The for “licentious pleasantries,” we
history of husbands deceived by could fairly match them several
their mistresses," says Mons. de hundred years after those of the
Gui es, “ being frequently the Chinese were written. \Varton
subject of their comedies, there oc has observed, that “gross and open
cur therein sometimes situations so obscenities" enter into our old
free, and in which the actor ex mysteries or religious represen
tations ; that in a play of the “ ()ld
- ' Voyage a Pekin, vol. i. p. 421. ‘ V0.Y s Ee i Pekin,vol.ii. P . 324-.
1‘ Travels in China, p. 222.
and
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 497
and New Testament,” Adam and composition in any European lan
Eve Were both exhibited on the guage, before that which is now
stage naked, and appeared in the ofi‘ered to the public. It is called
subsequent scene with their fig the Orphan of Chan, and forms
leaves ; and Malone says, this kind one of a Collection of one hundred
of primitive exhibition was revived plays, written under the dynasty of
in the time of James the First; Yuen,* in the fourteenth century.
“ several persons appearing al Voltaire, who adapted the subject
most entirely naked, in a pastoral to the French stage, considers it
exhibited at Oxford before the as a valuable monument 01" Chi
king and- queen, and the ladies who nese literature at that early period,
attended her." barbarous as it is when compared
Mr. Barrow has conjectured, with the dramatic art in Europe,
that the low and trifling amuse but far superior to any thing that
ments of the court, may have been Europe could boast at the time
introduced by the Tartars, as more it was written. He considers it
congenial to their rude and un at least equal to the English and
po'lished manners, while the songs Spanish tragedies of the seven
and recitative of the regular drama teenth century ; and observes that,
are more suited to the genius and “ like the monstrous farces of
spirit of the ceremonious Chinese. Shakespeare, and of Lopez de Ve
The two Mahomedans who visited ga, which have been called trage
China are silent on the subject; dies, the actio'n of the Chinese
and Marco Polo only observes, that piece continues fiVe and twenty
at the emperor's feasts were buf years." —- “ Montro'us," hoWever,
foons, and players on musical in as they may be, few Englishmen
struments, and posture-masters. would give up the worst “ farce"
At that time, however, a Tartar of Shakespeare, for the heavy mo
dynasty also occupied the throne. notony and blustering declamation
As far as the mere spectacle is of the best “tragedy” of Voltaire.
concerned, the several travellers He admits that “the Orphan of
we have mentioned could not well Chao," notwithstanding the im
be mistaken. Some deduction, probability of the occurrences,»has
however, ought probably to be something in it which interests
made, on account of their igno as ; and that, in spite of the in
rance of the language. The ab numerable crowd of events, they
surdities that strike the eye they are all exhibited in the most clear
are capable of describing, but the and distinct manner-but these
dialogue of the regular drama, he considers as its only beauties;
being utterly unintelligible, ceases unity of time and action, senti
to create any interest. What their ment, character, eloquence, pas
merits and defects may therefore sion, all, he says, are wanting.
be, Europeans have hitherto pos Some of them, it is true, are want
sessed very slender means of form ing in Premare‘s translation, be
ing a sound judgment. A garbled cause he has omitted most of the
translationiof a single drama by
Pere Premare, a jesuit, is the ' This dynasty commencedin' 1260‘, lid
solitary specimen of this kind of ceased in 1383.
VOL. LIX; a K poetry,
498 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
poetry, or those parts which have enter fully into the spirit of this
been_ compared with the Greek play—first, that filial piety is,
chorus, and in which sentiment, among the Chinese, the first of
eloquence, passion, are all ex— virtues, and the lack of it, one of
pressed ; that is to say, he has left the worst of crimes; that it is the
out the very best parts of the play. grand basis on which all the reli
Our countryman, Dr. Hurd, in gious, moral, and civil institutions
his “ Discourse on Poetical Imi of the empire are founded; that
tation,“ formed a very different the greatest misfortune in life is
opinion of this tragedy from that the want of a son to honour and
of Voltaire. He conceived that it console his aged parents, and to
embraces the two essentials of dra visit annually their tombs when
matic poetry, unity and integrity dead—and, secondly, that to afi‘ord
of action—and a close connexion every means of procuring a son,
of the incidents of the story; for, a man may take inferior wives or
first, he observes “ the action is concubines, who are generally
strictly one ; the destruction of purchased from poor relations;
the House of Chao is the single such wives having no rights of the ir
event on which our attention turns own, and their children being
from the beginning; we see it considered as the children of the
gradually prepared and brought first or legitimate wife, who call
on; and with its completion the her by the name of mother, and
tragedy finishes. Secondly, the are entitled to the same rights and
action proceeds with as much ra privileges as her own children.
pidity as Aristotle himself de The dramalis persome of this
mands"——and having noticed its play are made up entirely of the
resemblance in many points to the members of a family in the mid
Electra of Sophocles—~“ let me dling class of society, consisting
add," says he, “an intermixture of an old man, his wife, his second
of songs in passionate parts, or inferior wife, his nephew, his
heightened into sublime poetry, son-in-law, and his daughter. The
and somewhat resembling the cha old man, having amassed con
racter of the ancient chorus." Had siderable wealth by trade, and
Premare translated more of these having no son to console him in
lyrics, he would probably have his old age, and to perform the
found the resemblance still more obsequies at his tomb, had taken
complete. a second wife, whose pregnancy is
The comedy of an “ Heir in his announced in the opening of the
Old Age," is the simple represen play. In order to propitiate hea
tation of a story in domestic life-— ven to favour him with a son in
a plain, “unvarnished tale," in his old age, he makes asacrifice
which Chinese manners and Chi of all the small debts due to him,
nese feelings are faithfully deline by burning the documents, which
ated and expressed, in a natural at the same time serves to quiet
manner, and in appropriate lan some scruples of conscience as to
guage. Two things, however, the mode in which part of his
must be borne in mind by the money had been acquired. He
European reader, to enable him to then divides his property between
his
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 499
his wife and his married daughter, nephew appears, in the most hope
giving to his nephew, (a deceased less state of poverty, being reduced
brother's son) a hundred pieces of to take up his lodging under the
silver, and sending him away to furnace of a pottery; he is in
seek his fortune, the wife, owing sulted by the son-in-law, and re
to an old quarrel with his deceased proached by the 01d wife ; but his
mother, leading him a most un uncle, moved with compassion,
happy life at home; The old contrives to give him a little
gentleman then sets out for his money, and earnestly advises him
estate in the country, recom to be punctual in visiting the
mending his pregnant wife to tombs of his family at the ap
the humane treatment of his fa proaching spring, assuring him
mily, and in the hope of receiving that a due attention to filial piety
from them speedy congratulations must ultimately lead to wealth.
on the birth of a son. The nephew accordingly appears
He is no sooner departed, how at the tombs, performs the rites
ever, when the son-in-law cannot of oblation, as far as his poverty
conceal from the daughter his dis will admit, and invokes the shades
appointment at the pregnancy of of his ancestors to commiserate
the old man’s second wife, as, if his distress, and to grant him their
she brings forth a girl, he will lose protection. He no sooner departs
half the family property, and if a than the uncle and aunt appear,
son, the whole. His wife soothes and express their indignation that
him by a hint how easily she may their own daughter and son-in
be got rid of, and the old man law have neglected their duty, in
persuaded that she had suddenly not being there with the custo
disappeared ; and shortly after ‘ mary otferings ; they observe that,
both the son-in-law and the au from the earth being turned up,
dience are left to infer that she and paper burnt, some needy per
has actually contrived to put her son must have been there, and
to death. In the mean time, the conclude it to be their nephew.
old man waits the result in great The scene of the tombs, and the
anxiety; his family appear in suc reflections to which it gives rise
cession to console him for the loss in the old man’s mind, have con
of his second wife, which he is siderable interest; he reasons with
reluctantly brought to believe. In his wife, convinces her that the
the bitterness of his disappoint nephew is more worthy, as well
ment, he bursts into tears, and as nearer in blood, than the son
expresses strong suspicions of some in-law; she relents, and expresses
foul play. He attributes his mis a wish to make him reparation;
fortunes to his former thirst of he appears, a conciliation takes
gain, resolves to fast for seven place, and he is again received into
days, and to bestow alms publicly the family. Soon after this, the
at a neighbouring temple, in the son-in-law and daughter appear,
hope that the objects of his charity with a great noise, and a proces
may treat him as a father. Among sion of village officers, to perform
the beggars at the temple, his the ceremonies; but are received
2KQ by
500 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
by their parents with bitter re and acts are as properly divided
proaches for their tardy piety and as those of an European drama,
ingratitude, and ordered never to the sentiments are naturallyiex
enter their doors again. On the pressed, often tender and affecting,
old man‘s birth~day, however, they and always friendlyto virtue, The
send to ask permission to pay their translator observes, that a few
respects, when, to the utter asto passages which were grossly in
nishment and unbounded joy of decent, have been omitted in the
the old man, his daughter presents translation ; the Chinese, with all
him with his second, wife and her their politeness, are coarse in their
son, now about three years of expressions; and we have seen
age, both of whom it appears had that, from a too close adherence
been secreted by the daughter, and to nature and to facts, the scenic
supported, out of affection for her representations are often exceed
father, and unknown to the hus ingly gross and indelicate. “ Ils
band, who had supposed them to mettent," says De Guignes, “ trop
have been otherwise disposed of. de la verité dans le scene.”
The daughter is separated from The lyrical compositions, which
her husband, and taken back into prevail more in tragedy than in
her family; a new arrangement comedy, certainly hear a strong
is made for the disposal of the resemblance to the chorus of the
old man‘s property, the daughter old Greek tragedy ; like the cho
to have a. third, the nephew a rus too, they are sung with an
third, and the little sona third; accompaniment of music. The
and the piece concludes with ex translator seems to think that these
pressions of joy and gratitude for passages are chiefly intended to
the old gentleman having been gratify the ear, and that sense is
blessed with “ an heir in his old very often sacrificed to sound;
age." even if this were the case, ex
Such is the brief outline of the amples of thesame kind might be
fable; the unity and integrity of produced nearer home. Perhaps,
action: and design are strictly ad however, their obscurity may be
hered to, and all the incidents are owing to the nature of the written
closely connected with the story, language, in which‘associati'ons of
which turns entirely on the misery ideas are presented rather to the
arising out of the want of an heir eye, or to the recollection, than to
to perform the duties which filial the ear, by a combination of signs
piety demand, both to the living or symbols, on the-choice of which
andvthe dead. The time employed the force of the expression must
in the course of the piece is three
depend. Mr. Morrison observes,
years, but the events follow each that “ withOut extensive know
other in so natural a manner, and ledge of their ancient poetry, and
with such uninterrupted rapidity, the customs and manners of the
that. the time elapsed would not be country, it is very difficult! to un
perceived but for the age of the derstand their poetical compo
child brought forward in the con sitions. The very point-and beauty
cluding act. The several scenes of the piece often depends on some
slight
 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 501
slight allusion, which a foreigner the sentiment expressed, and the
does not perceive; added to which situation of the actor; they are
the style is peculiarly concise, and also accompanied with loud music,
unusual words are introduced.” * the performers being placed on the
The opening or prologue of a back part of the stage.
Chinese drama, in which the‘ prin Whatever may be the merits and
cipal personages come forward to, the defectslof the- Chinese drama,
declare the characters of the piece, it is unquestionably their own in
and to let the audience into the vention. The only nation from
argument or story on which the whence they could have borrowed
action is to turn, bears astrong any thing, is that of Hindostan,
resemblance to the prologues of from whence they imported the
the Greek drama, and particularly religion of Budh ; but as we know
to those of Euripides. nothing of the Hindoo drama,
In comedy the dialogue is car except from the single specimen
ried on in the common colloquial of Saco‘ntala, translated by ‘Sir
language, but in the higher order \Villiam Jones, in a manner, it is
of historical and tragical plays, said, sufficientlyfree; and as that
the tone of voice is elevated con drama difl‘ers more from the Chi
siderably above its natural pitch, nese than the latter from the
and continued throughout in a. Greek, Roman, English, or Ita
kind of whining monotony, hav lian, there is not the slightest
ing some resemblance to, ‘but grounds for supposing that the
wanting the modulations and ca one was borrowed from the‘othert
dences of, the recitative in the There is, indeed, a characteristic
Italian opera; as in this too, the difference between them ; the one
sentiments of grief, joy, love, adhering strictly to nature, and
hatred, revenge, &c. are in the describing human manners and
Chinese dramas, usually thrown human feelings; the other soar—
into lyric poetry, and sung in soft ing beyond nature, into the laby
or boisterous airs, according to rinth ofan intricate and inexpli
cable mytholbgy.
* Morrison’s Chinese Grammar, p. 275.

NATURAL
 [502]

' NATURAL HISTORY.

Narrative of a Journey from the for that, five days before my ar

village of Chamouni to the sum rival at the foot of the mountain,
mit of Mount Blane, undertaken M. de Saussure, a professor in the
on Aug. 8, 1787. By Colonel university of Geneva, had gained
Beaufoy. the top of the ascent. But while
[From the Annals of Philosophy]
I was informed of the success
which had attended the efforts of
HE desire of ascending to the M. de Saussure, I was told of the
7 highest part of remarkably difficulties and dangers that ac
elevated land is so natural to every companied the undertaking; and
man, and the hope of repeating was often assured, with much la
various experiments in the upper borious dissuasion, that, to all the
regions of the air is so inviting to usual obstacles, the lateness of the
those who wish well to the inter season would add the perils of
ests of science, that, being lately those stupendous masses of snow
in Switzerland, I could not resist which are often dislodged from the
the inclination I felt to reach the steeps of the mountain, together
summit of Mount Blane. One of with the hazard of those frightful
the motives, however, which chasms which present immeasur
prompted the attempt was much able gulfs to the-steps of the tra
weakened by the consideration veller, and the width of which
that I did not possess, and in that was hourly increasing. M. Bour
country could not obtain, the in rit, whose name has often been
struments that were requisite for announced to the world by a va
many of the experiments which I riety of tracts, and by many ex
was anxious to make ; and the cellent drawings, confirmed the
ardour of common curiosity was account, and assured me that he
diminished when I learned that himself had made the attempt on
Dr. Paceard and his guide, who in the next day to hat on which M
the year 17 86 had reached the sup de Saussure descended, but was
posed inaccessible summit of the obliged, as on many former occa
hill, were not the only persons sions, to abandon the enterprise.
who had succeeded in the attempt; Having formed my resolution, I
sent
 NATURAL HISTORK sw
sent to the dilferent cottagers of take the lead, we ranged ourselves
the vale of Chamouni, from the in a line, and at seven o‘clock, in
skirts of which the mountain takes the midst of the wives, and chil
its rise, to inquire if any of them dren, and friends, of my compa
were willing to go with me as my nions, and indeed of the whole vil
assistants and my guides, and had lage of Chamouni, we began our
soon the satisfaction to find that march. The end of the first hour
ten were ready to accept the pro~ brought us to the Glaciere des
posal. I engaged them all. Hav Boissons, at which place the rapid
ing announced to them my inten ascent of the mountain first be
tion of setting out the next morn gins, and from which, pursuing
ing, I divided among them pro our course along the edge of the
visions for three days, together rocks that form the eastern side of
with a kettle, a chatting-dish, a this frozen lake, we arrived in
quantity of charcoal, a pair of four hours more at the second gla
bellows, a couple of blankets, a ciere, called the Glaciere de la.
long rope, a hatchet, and a ladder, Coté. Here, by the side of a
which formed the stores that were stream of water which the melting
requisite for the journey. After of the snow had formed, we sat
a night‘of much solicitude, lest down to a short repast. To this
the summit of Mount Blane should place the journey is neither re
be covered with clouds, in which markably laborious, nor exposed
‘ case the guides would have re to danger, except that name should
fused the undertaking as imprac be given to the trifling hazard that
ticable, l rose at five in the morn arises from the stones and loose
ing, and saw, with great satisfac pieces of the broken rock which
tion, that the mountain was free the goats, in leaping from one
from vapour, and that the sky was projection to another, occasionally
every where serene. My dress throw down. Our dinner being
was a white flannel jacket without finished, we fixed our cramp-irons
any shirt beneath, and white linen to our shoes, and began to cross
trowsers without drawers. The the glaciere ; but we had not pro
dress was white that the sunbeams ceeded far when we discOvered
might be thrown off; and it was that the frozen snow which lay in
loose, that the limbs might be un the ridges between the waves of
confined. Besides a pole for walk ice, often concealed, with a cover
ing, I carried with me cramp-irons ing of uncertain strength, the fa
for the heels of my shoes, by means thomless chasms which traverse
of which the hold of the frozen this solid sea ; yet the danger was
snow is firm, and in steep ascents soon in a great degree removed by
the poise of the body is preserved. the expedient of tying ourselves
My guides being at length assem together with our long rope,
bled, each with his allotted bur which being fastened at proper
then; and one of them, a fellow distances to our waists, secured
of great bodily strength, and great from the principal hazard such as
vigour of mind, Michael Cachet might fall within the opening of
by name, who had accompanied the gulf. Trusting to the same
M. de Saussure, having desired to precaution, we also crossed upon
I our
504 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
our ladder without apprehension pains of the severest headach. But
such of the chasms as were ex from these complaints, which ap
posed to view; and, sometimes parently arose from the extreme
stopping in the middle of the lads lightness of the air in those ele
der, looked down in safety upon vated regions, I myself and some
an abyss which bafied the reach of the guides were free, except,
of vision, and from which the as before observed, that we had
sound of the masses of ice that we little appetite for food, and a
repeatedly let fall in no instance strong aversion to the taste of
ascended to the ear. In some spirituous liquors. We now pre
places we were obliged to cut foot pared for rest; on which two of
steps with our hatchet; yet, on the guides, preferring the open
the whole, the difficulties were far air, threw themselves down at the
from great; for in two hours and entrance of the hut, and slept
a half we had passed the glaciers. upon the rock. I too was de
We now, with more ,ease, and sirous of sleep; but my thoughts
much more expedition, pursued were troubled with the apprehen
our way, having only snow to sion that, although I had now
cross, and in two hours arrived at completed one half of the road,
a hut which had been erected in the vapours might collect on the
the year 1786 'by the order, and at summit of the mountain, and frus
the expense, of M. de Saussure. trate all my hopes. Or if at any
The but was situated on the east time the rest I wished for came,
ern side of a rock which had all my repose was soon disturbed by
the appearance of being rotten the noise of the masses of snow
with age, and which in fact was which were loosened by the wind
in a state of such complete decay, from the heights around me, and
that, on my return the next even which, accumulating in bulk as
ing, I saw scattered on the snow they rolled, tumbled at length
many tons of its fragments, which from the precipices into the vales
had fallen in my absence; but the below, and produced upon the ear
ruin was not on the side on which the etfechof redoubled bursts of
the but was built. Immediately thunder. At two o’clock I threw
on our arrival, which was at five aside my blankets, and went out
in the afternoon,the guides began of the Ihut to observe the appear
to empty the but of its snow ; and ance of the heavens. The stars
at seven we sat down to eat ; but shone with a lustre that for ex
our stomachs had little relish for ceeded the brightness which they
food, and felt a particular distaste exhibit when seen from the usual
for wine and spirits. Water, level; and had so little tremor in
which we obtained by melting their light, as to leave no doubt
snow in a kettle, was the only on my mind that, if viewed firorn
palatable drink. Some of the the summit of the mountain, they
guides complained of a heavy dis would have appeared as fixed
heartening sickness; and my Swiss points. How improved in those
servant, who had accompanied me altitudes would be the aids which
at his own request, was seized the telescope gives to vision; in
'Wlth excessive vomiting, and the deed, the clearness of the air was
such
 NATURAL HISTORY. 505
such as led me to think that Ju lope the hill should rise, the hope
piter's satellites might be distin of finding, amidst the thick fog,
guished by the naked eye; and our way back to this only place in
had he not been in the neighbour which the gulf, even in its pre
hood of the moon, I might pos sent state, Was passable, was little
sibly have succeeded. He con less than desperate. Yet, after
tinued distinctly visible for several .a moment‘s pause, the guides con
hours after the sunwas risen, and sented to go with me, and we
did not wholly disappear till al crossed the chasm. We had not
most eight. At the time 1 rose, proceeded far when the thirst,
my thermometer, which was on_ which, since our arrival in the
Fahrenheit‘s scale, and which I upper regions of the air, hadbeen
had hung on the side of the rock always troublesome, became al
without the hut, was 8° below the most intolerable. No sooner had
freezing point. Impatient to pro I drank than the thirst returned,
ceed, and having ordered a large and in a few minutes my throat
quantity of snow to be melted, I became perfectly dry. Again I
filled a small cask with water for had recourse to the water, and
my own use, and at three o'clock again my throat was parched.
We left the hut. Our route was The air itself was thirsty; its ex
across the snow; but the chasms treme of dryness had robbed my
which the ice beneath had formed, body of its moisture. Though
though less numerous than those continually drinking, the quantity
that we had passed on the pre of my urine was almost nothing;
ceding day, embarrassed our as and of the little there was, the
cent. One in particular had open colour was extremely deep. The
ed so much in the few days that guides. were equally affected. Wine
intervened between M. de Saus they would not taste; but the mo
sure's expedition and our own, as ment my back was turned, their
for the time to bar the hope of any months were eagerly, applied to
further progress; but at length, my cask of water. Yet we con
after having wandered with much tinued to proceed till seven o’clock;
anxiety along its bank, I found a when, having passed the place
place' which I hoped the ladder where M. de Saussure, who was
was sufficiently long to cross. The provided with a tent, had slept the
ladder was accordingly laid down, second night, we sat down to
and was seen to rest upon the op breakfast. All this time the ther
posite edge, but its bearing did mometer was 4° below the freez
not exceed an inch on either side. ing point. We were now at the
We now considered that, should foot of Mount Blane itself; for,
we pass the chasm, and should though it is usual to apply that
its opening, which had enlarged term to the whole assemblage of
so much in the course of a few several successive mountains, yet
preceding days, increase in the the name properly belongs onlyto a
least degree before the time of our small mountain of pyramidal form
descent, no chance of return re that rises from a narrow plain
mained. We also considered that, which at all.times is covered with
if the clouds which so often enve snow. Here the thinness of the
atmosphere
506 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817'.
atmosphere began to aiTect my our feet, we reached and reposed
head with a dull and heavy pain. ourselves upon a narrow flat which
I also found, to my great surprise, is the last of three from the foot
an acute sensation of pain, very of the small mountain, and which,
dill'crent from that of weariness, according to M. de Saussure, is
immediately above my knees. but 150 fathoms below the level
Having finished our repast, we of the summit. Upon this plat
pursued our journey, and soon form 1 found a beautiful dead but—
arrived at a chasm which could terfly, the only appearance which,
not have existed many days, for from the time I entered on the
it was not formed at the time of snow, I had seen of any animal.
M. de Saussure's ascent. Misled The pernicious effects of the thin
by this last circumstance, for we ness of the air were now evident
concluded that, as he had seen no on us all; a desire, almost irre
rents whatever from the time that sistible, of sleep came on. My
he passed the place where he slept spirits had left me; sometimes
the second night, none were likely indifferent as to the event, I wish
to be formed, we had left our lad ed to lie down ; at others, I blam
der about aleague behind ; but as ed myself for the expedition ; and,
the chasm was far from wide, we though just at the summit, had
passed it on the poles that we used thoughts of turning back, without
for walking; an expedient which accomplishing my purpose. Of
suggested to me that the length my guides many were in a worse
of our ladder might be easily in situation; for, exhausted by ex
creased by the addition of several cessive vomiting, they-seemed to
poles laid parallel and fastened to have lost all strength, both of
its end; and that the hazard of mind and body. But shame at
finding our retreat cut off from length came to our relief. I drank
the enlargement of the chasms the last pint of water that was left,
might by this means be materially and found myself amazingly re
diminished. At this place I had freshed. Yet the pain in my knees
an opportunity of measuring the had increased so much, that at the
height of the snow which had fall end of every 20 or 30 paces I was
en duriug the preceding winter, obliged to rest till its sharpness
and which was distinguished by was abated. My lungs with diffi
its superior whiteness from that culty performed their ofiice, and
of the former year. I found it to my heart was ali‘ected with violent
be five feet. The snow of each palpitation. At last, however, but
particular year appeared as a sepa with a sort of apathy which scarce
rate stratum; that which was ly admitted the sense of joy, we
more than a twelvemonth old was reached the summit of the moun
'perfect ice; while that of the last tain ; when six of my guides, and
winter was fast approaching to a with them my servant, threw
similar state. At length, after a themselves on their faces, and
difficult ascent, which lay among were immediately asleep. 1 en
precipices, and during which we vied them their repose; but my
were often obliged to employ the anxiety to obtain a good observa
hatchet in making a footing for tion for the latitude subdued my
wishes
 NATURALvHISTORY. 507
wishes for indulgence. The time markably fine, that I could not
of my arrival was half an hour discover in any part of the heavens
after ten; so that the hours which the appearance of a single cloud.
had elapsed from our departure As the time of the sun passing the
from Chamouni Werc only 27a, meridian now approached, I pre
10 of which we had passed in the pared to take my observation. I
hut. The summit of the hill is had with me an admirable Had
formed of snow, which spreads ley‘s sextant, and an artificial
into a sort of plain which is horizon, and I corrected the mean
much wider from E. to W. than refraction of the sun’s rays. Thus
from N. to S., and in its great I was enabled to ascertain with
est width is perhaps 80 yards. accuracy that the latitude of the
The snow is every where hard, summit of Mount Blane is 45° 49'
and in many places is covered 59” North.
with a sheet of ice. When the I now proceeded to such other
spectator begins to look round observations as the few instru~
him from this elevated height, a ments which I had brought per
confused impression of immensity mitted me to make. At twelve
is the first effect produced upon o’clock the mercury in the ther
his mind, but the blue colour, mometer stood at 38° in the shade;
deep almost to blackness, of the at Chamouni, at the same hour,
canopy above him soon arrests his it stood when in the shade at 78°.
attention. He next surveys the I tried the effect of a burning
mountains ; many of which, from glass on paper, and on a piece of
the clearness of the air, are to his wood, which I had brought with
eye within a stone’s throw from me for the purpose, and found
him ; and even those of Lombardy (contrary, I believe, to the gene—
(one of which appears of an alti rally received opinion) that its
tude but little inferior to that of power was much greater than in
Mount Blane) seem to approach the lower regions of the air.
his neighbourhood ; while on the Having continued two hours on
other side the vale of Chamouni the summit of the mountain, I
glittering with the sunbeams is to began my descent at half an hour
the view directly below his feet, after twelve. I found that, short
and affects his head with giddiness. as my absence had been, many
On the other hand, all objects of new rents were opened, and that
which the distance is great, and several of those which I had pass
the level low, are hid from his ed in my ascent were become con
eye by the blue vapour which in siderably wider. In less than six
tervenes, and through which I hours we arrived at the hut in
could not discern the Lake of Ge which we had slept the evening
neva, though at the height of before, and should have proceeded
15,700 English feet, which, ac much further down the mountain
cording to M. de Saussure, was had we not been afraid of passing
the level on which I stood : even the Glaciere de la Coté at the close
the Mediterranean Sea must have of the day, when the snow, from
been within the line of vision. The the effect of the sun-beams, was
air was still; and the day so re extremely rotten. Our evening’s
repast
508 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
repast being finished, I was soon the heights I visited produced on
asleep; but in a few hours I was the human body may not perhaps
awakened with a tormenting pain be considered as altogether unin
in my face and eyes. My face was teresting, nor will the proof I
one continued blister, and my eyes made of the power of the lens on
I was unable to open; nor was 1 the summit of Mount Blane, if
without apprehensions of losing confirmed by future experiments,
my sight for ever, till my guides be regarded as of no account in
told me that if I had condescended the theories of light and heat. At
to have taken their advice of wear any rate, the having determined
ing, as they did, a mask of black the latitude of Mount Blane may
crape, the accident would not have assist in some particulars the ob
befallen me, but that a few days servations of such persons as shall
would perfectly restore the use of visit it in future ; and the know
my eyes. After I had bathed them ledge which my journey has afford
with warm water for half an hour, ed, in addition to that which is
I found to my great satisfaction furnished by M. de Saussure, may
that I could open them a little, on facilitate the ascent of those who,
which I determined upon an in with proper instruments, may
stant departure, that Imight cross wish to make in that elevated level
the Glaciere de la Coté before the experiments in natural philosophy.
sun was sufficiently high for its
beams to be strongly reflected
from the snow. But unluckily Notes of a Mineralogical Excursion
the sun was already above the to the Giant‘s Causeway. By the
horizon ; so that the pain of forc Rev. Dr. Grierson.
ing open my eyes in the bright
sunshine, in order to avoid the (From the same.)
chasms, and other hazards of my
way, rendered my return more I left Coleraine on the morning
irksome than my ascent. Fortu of Sept. 17, in company with a
nately one of the guides, soon gentleman of that place, whose
after I had passed the glaciere, obligingness, intelligence, hospi
picked up in the snow a pair of tality, and kindness, afforded me
green spectacles, which M. Bour a most agreeable specimen of the
rit had lost, and which gave me Irish character; and proceeded to
wonderful relief. the Giant’s Causeway. The day
At eleven o’clock on Aug. 10, was charming; and it is not easy
after an absence of 52 hours, of for me to express the gratification
which 90 were passed in the hut, I felt, as we made our Way
I returned again to the village of through a fine and gently varied
Chamouni. From the want of district, at the idea of having it in
instruments (the scale of the baro my power soon to contemplate in
meters I had, being graduated no favourable circumstances one of
lower than ‘30 inches, which was the most stupendous and interest
not sufficiently extended) the ob ing natural phenomena, that are
servations I made were but few. any where to be seen. From Co
Yet the efl'ects which the air in leraine to the Causeway'is eight
- miles
 NATURAL HISTORY. 509
miles in a northerly'direction, and of the precipice to the sea at low
Iycould observe no rock on our water along this pavement or
way but the trap formation. On causeway, which, from the arti
crossing the river Bush at the vil- ' ficial appearance it puts on, has,
lage called Bushmills, the country doubtless, in a rude age, given
begins gradually to rise, and we name to the place, is a length of
descry about two miles before us 730 feet. It-has been observed to
a ridge of considerable. height, proceed into the ocean as far as
seeming to terminate quite abrupt can be traced by the eye in a calm
ly on the other side. What we and clear day. To any person
perceive is the land side of the who has seen both this place and
precipice of the Giant’s Causeway. Statfa, the idea naturally enough
It seems to have been a hill of suggests itself that they are parts
basalt, with nearly perpendicular of the same once continuous im
columnar concretions, cut in tWO, mense bed of columnar basalt.
as it were, by a vertical section, There are properly three pave
and the half of 'the hill next the ments proceeding into the sea,
sea carried away. On getting in distinguished by the names of the
front of this precipice, which you Great Causeway, the Middle
do by a pass on the west side of it, Causeway, and the West Cause
a most stupendous scene presents way. These are three large gently
itself. The precipice, extending sloping ridges of the ends of ba
for a mile or two along the shore, saltic columns, with depressions
is in many places quite perpendi between them, covered with large
cular, and often 350 and 400 feet blocks or masses, that seem to
high, consisting of pure columnar have from time to time been de
basalt, some of the columns 50 tached, and rolled from the preci
feet in perpendicular height, pice. I had no opportunity of
straight and smooth as if polished perceiving with what rocks the
with a chisel. In other parts the basalt of the Giant's Causewayis
columns are smaller, inclined, or connected. I am told conchoidal
bent; and alless length of them white lime-stone meets it on both
strikes the eye. From the bottom the east and west sides. There is
of this precipice issues, with a in one place near the east side of
gentle slope of about 1 in 30 to the Great Causeway a green-stone
wards the sea, an immense and vein eight or ten feet wide inter
surprising pavement, as it were, secting the basalt from north-west
. consisting of the upper ends of to south-east.
the fragments of vertical columns There was now pointed out to
of basalt that have been left when us by the guides a singular enough
the seaward half of the basaltic and curious phenomenon, and
hill wascarried off. The ends of which is particularly interesting,
these columns are in general 15 or as it has been thought by those
20 inches in diameter, some of who hold the igneous origin of
them of three sides, some four, basalt to be aconfirmation of their
five, six, seven, eight, or even doctrine. Nearly opposite to the
nine. FiVe and six sides seem to West Causeway, and within about
prevail most. From the bottom 80 feet of the top of the cliff, is
found
 \

510 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.

