Mr W. Smith fully participated in what fell from the Hon. Member; if his sister had been treated as the Princess had been, he should feel extremely sore.

Mr Ponsonby could neither agree to the motion or amendment. The Report ought not to be laid before the House, which could neither condemn nor acquit. This was truly an attack on Government, and he would never make the Royal quartels a steppingstone to office.

Sir S. Romilly defended the appointment of the Commission.

The Attorney-General, (Sir T. Plomer,) said that he gave his professional advice to the Princess in 1806. He would not disclose its purport; but he would say that he never discovered any just foundation for the charges against her.

Mr Whitbread said that the Noble Lord and his Colleagues had not dared to answer the defiance of the Princess. They could inquire into her conduct--nay, search her very heart, and they had declared her guiltless. So completely did she now appear acquitted of all possible imputation of blame, even by the persons from whom the asper

sions were, by the world, supposed, in the last Report, to have been thrown upon her, that it was in his mind unnecessary to press the matter to a division. Her innocence was acknowledged entire-complete.-To such restrictions as the Prince Regent, in his capacity of father to the Princess Charlotte, or by the advice of his Ministers, might think proper to impose upon her intercourse with her daughter, she must subIt was her lot. But she had the satisfaction of knowing that her reputation henceforward was, by the confession of all, without imputation or reproach.

mit.

Mr Canning complimented the last Mem. ber on his candour. The innocence of the Princess had been established by repeated acquittals, and the declaration of Lord Castlereagh. There was no necessity for any further proceedings. As a father, his Royal Highness had a right to control his own family, and as a Sovereign, to educate the heir to the throne.

Mr Cochrane Johnstone having declined withdrawing his motion, that and the amendment were negatived without a division.

THE NORTHERN WAR.

RUSSIA

A Voluminous mass of Russian official ac

counts has been received since our last, which represents the progress of their arms as invariably prosperous. They have successively taken possession of the towns of Konigsberg, Elbing, Marienwerder, Marienberg, Thorn, Liebau, Posen, and Pillau; and it is also stated in letters from Gottenburgh, that they entered Berlin on the 24th of last month, after a smart action at Posen, tho' this last intelligence has not been confirmed. General Platow has surrounded Dantzic with a strong cordon of troops, and has commenced a vigorous siege of the place, with a prospect, it is stated, of a speedy and successful result. It is said, however, in the French papers, that the town is garrisoned by 40,000 troops, and provisioned for a number of months. The country round Warsaw is also in possession of the Russians; tho', by the last accounts, it appears that the town was still occupied

March 1813.

by the French National guards, and that the civil magistrates continued in the exercise of their functions.

In the mean time, every exertion is making throughout Russia in raising and disciplining new levies; and it is stated from Riga, that reinforcements had joined the grand army to the number of 70,000, of whom 20,000 were Cossacks.

Letters of a recent date from Moscow state, that this once splendid city is again rebuilding with the greatest activity, and the progress already made is beyond calculation. Although it was almost drained of its inhabitants during the stay of the French, those who have returned are estimated at 90,000, and buildings sufficient for their accommodation have already been erected.

PRUSSIA.

It appears that the King of Prussia, apprehensive of his personal safety, has left his capital and put himself at the head of his armies in Silesia, where, it is confidently stated, that he only waits for a favourable

op

opportunity to take part with Russia, against the French. After the convention between General D'York and Wittgenstein, Bonaparte, it seems, suspecting the integrity of Frederick William, sent orders to the French governor at Berlin to have him arrested; but the King having notice of this intention, immediately assembled the members of his family, and, accompanied by 2000 of his body guards, set off to Breslaw; and it is asserted that a treaty is on foot between him and Alexander, to make common cause against France.

SWEDEN.

The continental papers recently received, contain some interesting official documents on the political relations between Sweden and France, since the election of Bernadotte as Crown Prince. They consist of a variety of letters from the French and Swedish Ministers and Ambassadors. The demands of Bonaparte, made through M. Alquier, were, that Sweden should declare war against England-enforce the Continental system, by excluding the English shipping from her ports, and firing upon her vessels. These were the principal stipulations-the minor ones were, that she was to pay a large sum of money to France, and place a certain number of troops at her disposal; in consequence of which Pamerania would be restored. These demands were refused; M. Alquier quitted Stockholm, as did the Charge d'Affaires, M. de Cabre, shortly after, by compulsion, he having declared that he did not dare to quit the post assigned him by Bonaparte, without his order, unless force was used.

