which she proposed to mediate had proved acceptable to neither party.

Little dependance can be placed on the various reports in circulation, respecting the conduct and intentions of the powers of Germany and the north. It cannot be doubted, that the vigorous measures adopted, by our government, with regard to the blockade of the neutral ports which have been shut against us by the French, will, in no long time, lead to some important interference on the part of those powers. The additions which they are making to their filcets and arnies, cannot be regarded as very compatible with a permanent neutrality.

GREAT BRITAIN.

are making by individuals, of all ranks and degrees, with a spirit which animates even those who, from sex or age, are precluded from active exertion. At such a moment, it cannot be unseasonable to press again and again upon the feelings and recollection of our countrymen, that it is the Almighty alone who gives victory and success; and that to justify a con

fidence in his protection, we must seriously endeavour to obtain his fa

vour.

The history of the Jews affords many instances of the afflicting judgments of the Almighty, upon that perverse and rebellious nation. "Be cause they rebelled against the words of the Lord, and contemned the counsels of the most high, therefore he brought down their heart with labour, they fell down, and there was none to help." It holds forth, at the same time, the strongest encouragement to a people when they return to the path of duty. "Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses." Let these examples prove a salutary warning to us; and under a deep sense and sincere acknowledgment of our sins, let us implore the pardoning mercy of Almighty God through Jesus Christ, and his blessing upon our arms, our counsels, and efforts. If the Lord be on our side, we need not fear the fury of the oppressor.

We wish also to direct the attention of our readers to the peculiar grounds which exist at the present moment, for thankfulness to the great Lord of all things. We particularly allude to that spirit of unanimity which seems so happily to pervade the nation, and which should especially excite our gratitude to God who has inspired it. Animated with this spirit, and trusting in the Almighty, the people of this land can have nothing to fear from the armies of France: but confidence and piety, exertion and dependance must form an indissoluble union, and whilst our hands are armed in our defence, our hearts must be lifted up to the God of battles.

But we are called upon to discharge the duty of thanksgiving for another blessing of providence, that of an abundant harvest. Never was there a season more favourable for gather ing in the fruits of the earth, or in which they were produced in greater abundance. In the enjoyment of these 'blessings, let us not forget the donor, "who hath given us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." If we wish duly to estimate their value, let us look back to the distress which prevailed throughout the country, three years ago; let us reflect also upon the mercy of God in holding back the foe, whilst the harvest was yet un

reaped; and upon what the state of the country would have been, if the miseries of famine had been superadded to the dangers and difficulties of war, Impressed with a deep sense of the greatness of the blessing which in this respect has been conferred upon us, we shall be better prepared to offer up the tribute of praise and thanksgiving, which we owe to the giver of all good: May it be sincerely, ardently, and joyfully rendered by all who have shared his bounty!

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS. On the third reading of the bill for the Levy en Masse, a long discussion took place on the subject of the national defence. It seems unnecessary to give in detail the reasoning employed on this occasion. We cannot however deny our readers the gra

tification of inserting the concluding part of a speech made by Mr. Pitt in the course of the debate.

"Englishmen must look to this as a species of contest from which, by the ex

traordinary favour of Divine Providence,

we have been for a long series of years exempted. If we are now at length called upon to take our share in it, we must meet it with just gratitude for the exemptions we have hitherto enjoyed, and with a firm determination to support it with courage and resolution; we must shew ourselves worthy, by our conduct on this occasion, of the happiness which we have hitherto enjoyed, and which, by the blessing of God, I hope we shall continue to enjoy. We ought to have a due sense of the magnitude of the danger with which we are threatened, we ought to meet it in that temper of mind which produces just confidence, which neither despises nor dreads the enemy; and while on the one hand we accurately estimate the danger with which we are threatened at this awful crisis, we must recollect on the other hand what it is we have at stake, what it is we it is for our liberty, it is for our independ

have to contend for. It is for our property,

ence, nay, for our existence as a nation; it is for our character, it is for our very name as Englishmen, it is for every thing dear and valuable to man on this side of the grave.