found to exist a quantity of slags ashes are found is clearly moved
and ashes, unquestionably the pro from its place, and has distinctly
duction of fire. On ascending to the appearance of a large slip of
this spot, which can be easily loose pieces of rock and soil that
done, I found the slags and ashes has been disengaged by means of
deposited in a sort of bed about frost or some other agent. It may
four feet thick, and running ho have been effected by an earth
rizontally along the face of the quake : or the fire itself may have
basaltic precipice 20 or 30 feet. contributed to its own removal by
The ashes are in general observed the rents or cracks its heat made
to lie undermost, and the slags in the rock on which it stood. It
above them. They are covered is not a great many years since
with a considerable quantity of these ashes were noticed. John
earth and stones,-which all consist Corry, one of the most obliging
of basalt, are of a large size, some and intelligent guides about the
of them three ‘or four feet or more place, picked up some of them on
in diameter, and the ashes likewise the beach below, and naturally
rest on the same sort of materials. enough concluding that they came
What struck me here was, that from the cliif above, he climbed
these ashes and slags are entirely up and found their repository. One
unconnected with any rock or for gentleman, he informed us, who
mation which seems to be in situ, is well known to have paid much
or in its original position. They attention to the appearances at the
are, therefore, in my opinion, dis Giant's Causeway, and who has
tinctly artificial, and nothing morewritten upon the subject, will not
than the remains of some large yet believe that the ashes are found
and powerful fire which had been in the place which l have describ- _
kept burning for a long while on ed, but insists (obstinately enough,
the top of this precipice, either for
no doubt !l that honest John and
the purpose of a signal, or some his colleagues have put the ashes
other which we cannot now ascer there on purpose to deceive the
tain ; and that, owing to the part public! He cannot be prevailed
of the clilf on which the ashes upon to scramble up and look at
were lying having given way and the ashes himself, verifying, it
tumbled down, they have been would seem, the old proverb,
thus buried beneath the ruins and which says, that there is no one
there remain. This hypothesis blinder than he who will not see.
may appear to some fanciful or A considerable way from the re
extravagant, but I should have pository of the ashes and slags,‘
little hesitation in referring the and to the east of the Great Cause
truth of it to any unprejudiced way, is another curious appear
person accustomed to investiga ance. Here, in the pure basalt,
tions of this sort who will be at 70 or 80 feet from the top of the
the trouble to scramble up and cliff, is a horizontal bed of wood
survey the spot. Nay, I think I coal eight feet thick. The coal to
could even trust the decision to a all appearance rests immediately
Huttonian himself ! The mass of on the basalt below, and the ends
materials in which the slags and of perpendicular basaltic columns
a"
 NATURAL
are seen distinctly to rest on it
above. The basalt is not in the
least changed by the contact of
the coal, nor the coal by that of
the basalt. The coal is very beau
tiful and distinct, and in one place
is seen a coalified tree, if I may
use the word, 10 or 12 inches in
diameter, running directly in be
low the basalt.
Within sight of this spot, and
about 300 yards to the east of it,
are the beautifully conspicuous ba
saltic pillars, 45 feet long, and
vertical, with the longest ones in
the middle, and the others gra
dually shortening towards each
side like the columns of an organ.
From this appearance they have
received the appropriate name of
the organ. At the bottom of this
clitf, by examining and breaking
the loose columnar pieces of the
rock that have fallen down, we
found many fine specimens of cal
cedony, zeolite, and semi-opal.
These occur in cavities in the ba
salt. Sometimes the cavity is not
completely filled with the calcedo
ny or opal; and when that is the
case, the empty space is observed
to be always the upper part of the
cavity, while the rock is in situ.
Moreover, the surface of the cal
cedony or opal next to the empty
space is always found to be flat and
horizontal, which‘would show that
the substance must have been fil
tered into its situation in a fluid
state, and afterwards consolidated.
0f Cinnamon as an article of Com
merce. By H. Marshall, Esq.
Stafi' Surgeon to the Forces in
Ceylon.
(From the same.)
:I‘he. earliest notice we have of formed a great part of the spices
HISTORY 511
cinnamon is in Exod. xxx. 23. It
is again mentioned in the Song of
Solomon, iv. 14; and in Prov.
vii. 17. Casia a synonime of cin
namon is mentioned in Ezek.
xxvii. 19, where it is enumerated
among a large variety of articles
of merchandise. As the ancients
were supplied with cinnamon from
Arabia, and the north and east
coast of Africa, they without good
foundation, supposed that this
spice was the produce of those
countries. There is much pro
bability that from the earliest ages
Europe has been indebted to Cey
lon for part of its consumption of
this article. It may have been
exported from Ceylon by small
vessels belonging to the island, or
to the natives of the continent of
India, to some of the emporia on
the .Malabar coast, and from
thence to Sabea, on the south
coast of Arabia, by the Arabs, who
were the first who traded exten
sively on the Indian ocean. Here
the ships belonging to the mer
chants of Phaenicia and Egypt
found large stores of the produce
of India; and by this medium the
demands from all parts of Europe
were supplied. Even in modern
times the commodities of India
were chiefly imported into Europe
by the way of Egypt. The enor‘
mous expense incurred by trans
portingcinnamon such a circuitous
route, and a great part of it by
land, must have greatly enhanced
its price, and prevented the use
of it from becoming general.
On some occasions, however,
the quantity expended appears to
have been considerable. At the
funeral of Sylla 210 burthens of
spices were strewed upon the pile.
It is probable that cinnamon
' burned
 512 ANNUAL REGiSTER, 1817.‘
burned on this oceasion, as the as Baldeus emphatically observes,
produce of the Moluccas was then is “ the Helen or bride in contest
but little, if at all, known to the of Ceylon ;" and early in the 17th
Romans. Nero is reported to century found means to ingra‘tiate
have burned a quantity of cinna themselves with the king of Kandy,
mon and casi'a at the funeral of who invited them to aid him to
Poppzea greater than the countries expel the Portuguese from the
from which it was imported pro island.
duced in one year. In 1612 the king engaged to
In 1498 Vasco dc Gama landed deliver to the Dutch East India
at Calicut. Indian commerce now Company all the cinnamon that
took a different route, and the he was able to collect. ,
Portuguese supplied Europe with In 1638 the garrison of Batti
the articles which had formerly caloa» Was captured by the com
passed through the hands of the bined Dutch and Kandian forces.
Venetians. Eager to engross the On this occasion a treaty was con
cinnamon trade, the Portuguese, cluded between the king and the
early in the 16th century, arrived Dutch general, wherein it was
at Ceylon, and obtained leave from stipulated that none of the king's _,
one of the chiefs to establish a subjects Were to be permitted to
factory, which led to the erection sell the Dutch any cinnamon,
of the Port of Colombo. Not &c. &c. except what was sold by
withstanding the permission of his order. He retained the entire
the chief, their landing was obsti and exclusive privilege of prepar
nately opposed by the Arab mer ing and selling this article of
chants, who had for many ages edmmerce.
supplied Europe with cinnamon, Peace was concluded between
and who dreaded an immedidte the Portuguese and Dutch in 1644
termination of their monopoly. or 1645. By this treaty a moiety
Shortly after a fort had been built, of the cinnamon trade was ceded
the Portuguese succeeded in con to the Dutch. The cinnamon was
cluding a treaty with the king of collected in' the following manner:
Kandy, wherein he agreed to fur —Both parties employed chalias
nish-them annually with 124,0001b. to cut and prePare cinnamon,
of cinnamon: on the part of the which Was' to be deposited in a
Portuguese, it was stipulated that convenient spot upon the river
they we're to assist the king and Dandegam, near to Negombo. At
hisv successors, both by sea and the end of the cinnamon harvest,
land, against all his enemies. the quantity collected Was equally
The thriving and rich settle, divided between the two parties ;
ments of the Portuguese in the and each party paid the usual
East Indies eventually attracted price to the chalias for peeling
the attenti0n of the adventurous their share of cinnamon. War
and opulent merchants of the again commenced in 11652., Co
states of Holland. Soon after lombo surrendered to the Dutch
they had gained some footing in in 1656; and 'Jafi'na, the last
India, they became anxious to en place of strength of the Portu
gross the cinnamon trade, which, guese, fell in- 1658.
For
 NATURAL HISTORY. 513
For many years previously to In 1687 the Dutch imported
the entire surrender of Ceylon by into Holland cinnamon to the
the Portuguese, the Dutch had amount of 170,0001b. This quan,
purchased and exported large in tity is stated to have been less
vestments of cinnamon from the than the usual annual importation.
Malabar coast. To obtain the In 1730 they imported 640,0001b.
exclusive commerce of this coast, The Dutch continued to enjoy
they, in the year 1662 and 1668, the exclusive commerce of this
wrested from the Portuguese the spice for many years. The means
forts of Quilon, Cannanore, Co adopted for this end were well
chin, and Cranganore. imagined, but not so correctly
The English merchants were carried into etfect. The corre
desired to withdraw from this spondence between the Directors
coast; and the natives were pro and the Supreme Government
hibited from supplying the Eng evince the care that was taken to
lish with produce under penalty " direct and command that no
of confiscation. The Dutch ex cinnamon should be exported but
erted all their influence and power what was of an excellent quality."
to obstruct the peeling of cinna The Directors complain repeatedly
mon in the territories of the Ma that much of the cinnamon im
labar princes, except what was ported from Ceylon was of a bad
sold to themselves, for which they quality. They enumerated the
refused to advance the regular defects, and stated, in their letter
market price. hearing date September, 1768,
Notwithstanding a zealous per that for several years it had been
severance, and a rigid exertion of of such a bad quality that they
their power, to prevent what they had not dared to bring it to the
denominated smuggling on this sales, for fear of ruining the credit
coast, they did not succeed. Other of the Ceylon cinnamon. On
nations, by paying nearly double several occasions they returned a
for the articles they purchased, number of bales of “ bad, ill
were readily supplied by the na sorted cinnamon,“ that the Ceylon
tives, even in Opposition to the government might institute an
orders of their own princes. These inquiry respecting the causes why
fruitless attempts are stated to their commands were so much
have been very expensive ; which neglected. They complain much
induced the Supreme Government of the inspectors of~cinnamon;‘
to pass in 1697 a number of re and add, that they must either be
gulations. One of these regula very deficient in a knowledge of
tions stated, “ that it was deter their duty, or extremely negligent.
mined not to obstruct any more, According to oral information, the
by measures of constraint and chief cause of defective cinnamon
harshness, the navigation of the having been exported was, that
Malabars, and their trade in the the requisitions from Holland
productions of their country, con were always for a larger quantity
sisting chiefly in areca, wild cin than they were able to procure of
namon, and pepper, which the an excellent quality.
Company could not exclusively Before the Kandian war, which
purchase from them." terminated in 1766, the Dutch
Von. LIX. Q L annually
514 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817'.
annually exported from Ceylon should have entered cordially into
from 8,000 to 10,000 bales of a measure to which he had been
cinnamon, each weighing 861b forced to yield a reluctant acqui
Dutch, or about 92%- English. escence. So unwilling was the
This war, which was very unfor King of Kandy to extend the
tunate for the King of Kandy, was limits for cutting cinnamon, that
extremely expensive to the Dutch. he on one occasion refused 5,000
The chief advantage they obtained pagodas which were offered to
was the entire possession of the him by the Dutch for permission to
harbours and coasts round the peel cinnamon for five months in
island. By the treaty of peace a district to the eastward of Ba
agreed upon on this occasion it lany.
was stipulated that the Dutch Stavorinus, who visited the Ma
were to be permitted to bark cin labar coast in the years 1775 and
namon in the king’s territory to 1778, says that an annual quan
the westward of the Balany Kandy, tity of 1,000,000 lb. of cinnamon
which is a range of mountains is said to be exported from this
that stretches nearly north and coast to the Gulf of Persia and to
south, and is about 12 English the Red Sea. A small quantity is
miles west from Kandy. It was likewise sent to Eur0pe. This
also stipulated that the king was quantity is incredible.
toreceive five pagodas per bale, Fra P‘aolino da San Bartolomeo
or about 5d. per 1b., for all that had, from his long residence, pro
which his subjects barked and fession, and studies, an infinitely
prepared in his country to the better opportunity of learning the
eastward of Balany Kandy. The internal state of the country, as
cinnamon collected by the Dutch well as the export trade, than
was estimated to cost them about Stavorinus, who was only an oc
this. price. The cinnamon fur casional visitor. He arrived in
nished, in consequence of this India in 1776, where he resided
treaty, by the subjects of the King 13 years. He tells us' that the
of Kandy, was of an inferior English purchased cinnamon from
quality, being mixed with thick, the king of Tranvancore, at the
coarse, and ill- prepared bark. rate of about 80 rupees a candy,
- The Dutch accepted only of or about 5001b, avoirdupois, which
what they deemed of a good is nearly two fans per 1b., and
quality, and paid for the quantity that Malabar supplied at least 500
they received. The Kandians con candies, amounting to 250,000 lb.
sidered this an unprofitable spe He adds, that “ the Dutch do not
culation, and soon ceased to fur wish the cinnamon to thrive, and
nish cinnamon of any quality. e'xtirpate the trees in Malabar
Posterior to the war of 1766 wherever they find them, in order
Ceylon did not export annually that their cinnamon which grows
more than from'6,000 to 7,000 on Ceylon may not become of less
bales of cinnamon. This defalca value." The statements of the
tion has been ascribed to the dis learned Carmelite appear in ge
couraging conduct of the King. neral to deserve belief, except re
It was not to be expected that he lating to the subject of religion,
and
 NATURAL HISTORY. 515
and then his opinions and conduct mation which alone can ensure its
seem to be at variance with his high price, and consequently our
usual good sense. profit.” Their fears were too
Mr. Wilcocke, the translator of well grounded : the cinnamon
the voyages of Stavorinus, in his importations into Holland gra
note to the work, says, that in dually declined.
1778, 600,000 lb. of cinnamon The following is an account of
were disposed of at the Europe the cinnamon imported and sold
sale, at about 118. sterling per 1b., at the Dutch India Company‘s
being part of the imports from sales from the years 1785 to 1791
Ceylon. In an appendix to that inclusive, with the sale amount of
work, he gives a statement of the each year :—
quantities of cinnamon and cin Years. lb. ,8.
namon oil sold at the Dutch East
1785 . . 309,040 . . 199,470
India. Company's sales from 1775
1786 . . 453,990 .. 280,605
to 1779 :—
1787 . . 144,000 . . 82,470
Pounds of cinnamon in 1775,
1788 . . 485,600 .. 273,765
400,000—1776, 400,000—1777,
1789 . . 463,400 .. 259,785
400,000—-l778, 350,000—1779,
1790 . . 875,920 . . 205,045
300,000.
1791 . . 183,765 .. 100,235
Ounces of oil of cinnamon, in
1775, 240—1776, 160—1777, The average quantity imported
160—1778, 160—1779, 160. into Holland in each year of the
Being an annual average of preceding period is 345,092 lb.
870,0001b., which, if sold at 11:. and the average annual amount
per lb. the rate stated above for the 199,195l. 84:. being about 118. 6d.
year 1778, amounts to 203,5001. per lb.
The encroachments of other na This statement evinces that the
tions into the cinnamon trade exportation of cinnamon was on
continued to give the Dutch great the decline ; it still, however, re
alarm. These encroachments, tained its price. The rivalship of
which were never regarded with the China cinnamon trade, and
indifl‘erence, had been making the difliculties and impediments
gradual, but steady, advances. occasioned by the King of Kandy
A letter from the Dutch India to the collecting of cinnamon in
Directors, addressed to the Su his territories, may be assigned as
preme Government, bearing date the chief causes of the diminution
Dec. 29, 1787, expressly states, of the cinnamon commerce in
that “ We have great need of a Ceylon. The Kandian Court, al
considerable quantity of the best though unsuccessful in the resist
cinnamon to put a stop to the con ance it made against the Dutch,
sumption of the Chinese, and the remained unconqucred, and em
cinnamon imported by other na tertained a proud spirit of inde
tions; and by that circumstance, pendence, a constant enmity, and
to occasion their not yielding a deep resentment, against its in
profit any longer, prevent their vaders, for the many attempts they
importation; and by these means had made to humiliate and subdue
ours will retain that general esti its power. The misfortunes of
2 L ‘2 both
’
516 ANNUAL HR,E.G ISTER, 1817.
both parties occasionally led to a which affords good cinnamon,
cessation of hostilities, sometimes bounded on the north by the
to mutual concessions, but never Reymcl river, a few miles to the
to amity. * northward of Negombo, and on
'To check the rivalship of the the cast by the river Wallaway,
Chinese cinnamon, and to render near'Hambantotte. Beyond these
themselves independent of the boundaries few cinnamon plants
King of Kandy, the Dutch adopt grow; _and their bark, when pre
ed means which experience has pared, is not only deficient in the
evinced to have been extremely cinnamon odour and flavour, but
prudent ' sometimes bitterish, and unplea
The plan they adopted was the santly tasted. Between these two
cultivation of cinnamon in-their' rivers, but particularly between
own cofintry. Cinnamon began Negombo and Matura, many ex
to be cultivated in very small tensive fields were cleared, and
quantity on Ceylon about the year planted with cinnamon. This
1765; the propriety and necessity must have been a work of infinite
labour. I
of the measure became more evi
dent, and succeeding circum In Ceylon, trees and lowbrush
stances rendered it more and more wood rise with great rapidity, and
imperious to extend the cultiva cover the ground with a dense
tion by all the means of which luxuriance of wood and foliage
theywereinpossession. Dr.Thun which is unequalled, except in
berg, who visited Ceylon in 177 the richest of the tropical islands.
informs us, that “ by the unwea The business appears to have been
ried exertions of gOvernor Falck, entered upon with spirit, zea
exceedingly large plantations of lously prosecuted, and conducted
cinnamon had been formed, and with economy.
"that the shoots of some of the ' The labour of clearing and
plantations had been already three planting the government planta
times barked." He particu'arly tions was performed chiefly by the
mentions large plantations of cin native Cingalese, as personal ser
namon being cultivated at Sita vice. By exciting a rivalship
wake, a place situated near to the among the native headmen, libe
Kandian border, and about thirty rally feeding their vanity with
miles from Colombo, at Grand praisc, and sometimes cOnferring
pass, Merendahn, Matura, and high-sounding titles upon a few
Caltlira. ' of them, and occasionally bestow
Governor Falck died in F0 ing upon , some of the most active
bruary, 1785; and was succeeded :1 gold chain, a medal, or a silver
in the colonial government by hilted hanger, the labour seems
W. J. Vande Graaf, a zealous to have, on their part, been exe
promoter of the cultivation of cuted with some degree of ala
cinnamon. He prosecuted go crity. Permanent situations, with
vernor Falck‘s undertaking with a small monthly salary, were
zeal, judgment and perseverance. given to some of the headmen,
The district or portion of the belt who cultivated cinnamon exten
of territory possessed by the Dutch, sively. Many spots of ground were
. planted,
 NATURAL H I S T O R Y. 517
planted, particularly in the Aloet an ambassador on this occasion,
Roer Corle, near to Negombo, by and avows that he entertained
granting lands to the natives, who fears that leave would not have
bound themselves and their heirs been granted, and was afraid to
to plant one-third of the lands risk the chance of a refusal, which
with cinnamon, and to guard the might have prejudiced the respec
plants from being overgrown with tability of the Company. It ap
brushwood, or destroyed by cattle. pears, however, to have been cus
For every pingo (60 lb.) of good tomary to send annually a mes
cinnamon produced on these plan senger to the King of Kandy to
tations the owner was allowed two request permission to cut cinna
rix dollars (about 38. 6d. sterling.) mon in his territory. To render
The shoots were cut, and the this petition apparently less sup
bark prepared, by the government, plicatory'and degrading, they dig
_ peelers. nified the bearer with the title of
Severe penalties were inflicted Ambassador, and used, after the
upon persons cutting, or other treaty of 1766, to make a volun
wise destroying, cinnamon plants. tary offer to the King of Kandyof
On conviction, the culprit was leave for his subjects to collect
severely fined, sentenced to hard salt in the neighbourhood of Chi
labour in chains for a period of lan and Putlam, as an equivalent
.years, or banished to the Cape of for his permission to cut cinna
Good Hope for a term of 25 years. mon. This proposal was gene
These laws are still in force. rally received by his Kaudian Ma
Political altercations between jesty with strong marks of disdain
the Colonial Government and the and indignation : on one occasion
Court of Kandy 'occurred in 1782, his reply was, “ My subjects
and also in 1792. During these shall continue to collect salt on
altercations the peeling of cinna the coast as usual ; and you have
mon in the King‘s territory was my permission to cut cinnamon as
greatly interrupted. ' These inter formerly." These embassies were
ruptions appear to have constantly expensive, and the ambassadors
increased; for we find ’that, on necessitated to submit to the most
March ‘26, 1793, a_letter was ad degrading and humiliating for
dressed to the King of Kandy, by malities. By the treaty of 1766,
order of Governor vandc Graaf, the ceremony of kneeling before
“ to inquire if, although no em his Majesty by the Dutch ambas
bassy was sent, the King would sadors was to be dispensed with.
allow cinnamon to be peeled in Subsequent events rendered it ex
his territories." The King's letter pedient for the Dutch to yield to
in reply stated, “ that the peeling the renewed request of the king
of cinnamon in his territories was of Kandy to comply with the an
usually allowed when the Com cient usages of his court. Neither
pany's ambassadors asked for leave the expense attending the em
to do it; and that it was in this, bassies, nor the indignities ofl‘ered
and in no other manner, that it to the ambassadors, or even the
could be done." violation of right, would have
The Governor declined sending alone or conjointly operated suc
‘ cessfullv
518 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
cessfully in preventing the custo English East India Company for
mary annual message. The chief 180,000l. I have not been able
cause was, that the Kandian court to ascertain the number of bales
received all the embassies and pre~ captured by the army. In the
sents as a homage due to their latter end of 1797 the quantity of
monarch, who conducted himself 13,898 bales was brought to Eng
with such an overbearing, haughty land.
demeanour, even while the am Mr. North assumed the govern
bassadors were rforming the ment of Ceylon in October, 1798,
degrading and abject ceremonies, but was under the control of the
which inveterate custom had ren governor-general in India until
dered indispensably requisite to the yearv 1802.
approach his presence, that the The English company, like the
colonial government became alarm Dutch, engrossed the exclusive
ed less the native Cingalese should privilege of trading in Ceylon
suppose that they were dependant cinnamon: the natives of Ceylon,
upon the Kandiau court ; in fine, and all other persons, were de
that they would entertain the same barrcd from the smallest partici—
opinion as the king did himself. pation in the commerce of this
By the year 1798, governor article. In December, 1798, a
Vande Graaf’s exertions in ex regulation was issued by the pre
tending the propagation of the sident in council, Fort St. George,
cinnamon plant had so far suc directing that every ship, &c. on
ceeded, that he was enabled to fur board which a quantity of cinna—
nish the annual investment from mon above 20 lb. might be found,
the territory of the company, in without authority from govern
cluding the plantations. In a ment, should be confiscated, with
memorial addressed to Gerard Van all her cargo; and that for every
Angelbeek, his successor, hearing pound of cinnamon, the quantity
date July 15, 1794, he congratu being less than 201b., a penalty
lates him that in future they of 50 star pagodas shall be paid.
would not be under the necessity This prohibition continuesin force.
of flattering the court of Kandy The same year a number of
any longer. chalias were sent to the Malabar
G. Van Angelbeek's govern coast by the Ceylon government
ment was short, but destructive to bark and prepare casia. On
to the labours of the two preced proceeding to the forests, they
ing governors in the cultivation discovered, the cinnamon-tree
of cinnamon. During his go; growing in great abundance,
vernment little care was taken to which they divided into the fanci
defend it from cattle, or to pre ful sorts, or varieties, that they
vent the plants from being over had been accustomed to do with
grown with creepers and under the cinnamon produced in their
wood. own island. Specimens of the
Ceylon was reduced by aBri prepared bark were forwarded to
tish t'orce in'February, 1796. The Ceylon for the inspection of go
cinnamon found in the storehouses vernor North. Mr. Brown, the
was sold by the captors to the agent of tlze East lndia Company
on
 NATURAL _HISTORYW 519
on the Malabar coast, considered In this memoir we _find that he
this a. most important discovery. had three grand objects in view:
I have not learned that any no first, to obtain a sufficient quan'
tice was taken of Mr. Brown‘s tity of cinnamon annually; se
report. condly, at a cheap rate; and,
In 1799 the Company exported thirdly, to preserve entire the Com
from Ceylon 5642 bales. pany‘s monopoly of this article.
During the same year Mr. Jon The annual consumption of cin
ville, a French gentleman, who namon throughout the world he
held an appointment in the cinna estimated at 5200 bales. In sug
mon department, addressed a me gesting the means of obtaining
morial to governor North, wherein this quantity he enters into an
he sets forth that he had disco elaborate calculation, fognded on
vered that a cinnamon plant, when the statements of M. Jonville, to'
well taken care of, ought to pro ascertain how much cinnamon the
duce ‘23 oz. of cinnamon every Marandhan plantation could be
second year; whereas those at made annually to produce. The
present in the Marandhan produce, conclusion he draws is, that this
in the same space of time, no plantation alone would yield an
more than four-tenths of an ounce nually 18,618 bales. ln prose
per tree. These comparative cal .cuting this subject, he strongly
culations appear to have been and precipitately recommends the
made in a very unequal manner. immediate grubbing up of the
The first is most probably the cinnamon plants in the Kaderane
amount of the produce of a choice plantation, and in the innumerable
plant, or bush: the second is ad small plantations which were
mitted to be the average produce found in the private property of
of each plant in the plantation. individuals, and eventually the
No allowance is made for bad soil, plantations of Ekele and Morotto.
although there are many spots in The enormous, exaggerated esti
the Marandhan so steril, or other mation of the eventual produce of
wise ill adapted for the cultivation the Marandhan plantation, conse
of cinnamon, that the plants quential to an improved mode of
barely live, become stunted, and cultivation, led to unfortunate
never afford cinnamon of a quality results, and afi'ord a strong in
fit for the Company‘s investment. stance of the propriety of much
Governor North, whose desire caution being used before a. mere
to promote and to engross the speculative theory should be
monopoly of the cinnamon trade adopted.
appears to have been ardent, was Among \the causes which in
evidently much influenced by the duced Govornor North to recom
misrepresentations and sophistical mend the uprooting of the cinna
arguments of M. Jonville. In mon growing in the plantation of
1799 he addressed an elaborate Ekele and Morotto, he mentions
memoir respecting the cultivation their proximity to the sea. His
and trade of Ceylon cinnamon to imaginary fears respecting smug
the Governor-general in council. ling contributed greatly to his
. enter
.520 ANNUAL REGIST’ER, 1817.
entertaining an opinion that the agreement stipulated that the Cey
cinnamon produced in these plan lon government should furnish to
tations might be cut, and eatported the agent of the company, who was
in a contraband manner. In this to reside at Colombo, 400,0001b.
memoir the annual expense in of cinnamon, or about 4,324 bales
curred on account of the cinna of 9%1b. each; for which they
mon department is estimated at engaged to pay at the rate of 3s.
pagodas 30,409 29 52. sterling per lb. What cinnamon
It does not appear that Governor happened to be collected beyond
North's suggestions were much this quantity was to be burned;
attended to, or that his recom and the company agreed that
mendations were adopted by the whenever the cinnamon furnished
governor in council. The cinna was disposed of at a higher rate
mon was permitted to remain in than to afl'ord five per cent. profit,
the plantations which were re after dcfraying all expenses, the
commended to he grubbed up, surplus was to be placed to the
and the Marandhan continued to credit of the Ceylon government.
be cultivated, but with no extra The company was to be allowed
ordinary care. The discordant five per cent. upon the value of all
opinions of Governor North and cinnamon sold by the Ceylon go
M. Jonville probably contributed vernment for the supply‘of the
to prevent the immediate adoption markets in India, but none was
of any important measure. 7 to be disposed of in India at a rate
In September, 1800, we find lower than 5s. per 1b. This agree
M. .Ionville, in a memorial ad ment was concluded for the year
dressed to the Governor, strongly 1802; and I am not aware that
recommending the rooting up of any very material alteration in the
all the cinnamon plants, not only terms of' the contract has since
in the plantations of Ekele and been ad0pted.
Morotto, but even in that of the The dispatch which announced
Marandhan, and suggesting the to the Ceylon government the
propriety of cultivating the Kade conclusion of this agreement re
rane plantation alone, which he commended that the cinnamon
deems adequate to furnish the plantations should be limited, so
usual annual investment. as not to produce, one year with
By the treaty of Amiens, con another, a quantity larger than
cluded in March, 1809., the Bata that contracted for by the com
vian Republic ceded to his Britan mittee, and should the island be
nic Majesty all their possessions in able to afford a surplus quantity,
the island of Ceylon which be the minister recommended that a
longed before the war to' the part of the cinnamon plantations
United Provinces. His Majesty's should be converted into cocoa
ministers, deeming it prudent to nut gardens; and where the soil
permit the company to continue to would permit, into rice grounds.
enjoy the monopoly of the Ceylon This recommendation appears to
cinnamon trade, entered into an have been made in consequence of
agreement with the directors, which an erroneous opinion respecting
the
 NATURAL HISTORY. 52!
the ease with which cinnamon rotto, and Ekele, should be dis
could be collected, and the faci posed of, his excellency requests
lity with which it might be cul that you would give directions to
tivated. It is impossible to say the agents of revenue and com
how far governor North's me merce in whose districts there are
moir contributed to the minister's any cinnamon gardens, to adver
mistake. ‘ tise that they will be sold by public
The contracting parties, eager outcry on the first of May next:
to retain the monopoly, and ap the purchasers to bind themselves
parently ignorant that cinnamon to root out all the cinnamon trees ;
was produced in many other parts and destroy them; and all such
of the world, as well as Ceylon, trees belonging to private persons
adopted the most effectual means must likewise be destroyed."
to frustrate their own views, by This measure induced the roots
limiting the cultivation of cinna ing up the cinnamon in many of
mon, and by restricting its expor the plantations. In all those which
tation considerably within the were doomed to destruction the
annual consumption of the inha plants were entirely neglected, and
bitants of the whole world. By allowed to be overgrown with
these restrictive measures, a pre creepers and brushwood, or brow- '
mium was oii‘ered to the rice sed upon by cattle. No unusual
merchants of other countries to activity Was’exerted to promote
endeavour to procure cinnamon at the cultivation of the four unde
a cheap rate, and consequently to stroyed plantations. Fortunately,
undersell the Ceylon cinnamon. however, the business of uproot
The Ceylon government appears ing the plants was a work of great
to have entertained serious alarms labour; and the purchasers of a
that the market would be over number of the plantations failed
stocked with cinnamon the produce to perform their agreement to its
of Ceylon; and, anxious to prevent completion. Notwithstanding the
a reduction of the price of the unforeseen aid of these plantations,
article, adopted a most extraor the usual investments became
dinary measure, which was to greatly reduced, and were obtained
employ workmen to root up the with infinite labour.
cinnamon in many of the planta In July, 1805, General Mait
tions. land assumed the government of
On Feb. 19, 1802, tbe‘chief Ceylon. One of the first acts of
secretary to government addressed his government was to arrest the
a letter (from which the following progress of the despoliation of the
is an extract) to the President cinnamon plantations. He readily
of the Board of Revenue and Comsaw the propriety of encouraging
merce. V and increasing the cultivation of
cinnamon, and adopted means
“ It being the intention of his
which have been followed with
excelleney the governor that all
the cinnamon gardens belonging great success. During his govern
to government, except those of ment theannual investments con
the Marandhan, Kaderane, Mo tinued gradually to increase, and
many
522 ANNUAL REGISTER, 18,17.
many hundred acres of new caste of people employed in its
ground were planted. Less de cultivation and preparation.
pendance was now placed on the The following is an account of
supply from the Kandian territory, the quantities of cinnamon be
which was always uncertain, and longing to the East India Com
subject to many impediments. pany sold at their sales in the years
His successor has, with unabated 1803 to 1810 inclusive, with the
zeal, prosecuted the same policy : sale amount thereof ; likewise the
he has been particularly attentive quantities retained for home con
to improve the situation of the sumption :—
Retained for
Year. Quantity sold. Amount. Home Consumption.
1803 . . . 287,267 lb. . . . 63,504l. . . . . 8,762 lb.
1804 . .. 357,683 . .. . 78,659 9,830
1805 . .. 200,962 . .. ., 52,565 6,672
1806 . .. 261,196 . . 61,216 . . .. 10,389
1807 . .. 366,746 . 116,501 . .. . 7,947
1808 . .. 334,631 . . 114,974 . .. . 13,116
1809 . .. 433,624 . 153,626 . . 10,267
1810 . .. 303,954 . 125,558 . 11,564

being, on an average of eight cinnamon, as well as of its reduced '

years, 318,258 lb. ; and the sale price. _
amount 95,8251. per annum, or l have not been able to discover
about 6:. per lb. The small quan a good reason for supposing that
tity retained for home consumption this traffic is of long standing.
is not included in this calculation. The Dutch about the year 1787
This statement, when compared began to apprehend a formidable
with the account of the cinnamon rivalship in the monopoly of the
imported and sold at the Dutch cinnamon trade from the Chinese.
East India Company's sales in the As the exportation of cinnamon
years 1785 to 1791 inclusive, from Canton has increased, the
proves that the annual quantity of demand from that produced on
cinnamon imported from Ceylon Ceylon has been on the decay, and
was considerably reduced, and that the price reduced. The cinnamon
the price was diminished to nearly exported from Canton, although
one-half the sum for which it was in general of an inferior quality,
sold by the Dutch. The large im can be purchased at a compara
portations of cinnamon which tively low rate, and may be sold,
have, under the denomination of even with a large profit, far under
casia, for some time past been ex-‘ the Ceylon cinnamon.
ported from Canton into Great The following are the quantities
Britain, America, as well as the of casia imported and sold at the
British settlements in India, are company's sales from 1804 to 1808
the chief apparent causes of the inclusive, with the sale amount
diminished demand for Ceylon and average price :—

1804
 NATURAL H I S T O R Y. 523
Year. Cwt. Average price per cwt.
1804 . 1 ,501 17,431”. . 111- 118. 4d. .
l 805 . 4,982 43,002 . 10 O 10
1 806 . l ,588 . 7,881 4 19 4
1807 9l1 3,781 4 3 0
1808 381 3,891 10 4 5

The greater part of these quan
tities of casia came from China.
Under the denomination of casia
buds, the following quantities of
the receptacle of the cinnamon
berry were imported and sold at
the East India Company's sales in
the years 1804 to 1808 inclusive,
together with the sale amount, and
average price per cwt. :—

Year. Cwt. Average price per cwt.

