the Siege and return from Syria to Egypt- Tippoo Saib, at the instigation of Buonaparte, concerts measures against the India Com- pany, who declare War in consequence→→ Seringapatam taken by General Harris ; Death of Tippoo-Partition of the Mysore Territory-Buonaparte returns to France- Naples proclaimed a Republic-The Austrian and French Forces take the Field-Encoun- ters on the Rhine-Campaign in Italy and Switzerland-Retreat of the Russians under Suworow-Expedition to North Holland- Capture of Surinam-Party Contentions in France The Directory overthrown, and CHAP. XXXII. Recall of the Russian troops-Genoa evacuated by the French-Buonaparte crosses the Alps, and gains the Battle of Marengo-Armistice concluded in Italy-Campaign in Germany, and Armistice-Preliminaries Signed-Disa- vowed by the Emperor-Naval Armistice pro- posed to England by France, and rejected- Armistice with Austria prolonged-Hostilities resumed-Treaty of Peace concluded at Lune- ville between Austria and France-Affairs of Egypt-Assassination of General Kleber- Naval Operations--Unsuccessful Attempt on Ferrol and Cadiz-Reduction of Malta-War with Russia-Confederacy of the Northern Powers-Parliament Assembled on account of the Scarcity of Corn-Population Bill- New royal Title-Meeting of the Imperial Parliament-King's Speech, and Debates on the Address-Dispute in the Cabinet on the Catholic Question-New Ministry-The King's return of Illness-Parliamentary Proceedings -Prorogation--Embargo on Russian, Danish, and Swedish Vessels-Measures of the North- ern Powers, and Occupation of Hanover-- Nelson's Victory at Copenhagen-Armistice- Death of the Emperor Paul-Final Adjust- ment with the Northern Powers-Invasion of Portugal by Spain, and subsequent Pacifica- tion-Madeira occupied by the English-Ex pedition to Egypt, and final Expulsion of the Freuch-Projected Invasion of England-- Convention between Buonaparte and_the Pope-Naval Actions-Attack on the Bou- Page Meeting of Parliament-Address-Sentiments 282 placed under Martial Law, and Habeas Cor- pus Act suspended-Emmet and others exe- cuted for Treason-Capture of St. Lucia, To- bago, &c.-The French expelled from St. Domingo-Movements in Europe--Invasion of Hanover-Blockade of the Elbe and Weser -War with Holland-Exactions of Buona- parte-Sale of Louisiana-English Travellers Meeting of Parliament-Speech and Address- maran Project-Repulse of Admiral Linois- Rupture with Spain, and forcible detention of Treasure Ships-Murder of the Duka D'Enghien-Complaints against British En. voys-Seizure of Sir George Rumbold-Buo- naparte elected Emperor of the French-The Emperor of Germany declared Emperor of Austria-Dispute between France and Rus- Letter from Buonaparte to His Majesty-The Answer-Addington raised to the Peerage and joins the Ministry-Other Appointments -Opening of Parliament-King's Speech- Supply-Budget-Catholic Claims-Vote of Credit-Proceedings against Lord Melville- Resignation of Lord Sidmouth and the Earl of Buckinghamshire-Illness of Pitt-New Coalition against France-Commencement of Hostilities Surrender of General Mack- Buonaparte enters Vienna-Advances into Moravia-Movements in Italy-The Archduke Charles falls back towards Vieuna-State of the Russian Forces-Battle of Austerlitz- Armistice-Return of the Russians-The Archduke Ferdinand defeats a Corps of Bavarians-Treaty of Presburg-Treaty be tween France and Prussia-French Fleets put to Sea-Attempts on the West India Islands-Lord Nelson's Pursuit-Sir Robert Calder's Engagement with Villeneuve-Vic- tory of Trafalgar, and Death of Lord Nelson- War in India-Its Termination-Marquis CHAP. XXXVI. Pago State of Europe-Meeting of Parliament- Its Consequences-Seizure of British Pro- perty at Hamburgh-Buonaparte's Berlin Decree-Negotiation for an Armistice-Ad. vance of the Russians-Their Repulse-Le- vies-Operations in Silesia-Battle of Eylau -Surrender of Dantzic-Success of the French in Swedish Pomerania-Battle of Friedland-Treaty of Tilsit-War with Tur- key and Russia, followed by Hostilities be- tween England and the former-Expeditions to Constantinople and Egypt-Capture of Monte Video-Attack on Buenos Ayres-Its Failure-General Whitelocke tried by Court A new Parliament-The late Negotiations— Finance-Abolition of the Slave Trade- Change of Administration-Dissolution of Parliament-New Election-New Military Plan-Bill respecting Ireland-Reversions- Prorogation-Expedition against Copenba- gen-Capture of the Danish fleet-War with Denmark-With Russia-Restrictions Commerce-Action between a British and American frigate-Capture or the Danish West India Islands-The French enter Portu- gal-The Royal Family embark for Brazil- Affairs of Spain-Buonaparte's efforts to place his Brother on the throne-Expedition to Portugal-Convention of Cintra-Advance of the British forces into Spain, under Sir