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vigorous Administration, that he could have had good grounds to look for better terms on a future Negociation, he should have hailed the rupture; but considering the circumstances and the Administration of the country, he for one regretted its failure.

Lord H. Petty, in answer to Mr. Canning, justified the conduct of Ministers throughout the transaction.

Mr. Perceval took a review of the Negociation; blamed Ministers for not having sooner put an end to it; and declared his conviction, that no peace could take place with France worthy the acceptance of this country, as long as the force and councils of that country were directed by two such men as Buonaparté and Talleyrand.

After some explanations from Lord Howick and Mr. Whitbread, the Address was agreed to, and the amendment negatived.

6. Mr. Whitbread's motion for postponing the consideration of the Thetford petition was lost by a majority of 54 to 35.--The Dublin petition was transferred to the 12th March.

7. The Malt and Pension Duty Bills were read a third time and passed.

Lord Ossulstone informed the House, that his Majesty had been waited on with the Address; to which he had graciously auswered—“That it gave han the highest satistaction to find that his faithful Commons were convinced that the restoration of peace was not to be attained, owing to the ambition and injustice of the enemy; and that he rehed with confidence on the assurance of his faithful Commons, to support him in a vigorous prosecution of the war, till a peace could be obtained on safe and honourable terms."

8. On the bringing up the Report of the Committee of Supply, including the Ordnance Estimates,

Mr. Johnstone made objections to several items, particularly a charge of 59,000l. for gunpowder sent to Ceylon. and 7000l. for turnscrews for the army in Ireland.

Mr. Calcraft answered, that the gunpow der for Ceylon was always sent from this country, instead of from India, and that no grant had been made for tarnscrews, ac. tor several years.

Lord Castlereagh asked Mr. Windham, whether it was the intention of Ministers to carry into effect the Training-Bill which had been passed last year; or whether they hatt how any new military measures to propuse?

Bir. Windham replied, that he did not know of any other measure in the contemplation of Government, except that it might be necessary to extend this measure in substance, although, perhaps, under some different modifications and forms, into Scotland. He understood that there was no disapprobation in Scotland to the principle of the Bill.

Europ. Mag. Vol. LI, Jan. 1807.

Lord Castlereagh said, that the object of his question was, to know whether a considerable part of the population of England were really to be brought out and tramed, according to the provisions of that Bill?

Mr. Windham said, the Bill was already in execution, as far as the preliminary parts; and lists were now making out of persons hable to come under its operation.

9. Mr. Calcraft entered on some farther explanations relative to the Ordnance Estimates;-after which several Bills were forwarded in their respective stages.

12. Lord Folkstone presented a Petition from several Tanners, against the Oak Bark

Bill.

The Exchequer Bills Bill was read a third time, and ordered to the Lords.

Lord Castlereagh rose to submit his motions to the House, relative to the effective strength of our Military Establishment. After recapitulating the heads of the different inotions, (six in number,) he concluded with proposing the question on the first motion.

Mr. Windham said, he was willing that the House should receive every information on the subject of the Military Establishment of the Country; but he did not wish that to obtain publicity, which might give knowledge to the enemy. It would probably be said, that that knowledge could be procured by the enemy; but then it would not be in an official shape, nor would it be acted upon so confidently as if it were. On general principles, such motions ought to be acquiesced in; but if the whole of the inforination were laid before the House, the enemy would know distinctly the number of black soldiers that were in each of the West India Islands; and therefore he would prefer a gross return to that of entering into particulars.

Lord Castlereagh observed, that a publication was tolerated of the strength and disposition not only of the Military but the Navy, with which the enemy must be acquainted; but, however, to do away any, apprehension on the subject, he had no objection to move for the gross amount.

Mr. Windham said, it such publications were improperly tolerated, he did not see that it was a reason why the House ought to persist in a mistake that was reprehensible.

The Motion was then agreed to, and several others, to ascertain the Military Strength of the Country.

On a question put to Mr. Windham, whether or not it was intended to enforce the General Training Act passed last Session?

Mr. Windham said, that the returns were not made out with that expedition he could have wished; otherwise a portion of the population would have been called out last summer. It would, in a certain degree, be carried into effect in the ensuing spring, as far as the Executive Government thought necessary.

K

13. The House resolved itself into a Committee on the Malt Duty Bill; and it was an instruction to the Committee to receive a clause of credit; and also a clause, directing that the deficiency on the 25th March, 1806, should be made good out of the supplies of 1807.

