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to make Watts a freeman upon the understood condition of the voting for Sir Christopher; that Sir Christopher's asking Goyen to be upon the jury, for the avowed purpose of bringing in such persons as should be pointed out to him; that all this was very mean and dishonourable, and not less unlawful, because, as each juryman was to be sworn, when he went into the jury, all these several endeavours were made for the evident purpose of causing men to act contrary to their oaths solemnly taken, endeavours upon which it was hardly possible to bestow reprobation sufficiently severe. "The point," concluded he, upon which

your verdict must turn is, however, this; "whether the court of the 19th was adjourned with good or an evil intention. "If you are of opinion, that the adjourn "ment was made from the persuasion that

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a fair and impartial jury could not be "formed at that time, and that, to secure "the laudable ends, for which the court

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was, or ought to have been holden, it was necessary to adjourn it, you will, of course acquit the defendants; but, if you are convinced, that the adjournment "was made for the purpose of obtaining "time to bring some of the freemen over "to make such a presentment as would answer the self-interested views of "Sir Christopher and the other defen

dants, then I am sure I med not observe "to you, that a verdict of guilty must be "the result of your deliberations."- -Ten minutes, or a quarter of an hour's whispering together, on the part of the jury, prepared the audience for what was to follow, it being quite impossible, that, as to opinion upon the matter, there should be the hesitation of a moment. They told the Judge, that they could not agree. He repeated: "If you are convinced, gentlemen, that "the adjournment of the 19th was made, "not for any laudable purpose, but for the "purpose of bringing over, by promises, " or otherwise, any number of free-men "to be put upon the jury, in order to make

such a presentment as would be likely to "add to the number of free-men in Sir "Christopher's interest, it appears quite "clear to me, that you ought to find the "defendants guilty." They turned round again, and, having literally laid their heads together for about five minutes, pronounced a verdict of NOT GUILTY; upon which, at eleven o'clock at night, a very numerous and respectable audience dispersed, leaving Sir Christopher Hawkins, who was, all the while, standing behind the people in the gallery, to an unenvied enjoy.

ment of the feelings naturally arising from an acquittal so pronounced.

To apply the knowledge derived from these details, to objects of a more general nature, shall be the task of some future day. For the present, Gentlemen, I shall content myself with having made a record of transac tions, so necessary to be well and universally known; and shall console myself with the hope, that the day is not very distant, when, adopting your principles and imitating your conduct, the whole of the people of England, may raise their voice for that Purity of Election, without which, as the Judge observed upon these trials, our boasted constitution is, if possible, something less than a shadow.

I remain, Gentlemen,

Your faithful, and most obedient Servant,
WM. COBBETT.
QUEUES.

DUKE OF YORK SIRI beg leave to recommend to your notice, the following Order issued lately by his royal highness the commander-in-chief, as I think it highly deserving of being transmitted to posterity, in your valuable record of official documents. I think it unnecessary to make any observations on this Order, as unqualified approbation, mingled with strong * feelings of admiration, is the only tentiment which can passibly be excited by it. It is truly pleasant to find men high in office, occupied with matters of real importance ! And it cannot fail to give satisfaction to every patriotic mind, to observe that the fire, kindled by the leaders of the Spanish revolution, has lighted up a correspondent flame in the sympathetic bosom, of at least, one of the great leaders of this generous nation; and that the impediments to cordial co-operation, on our part, are now about to be removed.-I am, Sir, yours, &c.

D. M. General Order, Horse-Guards, July 20, J808.

"The commander-in-chief directs it ta "be notified, that in consequence of the "state of preparation for immediate ser"vice in which the whole army is at this

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present moment held, his majesty has "been graciously pleased to dispense with "the use of queues, until further orders, "His royal highness desires the com

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manding officers of the regiments will "take care that the men's hair is cut close "to their necks, in the neatest and most "uniform mauner, and that their heads ic are kept perfectly clean, by combing, brushing, and frequently washing them ; "for the latter essential purpose, it is ins

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CORN AGAINST SUGAR.