CHAP. XXXVIII. Parliamentary proceedings-Expedition against Denmark-Droits of Admiralty-Enlistment -Local Militia-Finance-Criminal Law- Administration of Justice-Distilleries-Span- ish Cause Prorogation-Austria declares against England-Efforts of the Swedes against Russia and Denmark-Affairs of Italy -Militia-Convention of Cintra-Charges against the Duke of York-Traffic in East India Appointments-Corrupt practices re- specting seats in Parliament, and Bill for their Prevention-Budget-Dutch Commis- sioners-Rupture between Austria and France -Campaign in Germany-Overthrow of Aus- trians-Treaty of Peace-Efforts of Tyrolese -Annexation of Rome to France-Divorce of Buonaparte and Josephine-Affairs of Swe- den-Expedition to Walcheren-Attack on a French Fleet-French Convoy destroyed- Martinique, Cayenne, and Bourbon taken- Differences with America-Ministerial dis- putes and changes-Jubilee Campaign in Spain-Battle of Talavera-Siege of Cadiz- Parliament convened-Inquiry as to Walcheren Expedition-Breach of Privilege-Sir Francis Burdett's Motion and Conduct thereon, and his committal to the Tower-Bullion Ques- tion, and other proceedings-Capture of Am- boyna, Islands of Bourbon, France, Guada- loupe, and Santa Maura-Marriage of Buona- parte-Annexation of Holland to France- Other annexations-Burning Decrees of Buonaparte-Attempt on Sicily-War with Russia-Differences with the United States- State of Spanish America-The King's Men- tal Malady-Regency-Opening of Parlia- ment-Proceedings as to commercial Distress, and other Affairs-American Disputes-Cap- CHAP. XL. ragona and Valencia-Capture of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz-Lord Wellington en- ters Spain-Battle of Salamanca-Capture of Madrid-Retreat of Allies to Portuguese Frontier-Parliament assembled-The King and the Regent-Overtures to Lords Grey and Grenville-Assassination of Perceval- Ministerial Negotiations-Riots in Manufac- turing Districts-Repeal of Orders in Coun cil-War by Americans-Proceedings in Par- liament-Invasion of Russia by Buonaparte- Battles of Smolensko and Borodino-Destruc- tion of Moscow-Disastrous retreat of the French-Invasion of Canada-Actions at Sea -Meeting of Parliament-Charges against Princess of Wales-Appointment of Vice- Chancellor-Declaration on the American CHAP. XLI. Prussia declares against France-Battle of Lut- zen-Armistice Renewal of hostilities—Aus- tria joins the grand alliance-Battle before Dresden-Battle of Dennevitz-Bavaria joins the allies-Rout of Buonaparte at Leipzic- Revolution in Holland and Successes in Spain -Battle of Vittoria-Capture of St. Sebas tian-Lord Wellington enters France-Fail- ure of Sir John Murray before Tarragona- Campaign in America-Naval Engagements -Meeting of Parliament-Proceedings— Peace with Denmark-Transfer of Norway to Sweden-Murat joins the Allies-Lord Wel- lington crosses the Adour-Battle of Orthes -Soult retreats to Toulouse-The Allies cross the Rhine, and enter France Treaty of Chaumont-Battle of Craone-Occupation of Paris by Capitulation-Abdication of Buona- parte Battle of Toulouse-Convention of Paris-Entrance of Louis XVIII.-Treaty of Peace-Royal Visiters to England-Restora- tion of the Pope-Return of Ferdinand to Spain-South American affairs-Parliamen- tary proceedings-Honours conferred on Duke of Wellington-Princess of Wales- Negotiations with America-Campaign in Can- ada-Failure at Plattsburg-Expedition to Washington-Attacks on Alexandria and Baltimore-Naval Actions-Failure against New Orleans-Capture of Fort Bowyer- Peace with America-Capture of President frigate Meeting and Proceedings of Parlia ment-Return of Buonaparte from Elba, his march to Paris-Measures of allied Powers -State of Paris-Movements of French and allied forces-Buonaparte attacks the Prus sians Battle of Waterloo-Buonaparte's Re- turn to Paris-His Abdication-Advance of Allies-Capitulation of Paris-Return of Louis XVII.-Buonaparte surrenders to the English, is sent to St. Helena-Murat at- CHAP. XLIII. Parliament called-Holy Alliance-Marriage of Princess Charlotte to Prince Leopold- Distressed State of the Country-Riots and Tumults-Expedition against Algiers-East India Affairs-Meeting of Parliament-The Prince Regent attacked by the Populace- Message as to Illegal Meetings-Relinquish- ment of Income by Prince Regent and Min- isters-Meeting in Spa-Fields, and Palace- Yard-Commitments to the Tower-Loan of Exchequer Bills for Public Works-Catho- lic Claims rejected-Lord Sidmouth's Circu- lar-Messages from the Prince Regent-Dis -Meeting and Proceedings of Parliament- Royal Marriages-Education of the Poor, and Charitable Institutions-Army of Occupation CHAP. XLIV. Parliament convoked-Royal speech-Criminal Code-Measures for return to Cash Payments -National Income and Expenditure-State of the Nation-Catholic Question-Foreign Enlistment Bill, and other Proceedings- Emigration to the Cape of Good Hope-Radi- cal Reformers-Popular Meetings-Arrests for Sedition-Violent Dispersion of a Meet- ing at Manchester-Hunt and his Associates found Guilty-Earl Fitzwilliam dismissed from Lord-Lieutenancy of the West Riding- Address of Corporation of London-Meeting of Parliament-Documents on State of the Country-Bill to Prevent Traversing of In- formations or Indictments-Other Restrain- ing Bills-Cession of Parga-Restoration of Java-Change in the King's Health-Death Accession of King George IV.