14. Sir John Newport brought in the Irish Controverted Election Bill, which was read a first time.

General Gascoigne, observing Lord Howick in his place, said, he rose for the purpose of putting a question to his Lordship, respecting the American Negoc ation; and whether the restrictions on the Trade with this Country, as adopted by Congress, were likely to be taken off?

Lord Howick replied, that there was not a doubt but the Treaty with the American Commissioners would be ratified.

15. Mr. Biddulph gave notice that, on Tuesday, he should submit a resolution to the following effect: "That the House, being sensible of the large amount of the supplies wanted for the year, and also of the enormous taxes already paid by the people, would take into its consideration some means of diminishing these oppressive burdens, by abolishing all useless and superfluous offices, salaries, fees, emoluments, and pensions."

Sir J. Newport said, that Commissioners had been appointed some time ago, to make an inquiry into the situation of the CustomHouse Department in Ireland, who had, in consequence, reported that thirty-eight places, described in the report, ought to be abolished, and twenty-six to be either abolished or regulated: he, therefore, moved for leave to bring in a Bill for abolishing certain offices in the Customs in Ireland, and also for abolishing and regulating certain other offices within the same Department. Leave granted.

16. Mr. Johnstone made some farther objections to the Army Estimates, and moved that they should be printed in detail;-to which Mr. Windham objected. The conversation took rather a personal turn, in consequence of a remark from Mr.S. Bourne, that Ministers had changed their ideas respecting the information that House ought to receive, sinee they came into power.

Mr. Johnstone accused them of affecting economy, while they had considerably m creased the salaries of their own places. At length Mr. J. agreed to postpone his

motion.

Mr. Biddulph postponed, sine die, his notice of a motion relative to the abolition of places and pensions.--Adjourned to Tuesday.

INTELLIGENCE FROM THE LONDON GAZETTE.

ADMIRALTY OFFICE, DEC. 30.

THIS Gazette contains letters, transmitted

by Vice-Admiral Dacres, Commander in Chief of his Majesty's ships and vessels at Jamaica, from Captain Inglefield, of his Majesty's sloop Hunter, stating the capture, by ihat vessel, of the Spanish schooner San Josef y Animas letter of marque, from Truxillo, bound to Batabano, laden with indigo and sarsaparilla; from Captam Hall, of his Majesty's ship Diligence, stating the capture, by that vessel, of the French armed schooner, le Napoleor, bound to the city of St. Domingo, from Samana; and a letter from Capt.

Nicholas, of the Drake, mentions the capture, on the 24th October, of the French schooner privateer la Superbe, of 14 guns (two ninepounders and twelve s.x-pounders) and 91 men, commanded by M. Houx, by Lieut. Fitton, in the schooner Pitt.— This Officer, (says Capt. N.) meeting la Superbe off Cape Nichola Mole on the 24th, after an arduous chase with sweeps, got within gun shot, and commenced a runumg fight, which he continued with little intermission, and in almost every direction, until the 26th, when at nine A.M. Cape Maize bearing N.N.W. six leagues, they were discovered from the tops of the

ship I command, and it was then that I witnessed, with great sa'isfaction, a display of skill and bravery, supported for four hours and a half, which entitles the parties to the greatest praise. The two schooners within pistol shot kept up a constant fire. La Superbe seeing us to leeward, made many manœuvres to escape, but was as often foiled, Licat. Fitton carefully preserving the weather-gage; and it was not until after a desperate resistance, until she was in a sinking state, and when our fortunate leeward position prevented further flight, that the Frenchman ran his. serted her, accompanied by those of his men vessel upon the rocks in Ocoa Bay, and de

who were not either killed or dangerously wounded in the action.-In la Superbie's hold were found four men already dead of their wounds, and three whose state affords Litle hope; they allow that 11 fell in the action, and, from the appearance of the decks, much blood must have been shed.-The Pitt has suffered in her sails and rigging, and had two men badly and six slightly wounded; and i I am happy to add that we succeeded in getting the prize off.

"I am, &c.

"R. NICHOLAS."