SIR,-In taking up the gauntlet you have thrown I, perhaps, may only prove my own weakness, and then be classed in your nu merous list of vanquished knights of the quill. However, I will, withstanding all alarm poise my weak weapon, since the battle is not always to the strong. Your sentiments are clearly expressed; but, the assertions and arguments of some of your op. ponents coincide so ill with their proofs and conclusions, I confess, I am at a loss to discover whether they intended to advocate the cause of sugar, or of corn. At all events,

their contention against the prohibition of the use of grain in the distilleries, when they admitted the existence of a partial scarcity, was ridiculous enough; and betrayed more avarice than patriotism. I allude principally, to your cotemporary journalists and to the petitioners. I cannot, however, assent to the propriety of all your remarks on the question. In your last number, you exultingly ask what will the barley growers say Low? since the bill passed it has continued toadvance, whilst oats have risen one third." This, Sir, is owing to the demand for both these articles in the North, where the partial scarcity exists; to the short crop of last year and to the shutting of the Dutch ports. In your former numbers, you have argued in favour of the continuance of the bill, whatever may be the situation of the country; whether excluded from intercourse with the continent, or possessing the fruits of an abundant harvest; and on this point we differ. As a measure of general policy I deem it a bad one, since it destroys the magazine which the distilleries afford; thus rendering us more dependent on the seasons and on foreign supply; it is, assuredly, as important to become independent of both these as of commerce. That this country has produced corn enough for its own consumption, and had considerable quantities to spare, may be proved by many authorities. I will take one which will shew, that when the farmer receives encouragement he will provide for the wants of the nation. Anderson, in his Essays, states "the average quantity of all kinds of grain imported into Great Britain› between 1710 and 1750 mounted to 20,976 qrs. annually; the quan y exported to 665,425 qrs; so that the

balance in our favour amounted to 644,450 qrs. During this period, it will be observ ed, wheat could not be imported till the price amonted to 53s. 4d. and not even then under a duty of 16s. if above that price and not exceeding 80s, the duty 5s. But, mark the difference, in 1757 the corn laws were altered and 48s. was fixed as the import price, and the duty 6d. per qr.; immedi ately the exportation began to decrease and,' on the average of years, between 1773 and 1793, the importation exceeded the exportation by 430,157 qrs. In 1775 the imports. exceeded the exports by 972,400 qrs; making a difference in the quantity of corn produced in the years 1750 and 1775 of no less than 2,679,859 qrs. This deficiency, amounting to about one eight part of our consumption, cannot be attributed to any change of seasons; but to the aforementioned alterations in the corn laws. Precisely in the same manner will the interdiction of the use of grain in the distilleries. operate; by abstracting a portion of demand, equal to their consumption, and thus reduce the price and the quantities produced. This, however, would not be of such importance, were no other consideration involved; for, the supply would soon proportion itself to the demand, and the farmer would receive just the same profit. But, when we reflect on the misery of dependence it becomes a matter of serious concern; and I do contend that the distilleries, by consuming annually 470,000 qrs., may be considered as a provisional depôt, containing that quantity, and which may be served out when necessity requires. Yet, we are told by those who would have the measure adopted uniformly, that this is a trifling consideration compared with the distressed situation of the West India pianters: and you have recommended that each article should be brought to the still loaded with the same duties and run the race fairly. little consideration will shew the fallacy of such reasoning. Mr. Spence has clearly proved in his pamphlet, entitled, "the Radical Cause of the Distresses of the West India planters," that, by a combination of circumstances, there are 140,000 hogs. heads of sugar produced, annually, more, than there is a demand for, either at home or abroad-the committee estimate the consumption by the distilleries at 30,000 hogsheads and Mr. Bosanquet admits that this new demand would not raise the price sufficiently. This sort of relief, to be sure, would be more potent than the late order of the oughty Dunkirk hero respecting pig tails and the use of flour, in the event of famine,

A

3471

POLITICAL REGISTER.-Official Papers.