-The King's de- claration to his Council-Proclamation of his Majesty-King's Illness and Recovery-De- tailed Ceremonial of the late King's lying in State and Royal Funeral-Parliament Dis- solved by Commission-Discovery of Cato- Street Conspiracy-Detection, Trial, and Ex- ecution of Thistlewood and others-Tumultu- ous Proceedings in the North-Attack on the Soldiery at Bonnymuir-Defeat of those con- cerned therein-Trial of Disaffected persons ceedings in Parliament-Lord John Russel's motion on Elective Franchise-Allusion to Queen's Arrival-Revision and Amendment of Criminal Code-Education of the Poor- State of Agriculture-Afflicting position of Public Affairs-Petition of London Merchants -Ways and Means for 1820-Delicate situa- tion of their Majesties-Commission of En- quiry-Mr. Brougham's proposition to Gov- ernment Proposed Compromise with the Queen-Offer of fifty thousand pounds a-year to the Queen-Queen's Narrative-Her Ma jesty's Progress-Mission of lord Hutchinson -Sudden departure of her Majesty from St. Omers-Landing of Queen Caroline in Eng- land-The King's Message to Parliament The Queen's Communication to House of Commons-Proceedings in the Commons-- Statement of Ministers-Proceedings in the House of Lords-Bill of Pains and Penalties -Account of Trial-Speeches therein-Bill Opening of Parliament-His Majesty's Speech -Debates on the Conduct of Ministers rela- tive to the Queen-Country Petitions to re- store Queen's Name to Liturgy-Queen's Message to the House of Commons-Provision for her Majesty-Discussion on the Question of Emancipating the Catholics-Bill for Re- lief of Catholics introduced and passed through the House of Commons-Rejected in the House of Lords-Borough of Grampound dis- franchised-The Franchise transferred to the County of York-Committee to inquire into Cause of Agricultural Distress-Report of Committee Bank of England resumption of Cash Payments-Ways and Means for the current Year-Parliament Prorogued-Death of Napoleon, ex-Emperor of France, in Cap- tivity at Saint Helena-Situation of the Queen THE HISTORY OF GREAT BRITAIN, FROM THE DEATH OF GEORGE II. TO THE CORONATION OF GEORGE IV. CHAPTER I. Effects of the late King's partiality to his native Dominions-Circumstances attending the Accession of the new Sovereign-His Majesty's first Speech to both Houses of Parliament—Addresses of the Lords and Commons-Supply voted-Establishment of the Civil List-Sums granted for the Support of the German Confederacy-Subsidy to Prussia-Vote of Compensation to the Provinces in North America for their strenuous Efforts-Ballot for Militia productive of a dreadful Riot at Hexham Loan of twelve Millions-Violent outcry against the New Duty on Beer-Bad Consequence of the opposition to the Compulsive Clause in the new Act of Insolvency-King's Speech for making the Judges independent of the demise of the Crown--Ready Concurrence of both Houses in so patriotic a Proposal-Arthur Onslow, Speaker of the House of Commons for thirty-three years, retires-Two remarkable Points in his Majesty's Farewell Speech to the Parliament—Ådvantageous Position of the French in their Winter Cantonments-Prince Ferdinand's extensive Plan of Attack-Fritzlar and several Magazines taken-General Sporken's rapid Progress on the Side of Saxony-First Check in this extra.dinary career of Success-Steps taken by Marshal Broglio to drive the Allies out of Hesse-Defeat of the Troops under the Hereditary Prince-The King's Sentiments on the proper Use of Conquests. THE LATE KING'S PARTIALITY TO HIS NA- tober. As soon as the members had taken the cusTIVE DOMINIONS. F NEW princes ever died at a moment more favourable to their popularity than George II. All the spots and blemishes in his character seemed to vanish in the blaze of glory which had been reflected on it by the late successes of his fleets and armies in every quarter of the globe. But these borrowed splendours could not long conceal the fatal effects of his partiality to his native dominions, -a partiality, to which not only the blood and treasure, but the valour, the virtue and public spirit of the British nation had been repeatedly sacrificed. The aggrandizement of his darling electorate, and the support of all his schemes for preserving an imaginary balance between the continental powers, whatever might be the