veffel, No. 432, mounting an 18 and a 12pounder, commanded by an Ensign de Vaiffeau, with 5 feamen, a lieutenant, and 26 grenadiers of the 36th regiment of the line, fome of whom, with 2 femen, escaped in her boat during the runningfight, which the continued for a quarter of au hour with her stern-gun and musketry. The Archer had part of her rigging cut, but no one materially hurt on either fide. The Archer and Griffin afterwards captured a dogger, a fchuyt, and two Blankenberg fishing-boats, which the prisoners report to be part of a convoy, which, with a prame of 16 guns, and 5 or 6 gun-velfels, efeaped under the land in the dark; fome,

I understand, laden with provifions and ftores. The fchuyt has gin, and the fishing-boats timbers and knees for boats; each veffel had 3 or 4 foldiers on-board. Lieur. Sheriff, of the Archer, has done every thing I could poffibly with or expect. from his zeal; and Lieut. Payne, of this ship, who commanded the boat and party affifting the Archer, executed that service with his ufual alacri'y; and the Commander of the Griffin has my thanks for the fhare he bore in bringing off the latter veffels, which was effected under a very heavy fire from the shore, to which they were as clofe as poffible. I have the honour to be, &c. E. W. C. R. OWEN.

Wednesday, Jan. 4.

The fplendid and interefting fpectacle which was this day difplayed at Ranelagh fully answered the expectation which had been formed of it. Its effect was greatly heightened by the ease and adroitness with which the Queen's Royal Volunteers performed their part of the ceremony, together with the great regularity obferved in all the other proceedings of the day. At 9 o'clock the Westminster Cavalry mustered in Hyde-park their accoutrements were in excellent order, their horfes in high coudition, and they exhibited a very friking military arpearance: they then proceeded to Ranelagh, to take the different ftations which had been appointed for them. A party of them were ftationed at the end of Ranelagh-lane, clofe to the Green, and at the beginning of it, and others patroled the road leading from Ranelagh to Buckingham-gate, The corps being thus judiciously disposed, no large body of people could affemble, or carriages accumulate, to obftruct the general arrangements. The St. Margaret and St. John's Volunteers affembled at an early hour in Westminster-hall, and thence proceeded to Ranelagh-green. A detachment of them formed a line acrofs the green, to keep the doors free from the preffure of curious intruders; another party was ftationed to examine perfons on foot, as they paffed, to afcertain if they had tickets, and to prevent those who were not fo fortunate from pailing the line. A fmall detachment was poited at the carriage-gate leading into the gardens, to prevent any perfon paffing that way, and to keep a clear peff ge for the Royal carriages. At a quarter part 12, the trumpet announced the arrival of the Courtly party in three of his Majefty's carriages. They were preceded by two Noblemen's carriages, and followed by five. When they reached the gate leading into the garden, which it was neceifary for them to pass through, Major Rollefton rode before them uncovered, and ushered

them into it. As the first of the Royal carriages was paffing through the gateway, the horfes became reftive for fome time, till one of the St. Margaret and St. John's Volunteers feized the bridles, and led them along. The Royal retinue having reached the entrance at the Weft fide of the Rotunda, Major Rollefton alighted from his horse, and handed the Countess of Harrington and her attendants from their 'carriages. In the firit were Mifs Vernon, Mifs Coleman, and Mifs Digby, maids of honour to her Majefty; in the second, the Vice Chamberlain and Mr. Vincent; and in the third, Lady Harrington and her daughter, Lady Anna-Maria Stanhope, Lady Cardigan, and Lady Aylesbury, two ladies of the Queen's bedchamber. The company having all quitted their carriages, Lady Harrington was conducted to her box by the Vice Chamberlain, and followed by her attendants, in the fame manner as the Queen would have been. Her Ladyship was dreffed in a black pelice, and a fcarlet fafh. Her head-drefs was a rich velvet hat, highly decorated, and with four very elegant coquelicot feathers. Her Ladyship alfo wote an antique necklace of great value, and a fine cameo of his Majesty, being a' large beautiful onyx, fet as a medallion, which was presented to her by her Majefty a few days ago, as a memorial of the event. Lady Anna-Maria Stanhope appeared in a drefs of white fatin, ornamented with pearls. The company in the Rotunda affembled as (pectators were numerous, and added to the splendour of the fcene. Rane. lagh has feldom exhibited to distinguished a difplay of beauty, elegance, and fashion. On the arrival of the Countefs in the box fitted up for her reception, the two regi ments of the Queen's Royal Volunteers, un der the command of Lord Hobart, having taken their ftations two hours before, prefented arms, with the bands playing. As foon as the corps had shouldered arms, two pair of colours were troduced, and placed on each fide of the Royal box. The