1804 678 4,783l. . 71. Is. 141.
1805 5‘20 . 4,200 8 l 6
1806 292 . 1,737 5 18 ll ,
1 807 0 . 0 . 0 0 0
1808 . 54 628 11 9 0

China exported in the year cinnamon plants, under the deno

1805 into the British settle mination of casia and casia buds,
ments in India the product of the to the value of 72,670 rupees :—

Calcutta imported to the v alue of rupees . 19,134

Bombay . . 51,l 90
Madras 2,346
Some part of this casia was ex ported into Canton from the Soo
ported from Calcutta to London. loo, Archipelago, and other islands
Bombay supplies the market of in these seas, and the different
Massuah, Judda, Aden, Bushin, ports of Cochin China. We have
&e. and a great part of the con no good authority for believing
sumption of this article in the that any of it is produced in
Arabian Gulph. ' China.
In 1810 and 1811 China ex The following is a statement of
ported from Canton in country the quantity of cinnamon prepared
ships to the British settlements in Ceylon, the quantity rejected
casia to the amount of 3019 pi on inspection, and the number of
quels, or 401,527 lb. : in regular pounds exported annually on ac
ships, 6 peculs 998 lb. In the count of the East India Company,
same season were exported from from the year 1804 to 1814 in
Canton, in American ships, 1604 clusive, with the annual expense
peculs, or 199,977 lb. of the cinnamon department from
This quantity of casia is im 1807 to 1814 inclusive :—
524 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.

1 . car. uantit
pQrepmi uantit
gjecmd? uantit
filming. Annual Expense.

1b. 1b. 1b.

1804 318,251 70,536 247,715 "
1805 258,144 21,159 236,985
1806 399,171 13,816 885,355 nix-130113". ,5. s. d.
1807 447,453 72,828 374,625 122,270. .. .13,042' 2 S
1808 465,541 52,251 413,219 132,021. . . . 14,082 4 10
1809 522,358 208,783 313,575 155,845. .. . 16,623 9 4
1810 422,928 12,690 410,237 130,728- - -- 13,944 6 5
1811 407,803 86,303 371,480 135,397. . . . 14,444 6 11
1812 454,562 31,189 423,373 145,443. . . . 15,513 18 5
1813 318,184 43,922 274.2152 179,978. . .. 15,748 8 2
1814 404,417 17,952 336,465 157,771... .13,387 9 3

This statement shows that the merchants purchase it with the

average annual exportation of cin avowed purpose of supplying the
namon on account of the com Indian markets: great part of it,
pany, from the year 1804 to 1806 however, eventually reaches Eng
inclusive, amounts to 290,0181b.; land under the denomination ofi
and that from the year 1807 to casia.
1814 inclusive it amounts to Cinnamon oil to the amount
870,913 lb., and the annual ex of about 3,000 oz. has within these
pense-for this period to 14,223l. few months been prepared ; a part
or about 9d. per lb. ofrwhich has been forwarded to
For a number of years included England.
in this period the premium upon By-the foregoing statement, it
bills drawn upon the company on will appear that the Ceylon go
account of the investment cannot vernment gain very considerably
be estimated at less than 30 per by the cultivation and preparation
cent. This premium is evidently of cinnamon. Cinnamon being a
amply adequate to liquidate the staple commodity 0n Ceylon and
expense incurred annually by go the Malabar coast, and as these
vernment on account of the culti situations possess many peculiar
vation and preparation of cinna and natural advantages for extend
mou. ing the commerce in this article of
In 1804 a considerable quantity trade, it appears to be a great
of oil was distilled from the re want of foresight or industry to
jected cinnamon: the quantity 1 look with an eye of indifi'erence
have not been 'able to ascertain. upon the rapidly increasing trade
The Ceylon government has for of China in cinnamon. The cul
a number of years annually dis tivation .of cinnamon might be
posed of part of the rejected cin carried to any extent on Ceylon,
namon to private merchants, and and with every prospect of profit.
generally at about 28. per lb. The V The cheapness of labour, in con
~ sequence
 NATURAL HISTORY. 525
sequence of the degree of servi able quantities of cinnamon in
tude under which the chalias are Sumatra, and had chalias, whom
held, and the universal preposses they enticed from Ceylon, to pre
sion in favour of the Ceylon cin pare the bark. The qualityof the
namon, are peculiar and powerful cinnamon prepared by these peo
advantages, which, it' judiciously ple is stated to be equal to the
improved, may greatly contribute finest in Ceylon. The Dutch, even
to repress the China Cinnamon when they had possession of the
'trade, and to make it a profitable coasts of Ceylon, purchased the
enterprise for the possessors of cinnamon produced in Sumatra,
Ceylon. which they exported to foreign
Captain Melborn mentions a countries as Ceylon cinnamon.
circumstance which renders it al To rival the excellence of the
most unaccountable why the Ma cultivated cinnamon of Ceylon, the
labar cinnamon is not a more Dutch will, in all probability,
powerful rival to the China trade adopt measures for cultivating it
in this article. He tells us that in the island of Java, or in some
the Canton price current of casia of its immediate dependencies. A
in 1809 and 1810 was 20 Spanish productive cultivation must be a
dollars per pecul, or about'9d. per work of time; and a period of 20
1b.; and that casia is exported years will elapse before their ex
from Mangalore at from eight to ertions in cultivating cinnamon
nine pagodas per candy, or about can greatly interfere with our
2d. per lb. , , present monopoly of that of the
In addition to the China cinna finest quality, for which we are
mon trade, we may now expect to chiefly indebted to the unwearied
have to combat with the Dutch in and judicious exertions of the
the commerce of this article. This Dutch.
people are intimately acquainted It is very evident that our inte
with the spice trade, and parti rest strongly points out that we
cularly with that of cinnamon. should exert the powerful means
The enterprising and persevering which circumstances have placed
character of the Dutch is prover in our power to cultivate, collect,
bially known ; and the possessors and export, a. greatly increased
of Java have powerful means in quantity of cinnamon, with the
their hands; so that we have no view of supplying the markets of
mean antagonist to oppose. Ba both Europe and America; so as,
tavia may become the depot of the to render 'the trade less innue
cinnamon produced in Sumatra, diately profitable to our rivals,
the extensive island of Borneo, the and less encouraging for them to
Philippine and 300100 islands 5 attempt eventually to monopolize
and should these islands not afford the commerce of this very import
a sufficient quantity to supply all ant article.
demands, cinnamon can be fur 7 This plan is evidently more lau
nished to a very great extent from dable, and promises to be as suc
Tonquin and Cochin China. The cessful as measures of restraint.
English at one time cut consider The conduct of the Dutch in their
attempts
 526 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
attempts to preserve the monopoly tation of cinnamon from China,
of the clove and nutmeg trade which is now very generally sub
should be regarded as a beacon to stituted for 'the finest Ceylon
prevent us from splitting upon the cinnamon.
same rock. They were anxious The means adopted by the Dutch
to engross the trade in these ar to obtain the exclusive trade in
ticles ; it is our interest, exclusive cloves and nutmegs are worthy of
of the produce of our own settle attention, because, from the simi
ments, to reduce the cinnamon larity of our prospects, their failure
/ annually exported. They discover may teach us to avoid the same
ed that cloves and nutmegs were ineffectual or hurtful measures,
not confined to the islands and and perhaps open our‘ eyes to a
establishment which owned their more liberal, and not improbably
sway. We know that, although to a more efficient and advanta
Ceylon produces cinnamon of a geous policy. Shortly after they
quality unequalled, yet we also had established themselves in the
know that the plant abounds in Moluccas, they attempted to con
the eastern islands, and that they fine the growth of the clove trees
afford large quantities of a secon to the islands of Amboina, Honi
dary quality. \Ve have also strong moa, Oma, and Noussalant ; and
reasons to believe that these is the nutmeg tree to the island of
lands would afford cinnamon which Banda. To carry their intentions
would rival the finest on Ceylon, into effect, they employed extir
were an equal attention extended pators to destroy the clove and
to its culture and preparation. nutmeg trees that grew in the
The Dutch used every means in neighbouring islands which owned
their power to limit the produce their sway ; and they paid an an
and diminish the exportation of nual tribute to the kings of Ter
cloves and nutmegs. This was nate, Tidor, and Bonton, to per
done to increase the value of these mit and assist the extirpators to
articles. These restrictive mea destroy the trees which abounded
sures led to smuggling the culti in the Archipelago, of which they
vation of cloves and nutmegs in were masters. When the crop of
different countries, and to voy cloves and nutmegs was abundant,
ages to ascertain whether they they burned large quantities, some
grew in islands and situations times in the islands where they were
which had not been sufficiently produced, and sometimes after they
explored. had been landed in Holland. The
We, on the other hand, have contraband trade between the spice
not collected and exported all the islands and the large island of Cele
cinnamon which we might have bes they never could prevent. The
done; and in so far as we have English had generally an establish
from inattention or indifference, ment, either on the main land of
omitted to supply the demands of Borneo, or some of its dependen
Europe and America with Ceylon cies ; by which means they were
cinnamon, this neglect has con always readily supplied by the na
tributed to encourage the impor tives with whatever spices they
required,
 NATURAL HISTORY. 597
required, as they paid a higher eventually rival the best we can
price for them than the Dutch. produce. The third quality of the"
Captain Forrest ascertained that Ceylon cinnamon is by many con
the nutmeg tree grew in New sidered equal, if not superior, to
Guinea, and transplanted a num that brought from China, and
ber of plants to the Philippine could in all probability be supplied
islands. The French have suc at as low, if not a lower, price.
ceeded in introducing the clove and This quality of cinnamon might
nutmeg trees into the isles of in Ceylon be collected to an al
France and Bourbon. They have most unlimited quantity. A large
likewise introduced them into importation of this sort into the
Guiana and Cayenne. In the year London market, and sold at a
1785 there were 10,416 clove moderate profit, would in all pro
trees on the Isle of France. The bability soon lessen the demand
English also have cultivated the for that impdrted from China.
clove tree in the West India is By the London price current of
lands. Martinico in the year 1797 Jan. 10, 1815, we find the difl'er
imported into London 380 lb. and ent qualities of cinnamon quoted
the year following 2001b; St. at from 8:. 8d. per lb. to 18s. 3d.
Kitt’s, 2981 lb. The extreme cu The finest quality is becoming
pidity of the Dutch eventually lower in price. In the same price
ruined their own prospects. Had current casia is quoted at from
they been contented with mode 401. to 451. per cwt. or from about
rate profits, the incitement to a 7s. to 8:. per lb. Inferring that
contraband trade would have been the third sort of Ceylon cinnamon
much diminished, and foreign 'is of as good a quality, and will
nations would have had fewer in fetch as high a price as the Chi
centives to incur much expense nese cinnamon, the purchasers of
and labour in cultivating spices in the rejected Ceylon cinnamon
their own establishments. Our must have found agood market,
situation with regard to the cin and have at least lately made .a
namon trade is in many respects profitable speculation. Cinnamon
similar to that of the Duch in the oil is quoted at from 25s. to 26s.
commerce of cloves and nutmegs : per oz. To procure an ounce of
we have too long gazed with a cinnamon oil about 11 lb. of cin
frigid indifference upon the rapidlynamon are required. While the
increasing cinnamon trade of the oil fetches this price only, the
Chinese, and treated with con Ceylon government cannot, con
tempt their commerce in this ar sidering the expenses. incurred,
ticle. Should it not rather have realise much more than ls. 6d.
excited us to adopt etfectual means per lb. for the cinnamon used in
to supplythe demands of the west distillation; and it' will evidently
ern world from our own establish appear that when 2s. per lb. can
ments ? Even admitting that the be obtained, there is in general
cinnamon exported from China is very little encouragement to ex
inferior to the produce of Ceylon, pend much cinnamon in making
its quality however is such as to oil. -
serve as a substitute, and may The most certain, and undoubt
edly
528 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
edly the most avowable means of rugged and diflicultly accessible
acquiring or preserving a mono mountains and situations abound
poly of an article of commerce is more with large trees than those
to furnish it in abundance, at a hills or eminences whose declivity
comparatively cheap rate. The is more gradual, and whose sur
exportation of the third quality of face is more even. This arises
cinnamon would very considerably chiefly from the chena or dry grain
contribute to this desirable end. cultivation, which is much prac
Great. part of the small quantity tised upon the most accessible of
which has been exported has found the hills in the interior. Chenal
its way into Europe and America are cultivated by cutting down a
under the denomination of casia. number of the large trees and all
The duty levied upon that which the brushwood upon the declivity
has in trade been styled casia, or top _of a hill. The trunks and
should be the same as is levied branches of the large trees and the
upon cinnamon ; or the duty upon shrubby bushes are burned, and
the third quality of cinnamon the ashes spread upon the ground,
should be reduced to that which which is eventually sown with
is paid upon the importation of dry grain. The roots of the trees
the oasis. of commerce. The ex-‘ and bushes are allowed to remain.
portation of cinnamon of this One crop only is reaped. The
quality to England would at any spot of partially cleared ground
time have been of importance to becomes in a few years covered
the trade of Ceylon ; but in con with underwood and young trees.
sequence of the recent entire sub The space of from 15 to 20 years
jugation of the interior of the elapses generally before the ground
islands, this measure becomes of is again cleared, and another crop
infinitely greater consequence. By sown. This statement will readily
the fortunate termination of the account for a circumstance con
Kandian war, the sources and firmed by the chalias, that on the
opportunities for collecting and rugged and diHicultly accessible
preparing cinnamon are greatly hills large cinnamon trees, which
increased. The enlarged quantity afl'ord cinnamon of coarse quality,
procurable will,however, be chiefly are found, and that cinnamon
of the third sort; and without plants of an age well adapted for
some means be adopted for col yielding fine cinnamon are obtain
lecting and exporting this quality ed upon the recently cultivated
of cinnamon, it will appear like chenas. These patches of high
neglecting one of the many ad ground cultivation form, however,
vantages which promise to follow but a small proportion, when com
this very important acquisition. pared to the uncultivated and un- _
With the exception of the narrow cultivable, rugged, and precipitous
indented valleys which intersect mountains, with which the interior
the hills and mountains, great of the island abounds. It may
part of the interior of Ceylon is likewise be mentioned that the
covered with lofty trees and low cinnamon plant is less hardy than
brushwood in the most luxuriant many of those which grow in the
degree of vegetation. The most. same jungle with it; and that
when
 NATURAL HISTORY. 529
when its shoots are cut, and the ticle might be considerable. The
young scions only permitted to more carefully and extensively
remain, the plant becomes less, we consider the subject, we shall,
and less able to resist the en lthink, be the more convinced
croachments of the surrounding that we must trust chiefly to the
underwood, by which means it not plantations for cinnamon of the
unfrequently becomes choaked and finest quality, and that notwith
overgrown. standing the recent important
Another, and not an unimport acquisition of the interior of the
ant concern, demands the attention island, we should prosecute the
of government—the collection and cultivation of cinnamon with un
preparation of the receptacle of abated zeal and perseverance.
the embryo seed of the cinnamon
plant, the casia bud of commerce. on rna oaaanraun oa rous 101:.
The full grown trees of the interior
will afford them in great abun By W. Scoresby,jun. M.W.S.
dance. They are frequently sub [From Memoirs of the Wemerian Natural
stituted for the more expensive History Society.]
cinnamon, and fetch a good price. Greenland is a country where
The collection of them in Cey every object is strikingly singular,
lon might be extensive, and effected or highly magnificent. The at
at a very small expense. Labour, mosphere, the land, and the ocean,
which is all that is required, is each exhibit remarkable or sublime
cheap. They could be collected appearances.
by boys : and the drying, sorting, With regard to the atmosphere,
8L0. of them might be entrusted to several peculiarities may be no
females. We might soon be able ticed, viz. its darkness of colour
to rival the Chinese monopoly of and density; its frequent produc
this article. The Dutch, however tion of crystallised snow in it won
eager they were to extend the derful perfection and variety of
exportation of colonial produce, form and texture; and its asto
seem to have entirely neglected nishing sudden changes frOm calm
the preparation of this important to storm,—-from fair weather to
article of trade. Indeed I have foul, and vice vers-a.
not been able to learn that they The land is of itself a sublime
were aware of the fact that casia object; its stupendous mountains
buds are the produce of the cin rising by steep acclivities from the
namon plant. The native head very margin of the ocean to an
men now employed in the cinna immense height, terminating in
mon department, and who were ridged, conical, or pyramidal sum
in the same situation under the mits; its surface, contrasting its
Dutch, express their entire igno native protruding dark-coloured\
rance of the circumstance. rocks, with its burthen of purest
In the London New Price Cur snow; the whole ' viewed under
rent of Jan. 10, 1815, casia buds the density of a gloomy sky, forms
are quoted at from 821. to 371. per a picture impressive and grand.
cwt. or from about 55. 6d. to 69.6d. Its most remarkable inhabitant is
per lb. The profit upon this ar the White or Polar Bear, which
Von. LIX. 2 M indeed
t
5 30 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
indeed also occurs on the ice. This stupendous masses, known by the
ferocious animal seems to be the name of Ice~Islands, Floating
natural lord of those regions. He Mountains, or Icebergs, common
preys indiscriminately on quadru to Davis‘ Straits and sometimes
ped, fowl, reptile, and fish; all met with here, from their height,
behold him with dread, and flee various forms, and the depth of
his presence. The seals signify water in which they ground, are
their fear of him by their constant calculated to strike the beholder
' watching, and betake themselves with wonder: yet the fields of ice,
precipitately to the water on his more peculiar to Greenland, are
approach. Carrion, therefore, (of not less astonishing. Their defi
which the carcase of the whale is ciency in elevation is sufficiently
at a certain season the most plen compensated by their amazing ex—
tiful), aifords him a passive, sure, tent of surface. Some of them
and favourite food. His sense of have been observed near a hundred
smelling is peculiarly acute: in miles in length, and more than
his march, he is frequently ob half that breadth ; each consisting
served to face the breeze, to rear of a single sheet of ice, having its
his head, and snufi the passing surface raised in general four or
scent, whereby he can discover six feet above the level of the
the nearest route to his odorous water, and its base depressed to
banquet, though the distance be the depth of near twenty feet be
incredibly great. neath.
The water of the ocean is not
the least interesting of the ele The various kinds of Ice described.
ments, particularly as atfording
the bed, and partly the materials The ice in general is designated
for the most prodigious masses of by a variety of appellations, dis
ice. Its colour is peculiar, Its tinguishing it according to the
products are numerous, and of size 0r number of pieces, their.
particular importance. It is here form of aggregation, thickness,
that the huge Mysticetus, or transparency, &c. I perhaps can
Whalebone Whale, takes up his not better explain the terms in
residence, and collects his food ,— common acceptation amongst the
it is here that he sports and asto whale-fishers, than by marking
nishes, by his vast bulk and pro the disruption of a field. The
portionate strength5—and it is thickest and strongest field cannot
here that he becomes the object of resist the power of a heavy swell;
maritime adventure, and a source indeed, such are much less capable
of commercial riches. of bending without being dissever
ed, than the thinner ice which is
Ice, an interesting production. more pliable. When a field, by
the set of the current, drives to
Of the inanimate productions of the southward, and being deserted
Greenland, none perhaps excites by the loose ice, becomes exposed
so much interest and astonishment to the efi'ects of a ground sWell, it
in a stranger, as the ice in its presently breaks into a great many
great abundance and variety. The pieces, few of which will exceed
forty
 NATURAL HISTORY. 531'
forty or fifty yards in diameter. the middle of fields and fines.'
Now, such a number of these They often attain the height of
pieces collected together in close thirty feet or upwards.
contact, so that they cannot, from A calf, is a portion of ice which
the top of the ship's mast, be seen has been depressed by the same
over, are termed a pack. means as a hummock is elevated.
When the collection of pieces It is kept down by some larger
can be seen across, if it assume a mass; from beneath which, it
circular or polygonal form, the shews itself on one side. 1 have
name of patch is applied; and it is seen a calf so deep and broad, that
' called a stream when its shape is the ship sailed over it without
more of an oblong, how narrow touching, when it might be ob
soever it may be, provided the served on both sides of the vessel
continuity of the pieces is pro- at the same time ; this, however,
served. is attended with considerable
Pieces of very large dimensions, danger, and necessity alone war
but smaller than fields, are called rants the experiment, as calves
fioes : thus, a field may be com have not unfrcquently (by a ship's
pared to a pack, and a fine to a touching them, or disturbing the
patch, as regards theirsize and ex sea near them) been called from
ternal form. their sub-marine situation to the
Small pieces which break oil, surface, and with such an accele
and are separated from the larger rated velocity, as to stave the
masses by the efl‘ect of attrition, planks and timbers of the ship,
are called brash-ice, and may be and in some instances, to reduce
collected into streams or patches. the vessel to a wreck.
Ice is said to be loose or open, Any part of the upper superfi
when the pieces are so far sepa cies of a piece of ice, which comes
rated as to allow a ship to sail to be immersed beneath the sur.
freely amongst them; this has face of the water, obtains the
likewise been called drift-ice. name of a tongue.
A hummock is a protuberance A bight signifies a bay or sinu
raised upon any plane of ice above osity, on the border of any large
the common level. It is frequent mass or body of ice. It is sup
ly produced by pressure, where posed to be called bight from the
one piece is squeezed upon ano low Word bite, to take in, or en
ther, often set upon its edge, and trap; because, in this situation,
in that position cemented by the ships are sometimes so caught by
frost. Hummocks are likewise a change of wind, that the ice
formed, by pieces of ice mutually cannot be cleared on either tack;
crushing each other, the wreck and in some cases, a total loss has
being coacervated upon one or been the consequence.
both of them. To hummocks,
the ice is indebted for its variety Comparison of Ice frozen from Sea
of fanciful shapes, and its pic Water and Rain-Water.
turesque appearance. They occur When the sea freezes, the great
in great numbers in heavy packs, est part of the salt it contains is
on the edges and occasionally in deposited, and the frozen spongy
‘2 M 2 mass
 532 ANNUAL REGISTER, l8l7.
mass probably contains no salt, in the progress of the freezing.
but what is natural to the sea Thus it is, that in the coldest
water filling its pores. Hence, weather, when a ship exposed to a
the generality of ice aflbrds fresh tempestuous‘sea is washed with
water, when dissolved. As, how; repeated sprays, and thereby co
ever, the ice frozen from sea vered with ice, that in different
water does not appear .so solid places obstructing the efilux of
and transparent as that procured the water overboard, a portion
from snow or rain-water, sailors always remains unfrozen, and
distinguish it into two kinds, ac which, on being tasted, is found
cordingly as it seems to have been to contain salt highly concentrat
formed from one or the other. ed. This arises from the freezing
point of water falling in a certain
Ice frozen from Sea- Water. ratio according to the degree of
saltness ; thus, though pure water,
What is considered as salt of specific gravity 1.0000, freeze
water ice, is porous, white, and with a temperature of 32°, water
in a great measure opaque, (ex of specific gravity 1.0863, con
cept when in very thin pieces), taining about 5-} oz. (avoird.) of
yet transmits the rays of light salt in every gallon of 231 cu
with a greenish shade. It is bic inches, that is, with the de
softer, and swims lighter than gree of saltness common to the
fresh-water ice, and when dissolv Greenland seas, freezes at 28?.
ed, produces water sometimes per Sea-water concentrated by freez
fectly fresh, and sometimes salt ing, until it obtains the specific
ish; this depends in a great mea gravity of 1.1045, requires a tem
sure on the situation from whence perature of 13§~o for its congela
it is taken: such parts as are tion, having its freezing point re
raised above the surface of the sea duced 18§° below that of pure
in the form of hummocks, appear water; and water saturated with
to gain solidity by exposure to the sea-salt remains liquid, at a tem
sun and air, and are commonly perature of —4°.
fresh, whilst those pieces taken Thus, we are presented with a
out of the sea are Somewhat salt. natural process for extracting salt
Although it is very probable, that from the sea, at least for greatly
this retention of salt may arise facilitating that process in a con
from the sea-water contained in centration of the saline particles,
its pores, yet 1 have never been by the agency of frost.
able to obtain, from the water of ' When salt-water ice floats in
the ocean, by experiment, an ice the sea at a freezing temperature,
either compact, transparent, or the proportion above, to that be
fresh. That the sea-water has a low the surface, is as 1 to 4 near
tendency to produce fresh ice, ly; and in fresh water, at the
however, is proved from the con freezing point, as 10 to 69, or 1
centration observed in a quantity to 7 nearly. Hence, its specific
exposed in an open vessel to a low gravity appears to be about 0.873.
temperature, by the separation of Of this description is all young
the salt from the crystals of ice, ice as it called, which forms a
considerable
 NATURAL HISTORY. -. 588
considerable proportion of packed therefrom were so hot, that the
and drift ice in general ; where it hand could not be kept longer in
occurs in flat pieces commonly the focus, than for the space of
covered with snow, of various di~ a few seconds. In the formation
mensions, but seldom exceeding of these lenses, 1 roughed them
fifty yards in diameter. with a small axe, which cut the
ice tolerably smooth; I then scrap
_ Fresh-Water Ice. ed them with a knife, and polished
them merely by the warmth of 'the
Fresh-water ice, is distinguish hand, supporting them during the
ed by its black appearance when operation in a woollen glove. 1
floating in the sea, and its beau once procured a piece of the purest
tiful green hue and transparency ice, so large, that a lens of six
when removed into the air. Large teen inches diameter was obtained
pieces may occasionally be obtain out of it ; unfortunately, however,
ed, possessing a degree of purity the sun became obscured before it
and-transparency, equal to that of was completed, and never made
the finest glass, or most. beautiful ‘its appearance again for a fort
crystal; but generally, its trans night, during which time, the air
‘ parency is interrupted by nume being mild, the lens was spoiled.
rous small globular or pear-shaped The most dense kind of ice,
air-bubbles : these frequently form which is perfectly transparent, is
continuous lines intersecting the about one-tenth specifically lighter
ice“ in a direction apparently per than sea-water at a freezing tem
pendicular to its plane of forma perature. Plunged into pure water,
tion. of temperature 32", the propbrtion
Fresh-water ice is fragile, but floating above to that below the
hard; the edges of a fractured' surface, is as 1 to 15, and placed
part are frequently so keen, as in boiling fresh water, it barely
to inflict a wound like glass. The floats. lts specific gravity is about
homogeneous and most transpa 0.937.
rent pieces, are capable of concen Fields, bergs, and other large
trating the rays of the sun, so as
masses, chiefly consist of this kind
toproduce a considerable intensity
of ice. Brash-ice likewise afl'ords
of heat. With a lump of ice, of pieces of it, the surfaces of which
by no means regular convexity, I are always found crowded with
have frequently burnt wood, fired conchoidal excavations when taken
gunpowder, melted lead, and lit out of the sea.
the sailors‘ pipes; to their great
astonishment; all of whom, who On the Formation of Ice on the Sea.
could procure the needful articles,
eagerly flocked around me, for Some naturalists have been at
the satisfaction of smoking a considerable pains to endeavour to
pipe ignited by such extraordinary explain the phenomena of the pro
means. Their astonishment was gressive formation of the ice in
increased, on observing, that the high latitudes, and the derivation
ice remained firm and pellucid, of the supply, which is annually
whilst the solar rays emerging furnished, for replacing the great
. quantities
 5S4 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
sludge, and resembles snow whe
quantities that are dissolved and
dissipated by the power of the cast into water that is too cold t
waves, and the warmth of the dissolve it. This smooths the
climate into which it drifts. It ruflied sea, and produces an effect
has frequently been urged, that like oil in stilling the breaking
the vicinity of land is indispensable surface. These crystals soon unite,
for its formation. Whether this and would form a. continuous
may be the case or not, the fol sheet, but, by the motion of the
lowing facts may possibly deter waves, they are broken into very
mine. small pieces, scarcely three inches
I have noticed the process of in diameter. As they strengthen,
freezing from the first appearance many of them coalesce, and form
of crystals, until the ice had ob a larger mass. The undulations
tained a thickness of more than a of the sea still continuing, these
foot, and did not find that the enlarged pieces strike each other
'land afforded any assistance or on every side, whereby they be
even shelter, which could not have come rounded, and their edges
been dispensed with during the turned up, whence they obtain
operation. It is true, that the the name of- pancakes: several of
land was the cause of the vacancy these again unite, and thereby
or space free from ice, where this continue to increase, forming
new ice was generated ; the ice of larger pancakes, until they be
older formation had been driven come perhaps a foot in thickness,
08' by easterly winds, assisted per and many yards in circumference.
haps by a current; yet this new
ice lay at the distance of twenty Freezing of the Sea in sheltered
leagues from Spitsbergen. But I Situations.
have also seen ice grow to a con
sistence capable of stopping the When the sea is perfectly smooth,
progress of a ship with a brisk the freezing process goes on more
wind, even when exposed to the regularly, and perhaps more ra
waves of the North Sea and West pidly. The commencement is si
ern Ocean, on the south aspect of milar to that just described ; it is
the main body of the Greenland afterwards continued by constant
ice, in about the seventy~second additions to its under surface.
degree of north latitude. In this During twenty-four hours keen
situation, the process of freezing frost, it will have become two or
is accomplished under peculiar three inches thick, and in less
disadvantages. I shall attempt to than forty-eight hours time, capa—
describe its progress from the ble of sustaining the weight of a
commencement. man. This is termed bay-ice,
whilst that of older formation is
Freezing of the Ocean in a rough distinguished into light and heavy
Sea. ice ; the former being from a foot
to about a yard in thickness, and
The first appearance of ice the latter from about a yard up—
whilst in the state of detached wards.
crystals, is called by the sailors It is generally allowed, that all
that
\
 NATURAL HISTORY.
that is necessary in low tempera
tures for the formation of ice, is
still water: here then, it is ob
tained. In every opening of the
ice at a distance from the sea, the
water is always as smooth as that
of a harbour; and as I have ob
served the growth of ice up to a
foot in thickness in such a situ
ation, during one month's frost,
the effect of many years we might
‘ deem to be sufficient for the for
mation of the most ponderous
fields.
There is no doubt, but a large
quantity of ice is annually gene
rated in the bays, and amidst the
islands of Spitzbergen: which
bays, towards the end of summer,
are commonly emptied of their
contents, from the thawing of the
- snow on the mountains causing a
current outwards. But this will
not account for the immense fields
which are so abundant in Green
land. These evidently come from
the ' northward, and have their
origin between Spitzbergen and
the Pole.
On the Generation of Fzelds.
As strong winds are known to
possess great influence in drifting
off the ice, where it meets with
the least resistance, may they not
form openings in the ice far to the
north, as well as in latitudes within .vering of snow, annually deposited
our observation? Notwithstand
ing the degree in which this cause
may prevail is uncertain, yet of
this we are assured, that the ice on
the west coast of Spitzbergen, has
always a tendency to drift, and
actually does advance ,in a surpris
ing manner tothe south or south
west ‘; whence some vacancy must
assuredly be left in the place which
it formerly ocCupied.
555
These openings, therefore, may
be readily frozen over, whatever
be their extent, and the ice may
in time acquire all the characters
of a massy field.
It must, however, be confessed,
that from the density and transpa
rency of the ice of fields, and the
purity of the water obtained there
from, it is difficult to conceive
that it could possess such charac
ters if frozen entirely from the
water of the ocean ;—particularly
as young ice is generally found to
be porous and opaque, and does
not afford a pure solution. The
succeeding theory, therefore, is
perhaps more consonant to ap
pearances; and although it may
not be established, has at least
probability to recommend it.
It appears from what has been
advanced, that openings must oer
casionally occur in the ice between
Spitzbergen and the Pole, an('
that these openings will in all pro
bability, be again frozen over.
Allowing, therefore, a thin field
or aifieldeof bay-ice to be therein
formed, a superstructure may
probably be added by the follow
ing process. The frost, which
constantly prevails during nine
months of the year, relaxes to
wards the end of June or the be
ginning of July, whereby the co
to the depth of two or three feet
on the ice, dissolves. Now, as
this field is supposed to arise
amidst the older and heavier ice,
it may readily occupy the Whole
interval, and be cemented to the
old ice on every side ; whence the
melted snow has no means of
escape. Or, whatever be the
arcade of its retention on the sur
face of the young field, whether
. by
536 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
by the adjunction of higher ice, in an oblique direction, by passing
the elevation of its border by the through a portion of ice.
pressure of the surrounding ice, The invariable tendency of fields
or the irregularity of its own sur to drift to the south-westward,
face, several inches of ice must even in calms, is the means of
be added to its thickness on the many being yearly destroyed. They
returning winter, by the conver have frequently been observed to
sion of the snow-water into solid advance a hundred miles in this
ice. This process repeated for direction, within the space of one
many successive years, or even month, notwithstanding the oc
ages, together with_ the enlarge currence of winds from every
ment of its under-side from the quarter. On emerging from amidst
ocean, might be deemed sufficient the smaller ice, which before shel
to produce the most stupendous tered them, they are soon broken
bodies of ice that have yet been up by the swell, are partly dis
discovered ; at the same time that solved, and partly converted into
the ice thus formed, would doubt drift ice. The places of such are
less correspond with the purity supplied by others from the north.
and transparency of that of fields White bears here find an occasional
in general. habitation, and will travel many
Fields may sometimes have their leagues from land upon the fields.
origin in heavy close packs, They have been repeatedly met
which, being cemented together with, not only upon these con
by the intervention of new ice, tinuous sheets of ice, but on the
may become one solid mass. In ice of close packs, to the utmost
this way are produced such fields extent to which ships have pene
as exhibit a rugged, hummocky trated.
surface.
Fields commonly make their 0n the tremendous Concussions of
appearance about the month of Fields.
June, though sometimes earlier: The occasional rapid motion of
—-they are frequently the resort fields, with the strange efi'ects
of young whales; strong north produced on any opposing sub
and westerly winds expose them stance, exhibited by such immense
to the Greenlandmen, by driving bodies, is one of the most striking
off the loose ice. Some fields ex. objects this country presents, and
hibit a perfect level plain, without is certainly the most terrific. They
a fissure or hammock, so clear not unfrequently acquire a rota
indeed, that I imagine, upon‘one tory movement, whereby their cir
which I saw, a coach might be cumference attains a velocity of
driven a hundred miles in a direct several miles per hour. A field,
line, without any obstruction. thus in motion, coming in contact
MOSt commonly, however, the with another at rest, or more es
surface contains some hummocks, pecially with a contrary direction
which somewhat relieve the uni of movement, produces a dreadful
formity of intense light,. by a shock. A body of more than ten
tinge of delicate green, in cavities thousand millions of tonsin weight,
where the light gains admittance meeting with resistance, when in
motion,
l
 NATURAL HISTORY. 537
motion, the consequences may sently covered many acres of sur
possibly be conceived! The weaker face. The ship proving an ob
field is crushed with an awful stacle to the course of the ice, it
noise ; sometimes the destruction squeezedup on both sides, shaking
is mutual: pieces of huge dimen her in a dreadful manner, and
sions and weight, are not unfre producing a loud grinding, or
quently piled upon the top, to the lengthened acute tremulous noise,
height of twenty or: thirty feet, accordingly as the degree of pres
whilst doubtless a proportionate sure was diminished or increased,
quantity is depressed beneath. until it had risen as high as the
The view of those stupendous deck. After about two hours, the
effects in safety, exhibits a picture velocity was diminished to a‘state
sublimely grand ; but where there of rest; and soon afterwards, the
is danger of being overwhelmed, two sheets of ice receded from
terror and dismay must be the each other, nearly as rapidly as
predominant feelings. The whale they before advanced. The ship.
fishers at all times require unre in this case, did not receive any
mitting vigilance to secure their injury, but had the ice been only
safety, but scarcely in any situa half a foot thicker, she would
tion so much, as when navigating probably have been wrecked.
amidst those fields : in foggy wea In the month of Mayot' the pre
ther, they are particularly dan sent year, (1813), I witnessed a
gerous, as their motions cannot more tremendous scene. Whilst
then be distinctly observed. It navigating amidst the most pon
may easily be imagined, that the derous ice which the Greenland
strongest ship can no more with seas present, in the prospect of
stand the shock of the contact of making our escape from a state of
two fields, than a sheet of paper besetment, our progress was un
can stop a musket-ball. Num expectedly arrested by an isthmus
bers of vessels, since the establish of ice, about a mile in breadth,
ment of the fishery, have been formed by the coalition of the.
thus destroyed; some have been point of an immense field on the
thrown upon the ice, some have north, with that of an aggregation
had their hulls completely, torn of floes on the south. To the
open, and others have been buried north field, we moored the ship,
beneath the heaped fragments of in the hope of the ice separating
the ice. in this place. I then 'quitted the
In the year 1804, 1 had a good ship, and travelled over the ice to
opportunity of witnessing the ef the point of collison, to obser've
fects produced bythe lesser masses the state of the bar which now
in motion. Passing between two prevented our release. I imme
fields of bay-ice, about a foot in diately discovered that the two
thickness, they were observed ra points had but recently met; that
pidly to approach each other, and already a prodigious mass of rub
before our ship could pass the bish had been squeezed upon the
strait, they met with a velocity of top, and that the motion had not
three or four miles per hour: the abated. The fields continued to
one overlaid the other, and pre overlay each other with a majestic
motion,
588 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
motion, producing a noise resem cessity, be impelled towards the
bling that of complicated ma heavier: secondly, As the wind
chinery, or distant thunder. The frequently commences blowing on
pressure was so immense, that the windward side of the ice, and
numerous fissures were occasioned , continues several hours before it
and the ice repeatedly rent beneath ' is felt a few miles distant to lee
my feet. In one of the fissures, ward, the field begins to drift,
lfound the snow on the level to before the wind can produce any
be three and a half feet deep, and impression on ice on its opposite
the ice upwards of twelve. In side 5 and, thirdly, which is not
one place, hummocks had been an uncommon case, by the two
thrown up to the height of twenty fields being impelled towards each
feet from the surface of the field, other by winds acting on each
and at least twenty-five feet from from opposite quarters.
the level of the water; they ex The closing of heavy ice, en
tended fifty or sixty yards in circling a quantity of bay-ice,
length, and fifteen in breadth, causes it to run together with such
forming a mass of about tWo force, that it overlaps wherever
thousand tons in weight. The two sheets meet, until it some_
majestic unvaried movement of times attains the thickness of
the ice,—~the singular noise with many feet. Drift-ice does not
which it was accompanied,—the often coalesce with such a pres
tremendous power exerted,--and sure as to endanger any ship
the wonderful elfects produced, which may happen to be beset in
were calculated to excite sensa it: when, however, land opposes
tions of novelty and grandeur, in its drift, or the ship is a great
the mind of even the most care distance immured amongst it, the
less spectator ! pressure is sometimes alarming.
Sometimes these motions of the
ice may be accounted for. Fields Icebergs.
are disturbed by currents,-—the
wind,--or the pressure of other The term icebergs has com
ice against them. Though the set monly been applied to those im
of the current be generally towards mense bodies of ice situated on
the south-west, yet it seems oc the land, “ filling the valleys be
casionally to vary: the wind forces tween the high mountains," and
all ice to leeward, with a velocity generally exhibiting a square per
nearly in the inverse proportion to pendicular front towards the sea.
its depth under water; light ice They recede backward inland to
consequently drives faster than an extent never explored. Mar
heavy ice, and loose ice than fields : tin, Crantz, Phipps, and others,
loose ice meeting the side of a have described those wonders of
field in its course, becomes de nature, and all agree as to their /
flected, and its reaction causes a manner of formation, in the con
circular motion of the field. Fields gelation of the sleet and rains of
may approximate each other, from summer, and of the accumulated
three causes : first, If the lighter snow, partly dissolved by the sum
ice be to windward, it will, of ne mer sun, which, on its decline,
freezes
 N‘ATURA'L nis'roRY. $59
freezes to a transport ice. They
are as permanent as the rocks on Magnitude of Icebergs.
which they rest: For although If all the floating islands of ice
large portions may be frequently thus proceed from disruptions 0f
separated, yet the annual growth the icebergs generated on the
replaces the loss, and probably, land, how is it that so few are
on the whole, produces a perpe met with in Greenland, and those
tual increase. I have seen those comparatively so diminutive, whilst
styled the Seven Icebergs, situated
Baflin's Bay affords them so plen
in the valleys of the north-west tifully, and of such amazing size?
coast of Spitzbergen; their per The largest I ever saw in Green
pendicular front may be about land, was about a thousand yards
300 feet in height; the green in circumference, nearly square,
colour, and glistening surface of of a regular flat surface, twenty
which, form a pleasing variety in feet above the level of the sea;
prospect, with the magnificence and as it was composed of the
of the encompassing snow-clad most dense kind of ice, it must
mountains, which, as they recede have been 150 or 160 feet in
from the eye, seem to “ rise orag thickness, and in weight about
above crag," in endless perspec two millions of tons. But masses
tive. have been repeatedly seen in
Large pieces may be separated Davis' Straits, near two miles in
from those ice- bergs in the sum length, and one-third as broad,
mer season, when they are par whose rugged mountainous sum~
ticularly fragile, by their ponde mits were reared with various
rous overhanging masses over spires to the height of more than
coming the force of cohesion; or a hundred feet, whilst their base
otherwise, by the powerful expan must have reached to the depth
sion of the water, filling any ex of a hundred and fifty yards be
cavation or deep-seated cavity, neath the surface of the sea.
when its dimensions are enlarged Others, again, have been observed,
by freezing, thereby exerting a possessing an even surface, of
tremendous force, and bursting five or six square miles in area,
the whole asunder. elevated thirty yards above the
Pieces thus or otherwise de sea, and fairly run aground in
tached, are hurled into the sea water of ninety or a hundred
with a dreadful crash ; if they are fathoms in depth; the weight of
received into deep water, they are which must have been-upwards
liable to be drifted off the land, of two thousand millions of tons !
and, under the form of ice-islands,
or ice-mountains, they likewise Icebergs may arise in sheltered Bay:
still retain their parent name of of the Land.
icebergs. I much question, how—
ever, if all the floating bergs seen Spitzbergen is possessed ofevery
in the seas west of Old Greenland, character which is supposed to be
thus derive their origin; their necessary for the formation of the
number is so great, and their di~ largest icebergs ; high mountains,
mensions so immensei deep extensive valleys, intense
" frost,
 540 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
frost, and occasional thaws; yet tent, must have their rise on the
here a berg is very rarely met bosom of the ocean, commonly
with, and the largest I ever afford a solution equally fresh.
heard of, was not to be compared
with the productions of Baffin's Icebergs generated at a distance
Bay. Icebergs, I therefore con~ from any known Land.
elude, may have their principal
origin in the deep sheltered nar Miiller relates a circumstance
row bays, with which Old or 'which intimates, that some ice
West Greenland abounds. In bergs have their origin in the wide
this respect, it possesses a decided expanse of the ocean. He informs
advantage over S pitzbergen, since, us, that in the year 1714, one
on the west side, the coast now Markotf, a Cossack, with some
alone visited, few sheltered spots other persons, were sent to ex
occur; at least those situations plore the ocean north of Russia,
the most protected from the in by order of the Russian govern
fluences of the wind and prevail ment; but being foiled in his
ing currents, are found annually object, by the immense aggrega
to disembogue themselves of their tion of drift-ice, he conceived the
ice. On the eastern coast, if we design of trying during the winter
may rely on the charts, and credit season to travel over the then more
the affirmations of the Dutch, compact ice. Accordingly, he pre
many more suitable spots are pared several of the country
offered, wherein ice may be in sledges, drawn by dogs; and, ac
creased for ages; the most pre companied by eight persons, he
vailing winds, and the common set out on the 15th March (0. S.)
set of the current on these shores, from the mouth of the Yani, on
having no tendency to dislodge it, the coast of Siberia, in latitude
until its enormous growth has 71 ° N. and longitude about 182° E.
carried it beyond the limits of He proceeded for seven days north
security and undisturbed rest. And ward, until he reached the 77th
from this Eastern coast it is, or 78th degree of north latitude,
(which is favourable to the sup when his progress was impeded
. position,) that most of the ice by ice elevated into prodigious
bergs which have been seen, seem mountains. From the top of
tohave drifted,—they being mostly these, he could see nothing but
met with in the vicinity of Cherry mountainous ice to the northward;
Island, or between it and the at the same time falling short of
southern Cape of Spitzbergen, provisions for his dogs, he returned
where the course of the current is with difficulty: several of his
supposed to be from the north dogs died for want, and were
east towards the south-west. The given to the rest for their support.
ice of bergs invariably producing On the 3d of April he reached the
pure fresh-water, when dissolved, Siberian shore, after an absence
is no argument against the majo of nineteen days, during which he
rity having their origin amidst travelled 800 miles.
sea-water; for fields, which, from Here, therefore, is a fact of a
their flat surface, and large eve continent, if we may so speak, of
mountainous
 NATURAL HISTORY. 541