It also contains letters, transmitted by the Hon. Rear-Admiral Sir A. Cochrane, K.B., Commander in Chief of his Majesty's ships and vessels at the Leeward Islands, from Capt. Collier, of his Majesty's sloop Wolvetene, stating the capture, by that vessel, of the French privateer Guadaloupe Packet, and the re-capture of the American brig Franklin;-from Captain Spear, of his Majesty's sloop Dart, stating the capture, by that vessel, of la Jeune Gabrilla French privateer, last from Guadaloupe :-from Lieut. Barker, of his Majesty's armed brig Grenada, stating the capture, by that vessel, of the French privateer schooners, la Désirée and la Marianne, from Martinique; and from Lieutenant Brown, of his Majesty's schooner Morne Fortunée, giving an account of a skirmish between that vessel and the national brig Argus, in which two of the schooner's crew were seri

ously wounded, and three slightly, by splinters. The enemy escaped under the battery at St. Pierre's.]

ADMIRALTY OFFICE, JAN. 3. Copies of Letters transmitted by Lord Keith, H. M. S. Clyde, Walmer Road, Dec. 30.

MY LORD, 1 have the honour to enclose a letter from Lieut. Parry, the acting commander of his Majesty's sloop the Spitfire, reporting the capture of the French lugger privateer, which he intercepted on her return from Beachy Head, having just before re-captured the Friendship English brig from Mogadore, which had been taken by this privateer, in company with another vessel of the same description. I have had frequent reason to commend the vigilance of Lieut. Parry since he was entrasted with the command of this sloop, as well as his perseverance in remaining on his station during the tempestuous wea ther we have lately experienced; and I should do him great injustice were I not to avail myself of this occasion, to inform your Lordship of the uerit he has uniformly shown.

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I have, &c.

E.W. C. R. OWEN. H. M. S. Spitfire, Downs, Dec. 29.

I beg leave to acquaint you, for the information of the Commander in Chief, that I had scarce dispatched the Friendship (recaptured brig) for the. Downs, of which I had informed you by letter, but that I discovered a sail in E. N.E. being then on our Ice bean, to which I immediately gave chase, and am happy to acquaint you, that by half past five A. I. I got up with her; but in consequence other temerityand perseverance, she would not or ng-to till nearly under the muz zles of our guas, by which her Captain and third, ollicer were billed, and tour men severely wounded, one of who.n has had his arm amputated by our Surgeon. She proves to be les

Deux Freres lugger privateer, of 14 guns, four of which only were mounted, the rest in the hold, and with 55 men. She was at the taking of the Friendship yesterday, in company with l'Espoir, another lugger, and which, I am sorry to say, has escaped, as she had the Master and crew of the Friendship on board. Having so many prisoners. I thought it necessary to bearup with the lugger for the Downs, of whichI hope you will a prove. The officers and crew behaved with every alacrity during the chase. I have, &c.

R PARRY.

ADMIRALTY OFFICE, JAN. 10.

[This Gazette contains a letter, transmitted by Admiral Young, at Plymonth, to Mr. Marsden, from Lieut. Callaway, Commander ing the capture, north of the Lizard, of the of his Majesty's schooner, the Pickle, reportFavourite, French cutter privateer, of 14 guns, and 70 men; one of whom was killed, and two wounded. The prize is well found, and only two months off the stocks. Mr.G. Alvey, acting Master, and one scaman, of the Pickle, were badly wounded; Sub-lieutenant Charles Hawkins, slightly wounded.

Likewise a letter, transmitted by the same Admiral, giving an account of the capture of the Elize, French cutter privateer, of 14 guns and 60 men, by the Plover sloop of war, Capt. Brown.

Also a letter, transmitted by Admiral Douglas, at Yarmouth, from Capt. P. Stoddart, of his Majesty's sloop Cruiser, announcing the capture of le Jena French privateer of 16 guns. She had taken three English vessels off Flambro' Head, which it was likely would be recaptured. Le Jena was only 14 days off the stocks, when taken: she is well found in every thing, and sails remarkably fast.]

ADMIRALTY OFFICE, JAN. 13.

This Gazette contains the following letter from Captain Pearse, of his Majesty's ship Halcyon, transmitted by Lord Collingwood: Halcyon, Gibraltar Bay, Dec. 18, 1805..

