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the Peninsula still maintain with such unabated zeal and resolution.

His Royal Highness commands us to express his congratulations on the success

of the British arms in the island of Java.

The Prince Regent trusts that you will concur with his Royal Highness in approving the wisdom and ability with which this enterprize, as well as the capture of the islands of Bourbon and Mauritius, has been conducted under the immediate direction of the Governor General of India ; and that you will applaud the decision, gallantry, and spirit,conspicuously display ed in the late operations of the brave army under the command of that distinguished officer, Lieut. Gen. Sir Surel Auchnutý, so powerfully and ably supported by his Majesty's naval forces.

By the completion of this systern of operations, great additional security will have been given to the British commerce and possessions in the East Indies, and the cos lonial power of France will have been untirely extinguished.

His Royal Highness thinks it expedient to recommend to your attention the propriety of providing such measures for the future government of the British possessions in India, as shall appear from experience and upon mature deliberation, to be calculated to secure their internal prosperity, and to derive from those flourishing dominions, the utmost degree bradvantage to the commerce und revenue of the united kingdom.

We are commanded by the Prince Regent to acquaint you, that, while his Royal Highness regrets that various important subjects of difference with the government of the United States of America still remain 'unadjusted, the difficulties which the affair of the Chesapeake frigate had occa sioned have been finally removed; and that we are directed to assure you, that, in the further progress of the discussion with the United States, the Prince Regent will continue to employ such means of conciliation as may be consistent with the honour and dignity of his Majesty's Crown, and with the due maintenance of the maritime and commercial rights and interests of the British empire.

Gentlemen of the House of Commons, His Royal Highness has directed the estimates for the service of the current year to be laid before you. He trusts that you will furnish him with such supplies as may be necessary to enable him to continue the contest in which his Majesty is engaged,

with that spirit and exertion which will af ford the best prospects of its successfut termination.

His Royal Highness commands us to recommend, that you should resume the consideration of the state of the finances of Ireland, which you had commenced in the last session of Parliament. He has the satisfaction to inform you, that the improved receipt of the revenue of Ireland in the last, as compared with the preceding year, confirms the belief that the depression which the revenue had experienced is to be attributed to accidental and temporary causes.'

My Lords and Gentlemen,

The Prince Regent is satisfied that you entertain a just sense of the arduous duties which his Royal Highness has been called upon to fulfil, in consequence of his Majesty's continued indisposition.

Under this severe calamity, his Royal Highness derives the greatest consolation from his reliance on your experienced wisdom, loyalty, and public spirit, to which in every difficulty he will resort, with a firm confidence that, through your assistance and support, he shall be enabled, under the blessings of Divine Providence, successfully to discharge the important functions of the high trust reposed in him, and, in the name and on the behalf of his. beloved Father and Sovereign, to maintain unimpaired the prosperity and honour of the nation.

The Earl of SHAFTESBURY, in a speech in which the happiness and prosperity of the country were strongly insisted upon, and which, he said, were chiefly preserved by the personal virtues of his Majesty, moved the address, which was, as usual, merely an echo of the speech.

Lord GRENVILLE would not move an amendment; yet, he could not but strongly reprobate the conduct of Ministers toward Ireland. The only notice taken of that country was in regard to its revenuc whilst the state of the oppressed inhabitaïfts, from whom that revenue was drawn, was not in the least noticed.

After some other Lords had spoken, the address was carried nem. diss.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

TUESDAY, JAN. 7.

On the return of the Commons from the Lords, the Speaker read the Speech of his Royal Highness; after which,

Sir FRANCIS BURDETT and Lord JOCELYN rose nearly at the same time, but the Speaker informing the Hon. Baronet, that he was in possession of the Chair