mountainous ice existing, and ice mountains seem to have a suffi

probably constantly increasing in cient solution.
the ocean, at a distance of between Loose icebergs, it has been ob
three and four hundred miles from served, are but sparingly dissemi
any known land: indeed, it must nated in the Greenland Seas, but
be so completely sheltered by the in Davis“ Straits they abound in
exterior drift or field ice in every astonishing profusion. Setting
direction, that there“ seems every constantly towards the south, they
facility afforded for its growth, are scattered abroad to an amazing
that a sheltered bay in the land extent. The Banks of Newfound
could supply. land are occasionally crowded
with these Wonderful productions
On the growth of Icebergs formed on of the frigid zone. They have
the Sea. been met with as far south as the
latitude of 40° N., a distance of at
As the difference in the appear least 2100 miles from their source.
ance of the ice of fields, and of
that formed in places within our Icebergs numerazu in the Antarctic
observation, seems to require the Zone.
deposition of moisture from the
atmosphere for explaining the The indefatigable Captain Cook,
phenomenon; so, the similarity when exploring the regions beyond
of the ice of bergs with that of the antarctic circle, met with ice
fields, (whether generated in bays bergs on every course, in great
of the land, or in regions nearer abundance, as well as of vast size ;
the Pole), is a reason for admit many, according to Forster, were
ting' the operation of the same one or two miles in extent, and
causes in their production. If we upwards of a hundred feet above
can conceive, from the before the water, and might be supposed
mentioned process of the enlarge to be sunk to ten times that depth.
ment of fields by the addition of On the 26th of December l778,
the annually deposited humidity, they counted 186 icebergs from
that 'a few years are sufiicient for the mast-head, whereof none were
the production of considerable less than the hull of a ship.
fields of ice, what must be the
efi‘ect of fifty or sixty centuries Icebergs useful to the Whale-Fzshers.
affording an annual increase in un Icebergs, though often danger
disturbed security ? . ous neighbours, occasionally prove
1f, therefore, we add to the useful auxiliaries to the whale
precipitations from the atmo fishers. Their situation in a
sphere, the stores supplied by the smooth sea, is very little affected
sea, and allow the combination of by the wind : under the strongest
these two by the agency of an in gale, they are not perceptibly
tense frost, and conceive also a moved; but, on the contrary, have
state of quiescence for the opera the appearance of advancing to
tion of these causes, secured for windward, from every other de
ages, the question of the mode of scription of ice moving so rapidly
production of the most enormous past them, on account of its find
ing
 542 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
ing less resistance from the water,
in proportion as its depth beneath
the surface is diminished. From
the iceberg‘s firmness, it often
affords a stable mooring to a ship
in strong adverse winds, or when
a state of rest is required for the
performance of the different ope
rations attendant on a successful
\ fishery. The fisher likewise avails
himself of this quiescent property,
when his ship is incommoded or
rendered unmanageable by the ac
cumulation of drift-ice around,
when his object is to gain a wind
ward situation more open. He
gets under the lea of the iceberg,
--the loose ice soon forces past
the berg,—-the ship remains nearly
stationary,—and the wished-for
effect seldom fails to result. Moor
ing to lofty icebergs is attended
with considerable danger: being
sometimes finely balanced, they
are apt to be overturned; and
whilst floating in a tide-way,
should their base be arrested by
the ground, their detrusion neces
sarily follows, attended with a
thundering noise, and the crushing
of every object they encounter in
their descent: thus have vessels
been often staved, and sometimes
wrecked, by the fall of their icy
mooring. Men and boats are a
weaker prey,--the vast waves
alone occasioned by such events, at
once overwhelming every smaller
object, within a considerable dis
tance of the rolling mountain.
Fragility of Icebergs.
All pure ice becomes exceed the ship was lifted even with the
ingly fragile towards the close of water at the bow, whilst the stern
the whale-fishing season, when was nearly immersed beneath the
the temperate air thaws its surface. surface. Fortunately the ship was
Bergs, on being struck by an axe,
for the purpose of placing a mom
ing anchor, have been known to
rend asunder and precipitate the
careless seamen into the yawning
chasm, whilst occasionally the
masses are hurled apart, and fall
in contrary directions with a pro
digious crush. burying boats and
men in one common ruin. The
awful efi'ect produced by a solid
mass many thousands of tons in
weight, changing its situation
with the velocity of a falling body,
whereby' its aspiring summit is in
a moment buried in the ocean,
can be more easily imagined than
described!
If the blow with any edge-tool
on brittle ice does not sever the
mass, still i\is often succeeded by
a crackling noise, proving the
mass to be ready to burst from the
action of an internal expansion;
in this way, sometimes deep chasms
are formed, similar to those oc
curring in the Glaciers of the
Alps. ‘
It is common, when ships moor
to icebergs, to lie as remote from
the danger as their ropes will al
low, and yet accidents sometimes
happen, though the ship ride at a
distance of a hundred yards from
the ice. Thus, calves rising up
with a velocity nearly equal to that
of the descent of a falling berg,
have produced destructive effects.
In the year 1812, whilst the Tho
mas of Hull, Captain Taylor, lay
moored to an iceberg in Davis'
Straits, a calf was detached from
beneath, and rose with such trel
mendous force, that the keel of
not materially damaged.
/ From
 NATURAL HISTORY. 54-3
From the deep pools of water That the heavy packed or drift
formed in the summer season on ice generally arises from the dis
the depressed surface of some ruption of fields.
bergs, the ships navigating where ll. Icebergs—That some ice
they abound are presented with mountains or icebergs are derived
opportunities for watering with from the icebergs generated on
the greatest ease and dispatch. the land between the mountains
For this purpose, casks are landed of the sea coast, and are conse
upon the lower bergs, whilst, quently the product of snow or
from the higher, the water is con- rain water.
veyed by means of a hose into That a more considerable por
casks placed in the boats, at the tion may probably bev formed in
side of the ice, or even upon the the deep sheltered bays abounding
deck of the ship. ' on the east coast of Spitzbergen.
Navigating amongst icebergs in These have their bed in the waters
the gloom of night, has sometimes of the ocean, and are partly the
been attended with fatal conse product of sea-water, and partly
quences. Occurring far from that of snow and rain water. And
land, and in unexpected situations, it is highly probable,
the danger would be extreme, were That a continent of ice moun
they not providentially rendered tains may exist in regions near the
visible by their natural efi'ulgence, Pole, yet unexplored, the nucleus
which enables the mariner to dis of which may be as ancient as the
/tinguish them at some distance, earth itself, and its increase de
even in the darkest night, or rived from the sea and atmosphere ,
during the prevalence of the combined.
densest fog. ’ Ill. Fields.-—-That some fields
arise from the cementation, by
Abstract of the remarks on thefor the agency of frost, of the pieces
mation of the Polar Ice. of a closely aggregated pack,
From what has been advanced which may have consisted of light
in the preceding pages, on the or heavy ice; and, consequently,
mode and place of formation of which may have been wholly de
the ice, occurring in the seas in rived from the ocean, or from the
termediate between East Green sea and atmosphere combined.
land or Spitzbergen, and West or That the most considerable
Old Greenland, the following con masses are generated in openings
clusions seem naturally to result, of the far northern ice, produced
and which will partly apply to the by the constant recession towards
formation of the ice in other the south of that body lying near
places of the polar circle : the coasts of Spitzbergen; and,
I. Drift ice—That the light that such fields are at first derived
packed or drift ice is the annual from the ocean, but are indebted
product of the bays of Spitzbergen, for a considerable portion of su
and of the interstices in the body perstructure to the annual addi
of older ice'; and, that it is wholly tion of the whole, or part of their
derived from the water of the burthen of snow. And,
ocean. 1V. Al to the ice in general.—
That
544 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
That however dependant the ice increased coldness of their atmo
may have been on the land, from sphere.
the time of its first appearance, to In various countries, changes
its gaining an ascendancy over of climate to a certain extent
the waves of the ocean, sufficient have occurred, within the limits
of historical record ; these changes
to resist their utmost ravages, and
have been commonly for the better,
to arrest the progress of maritime
discovery, at a distance of per and have been considered as the
haps from six hundred to a thou effects of human industry, in
sand miles from the Pole, it is draining marshes and lakes, fell
now evident, that the proximity ing woods, and cultivating the
of land is not essential, either for earth: but here is an occurrence,
its existence, its formation, or its the reverse of common experience ;
and concerning its causes I am
increase. not prepared to hazard any con
jecture.
On the situation of the Polar Ice, This icy barrier, at present,
and the efl‘ects produced on it by with each recurring spring, exhi
the change of seasons. bits the following general outline.
The mass of ice lying between After doubling the southern pro
Old Greenland on the west, and montory of Greenland, it advances
the Russian portion of Europe on in a north-eastern direction along
the east, though varying consider the east coast, enveloping Iceland
ably in particulars, yet as a gene as it proceeds, until it reaches
ral outline is strikingly uniform. John Muyne‘s Island. Passing
this island on the north-west, but
On the east coast of West
Greenland, a remarkable alteration frequently enclosing it likewise, it
then trends a little more to the
has, however, taken place. That‘
eastward, and intersects the meri
part extending from the parallel
of Iceland to Staten-Hook, was,
dian of London in the flat or 72d
before the fifteenth century, free degree of latitude. Having reached
of ice, and could always be ap the longitude of 6, 8, or perhaps
10 degrees east, in the 73d or
proached in the summer season,
without hinderance. After a con 74th degree of north latitude, it
siderable trade had been carried suddenly stretches to the north,
on between Iceland and the Main sometimes proceeding on a meri
dian to the latitude of 80°, at
for upwards of 400 years, singular
as it may appear, of a sudden the others forming a deep sinuosity,
polar ice extended its usual limits,
extending two or three degrees to
the northward, and then south
launched down by the land to the
Southern Cape, and so completely easterly to Cherry Island ,-—which
having passed, it assumes a direct
barricadoed the whole of the
course alittle south of east, until
eastern coast, that it has not since
been accessible. The fate of the it forms a j'unction with the Sibe
wretched inhabitants is unknown ; rian or Nova Zemblan coast.
but they are generally supposed to That remarkable promontory,
have perished from the want of formed by the sudden stretch of
their usual supplies, or from the the ice‘to the north, constitutes
the
 NATURAL HISTORY. 545
the line of separation between the vicinity of land, where its coasts
east or whale~fishing, and west or afford marks by which to es
sealing ice of the fishers. And timate the advance and retreat of
the deep bay lying to the east of the ice.
this point, invariably forms the The line formed by the exterior
only pervious track for proceeding of the ice, is variously indented,
to fishing latitudes northward. and very rarely appears direct or
When the ice at the extremity of uniform. Open bays or arms oc
this bay occurs so strong and com cur, from a few fathoms, to seve
pact as to prevent the approach to ral miles in length. None of
the shores of Spitzbergen, and the them, however, have any deter
advance northward beyond the la minate form or place, except the
_ titude of 75° or 76°, it is said to “ Whale-fisher’s Bight," or great
be a close season; and, on the bay before described, in which the
contrary, it is called an open sea Greenlandmen ever seek a passage
son, when an uninterrupted navi to the fishing stationl. ,
gation extends along the western The place where whales occur
coast of Spitzbergen to Hackluyt’s . in the greatest abundance, is ge~
Headland. In an open season, nerally found to be in the 78th or
therefore, a large channel bf water 79th degree of north latitude,
lies between the land and the ice, though from the 72d to the 81st
from 20 to 50 leagues in breadth, degree they have been met with.
extending to the latitude of 79° or These singular animals, which, on
80°, and gradually approximating account of their prodigious bulk
the coast, until it at length effects and strength, might be thought
a coalition with the north-western entitled to reign supreme in the
extremity, bya semicircular head. ocean, are harmless and timid.
When the continuity of the mass They seem to prefer those situa
of ice, intervening between lVest tions which afford them the most
Greenland and Nova Zernbla, is secure retreats. Among the ice,
thus interrupted in an open sea they have an Occasional shelter ;
son, the ice again makes its ap but so far as' it is permeable, the
pearance'on the south of Spitz security is rather apparent than
bergen, proceeding from thence real. That they are conscious of
direct to Cherry Island, and then its affording them shelter, we can
eastward as before. readily perceive, from observi
Such is the general appearance that the course of their flight
of the margin or outline of the when scared or wounded, is ge
polar ice, which holds,with merely nerally towards the nearest or
partial changes, for many succes most compact ice. The place of
sive seasons. This outline, how their retreat, however, is regu
e er, is necessarily more or less lated by various circumstances;
alfected by storms and currents: it may sometimes depend ori the
their more than ordinary preva quality and quantity of food oc
lence in any one direction, must curring, the disposition of the ice,
cause some variety of aspect in or exemption from enemies. At
particular places, which becomes one time, their favourite haunt is
more especially apparent in the amidst thé huge and extended
VoL.‘ LIX. ' " 2N "" " masses
546 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1'817.
masses of the field ice; at ano the drift ice through the force of
ther, in the open seas adjacent. the wind, assisted by ropes and
Sometimes the majority of the saws. Whenever a vein of water,
whales inhabiting those seas, seem IS it is called, appears in the re
collected within a small and single quired direction, it is if possible
circuit; at others, they are scat attained. It always afl'ords a tem
tered in various hordes, and nu; porary relief, and sometimes a '
mcrous single individuals, over an permanent rel'ease, by extending
amazing extent of surface. To itself through intricate mazes,
discover and reach the haunts of amidst ice of various descriptions,
the whale, is an object of the first until at length it opens into the
consideration in the fishery, and desired place, void of obstruction,
occasionally the most difficult and and the retreat of the whales.
laborious to accomplish. In close The formidable barrier before
seasons, though the ice joins the described, is regularly encounter
south of Spitzbergen, and thereby ed on the first arrival" of Greenland
forms a barrier against the fishing ships in the month of'April, but
stations, yet this barrier is often is generally removed by natural
of a limited extent, and termi means as the season advances.
nates on the coast of Spitzbergen However extensive, huge, and
in an open space, either forming, compact it may be, it is usually
or leading to, the retreat of the found separated from the land,
whales. Such space is sometimes and divided asunder by the close
frozen over until the middle or of the month of June ; and hence
end of the month of May, but not it is, that however difficult and la
unfrequently free of ice. The borious may have been the ingress
barrier here opposed to the fisher, into the fishing country, the egress
usually consists of a mass of ice is commonly effected without par
from 20 to 30 or 40 leagues across ticular inconvenience.
in the shortest diameter. It is That the ice should envelope
generally composed of packed ice, the whole coasts of Spitzbergen in
and often cemented into a conti the winter season, and expose the
nuous field by the interference of western shore about the month of
bay ice, which incredibly aug June; that the ocean should be
ments the difiiculty of navigating almost annually navigable on the
among it. meridians of 5° to 10“ E., to. the
As the time that can be devoted 80th degree of north latitude,
to the whale-fishery is, by the whilst the ice in every other part
nature of the climate, limited to of the world can rarely be pe
three or four months in the year, netrated beyond the 74th de
it is of importance to pass this gree, are facts highly curious,
barrier of ice as early as possible and certainly worthy of conside
in the season. The fisher here ration.
avails himself of every power On the recession of the ice from
within his command. The sails the west side of the land, a lane
are expanded in favourable winds, of water must be left from one
and withdrawn in contrary breezes. extremity to the other; while to
The ship is urged forward amongst the south of Point Look-Out, a
parallel
 NATURAL HISTORY. 547
parallel motion of the ice leaves many feet in thickness, and in de
no opening or evidence of its tached pieces of from 50 to 100
change of place; for here, the ice tons weight each, though crowded
meeting with no obstruction to together in the form of a. pack,
cause it to divide, moves on in a may be penetrated, in a favourable
solid body, retained firm and un gale, with tolerable dispatch;
broken by the tenacious solder of whilst a sheet of bay ice, of a few
the interjacent bay ice. inches only in thickness, with the
In the month of May, the seve same advantage of wind, will
rity of the frost relaxes, and often arrest the progress of the
the temperature occasionally ap ship, and render her in a few
proaches within a few degrees of minutes imiuoveable. If this ice
the freezing point: the brine then be too strong to be broken by
exerts its liquefying energy, and the weight of a. boat, recourse
destroys the tenacity of the bay must be had to sawing, an ope~
ice, makes inroads in its parts by ration slow and laborious in the
enlarging its pores into holes, di~ extreme.
minishes its thickness, and, in the _ When the warmth of the season
language of the whale-fisher, com has rotted the bay ice, the passage
pletely rots it. The packed drift to the northward can generally be
ice is then loosed; it submits to accomplished with a very great
the laws of detached floating saving of labour. Therefore it
bodies, and obeys the slightest was, the older fishers seldom or
impulses of the winds or currents. never used to attempt it before the
The heavier having more stability 10th of May, and foreigners are in
than the lighter, an apparent dif general late. Sometinics late ar
ference of movement obtains rivals are otherwise beneficial;
among the pieces. Holes and since it frequently happens, .in
lanes of water are formed, which close seasons, that ships entering
allow the entrance and progress the ice about the middle of May ob
of the ships, without that stub tain an advantage over those pre
born resistance ofl'ered earlier in ceding them, by gaining a situation
the spring of the year. more eligible, on account of its
Bay ice is sometimes serviceable nearness to the land. Their prede
to the whale-fishers, in preserving cessors, meanwhile, are drifted, off
them from the brunt of the heavy to the westward with the ice, and
ice, by embedding their ships, and cannot recover their casting; for
occasioning an equable pressure they are encompassed with a large
on every part of the vessel: but, quantity of ice, and have a greater
in other respects, it is the great distance to go than when they first
est pest they meet With in all their entered, and on a course precisely
labours: it is troublesome in the in opposition to the direction. of
fishery, and in the progress to the the most prevailing winds. Hence
fishing ground, it is often the it appears, that it would be eco
means of besetment, as it is called, nomical and beneficial to sail so
and thence the primary cause of late, as not to reach the country
every other calamity. Heavy ice, before the middle of M31, 01‘ to
2N2 persevere
 54-8 ANNUAL REGISTER,
persevere on the seal catching
stations until that time. There
are, however, some weighty 0b
jections to this method. Open
seasons occasionally occur, and
great progress may sometimes be
made in the fishery before that
time. Also, although the majority
of the ships do not commonly suc
ceed in passing the barrier in
close seasons before a certain pe
riod, yet some individuals, by
superior exertion, perseverance,
ability, or good fortune, accom
plish the end considerably before
the rest, and thereby gain a supe
riority in the fishery, not to be
attained by later arrivals. A week
or fortnight’s solitary fishing,
under these circumstances, has
frequently gained half a cargo,—
an advantage of the most inter
esting importance, in a voyage of
so limited duration, and where
the success issupposed to depend
so considerably upon chance.
That there is something resem
bling what is called chance or luck
in the fishery, cannot be disputed ;
but that the fishery is altogether a
chain of casualties, is as false as
it is derogatory to the credit of
the persons employed in the en
terprize. For a person with a die
to throw the highest point once
in six times, is what might be ex
pected from chance; but for him
to throw the highest point many
times in succession, would afford
a presumptive proof, that he em
, ployed some art in casting the die.
So it is with the fishery. The
most/ skilful, from adventitious
and unavoidable circumstances,
may occasionally fail, and the un
slrilful may be successful; but
mark the average of a number of
years, (that is where the means
1817.
are equal) and a tolerable esti
mate may be formed of the ad
venturer’s fitness for his under
taking. '
The change which takes place
in the ice amidst which the whale—
fisher pursues his object, is, to
wards the close of the season,
indeed astonishing. For, not only
does it separate into its original
individual portions,—not only does
it retreat in a body from the
western coast of Spitzbergen, but
in general, that whole barrier of
ice, which encloses the fishing site
in the spring, which costs the
fisher immense labour and anxiety
to penetrate, after retarding his ad
vance towards the north, and pro
gress in the fishery, for the space
of several weeks,—spontaneously
divides in the midst about the
month of June, and on the return
of the ships is not at all to be,
seen! Then is the sea rendered
freely navigable, from the very
haunts of the whales, to the ex
panse of the northern and Atlantic
oceans.‘v '
This quality of the ice is of the
first importance to the navigator.
It is this known property which
gives him confidence in_ his ad
vance, and enables him to- perse
vere without restraint, calculating
on an easy return. As one-half
of the fishing season is often spent
in the ingress, were the regress
as arduous, the sailing would oc
cupy the whole time: besides, the
return would be rendered doubly
hazardous by the prevalence of
the summer fogs, which are thick
in the extreme, and sometimes
continue for days together, with
out any relaxation of density.
Were the barrier of ice not
passable, the haunts of the whales
' could
 NATURAL HISTORY. 549
could not be attained; and were minishing or enlarging. The
the regress not aided by natural freezing of the water generally
facilities, every attempt to prose affords an intimation of its coarc'
cute the whale-fishery with effect ting, as it rarely occurs on the
would be attended with imminent extension of the bounding ice.
danger; I may say, with almost The birds likewise instinctively
certain destruction. leave the closing spaces, and fly in
search of such as are in the course
On the Properties, peculiar Move of opening.
ments, and Drfiting of the Ice. 2. The amazing changes which
take place in the most compact
1. The ice always has a ten ice, are often unaccountable.
dency to separate during calms. They astonish even those who are
This property holds both with accustomed to their occurrence.
regard to field and drift ice, and Thus, ships immovably fixed with
seems to arise from a repelling regard to the ice, have been known
tendency between the individual to perform a complete revolution
masses. Hence it is, that when in a few hours; and two ships
the heavy ice is released from its beset a few furlongs apart, within
confinement by the dissolution of the most compact pack, havesome—
the intruding bay ice, a calm ge times been separated to the dis
nerally spreads its pieces abroad, tance of several leagues within the
and allows a free passage for ships, space of two or three days, not
which before could not be urged withstanding the apparent conti
forward with all the assistance to nuity of the pack remaining un
be derived from the wind, com broken!
bined with every efi'ort of art. On the 7th of May 1798, the
From the same cause it is, that Dundee of London, (then com
ice, which with strong winds is manded by my father,) while
formed into compact streams or forcing to the northward on the
patches, and allows a safe and most eligible course, was suddenly
commodious passage amidst these stopped by a shift of wind, and
large aggregations,--on the oc enveloped by the ice at avery short
currence of one or two days of distance from the land. The V0
calm weather, will be disseminated lunteer of Whitby, and three other
'into every opening, and seem to ships, were' likewise arrested a
fill every space, allowing only a little way from the Dundee. Du
troublesome and sinuous naviga ring the day, three Russian con
tion. In this case, the dispersion victs visited them, coming over
is so general that scarcely any two the ice from the nearest shore;
pieces can be said to touch each but as none of the crew could
other. speak their language, they were
Openings in packs, and amidst prevented from deriving any in
fields, frequently break out or formation from them.
disappear without any apparent The next day, a heavy gale of
cause. It is often of importance wind prevailed from the north
to the fisher to determine whether west; the frost was intense, and
any space be in the course of di much snow fell. The pressure of
the
 550 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
he ice was very severe; inso in situations near the western coast
much, that their iron-tiller was of Spitzhergen, this tendency is
broken, the ship lifted above two seldom observed, but rather the
feet, and forced within a mile and contrary. This may probably re
a half of the land. All the bay sult from the effects of the tide,
ice was squeezed upon the top of eddies, or peculiar pressures. Its
the heavy ice, and the whole was universal prevalence, however, at
rendered so compact, that they a distance from the land, though
could not find a hole sufficient to with some slight variations, may
admit a lead, for the purpose of be illustrated by numerous facts
ascertaining the depth of the of almost annual occurrence. A
water. They got their provisions few striking incidents shall suf
upon deck, considering the ship fice.
i From a narrative of the loss of-
in great danger.
0n the 9th, they Were in lati several of the Dutch Greenland
tude 77° 38' N. The intensity of fleet in the year 1777, we learn
the pressure Was not diminished. that the ship Wilhelmina was
The Volunteer lay beset three moored to a field of ice on the 22d
miles all, under a like dangerous of June, in the usual fishing~
pressure. station, along with a large fleet of
In my Father's Journal of the other Whalers. On the 25th, the
12th, appear the following re \Vilhelmina was closely beset.
marks : “ N. B.—I cannot, from The crew were obliged to work
the 'top-gallant-mast-head, see incessantly for eight days, in saw
over the flat of ice to the north ing a dock in the field, wherein
east, into which the ship is frozen; the ship was at that time pre
and yet in fit'ly hours it has re served.
volved from the south-south west, On the 25th of July, the ice
Westerly to north, and carried the slacked, and the ship was towed
ship with a semi-circular motion to the eastward, during four days
15 or ‘20 leagues. On the 10th laborious rowing with the boats.
instant we Were within 1!; miles At the extremity of the opening,
of the land, whereas our distance they joined four ships, and all of
' is now 10. leagues, and our ad~ them were soon again beset by
vance to the northward even the ice. Shortly afterWard‘s, they
greater. The Volunteer has drifted were drifted within sight of the
out of Sight in the south-West coast of Old Greenland, in about
quarter." 755° of north latitude. On the
On the 15th, after labouring 15th of August, nine sail were
eight and forty hours without collected together; and about the
rest, they escaped into a place of 20th, after sustaining a dreadful
safety. storm, and an immense pressure
3. When Speaking of the for of 'the ice, which accumulated
mation of fields, 1 had occasion to around them twenty or thirty feet I
remark, that the polar ice has a high,—-two of the ships were
constant tendency to drift to the wrecked. Two more were wrecked
sooth-westward; with regard to four or five days‘afterwards, to
which, 'it may be observed, that gether with two others at a dis
tance
 NATURAL HISTORY. 551
tance from them. On the 24th, still continued to advance along
Iceland was in sight; some of the the land to the southward.
ice was in motion, and two ships In the year 1803, the Henrietta
seemed to escape. Another was of Whitby, while prosecuting the
lost on the 7th of September; whale-fishery, was, by a southerly
and, on the 13th, the Wilhelmina storm, entangled among the ice in
was crushed to pieces by the fall the latitude of 80° north, and
of an enormous mass of ice, which longitude of 6' east; and after
was so unexpected, that those of wards accompanied it in its drift
the crew who were in bed, had to the south-westward, at the daily
scarcely time to escape on the ice, rate of from ten to fifteen miles.
half naked as they were. They saw several bears;\and at
One ship now alone remained, one time they conceived that the
to which the crews of four, and land of West Greenland was with
the surviving part of the crew of in sight. The ice pressed dread
a fifth, (that was wrecked on the fully around them, and accumu
30th of September), repaired. 1n lated in amazing heaps ; but pro
the beginning of October, they videntially, the ship always escaped
had drifted to the latitude of 64° 5 the heaviest crushes. After a state
and, on the 11th, the last ship of complete inertion during seven
was overwhelmed by the ice and weeks, the ice began to slack;
sunk. Thus, between three and when, with vigilant and laborious
four hundred men were driven to measures, they were enabled to
the ice, and exposed to the in- make their escape, in latitude
clemency of the weather, almost about 73i° north, and longitude 9'
destitute of food and raiment. west. '
On the 30th of October, the When treating of the pressure
miserable sufferers divided: The of fields, I slightly alluded to a cir
greater part betook themselves to cumstance which occurred within
the Continent, whilst the rest re my own observation on my last
mained on a field of ice, until voyage to Greenland (1814).
they drifted near to Staten Hook, While it affords a suitable illus
[and then followed the example of tration of the tremendous effects
their comrades. About 140 of the produced by the collision of those
men reached the Danish settle prodigious sheets of ice, it is no
ments on the W'est Coast of Green less applicable to the subject in
land; the remainder, consisting hand; I shall therefore give a
of about 200, perished. sketchot' the whole occurrence.
Thus, it appears, that the ship In the beginning of May, we
which survived to the latest period, entered, with the ship Esk of
drifted with the ice in a south Whitby, a spacious opening of the
westerly direction from the usual ice, to a distance of ten or twelve
fishing-stations, (probably in 78° leagues from the exterior, wherein
to 80° of north latitude), to the we were tempted to stay, from the
latitude of about 62° ; at the appearance of a great number of
same time, from longitude a few whales. On- the 9th of May, the
degrees easterly, to that of more weather calmed, the frost was
than 30° west; and, that the ice severe, and the ship was soon
fixed
552 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
fixed in young ice. At the same this time, would have been quite
time, the external sheets of ice on unavailing), we determined to
the north~east wheeled to the south, improve the advantage we had
foi'med a junction with the ice acquired, by proceeding to the
south-east from us, and completely utmost limits of the opening. Ac
enclosed us. Until the 16th, we cordingly, we advanced,on various
lay immoveable; a break of the winding courses, amidst bay ice
bay ice then appeared about half and fields, in narrow obscure
a-mile from us, to attain which, passages, a distance of several
we laboured with energy, and in miles. We then discovered a con
eight hours had made a. passage tinuation of the navigation, which,
for the ship. On the 18th, we pur although contracted to the space
sued the same opening to its of a few yards, in a channel ex
eastern extremity, and endeavour tending near a mile, between two
ed, but without success, to force immense sheets of ice, We deter
through a narrow neck of ice, mined to attempt to pass on. The
into another opening leading furs prospect was indeed appalling;
ther in the same direction. On the but, perceiving indications of the
20th, in accomplishing this object, enlargement of the passage, rather
we endured a heavy pressure of than the contrary, we advanced
the bay ice, which shook the ship undera press of sail, driving aside
in an alarming manner. The next some disengaged lumps of ice
