(1802.) THE FRENCH PRISONERS OF WAR.

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According to Article II. of the Treaty of Amiens, “All the prisoners made on one side and the other, as well by land as by sea, and the hostages carried off, or delivered up, during the war, and up to the present day, shall be restored, without ransom, in six weeks at the latest, to be reckoned from the day on which the ratifications of the present treaty are exchanged, and on paying the debts which they shall have contracted during their captivity."

The invaluable M. Otto wrote the detenus a letter, in which, whilst congratulating them, he exhorted them to subdue all spirit of party, if, indeed, it had not already been effected by their years of suffering, and captivity, and cautioned them as to their behaviour on their return, telling them of the change for the better which they would not fail to observe. Glad, indeed, must these poor captives have been at the prospect of once more setting foot on La belle France; and that the English Government made no unnecessary delay in helping them to the consummation of their wishes, is evident, for, on the 10th of April, upwards of 1,000 of them were liberated from the depôt at Norman Cross, preparatory to their being conveyed to Dunkirk. The others—at least, all those who were willing and able to go-soon left England.

"Several of the French prisoners who embarked at Plymouth on Thursday, on board the coasters and trawl boats, having liberty to come on shore until morning, thought the indulgence so sweet, that they stayed up the

whole night. This morning, at three o'clock, they sung in very good style through the different streets, the 'Marseillais Hymn,' the Austrian Retreat,' with several other popular French songs, and concluded with the popular British song of 'God save the King,' in very good English.”—Morning Herald, April 19, 1802.

Proclamation of Peace-Manner of the procession, &c.-Illuminations-Day of General Thanksgiving- General Election-A dishonoured Government billCloth riots in Wiltshire-Plot to assassinate the King-Arrest of Colonel Despard-Trial and sentence of the conspirators-Their fate.

O

N the 21st of April, a proclamation was issued, order

ing a public thanksgiving for Peace, to be solem

nized on 1st of June. On the 26th of April, the King proclaimed Peace, in the following terms:

"G. R.,

"By the KING. A Proclamation.

"Whereas a definitive treaty of peace, and friendship, between us, the French Republic, His Catholic Majesty, and the Batavian Republic, hath been concluded at Amiens on the 27th day of March last, and the ratifications thereof have been duly exchanged; in conformity thereunto, We have thought fit, hereby, to command that the same be published throughout all our dominions; and we do declare to all our loving subjects our will and pleasure, that the

said treaty of peace, and friendship, be observed inviolably, as well by sea as by land, and in all places whatsoever; strictly charging, and commanding, all our loving subjects to take notice hereof, and to conform themselves thereunto, accordingly.

"Given at our Court at Windsor, the 26th day of April, 1802, in the forty-second year of our reign. "God save the King."

On the 29th of April, a public proclamation of the same was made, and it must have been a far more imposing spectacle than the very shabby scene displayed in 1856. All mustered in the Stable-yard, St. James's. The Heralds and Pursuivants were in their proper habits, and, preceded by the Sergeant Trumpeter with his trumpets, the Drum Major with his drums, and escorted on either side by Horse Guards, they sallied forth, and read aloud the Proclamation in front of the Palace. We can picture the roar of shouting, and the waving of hats, after the Deputy Garter's sonorous "God save the King!" A procession was then formed, and moved solemnly towards Charing Cross, where another halt was made, and the Proclamation was read, the Herald looking towards Whitehall. The following is the order of the procession:

Two Dragoons.

Two Pioneers, with axes in their hands.

Two Trumpeters.

Horse Guards, six abreast.

(1802.)

PROCLAMATION OF PEACE.

Beadles of Westminster, two and two, with staves.

Constables of Westminster.

High Constable, with his staff, on horseback. Officers of the High Bailiff of Westminster, with white wands, on horseback.

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Horse Guards.

at-Arms.

Thence to Temple Bar, which, according to precedent, was shut-with the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs, and civic officials on the other side. The minor Officer of Arms stepped out of the procession between two trumpeters, and, preceded by two Horse Guards, rode up to the gates, and after the trumpeters had sounded thrice, he knocked thereat with a cane. From the other side the City Marshal asked, Who comes there?" and the Herald replied: “The Officers of Arms, who demand entrance into the City, to publish His Majesty's Proclamation of Peace." The gates being opened, he was admitted alone, and the gates were shut behind him. The City Marshal, preceded by his