Sir FRANCIS said, he had risen to move such an address to his Royal Highness as would convey to his ears the grievances of his country.-The Hon. Baronet, while he paid all due encomium to the bravery of our forces, was sorry that their exertions had uniformly been made in favour of oppression. This was the case in the American war; and it was also in support of despotisin that we engaged in the present war. With respect to the war in Spain, the laurels we won were barren, and our victories almost equal to defeats; and, while we were protecting the Inquisition, and caressing Spaniards in those parts of which we held possession, we were treading under our feet the Irish Catholics at home!-much more valuable allies. He would ask, whether it were possible to be so insensible to danger as for persons to hope for the salvation of the country, when the fate of the rest of Europe had been precipitated by those measures which now forbode our own. The wide-spreading system of taxation spread pauperism over the land, along with profligate expenditure and wanton waste. There was a time when even the sanction of an act of Parliament could not protect Empson and Dudley from the just indignation of the people: but now there were many Empsons and Dudleys, who, under the name of surchargers, supervisors, &c. inflicted mercements and fines at their pleasure, while the party so aggrieved had no power of redress In proportion to the increase of these extortions was the military in. creased, and even German mercenaries were called in. To this might be added the institution of that military conscripfion, the Local Militia, where, without any of the rewards of the soldier, a man might be dragged from the bosom of his family, subjected to martial law and the torture of the lash; so that truly it might be said ** We were a flogged nation." Af. ter inveighing against the restrictions upon the press, er officio informations, &c. &c. be moved an address embracing the topies of his speech.

Lord COCHRANE seconded the address, Lord JOCELYN moved an amendment to the address, being a mere echo of the Re. gent's speech.

It was seconded by Mr Vrse; and, af ter some conversation, a division took

place on Sir F. Burdett's address for is 1, against it 238.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 8.

The report of the Queen's Council on the state of his Majesty's health, was brought up and read as follows

"We, the undermentioned Members of the Council appointed to assist in the trust committed to her Majesty, under the act of the 51st of the King, intituled, &c. having duly met on the 4th January 1812, at the Queen's Lodge, Windsor, and have ing called in and examined the physicians in attendance on his Majesty, and having ascertained the state of his Majesty's health, by every means we thought neces sary,

"Do declare and certify, that the pre sent state of his Majesty's health is not such as to enable his Majesty to resume the personal exercise of his royal authority.

"That his Majesty's bodily health is as good as it was at the time of the last report, and his Majesty's mental health does not appear to be worse since the signature of the last report; but we think that a complete and final recovery is improbable, some of the physicians stating that they do not despair of such an event, while others say they do not entirely despair, and one of the physicians observing that, under all the circumstances, he cannot avoid despairing."

(Signed by all the Members of the Council.) To this report was subjoined the following

"After the above report had been read in the presence of the physcians, the phy sician alluded to in the last clause of the report (when some of the members of the Council had gone away) stated in writing to the other members then present, that he had unguardedly made use of an expressien which was far beyond what he intended to convey; and, being requested to correct it, he added, that he by no means intended to assert that he entirely despair. ed of the final recovery of his Majesty, The members of the Council present ha ving sworn the physician, subsequently communicated this alteration to the other members of the Council."

(Signed by three members of the Council.)

Dated St James's Square, Jan. 7. On bringing up the report of the address to the Prince Regent,

Ms

Mr WHITBREAD took a review of the state of the war, and of all our foreign relations. He considered the contest in the Peninsula as hopeless. He expressed an opinion that Bonaparte's character was not incompatible with any proposition for peace; and concluded with an ardent wish that he had what he so emphatically wished for, commercial ships, colonies, and commerce; for then, and not till then, would the world be at peace.

Mr PERCEVAL reprobated this earnest desire that the enemy might gain those resources which enabled this country to carry on the contest. He treated all the Hon. Gentleman's predictions with contempt, as they were the same which had been falsified by the events of last year. With respect to Spanish America, this country

had offered its best mediation; and he only lamented, that both parties were not equally disposed to reconcilement. With respect to the United States, he assured the House, every degree of conciliation, consistent with the honour and dignity of this country, had and would be held out; but the Berlin and Milan decrees had not been repealed, except upon grounds wholly inadmissible by this country. The British

army in the Peninsula was stronger by 10,000 men, than last year at this time; and he contended, that the finances of this country were never in so flourishing a state, particularly the excise duties.

Mr CHEEVEY moved to adjourn the dis cussion till the accounts were brought up; but this was resisted by Mr Perceval, and the address was read and agreed to,

Historical Affairs.

EAST INDIES.

CAPTURE OF BATAVIA.

Extract from the London Gazette Extraordinary, Dec. 16, 1811.)

SIR SAMUEL AUCHMUTY'S DISPATCH TO LORD

MINTO.