Kug's

INTELLIGENCE OF IMPORTANCE Admiralty-office, Jan. 3. Letter fom Commodore Hood to Sir Evan Nepean, Bart. Centaur, off Guadaloupe, Nov. 6, 1803. Sir, I have the honour to inclofe, for the information of the Lords Commiffioners of the Admiralty, the copy of a letter I received from Capt. Graves, of his Majefty's hip Blenheim, giving an account of the capture of a privateer, by the boats of that hip, in Fort Royal Bay, Martinique. The capture of two more of the enemy's privateers is fet forth in a letter from Capt. Younghusband, of the Ofprey. The brave and handfome conduct of Lieut. Henderfon, and thofe in the boats under his command, is truly meritorious; and I truft fuch difplay of tha gallantry of our officers and men will foon make thefe Piccaroons repent their temerity. On the 26th ult. between Tobago and Grenada, the Centaur, after a chase of 7 hours, captured the Vigilante fchooner privateer, of 2 guns, and 40 men, well armed with musketry : the capture of this veffel is particularly fortunate, as the has, from her fuperior failing and management, done much injury to the trade. I have alfo the fatisfaction to acquaint you of the recapture of the brig Earl St. Vincent, from Dublin, bound to Barbadoes, and a Sweedish schooner, by his Majefty's floop St. Lucia; they had been captured 3 days before by the L'Harmonie privateer, of Martinique, and who only efcaped the vigilance of Capt. Shipley, by throwing her guns overboard, and fawing down her gunwales. SAM. HOOD.

Blenheim, off Martinique, Sept. 16. Sir, Yesterday at 2 P. M. I difcovered a fmall fchooner privateer, apparently just returned from her cruize, and endeavouring to get into Port Royal. It being nearly calm, I directed Lieut. Furber, of his Majefty's fhip Blenheim, under my command, to take the pinnace, Licut. Campbell the barge, and to Eut her off; the was rowing with her fweeps, but the boats nevertheless came up with her in about an hour and a half, and, in a moft fpirited manner, under the fire of grape and muf.

THOS. GRAVES.

Sloop Ofprey, off Martinique, O&. 31. Sir, I beg leave to acquaint you, that on the 26th initant I difcovered a suspicious fail under the land of Trinidad, and immediately clafed; but on arriving within about 4 miles of her it fell calm, and, as I was now convinced the was an enemy's privateer, from the number of sweeps the was rowing, and having no chance of coming up to her in the Ofprey, I fent three boats to attack her, under the command of Lieut. Robert Henderfon; the cutter in which he was rowing much faster than the other boats, he, without waiting to be joined by them, in the most brave and determined manner, and under a heavy fire. from the guns and musketry of the schooner," boarded and captured the French schooner privateer La Refource, mounting four 4pounders, and having on-board 43 men, two of whom were killed and twelve wounded. Lieut. Henderson, with 3 feamen, are flightly wounded, and I dangeronly; the cutter had only 17 feamen in her, who all behaved with the utmost bravery. I have further to inform you, that, having put Lieut. Collier and 16 men onboard the prize, he the next day chafed and captured La Mimi French fchooner privateer of gun and 21 men.

I am, &c. GEO. YOUNGHUSBAND. Admiralty office, Jan. 7. Letter from Capt. Owen, to Lord Keith, dated Immortalité, at anchor on the edge of the Bank de Baas, Boulogne, S. E. half S. 4 or 5 miles, Wednesday, Jan 4, 1804.

My Lord, Having laft night reinforced the crew of the Archer with fome men from this hip, and pushed her in closefhore, the was fortunate enough to fali-in with and capture the French lugger gun

veffel, No. 432, mounting an 18 and a 12pounder, commanded by an Enfign de Vaiffeau, with 5 feamen, a lieutenant, and 26 grenadiers of the 36th regiment of the line, fome of whom, with 2 fesmen, escaped in her boat during the runningfight, which the continued for a quarter of au hour with her ftern-gon and musketry. The Archer had part of her rigging cut, but no one materially hurt on either fide. The Archer and Griffin afterwards captured a dogger, a fchuyt, and two Blankenberg fishing-boats, which the prisoners report to be part of a convoy, which, with a prame of 16 guns, and 5 or 6 gun-veffels, efcaped under the land in the dark; fome,