Parliament has now provided ample means for our defence; it remains for the executive government to employ them to the best advantage. The regular army must be augmented to that point to which the means are now given to raise it; the militia must be kept high in numbers, and unbroken in spirit; the auxiliary force must be as promptly raised and disciplined as the nature of things will adinit; pothing must be omitted that military skill can suggest to render the contest certain as to its success, and short in its duration,

If government shew the same determination to apply all those means that parliament has shown in providing them; if the people follow up the example, which the legislature has set them; we are safe. Then I may say, without being too sauguine, that the result of this great contest will ensure the permanent security, the eternal glory of this country; that it will terminate in the confusion, the dismay, and the shame, of our vaunting enemy; that it will afford the means of animating the spirits, of rousing the courage, of breaking the lethargy, of the surrounding nations of Europe; and I trust, that if a fugitive French army should reach its own shores after being driven from our coasts, that it will find the people of Europe reviving in spirits, and anxious to retaliate upon France all the wrongs, all the oppressions, they have suffered from her; and that we shall at length see that wicked fabric destroyed which was raised upon the prostitution of liberty, and which has caused more miseries, more horrors to France and to the surrounding nations, than are to be paralleled in any part of the annals of mankind."

On the motion of Lord Hawkesbury, a sum of £.60,000, and an annuity of £.16,000. a year were voted to the house of Orange, for its attachment and emipent services to this country.

In the committee of supply, £.8000 was granted for the purpose of affording compensation to curates who may be displaced by the clergy residence bill; the same to be appropriated by the commissioners of Queen Anne's bounty.

On the 28th of July, a message from his Majesty communicated to both houses of parliament the intelligence, that a treasonable and rebellious spirit had broken out in Ireland, and recommended the adoption of such measures as should be best calculated to protect the loyal in that country, and to restore tranquillity. The particulars of the insurrection here alluded to, will be found in a succeeding page. Two bills were immediately brought in, one for trying rebels by martial law, and another for suspending the Habeas Corpus act in Ireland, which went through all their stages on the same day, and on the following received his Majesty's assent.

His Majesty has been empowered to suspend the compulsory execution of the Levy en Masse bilt whenever he may think proper to do so. In the discussion to which this measure on being proposed gave birth, it appeared that government did not mean to extend the number of volunteers beyond six times the old militia, or about 280,000 men.

The stipendiary curates bill was lost in the house of Lords.

On the 10th instant, Mr. Sheridan moved a vote of thanks to the Volunteers and Yeomanry who had come forward at

the present moment in its defence, which was agreed to nem. con. It was ordered at the same time, "that a return be made out of the numbers and names of all the Volunteer Corps who should enter, and be approved of by his Majesty, between this and the next session of parliament, to be inscribed on the Journals, and transmitted as a patriotic example to posterity."

On the 12th instant, his Majesty closed the sessions with a speech from the throne, thanking parliament for their conduct, and requesting that all the members in their respective counties would give the most beneficial direction to that ardour and enthusiasm, in the cause of their country, which animate all classes of people.

Justly sensible of the state of preeminence in which it has pleased the Almighty to support us for so many ages, amongst the nations of Europe, I rely with confidence that, under the continuance of his divine protection, the exertions of my brave and loyal subjects will prove to the enemy and to the world, that an attempt to subvert the independence, or impair the power of this United Kingdom, will terminate in the disgrace and ruin of those by whom it may be made; and that my people will find an ample reward for all their sacrifices, in an undisturbed enjoyment of that freedom and security, which, by their patriotism and valour, they will have preserved and ensured to themselves and their posterity."

This spirit however

The act passed in parliament for the Levy en Mass produced a very considerable effect in rousing the exertions of the country. An activity exceeding all previous expectation was almost instantaneously given to the formation of Volunteer Associations in all parts of the kingdom, a measure in every point of view to be preferred to the execution of the compulsory clauses of the act. has, within these few days, been greatly damped by a letter of Lord Hobart to the different lord lieutenants, requiring them, in their several counties, not to receive offers of voluntary service exceeding the number of six times the old militia. In whatever cause this injunction may have originated, its consequence in relaxing exertion are too obvious to be denied. It has relieved the minds of many from that sense of immediate danger which was the great, and indeed the only effectual stimulus to exertion. Such an effect could not possibly have been in the contemplation of his Majesty's ministers, in issuing the circular letter alluded to; and we trust, that as soon as they are apprized of it, they will take measures to counteract its influence. We are deeply persuaded, that at the present moment, nothing could operate so fatally for the interests of this country, as the prevalence of an idea of our security from invasion.