day we made a small advance; that opposed us, and shortly ac
and on the 22d, after a fatiguing complished our wishes in safety.
effort in passing through the midst Here, an enlivening prospect pre
of an aggregation of floes against sented itself: to the extreme limits
the wind, we ohmined a channel of the horizon, no interruption
which led us several miles to the was visible. We made a prede- '
southfeastward. On the 23d, we termined signal to the ships we
lay at rest together with four other had left, indicative of our views.
ships. The day following, having In two hours, however, our san
sawn a place for the ship in a thin guine expectations of an imme
fioe, we forced forward between diate release, received a check, for
two large masses, where bay ice we then met with fields in the
unconsolidated had been com act of collapsing and completely
pressed, until it had become 10 barring our progress. As the
or 12 feet thick. We were assisted distance across' was scarcely a
by abouta hundred men from the mile, and the sea to appearance
accompanying ships, which fol clear beyond it, the interruption
lowed elose in our rear ;' and after was most tantalizing. tVe waited
applying all our mechanical powers at the point of union, in the hope
during eight or nine hours, we of the separation of the two fields;
passed the strait of about a fur and on the morning of the 26th
long in length, and immediately of May, our anxiety was happily
the ice collapsed and rivetted the relieved by the wished-for division
ships of our companions to the of the ice. The ship, propelled
spot. As they declined our prof by a brisk wind, darted through
fered assistance, (which indeed, at the strait, and entered a sea,
‘ which
 NATURAL HISTORY
which we considered the termina
tion of our difficulties. After
steering three hours to the south
eastward, as directed by the north
ern ice, we were concerned to dis
cover, that our conclusions had
been premature. An immense
pack Opened on our view, stretch
ing directly across our track.
There was no alternative, but
forcing through it: we therefore
pushed 'forward into the least
connected part. By availing our
selves of every advantage in sail
ing, where sailing was practicable,
and boring or drifting, where the
pieces of ice were too compact,
we at length reached the leeward
part of a narrow channel, in which
we had to ply a considerable
distance against the wind. In per
forming this, the wind, which
had hitherto blown a brisk breeze
from the north, was increased to
a strong gale: the ship was placed
in such a critical situation, that
we could not for above an hour
accomplish any reduction of the
sails, and she was thus alarmingly
oppressed : while 1 was personally
engaged performing the duty of a
pilot from the top-mast-head, the
agitation and bending of the mast
was so uncommon, that l was se
riously alarmed for its stability.
At length we were enabled to reef
our sails, and for a while proceeded
with less danger. We continued
to manmuvre among the ice, ac
cording as its separation was most
considerable. Our direction was
now east, then north for several
hours, then easterly 10 or 15
miles ,—when, after 18_ hours of
the most difficult, and occasionally
hazardous sailing, in which the
ship received some hard blows
from the ice; after pursuing a
553
devious course nearly ninetymiles,
and accomplishing a distance on a
direct north-east course of about
forty miles ; we found ourselves
at the very margin of the sea, se
parated only by a narrow sea
stream. The waves were so great
without, and the wind so violent,
that we dared not to hazard an
attempt to force through this re
maining obstacle. After waiting
about thirty hours, on the morn
ing of the 28th of May the wea
ther cleared, and the wind abated.
The sea stream, which, the pre
ceding day, did not exceed two '
hundred yards in breadth, was
generally augmented to upwards
of a mile broad. One place alone
was visible, where the breadth was
less considerable; to that we di
rected our course, forced the ship
into it, and by prompt and vigorous
exertions were enabled to sur
mount every difiiculty, and ac
complish our final escape into the
free ocean.
I have been thus minute in the
relation of the progress of our ex
trication from an alarming, though
not very uncommon, state of be
setment, both for the purpose of
giving a faint idea of the difiicul
ties and dangers which those en~
gaged in the whale-fishery have
occasionally to encounter, and also
more particularly to shew the ex
traordinary manner in which ships
are imperceptibly immured amidst
the ice, by the regularity of its
drift to the south-westward.
From this narrative it will ap
pear, that, notwithstanding we
only penetrated QS or 30 miles on
our ingress, and among ice most
widely disposed; yet, before our
regress was accomplished, we had
passed on a direct course a dis
' tance
554 ANNUAL REGISTER, ~l817.
tance of 35 or 40 leagues, whereof the borders of the ice , and such
one-half was in contracted chan conflicting winds have been ob
nels, amidst compact and formi served to counterpoise each other
dable ice. And, further, that in a few furlongs distant from the
less than a fortnight, while at ice, for several hours: the vio
rest with regard to the ice, our lence of the one being, as it 'were,
drift, as ascertained by astronomi subdued by the frigorific repulsion
cal observations, had been 60 or and lesser force of the other. The
70 miles to the south, and a dis effect resulting, is singular and
tance equally as great to the west. manifest.
2. The moist and temperate
Eject: of the Ice on the Sea and gale from the southward, becomes
the Atmosphere. chilled on commixture with the
northern breeze, and discharges
The profusion of ice in the polar its surplus humidity in the thick
regions produces peculiar and est snow. As the quantity of the
marked effects on the surrounding snow depends considerably on the
elements. The sea, in conse dilference of temperature of the
quence, exhibits some interesting two assimilating streams of air, it
characters, and the atmosphere, follows, that the largest proportion
some striking phenomena. Of must be precipitated on the ex
these, the power the ice exerts on terior of the main body of ice,
the wind,—-on aqueous vapour,— where the contrast of temperature
on the colour of the sky,-—and on is the greatest: and since that
the temperature of the air, are the contrast must be gradually dimi
most prominent; and of those, nished, as the air passes over the
accordingly as the ice or swell has gelid surface of the ice, much of
the ascendancy,
varied the results
and remarkable. are
i its superabundant moisture must
generally be discharged before it
1. \Vhen the wind blows forci reaches the interior. Hence We
bly across a sdlid pack or field of can account for the fewness of the
ice, its power is much diminished clouds,--the consequent bright
ere it traverses many miles: in ness of the atmosphere,--and the
somuch, that a storm will fre rareness of storms, in situations
quently blow for several hours on far immured among the northern
one side of a field, before it be ice.
perceptible on the other ; and, From this consideration, it might
while a storm prevails in open be supposed, that after the’preci
water, ships beset within sight pitation of a certain small depth
will not experience one-half of its of snow on the interior ice, the
severity. atmosphere could alone replenish
It is not uncommon for the ice its moisture from the same sur
to produce the elfect of repulsing face, and that whatever changes
and balancing an assailing wind. of temperature might occur, it
Thus, when a severe storm blows could only discharge the same
from the sea, directly towards the again: or, in other words, that
main body of ice, an opposite the very same moisture would be
current will sometimes prevail on alternately evaporated and depo
‘ ' sited,
 NATURAL H I S T O R Y.
sited, without a possibility of add
ing to a limited depth of snow.
Now this would assuredly be the
case, if nothing more than the
same moisture evaporated from
the snowy surface of ice were
again deposited. But, it must be
observed, that notwithstanding
winds from the north, east, or
west, may not furnish any con
siderable quantity of snow; and
that although those warm and hu
mid storms which blow from the
south, may afford a large propor
tion of their humidity to the ex
terior ice; yet, as the temperature
of the northern regions would be
gradually elevated by the long
continuance of a southerly gale,
the advance of the wind must in
consequence be farther and farther
before it be reduced to the tempe
rature of the ice ; and, therefore,
I some snow would continue to be
precipitated to an increasing and
unlimited extent.
Hence, as winds blowing from
the north must be replaced by air
neither colder nor less damp, and
as every commixture with warmer
streams must produce an increas
ed capacity for moisture; there
fore no wind can occasion a de
traction of vapour from the cir
cumpolar regions: on the con
trary, as the snow deposited on
the interior ice by southerly
storms, (from the nature of the
circumstances), must be derived
from evaporations out of the sea;
it is evident, that there must be
an increase of snow in the icy la
titudes, and that we cannot pos
sibly determine any limit beyond
which it may be affirmed that no
snow can be deposited.
3. On approaching apack, field,
or other compact aggregation of
555
ice, the phenomenon of the ice
blink is seen whenever the horizon
is tolerably free from clouds, and
in some cases even under a thick
sky. The ice-blink consists in a
stratum of alucid whiteness, which
appears in that part of the atmos
phere next the horizon. It is evi
dently occasioned thus: those rays
of light which strike on the snowy
surface of the ice, are reflected
into the superincumbcnt air, where
they become visible 5 but the light
which falls on the sea is in a great
measure absorbed, and the super
incumbcnt air retains its native
ethereal hue. Hence, when the
ice-blink occurs under the most
favourable circumstances, it alfords
to the eye a beautiful and perfect
map of the ice, 20 or 30 miles
beyond the limitof direct vision,
but less distinct in proportion as
the air is hazy. The ice-blink not
only shews the figure of the ice,
but enables the experienced ob_
server to judge, whether the ice '
thus pictured be field or packed
ice: if the latter, whether it be
compact or open, bay or heavy ice.
Field ice affords the most lucid
blink, accompanied with a tinge
of yellow; that of packs is more
purely white; and of bay ice
greyish. The land, on account of
its snowy covering, likewise occa
sions a blink, which is yellowish,
and not much unlike that produced
by the ice of fields.
4. The ice operates as a power
ful equaliser of temperature. In
the 80th degree of north latitude,
at the edge of the main body of
ice,.with a northerly gale of wind,
the cold is not sensibly greater
than in the 70th degree, under
similar circumstances.
5. The reciprocal action of the
. ice
556 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
ice and the sea on each other, is swells of the ocean, while the an
particularly striking, whichever nihilation of bay ice is so sudden
may have the ascendancy. If, on and complete, might seem an ano
the one hand, the ice be arranged maly or impossibility, were the
with a certain form of aggrega circumstances passed over in si
tion, and in due solidity, it be lence. It must be observed, that
comes capable of resisting the the operation of a swell is merely
turbulence of the ocean, and can, to rend the bay ice in pieces, while
with but little comparative dimi its destruction is principally etfect
nution or breaking, suppress its ed by the attrition of those pieces
most violent surges. Its resist against each other, and the wash
ance is so effectual, that ships ing of the wind-lipper. Herein
sheltered by it rarely find the sea the essential difference consists:
disturbed by swells. On the other pancake ice is formed in masses
hand, the most formidable fields so small and so strong, that the
yield to the slightest grown swell, swell will not divide them; and
and become disrupted into thou the efiect of the wind-lipper is re
sands of pieces ; and ice of only a pressed by the formation of sludge
few weeks growth, on being as on its seaward margin. Hence
sailed by a turbulent sea, is broken whenever ice does occur in agi
and annihilated with incredible tated waters, its exterior is always
celerity. Ice, which for weeks has sludge, and its interior pancake
been an increasing pest to the ice, the pieces of which gradually
whale-fisher, is sometimes re increase in size with \the distance
moved in the space of a few hours. from the edge.
The destruction is in many cases When aswell occurs in crowded,
so rapid, that to an inexperienced yet detached ice, accompanied with
observer, the occurrence seems thick weather and storm, it pre
incredible, and rather an illusion sents one of the most dangerous
of fancy, than a matter of fact. and terrific navigations that can
Suppose a ship imm0veably fixed be conceived. Each lump of ice,
in bay ice, and not the smallest by its laborious motion, and its
opening to be seen: after a lapse violent concussions of the water,
of time sufficient only for a mo becomes buried in foam, which,
derate repose, imagine a person with its rapid drift, and the at
rising from his bed—when, be tendant horrid noise, inspires the
hold, the insurmountable obstacle passing mariner with the most
has vanished! Instead of a sheet alarming impressions ; whilst the
of ice expanding unbroken to the scene before him is, if possible,
verge of the horizon on every side, rendered more awful by his con
an undulating sea relieves the sciousness of the many disasters
prospect, wherein floats the wreck which have been occasioned by
of the ice, reduced apparently to a similar dangers.
small fraction of its original bulk !
This singular occurrence I have On the approximations towards the
more than once been a witness to. Poles, and on the possibility of
That ice should be forming or reaching the North Pole.
increasing, when exposed to the Although I am sensible, that
already
 NATURAL HISTORY. M7
already I have trespassed too much the Pole; which is, I imagine,
upon the Society, in the unexpect one of the most extraordinary ap
ed extent of this paper, I never proximations yet realised.
theless cannot think of dismissing In Hudson's Bay, between the
the subject, without completing longitudes of 50° and 80° west,
my original plan, by noticing the ships can seldom advance beyond
comparative approximations to the 74th degree of north latitude;
wards the Poles, which have been and only one instance is upon
efiected on difi'erent meridians ; record, wherein the extremity of
and at the same time oifering, with the bay in 78° N. has been ex
difiidence, a few remarks on the plored.
possibility of travelling to the In Behring’s Straits, the adven
North Pole, together with a sketch turous Cook, on the meridian of
of the reasoning on which the 161%0 W. (very near the Ameri
probability of success depends. can coast), advanced to the lati
First, It has already been re tude of 70° 44' N., on the 18th of
. marked, that the 80th degree of August 1778 ; and on the 26th,
north latitude is almost annually in longitude 176° W. they were
accessible to the Greenland whale stoppedyby the ice in 69° 45 N
fishers, and that this latitude, on After his lamentable death, Cap
particular occasions, has been ex tain Clerke directed the proceed
ceeded. On one of the first at ings in the following year, and
tempts which appears to have been reached the latitude of 70° 33' on
made to explore the circumpolar the 18th of July, being about four
regions, in the year 1607, Henry leagues short of their former ad
Hudson penetrated the ice on the vance.
north-western coast of Spitzbergen The southern hemisphere, to
to the latitude of 80° 23' N. In - wards the Pole, was likewise ex
1773, Captain Phipps, on “ a plored by Captain Cook on a
voyage towards the North Pole," former voyage, on various meri
advanced on a similar track to 80° dians, and with indefatigable per
87 of north latitude. In the year severance. On his first attempt
1806, the ship Resolution of in 1772, they met with ice in
Whitby, commanded by my Fa about 51° south, and longitude 21
ther, (whose extraordinary perse east. They saw great fields in
verance and nautical ability are 55° south on the 17th of January
well appreciated by those in the 1773, and on February the 24th,
Greenland trade,and proved by his were stopped by field-ice in 62°
never-failing success), was forced, south latitude, and 95° east lon
by astonishing efforts, through a gitude.
vast body of ice, which commenced Again, on the second attempt
in the place of the usual barrier, in December of the same year,
but exceeded its general extent by they first met with ice in about
at least a hundred miles. We 62° south latitude, and 172-1730
then reached a navigable sea, and west longitude ; and on the 15th,
advanced without hinderance to saw field ice in latitude 66°. On
the latitude of 81? north, a dis the 30th of January 1774, they
tance of only 170 leagues from were stopped by immense ice
fields
 558 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
fields in latitude 71° 10’ 30", and to be encountered,—and that some
107° west longitude, which was circumstances might possibly oc
the most considerable approxima cur, which would at once annul
tion towards the South Pole that the success of the undertaking.
had ever been effected. Of these classes of objections, the
Thus, it appears, that there following strike me as being the
subsists a remarkable difference most formidable, which, after
between the two hemispheres, briefly stating, I shall individually
with regard to the approach of consider in their order :
the ice towards the equator ; the 1. The difficulty of performing
ice of the southern being much a journey of IQOO miles, 600 going
less pervious, and extending to and 600 returning, over a surface
much lower latitudes, than that of of ice,—of procuring a sufiicient
the northern hemisphere :— conveyance,—and of carrying a
That the 73d or 74th degree of necessary supply of provisions and
north latitude can be attained at apparatus, as well as attendants.
any semon of the year 5 whereas The difficulty may be increased
the 7lst degree of south latitude, by
has been but once passed :—And, (a.) Soft snow;
That, whilst the antarctic ne (b.) Wan-t of the continuity of
plus ultra appears to be the 72d the ice ;
degree of latitude, that of the (0.) Rough ice; and
arctic extends full 600 miles fur (d.) Mountainous ice.
ther; the nearest approach to the 2. The difficulty of ascertaining
South Pole being a distance of the route, and especially of the
1130 miles, but to the North, return, arising from the perpen
only 510 miles. dicularity of the magnetical needle.
Lastly, With regard to the pro 3. Dangers to be apprehended,
bability of exploring the regions (a) From excessive cold;
more immediately in the vicinity (b.) From wild beasts.
of the Pole than has yet been ac 4. Impediments which would
complished, or even of reaching frustrate the scheme:
the Pole itself,—-I anticipate, that (a.) Mountainous land;
without reference to the reasoning (b.) Expanse of sea;
on which the opinion is grounded, (0.) Constant cloudy atmos
it might be deemed the frenzied phere.
speculation of a disordered fancy. 1. It is evident that a journey
I flatter myself, however, that I of 1200 miles, under the existing
shall be able to satisfy the Society, difficulties, would be too arduous
that the performance of a journey, a task to be undertaken and per
over a surface of ice, from the formed by human exertions alone,
north of Spitzbergen to the Pole, but would require the assistance
is aproject which might be under of some fleet quadrupeds, accus
taken with at least a probability tomed to the harness.
of success. Rein-deer, or dogs, appear to
It must be allowed, that many be the most appropriate. If the
'known difficulties would require former could sustain asea voyage,
to be surmounted,—-many dangers they might be refreshed on the
northern
 NATURAL HISTORY. 559
northern part of Spitzbergen, slcdges for the provisions and ap—
which alfords their natural food. paratus.
They could 'be yoked to sledges ((1.) Soft snow would diminish
framed- of the lightest materials, the speed, and augment the fa
adapted for the accommodation of tigue of the animal; to avoid
the adventurers, and the convey which, therefore, it would be ne
ance of the requisites. The pro cessary to set out by the close of
visions fer the adventurers, for the month of April‘ or the begin
compactness, might consist of ning of May 5 or, at least, some
portable soups, potted meats, &c., time before the severity of the
and‘ compressed; lichen for the frost shoul'd'bc too greatly re—
rein-deer. The instruments and laxed.
apparatus might be in a great (6.) Want of continuity of the
measure confined to indispensa ice, would certainly occasion a
bles, and those of' the most port troublesome interruption; it might
able kinds ; such as tents, defen nevertheless be overcome, by
sive weapons, sextants, chrono having the sledges adapted to an
meters, magnetic needles, ther swer the purpose of boats; and it
mometers, &c. is to be expected, that although
As the rein-deer is, however, a openings amidst the ice should
delicate animal, difficult to guide, occur, yet a winding course might
and might be troublesome if thin in general be pursued, so as to
or broken ice were required to be prevent any very great stoppage.
passed,—-d'ogs would seem in some (0.) Many of the most prodi
respects to be preferable. In gious fields are entirely free from
either case, the animals must be abrupt hummocks, from one ex
procuredfrom thecountries where tremity to the other, and field ice,
in they are trained, and drivers as it appears in general, would be
would probably be required with easily passable. ‘
them. The journey might be ac (d.) The degree of interruption
celerated' by expanding a sail to from mountainous ice, would de
every favourable breeze, at the pend on the quality of its surface.
same time the animals would be If, as is most probable, it were
relieved from the oppression of smooth, and free from abrupt
their draught. It would appear slopes, it would not prevent the
from the reputed speed of the success of the expedition.
rein-deer, that, under favourable 2. The direct route would be
circumstances, the journey might pointed out, for some part of the
be accomplished even in a fort way at least, by the magnetic
night, allowing time for rest and needle; and when its pole should
accidental delays. It would re be directed towards the zenith,
quire a month or six weeks with should that position ever obtain,
dogs, at a moderate speed; and, the sun would be the only guide.
in the event of the failure of these Or, the position of the true north
animals on' the journey, it does being once ascertained, three
not seem impossible that the return sledges on a line, at a convenient
should be effected on foot, with distance apart, might enable the
leading
560 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
leading one to keep a direct course. ferocious animal known to inhabit
A chronometer would be an indis those regions, and he rarely makes
pensable requisite, as the oppor an attack upon man. At any rate,
tunity for lunar observations could he might be repulsed by any of
not be expected to occur suffici fensive weapon. And, as the prey
ently often. Were the Pole gain of the bears is scarce in the most
ed, the bearing of the sun at northern latitudes, they would not
the time of noon, by a chronome probably occur in any abundance.
ter adjusted to the meridian of 4. Hitherto no insurmountable
North-west Spitzbergen, would objection has been presented: a
afl'ord a line of direction for the few serious obstacles, should they
return; and, the position in re occur, remain to be considered.
gard to longitude (were the sun (a.) Mountainous land, like
visible) could be corrected, at mountainous ice, would check the
least twice a-day, as the latitude progress of the expedition, in pro
decreased. The degrees of longi portion to the ruggedness of its
tude being so contracted, any re surface, and the steepness of its
quired position would be pointed cliffs. Its occurrencewould, never
out by the watch, with the greatest theless, form an interesting dis
precision. covery.
3. (a.) Among the dangers to (b.) From the pretended excur
be apprehended, the coldness of sions of the Dutch, many have be
the air stands prominent. As, lieved that the sea at the Pole is
however, the cold is not sensibly free from ice ; were this really the
different between the latitudes of case, the circumstance would cer
70° and 80° with a strong north tainly be an extraordinary one ; but
wind, it may be presumed that at I consider it too improbable to
the Pole itself, it would be very render it necessary to hazard any
little more oppressive than at the opinion concerning it.
borders of the main ice, in the (a.) From the facts stated in
81st degree of north latitude, pages 319, 320 Of this paper, I
under a hard northerly gale: and think we deriveasanction for cal—
since this cold is supportable, that culating on clear weather at all
of the Pole may be deemed so times but with southerly storms ;
likewise. The injurious effects and as these occur but rarely,
of the severity of the weather, the progress of the journey would
might be avoided by a judicious not probably be suspended by an
choice of woollen clothing; the obscure sky, except for short pe
external air being met by an out riods and at distant intervals.
ward garment of varnished silk, Notwithstanding I have now
and the face defended by a mask, distinctly considered every obvious
With eyes of glass. The exterior objection and difficulty to be sur
garment would, at the same time, mounted, I am nevertheless sen
be water-proof, and thus capable sible, that in the realising of any
of shielding the body from acci project for discovery, whether at
dental moisture. sea or on land, there will occur
(b.) The white bear is the only many adventitious circumstances
which
 NATURAL HISTORY. ( 661
which may tend to mar the pro suits which necessityhas in various
gress of the best regulated expedi instances accomplished.
tion. Therefore, it may not be
improper to confirm and strength
PERSIAN ovrr.
en the whole, by directing the at
tention to what has been done, in Discovery Qf Eight Islands.
journeying under difficulties which (From the Asiatic Journal.)
may bear a comparison with the We publish for general infor
undertaking here alluded to, and mation, the following observations
occasionally under circumstances received from the Hon. James
the most unfavourable for success. Ashley Maude, Captain of His
1st. When treating of icebergs, Majesty’s ship Favourite, in regard
I alluded to the journey of Alexei to the situation and appearance of
Markofi“, in which it appears, that eight islands discovered by him on
he performed near eight hundred the 13th, 14th, and 15th of July,
miles across a surface of packed 1816, in the Persian Gulph, during
ice, in the spring of 1715, in a a cruize for general protection of
sledge drawn‘by dogs; and con— the trade.
sequently, that he might be sup- - “ The situation and appearance
posed to have encountered the of eight islands on the Arab ianside
principal difiiculties that could be in the Gulph of Persia, not laid
expected in the proposed scheme, down in any of the charts; the
whilst we have the advantage of names of which are Arabic, and
improving by his experience. the latitudes and longitudes of
2d. Speaking of the south each taken from cross bearings,
western
i also tendency
noticed of the
the loss of ice, of the latter by chronometer; seen
1 have
several
by 'his Majesty's ship Favourite,
the Dutch Greenland fleet in 1777’, the Hon. James Ashley Maude,
from which we learn, that part of captain, during a cruize for the
the unfortunate suffering crews, general protection of trade in the
under every privation of provision Gulph, on the 13th, 14th, and 15th
and clothing, and exposed to the of July, 1816.—
severity of an arctic winter, ac Dauss.--ln latitude 95° 10' N.
complished a journey on ibot, longitude per chronometer 52“ 45
along the coasts of Old Greenland, E. bearing SE. distance 4 leagues,
from the east side near Staten appears of a moderate height with
Hook to the Danish settlements a few small hummocks, and south
on the west, a. distance of near a western extremity a low sandy
hundred leagues. point six or seven miles in length,
3d. On contrasting the project no trees, and soil a metallic ap
ed polar journey With the cata pearance; in passing it, distance
logue of marvellous occurrences, off shore four or five leagues, we
and wonderful preservations which had from 13 to 18 fathoms, coarse
are exhibited in the records of sand with a few overfalls.
maritime disasters, the difficulties Jarnain Island.——South easterly
,of the undertaking in a great direction found Dauss is in lati
measure vanish, and its dangers tude 25° 8' N. longitude, per chro
are eclipsed, by the wonderful re nometer, 52° 55’ E. bearing SE.
VOL. LIX. 20 by
562 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
by S. five or six leagues, has three northern extremity terminates in
high hummocks nearly of an equal a low sand, off which a shoal ex
height, two on the northern ex tends nearly two miles, and ought
tremity and one more to the south not to be approached under seven
ward. The haze of the atmosphere fathoms, as the overfalls are sud
was too great to observe whether den ; to the south eastward the
the extremities were low, appa island is nearly of an equal height,
rently no vegetation, hills formed two or three hummocks above a
of a metallic substance. very low sandy point from north
Arzenie Island. - West south to south, and is about six miles in
westerly direction from Jamain in length, beyond which the pilot in
latitude ‘24' 56’ N. longitude, per formed me a shoal extends to a
chronometer 52' 83’ E. bearing considerable distance 5 and it is
SSW. nine miles, is rather high, recommended not to go to the
a rugged appearance. About a southward of this island, as the
cable’s length ofi‘ the eastern and overfalls are sudden, and several
western extremities there are two small islands and sand-banks ex~
rocks a little above water ; and on tend from the Main, which is said
the north-east side a shoal extends to be very low, and distant twenty
nearly a mile from the shore, com miles to the southward of this
posed of rocks and coral sand. island.
The Favourite anchored under this The channel between Arzenie
island, with the centre of the island and Dalmy is perfectly clear of
bearing S. by E i E. five or six shoals, but the overfalls are sudden
miles in 1‘25 fathoms, fine coral from 15 to 21 and 12 to 7 fathoms,
sand and shells. fine coral sand.
I could not discover any fresh Seer Beni Yass Island—South
water on this island, but from ra easterly direction from Dalmy, in
vines occasioned from the heavy latitude 24° 84’ N. longitude, per
rains, I have no doubt by sinking chronometer, 52° 40/ E. bearing
wells, water might be procured. SE. by S. five leagues, rather high
The soil consists of metallic sub in the center, and very rugged ap
stance, no trees, and only a few pearance terminating to the north
herbs ; the southern side exceed western extremity in a low sandy
ingly rugged, and in breadth I point, apparently seven or eight
imagine two or three miles, and miles in length.
seven miles in length, which ter The pilot informed me the point
minates to the WSW. in a low nearly joins the main land, leaving
sandy point. a narrow channel only navigable
Dalmy Island—South westerly for small pearl boats. The whole
direction from Arzenie in latitude coast to the westward being very
24° 36’ N. longitude, per chrono low, ofi‘ which there are several
meter, 52° 24' E. bearing SW. -} S. small islands, and they are con
four leagues, appears rather high;
sidered dangerous to approach.
darker colour than the former The channel between Arzenie and
island ; has to the northward a Seer Beni Yass is deemed safe by
round hill, below which the boun the pilot.
dary is blufi‘ bpt not high; the Danie Island.-—N0rth westerly
' direction
 NATURAL HISTORY. 563
direction from Dalmy, in latitude pear formed of the same metallic
25° 1’ N. longitude, per chrono substance as the islands of Polior,
meter, 52° 20’ E. is very low, the tombs, &c. &c. off the Persian
nearly on a level with the sea, about side of the Gulph, of a brownish
two miles in length, and very nar colour, their base being formed of
row; the colour of the sand so coral. They are said not to pro
nearly resembles the horizon in duce any good fresh water; but,
hazy weather, that great caution by digging wells, I have every
and a good look-out are requisite reason to imagine from the ap
when approaching it. pearance of the soil, and what I
Sherarou Island.—To the north witnessed on theisland of Arzenie,
westerly direction of Danie, in the rain having formed high banks
latitude 25° 13’ N. longitude, per by the rapidity of its torrents, good
chronometer, 52° 18’ E. bearing water might be procured. I do
NN W. 12 miles, appears low, with not imagine any of these islands
two small hummocks on each ex are equal to much cultivation with
tremity ; and off the northern out the aid of considerable indus
point, at half a mile, a small rock try; but their situation appears
projects above water, and a few particularly convenient, as they
smaller rocks otf some white sandy are placed nearly in the centre of
bays at the foot of the hummocks, a very extensive pearl fishery, on
which appear formed of dark me which the finest pearls in the
tallic substance : the island is nar world are produced—the season
row, and about three or four miles for the fishery from April to Sep
in length: in a north-western di tember : the extent of the bank is
rection from this isle, the coast Q00 miles in length, east and west,
ought to be approached with care, and north and south 70 miles.
as it is very low, but said to be The exact position of these is
clear of shoals. lands I am afraid will not be found
The channel between Danie and quite accurate, as their positions
Sherarou is clear of shoals, but are stated merely from cross bear
the overfalls are rather sudden; ings, and the strongly heated at
but we had not less than 3g fa mosphere had considerably affected
- thorns, sand and a mixture of white the rate of my chronometer ; and
coral. - the sun and moon not being within
Hawlool lsland.--North easterly distance together, with occasionally
direction of Sherarou, in latitude hazy weather, caused some dif
25° 41’ N. longitude, per chrono_ ficulty to be surmounted with re
meter, 52° c23’ E. bearing NNW. spect to judging of the imaginary
distance 10 miles, appears high in distance oil~ shore, but 1 hope their
the centre, gradually decreasing at situations are sufliciently accurate
each extremity; no trees and no to render the strangers to this side
appearance of vegetation ; the of the Gulph some assistance in
water deep close too. navigating their vessels.
The above described islands ap