I understand, laden with provifions and ftores. The fchuyt has gin, and the fishing-boats timbers and knees for boats; each veffel had 3 or 4 foldiers on-board. Lieur. Sheriff, of the Archer, has done every thing I could poffibly with or expect. from his zeal; and Lieut. Payne, of this fhip, who commanded the boat and party affifting the Archer, executed that fervice with his ufual alacrity; and the Commander of the Griffin has my thanks for the fhare he bore in bringing off the latter veffels, which was effected under a very heavy fire from the shore, to which they were as clofe as poffible. I have the honour to be, &c. E. W. C. R. OWEN..

Wednesday, Jan. 4.

The fplendid and interefting fpectacle which was this day difplayed at Ranelagh fully answered the expectation which had been formed of it. Its effect was greatly heightened by the eafe and adroitness with which the Queen's Rayal Volunteers performed their part of the ceremony, together with the great regularity obferved in all the other proceedings of the day. At 9 o'clock the Weftminster Cavalry mustered in Hyde-park their accoutrements were in excellent order, their horfes in high coudition, and they exhibited a very friking military arpearance: they then proceeded to Ranelagh, to take the different ftations which had been appointed for them. A party of them were ftationed at the end of Ranelagh-lane, clofe to the Green, and at the beginning of it, and others patroled the road leading from Ranelagh to Buckingham-gate. The corps being thus judiciously difpofed, no large body of people could affemble, or carriages accumulate, to obftruct the general arrangements. The St. Margaret and St. John's Volunteers affembled at an early hour in Westminster-hall, and thence proceeded to Ranelagh-green. A detachment of them formed a line across the green, to keep the doors free from the preffure of curious intruders; another party was ftationed to examine perfons on foot, as they paffed, to afcertain if they had tickets, and to prevent those who were not fo fortunate from pafling the line. A fall detachment was poited at the carriage-gate leading into the gardens, to prevent any perfou paffing that way, and to keep a clear peff ge for the Royal carriages. At a quarter past 12, the trumpet announced the arrival of the Courtly party in three of his Majefty's carriages. They were preceded by two Noblemen's carriages, and followed by five. When they reached the gate leading into the garden, which it was neceffary for them to pafs through, Major Rolleston rode before them uncovered, and ufhered

them into it. As the first of the Royal carriages was paffing through the gateway, the horfes became reftive for fome time, till one of the St. Margaret and St. John's Volunteers feized the bridles, and led them along. The Royal retinue having reached the entrance at the Weft fide of the Rotunda, Major Rolleston alighted from his horse, and handed the Countess of Harrington and her attendants from their 'carriages. In the firit were Mifs Vernon, Mifs Coleman, and Mifs Digby, maids of honour to her Majesty; in the second, the Vice Chamberlain and Mr. Vincent; and in the third, Lady Harrington and her daughter, Lady Anna-Maria Stanhope, Lady Cardigan, and Lady Aylesbury, two ladies of the Queen's bedchamber. The company having all quitted their carriages, Lady Harrington was conducted to her box by the Vice Chamberlain, and followed by her attendants, in the fame manner as the Queen would have been. Her Ladyhip was dreffed in a black pelice, and a fcarlet fafh. Her head-drefs was a rich velvet hat, highly decorated, and with four very elegant coquelicot feathers. Her Ladyship alfo wote an antique necklace of great value, and a fine cameo of his Majesty, being a' large beautiful onyx, fet as a medaliion, which was prefented to her by her Majesty a few days ago, as a memoria) of the event." Lady Anna-Maria Stanhope appeared in a drefs of white fatin, ornamented with pearls. The company in the Rotunda affembled as fpectators were numerous, and added to the splendour of the fcene. Rauelagh has feldom exhibited fo distinguished a difplay of beauty, elegance, and fashion. On the arrival of the Countess in the box fitted up for her reception, the two regi ments of the Queen's Royal Volunteers, un der the command of Lord Hobart, having taken their ftations two hours before, prefented arms, with the bands playing. As foon as the corps had fhouldered arms, two pair of colours were introduced, and placed on each fide of the Royal box. The Kug's

