by you. The consequence of which principle of action is, that the Ministers have kept their places and the country is on the verge of destruction.-From this digression I should now return to the remaining points of my subject, but the terrible crisis which is at hand, seems imperiously to call for some portion, at least, of every sheet that one sends from the press.-I am, Sir, yours, &c. Duke street, Oct. 1, 1803. WM. COBBEtt. FOREIGN OFFICIAL PAPERS. PROCLAMATION of the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES for CONVENING the AMERICAN CONGRESS. Dated July 16th 1803. By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation.Whereas great and weighty matters, claiming the consideration of the Congress of the United States, form an extraordinary occasion for convening them: I do by these presents appoint Monday the 17th day of October next for their meeting at the City of Washington, hereby requiring their respective senators and representatives, then and there to assemble in congress, in order to receive such communications as may then be made to them, and to consult and determine on such measures, as, in their wisdom may be deemed meet for the welfare of the United States. In testimony whereof, I have caused the seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed, and signed the same with my hand.Done at the City of Washington, the sixteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and three; and in the twenty-eighth year of the independence of the United States. (Signed) TH. JEFFERSON. JAMES MADISON. By the President. PROCLAMATION of ADMIRAL BRUIX to the OFFICERS AND MEN of the NATIONAL FLOTILLA.--Dated Head-quarters at Boulogne, July 30. Cur E. Bruix, Counsellor of State, and Admiral to the National Flotilla destined to carry war to England: The First Consul, when he signified to me your destination, honoured me with the title of your Admiral. He sends me to you to conduct your exertion in the career of glory, which his genius has prepared for you. What man, at this distinguished proof of the confidence of a hero, would not be raised above himself? Who could doubt of his own powers? Brave seamen! the choice of Buonaparté renders me worthy to march at your head. Your zeal and your bravery are pledges to me that we shall fulfil his expectations. Already you hear the cry of vengeance. towns and districts bring in their gifts in multitudes. All Frenchmen are ready to march to pu Eish a government which is an enemy of the peace of the world, and especially an enemy of the glory and welfare of our country. You are first called to this great enterprize. To you your country first commits the care of satisfying her just vengeance. Be certain that you will fulfil your noble destination. Recollect that the victory begins in your docks; and in your marine and military exercises. Let those ships which insolently cruize along our shores, at sight of your labours, recuin and say to their government, "A fearful day is preparing. The winds and sea, again favourable to the Conqueror of Egypt, may in a few hours bring him to our coasts, and with him the innumerable companions of his glory." To hasten this result, it is my first duty to establish a severe discipline in the National Flotilla. Subordination will regulate your efforts: that alone can add to the activity of your labours: sailors, we are on the field of battle: to lose a moment would be criminal cowardice. Redouble, therefore, your zeal, multiply your services, and the nation which oppresses the seas will be conquered by terror, before it experiences the fate of arms, and sinks beneath the blows of your nerves. (Signed) "BRUIX." Regulations to be observed on board the National Flotilla. 1. Every armed vessel forming part of the National Flotilla, shall have her crew complete, in conformity to the order of the 18th of last Messidor (July 7)--II. The Commanders and Offcers, both by sea and land, embarked on board these vessels, the crews and the troops of debarkation must regularly eat and sleep on board.. III. The regulations for manœuvring for approaching the coast and landing, must be observed with the greatest strictness, shall be written fully out, and placed in sight of the crew in the most conspicuous part of the vessel.--IV. Before the ships sail, a board shall be fixed up, the contents of which shall be read aloud before its being placed in the ship, on 'which shall be inscribed the names of the individuals to be employed in succession in stated works, in giving assistance to such vessels as may require it, or for the purpose of extinguishing any flame which may break out in the A commissioned officer, or in his port or road. room, a midshipman, or master shall be at all times ready to conduct this detachment, and of course his name will be inscribed in the board alluded to. DOMESTIC OFFICIAL PAPERS. LETTER quritten by the Clerks of the General Meetings in the Counties, to the Clerks of the Subdivision Meetings, in consequence of INSTRUCTIONS given by Mr. YORKE, to the LORDS LIEUTENANT, for SUSPENDING THE BALLOTS for the MILITIA and ARMY of RESERVE, so far as it concerns THOSE who are INROLLED in VOLUNTEER CORPS. SIR-By command of the Lord Lieutenant, I have to desire you will state to the Deputy Lientenants, who shall from time to time attend the subdivision meetings in the vision of the county dithat whenever the ballot shall fall on a person claiming exemption as having been inrolled and actually serving in a Volunteer Corps or Company, all proceedings as to the inrolling such person, or compelling him to find a substitute, are to be suspended, until further instructions be received from his Lordship.I am, Sir, &c. LETTER from the Right Hon. CHARLES YORKE to the that SIR, I have the honour to inform you, his Majesty has been pleased to di ect the appoint. ment of Inspecting Field Officers to the Yeomanry and Volunteers throughout Great Britain. general distribution and duties of these officers are specified in the inclosed copy of a letter from the The Adju ant-General, dated the 15th instant,* herewith sent for your information. Ficid Officers are