We have already marked with the greatest concern, although the letter in question has only been published a few days, its effect in diminishing the numbers who at tend drill, and in producing a general lukewarmness with respect to military engagements. It is very natural, that if only a small proportion of the community is wanted for service, each individual should see in a strong light the importance of his own private business, and feel an unwillingness to make that sacrifice of his time which is requisite, in order to become a soldier; although while the arming is general, as it was supposed a few days since that it would be, he will cheerfully incur the same sacrifice, from an impression of its necessity. Some dissatisfaction has also been caused by Lord Hobart's letter, on other grounds; but we shall not enter into them at present.

We understand that considerable progress is making in fortifying the vulnerable points of our coasts, and that large additions have been made to that invaluable body of men, our sea fencibles. A great many ships have also been taken up to act as gun boats and as armed vessels in the defence of the coast, and government has recommended it to the owners of all coasting vessels to prepare them for receiving guns on board, in case their services should be wanted. Lines of defence are also forming between London and the sea coast.

Under the head of France and the West Indies, we have already aluded to some of our naval and military proceedings. A good many captures continue to ie made from the enemy. In the West Indies, a 48 gun frigate and 2 corvettes have fallen into our hands, and several national vessels also have been captured in the Channel.

Very large fleets have arrived in our ports, both from the Baltic and Jamaica during the month, by which the mercantile world has been relieved from much anxiety and apprehension.

We

ing and training Volunteer Corps earnestly hope that government will endeavour to prevent the revulse which is to be apprehended from the letter of Lord Hobart, to which we have already adverted.

A letter from Lord Hobart to the different Lords Lieutenant, has also been published, entitling Volunteers to one shiling a day for twenty days drill, provided they have been drilled on the Sunday preceding the days for which they claim pay. After what we have already said on the subject of Sunday drills, it is unnecessary to comment on this measure, the object of which is to hold out a strong temptation to exercising on Sundays. We are happy however to be able to stale from authority, that corps drilling on two days in the week, but claiming pay only for one, will be exempted from the obligation of drilling on Sundays.

The patriotic subscription at Lloyd's, of which we gave an account in our last number, has increased to about £.160,000. A female subscription has also been begun at Lloyd's.

Mr. Yorke has succeeded Lord Pelham as Secretary of State for the Home Department, and his office of Secretary at War, is filled by Mr. Bragge.

IRELAND.

In our last we mentioned the insurrection which had unhappily and unexpectedly broken out in Dublin, on the 23d ult. and the atrocious murder committed by the insurgents on Lord Kilwarden, chief justice of the King's Bench. Little was then known in this country of the real complexion of the tumult which had taken place. Its nature and objects have been since more distinctly developed. An extract from a proclamation issued on the night of the insurrection by the (soi disant) provisional government of Ireland, will serve fairly to exhibit them.

"You are now," say they to the people of Ireland, "called on to shew to the world that you are competent to take your place among nations, that you have a right to claim their recognizance of you, as an independent country, by the only satisfactory proof you can furnish of your capability of maintaining your independence, your wresting it from England with your own hands.

The last month has furnished a multiplicity of fresh poofs of the spirit of genuine patriotism and loyalty which pervades the nation. It would be endless to recount the variety of offers of voluntary assistance which have been made to government, both by public bodies and "In the developement of this system, by individuals. Horses and waggons have which has been organised within the last been volunteered in great numbers. The eight months, at the close of internal deEast India Company have taken up a feat, and without the hope of foreign asquantity of shipping to be fitted for na- sistance; which has been conducted with tional defence. And noblemen and gen- a tranquillity, mistaken for obedience; tlemen of property and induence have which neither the failure of a similar atvied with each other in their unwearied tempt in England has retarded, nor the reexertions and liberal sacrifices for the pub- newal of hostilities has accelerated; in the lic service. The circumstance however, developement of this system you will shew which most unequivocally evinces the to the people of England, that there is a spirit of the nation, is the large extent of spirit of perseverance in this country belocal subscriptions, for the purpose of cloth-yond their power to calculate or to repress;

you will shew to them, that as long as they think to hold unjust dominion over Ireland, under no change of circumstances can they count on its obedience; under no aspect of affairs can they judge of its intentions: you will shew to them, that the question which it now behoves them to take into serious and instant consideration, is not whether they will resist a separation, which it is our fixed determination to effect, but whether or not they will drive us beyond separation; whether they will by a sanguinary resistance create a deadly national antipathy between the two countries, or whether they will take the only means still left of driving such a sentiment from our minds, a prompt, manly, and sagacious acquiescence in our just and unalterable determination.