King's colours of each regiment was a plain Union Standard; but the county or regihental colour, which has been defigned and executed by the Princeffes, was a fupe.b piece of needle werk. The ground was a rich purple fiik, and in the centre of the colour were her Majesty's arms, embroidered and furrounded with sprigs of variegated colours and defigns. At the lower corners were the letters C. R.; and under the coat of arms were the words "Queen's Royal Volunteers" Prayers were read by the Rev. Weeden Batler; after which the Duke of York's band quitted their fitu tion before Lady Harring ton's box, and went to affist at the orcheftra. At this period the Coronation Anthem was fung by Incledon, S.le, and a full chorus, the boys from Welt-niniterabbey attending. The colours were removed from Lady Harrington's box to the pulpit; when the Rev. Mr. More delivered an animated and appropriate difcourfe, from Nehemiah iv.9: "Nevertheless we made, our prayer unto our God, and fet a watch against the day and night." At the front of Lady Harrington's box were affembled Lord Hobart, General Burrard, Lord Amherft, the Right Hon. M. Secretary Yoike, and feveral General Officers. When the Difcourfe was concluded, Mr. Butler ftood ready, by the colours, to read the Corfecration Prayer(p. 34); a copy of which had been previously prefented to the Counters of Harrington; but, from fome mimentary inadvertence in the very zealous and refpectable conductors of this interefting bufinefs, no fignal having been given to Mr. Butler, the colours were taken back to their former station; and the officers from each batalion, who were to receive them, were ordered by Loid Hobart to place themfeives before Lady Harrington. The Chamberlain then defcended from the hox, and gave the colours to Major Ro.lefton, who was in the box with her Ladyship, and on his knees held them by a piece of purple ribband, which tied them together, two and two. Her Majelly's reprefentative then delivered the following addrets: "Gentlemen, Her Majefty having been gracioufly pleased to confer upon me the honour of presenting to you thefe colours, I am anxious to exprefs how highly I am flattered by this diftinguished mark of the Queen's favour. At a time of all others the most awful, when our country is threatened with the unprovoked attack of a moft implacable enemy, and when you have evinced your readiness to stand forward in the defence of every thing that is moit dear to us ail; what can be more gratifying, or more honourable to you, than being peculiarly diftinguished by her Majefty, and receiving your colours from her? Animated as your hearts must be by gratitude to the Queen, in addition to

every other noble fentiment that has guided you from the moment of the first offer of your fervices, it would not only be fuperfluous, but prefumptuous in me, to add any thing upon the occafion, than the expreffion of every fervent with for your fuccefs in the event of the enemy carrying his threats into execution; confident that no power, however ftrennously exerted, will ever wreft these colours from you, while there is yet left a man in your corps to defend them." To which Lord Hobart replied in the following words: “ Madam, In the name of the corps which I have the honour to command, I am to convey our humble and grateful acknowledgements for the diftinguishid favour with which her Majesty has been pleafed to honour us upon the prefent occafion: and, encouraged by fo flattering an inftance of her Majesty's condefcenfion, I am the more confident in expreffing a full perfuafion that thofe fentiments which originally called forth our fervices will uniformly govern our conduct, fo long as it fhall be her Majefty's pleasure to permit their continuance. Stimulated to the discharge of our duty by the most powerful motives that can influence the mind of man. the protection of every thing that is dear to us in private life, and every thing that is valuable in public eftimation, our religion, our laws, our liberty, and our King; I can venture to affure her Majesty, that the expectation fhe may have formed of our exertions shall not be difappointed. And, if the day should' come, when his Majesty, actuated by that valour for which his Family has ever been conípicuous, and by that affection which he has always manifefted towards his people, shall think fit to share their dangers; if that anxious and animating period thould arrive; then, may these colours, the gift of our moft gracious Queen, prove a shield to guard and defend the facred perfon of our beloved Sovereign against any hazard to which it may be expofed by the defperate efforts of an inordinate and deftructive ambition." Major Rollefton now untied the ribband, and gave the golden cord which fupported the taffels into her Ladyfhip's hand, and fhe gradually let the colours defcend to the enfigns, who were on their knees ready to receive them: they then arofe and went to prefent them to their regiments, who received them with prefented arms, while the hand played "God fave the King." After which Meffis. Inclejon, Sale, &c. with a full chorus, fong "God fave the King." The regiments did not march past her Ladyfhip; this part of the ceremony was rendered impracticable, from the concourfe of fpectators. Immediately on the Countess receiving the royal falute, the, with her attendants, returned in the fame manner as they came. The regiments marched four deep to Lord Hobart's

bart's, and lodged their colours. They quitted them as they received them, with prefented arms, officers faluting, &c after which they were difmiff d. The Earl of Harrington, Lord Hobart, and feveral General Officers, dined with the Officers of the Queen's Royal Volunteers, at the British Coffee-houfe, and fpent the day in the most convivial manner. A number of loyal and patriotic toafts were given; and nothing was omitted, that could animate the mind to perfeverance in the glorious caufe.