expense to England, were the only conditions, on which any ministry could obtain his favour, or secure their own continuance in office. As none were admitted into his confidence but on these terms, so none were dismissed but from their inability to fulfil such engagements. Every change of his servants was therefore a fresh wound inflicted on the real interests of his country. The frequent shifting of power through such a variety of hands, and from motives so inconsistent with liberal policy, was productive of another evil: it scattered the seeds of disunion, jealousy, and hatred among all the great families of the kingdom; and prepared for the succeeding prince a series of struggles with the intrigues of party, and the turbulence of domestic factions, a thousand times more vexatious than any combination of foreiga enemies. ACCESSION OF GEORGE III. THE death of the late king having been notified in form to the heir apparent, who was then at Kew, he immediately repaired to Carleton House, to meet the privy council, on the twenty-second of Oc tomary oaths of fidelity to their new sovereign, he B people could not but be delighted to see the throne at length filled by a prince who was born and bred among them;-who was acquainted with their language and manners, with their laws and constitution;-whose prejudices, if he had any, must be in favour of his native land, and must of course exclude all idea of that fatal predilection for Germany, which, in the two preceding reigns, had proved so injurious to the peace and prosperity of Britain. HIS MAJESTY'S FIRST SPEECH TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT. On the day, to which the meeting of parliament had been prorogued, the king went to the house of peers and opened the sessions with a speech, in which, besides the obvious and usual topics, his majesty thus expressed his personal sentiments at his accession, and announced the principles of his future government. more explicit on the subject of effectual support. "We assure your majesty," said they, "that your faithful commons, thoroughly sensible of this important crisis, and desirous, with the divine assistance, to render your majesty's reign successful and glorious in war, happy and honourable in peace (the natural return of a grateful people to a gra cious and affectionate sovereign) will concur in such measures as shall be requisite for the vigorous and effectual prosecution of the war; and that we will cheerfully and speedily grant such supplies as shall be found necessary for that purpose, and for the support of the king of Prussia, and the rest of your majesty's allies; and that we will make such an adequate provision for your majesty's civil government, as may be sufficient to maintain the honour and dignity of your crown with all proper and becoming lustre." SUPPLY VOTED. SUCH manifestations of love and attachment were answered by the king in terms of the liveliest sensibility; and his reply to the commons in particular made such an impression on them, that, suspending the usual orders and regulations at the beginning of every session, they agreed to a second address of thanks for the gracious manner in which the first had been received. The best proofs of their sincerity were the liberality and despatch with which they provided for all the possible exigencies of the state. The commons, in a committee of supply, voted for the services of the ensuing year, nineteen millions, six hundred and sixteen thousand one hundred and nineteen pounds, nineteen shil "Born and educated in this country, I glory in the name of Briton; and the peculiar happiness of my life will ever consist in promoting the welfare of a people, whose loyalty and warm affection to me, I consider as the greatest and most permanent security of my throne; and I doubt not, but their steadiness in those principles will equal the firmness of my invariable resolution to adhere to, and strengthen this excellent constitution in church and state; and to maintain the toleration inviolable. The civil and religious rights of my loving subjects are equally dear to me with the most valuable prerogatives of my crown; and, as the surest foundation of the whole, and the best means to draw down the divine favour on my reign, it is my fixed pur-lings and nine-pence three farthings. A detail of pose to countenance and encourage the practice of true religion and virtue. "Happier still should I have been, had I found my kingdoms, whose true interest I have entirely at heart, in full peace: but since the ambition, injurious encroachments, and dangerous designs of my enemies, rendered the war both just and necessary, and the generous overture, made last winter, towards a congress for a pacification has not yet produced any suitable return, I am determined, with your cheerful and powerful