assigned to the military districts, in which the county of is comprehended.. Their names and stations are mentioned in the margin; and I flatter myself that you will think it expedient to contribute, by all the means in your power, to give every support and facility to those gentlemen in the execution of their important duties. I am now to communicate to you his Majesty' commands, that, for the future, all applications relating to the rules and details of the scrvice, and to military supplies of every kind, except for arms and accoutrements, are to be made by the Commandants of the different Yeomanry and Volunteer Corps and Companies to the commanding General of the district, through their respective Inspectors; and I take leave to request, ther you will have the goodness to apprise the several Commandants of the Yeomanry and Volunteers in the county of of his Majesty's orders. It may be at the same time proper to acquaint them, that the regulations established for the musters and returns of the several Corps and Companies, are to be strictly and punctually complied with in every respect.Forms of the different returns will be circulated to all the Corps, through their respective Inspecters. It is, however, to be observed, that all periodical musterrolls and monthly returns, required by Act of Parliament, will continue to be sent in as heretofore. I take this opportunity of transmitting for your information a copy of an opinion lately given by the Attorney and Solicitor-General, t upon the subject of the exemptions from ballot claimed by the members of Volunteer Corps and Companies which have been accepted by his Majesty. You will observe, that no person whatever can be entitled to claim any exemption, unless his name has been regularly returned upon a muster roll, duly sent in to the Lord Lieutenant, or Clerk of the General Meeting of his County, at the times, in the manner, and certified by his Commandant upon honour, in the form prescribed by Statutes 42 Geo. III. c. 66. and 43 Geo. III. c. 121. and in the Schedules annexed thereto, -- I take leave to observe to you, that in all cases where the exemptions are claimed, it will be necessary that the different Subdivision Meetings of Lieutenancy, before whom alone they can be allowed, should be furnished, for their use, with the proper extracts from the muster rolls, certified by the Clerk of the General Meetings, as correctly taken from the originals.I have inclosed some print. .ed forms of the muster rolls and returus, under the above-mentioned acts, for the information of you and the Lieutenancy of the County of The regulations applied to the subject of exemptions being prescribed by Acts of Parliament, no deviation whatever can be admitted with respect to them--In order to prevent any mistakes with regard to the pay and allowances intended to be given to the Yeomanry and Volunteer Corps, whose services have been accepted by his Majesty subsequent to the date of Lord Hobart's circular letter of the 3d of August last, ‡ I take this opportunity of acquainting you, that no greater expense can be incurred for any troop of cavalry established since that period, than one See page 499. See page 498. # See page 206. hundred and twenty pounds per annum, to he issued half yearly; out of which all expenses whatever, except for arms, must be defrayed, when the corps is not called out into actuai service. With regard to the infantry, when in the same situation, no higher allowance can be claimed or granted than twenty shillings under the lead of cloathing for each effective non-commissioned officer, drummer, and private on the establishment, to be renewed at the end of every three years, and twenty shillings training and exercis ing money for each effective non-commissioned officer, drummer, and private present at training and exercise. These allowances are to be drawn for under such rules and regulations, and vouched in such manner and form as his Majesty's Secre tary at War shall judge necessary to prescribe for the guidance of the Commandants of the several Volunteer Corps in this respect.--When Volunteer Companies are formed in any parish or district of united parishes, the pay of the drill setjeant not exceeding two shillings and six-pence for every day he may be employed upon that duty, is to be defrayed by such parish or united parishes in the manner prescribed by the Statute 43 Geo. III. c. 120. sect. 10.--No pay will be allowed for an adjutant and serjeani-major who may be placed upon the establishment of any corps formed subsequent to the period above adverted to, except under very special circumstances, and in consequence of particular application from the Lord Lieutenant of the County, to he founded upon the necessity of the case. I beg leave under this head to refer you to the inclosed regulations circulated by the War Office, § which cannot be departed from in any instance during the time that a corps is not called out upon actual service. I think it necessary to take notice in this place, to prevent mistakes, that all corps of Yeomany and Volunteers, accepted and established previous to the 3d of August last, are considered to be under the regulations promulgated in the month of June last, and may continue to receive the allowances mentioned therein, if by the terms of service they are entitled to claim them.