There are also several letters from the Crown Prince, (Bernadotte) which shew in the strongest light, the ardent desire entertained by Sweden, of cultivating the relations of amity with France; but nothing short of absolute compliance with the Continental system in its utmost rigour would be admitted by Bonaparte; and in consequence of the limited authority of the Swedish Monarch, this was a condition with which he could not comply. The extended coast, and numerous creeks and islands of the Baltic, presented facilities for smuggling, of which Bonaparte complained, and which the King of Sweden had not means of preventing the result was the departure of the Swedish Ambassador from France, and the dismissal of the French Ambassador from Sweden.

Previous to the Swedish Ambassador, leaving Paris, he had a long interview with

Napoleon, which is also detailed. The Swede declares, that "the Emperor was in a state of anger that surpasses all imagination." He continued a vehement and impatient discourse for an hour and a quarter, not allowing the ambassador an opportunity for reply, but by short occasional interruptions. Bonaparte insisted with impetuosity that Sweden should either rigidly adhere to the continental system, or range herself with England, and encounter war with France and her allies.

General Hope, who left Britain some time since for Sweden, has returned, after effecting the object of his mission, having brought with him a treaty of concert with Sweden, in consequence of which, it is said, that Bernadotte will immediately put himself at the head of an army, to act against the French in the north of Germany.

The elevation of Bernadotte to his present dignity, was supposed to be a necessary prelude to the complete ascendancy of France in the councils of Sweden, all whose resources, it was naturally imagined, would afterwards be turned against this country. The event has belied this expectation, and it now appears certain, that Bernadotte is under no controul from his ancient connec tions, but pursues the policy best suited, in his estimation, to the country which has chosen him for its ruler. This accounts quite satisfactorily for the misunderstanding of Sweden and France, and there is now no doubt entertained of Bernadotte's sincerity in resisting all foreign controul.

DENMARK.

It is also expected that Denmark will soon join the enemies of France. It is a fact, that a flag of truce, bringing a messenger from that Court, has arrived in this country; and something like a convention has, it is asserted, already been concluded with Denmark, which at all events will secure her neutrality. She has agreed to call in all her privateers against Great Britain and her allies; and not suffer a French privateer to enter a Danish port with a prize. The Danes on the other hand are to be allowed an uninterrupted intercourse with Norway, and to trade as a reutral. All ships, we understand, paying the Sound dues, will be suffered to pass without molestation or investigation of cargoes.

authority, has been of late manifested throughout all the north of Germany. On the 24th February, an attempt having been made by the French to possess themselves of the bank of Hamburgh, the populace rose, and a severe skirmish took place, in which many were killed on both sides; and notwithstanding some dreadful proclamations, and still more horrible executions, ordered by General Lauriston, the insurrection at length obliged the French to evacuate the place. Accounts from Altona mention, that all the bureaux of the douaniers have been pulled down and ransacked by the populace; some of the commissaries of police shockingly maltreated, and their houses pillaged; the Mayor insulted in the streets; the cockades torn from the national guards, the eagles thrown down and trampled on, with many other excesses. On the 25th, at Lubeck, the same scene was acted there as at Hamburgh and Altona. The houses of all, the douaniers were demolished. Several lives were lost on the occasion.

With respect to Austria, it appears that that Court intends to make an effort to bring about a general peace; and in the failure thereof, to augment her forces for the maintenance of her neutrality. The following official document has been published, illustrative of the views of Austria.

From the Court Gazette,
Vienna, Feb. 16.

'On the part of the Imperial First Chancellor, Count Ugarte, the following Declaration was addressed to the Chiefs of the German Provinces:

'His Majesty communicated to me, on the 8th instant, his intents to the following purport:

After the exertions of Austria, to prevent a new Continental war, in the year 1812, proved fruitless, his Imperial and Royal Majesty, on account of the political relations, was obliged to look towards the security of his frontiers. His Majesty endeavoured to attain this end with the least possible expences, and, of course, without burthening his subjects. Events have shewn how much the views of his Royal and Imperial Majesty were accomplished. Whilst the war, with all its consequences, was raging in our neighbouring states, whilst a part of the army, with true attachment to their Emperor and their country, maintained the known renown of the Austrian arms, the most perfect tranquillity reigned in the whole of the empire. The events which occurred in the last month brought the theatre of war nearer to the frontiers of the empire. With our first but small active force, no proper security can be given, on a renewal of the campaign, the boundaries of

the frontiers being so much extended. This observation, arising out of the actual state of things, would be sufficient to shew the necessity of increasing the corps of observation. However, a new object, much more accordant with the views of the Emperor, and with the wishes of the nation, strengthens, in this present moment, the duty of increased exertions. The first requisite of all European powers is repose-a peace founded on mutual interest; a peace, the basis of which is a guarantee of its duration, is the end of the active exertions of his Royal and Imperial Majesty; but it is also to attain this wholesome end, that Austria must appear with a military force proportionate to circumstances. If, contrary to expectation, the exertions should not be crowned with success, this force will also hereafter keep the theatre of war, by the most effectual means, at a distance from the frontiers of the empire.