assistance, to prosecute this war with vigour, in order to that desirable object, a safe and honourable peace. For this purpose, it is absolutely incumbent upon us to be early prepared; and I rely upon your zeal and hearty concurrence to support the king of Prussia, and the rest of my allies, and to make ample provision for carrying on the war, as the only means to bring our enemies to equitable terms of accommodation." This speech, which his majesty delivered with energy, grace and dignity, could not fail of confirm ing all the former prepossessions of the people in his favour. Every noble, patriotic, and endearing sentiment, that it contained, produced a correspond ing emotion in the breasts of his hearers; and the moment it was published, the whole nation read it with eagerness and rapture. The addresses of the lords and commons were dictated by the same spirit, and were most heartily concurred in by every true lover of his country, by every man of sense and virtue in the kingdom. ADDRESS OF THE LORDS AND COMMONS. As soon as the king retired, after the delivery of a speech so well calculated to give general satisfaction, the members of both houses proceeded to take the oaths and to comply with the forms prescribed by law at the first session of a new reign. The speech being then reported to the lords by the keeper of the great seal, and to the commons by their speaker, addresses were drawn up and unanimously agreed to, breathing as before intimated, the warmest spirit of duty and affection; and replete with unequivocal testimonies of the most hearty concurrence in all his majesty's sentiments and wishes. "Animated by that duty," said the lords, "which we owe to your majesty, and by our zeal for the honour and interest of these kingdoms, we give your majesty the strongest assurances, that we will cheerfully support you in prosecuting the war; assist the king of Prussia, and the rest of your al-, lies; and heartily concur in all such measures as shall be necessary for the defence of your majesty and your dominions, and for the other national and important ends which you have so fully laid before us." The members of the lower house, were still all the different purposes, for which the several sums were specifically granted, would be tedious. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CIVIL LIST. ON the twenty-fifth of November, the chancellor of the exchequer, by his majesty's command, ac. quainted the house, "that his majesty ever desirous of giving the most substantial proofs of his tender regard to the welfare of his people, was pleased to signify his consent, that whenever the house should enter upon the consideration of making provision for the support of his household, and the honour and dignity of his crown, such disposition might be made of his majesty's interest in the hereditary revenues of the crown, as might best conduce to the utility and satisfaction of the public." In consequence of this message the house came to a resolution on the next day, that the said hereditary revenues be carried to, and made part of the aggregate fund; and that, in lieu thereof, there should be granted to his majesty such a revenne as should amount to the clear yearly sum of eight hundred thousand pounds to commence from the demise of his late majesty, and to be charged upon, and made payable out of the said aggregate fund. This resolution, or bar. gain, was equally beneficial to the crown and satis. factory to the public; for though the funds appro. priated to the payment of the civil list revenue, which had been settled on the two preceding sove. reigns, ought to have produced a great deal more than eight hundred thousand pounds a year, yet it appeared by the accounts laid before the house, thirty three years of his reign, had constantly fallen that the receipts of his late majesty, during the short of that sum (1). The burthen, therefore, lay heavy on the subject, while the proposed supplies were in reality withheld, or diminished by the frauds of the collectors. But by the above plan the income of the crown became certain; and the former revenues being all carried to the aggregate fund, the people were relieved from the most grievous of all taxes, that of embezzlement. SUPPLIES GRANTED FOR THE GERMAN CONFEDERACY., AFTER providing by various grants for the main tenance of the British forces and seamen employed at home and abroad, the commons proceeded, ac. cording to their promise, to enable his majesty to give the most effectual support to his German allies, by voting various sums for defraying the charges of the troops of Hanover, Wolfenbuttle, Saxe-Gotha, and count of Buckeburgh, actually employed against the common enemy, in concert with the king of Prussia, for one year, to be issued in advance every two months; the troops to be mustered by an Eng |