"If the secrecy with which the present effort has been conducted, shall have led our enemies to suppose that its extent must have been partial, a few days will undeceive them. That confidence which was once lost, by trusting to external support, and suffering our own means to be gradually undermined, has been again restored. We have been mutually pledged to each other to look only to our own strength, and that the first introduction of a system of terror, the first attempt to execute an individual in one county, should be the signal of insurrection in all. We have now, without the loss of a man, with our means of communication untouched, brought our plans to the moment when they are ripe for execution, and in the promptitude with which nineteen counties will come forward at once to execute them, it will be found that neither confidence nor communication are wanting to the people of Ireland.

"In calling on our countrymen to come forward, we feel ourselves bound, at the same time, to justify our claim to their confidence by a precise declaration of our own views. We therefore solemnly declare, that our object is to establish a free and independent Republic in Ireland: that the pursuit of this object we will relinquish only with our lives; that we will never, unless at the express call of our country, abandon our post, until the acknowledgement of its independence is obtained from England; and that we will enter into no negociation (but for exchange of prisoners) with the government of that country while a British army remains in Ireland. Such is the declaration which we call on the people of Ireland to support."

cres, their tortures, remember your murdered friends, your burned houses, your violated females; keep in mind your country, to whom we are now giving her high rank among nations, and in the honest terror of feeling, let us all exclaim, That as in the hour of her trial we may serve this country, so may God serve us in that which will be last of all!"

torily what were the views of the conspiThis proclamation shews very satisfacrators, and furnishes a presumption that their number is greater than has been generally supposed. The discovery of large depots of arms of various kinds, and of ammunitiou, proves that preparations had been making for many months by the rebels; and various circumstances seem to establish, beyond a doubt, the fact, that France was yielding them assistance and forwarding their designs, while she pretended to be at peace with this country.

For several days previous to the 23d July, great numbers of men were observed flocking to Dublin from all parts of the country, and the guards were doubled in

consequence.

it was intended to have made an attempt On that day at midnight, on the Castle, but some circumstances providentially occurred which discovered the design of the rebels four hours earlier than the time marked for its execution. About eight o'clock a large mob, said to amount to four thousand men, armed with pikes and fire-arms, assembled in Thomasstreet. They stopped Lord Kilwarden's carriage which was passing at the time, and barbarously murdered him and his nephew Mr. Wolfe. The drum immediately beat to arms, and an engagement, which lasted for some time, took place between the military and the insurgents, in which many of the latter are said to have been killed. Colonel Brown of the 21st, and several privates, were killed by the mob. The insurgents having been completely repulsed, tranquillity appeared on the morning of the 24th to be restored to the city, and no farther attempt has since been made by them. There are many indications, however, not only in Dublin, but throughout the whole of Ireland, that the rebellion, though smothered for the present, is by no means extinguished; and government seem to feel the necessity for the most vigorous measures of precaution. Martial law has been proclaimed, and the habeas corpus act has been suspended, and great numbers of the insurgents, not only in Dublin, but in other parts of the country, have been apprehended.

As a proof of the extent of the preparations made by the rebels, immediately after the breaking out of the insurrection 30,000 pikes, and uniforms for 100,000 men, were discovered and seized in Dublin.

The proclamation contains a long list of decrees of the provisional government, and it concludes with calling on every Irishman to repress, prevent, and discourage excesses, pillage, and intoxication; "let each man do his duty, and remember, that during public agitation, inaction becomes a crime; be no other competition The military force in Ireland we underknown than that of doing good; rememstand is considerable. The last return of ber against whom you fight, your oppres- yeomanry amounts to 62,000 effective sors for 600 years; remember their massa- men, of whom Dublin furnishes 9000.