In importing to Mr the intentions of his Majesty, I request that all the orders which I shall have to give on this subject may be executed with all possible vigour and dispatch.'

An Austrian messenger has arrived in Britain, stated to be the precursor of an ambassador, who is on his way from Vienna, commissioned to treat on the subject of peace.

FRANCE.

On the 14th of February, Bonaparte delivered an address to the Legislative Body, in which, after slightly touching on the affairs of Spain, he turns his attention to Russia, and imputes the disasters of his arms in that war, not to the burning of Moscow, but ta the premature rigours of the season. The speech does not disclose the views of Bonaparte in the approaching campaign, ́as hé merely states the Russians shall "return into their frightful climate." The address, after expressing a desire for a general peace, touches on the war between America and this country, and concludes with an assu rance that no fresh taxes will be imposed.

The annual expose of the French empire has been received in this country; and on a careful perusal of its contents, we do not find that it holds out either a single boast or threat; and if the language in which it is couched be sincere, it is more of a pacific tendency than otherwise.

We deem that part of its contents the most interesting which speaks of the French navy; its almost total destruction is admit ted, but the hope of its increase of strength is warmly encouraged. The Government promises not to forget or neglect this

important

important duty.

After adverting to its

gradual decay, the manner in which it is to be restored is stated. Heretofore ships of war had been built and laid up in ports to which a superior force of the British had access, and was enabled to destroy them in detail; but, in future, other ports are to be selected, which will afford French squadrons efficient protection. It is calculated, that of ships of the line, the French would be able to build from 15 to 20, with a great proportion of frigates and minor ships of war. This, it is stated, would soon enable them to raise a considerable navy.

If the

Peace is mentioned as being highly desirable to the French Government; and it is intimated, that its accomplishment depends principally upon the British nation. English continue determined to pursue the principle of dictating commercial treaties to France, contrary to her true interest; and if she is still resolved to prescribe to France the number of ships of war she might have, &c. why, then, says this State Paper of France, war must be continued.

It must be here observed, that England has never ured any such right, and the French Government having supposed it only means, in other words, to say, that they have changed their ground as to the terms upon which peace may be obtained.

The Expose is considered, in France, to be the precursor of a proposal for Peace, either direct from the French Government, or through the medium of Austria. This supposition may be erroneous; but this we are assured of, that many of the merchants on the other side are acting upon it to a great extent.

We are assured, that the disasters of the French campaign in Russia, have had the effect of producing in Paris a complete revolution in the sentiments of the people. They no longer hesitate to speak with freedom their opinions in the coffeehouses and other public places. Caricatures, placards, &c. still continue at Faris without intermission; one of the caricatures said to be the most poignant one of all, is that which represents the emperor in a paroxysm of rage, kicking his gardener for exposing to the cold his laurels, in consequence of which they were all killed by the frost. vain the gardener cries peccavi, and pleads thut his Sire knows there is no guarding against the insidious FROST.

In

Paris papers of the 9th instant, after boasting of the great preparations which have been made for the ensuing campaign, state that Bonaparte is expected to set off to inspect the raval preparations at the Helder, and to proceed from thence to

Magdeburgh, where his head-quarters will be established.

SPAIN AND PORTUGAL.

By the last dispatch from Marquis Wellington, dated the 24th ult. it appears that his head-quarters were still at Freynada; and that active operations had not then commenced. On the 20th a corps of the enemy, amounting to about 1500 men, and commanded by General Foy, had attempted to surprise a post occupied by General Hill; from which, however, they were repulsed, and pursued to some distance. The dispatches contain no other intelligence of any

consequence.

The French have still three armies in Spain that of Portugal, under General Reille, has his head-quarters at Valladolid -the army of the centre, under Conde d'Erlon, whose head-quarters are in the vicinity of Madrid-and the army of the south, under Soult, who has his head-quarters at Toledo.-It is stated, however, from Corunna, and several other quarters, that a considerable number of French troops have left the Peninsula for France

THE AMERICAN WAR.

The re-election of Mr Madison to the situation of President of the United States, which is now ascertained places, at still greater distance any hopes that might have been entertained of the speedy re-establish ment of peace; and indeed it appears that, notwithstanding the disasters which have befallen their armies in Canada, the great body of the people of America are decidedly in favour of a vigorous presecution of the war with Britain.