Weltevreede, August 31, 1811. MY LORD-After a short but arduous campaign, the troops you did me the honour to place under my orders, have taken the capital of Java, have assaulted and carried the enemy's formidable works at Cornelis, have defeated and dispersed their collected force, and have driven them from the kingdoms of Bantam and Jacatra. This brilliant success, over a well appoint ed and disciplined force, greatly superior in numbers, and in every respect well equipped, is the result of the great zeal, gallantry, and discipline of the troops, qualities which they have possessed in a

degree certainly never surpassed. It is my duty to lay before your Lordship the details of their success, but it is not in my power to do them the justice they deserve, or to express how much their coun try is indebted to them for their great exertions. Your Lordship is acquainted with the reasons that induced me to attempt a landing in the neighbourhood of Batavia. It was effected without opposition at the village of Chillingching, twelve miles east of the city, on the 4th inst. My intention was to proceed from thence by the direct road to Cornelis, where the enemy's force was said to be assembled in a strongly fortified position, and to place the city of Batavia on my rear, from whence alone I could expect to derive supplies equal to the arduous contest we were engaged in. As some time was required to make preparations for an inland movement, I judged it proper to reconnoitre the road by the coast leading to Batavia, and observe how far it would be practicable to penetrate by

that

that route. I was aware that it was extremely strong, and, if well defended, nearly impracticable. Advancing with part of my army, I had the satisfaction to find that it was not disputed with us, and the only obstacle to our progress was occasioned by the destruction of the bridge over the Anjol river. I approached the river on the 6th, and observing during that evening a large fire in Batavia, I con, cluded it was the intention of the enemy to evacuate the city; and with this impression I directed the advance of the army ander Colonel Gillespie, to pass the river in boats on the succeeding night. They lodged themselves in the suburbs of the city, and a temporary bridge was hastily constructed on the morning of the 8th, capable of supporting light artillery. On that day the burghers of Batavia applied for protection, and surrendered the city without opposition, the garrison having retreated to Weltevreede.

The possession of Batavia was of the utmost importance. Though large storehouses of public property were burnt by the enemy, previous to their retreat, and every effort made to destroy the remainder, we were fortunate in preserving some valuable granaries, and other stores. The city, though abandoned by the principal inhabitants, was filled with an industrious race of people, who could be particularly useful to the army. Provisions were in abundance, and an easy communication preserved with the fleet.

In the night of the 8th, a feeble attempt was made by the enemy to cut off a small guard I had sent for the security of the place, but the troops of the advance had, unknown to them, reinforced the party early in the evening, and the attack was repulsed.The advance under Colonel Gillespie occupied the city on the 9th.

Very early on the morning of the 10th, 1 directed Colonel Gillespie, with his corps, to move from Batavia, towards the enemy's cantonment at Weltevreede, supported by two brigades of infantry, that marched before break of day through the city, and followed his route. The cantonment was abandoned, but the enemy were in force a little beyond it, and about two miles in advance of their works at Cornelis. Their position was strong, and defended by an abbatis, occupied by 3000 of their best groops and four guns of horse artillery. Colonel Gillespie attacked it with spirit and judgment, and, after an obstinate resistance, carried it at the point of the

bayonet, completely routed their force, and took their guns. A strong column from their works advanced to their support; but, our line being arrived, they were instantly pursued, and driven under shelter of their batteries.

In this affair, so creditable to Colonel Gillespie, and the corps of the advance, the grenadier company of the 78th, and the detachment of the 89th regiment, particularly distinguished themselves, by charging and capturing the enemy's artillery. Our loss was trifling compared with the enemy's, which may be estimated at 500 men, with Brigadier General Alberti, dangerously wounded.

Though we had hitherto been successful, beyond my most sanguine expectations, our further progress became extremely dif ficult, and somewhat doubtful.

The enemy, greatly superior in numbers, was strongly intrenched in a position between the great river Jacatra, and the Sloken, an artificial watercourse, neither of which were fordable. This position was shut up by a deep trench, strongly 、pallisaded. Seven redoubts, and many batteries, mounted with heavy cannon, occupied the most commanding grounds within the lines. The fort of Cornelis was in the centre, and the whole of the works was defended by a numerous and well organized artillery. The season was too far advanced, the heat too violent, and our numbers insufficient to admit of regular approaches. To carry the works by assault was the alternative, and on that I decided. In aid of this measure, I directed some batteries to disable the principal redoubts, and for two days kept up a heavy fire from twenty 18-pounders and eight mortars and howitzers. Their execution was great, and I had the pleasure to find, that, though arswered at the commencement of each day, by a far more numerous artillery, we daily silenced their nearest batteries, considerably disturbed every part of their position, and were evidently superior in our fire.