2 2 Dauss
564' ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
Dauss SLat. 250 10’ N.
( Long. per chro. 52° 45' E.
J ,. Lat. 25° 8' N.
“mm Long. per chro. 52" 55’.
A . {Lat 24° 56’ N.
meme Long. per chro. 52° 88' Variation.
Lat. 24° 56’ N.
Dalmy Long. per chro. 52° 42’, July 18th, 4° 47' W.
Lat. 24° 34' N. ' v
Seer Beni Yass
, . . Lat.
Long.25°
per1’ chro.
N. 52° 40’, July 14th, 4" I
name {Long per chro. 520.20’, July 15th, 8° 59' _
Lat. 52° 13' N. ' . .I" J
~ ' ._.nw
Sherarow {
Long. per chro. 52° 18’. fly".
Lat. 25° 41' N.
Hawlool
Long. per chro. 52° 23’.
J. A.

AN ACCOUNT OF A RHINOCEROS seven guns, chiefly double bar

HUNT IN INDIA. relled; five of the latter four
ounce rifles. Soon after our party
(From the same.) (four _in number) hadsntered the
Rhinoceros hunting has, I be jungle, the .piping of theielephaute,
lieve, seldom been painted, though and the prints of rhinoceros' feet,
J have known several sportsmen shewed our game to be noun; and
who have had good opportunities indeed in less than a few minutes
of doing so; perhaps, therefore, we started two young ones, about
an account of a day lately passed the size of a full-grown neel-iglue
in this noble but dangerous diver (a species of elk) and .notuulike
sion, may afford some gratification that animal in colour. The first
to your sporting readers. On the fire killed one, and woundedshe
25th ult. our Shekarries (or hunts other severely, which, notwith
men), whom we had sent for in standing, went off atanlnlltielk
formation, brought us intelligence trot, howling in a. most hideous
of a herd of seven or eight rhino manner. The old ones were soon
ceros having taken up their abode collected round us by the cries of
in a large swamp, in a village their young, and three males, of
near Baragur, in the Nepal terri monstrous size, and frightful ap
»tory.-—-On reaching the spot with pearance, charged our line with
our elephants, seven in number, the utmost impetuosity. Two of
and our shooting apparatus, we our elephants gave way, receiving
found that either side of the the charge on their hinder part8,
lake for about two hundred yards and were instantly upset. Those
was clothed with glorious jungle 'that stoodifirm were not knocked
or brushwood for every kind of down, but staggered several paces
savage game ; forming a cover of by the shock: my elephant was
nearly ten feet in height. We had one that gave way, and my situ
ation
 NATURAL HISTORY.
ation Was far from laughable. The
elephant often attempted to rise,
but was as often laid flat by his
antagonist, and at length with
such force, that I was thrown se
veral yards into the lake, in a state
of utter st-upefaction—luckily fall
ing on some willows, I was saved
from drowning. . I was not sorry,
on recovery, to find myself out of
reach of the horn of my furious
enemy, and of the shots of my
friends, who, despairing of my
escape, fired without ceremony.
Their balls struck the monster's
body in several places without
producing any efiect, though from
four-ounce rifles. At last a lucky
one broke a large flake from his
horn, and caused him to makeotf,
turning through the thickets with
astonishing strength and swiftness.
\Ve traced his footsteps for some
miles, when being convinced that
he had taken to the forest, we re
turned to look after the others,
determined to search for him on a
future day. On our way back, we
found the young one we had
wounded in the morning lying
dead; both must have been very
young, for their horns were
scarcely perceptible, and no scales
appeared in their breasts or shoul
ders. It was now past noon, and
we had little hopes of finding the
others; when, on rounding
point of the lake, we roused them
again, and after a chase of more
than three hours, killed two, a
male and female. They were not
so bold now as we had reason to
expect. They seemed to have lost
their courage with their leader, to
whom they were very inferior in
size, but still their dimensions as
tonished us not a little; the larg
est of them was above Six feet
565
high, and stronger in proportion
than any elephantl ever saw ; the
day was too far spent to admit of
our taking a sketch of them, at
which we were much vexed, for
hitherto, I believe, they have been
very unfaithfully represented. No
elephants but males of superior
courage should be employed in
this desperate sport. We have
another wild animal in this neigh
bourhood as little known as the
rhinoceros. The natives consider
it of the elk kind, but it has no
characteristic of this or any of the
species of deer I have seen or
read of; the horns of the male are
remarkably thick and short; in
every other respect they resemble
more an English brindled bull.
They are exceedingly shy and so
litary ; seldom seen but on a bare
inaccessible rock.
Camp, NE. Frontier, May 1815.
EXPLOITS OF A LION SHOOTING
PARTY OF ENGLISH GENTLEMEN,
At Baroda, 26th June, 1816.
(From the same.)
A report was brought by a cul
tivator, about eight o'clock yester
day morning, of two large tigers
having taken up their abode the
preceding night in a garden, within
a a mile of the west extremity of the
town. The gentlemen of the re
sidency, after a hasty breakfast,
anxiously prepared rifles, fuzees,
and muskets, and attended by ten
Sepoys of the Resident‘s escort,
Went forth in search of the ani
mals. The place in which they
were said to have taken shelter
was covered by bushes of the mo
gri flower plant extremely thick,
and standing about four feet high,
with
566 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817'.
with narrow pathways, occasion the other party were diametrically
ally intersected by hedges of the opposite to the aloe plantation when
prickly milk bush, and low and the volley was fired into it. The
thick ramifications of the aloe halls whistled over their heads and
tree. around them, but happily without
The party beat about the ungle bad consequences to any body.
(for it had this appearance, rather The success which attended the
than that of a garden), when by first hunt, redoubled exertion; and
great good fortune it had a glimpse with great management, the party
of one of the animals making off scoured the bushes in search of
with some rapidity. It was first the lioness’s companion. Some
taken for a large grown calf; a time passed, and a great deal of
misconception very natural, as the laborious exertion, before the ani—
sequel will shew, and as by the mal was traced by his footsteps to
report of the morning, the party one of the high hedges which in
expected to meet with tigers. The tersected the garden. The party
appearance of the animal, however, approached within eight yards,
gave a stimulus to the exertions of when, by previous concert, two
the gentlemen, who moved for gentlemen and two sepoys fired,
ward in the low jungle, surveying independently, with elfect. The
every bush, and expecting each animal moved off immediately on
instant to hear a tremendous roar, the other side of the hedge, and in
or perhaps to encounter the savage ten minutes more, he was dis
attacks of the animals. Little covered lying under anotherhedge,
more search brought the two groaning with rage and pain.
beasts in full view, when one of Some pieces were instantly fired,
them started off, receiving a ball which exasperating him, be rushed
from a gentleman in the side. It out, and nobly charged his assail
went rapidly past two others of ants, his tail being curled over his
the party, and was wounded by a back. In his advance, he was sa
single shot in the flank. These luted with great coolnéss with
wounds appeared to have produced several balls from all the gentle
no decided effect, and a quarter of men, and a few sepoys of the
an hour had elapsed before it was party who had come up ; and
again discovered crouching in a though within a few yards of the
thick plantation of aloe trees. It object of his attack, he suddenly
was here that a few Sepoys and turned off, (it is supposed on ac
one of the gentlemen advancing count of being severely wounded)
within eight paces, brought the and sprung upon a sepoy, detach
beast prostrate on the ground ; ed to the right, with whom he
when, for the first time, consider grappled, and afterwards by the
ing the indistinct view obtained in violence of the exertion fell to the
the low jungle, during the pur ground, beyond him.
suit, it was found that instead of It was at this moment that the
tigers the objects of the chace were party gallantly, and for the hu
lions of considerable size ! Some mane purpose of saving a fellow
danger attended the death of this creature, rushed forward, and with
animal, (which was a lioness) as the bayonet and swords put an end
to
 NATURAL HISTORY. 567
to the monster. The sepoy was of that river with torrents of rain.
wounded in the left shoulder, but It was fortunate that their retreat
it was hoped that there is no dan was immediately discovered, or
ger of his losing his life. from the number of people now
The complete success of the day employed in cultivation around
was justly calculated to excite this populous town, some would
many pleasing reflections ; but in all probability have fallen vic
after all was concluded, it appear tims to their voracity.
ed that a countryman, who at
tended at a distance unarmed, and
for his own curiosity, was wound HISTORY OF THE COCGUS LACCIE,
ed in the thigh by a ball. This 0R LAC INSECT.
accident has of course damped the
By the late Dr. Kerr.
pleasure of the sport, though it is
but just to remark, that before the (From the same.)
party entered into the garden, en The head and trunk of this in
treaties were used to the curious sect form one uniform, oval, com
bystanders to induce them to keep pressed, rcd body, of the shape
away from the scene of action, and and magnitude of.a very small
many were sent ofi' by main force, louse, consisting of twelve trans
who afterwards returned in de verse rings; the back is carinate,
fiance of every remonstrance. the sides are sharp and alate ; the
The animal last killed was a belly is flat; antennas, two fili
lion, not quite full grown, but form, truncated, diverging half
strong and powerful in his make ; the length of the body, each send
the lioness was in the same pro ing off _two, v often three delicate
portion. diverging hairs, longer than the
On being brought to the Resi antennae; the mouth and eyes
dency and inspected, these animals could not be seen with a common
were sent to his Highness Futteh watch-maker’s magnifier.
Sing at his own request. The tail is a little white point,
The appearance of tigers in the sending off two horizontal hairs as
immediate vicinity of Baroda is long as the body.
not common 5 two only having Progression is performed by
strayed from the ravines of the three pair of limbs, half the length
river Myhie to the enclosures of the animal, forming rectangles
round the town, within the last at the edge of the trunk; the
fifteen years, but lions have never transverse rings of the body are
been seen. Indeed the existence capable of a little motion.
of this species in India has been I have often observed the birth
questioned, though since satisfac of those insects, but could never
torily established. It is conjectured see any with wings, nor could I
that the lions killed yesterday had find any distinction of sexes, un
wandered out of the deep defiles less that trivial difference of the
of the Myhie, about twelve miles antennae. Their connubial rites
from Baroda, in the night, which they also kept a secret from me:
was unusually dark, and attended nature and analogy seem to point
throughout in the neighbourhood out a deficiency in my observa-.
tions,
568 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
tions, possibly owing to the mi servations; I did not s‘ee the in
nuteness of the object, and want sect until November, when the
of proper glasses. sells and insects were at their full
The insect is produced by the ize ; and we find a vast number
parent in the months of November of little oblong red bodies, inter
and December; they traverse the mixed with the red fluid of the
branches of the trees upon which mother; these are the young olf
they were produced for some time, spring, each enveloped in its pro
and then fix themselves upon the per membrane; when all the red
succulent extremities of the young liquid is expended, they throw off
branches, sometimes upon the pe their membranous coverings, and
tioles 0f the leaves, but never on pierce a hole through the side of
the trunk, or large branches, pro the mother, and superior art of
bably on account of the rigidity of the cell, and walk ofl' one by one
their cuticle, and deficiency of to a distant part of the branch,
juice. leaving their exuviae behind, which
By the middle of January they is that white substance found in
are all fixed in their proper sitw the empty cells of the stick lac.
anions; they appear as plump as Those insects are the parasitic
before, but shew no other signs inhabitants of three difl‘erent trees,
of lifev The limbs, antennae, and viz.—
sites of the tail are no longer to be lst. Ficus Religiosa, Bengali
seen around the edges; they are Pipul, Anglice Banian tree—2d.
environed with a spisid, sub-pel Ficus Bengalensis, in Bengali
lucid liquid, which seems to glue Bhur, Anglice Banian tree—The
them to the branch ; it is the gra third is a valuable tree called Pros
dual accumulation of this liquid or Pras by the natives.
which forms a. strong and. com The insects fix themselves so
plete castle for each insect, and is close together, and in such num
what is called gum lac, so useful bers, that I imagine only one in
to the arts of men, as well as the six can have room enough to com—
preservation of this valuable insect. plete her cell; the others die,
I had no opportunity of seeing and are eat up by various insects.
the operations of, this insect, from The extreme branches appear as
the 25th of January until the 16th if they were covered with a red
of March, when the cells Were dust, and their sap so much ex
completely formed over the insect ; hausted, that they generally wither,
they had the appearance of an produce no fruit, and the leaves
oval, or rather subrotund, smooth drop, or turn to a dirty black
red bag without life, about the colour. The insects are trans—
size of a small cochineal insect, ported, I imagine, by birds; if
emarginated at the obtuse end, they perch upon these branches
full of a beautiful red liquid, they must carry 05' a. number of
seemingly contained in ccllulae, as those insects upon their feet, to
in the albumen ovi. At this time the next tree they rest upon. It
the young insects cannot be dis is worth observing, that these
tinguished in the fluid. Here fig-trees, when wounded, drop a
again there is a blank in my oh milky juice, which instantly coa
gulatcl
 NATURAL HISTORY. 569
gulates into a viscid, ropy sub in procuring the lac, is in break
stance, which, hardened in the ing down the branches, and carry
open air, is similar to the cell of ing the sticks to market; the
the coccus laccae. The natives present price in Dacca is about
boil this fig milk with oils into a 12 shillings the hundred weight,
birdlime which will hold peacocks and it is brought from the distant
, or the largest birds ; in the same country of Asam! The best lac is
manner a red medicinal gum is of a deep red colour; if it is pale
produced from the wounded prass and pierced at the top, the value
tree, so similar to the gum lac, diminishes, because the insects
that it may readily be taken for have left their cells, and conse
the same substance; hence it is quently, they can be of no use as
probable that those insects have a dye or colour, but probably they
little trouble in animalizing the are better for varnishes.
sap of these plants in the forma The insect and its cell has gone
tion of their cells. under the various names of gum
The gum lac is said to be pro lac, lac tree, in Bengali, lac sand;
duced from the ber or beyer tree, by the English it is distinguished
which is frequent in this country; into,—l. Stick lac; which is the
it is the rhamnusjujuba Linnasi, natural state from which all the
or jujube tree; 1 will not deny others are formed 3—Q. Seed lac,
the fact, but what has been is the cells separated from the
, shewn to me as such, was a sub sticks ;—3. Lump lac, is seed lac
stance very different from the lac: liquified' by fire, and formed into
there is a fungous excrescence cakes; 4. Shell lac, is the cells
frequently grows from the small liquified, strained, and formed
branches of this tree, the little into thin transparent lamime, in
tender granulations of which are the following manner :——separate
at first covered with a red bloom, the cells from the branches, break
which soon turns black, and them into small pieces, throw
neither contains insects, lac, nor them into a tub 01" water for one
colour, that ever I could find, day; wash oil" the red Water and
even with the utmost care in my dry the cells, and with them [ill a
inquiries. This tree is much fre cylindrical tube of cotton cloth,
quented by ants, flies, and various two feet long and an inch and a
insects, which destroy the flowers, half diameter, tie both ends, turn
leaves and fruit; this mistake has the bag above a charcoal fire ;- as
probably led Bontius, father Tac the lac liquifies, twist the bag,
hard, and their copiers into error. and when a sufficient quantity has
The lac of this country is prin transuded the pores of the cloth,
cipally found upon the. unculti lay it upon a smooth junk of
vated mountains on both sides of plantain tree (musa paradisiaca
the Ganges, where bountiful na Linnaei) and with a stri of the
ture has produced it in such pro plantain leaf draw it into a thin
digious abundance, that was the lamina, take it off while flexible,
consumption ten times greater the for in a minute it will be hard and
markets might be supplied by this brittle; the value of shell lac is
minute insect! The only trouble according to its transparency.
This
570 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
This is one of the most useful varnish is spreading upon it; to
insects yet discovered, to Euro imitate gold leaf they add turme
peans or natives. The natives rick to the varnish. This art is
consume a great quantity of shell only known to the women of a
lac in making ornamental rings, few families.
painted and gilded in various Cutler’s Grindstones.—Take of
tastes, to decorate the black arms Ganges sand three parts, of seed
of the ladies, and formed into lac washed one part; mix them
beads, spiral and linked chains for over the fire in an earthen pot,
necklaces, and other ornaments and form the mass into the shape
for the hair. of a grindstone, leaving a square
Sealing-wax.—Take a stick and hole in the centre; fix it on an
heat one end of it upon a. charcoal axis, with liquified lac ; heat the
fire, put upon it a. few leaves of stone moderately, and by turning
the shell lac, softened above the the axis you may easily form it
fire ; keep alternately heating and into an exact orbicular shape;
adding more shell lac, until you polishing grindstones are made
have got a mass of three or four only of such of the sand as will
pounds of liquified shell lac upon pass easily through muslin, in the
the end of your stick ; knead this proportion of two parts sand to
upon a wetted board, with three one of lac. This sand is found at
ounces of levigated cinnabar; Rajamahal; it is composed of
form it into cylindrical pieces, and small, regular, crystalline parti
to give them a polish, rub them cles, tinged red with iron two
while hot with a cotton cloth. parts, to one of the black mag
Japanning.—Take a lump of netic sand described by Muschen—
shell lac, prepared in the manner brook.
of sealing wax, with whatever The stone-cutters make their
colour you please ; fix it upon the grindstones of a crystalline stone
end of a stick ; heat the polished with black iron specks (corund)
wood over a charcoal fire, and rub beat into powder, and mixed with
it over with half melted lac, and lac, in the same proportions as
polish by rubbing it even with a with the sand; the coarse for
piece of folded plantain leaf held cutting, and the sifted powder for
in the hand, heating the lac, and polishing. These grindstones cut
adding more as occasion requires; down iron very fast, and when
their figures are formed by lac they want to increase its power,
charged with various colours, in they throw sand upon it, and let
the same manner. it occasionally touch the edge of a
In ornamenting their gods and vitrified brick. The same compo
religious houses, &c. they make sition is formed upon sticks for
use of very thin beat lead, which cutting stones, shells, 8w. by the
they cover with various varnishes, hand.
made of Iac charged with colours ; Painting—Take one gallon of
they prepare them, it is said, with the red liquid, from the first wash
alum and tamarinds; the leaf of ing of shell lac, strain it through
lead is laid upon a smooth iron a cloth, boil it for a short time,
heated by fire below, while the then add half {an ounce of soap
earth
 NATURAL HISTORY. 571
earth (fossil alkali) ; boil an hour Spanish Wool.-—The lac colour
more, and add threeounces of pow is preserved by the natives upon
deredload (a straw colouredbark) ; flakes of cotton dipped repeatedly
boil a short time, let it stand one into a strong solution of the lac
night, and strain next day; eva insect in water, and dried.
porate three quarts of milk with Here I ought to have described
out cream to two quarts, upon a the utilities of this body, as prac
slow fire, curdle it with sour milk, tised by Europeans, but I am not
and let it stand for a day or two ; master of the subject, and shall be
then mix it with the red liquid very glad to see it done by an
above mentioned; strain them abler hand. The properties of
through a cloth, add to the mix bodies should be as fully described
ture an ounce and a half of alum, as possible, for therein consists
and the juice of eight or ten the principal utility of natural his
lemons; mix the whole, and throw tory. The present mode of de
it into a cloth bag strainer. The scribing natural productions merely
blood of the insect forms a coagu as materia: medicae, pictoriae, &c.
lum with the caseous part of the is in my opinion highly injurious
milk, and remains in the bag, to the subject, trifling, unbecom
while the limpid acid water drains ing a. natural historian, and is the
from it; the coagulum is dried in cause of a great evil.
the shade, and is used as a red To be added—After the grind
colour in painting and colouring. stones, the gross remains after
Dyeing—Take one gallon of making shell lac is formed into
the red liquid prepared as in the balls, polished and painted for
preceding page, without milk ; to boys and men to play with, as our
which add three ounces of alum; boys do with marbles. Perhaps
boil three or four pounds of tama in this consists the secret art of
rinds in a gallon of water, and making the European marbles.
strain the liquor. Added after Dying—The dye is
Light Red—Mix equal parts of used in colouring that red powder
the red liquid water and tamarind with which the Hindus bespatter
water over a brisk fire; in this one another in their holy festival
mixture dip and wring the silk time.
alternately, until it has received a
proper quantity of the dye. T0 AN ACCOUNT OF THE BIDDERY
increase the colour increase the WARE.
proportion of the red liquid, and
let the silk boil a few minutes in By Benj. Hcyne, M.D. Naturalist to
the mixture. To make the silk the Hon. East India Company at
hold the colour, they boil a handful Madras.
of the bark called Load in water;
strain the decoction, and add cold (From the same.)
water to it- ; dip the dyed silk into The Hindoos have since time
this liquor several times, and then immemorial not only excelled their
dry the silk. Cotton cloths are neighbours in the management of
dyed in this manner, but the dye metals for useful and curious pur
is not so lasting as in silk. poses, but they are even familiarly
acquainted
572 ANNUAL REGISTER,
acquainted with alloys unknown it is always more or' less inlaid
to our practical chemists. with silver. It is called Biddery
Among those in general use that ware from the place where it was
have drawn the attention of Eu originally, and I believe is still‘
ropeans living in India, are the exclusively, made ; for though the
alloys for the gurry, and the Bid_ people of Bengal have utensils of
dery ware. this kind, I have no where seen'
The gurry is a disk of a cubit any new ones forsale, which would
and upwards in diameter, about be the case were they manufac
half an inch in thickness in the tured there.
centre, but decreasing towards the Biddery is a large city, about
circumference, where it is scarcely sixty miles N.W. from Hyderabad,
more than one-fourth of an inch. formerly the seat of mighty kings,
It is used to mark the divisions of and one of the largest, or best
time, by striking it with a wooden places of the Dekan, belonging to
mallet. The sound is in general the Nizam. . It is situated on the
remarkably clear, full, and loud, eastern brink of a table-land,
when it is properly managed. .In which is about 100 feet above the
common they are suspended on a level of the surrounding country,
triangular pyramid made of three and from S. to N. six to eight
bamboos tied together at top. They miles in diameter. The place is
are used in all large cities, at the fertified, has high walls and exten
cutwal’s choultry, at the houses sive outworks, particularly to the
and cutcheries of great men, at northward; but whether strong,
the main guard of every battalion, or otherwise, I am not competent
and head-quarters of every de— to' judge. I' found them very
tachment of troops. Some com badly guarded ; as is generally the
manding officers have them even case in the fortified places belong
near their doors, to the annoyance ing to the native powers of India.
of their visitors, whose ears are AsI had been always very de
not so blunted and insensible as sirous of learning the composition
their own. In short, they are the of the Biddery ware, and could
regulators of time and business get no information of it at Hydera
over all India. The exact pro bad, I requested Captain Syden
portion of the compound of which ham, then resident at. that court,
they are made I do not recollect, to favour me with a dustuk (order)
butl believe it is somewhat va to the governor of Biddery, (which
riable, as the gurries are prized place I was to pass on my way to
according to the places where they join the detachment at Jaulna,) to
have been manufactured. assist me in getting the desired
The Biddery ware is used par knowledge. I must observe here,
ticularly for hooka-bottoms, and that it is not only extremely diffi
dishes to hand betel about to vi- cult in general for travellers, but
sitors, where more precious metals almost impossible, without much
are not attainable. It is of a black money, to acquire any information
colour, which never fades, and on a subject of the most indif
Which, if tarnished, may be easily ferent nature, without the concur
restored. To relieve-the sable hue‘ rence and actual support of the
head-man
 NATURAL HISTORY 573
head-man of the place. At Bid As the metal in this state was
dery the jealousy against Euro divested of all but its natural
peans of all classes is carried so colour, I recognized it immedi
far, that none are allowed to enter ately as a compound of which its
the gates of the city, except such greatest portion is tin. It con
as are in the service of the Nizam, tained of this metal twenty-four
and stationed in the fort. It hap parts, and one of copper, joined
pened fortunately that the chief of by fusion. I was herein not a
that place had some favours to ask little disappointed, as I had always
of Captain Sydenbam, and Mr. understood that it was made of a
Russell, his assistant, whose kind metallic substance found on the
assistance in promoting my inqui table-land of Biddery, and which,
ries on this and all other occasions as I never had made any experi
I have gratefully to acknowledge , ment with a view of discovering
so that I received the dustuk its composition, I flattered myself
without much delay, just as I as might be a new mineral. In
cended the table-land. On pro coming along I really -.had found
ducing it at Biddery some of the also a lithomarga, which resem
manufacturers were immediately bled the common Biddery were in
sent to me in the choultry, under colour and appearance; and it
a guard of peons, with the strictest was probably this that had given
orders that they should inform me rise to the account which former
of the whole and every part of travellers had given of that sub
their mystery. I wished to go to stance, as the mineral used for the
their houses; but as this had not ware manufactured at that place.
been mentioned in the order, and The business of their second
as they lived in the city, I could visit was to cast, or to make before
not obtain permission. The men me, a vessel of their ware. The
who attended me complained of apparatus which they brought with
want, in an employment which in them on the occasion consisted of
former times had been the means a broken earthen pot, to serve as
of subsisting a numerous class of a furnace; a piece of bamboo
their own cast, and of enriching about a foot long as a bellows, or
the place, but which now scarcely blow-pipe; a form made of clay,
yielded food for five families that exactly resembling a. common
remained. They are of the gold hooks-bottom; and some wax,
smith cast, which, together with which probably had been used by
some of other handicrafts, is the several generations for the purpose
lowest of all sudras, though they for which it is yet employed.
wear the brahminiéal string. The first operation was to cover
At their first visit they brought the form with wax on all sides,
nothing but a lump of their com which was done by winding a
pound used for casting their ware, band, into which the wax was re
and a few vessels which they had duced, as close as possible round
just in hand, for inlaying them it. A thin coat of clay was then
with silver, an operation which laid over the wax, and, to fasten
they conceived would be of all the the outer to the inner clay form,
most. attractive to a curious fringi. some iron pins were driven through
it
574 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817’.
it in various directions. After the whole surface with a little oil
this had been dried for some time or butter.
in the sun, the wax was liquificd by As nothing looks handsome in
putting the form in a place suffi the eyes of an Indian, but what is
ciently heated, and discharged glittering with gold or silver, it
through the hole, by which the may be imagined that their hooka
melted metal is poured in to occupy and betel dishes, which are chiefly
its place. It is scarcely necessary to used on festive occasions, are not
say, that when the metal is sufli left destitute of these ornaments ;
ciently cooled the form is broken, they are chiefly decorated with
and the vessel found of the desired silver, in the form of festoons,
shape. fanciful flowers, and leaves. Some
Colouring the ware with the times I have seen a little gold in
standing black, for which they are terspersed.
celebrated, is the next, and in my The way of inlaying them is
opinion the most remarkable ope very simple ; but of course as te
ration. It consists in taking equal dious as can well be imagined, and
parts of muriate of ammonia and could be only practised where time
saltpetre earth, such as is found is of little value. The parts of
at the bottom of old mud walls the projected figure are first cut
in old and populous villages in out in silver leaf, which are placed
India, mixing them together with in a piece of broken earthenware
water, and rubbing the paste before the artist, who cuts with
which is thus produced on the a pointed instrument the same
vessel, which has been previously figure on the vessel, applies the
scraped with a knife. The change silver leaf, piece after piece, and
of colour is almost instantaneous, gently hammers it into its place.
and, -what is surprising to me, The greatest skill consists in
lasting. tracing the pieces of the figure on
The saltpetre earth of this place the vessel exactly of the same size
has, when dry, a reddish colour, as they are in the silver leaf, and
like the soil about Biddery. It is in this I have never seen them
very likely that the carbonate, or mistaken.
oxide of iron, which it contains, They do their work very expe
is essentially necessary for the ditiously, and will make any figure
production of the black colour. on copper with the greatest nicety,
The muriate and nitrate of lime, according to the sample which is
which is in considerable propor laid before them.
tion in all earth from which salt Note—Mr. Wilkins informed
petre is manufactured in India, Dr. Heyne that the Biddery ware
may be perhaps not an useless in is likewise manufactured in Be
gredient in this respect. nares, and he thinks that zinc is
The hooka-bottoms of this ware used as an alloy in that part of
happen sometimes to get tarnished, India. I examined a piece of a me
acquiring a brownish, or shillering tal statue, which Mr. Wilkins con
colour, which is easily removed, sidered asBiddery ware : it was zinc
and the black restored, by rubbing alloyed with a very little copper.
. use
 NATURAL HISTORY. 575
chief food of the poultry and other
053 OF THE COCOA-NUT TREE. domestic animals.
When the tree has grown to a
(From the same.) considerable height, one of the
sprouts, which forms what is call
A cocoa-nut planted in the sandy ed the fiour, is cut off nearly at
shore of Ceylon, shews its first its base, leaving, however, a
shoots above the ground after stump sufficiently long for :1 Chat
about three months, and at the ty (or earthen vessel) to be attach
end of six is fit for transplantation. ed to it, into which the juices of
No particular care is necessary to the tree drop and form the liquor
rear it; planted in a barren soil, called toddy, which is not only a
and fanned by the bleak winds of pleasant beverage in its primary
the ocean, it seems to gain state, but is used in making jag
strength from neglect, and fecun gery (coarse sugar) vinegar and
dity from exposure: notwith— arrack, which, after cinnamon, is
standing these apparent disadvan~ the chief article of merchandize in
tages, its hardihood surmounts this island.
every obstacle, and at the end of The inside or soft part of the
six years it begins to bear fruit tree is used for fuel, while the
—and from that period becomes a more solid external part is con
valuable source of wealth to the verted into rafters, and the na
possessor. While it continues tural net work which surrounds
young, the fruit, or interior of the base of the branches, forms
the nut, affords a palatable and sieves for straining medicinal oils,
nutritive food to the native. The &c.—The boughs which support
watery liquid within, which we the fruit are used as brooms, as
term milk, is a beverage equally well as the husk of the shell, which
pleasant and cooling, and is as is sometimes converted into
agreeable to the palate as invigo brushes for whitewashing, &c.;
rating to the body. The juice of the shell itself makes fuel, and
the cocoa-nut when mixed with the fibres of the husk which
chunam serves to strengthen it, encloses it, form coir, another
and to increase its adhesive quali most valuable article of expor
ties. When older, the cocoa-nut, tation.
as it is well known, is used in The cabbage is fit for almost
making curry, and without it, the every culinary purpose, but par
Cingalese would find himself at a ticularly for pickling; the root is
loss for one of the principal in useful in medicine, and the natives
gredients of this his simple, but occasionally mix it with betel for
constant and only food. The nut chewing. The branches of the
grown older still, when pressed, tree the natives weave into hedges,
yields that oil, which affords al and sometimes burn for fuel. The
most the only sort of light used in ola or leaf is put to a great variety
Ceylon; and the nut itself, after of uses; there are few natives who
the juice is pressed out, is con dwell under any other covering
yerted into flour, and forms the than that which an ola hut afl‘ords,
and
576 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
and most of our Indian readers from sixty to ninety feet, and lives
have witnessed the celerity with about one hundred and twenty or
which a comfortable bungalo is one hundred and thirty years,
constructed of the cocoa-nut leaf, while those in a hilly country live
even in they most remote districts, about one hundred and fifty, and
on the approach of an European do not reach so great a height;
traveller. A cocoa-nut tree planted
these latter do not produce fruit
on the sea~shore, or on low so soon after their being planted
grounds, grows to the height of as the former.