By a late act of Congress, sixteen 71 gun ships were ordered to be built, one in each State; and it is said the legislature of Massachussets have voted a sum for building one in addition, at their own expence.

An act has also lately passed Congress for raising a large body of land forces.

AMERICAN DISASTERS IN CANADA. The Quebec Gazette contains the official account of an action which took place on the 28th of November, between Chippewa and Fort Erie. The first division of the Americans, under Brigadier A. Smith, landing at two o'clock in the morning, were most spiritedly resisted by Lieutenants King, Lamont, and Bartley; but owing to the great superiority of numbers, the two former

former of those officers were wounded and nade prisoners. The fate of the day, however, soon changed, when Lieutenant Col. Bishopp advanced from Chippewa, and Major Ormsby from Fort Eric. The British force was concentrated, and by the superiority of its discipline and tactics, suceeeded in compelling the invaders to a hasty retreat with great loss.

Halifax papers of the 28th February, state that another of the American armies, under General Winchester, has been completely defeated near the Miami Rapids, on the borders of Lower Canada on the 22d January, 600 were killed and 400 taken prisoners; General Winchester is said to be among the slain. The loss on the part of the British was only 60 killed and wounded, Colonel Proctor and Lieutenant-Colonel St George, of the British Army, are wounded, the latter mortally. The Americans estimate their own loss in killed and wounded at 250. The British force amounted to 3 or 400 regalars, and 8 or 900 Indians.

CAPTURE OF THE JAVA FRIGATE BY THE AMERICAN FRIGATE CONSTITUTION. It is with great concern we have to state the capture of another British frigate the Java, off the coast of Brazil on the 29th December last, by the American frigate Constitution, after a most severe action, in which the British Commander, Capt. Lambert, was mortally wounded, 60 men killed, and 101, or, according to other accounts, 170, wounded. The British flag was not struck until the Java was made a complete wreck, having her bowsprit and every mast and spar carried away, and being otherwise so much damaged, that it was found necessary two days afterwards to destroy her at sea. The Java mounted 28 18-pounders, 16 32-pound carronades, and 2 long nine pounders, in all 46 guns, The Constitution carries 56 guns, and the difference of the weight of metal in favour of the latter is still more considerable, being as 1520 to 1034.

DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE.

PRINCESS OF WALES.

The following account has been published n the London newspapers, of the circumstances which occasioned the writing of the letter from the Princess of Wales to the Prince Regent, which we inserted at page 148 in our last Number.

The indisposition of the Princess Charlotte commenced previous to the Fete at Carltonhouse, and afterwards increasing, her Royal

Highness was necessarily obliged to defer. her return to Windsor. In consequence of this, the Princess of Wales, on the 8th of February, addressed herself to Lord Liverpool, desiring that be would communicate to the Prince Regent her Royal Highness's intention to visit the Princess Charlotte at Warwick-house. Lord Liverpool replied, that he was happy to announce the Princess Charlotte so much better, that she will be able to visit the Princess of Wales at Kensington Palace on the following Thursday, 11th of February. On that morning, however, at the moment (and not before) of the Princess of Wales stepping into her carriage, she received information that the Princess Charlotte was refused coming.

Upon this the Princess of Wales addressed Lord Liverpool to know the reason, and when and how soon her Royal Highness might expect to see the Princess Charlotte. To this inquiry the Princess of Wales received the following reply from Lord Liverpool

"Fife House, Feb. 14, 1813.

"Lord Liverpool has the honour to inform your Royal Highness, that, in conse quence of the publication, in the Morning Chronicle of the 10th instant, of a letter addressed by your Royal Highness to the Prince Regcat, his Royal Highness thought fit, by the advice of his confidential Servants, to signify his commands, that the intended visit of the Princess Charlotte to your Royal Highness on the following day should not take place.

"Lord Liverpool is not enabled to make any further communication to your Royal Highness, on the subject of your Royal Highness's rote."

To this letter the Princess of Wales commanded Lady Anne Hamilton, her Lady in Waiting, to reply as follows to Lord Liverpool:

Montague House, Blackheath,
Feb. 15, 1813.

"Lady Anne Hamilton is commanded by her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, to represent to Lord Liverpool, that the insiduous insinuation, respecting the publication of the letter addressed by the Princess of Wales, on the 14th of January, to the Prince Regent, conveyed in his Lordship's reply to her Royal Highness, is as void of foundation, and as false as all the former accusations of the traducers of her Royal Highness's honour in the year 1806.

"Lady A. Hamilton is further commanded to say, that dignified silence would have been the line of conduct the Princess would have preserved upon such insinuation (more than unbecoming Lord Liverpool,) did not

the