but its effects would be very insignificant. Why, Mr. Cobbett, should the West India planters be relieved at the expense of a much more valuable portion of the community? I can see no reason. You have repeatedly stated agriculture to be the only source of wealth; therefore, is it not manifestly undermining its basis to support the unwieldly fabric in the manner you have recommended? The question, Sir, appears to be this; shall we have dear corn and independence, or cheap corn and dependence? The former is the most desirable situation; and I would suggest means to obtain it but for the fear of their giving the land owner a pretext to advance his rents; which would soon reduce us to our present state. I would, therefore, urge the propriety of distilling from grain; and, if pos sible, increase the quantity so consumed by laying an additional duty on the importation of foreign spirits. Your correspondent, Mr. Young, has recommended a general encio sure; but this, I agree with you in thinking, would not remedy the evil of dependence. During the reign of George II. this country annually exported an immense quantity of grain; and since the accession of his present majesty, notwithstanding there have been upwards of 1500 acts of parliament by parliament by which more than 3,000,000 of acres are inclosed, we uniformly import immense quantities. This wonderful change can only be attributed to the increase of luxury and to the extended demand for the produce of pasture which have induced the farmer to transfer his capital to the more profitable employment. A general enclosure, I do not believe ever would take place unless the import price of wheat were considerably advanced. A deal of waste land will not at the present price pay for the labor and expense of cultivation. It is for those more deeply read in the science of political ecouomy to consider, whether such an interference of the legislature would prove most beneficial to the proprietor or to the public at large. I am,-Sir,-With great respect, Your's, X. Y. Derby, 4. Aug. 1808.

OFFICIAL PAPERS. SPANISH REVOLUTION. (continued from p. 315) ESCAPE OF THE SPANISH ARMY SERVING IN THE BALTIC.-From the London Gazette Extraordinary.

Admiralty Office, August 23, 1808.Dispatches, of which the following are copies, have been this day received at this office, from rear admiral Keats, addressed to the hon. Wm. Wellesley Pole:

Superb, off Sproe, in the Great Belt,

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August 13, 1808.-SIR-I have the honour herewith to transmit a copy of my letters to vice-admiral Sir James Saumarez, relative to the escape and embarkation of great part of the Spanish army serving in this part of Europe: an event produced as well by the honour, patriotism, and talents of its dis tinguished chief, as by the assistance and protection which I was directed by their lordships' orders to afford it. If the weather proves moderate I hope to disembark the greater part on the island of Langeland this day, where we have already a post of 2500 men. I have the honour to be, &c. (Signed) R. G. KEATS.

Superb, off Sproe, in the Great Belt, August 11, 1808.-SIR-I have the honour and satisfaction to inform you, that by an immediate and zealous pursuit of the measures recommended in the duplicate of instructions received by the Musquito on the 5th instant, his excellency the Marquis de la Romana, and nearly 6000 of the Spanish troops under his command, were embarked this morning at Nyborg, which place he took possession of on the 9th.-By a combination of the same plan, more than 1000 have joined us this morning, by sea, from Jutland, and another thousand are thrown into Langeland, to strengthen the post held by the Spanish forces in that island, where it is proposed to land the remainder the moment circumstances of weather will permit of our moving. The arrival of the Spanish officer in the Edgar, on the 5th, of whose spirited escape to the squadron you were informed by captain Graves, greatly facilitated our means of communication.-No doubt could be entertained of the honour and patriotism of soldiers, who, indignant at the proposal of deserting their allegiance, though surrounded by hostile battalions, planted their colours in the centre of a circle they formed, and swore on their knees to be faithful to their country. All were equally anxious of returning to it. But one regiment in Jutland was too distant, and too critically situated to effect its escape: and two in Zealand, after having fired on the French general Frision, who commanded them, and killed one of his aid-de-camps, have been disarmed. Some untoward circumstances having occasioned suspicion, and made a premature execution of the plan necessary, the wind and current being adverse," I left the Superb on the Sth, and went in my barge to the Brunswick, off Nyborg, and two hours after my flag was hoisted. On the 9th the general took possession of the town. -Although the Danish garrison yielded to circumstances, an armed brig of eighteen