At dawn of day on the 26th, the assault was made. The principal attack was entrusted to that gallant and experienced officer, Colonel Gillespie. He had the infantry of the advance, and the grenadiers of the line with him, and was supported by Colonel Gibbs, with the 59th regiment and the 4th battalion of Bengal volunteers. They were intended, if possible, to surprise the redoubt No. 3. constructed by the enemy beyond the Sloken, to endeavour to cross the bridge over that stream

with the fugitives, and then to assault the redoubts within the lines, Colonel Gillespie attacking those to the left, and Colonel Gibbs to the right. Lieutenant-Colonel M'Leod, with six companies of the 69th, was directed to follow a path on the bank of the great river, and, when the attack had commenced on the Sloken, to endeavour to possess himself of the enemy's left redoubt No. 2. Major Yule, with the flank corps of the reserve, reinforced by two troops of cavalry, four guns of horse artillery, two companies of the 69th, and the grenadiers of the reserve, was directed to attack the corps at Campong Maylayo, on the west of the great river, and endeavour to cross the bridge at that post.

The remainder of the army, under Major-General Wetherall, was at the batteries, where a column, under Colonel Wood, consisting of the 78th regiment, and the 5th volunteer battalion, was directed to advance against the enemy in front, and at a favourable moment, when aided by the other attacks, to force his way, if practicable, and to open the position for the line.

The enemy was under arms, and prepared for the combat, and General Jansens, the Commander in Chief, was in the redoubt when it commenced.-Colonel Gillespie, after a long detour through a close and intricate country, came on their advance, routed it in an instant, and with a rapidity never surpassed, under a heavy fire of grape and musketry, possessed himself of the advanced redoubt No. 3. He passed the bridge with the fugitives, under as tremendous a fire, and assaulted and carried with the bayonet, the redoubt No. 4. after a most obstinate resistance.

Here the two divisions of the column separated.-Colonel Gibbs turned to the right, and with the 59th in front, and part of the 78th, who had now forced their way in front, carried the redoubt No. 1. A tremendous explosion of the magazine of this work (whether accidental or designed is not ascertained) took place at the instant of its capture, and destroyed a number of gallant officers and men, who at the moment were on the ramparts, which the enemy had abandoned. The redoubt No. 2, against which Lieut. Col. M⚫Leod's attack was directed, was carried in as gallant a style; and I lament to state, that most valiant and experienced officer fell at the moment of victory. The front of the position was now open, and the troops rushed in from every quarter.

During the operations on the right, Colonel Gillespie pursued his advantage on the left, carrying the enemy's redoubts towards the rear, and being joined by Lieutenant-Colonel M'Leod, of the 59th, with part of that corps, he directed him to attack the park of artillery, which that of ficer carried in a most masterly manner, putting to flight a body of the enemy's cavalry that formed, and attempted to defend it. A sharp fire of musketry was now kept up by a strong body of the enemy, who had taken post in the lines in front of Fort Cornelis; but were driven from them, the fort taken, and the enemy completely dispersed. They were pursued by Colonel Gillespie, with the 14th regiment, a party of sepoys, and the seamen from the batteries under Captain Sayer, of the royal navy. By this time the cavalry and horse artillery had effected a passage through the lines, the former commanded by Major Travers, and the latter by Captain Noble; and, with the gallant Colonel at their head, the pursuit was continued, till the whole of the enemy's army was killed, taken, or dispersed.

Major Yule's attack was equally spirited, but after routing the enemy's force at Campong Maylayo, and killing many of them, he found the bridge on fire, and was unable to penetrate further.

I have the honour to inclose a return of the loss sustained, from our landing on the 4th to the 26th inclusive. Sincerely I lament its extent, and the many valuable and able officers that have unfortunately fallen; but when the prepared state of the enemy, their numbers, and the strength of their positions are considered, I trust it will not be deemed heavier than might be expected. Their's has greatly exceeded it. In the action of the 26th, the numbers killed were immense, but it has been impossible to form any accurate statement of the amount.

About one thousand have been buried in the works, multitudes were cut down in the retreat, the rivers are choaked with dead, and the huts and woods were filled with the wounded, who have since expired. We have taken near 5000 prisoners, among whom are three general officers, 34 field officers, 70 captains, and 150 subaltern officers; General Jansens made his escape with difficulty, during the action, and reached Buitenzorg, a distance of 30 miles, with a few cavalry, the sole remains of an army of 10,000 men, This place he has since evacuated, and fled to

the

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