MISCELLANIES.
 [ 5 '7
i l

MISCELLANIES.

DEATH or A muses AT BOMBAY. perfect reliance on the wisdom

and goodness of God.
(From the Asiatic Journal.) He addressed them with great
affection, and with all that strength,
E have copied the following clearness, and precision of lan
‘/ from the Bombay Courier. guage, for which he was held in
The deceased was, we learn, a man so much estimation through life.
of the greatest opulence and in He told them that he felt his hour
fluence among the native subjects was come, and that as such was
of the British government at Bom the will of the high Providence
bay.—On the 215t instant, at half that watched over them, he sub
past two o’clock in the morning, mitted himself to his gracious dis
Pestonjee Bomanjee, the well pensations. That death was the
known and very respectable Par last tribute to be paid in this world
see merchant, paid the great debt —thcuniversallot of human nature
of nature, after having just com —and that it must be paid sooner
pleted his fifty-eighth year. or later, when God determined
He had, for some time, linger the time, it is therefore the duty
ed under a very painful and de of man to submit without further
pressing illness, which he bore struggle, and to prepare himself
with great fortitude, cheering his for an event which he cannot de
_ family and friends with the hopes lay. That as he felt all hopes of
of his recovery to the last. A few recovery were vain, he gave up,
hours, however, before his disso as far as man can be supposed to
lution, he became sensible of the do, the very wish to live; and
near approach of death; and, in conjured his friends toimitate him
the full possession of his faculties, in that resignation which was now
prepared his surrounding relatives his greatest comfort. He desired
for the awful separation that was them to look back on the part he
about to take place, with a com had so long played in life; that
posure and resignation worthy of if they were, satisfied he had con
the most enlightened philosophy, ducted himself well, his memory
exalted and refined by the most would remain to them as a conso
Von. LIX. ‘l P lation
578 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
lation after he was gone, and that proper use of the power which it
instead of lamenting, they ought bestows. .
rather to give thanks to the Al He was possessed of a very
mighty for the prosperity with noble figure, an admirable ad
which he had been crowned, and dress, and a copious flow of lan
for the powerful friends by whom guage. No man could possibly
he and they were supported both present himself in a more dignified
in India and in England. That or prepossessing manner; and the
the same line of conduct which impression he made from such
first obtained those blessings, natural advantages, was uniformly
would preserve them; and that he supported by the resources of a
had nothing left to wish for in sound judgment, and a great va
this world, but along continuance riety and extent of information.
of that prosperity, which God had From the time his fortune first
been pleased to shew his family, enabled him to lay out money on
before he took him to himself. building, even to his last illness,
Such was the piety, such the he continued to beautify the town
resignation, and such the dignified and island of Bombay, with houses
morality of this dying believer in and gardens ; and he may be truly
the religion of Zoroaster. His said to have created that taste for
loss has not been confined to his an ornamental disposure of their
family and friends; it is felt by wealth, by which the natives of
the natives of every description. this country have contributed so
His wealth and his knowledge much to the comforts of the Eu
gave him great power; and he ropean population. The gentle
was liberal of both without osten men who have inhabited his nu
tation. From the earliest period of merous and stately houses, will
his life he was trained up in mer bear ample testimony to the libe
cantile pursuits; and, of all the rality with which he uniformly
Asiatics we have ever known, he met their wishes, and ad0pted
was eminently the best acquainted their suggestions of improvement,
with our language, our customs, or even alteration ; and the greater
and our laws. This enabled him part of a very considerable fortune
to adjust many disputes among is actually vested in this manner.
the rich, which might have in The day before his death, we
volved them in ruin; and to re understand, he made and publish
lieve many. of the poor from that ed his last will and testament, in
pride of oppression, which is so which be displayed his usual good
generally connected with the aris sense; and left his affairs in the
tocracy of. mere wealth. As the most orderly arrangement. He
representative of successful in adopted his eldest grandson, Da
dustry, wealth, indeed cannot be dabhoy, as his own son, according
too much respected; but how to the custom of his nation, but
many accomplishments and how left his very handsome fortune to
be enjoyed equally by both his
many virtues are required, to re
grandsons, the children of abe
fine it into that respectability,
which can only result from a loved daughter, whose earlyloss
he
 MISCELLANIES. 579
he lamented as the greatest mis under alarge tree, and obtained
fortune he had met with in life. some rice and fish from the Bhur
She married Nowrojee, the eldest mahs, on which we made a good
son of Jamsetjee Bomanjee, our supper. The weather continued
venerable naval architect, and head bad through the night, and to add
of the Wadia family—a family, to our misfortune we only caught
which, whether we consider them one turtle. At day-break next
as British subjects, British mer morning, the appearance of the
chants, or British architects, have weather indicated an increase of
largely contributed to the prospe the storm, and we were then
rity and strength of the British soaked to the skin by the rain.
empire in India. The Daphne still rode it out very
easy. The Bhurmans supplied us
with food. The weather becoming
accounr or A PASSAGE IN AN still worse soon after middle day,
0mm BOAT acaoss THE BAY or our boat began to drive, and we
BENGAL, were obliged to order the man on
board to cut the peinter, and let
By the Captain and Boat‘s Crew of her come on shore. He did so,
the Daphne, in 1808. and with the assistance of the
Bhurmans we got her secured
(From the same.) high and dry on the beach. We
dined with the Burmans, and at
The Daphne brig, Edward Har dusk, leaving one man to take
man, Master, quitted the town of care of the boat, the rest retired to
Rangoon on the 28th of October sleep—In the middle of the night
1808. About sunset on Nov. the we were all turned out, as the
4th , we saw Diamond Island hear tide had risen so high, that our
ing N.W. i W., and at two P. M. boat had flooded, and was driven
on the following day came to an among the rocks. It was an awful
anchor in five and a half fathoms and tremendous night; the gale
mud. I attended the Captain and was furious, accompanied by heavy
six hands to the shore in search of rain, with a foaming sea all round,
turtle. At the north end of the and our poor boat was seen on the
island we found a small but, in rocks heating to pieces; there was
habited by five Bhurmans (natives no time to think : every thing was
of l’egu) who had been sent here now at stake. We reached the
to collect the turtles’ eggs for the rocks as speedily as possible, and
king of Ava. They were very with a great deal of trouble got
hospitable to us, and shewed every her off, but, alas ! almost too late,
inclination to oblige us. On re she was nearly beaten to pieces.
turning to the part of the shore We remained with her until high
on which we landed, we found water, when we made her fast,
from the squalliness of the wea went back to the house and slept
ther, and the height of“ the surf till day-light. Our first thoughts
that we could not reach our boat, now were to repair our boat in the
then at anchor under the care of best manner possible; and this
one of the men. We made a fire we efi‘ected by pulling a nail out
2P2 of
580 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
of one place, and putting it into one we supposed to be the vessel‘s,
another, cutting up some rope for the other, from its largeness, we
oakum and caulking her as well imagined to be on shore. We
as we could. We were forced to pulled towards the one we took
cut up our shirts to assist in caulk for the brig's. In about half an
ing her, as we had not oakum hour we were extremely alarmed
enough. Our tools consisted of a by losing both the lights. We
knife, a large stone for a hammer, knew not which way to pull; to
and a piece of wood for a caulk lay-to was impossible, and we had
ing iron. By the time we had no hope but inProvidence, who is
completed our job, the rain had ever attentive to the exertions of
ceased, and the face of the heavens unhappy men. \Ve kept pulling
began to assume a different ap and baling all night ; once or
pearance. We went to the Bhur twice we heard breakers very loud,
mans’ house to dine. After dinner and we anxiously waited for the
the Bhurrnans pressed us much to morning to know our situation,
go on board and get them a bag particularly as the night was
or two of rice, as during our stay cloudy and squally.
on the island we had almost eaten At day-light on the 8th we were
up their stock. They said, if we much surprised to be just in sight
would give them a little rice, they of high land to the northward.
would help to catch turtle for us. We judged it to be the northward
We could not object to their pro by the sun's rising, for we had no
posal, ‘as we had been living on compass in the boat. The wind
their provisions so long. We could we found to be northerly—we in
get no turtles till night; and the with our oars, up with the fore
weather seeming fine, in the even mast, and set the only sail we had
ing about half an hour before sun --—we stood to the eastward all
set we launched our boat and day, and at sunset put about, and
pulled for the brig: but so much stood to the westward—we still
had she suffered on the rocks, that saw the land, but it appeared fur
we were forced to have one man ther olf—about midnight finding
constantly at work to bale out the ourselves in rollers we tacked and
water, which came in very rapidly. stood to the eastward—it blew
At sunset we were in the brig‘s fresh and rather squally, and we
wake, pulling for her. We ob were obliged to reef the sail.
served the people on board veering When day broke on the 9th, to
a buoy astern to us, but had the our mortification there was no
mortification to see ourselves go land in sight. The Captain and I
astern as fast as the buoy did. consulted what was best to be
They could give us no assistance done, and expecting that we should
from on board, for they had no have the wind fresh from the E.
boat, and had two anchors down. and N.E. judged it best to make a
If they had cut, they certainly fair wind of it, and run for the
must have been on the rocks be Coromandel coast. At noon we
fore they could have been able to up helm, and went with a flowing
manage the vessel. About an sheet to the westward in hopes of
hour after dark we saw two lights; crossing the bay in five days, or
else
 MISCELLANIES. 581'
else of falling in with some ship. sails and hauled her wind to the
During the dayaflying fish dropped eastward. We hoisted our sail
into the boat, when all hands again, but to no purpose, she still
jumped at it. Fortune favouring kept to the eastWard, which was a
my exertions, Igained the prize heart-breaking sight to us all.
and soon devoured it. The temporary strength which the
Thursday the 10th and Friday sight of her had excited, now for
the 11th we had tine fresh breezes, sook us: our spirits sunk, and we
chiefly from the eastward, with could no longer pull. As night
clear weather. On the l‘zth we approached we stood as nearly as
found ourselves so very thirsty we could judge to the W.N.W.
that water was much in request When the vessel hauled her wind
by all. Every morning and even to the eastward, we could plainly
ing, we bathed , ourselves, and make out that she was a brig ; we
during the day kept throwing saw her top-sails, and part of her
water over our heads; this al courses, main-sail, &c.
layed our thirst very much, which Sunday the 13th. This day our
had now become our greatest thirst was great indeed ; we had
enemy. This day we had very undergone such fatigue, and were
light airs from the N.W'. with a so much weakened, that we ex
heavy swell; we expected a gale pected every hour to be our last,
of wind from that quarter, which The water thrown over our bodies
if it had come, in all probability did not allay our thirst as at first,
would have overwhelmed us, and and being reduced to the last ex
put us out of our misery. Just tremity, we were forced to drink
before sunset we had the high our urine, which I must say re
consolation of observing a vessel vived and - consoled us exceed
bearing N.W'.; there being little ingly. Monday and Tuesday no
wind we pulled right for her, and thing happened to break in upon
by her movements I believe she our state of painful suspense. We
saw us, for soon after she came had the wind light from the north
down towards us, with studding ward with a very heavy swell
sails set, low and aloft. This sight from the N.W. ; we still kept
rejoiced us , and infused into us such bathing every morning and even—
a degree of temporary strength, as ing, and drinking as before-men
made us pull with double vigour. tioned.
We thought our troubles at an Wednesday the people began to
end, but, alas! Providence or be very dull. Some of them found
dained that greater misfortunes their thirst so intolerable that
were still to be endured by us. they drank a great quantity of salt
Captain Harman thinking we did water, although the Captain and I
not near the vessel fast enough, advised them not to do so. About
ordered our sail to be taken in, ten o’clock at night, we were all
supposing that it impeded our roused by hearing the cry of fresh
going through the water as we water along-side; One of the
were pulling in the Wind‘s eye. people being excessively dry, in
No sooner was that done, than drinking the water alongside really
the vessel took in her studding thought it had been fresh ; we all
began
582 'ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
began to drink immediately, and the poor man who had been so bad
it was some time before we found in the morning.
out our mistake, so much was our The name of the place at which
taste injured. On the 17th at we arrived, is Poondy. It is si
sunset we thought we saw very tuated about sixty miles to the
high land right ahead, but having southward of Ganjam, and thirty
been often disappointed by mis to the northward of Calingapatam.
taking clouds for high land, we On the 25th Captain Harman went
paid but little attention to it. to Calingapa-tam to procure a
During the night the heavy swell supply of money and clothes from
from the N.W. went down, when the Beach master at that place.
a cross sea took its place, and a He returned on the 28th, and on
fine breeze sprung up from the the 29th, after furnishing the men
eastward. with money enough to carry them
On Friday at day-light the water to Bengal, the Captain and myself
was much discoloured, a general started in Doolis carried by four
sign of being near land, but still men. We followed the coast and
none could be seen. One of the travelled almost without inter
men was now so senseless, and so mission night and day. On the
weak, that he could not sit upright. 15th of December we reached
As the sun arose, and cleared away Tombuke, when we took a boat
the clouds, we had the heartfelt for Calcutta, and on going up the
satisfaction of seeing high land. river, to our very great astonish
Whata joyful sight was this to ment saw our brig at anchor wait
poor creatures nearly sinking under ing for the flood tide to carry her
fatigue and want of food. As we up. We went alongside, and every
neared the land, we saw a number soul on board was thunder-struck
of huts and the natives walking to see us, having given us up as
on shore. About noon we ran dead. They waited four days at
the boat on the beach, but were in Diamond Island, expecting our
a condition too weak to walk. return. In running across the
The natives assisted us, and as bay they had bad weather, and on
soon as they knew our situation, seeing any drifts went down to
fetched us hot congy (the water in them, expecting they might be the
which rice is boiled) and gave it boat. We weighed on the flood
us to drink, of which we took a and arrived at Kuddupore on the
great quantity. Each man was 16th of December, and on the
led between two people to the hut 23d our poor fellow sufferers ar
appointed to us, and we were fur rived, looking very well after so
nished with every thing we wished long a march.~
for, except cold water. We had _
no desire to eat, but craved cold
AN ACCOUNT OF THE FUNERAL CH
water, which the natives would
REMONIES OF A BURMAN PRIEST.
not give us, but supplied us plen
tifully with hot congy. Just as Communicated by W Carey, D. D.
we were sitting down on the (From the same.)
straw, we were informed that one The manner in which different
of our people was dead. It was nations dispose of their dead, is
i.
0T“?
 MISCELLAN-IES. 583
one of those circumstances, which died about two ,years ago. After
have been thought worthy of pe the death of a Poongee, the body
culiar notice, by all who have is embalmed in the following
studied the history of man, as it manner. First, the intestines are
is in most instances connected taken out, after which the :body is
with the idea which they entertain filled with spices of ditferent kinds,
respecting a future state. and the opening sewed up. A
Those nations who believe in layer of wax is then laid all over
the doctrine of the resurrection, the body, so as to preVent the ad
practise inhumation. The Hindus mission of air; upon that is put
and other nations, who believe the a layer composed of lac and some
doctrine of the metempsychosis, other ingredients, and the whole
and consider fire as the element covered over with leaf-gold. The
which purifies all things, usually body of this person was stretched
burn their dead, with a variety of out at full length, with the arms
ceremonies suited to those reli laid over the breast. When one
gious notions which are peculiar of these people dies, the body is
to the different sects. The inha thus prepared at the house where
bitants of Thibet, differing from he died. After about 12 months,
most other nations, either totally the corpse is removed to a house
neglect the bodies of their dead, built for that purpose, 'where it
or treat them in a manner which is kept a year or two longer, till
to us appears highly barbarous. the Poongees order it to be burnt.
The'Burmans burn their dead At one of these places I saw the
like the Hindus, though with a body of this man, about a month
great difference in the method and before it was taken out for the
the attendant ceremonies. With purpose of being destroyed. It
them, the wood of the cofiin (which was then placed upon a stage,
is made larger and stronger than which was in a house made like
with us) is nearly all the fuel used one of their Kuims, rising in a
to consume the bodies of the conical form, and about thirty feet
common people. The Priests, or in height. The stage was made
.l’oongees, are like them burnt by of bamboos and wood, and the
the wood of their own coffins, but house which contained it was en
the fire is communicated by means vered with paper, and overlaid
of rockets. As this is every sin with leaf-gold. By the side of
gular practice, and has not been this stage lay the coffin in which
noticed by any writer whom I have the body was to be carried out;
met with, I take the liberty to this, also, was overlaid with gold,
communicate and ornamented with several
the following toaccount
the Asiatic Society
of the vfu
figures, designed to represent death
neral ceremonies of a Poongee or in a variety of forms. In the court
Burman priest, as communicated yard tWo large four-wheeled car
by my son, Mr. Felix Carey, who riages were preparing, one to
resides at Rangoon, and was an carry the coffin, and the other the
eye-witness thereto. ' stage with its apparatus. The
“ The man whose funeral cere carriage in which the corpse was
monies I am going to describe, to be drawn had another stage
built
584 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
built upon it, similar to the one in government were obliged to dance,
the house, only it was larger, and some with umbrellas held over
fixed upon an elephant, made in a them, and others under an awning
kneeling posture. large enough to shade forty or
\Vhen the time for the ceremony fifty persons, and supported by six
approached, the principal people or eight men ; last of all followed
of every street were commanded the men in like manner, singing,
each to prepare a rocket, and an clapping their hands, and dancing,
image (the shape of some animal,) with two men between each row
to which the rocket was to be to keep them in order.
fixed. Besides these large rockets, The people of each street at
a great number of smaller ones tended their own carriages, and
was also prepared, as well as other in this manner proceeded round
fire-works. The Burman new the town, one company after ano
year began either on the 13th or ther. The figures were very large,
14th of April, 1 do not exactly re much larger than the animals
member which, when the festival they were intended to represent.
celebrated by sprinkling of water Some of them were representa
commenced, which would have tions of bufl'aloes, others of bulls,
continued six or seven days, had lions, bears, elephants, horses, or
not the viceroy put a stop to it to ad
men. There were not less than
mit of the burning of this Telapoy. thirty, of a very large size, about
On the 17th, the figures to which thirty feet in height, and a great
the rockets were to be fastened number of smaller ones.
were drawn/ in procession round The next day was spent in
the town 3 and from this day to drawing the body of the Poongee
the end of the ceremony, all the in his carriage, backwards and
people of the town and its vicinity, forwards, or rather in pulling
both male and female, were com against each other. All the people,
pelled to assist. The figures were being divided into two parties,
drawn in procession, one after drew the corpse, from the place
another, in the following order; where it formerly was, to an ex
first, six or eight flags were car tensive valley, near the hill where'
ried, these were followed by a it was to be burnt. In the front
number of dancing boys and girls, of the valley the Viceroy had a
then the carriages with the figures, temporary house erected, from
some drawn by boys, and others which _he could view the whole
by bollocks, followed; and after show. _ Four cables were fastened
them went a number of young to the axle-tree of the carriage,
women, dancing and singing, with two each way; these were held
an older woman between each row, by the people, who every now and
to keep them in order. Women then uttered a loud shout and
were never known to attend such pulled both ways at the same time.
processions before, but this was That day neither party gained any
done in consequence of a particular advantage over the other, till near
order from the viceroy. On this evening, when one of the cables
occasion even the wives and daugh broke and the opposite party gained
ters of the principal oflicers of the victory.
The
 MISCELLANIES. ' 585

The following day they dis the following day. That day nei
charged the large roekets. Early ther party obtained the victory,
in the morning they carried all the upon which the Viceroy issued an
figures and their rockets from the order to stop the contest, and to
town, and each of these figures burn the 'l‘elapoy the next day,
was fixed upon a carriage of four which was accordingly done.
wheels, and the rockets were se That day the corpse was burnt
cured, by rattan loops, to strong in a temporary house, erected for
ropes, which passed between the that purpose, in the shape of a
feet of the animal, so that when Kuim, with a stage in it upon
discharged, they, sliding on the which the coffin was set to be
ropes, ran along the ground. burnt. This was performed with
Some of these rockets were from small rockets, fixed upon ropes
seven to eight feet in length, and with rings of rattan, so as to slide
from three to four in circumfe along them, from the top ofa hill,
rence, made of strong timber, and to the coffin, which was placed on
secured by iron hoops, and rattan the topof another hill. The rockets
lashings. The last of them, when being discharged, slided along the
discharged, ran over a boy of ten ropes, over the intermediate valley,
or twelve years old, who died in a to the coffin, which was set on
few minutes 5 three or four grown fire by them, and, with its con
up persons were also much hurt. tents, quickly consumed."
Towards evening a great number
of fire-works were discharged,
which made a very fine appear s sxsrcn or run GEOGRAPHY or
ance. COCHIN CHINA,
The next day was the time ap
pointed for blowing up the corpse. lVith some Particulars of the Man
On this occasion, a quarrel arose ners, Customs, and History of
between the two parties who had the Inhabitants, and a few Con
pulled the former day; the party siderations on the Importance of
which had been unsuccessful in forming an Establishment in that
sisting that the cables had been Country. By Mr. Chapman.
cut, and not broken, by the oppo
site party; they therefore pre (From the same.)
sented a petition to the Viceroy,
requesting that they might have I have been imperceptibly led
another trial at pulling. This was into a detail of much greater
granted, upon which, having pro length than I intended; yet sa
cured four new Europe cables, tisfied, as I am, of the great im
from the ships in the harbour, portance which ,a settlement in
they re-commenced their trial of Cochin China might be of to the
strength; however, the party British nation, and to the Com
which had been victorious before pany, I cannot prevail on myself
won again, and broke the cables to dismiss the subject, without
of the other. The unsuccessful giving a more connected account
party was not yet satisfied, but in of the country, and offering some
sisted on another trial of strength, farther considerations on the ad
vantages
586 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
vantages to be made of its situa The climate is healthy, the vio
tion and productions. lent heat of the summer months
Cochin China, called by the na being tempered by regular breezes
tives Anam, extends from about from the sea; September, Octo
the twentieth degree of north la ber and November, are the season
titude to Pulo Condorc, which lies of the rains. The low lands are
in eight degrees forty minutes. It then frequently and suddenly over
is bounded by the kingdom of flowed by immense torrents of
Tonquin on the north, from which water which .fall from the moun
it is separated by the river Sun tains. The inundations happen
gen; by the kingdom of Laos, generally once a fortnight, and
and a range of mountains which last for three or four days at a.
divides it from Cambodia on the time. In December, January, and
west; and by that part of the February, there are also frequent
eastern ocean, generally called rains, brought by cold northerly
the China Sea, on the south and winds, which distinguish this
east. country with a winter different
The kingdom is divided into from any other in the east.
twelve provinces all lying upon The inundations have the same
the sea-coast, and succeeding elfect here as the periodical over
each other from north to south in flowings of the Nile in Egypt;
the following order, and render the country one of the
In the possession of the Ton most fruitful in the world. In
quinese, Ding oie, Cong-hing, many parts the land produces
Ding-cat, Hué, or the Court. three crops of grain in the year.
In the possession of Ignaac, All the fruits of India are found
Cham, Cong-nai, Quinion. here, in the greatest perfection,
Dubious whether subdued by with many of those of China.
Ignaac, or in the possession of No country in the east, and per
the king. Phuyen, Bing-Khang, haps none in the world, produces
Nha-Tong, Bing thoan or Champa. richer, or a greater variety of ar
In the possession of the king, ticles, proper for carrying on an
Donal. advantageous commerce: cinna~
The breadth of the country mon, pepper, cardamoms, silk,
bears no proportion to its length. cotton, sugar, aglua wood, (lig
Few of the provinces extend fur num alo'e‘s) sapan wood, and ivory,
ther than a degree from east to are the principal.
west; some less than twenty Gold is taken almost pure from
miles; Donai, which is properly the mines, and before the troubles
a province of Cambodia, is much great quantities were brought
larger. from the hills in dust, and bartered
The whole country is inter— by the rude inhabitants of them
sected by rivers, which although for rice, cloths, and iron. It was
not large enough to admit vessels from them also the Agula and Ca
of great burthcn, yet are exceed lambae woods were procured with
ingly well calculated for promoting quantities of wax, honey and ivory.
inland commerce. Their streams For some years past, the commu
are gentle, and the water clear. nication between the hills and the
low
 MISCELLANIES, 587
.low lands have been entirely tribute for the liberty of bringing
cut off. '\ down the produce of their bills,
The animals of Cochin China and bartering it for such commo
are bullocks, goats, swine, and dities as they stood in need of.
buffaloes, elephants, camels, and They are a. savage race of people,
horses. In the woods are found very black, and resemble in their
the wild boar, tiger, and rhino features, the Caifrees.
ceros, with plenty of deer. The Monsieur Le Gas, a Frenchman
poultry is excellent, and the fish who was in Cochin China in the
caught on the coast abundant and year one thousand seven hundred
delicious. The flesh of the ele and twenty, mentions another race
phant, which I never heard that of people, distinct from the Cochin
any other nation thought eatable, Chinese, who inhabit the province
is accounted a great dainty by the of Champa, called Loys. He also
Cochin Chinese; and when the says the Muhammadan is one of
king or the viceroy of a province the prevailing religions. But from
kills one, pieces are sent about to the most particular inquiries 1
the principal mandarines as a most made, I did not find that there are
acceptable present. The breeding now any people distinguished by
of bollocks is little attended to, that name, and I never met with
their flesh is not esteemed as food, a Musulman in the country.
and they are made no use of in It was about the year one
tilling the land, which is per thousand two hundred and eighty
formed by bufi'aloes. As for milk of the Christian era, that the first
ing their cattle, they are totallyun Tartar prince became possessed of
acquainted with the art ; strange the'throne of China. This revo
as this may appear to us, who lution aiforded an opportunity to
have been accustomed to find the the western provinces bordering
most savage nations we have dis on the sea, to throw ofl‘ their de
covered, depending for a consi pendence, and they were formed
derable part of their food on the into a kingdom under a prince,
milk of their cattle and flocks, yet whose descendant now reigns in
I am inclined to think that the Tonquin, and is called Knah
use of it was formerly unknown Whang. About the beginning of
amongst the nations from the the fifteenth century, a large body
Straits of Malacca eastward ; the of people from these provinces
Malays make no use of milk, the being disaffected to the Govern
Chinese very little; amongst the ment, joined under a leader of
latter it was probably introduced abilities, and marched to the south
by the Tartars. ward. Meeting with little op
The Aborigines of Cochin China position, they soon became masters
are called Moyes, and are the of Cochin China as far as Cape
people who inhabit the chain of Avrilla. The Moys, the original
mountains which separates it from inhabitants, retired to the hills
Cambodia. To these strong holds bordering their country to the
they were driven when the present westward, where they have ever
possessors invaded the country. since remained. The emigrants,
They formerly paid an annual under their conductor, founded
the
 \

588 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.