guns, the Fama, and a cutter, the Salorman,
of twelve, moored across the harbour near
the town, rejected all remonstrance on the
part of the Danes, and every offer of secu-
rity made by the general and myself. The
reduction of these vessels being absolutely
necessary, and the Spanish general unwilling &
to act hostilely against Denmark, such smail,
vessels and boats as could be collected were
put under the command of capt. M`Namara,
of the Edgar, who attacked and took them.
On this occasion I have to lament the loss of
Heatenant Harvey, an officer of 'much
mait, of the Superb, and two seamen
wounded; the enemy had seven killed and
thirteen wounded.-I should have noticed
that the Spaniards, irritated at the opposi-
ion their friends who came to their support
net with, departed in some measure from
be general's intention, and fired some shot
it them before they struck.-Expedition
being deemed of the greatest importance, I
hifted my flag to the Hound in the harbour;
and as neither of the 3 ships of the line,
rom circumstances of the weather, could
e brought near in, 57 sloops or doggers,
ound in the port, were fitted by the sea-
nen, into which great part of the artillery,
aggage, and stores, were embarked that
ight and the following day, and removed
o the point of Slypsbarn, four miles from
Nyborg, where the army was embarked
tely, and without opposition, this morn-
ing, notwithstanding the very unfavourable
State of the weather, and they are now
nder the protection of his majesty's ships
it the anchorage off the Island of Sproe.--
Some sacrifices of horses and stores were
conceived necessary by the general; and as
I considered it right, under the peculiar
circumstances, to enter into the views and
wishes of the marquis de la Romuana, every
anavoidable act of hostility, was rigidly
abstained from, for I did not consider it any
to bring away the brig and cutter that re-
jected our offer of security, and I forcibly
opposed our entrance into the port; and I
even undertook to liberate the vessels em-
ployed as transports, provided no interruption
was made by any to the peaceable embaik-
ation of our friends, I should be unjust
to the meritorious exertions of the officers
and seamen employed on this short, but
fatiguing service, if I neglected to represent
their merits on this occasion to you; capt.
Graves's services were required afloat; capt.
M'Namara, of the Edgar, under:ook the
equipment of the transports, with the em-
barkation of the stores; the embarkation of
the troops was made under the direction of
capt. Jackson, of the Superb, and capt. | perfect security.-But as a measure of this

Lockyer, of the Hound; capt: Smith, of
the Devastation, and capt. James, of the
Kite, were indefatigable in their exertions
in the various duties I assigned them. Many
circumstances having combined to make an
attack on the rear probable, great precaution
was necessary. Such guns as could be
brought against us were spiked, and the
embarkation was covered and most effec-
tually protected by the Minx gun-brig and-
the two prizes, and by the very judicious
disposition of the gun-boats, under the
command of capt. May, of the royal artil-
lery, who volunteered, and whose services.
on this and other occasions were highly use-
ful. It is not easy to express the joy and
satisfaction felt by every class of the army
at this event; and no circumstance, I
believe, could have afforded more real plea-
sure to us all. One, the regiment of Za--
mora, made a march of 18 Danish miles in
21 hours.-I transmit herewith for your
further information, copies of such letters:
as I deemed it requisite to address to his
Exc. the Marq. de la Romana and the gover-
nor of Nyborg on this occasion. The replies
to the former were verbal, through a confi-
dential officer, and the latter were made
personally have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) R. G. KEATS —Vice admiral Sir
James Saumarez, &c &c. &c.

Note. Since this letter was concluded, we entertain some hopes that part of the regiment in Jutland, we thought lost, has escaped to the post at Langeland, by the western channel.

Subert, of Langeland, August 5, 1808. -SIRS-I have the honour to inform you, that I have received from my government the most positive instructions to endeavour to communicate with the Spanish officers commanding the troops of that nation in the vicinity of my command, and to concert with them measures to secure their retreat from any place of embarkation which they may possess, and for placing them in a state of security until transports for their reception can be provided to convey them to Spain, for which, as well as the necessary provisions, measures have already been taken, and indeed of the arrival of them I am in hourly expectation. Until that period shall arrive, they are welcome to share in the accommodation and provisions of the ships under my command, but as that might not afford ample means at present, although I am in expectation of the commander in chief, I would suggest, under the pressure of circumstances, the removal of the troops to some of the islands in the Belt for their