DOCKS, CANALS, &c.

Amidst the warfare in which we are now engaged for our prefervation and exiftence as a Nation, it is a matter of exultation and felf-confidence to reflect, that the moft confiderable and most important of our public works fuffer, comparatively fpeaking, but little interruption. A scarcity of hands will naturally rather retard the completion of them; and fuch materials as are wanted must be purchased at an increafed price, particularly the articles of

timber and bricks.

THE WEST INDIA DOCKS, occupying a furface of 30 acres for unloading all vellels coming from the West India lands and Colonies, have been completed fome time fince, and there is now fufficient accommodation in the fubftantial and extenfive ftacks of warehouses for fuch merchants as with to bond or to houfe their commodities within the walls, unexposed to fire or plunder, as no lights are fuffered at any time, nor any perfon allowed to remain onboard, or within the walls after dark. The excavation of the dock for loading, which is to occupy 24 acres, is proceeding in with great fpirit. In the mean while, it is highly gratifying to the fubfcribers, and encou Taging to thefe grand national undertakings, to find that the profits warrant a dividend of 10 per cent. on the fums already fubfcribed, and which the fubfcribers have begun to receive.

THE LONDON Docks, forming in Wapping, for the accommodation of thipping bringing wines, fpirits, rice, and to bacco, and for the while trade of the port (Weft and East India thipping excepted) of fuch as choose to avail themselves thereof, are in a very advanced state of forwardness; and there is every reafon to believe that the Dock for Imports will be ready'to receive veffels in the courfe of the enfuing Summer. Immenfe warehouses are forming; and, in particular, a most stupendous ttack for houfing bonded tobaccos, which Government are to rent, befides giving every encouragement in their power to the Concern, with a view to the fecurity and increase of the public revenue, and to the Safety and dispatch of the property of the merchant.

GENT. MAG. January, 1804.

THE EAST INDIA Dock, for the ufe of the East India npping exclufively, is as yet in a state of infancy. The Dock Company have purchafed Meffrs. Perry's and Wells's Wet Dock, for the purpose of forming part of the Dock for loading outwards; and the Dock for unloading is excavating with all poffible dispatch, on a fite or marth above, and is to occupy a furface of about 18 acres, and likely to be completed in the Sprig of next year. The capital fubfcribed is 200,cool. There are 13 Directors, of which four must always be Directors of the East India Company.

COMMERCIAL ROAD. In addition to thefe immenfe accoramodations to trade, a wide road, called the Commercial Road, is nearly paved and finifted, commencing at the North-west corner of the Weft India Dock, and coming out into Whitechapel near Aldgate. This road has been used fince the opening of the West India Dock, and the tolis received weekly from 7ol. to Sol. and are daily increasing; and, with the profits of houfes and lands purchased by the truft and let, will very fhortly yield the fubfcribers their limited 10 per cent. pro fit on the capital of 50,0col. fubfcribed. The road is intended to be carried on to the Eaft India Dock, and to communicate with the London Dock.

THE GRAND JUNCTION CANAL, a concern of immenfe importance to the commerce of the country, is now pretty well known to the publick. They have lately experienced fome impediment from the drought during the Summer; but, on the other hand, it has enabled them to repair and cleanse the bottom in fome parts where it wanted. The fum fubfcribed for this concern is about 1,350,000l.; and, when the tunnel and aqueduct at Blifworth are completed, which, it is expected, will be fo at the end of this year, this immenfe un dertaking will be confidered as quite complete, and well fupplied with water, without interruption; then the fubfcribers will begin to look forward for a gradual and rapid increase of their Dividends, which, there can be no manner of doubt, will very amply remunerate them for their long pa tience and spirit of perfeverance in affitting a work of this national confequence.

What a fplendid contraft do these proud facts furnish to the condition of our Enemy! France is driven to acts of unqualified rohbery to collect the momentary means for carrying on the war; her army is uupaid, and held to its obedience by the hope of plunder; her commerce is annihilated; the has now no trade but that of murder and rapine: while in England, the confidence and the wealth of the people are fach, that, after every facfice which the fafety of the empire dem inds, we find millions embarked in commercial fpeculations.

AB