MY LOPD,

I beg leave to inform your Lordship, that on the 13th instant, at eight in the morning, Cape St. Alarm's S. S. W sex leagues, I perceived three sati standing out from the land towards me; being on contrary tacks, we closed fast; when, within four or five miles, I discovered they were vessels of war, (a ship, a brig, and a z beck,) and shortly after steered directly for me. Seeing they were supe rior, and five settees seen from the tops coming from the same quarter, I judged it prudent (as they seemed determined to bring me to action) to close with them as soon aspossible, and decide the contest before any. assistance could be given from the other five. At half past ten (being nearly within musket

shot) they hoisted Spanish colours, and commenced action; as soon as I got abreast of the second vessel, I got on the other tack, and brought them to closer action, which lasted till twelve o'clock, when their fire slackened; at half past, being nearly a calm, the brig and zebeck hauled away to the southward, assisted by their boats and sweeps, the ship then nearest us endeavouring to do the same to the northward; we swept after her, and in an hour got close alongside, when she struck her colours. She proved to be a Spanish polacre ship (privateer) the Neptuno Dios de los Mares, of 14 guns, and 72 men, from Denia, going on a cruise between Minorca and the coast of Africa, with the other two in company, who, I am sorry to say, made their escape, but not before their fire had been silenced. The five settees, when within three miles, seeing the ship deserted, returned to the shore, and went into the port of Denia. Though extraordinary, I am happy to say we had none killed, and only three wounded; Lieutenant Briggs, my First, by a splinter, in the arm, whom I beg leave to recommend to your Lordship's notice; Lieutenant Pearse, who has been acting three years and a half in this vessel; and one seaman. The loss of the enemy must be great. The wounded from the ship are doing well, nine in all. I give your Lordship the full particulars of this event, and trust my attacking so very superior a force (seeing they were resolutely determined to

bring me to action) will meet with your Lordship's approbation, knowing I could depend upon my officers and ship's company, whose cool, brave, and steady conduct, on this, as on former occasions, almost ensured me success before the action commenced ;—they merit my warmest acknowledgments.

1 cannot omit mentioning my having four passengers:-Captain Sullivan, of the 81st regiment, who commanded the small arius; Messrs. Purvis, Crokat, and a Neapolitan Messenger, were all of great service, as we were sixteen short of complement. The object of the enemy's fire was mostly directed at our masts and rigging, in which I am sorry to say we suffered very materially.

The force opposed to the Halcyon was, Neptuno Dios de los Mares, fourteen twelvepounders, and 72 men; la Vergin di Solidad, fourteen twelve and eight-pounders, and 78 men; el Vives, twelve eight and six-pounders, and 65 men,

I have the honour to be, &c.

H. W. PEARSE.

The Right Hon. C. Lord Collingwood.

[There is also a letter from Captain Janies Brisbane, of the Alemene, transmitted by Lord Gardner, giving an account of the capture, by that ship, on the 4th instant, in lat. 50 deg. N., long. 11 deg. W1, of le Conrier, French cutter privateer, of St. Maloes.]

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

PRUSSIAN PROCLAMATION.

A STATE Paper was published in the Koningsburg Gazette of the 1st of December, by order of the King of Prussia, in which he gives the reasons of his refusing to ratify the armistice concluded by Lucchesini and General Zastrow on the 16th November. The King states, that previous to the conclusion of the armistice, a basis of peace had actually been agreed upon, but from which the continued successes of the French led Buonaparté to depart; and on account of his growing demands, no hopes of peace could be entertained. He says, that after the acceptance of the conditions, every effort was made at Berlin to produce insurrection and rebellion among the King's subjects in South Prussia. Wherever the eneiny's troops could find their way, the property of the King was taken possession of, the royal treasures were seized, and it was attempted to seduce the servants of his Majesty from their lawful allegiance. All these, and other things, raised a suspicion that Buonaparté was not sincere in his desire of making peace. Buonaparté next proposed an Armistice, when it was thought that Peace was to take place, and new and severe demands were made on Prussia, When the

Armistice was concluded, his Prussian Ma-.

jesty was obliged to refuse his consent to it, because it was not in his power to stop the approach of the Russian armies. In truth, as the King of Prussia observes, " if any alternative remained for procuring Peace, it was one that implied the accomplishing of impossibilities, viz. to invite the Cabinets of St. James and St. Petersburgh to unite with his Majesty, and agree upon the basis of a Negotiation with the Emperor Napoleon for a general Peace. This has been done."

Feeble, however, indeed, must be the hopes of the success of such an attempt; for by a note of Talleyrand, delivered to the Prussian Plenipotentiaries after the signing of the Armistice, it appears, that Buonaparté had resolved to keep the Prussian States; and to make no Peace, unless by extorting (as the price of evacuating them) from England, all the Dutch, Spanish, and French Colonies; and from Russia, conditions respecting the Porte, The King of Prussia, therefore, calls upon his subjects in the most moving yet animating terms, to exert their ancient spirit in their own de fence, in which they are supported by the whole energies of the Russian Empire. Toe paper concludes in these words:→

"In her former struggles in the seven years' war, Prussia stood alone, or at least without any material assistance from any other Power. She then stood up against the first Powers in Europe.-In the present struggle she can reckon upon the assistance of the powerful and magnanimous Alexander, who with his whole strength stands forward for the preservation of Prussia. Prussia

in this great struggle has only one interest in common with Russia; both will stand and fall together. With such an intimate union of both Powers, in such a holy struggle against an enemy whose success has raised him to such a giddy height, that he knows no limits to his career, the issue of the struggle cannot long remain doubtful. Perseve rance in danger, according to the glorious example of our forefathers, can and will alone lead us on to victory!"

