Spaniards, and Portuguese. Well might the astonished author of these reverses exclaim, in the frankness of emotion-" All Europe was with us a year ago; all Europe is now against us!" He did not however, yield to the rising storm, without some exertions worthy of his former fame. The annihilation of one mighty host was speedily followed by the creation of another almost equal in strength and appointment; and the tide of war had its flux and reflux subordinate to the grand movement, which at length carried every thing before it. The military occurrences of the year have been not less varied and remarkable than those in any of the preceding campaigns of this protracted and sanguinary war; whilst the personal exertions of kings and emperors in the field, and the concert and determination with which they have conducted their plans, have greatly surpassed all former experience.

It was naturally to be expected that the decline of French power would be followed by a rejection of the dominion of France by some of those states which were held under the yoke only through a dread of that power; but that Holland should set the example of such an emancipation appears to have been an event wholly unforeseen. The restoration of that country to the list of independent states, and the recal of the House of Orange to occupy the first place in its government with augmented prerogatives, will render the present year a distinguished epoch in its annals, as well as a memorable period to Great Britain, whose maritime and commercial interests are so vitally connected with the separation of the United Provinces from the French monarchy. The recovery of the electorate of Hanover by the royal house under the beneficent rule of which it so long enjoyed prosperity, is another event of the year that will entitle it to

grateful remembrance in the minds of many. Other important consequences of this great mutation in the general state of things are at present only in their course of operation; and a considerable time must probably elapse before that final settlement shall take place which will be the commencement of a new era in the political system of Europe. In the mean time it is consolatory to observe, that the declarations of the allied powers, in this their torrent of success, breathe a spirit of justice and moderation, and present an equitable and durable peace as the sole object of their concurrent efforts.

We have not the satisfaction of finding in the events of the year any approach to an amicable termination of the hostilities between this country and the United States of America. On the contrary, the minds of both parties seem to be more exasperated, and the principles advanced on each side more irreconcileable. Yet war in that quarter can scarcely long survive a general peace in Europe, since the original causes of it will be at an end, and the' match will become too unequal in point of power to be continued.

The domestic history of the year exhibits a remarkable state of tranquillity, partly the result of the spirited measures taken for suppressing the disturbances prevalent in the preceding year, partly that of improved prospects with respect to trade and manufactures, and the cheering effects of a bountiful harvest. The agitation of men's minds on the questions of the new charter of the East India com. pany, and the Catholic claims, displayed itself in nothing beyond numerous petitions, and argumentative and oratorical discussions. In parliament, the great events on the continent holding every one in a state of expectation, and inducing almost an uniformity of opinion relative to the expediency of a vigorous prosecution of the war, opposition was

nearly annihilated, and unprecedented sums were voted for subsidies and other military purposes with scarcely a dissentient voice. The ministry, without any important addition to their external strength, remained firm on their seats. The public credit of the nation stood high, and heavy loans were negociated without difficulty. Peace, how desirable soever, for alleviating the public burthens, was scarcely mentioned, it being the general impression, that it must be conquered, to be enjoyed with security.

CONTENTS.

GENERAL HISTORY..

CHAPTER I.,

Petitions presented to Parliament.-Declaration of the Prince Regent respecting the Origin and Causes of the War with America, and Discussions on the subject in both Houses.-Proceedings on the Bill for appointing a Vice-Chancellor.-Debates on Sir Samuel Romilly's Bill respecting private Stealing in Shops, &c. and on his Bills for taking away Corruption of Blood, and for altering the Punishment for High Treason.

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CHAP. II.

Sir Francis Burdett's Motion for a Regency Bill.-Parliamentary Proceedings respecting the Princess of Wales.

CHAP. III.

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Catholic Question-Mr. Grattan's Motion for a Committee of the whole House to take the Subject into Consideration, carried.-His Resolution carried.-His Bill for the Removal of Disqualifications, &c. brought in and debated.-Sir J. C. Hippisley's Motion for a Select Committee, rejected.-Second Reading of Mr. Grattan's Bill-Call of the House and the first Clause debated. Rejected, and the Bill abandoned.

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CHAP. IV.

Motion of Marquis Wellesley relative to the Conduct of the War in the Peninsula-Motion of the Earl of Darnley for an inquiry into the Circumstances of the War with the United States, particularly the Naval Part of it..

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CHAP. V.

Mr. Vansittart's new Plan of Finance.-Bill for Abolishing Sinecure Offices rejected.

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CHAP. VI.

Bill on the Weymouth and Melcombe Regis Election.-Bill for the better Provision of Stipendiary Curates.-Bill for the better Regulation of Ecclesiastical Courts in England.-Bill for the Relief of Persons impugning the Doctrine of the Trinity.

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CHAP. VII.

Proceedings in Parliament respecting the Renewal of the Charter of the East India Company.

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Debate in both Houses on the Swedish Treaty.-Discussion in the House of Com mons respecting Orange Lodges in England.-Vote of Credit.-Prorogation of Parliament, and Prince Regent's Speech,

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CHAP. X.

Domestic Occurrences.Termination of internal Disorders.-Public Interest in the Transactions respecting the Princess of Wales.-Affairs of the Roman Catholics Orange Societies in England.-Bible Associations.-East India new Charter.Reduction of the Price of Provisions.

CHAP. XI.

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Naval Occurrences. Loss of the Java.-Engagement between the Amelia and a French Frigate.-Capture of a Flotilla on the Coast of Calabria.-Capture of the Isle of Ponza.-Loss of the Peacock Sloop.-Capture of a Convoy on the Dalmatian Coast.-Successes in the Bay of Chesapeake.-Loss of the Vincejo.Capture of the Chesapeake Frigate by the Shannon.-Capture of the Annaconda, and the Islands of Ocracoke and Portsmouth.-Capture of Fiume.-Success at Cassis.-Capture of the American Sloop Argus.-Success in the Gulf of Cataro. -Capture of Le Weser and La Trave.-Reduction of Batteries at Curhaven, &c.

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