magnitude to the interests of the Spanish nation would necessarily require a concerted plan, lest by attention to partial interests the general one might suffer, I request an unreserved and confidential communication, either to the ships off Nyborg, that stationed off Langeland, or any of his Britannic majesty's ships in the Belt, and through the bearer of this, or by any other means. I propose sending on Sunday, unless I should earlier receive some person on board, a flag of truce, under some pretext, to the Spanish post at Spoysberg, and if this should be safely received, I wish, in token of it, a small guard might parade in some conspicuous situation at noon to-morrow, near the English ship at anchor or under sail near Spoysberg. In my present situation it is impossible, ardently as I enter into the views of my government and the Spanish nation, to attempt to lay down any fixed plan. My services, and those of every Englishman under my command, are devoted to the cause; but before measures can be adopted, we must communicate, agree on, and combine, as far as it may be possible, the interests of the Spanish troops in Jutland and Zealand with those in Funen and Langeland. I shall keep a ship for some days off Spoysberg; and every ship under my command will be on the look-out and receive any boats that may approach them. I have the honour to be, &c. (Signed) R. G. KEATS.-To the officers of his most catholic majesty's troops.

Superb, of Langeland, August 7, 1808. -Sir, understanding from the Spanish officer that the accompanying paper * is the true state and situation of the Spanish troops in Denmark and its dependencies, the following, according to the various circumstances that present themselves to my view, appears to form a plan that promises the fairest prospect of success to insure their security and ultimate embarkation :-Those in Zealand I would propose to force their way to the Peninsula, of which Halskon, near Corsoir, forms the projecting point towards Sproe. That isthmus appears capable of being defended, or at least seems to afford the ineans of defence for a few days, till I could remove them to the island of Sproe.

Those at Frederisca, by seizing on vessels, might possibly force an embarkation, and unite with those on Funen, which might perhaps be favoured by some movements of the troops at Odense.-Separate, or united with those in Jutland, I apprehend those in *Thought unnecessary now to send.

Funen could secure themselves in the Presqu' Isle (peninsula) which terminates near the island of Romsoe, of which the pass near Kurteminde appears to form the Gorge, and I could, if necessary, remove them to Romsoe; it would greatly facilitate the necessary naval operations, and might enable me to send a ship of the line towards Frederisca to favour the troops in Jutland, if those in Langeland should be thought in security on that island; if they should, the other troops might be landed at leisure on that island, and the whole embarked from thence; but if the troops at present there are incapable of maintaining themselves at that place, in that case I must leave a ship of the line and a sloop, which could, at almost any time, receive them on board, and convey them to any other place that might be approved of, till transports could be procured for their reception. My means, (three ships of the line and half a dozen small vessels at most,) are not, perhaps, sufficient to embrace all these objects at once; but the zeal and exertion of the officers and ships' companies would greatly diminish the difficulties, and I should be much aided in lending assistance, to the troops at Frederisca, if, as I have be fore said, those in Langeland should be considered capable of maintaining that post without any immediate support. I am aware some sacrifices of horses, and perhaps cannon, might be necessary, and we must be prepared to encounter even unforseeen difficulties; naval arrangements and movements are ever dependent, in some degree, on weather; but I should hope to surmount them all. It would, of course, be right to drive in cattle, and take whatever provisions might be practicable with the troops, as it would not only save our present supply, which, the victuallers not having at this moment arrived, is rather scanty for the Spanish army, but would put me at ease on that score, provided any unavoidable delay should intervene, and prevent my sending supplies to them on shore.-In my present uninformed state I am not in a situation to judge how far it might be in the power of, or deemed preferable by the Spanish commander, to seize on Nyborg. It would secure the inactivity of the gun-boats in that port. But such a measure might possibly involve the safety of the troops in Zealand and Jutland, by inducing the Danes to act hostilely, when otherwise they might be disposed to wink at, or make no serious efforts to impede, the quiet removal of the Spanish troops. (To be continued.)

Printed by Cox and Baylis, Great Queen Street; published by R. Bagshaw, Brydges Street, CoventGarden, where former Numbers may be had: sold also by J. Budd, Crown and Mitre, Pall-Mall.

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