The Note addressed by Talleyrand to Lucchesini and Zastrow, after the signing of the Armistice, mentions the extraordinary moderation of the Emperor in sullering Kings to reign secure on their thrones, whom he had conquered. He was even now willing to display his extraordinary moderation. He says, that France must retain her conquests on the Continent, until the colonies which France, Spain, and Holland, have lost, shall be restored. Besides, the Emperor must obtain a guarantee for the independence of the Porte. And he cannot restore the conquered countries, until the full enjoymeut of the rights of the Porte over Wallachia and Moldavia is acknowledged, and its total independence recognized and guaranteed.

PRUSSIAN PROCLAMATION,

Concerning the abolishing several Abuses in the

Armies.

In consequence of the unfortunate and almost total dissolution of several corps of the ariny, sent into the field against the French, it has been impossible for his Prussian Majesty, on account of a total want of authentic information, to distinguish truth from falsehood, rumours from facts, to reward merit, or to inflict punishment. His Majesty, therefore, must postpone drawing any conclusions until that period when his Majesty shall be enabled to do so with more certainty and precision. His Majesty is far from the idea of ascribing to his brave armies all the calamities and misfortunes which he himself and his dominions have experienced. It is, on the contrary, very satisfactory to his Majesty, that many of his soldiers, from the highest to the lowest rank, have distinguished themselves by a steady courage, continued perseverance, and a true sense of honour. But, unfortunately, instances have occurred (proved by facts, that speak for themselves,) of such a nature as not to be passed over any longer in silence: on the contrary, they ought most severely and most publickly to De ammadverted on, as an example for the

future. Among those whose conduct is most highly reprehensible are

1. All those Officers who have more or less participated in the unheard-of conduct of the surrender to the enemy of the fortresses of Stettin, Custrin, Spandau, and Magdeburg.

2. All those Ofers who, not being present at the capitalation of their respective corps, nevertheless offered themselves voluntarily to surrender, as belonging to such corps. nay, even persuaded their comrades and their Subalterns to take a similar scandalous resolution.

3. Lastly, all those who, without having received any furlough, or having been made prisoners, have absented themselves from the armies, and went either home or elsewhere, &c.

The Commander at Custrin is in consequence condemned to be shot; and those of the three other fortresses, to be dismissed with disgrace, as well as several other Officers, guilty of various irregularities.

[Then follows a number of Ordinances respecting the future conduct of the different Classes of the Army... Every Commander who shall not defend a place, according to its resources, to be shot... Officers leaving the field without being wounded, to be cashiered with infamy; every soldier, who in flight shall throw away his arins, to be shot, as well as every Prussian subject found a the service of the enemy. As as ENCOU

RAGENENT TO MERIT, THAT PERSONS OF WHATEVER BIRTH, SHALL BE PROMOTED, IF THEY DISTINGUISH THEMSELVB.

near

(Signed) FREDERICK WILLIAM, The King and Queen of Prussia were, on the 20th ult. at a small town Koningsberg. The King supported the cztraordinary reverse of fortune which he has experienced, with composure and fortitude; but the Queen appeared sensibly afflicted at the woeful change in her condition. There were about 25,000 Prussian troops in that vicinity.

An article from Mecklenburgh, dated Dec. 9, says, "The Duke and Hereditary Prince returned a few days since from Berlin, to which city he went for the purpose of representing to his Majesty, the Emperor of the French and King of Italy, the wretchedness of his country, occasioned by its being the theatre of war, and the passage of four divisions of French troops."-From this we should conclude, that our Queen's brother and family had not been driven from his Principality.

If we mistake not, the Queen, when young. and a Princess of Mecklenburgh, addressed a very pathetic letter to the Great Frederick, imploring relief from the oppressions of the military then quartered on the Mecklenburgh territory. With this letter, it is said, the King was so much pleased, that he recom mended her to our Sovereign; and from this

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