the kingdom of Cochin China. ing betel, or sipping tea : con
His successor extended it to the trary to the custom in China, they
great river of Cambodia, and raised are not shut up, and if unmarried,
it to a degree of splendor and a temporary connexion with stran
opulence; the continual wars they gers who arrive in the country is
Were engaged in with the Tonqui deemed no dishonour. Merchants
nese, who considered them as often employ them as their fac
rebels, about one hundred and tors and brokers, and it is said
fifty years ago, induced the Cochin the firmest reliance may be placed
Chinese to build a wall, on the on their fidelity. ‘
southern extremity of the province The habit ofthe men and women
of Dingnoi, to prevent the irrup is cut after the same fashion, and
tions of the Tonquinese. Every is one of the most modest I know
communication by sea was for of: it is a loose robe buttoning
bidden under the severest penal with a small collar round the neck,
ties. Long wars and mutual jea and folding over the breast like a
lousies have rendered the Tonqui banyan gown, with large long
nese and Cochin Chinese invete sleeves which cover the hands.
rate and implacable enemies. In People of rank, and especially the
the year one thousand seven hun ladies, wear several of these gowns
dred and sixty-four, when the one over the other ; the undermost
Pocock lndiaman was in Cochin reaches to the ground, the suc
China, the country was in a fiou ceeding ones are each shorter than
rishing condition, and governed the other, so that the display of
by a prince of abilities ; soon after the different colours makes a gaudy
her departure, his son, whose appearance as they walk along.
misfortunes and fate I have briefly Such are the few particulars
given an account of in the fore relative to Cochin China, that
going narrative, succeeded to the occur to me as curious or interest
throne, and anarchy and confusion ing. It now only remains to show
ensued. how aconnexion with this country
The Cochin Chinese bear evi may prove beneficial to my own,
dent marks of being derived from and to conclude the subject.
the same stock as the Chinese. The drain of specie from the
They resemble them in their fea Company’s settlements in India is
tures and in most of their man become a matter of such serious
ners and customs : their religion import, that I make no doubt any
is the same, their oral language, plan which may be offered to re
though diil'erent, appears formed medy so growing an evil, will be
upon the same principles, and deemed worthy of consideration.
they use ,the same characters in I am sanguine in my expectations
writing. They are a courteous, that a settlement in Cochin China
afi'able, inoii'cnsive race, rather in would conduce to that desirable
clined to indolence. The ladies end, and‘ also be productive of
are by far the most active; they many other advantages.
usually manage all the concerns, Our two little vessels brought
while their lazy lords sit upon from Cochin China to the amount
their haunchcs, smoking, chew of about sixty thousand rupees in
gold
 MISCELLANIES. 589
gold and silver bullion. Had we with us, purchased with the staples
been paid for all we sold, the sum of India and of Europe; Turon
would have been much more con would become the emporium for
siderable. The Rumbold, the year them, where our ships bound to
before, also brought bullion toa Canton, from whence it is only
considerable amount. This money five days sail, might call and re
was received on account of sales ceive them. The quantity pro~
of Bengal and Madras cloths, curable it is impossible to deter
opium, iron, copper, lead, hard mine; whatever it might be, it
ware, and glass. Some inquiries would prove a saving of so much
were made for broad cloth, but specie to Great Britain or India,
we unfortunately had none. These as the value of the commodities
are matters of a trifling nature. amounted to in China; in a few ,
In the sequel I hope to fix the years there is every reason to be
attention to many of greater im lieve, a very considerable invest
portance. ment might be provided.
The situation of Cochin China Our trade to China has ever
is excellently well adopted to com been burthened with enormous
merce. Its vicinity to China, imposts and exactions; these,
Tonquin, Japan, Combodia, Siam, under various pretences, are an
the Malay coast, the Philippines, nually increasing, and in process
Borneo, the Moluccas, &c. renders of time may become insupportable.
the intercourse with all these It is an opinion latterly grown
countries short and easy. The current that the Chinese are de
commqdious harbours found on sirous of totally excluding all Eu
the coast, particularly that of ropeans from their country: may
Turon, afford a safe retreat for we not hazard a conjecture, that
ships of any burden, during the the vexations they oblige them to
most tempestuous seasons of the suifer are the premeditated schemes
year. of this politic people to effect it?
The nations of Europe, having ‘Vere such an event to happen,
hitherto found it impossible to the want of a settlement to the
provide cargoes sufficiently valua eastward would be severely felt.
ble to barter for the commodities The Chinese would export their
of China, are obliged to make up own commodities, and Java or
the deficiency by sending thither the Philippines, as the nearest
immense quantities of bullion, by ports, would become the marts
which means it has, for a number for them. As there is no reason
of years past, drained the eastern to suppose that our inability to
and western worlds of their specie. procure them From the first hand
The number of junks annually would hinder their consumption,
resorting to Cochin China plainly we must buy them either from the
proves how much the productions Dutch or from the Spaniards. A
of it are in 'demand among the settlement in Cochin China will
Chinese. These productions, had give us a superior advantage to
we a settlement and a confirmed either, both as its situation is
influence in the country, might nearer, and the Chinese are more
with ease be brought to center accustomed to resort thither 5 in
all
590 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
all events there is reason to sup
pose it will enable us to procure
the commodities of China at a
much more reasonable rate than
now purchased by our factors at
Canton, and certainly on less hu
miliating terms to the nation.
Large colonies of Chinese have
from time to time emigrated from
the parent country and fixed their
abode in different parts of Cochin
China; these have their corre~
spondents- in every seaport of the
empire; through their means,
teas, China ware, and the various
other articles, the objects of our
commerce with China, might be
imported in junks to our own set
tlements, equally good in quality,
and cheaper, as the Chinese are
exempted from the exorbitant
duties levied on foreigners. Some
of the best workmen might be
encouraged to settle in Cochin
China, and under their direction
manufacturies carried to as great
a degree of perfection as in China.
itself. . I omitted no opportunity of make
The intercourse between Japan
and Cochin China might be re
newed, and we might participate
in a trade for many years mono
polizedv by the Dutch.
An advantageous trade might
be carried on with the Philippine
Islands, and Madras and Bengal
goods introduced amongst them
by means of the junks for the
consumption of Spanish America.
The Siamese and Cambodians
would bring the produce of their
respective countries and barter or
sell them for such articles as they
wanted from Cochin China.
Amongst them it is probable a
yent might be found for quanti
ties of Bengal. cloths. v sage to China; but from thence
The lower class of people in Co
chin China are, for the most Part,
clothed in canvass, a coarse cotton
cloth brought from China 3 but
the preference which I had oppor
tunity of observing they gave to
Bengal cloths, on account of their
being wider and cheaper, would
soon induce them to adopt the use
of them.
The demand for opium, al
ready, in some measure, become a
necessary of life to the Chinese,
would increase in proportion to
the facility of procuring it. The
importation of it no longer con
fined to Canton, but carried by
the junks in every seaport in the
country, would spread the de
mand of this drug to the remotest
parts of the empire.
But what inspires the most flat
tering hopes from an establish
ment in this country is its rich
gold mines ; celebrated for ages
as producing the richest pro, so
pure that the simple action of fine
is said to be sufficient to refine it;
ing inquiries respecting this va
luable article, and was informed
that mines were formed in dif
ferent parts of the northern pro
vinces, particularly in Hue, where
the ore lay so near the surface of
the earth that it was dug up with
little labour. Under the direction
of a skilful _metallurgist, what
might not be expected from such
a source ?
Great as the commercial advan
tages are, the political ones re
sulting from a settlement in Cochin
China would be scarce inferior.
Turon Bay would not only afibrd
a secure retreat to our lndiamen
in case of their losing their pas
we might also intercept the fleets
of
 MISCELLANIES. 591
of any hostile power, either going nitely below the inhabitants 'of
to or returning from that coun Hindustan in military knowledge;
try : we should become formidable I have however no doubt that a
neighbours to the Dutch and to body of them well disciplined and
the Spaniards, and in the event of regularly paid, would prove as
a war with either of them, attack faithful to us, and contribute as
with advantage their most valuable much to the security of any pos
settlements. In short, all the ar sessions which we might acquire
guments in favour of a settlement to the eastward, as the sepoys do
at Balambangan may with much to our territories in India.~ In
more propriety be urged for one case of any distant expeditions,
in Cochin China. they would be found superior;
Should any thing that ' has being entirely free from all reli
been said, appear sufficiently well gious prejudices, and having no
grounded to induce the Company objection to the sea.
to form a settlement in Cochin While Cochin China remains in
China, it may be effected on prin its present distracted state, a fa
ciples strictly just and at a small vourable opening is presented to
expense. Several of the royal the first European nation that
family, besides the Mandarines may attempt to obtain a footing
who were in Bengal, with many in the country. Three years ago,
officers of the late government, the French sent a frigate to Turon
urged me to use my endeavours Bay, and from the pains taken
with the government of Bengal to to be informed of the produce and
induce it to afford them assistance, political state of the country,
promising a powerful support there is strong reason to conclude
whenever we should heartily en some such design was in agitation.
gage in their cause; to restore Since that period, the accurate
their lawful sovereign to the accounts Mr. Chevalier must have
throne, would be now a measure received of Padre Loreiro during
so popular, that the sincerity of his residence with him at Chan
their offers cannot be doubted. dernagore, added to the loss of all
To relieve an unhappy people their settlements in India, will
groaning under the weight of the most probably induce them to re
most cruel oppression would be sume it. If they do not, some
an not worthy the humanity of other power may adopt the scheme.
the British nation. Fifty Euro Should the Company therefore en
pean infantry, half that number tertain a design of making an es
of artillery, and two hundred sea tablishment in Cochin China, no
poys, would be sufficient for this time should be lost in carrying it
and every other purpose. The into execution. 1778.
natives of Cochin China are infi

POETRY.
 544- ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.

POETRY.‘

PARADISE AND THE PERI.

From Moore's “Lulla Rookh,” an Oriental Romance.

NE morn a Peri at the gate

Of Eden stood disconsolate;
And as she listen’d to the Springs
_ Of Life Within, like music flowing, /
And caught the light upon her wings
Through the half-open portal glowing,
She wept to think her recreant race
Should e‘er have lost that glorious place!

“ How happy,” cxclaim'd‘ this ‘child of air,

“ Are the holy Spirits who wander there,
“ Mid flowers that never shall fade or fall !
“ Though mine are the gardens of earth and sea, p
“ And the stars themselves have flowers for me,
“ One blossom of Heaven out-blooms them all !

“ Though sunny the Lake of cool CASHMERE,

“ With its plane-tree Isle reflected clear,
“ And sweetly the founts of that Valley fall 5
y “ Though bright are the waters of SlNG-SU—HAY,
) “ And the golden floods, that thithcrward stray,
“ Yet—oh 'tis only the Blest can say '
’ “ How the waters of Heaven outshine them all !

“ Go, Wing thy flight from star to star,

“ From world to luminous world, as far
" As the universe spreads it flaming wall,
“ Take all the pleasures of all the spheres,
“ And multiply each through endless years,
“ One minute of Heaven is worth them all l”

The
 POETRY. ' 593
The glorious Angel, who was keeping
The gates of Light, beheld her weeping ;
And, as he nearer drew and listen'd
To her sad song, a tear-drop glisten'd
Within his eyelids, like the spray
From Eden’s fountain, when it lies
On the blue flow’r, which—Bramins say—
Blooms no where but in Paradise!
“ Nymph of a fair, but erring line !"
Gently he said—“ One hope is thine.
“ ’Tis written in the Book of Fate,
“ The Peri yet may be forgiven
“ Who brings to this Eternal Gate
“ The Gift that is most dear to Heaven !
“ G0, seek it, and redeem thy sin ;-
“ ’Tis sweet to let the Pardon‘d in !"

Rapidly as comets run

To th' embraces of the Sun :—
Fleeter than the starry brands,
Flung at night from angel hands
At those dark and daring sprites,
Who would climb th' empyreal heights,
Down the blue vault the PERI flies,
And, lighted earthward by a glance
That just then broke from morning's eyes,
Hung hovering o‘er our world’s expanse.

But whither shall the Spirit go

To find this gift for heav‘n ?-“ I know
“ The wealth," she cries, “ of every urn,
“ In which unnumber’d rubies burn,
“ Beneath the pillars of CniLmNAa ,—
“ I know where the Isles of Perfume are
“ Many a fathom down in the sea,
“ To the south of sun-bright ARABY ,—
“ I know too where the Genii hid
“ The jewell’d cup of their King JAMIsnED,
“ With Life's elixir sparkling high—
“ But gifts like these are not for the sky.
“ Where was there ever a gem that shone
“ Like the steps of ALLA’s wonderful Throne?
“ And the Drops of Life—oh! what would they be
“ In the boundless Deep of Eternity P”
While thus she mus’d, her pinions fann‘d
The air of that sweet Indian land,
Whose air is balm 3 whose ocean spreads
VOL. LIX. 2Q ()‘er
59* ANNUAL REGISTER, 1811.
O'er coral rocks and amber beds;
Whose mountains, pregnant by the beam
Of the warm sun, with diamonds teem ;
Whose rivulets are like rich brides,
Lovely, with gold beneath their tides;
Whose sandal groves and bowers of spice
Might be a Peri‘s Paradise !
But crimson now her rivers ran
With human blood—-the smell of death
Came reeking from those spicy bowers,
And man, the sacrifice of man,
Mingled his taint with every breath
Upwafted from the innocent flowers !
Land of the Sun! what foot invades
Thy Pagods and thy pillar’d shades-—
Thy cavern shrines, and Idol stones,
Thy Monarchs and their thousand Thrones?
'Tis He of GAZNA—fiel‘ce in wrath
He comes, and Islam's diadems
Lie scatter'd in his ruinous path.-
His blood-hounds he adorns with gems,
Torn from the violated necks
Of many a young and lov’d Sultana ;
Maidens, within their pure Zenana, '
Priests in the very fane he slaughters,
And choaks up with the glittering wrecks
Of golden shrines the sacred waters '.

Downward the Pam turns her gaze,

And, through the war-field’s bloody haze
Beholds a youthful warrior stand,
Alone, beside his native river,—
The red blade broken in his hand
And the last arrow in his quiver. >
“ Live," said the Conqueror, “live to share
The trophies and the crowns I bear !"
Silent that youthful warrior stood——
Silent he pointed to the flood
All crimson with his country's blood,
Then sent his last remaining dart,
For answer, to th’ Invader’s heart.

False flew the shaft, though pointed well ;

The Tyrant liv’d, the Hero fell !-——
Yet mark'd the Pen where he lay,
And when the rush of war Was past,
Swiftly
 . POETRY. 595
Swiftly descending on a ray
Of morning light, she caught the last-:
Last glorious drop his heart had shed,
Before its free-born spirit fled !
“ Be this," she cried, as she wing'd her flight,
“ My welcome gift at the Gates of Light. '
“ Though foul are the drops that oft distil
“ On the field of warfare, blood like this,
“ For Liberty shed, so holy is,
“ It would not stain the purest rill,
“ That sparkles among the Bowers of Bliss !
“ Oh ! if there be, on this earthly sphere,
“ A boon, an offering Heaven holds dear,
“ 'Tis the last libation Liberty draws
“ From the heart that bleeds and breaks in her cause !'

“ Sweet," said the Angel, as she gave

The gift into his radiant hand,
“ Sweet is our welcome of the Brave
“ Who die thus for their native Landa—
“ But see—alas l—the crystal bar
“ Of Eden moves not—holier far
“ Than ev’n this drop the boon must be,
“ That opes the Gates of Heav‘n for thee !"
Her first fond hope of Eden blighted,
Now among Arnic's Lunar Mountains,
Far t0 the South, the PERI lighted;
And sleek’d her plumage at the fountains
Of that Egyptian tide,-—whose birth
Is hidden from the sons of earth,
Deep in those solitary woods,
Where oft the Genii of the Floods
Dance round the cradle of their Nile,
And hail the new-born Giant’s smile !
Thence, over Ecrrr's palmy groves,
Her grots, and sepulchres of Kings
The exil'd Spirit sighing roves ; 5'
And now hangs listening to the doves
In warm Rosa'r'rA’s vale—now loves
To watch the moonlight on the wings
Of the white pelicans that break ‘
The azure calm of Moaris‘ Lake.
YTwas a fair scene—a Land more bright
Never did mortal eye behold !
Who could have thought, that saw this night
Those valleys and their fruits of gold
2 Q ‘8 Basking
596 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
Basking in heav’n's serenest light 5—
Those groups of lovely date-trees bending
Languidly their leaf-crown’d heads,
Like youthful maids, when sleep descending
Warns them to their silken beds ;
Those virgin lilies, all the night
Bathing their beauties in the lake,
That they may rise mOre fresh and bright,
When their beloved Sun‘s awake;
Those ruin'd shrines and towers that seem
The relics of a splendid dream ;
Amid whose fairy loneliness
Nought but the lap-Wing's cry is heard,
Nought seen but (when the shadows, flitting
Fast from the moon, unsheath its gleam)
Some purple-wing'd Sultana sitting
Upon a column, motionless
And glittering, like an idol bird !—
Who could have thought, that there, ev'n there,
Amid those scenes so still and fair,
The Demon of the Plague hath cast
From his hot wing a deadlier blast,
More mortal far than ever came
From the red desert's sands of flame !
So quick, that every living thing
Of human shape, touch’d by his wing,
Like plants, where the Simoom hath past,
At once falls black and withering !

The sun went down on many a brow,

Which, full of bloom and freshness then,
Is rankling in the pest-house now,
And ne’er will feel that sun again!
And oh i to see th‘ unburied heaps
On which the lonely moonlight sleeps—
The very vultures turn away,
And sicken at so foul a prey !
Only the fierce hyszna stalks
Throughout the city's desolate walks
At midnight, and his carnage plies—
Woe to the half-dead wretch, who meets
The glaring of those large blue eyes
Amid the darkness of the streets !
“ Po'or race of Men ! ” said the pitying Spirit,
“ Dearly ye pay for your primal Fall—
" Some flow’rets of .Eden ye still inherit,
1" But the trait of the Serpent is over them all !”
She
 POETRY. 597
She wept—the air grew pure and clear
Around her, as the bright drops ran ;
For there’s a magic in each tear,
Such kindly Spirits weep for man!

Just then beneath some orange trees,

Whose fruit and blossoms in the breeze
Were wantoning together, free,
Like age at play with infancy—
Beneath that fresh and springing bower,
Close by the Lake, she heard the moan
Of one who, at this silent hour,
Had thither stol’n to die alone.

One who in life, where‘er he mov‘d,

Drew after him the hearts of many;
Yet now, as though he ne’er were lov'd,
Dies here, unseen, unwept by any!
None to watch near him—none to slake
The fire that in his bosom lies,
With ev’n a sprinkle from that lake,
Which shines so cool before his eyes.
N0 voice, well-known through many a day,
To speak the last, the parting word,
Which, when all other sounds decay,
Is still like distant music heard.
That tender farewell on the shore
Of this rude world, when all is o’er,
Which cheers the spirit, ere its bark
Puts olf into the unknown Dark.

Deserted youth ! one thought alone

Shed joy around his soul 'm death—
That she, whom be for years had known,
And lov’d, and might have call‘d his own,
Was safe from this foul midnight’s breath ;
Safe in her father’s princely halls,
Where the cool airs from fountain falls,
Freshly perfum'd by many a brand
Of the sweet wood from India‘s land,
Were pure as she whose brow they fann'd.
But see,——who yonder comes by stealth,
This melancholy bower to seek,
Like a young envoy, sent by Health,
With rosy gifts upon her cheek ? ,
'Tis she—far off, through moonlight dim,
He knew his own betrothed bride,
She,
$98 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
She, who would rather die with him,
Than live to gain the world beside [-—
Her arms are round her lover now,
His livid cheek to hers she presses,
And dips, to bind his burning brow,
In the cool lake her loosen'd tresses.
Ah ! once, how little did he think
An hour would come, when he should shrink
With horror from that dear embrace,
Those gentle arms, that were to him
Holy as is the cradling place
Of Eden’s infant cherubim !
And now he yields—now turns away,
Shuddering as if the venom lay
All in those prolfer‘d lips alone-—
Those lips that, then so fearless grown,
Never until that instant came
Near him unask'd or without shame.
“ Oh ! let me only breathe the air,
“ The blessed air, that’s breath'd by thee,
“ And, whether on its wings it bear
“ Healing or death, 'tis sweet to me !
“ There,—-drink my tears, while yet they fall,—
“ Would that my bosom’s blood were balm,
“ And, well thou know’st, I‘d shed it all,
“ To give thy brow one minute’s calm.
“ Nay, turn not from me that dear face—
“ Am I not thine—thy own lov’d bride—
“ The one, the chosen one, whose place
“ In life or death is by thy side !
" Think’st thou that she, whose only light,
“ In this dim world, from thee hath shone,
“ Could bear tl‘q; long, the cheerless night,
“ That must be hers, when thou art gone?
“ That I can live, and let thee go,
“ Who art my life itself P—No, n0—
“ When the stem dies, the leaf that grew
“ Out of its heart must perish too !
“ Then turn to me, my own love, turn,
“ Before like thee I fade and burn;
" Cling to these yet cool lips, and share
" The last pure life that lingers there 1"
She fails-she sinks—as dies the lamp
In chamel airs or cavern-damp,
So quickly do his baleful sighs
Quench all the sweet light of her eyes !
One struggle—and his pain is past—
Her lover is no longer living !
one
 POETRY. 599
One kiss the maiden gives, one last,
Long )siss, which she expires in giving!
“ Sleep," said the Peru, as softly she stole
The farewell sigh of that vanishing soul,
As true as e’er warm’d a woman’s breast—
“ Sleep on, in visions of odour rest,
“ In balmier airs than ever yet stirr’d
“ Th’ enchanted pile of that holy bird,
" Who sings at the last his own death lay,
“ And in music and perfume dies away'!”

Thus saying, from (her lips she spread

Unearthly breathings through the place,
And shook her sparkling wreath, and shed
Such lustre o’er each paly face,
That like two :lovely saints they seem'd
Upon the eve of deems-day taken
From their dim graves, in odour sleeping ;-—
While that benevolent PER! beam’d
Like their-good angel, calmy keeping
Watch o'er them, till their souls would awaken!

But morn is blushing in the sky ;

Again the PBX] soars above,
Bearing to Heav’n that precious sigh
Of ipure, self-sacrificing love.
Hi'gh throbb’d her heart, with hope elate,
The Elysian palm she soon shall awin,
For the bright Spirit at the gate
Smil’d as she gave‘that offering in ;
And she already hears the trees
Of Eden, with their crystal bells
Ringing in that ambrosial breeze
That from the Throne of ALLA swells ;
And she can see the starry bowls
That lie around that lucid lake,
Upon whose banks admitted Souls
Their first sweet draught of glory take !

But ah ! e'en Peri’s hopes are vain,—

Again the Fates forbade, ‘gain
Th’ immortal barrier clos’d—“ Not'yet,”
The Angel said as, with regret,
He shut from her that glimpse of glory-—
“ True was the maiden, and her story,
“ Written in light o’er ALL-A's head,
“ By seraph eyes shall long be read.

“ But,
600 ANNUAL REGISTER,'1817
“ But, Pam, see—the crystal bar
“ Of Eden moves not—holier far
“ Than ev'n this sigh the boon must be
“ That opes the Gates of Heav'n for thee."

Now, upon Srnm‘s land of roses

Softly the light of Eve reposes,
And, like a glory, the broad sun
Hangs over sainted LEBANON ;
Whose head in wintry grandeur towers,
And whitens with eternal sleet,
While summer in a vale of flowers,
Is sleeping rosy at his feet.

To one, who look’d from upper air

O'er all th’ enchanted regions there,
How beauteous must‘thave been the glow,
The life, the sparkling from below !
Fair gardens, shining streams, with ranks
Of goldenmelons on their banks,
More golden where the sun-light falls 5——
Gay lizards, glittering on the walls
Of ruin‘d shrines, busy and bright
As they were all alive with light ,—
And, yet more splendid, numerous flocks
Of pigeons, settling on the rocks,
With their rich restless wings, that gleam
Variously in the crimson beam
0f the warm west,—as if inlaid
\Vith brilliants from the mine, or made
Of tearless rainboWs, such as span
Th' unclouded, skies of PERISTAN!
And then, the mingling sounds that come,
Of shepherd’s ancient reed, with hum
Of the wild bees of PALESTXNE,
Banquetting through the flowery vales ;—
And, JORDAN, those sweet banks of thine,
And woods, so full of nightingales !

But nought can charm the luckless PERI ;

Her soul is sad—her wings are weary——
Joyless she sees the sun look down
On that great Temple, once his own,
\Vhose lonely columns stand sublime,
Flinging their shadows from on high,
Like dials, which the wizard, Time,
Has rais'd to count his ages by!

Yet
 POETRY. '601
Yet haply there may lie conceal’d
Beneath those Chambers of the Sun,
Some amulet of gems, anneal’d
In upper fires, some tablet seal’d
With the Great Name of SOLOMON,
Which, spell’d by her illumin'd eyes,
May teach her where, beneath the moon,
In earth or ocean lies the boon,
The charm, that can restore so soon,
An erring Spirit to the skies !
Cheer’d by this hope she bends her thither ;—
Still laughs the radiant eye of Heaven,
Nor have the golden bowers of Even
1n the rich iVest begun to wither ,—
When, o‘er the vale of BALBEC winging
Slowly, she sees a child at play,
Among the rosy wild-flowers singing,
As rosy and as wild as they ;
Chasing, with eager hands and eyes,
The beautiful blue damsel-flies,
That flutter’d round the jasmine stems,
Like winged flowers or flying gems :
And, near the boy, who tir'd with play
New nestling ’mid the roses lay,
She saw a wearied man dismount
From his hot steed, and on the brink
Of a small imaret‘s rustic fount
Impatient fling him down to drink.
Then swift his haggard brow he turn'd
To the fair child, who fearless sat,
Though never yet hath day-beam burn'd
Upon a brow more fierce than that,—
Sullenly fierce—A mixture dire,
Like thunder-clouds, of gloom and fire !
In which the Pam’s eye could read
Dark tales of many a ruthless deed ;
The ruin‘d maid—the shrine profan'd—
Oaths broken—and the threshold stain'd
With blood of guests l—there written, all,
Black as the damning drops that fall
From the denouncing Angel’s pen,
Ere Mercy weeps them out again!

Yet tranquil now that man of crime,

(As if the balmy evening time
Soften’d his spirit,) look'd and lay,
\Vatching the rosy infant‘s play :-
' Though,
602 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
Though, still, whene'er his eye by chance
Fell on the boy’s, its lurid glance
Met that unclouded, joyous gaze,
As torches, that have burnt all night
Through some impure and godless rite, \
Encounter morning’s glorious rays.

But hark ! the vesper call to prayer,

As slow the orb of day-light sets,
Is rising sweetly on the air,
From SYarA’s thousand minarets !
The boy has started from the bed
Of flowers, where he had laid his head,
And down upon the fragrant sod
Kneels, with his forehead to the south,
Lisping th' eternal name 9f God
From purity‘s own cherub mouth,
And looking, while his hands and eyes
Are lifted to the glowing skies,
Like a stray babe of Paradise,
Just lighted on that flowery plain,
And seeking for its home again!
Oh ’twas a sight—that Heav’n—that Child——
A scene, which might have well beguil’d
Ev’n haughty EBLIS of a sigh
For glories lost and peace gone by!

And how felt he, the wretched Man

Reclining there—while memory ran
O'er many a year of guilt and strife,
Flew o’er the dark flood of his life,
Nor found one sunny resting-place,
Nor brought him back one branch of grace!
“ There was a time," he said in mild,
Heart-humbled tones—“ thou blessed child'.
“ When young and haply pure as thou,
“ I look’d and pray’d like thee—but now—"
He hung his head—each nobler aim
And hope and feeling, which had slept
From boyhood’s hour, that instant came
Fresh o’-er him, and'he wept—he wept !

Blest tears of soul-felt penitence !

In whose benign, redeeming flow
Is felt the first, the only sense
Of guiltless joy that guilt can know.
“ There’s a drop,” said the.Pen1, “ that down from the
“ moon
“ Falls through the withering airs of June
" Upon
 POETRY. 603
“ Upon Ecrrr's land, of so healing a power,
“ So balmy a virtue, that ev’n in the hour
, “ That drop descends, contagion dies,
f‘ And health reanimates earth and skies !-
“ Oh, is it not thus, thou man of sin,
“ The precious tears of repentance fall?
“ Though foul thy fiery plagues within,
\
“ One heavenly drop hath dispell’d them all !"
And now—behold him kneeling there
By the child's side, in humble prayer,
While the same sun-beam shines upon
The guilty and the guiltless one,
And hymns of joy proclaim through Heaven
The triumph of a Soul forgiven !

’Twas when the golden orb had set,

While on their knees they linger'd yet,
There fell a light, more lovely far
Than ever came from sun or star,
Upon the tear that, warm and meek,
Dew'd that repentant sinner’s cheek :
To mortal eye this light might seem
A northern flash or meteor beam—
But well th’ enraptur'd PERI knew
’Twas a bright smile the Angel threw
From Heaven’s gate, to bail that tear
Her harbinger of glory near !

“ Joy, joy for ever! my task is done——

“ The Gates are pass‘d, and Heaven is won!
“ Oh ! am I not happy? I am, I am—
“ To thee, sweet Eden ! how dark and sad
“ Are the diamond turrets of SHADUKI'AM,
“ And the fragrant bowers of AMBERABAD!

“ Farewell, ye odours of Earth, that die,

“ Passing away like a lover‘s sigh ;—
“ My feast is now of the Tooba Tree,
“ Whose scent is the breath of Eternity!

“ Farewell ye vanishing flowers, that shone

“ In my fairy wreath, so bright and brief,—
“ Oh, what are the brightest that e’er have blown,
“ To the late tree, springing by ALLA's Throne,
“ Whose flowers have a soul in every leaf!
“ Joy, joy for ever l—my task is done—
“ The Gates are pass'd, and-Heav'n is won !"

THE
604- ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.

THE BURlAL OF SIR JOHN MOORE,

wuo mu. AT THE BATTLE or coaumu, IN 1808.

Not a drum was heard, nor a funeral note,

As his corse to the rampart we hurried,
Not a soldier discharged his farewell shot
O’er the grave where our hero was buried.

We buried him darkly at dead of night,

The sods with our bayonets turning,
By the struggling moon-beam’s misty light,
And the lantern dimly burning.

No useless coffin enclosed his breast,

Nor in sheet nor in shroud we bound him;
But he lay like a warrior taking his rest,
With his martial cloak around him.

Few and short were the prayers we said,

And we spoke not a word of sorrow,
But we steadfastly gazed on the face of the dead,
And we bitterly thought of the morrow.

We thought, as we hollowed his narrow bed,

And smooth’d down his lonely pillow,
That the foe and the stranger would tread o’er his head,
And We far away on the billow.

Lightly they'll talk of the spirit that’s gone,

And o’er his cold ashes upbraid him,
But nothing he’ll reck if they let him sleep on
In the grave where a Briton has laid him.

But half of our heavy task was done,

When the clock toll'd the hour for retiring;
And we heard by the distant and random gun,
That the foe was suddenly firing.

Slowly and sadly we laid him down,

From the field of his fame fresh and gory:
\Ve carved not a line, we raised not a stone,
But we left him alone with his glory.
 POETRY. 605

MR. CAMPBELL’S ODE ON THE RETIREMENT SE

MR. 'J. P. KEMBLE.
Pride of the British stage,
A long and last Adieu !
Whose image brought th‘ heroic age
Reviv'd to fancy’s view.

Like fields refresh’d with dewy light,

When the Sun smiles his last,
Thy parting presence makes more bright
Our memory of the past.

And memory conjures feelings up,

That wine or music need not swell,
As high we lift the festal cup,
To “ Kemble, fare thee well."

His was the spell o’er hearts,

Which only acting lends—
The youngest of the sister arts
Where all their beauty blends.

For ill can Poetry express

Full many a tone of thought sublime;
And Painting, mute and motionless,
Steals but one glance from Time.

But, by the mighty Actor brought,

lllusion’s wedded triumphs come—
Verse ceases to be airy thought,
And Sculpture to be dumb.

Time may again revive,

But ne’er efiace the charm,
When Cato spoke in him alive,
Or Hotspur kindled warm.

What soul was not resign‘d entire

To the deep sorrows of the Moor !
What English heart was not on fire,
With him at Agincourt ?

And yet a majesty possess‘d

His transports most impetuous tone,
And to each passion of his breast
The Graces gave their zone.
\ High
606 ANNUAL REGISTER, 1817.
High Were the task—too high,
Ye conscious bosoms here,
In words to paint your memory,
Of Kemble and of Lear.

But who forgets that white discrowned head,

Those bursts of Reason’s half extinguish’d glare,
' Those tears upon Cordelia’s bosom shed,
In doubt more touching than despair?

If t‘was reality he felt—

Had Shakspeare’s self amidst you been,
Friends, he had seen you melt !
And triumph’d to have seen.

And there was many an hour

Of blended kindred fame,
When Siddons’s auxiliar power,
And sister magic came.

Together at the Muse's side

Her tragic Paragons had grown—
They were the children of her pride,
The columns of her throne.

And undivided favour ran

From heart to heart in their applause
Save for the gallantry of man,
In lovelier woman’s cause.

Fair as some classic dome,

Robust and richly grac’d,
'Your Kemble’s spirit was the home'
Of Genius and of Taste

Taste, like the silent dial‘s power,

That when supernal light is given,
Can measure Inspiration’s hour,
And tell its height in Heaven.
At once ennobled and correct,
His mind survey’d the tragic page,
And what the actor could effect,
The scholar could presage.

These were his traits of worth—

And must we lose them now?
t And shall the scene no more show forth
His sternly pleasing brow ?
Alas !

A *‘ "1'. 4"!!!“ _
 POETRY. 607
Alas ! the moral brings a tear—
’Tis all a transient hour below,
And we that would detain thee here,
Ourselves as fieetly go.

Yet shall our latest age

This parting scene review—
Pride of the British stage,
A long and last adieu!

THE END.

_.§-__.______
Bennie, and Sons,
Bolt-court, Fleet-street.
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