-I am persuaded that you will agree with me that it is expedient that it should be distinctly understood by all Yeomanry and Volunteer Corps of every description, in the county of that all the rules established among themselves for the preservation of good order, and for the enforcing of regular attendance at muster and exercise, as well as the regulations established by his Majesty's orders, or other competent authority, are to be strictly conformed to by all the members in their respective situations.It is the more necessary to call the serious attention of the Volunteers and Yeomanry to this point, because the compulsory clauses of the Defence Acts do not apply to them, except when ordered to be drawn out and assembled for actual service, on any invasion, or appearance of an enemy in force upon the coast, or to suppress any rebellion or insur rection arising or existing during any such inva sion, at which time they are by law made liable to military discipline, and to the provisions of the Mutiny Act. in the mean time, it is obvious that a regular attendance at muster and exercise, and a due obedience to rules and regula tions, issued by competent authority, are indis pensible. I have, therefore, to request that you § See page 500. will announce to all the Yeomanry and Volunteer Corps within the county of that all persons enrolled in them who refuse to conform to the rules and regulations above adverted to, or who neglect to attend at the times and places of muster of exercise appointed by proper authority, are no longer to be considered as members upon the establishment of such corps, or entitled to claim any of the advantages or exemptions allowed by the legislature or otherwise. You no doubt must have been aware of the difficulties which have unavoidably arisen in providing a complete supply of arms and accoutrements for so considerable and rapid an increase of the military force of the country; every exertion has, however, been and will continue to be made by the Board of Ordnance, to meet this sudden and extraordinary demand upon the arsenals. Directions have been given for issuing immediately a very considerable proportion of muskets, and they are now in a course of delivery, with all practicable dispatch; as many sabres and pistols as may be wanted for the cavalry, and pikes to any extent, which you may think necessary for the service, may be obtained upon communicating with the Ordnance, to which department you will please to direct all your applications in future for arms and accoutrements. I flatter myself, that it will not be long before I receive information from you that the Volunteer establishment for the county of is completed, and that at the same time I shall be favoured with the returns called for by my circular letter of the 31st August, without which it will be impracticable to carry into effect the final arrangement of so great an augmentation of the public force.---You will easily perceive, that until these returns are made, it will not be possible to ascertain with any degree of accuracy, whether the different offers of service which have been sent in, are likely to prove effectual in point of numbers, or to calculate, with any precision, the extent of the demands likely to be made upon the public revenue.——In concluding this letter, I have great satisfaction in executing his Majesty's commands, by expressing the cordial sense he entertains of the zeal and loyalty which have been so conspicuously manifested on this occasion, by his faithful county of which in common with the rest of his kingdom, has displayed at this most critical juncture, a degree of spirit and animation, of energy and fortitude, which has rarely been equalled at any period of our history, and never surpassed.--Whatever difficulties may have attended the execution of these important measures of preparation and defence, it is a great satisfaction to reflect that they have arisen in great measure from a zeal and alacrity on the part of the people, which have exceeded even the hopes and expectations of the Government. They have proceeded from the spontaneous and unanimous feelings of a highspirited nation, determined to maintain its independence against the utmost efforts of an insolent and implacable enemy, and pressing forward instantaneously with one heart and mind to uphold the honour of a beloved Sovereign, and to prcserve its ancient and invaluable laws and liberties. I have the honour to be, Sir, &c. &c. C. YORKE. [Referred to in Mr. Yorke's Letter.] Letter from the Attorney and Sulicitor General, to M. Yorke, respecting the exemptions claimed by the members of the Volunteer-Corps.-Dated Lincoln's-Inn, September 13th, 1803. SI, We have had the honour of receiving your letter of the 9th instant, desiring our opinion on the following queries, on the subject of exemptions to yeomanry and volunteer corps.1st. "Whether person's serving in such yeomanry or volunteer corps or companies as have been accepted, on the special condition that they shall be subject to all the provisions of the several acts for the internal defence of the kingdom, (amongst which the 62d section of 43 Geo. 3. c. 96. is referred to in your letter), can be considered as entitled to any of the exemptions from ballot allowed by the statute of 42 Gen. 3. c. 66, and 43 Geo. 3. c. 121 ?"—————————2d. "In cases where any such yeomanry or volunteer corps, or any individuals thereof, have offered to serve, disclaiming on their part any of the aforesaid exemptions,and such offers have been accepted by his Majesty, with references to such terms, whether they are at liberty afterwards to claim such exemptions, and whether the Lieutenancy of any county, upon occasion of any ballot, may not reject and disregard such claims, if made?" -We have accordingly taken the same into our consideration, and with respect to the first query, we are of opinion, that 43 Geo. 3. C. 121, so far as it gives exemptions to volunteers from being balloted into the Army of Reserve, which were absolutely denied to them by the clause of the act referred to in your letter, must be considered as repealing that provision, and therefore that volunteers whose services have been accepted upon the terms stated in this query, must be held to be entitled to the exemptions given by the act of 43 Geo. 3. c. 121; and we also think, that under the words of the original act, they are entitled to such exemptions as were in existence in their favour at the time of the passing of it, and which, under 42 Geo. 3. c. 66, extend to the militia ballot, provided they are duly returned according to the provisions and schedules of the respective acts.-As to the case (stated in the second query of your letter) of persons who have offered their services as volunteers, disclaiming any of the exemptions under the several acts upon the subjects of the defence of the country, we do not think that they can be permitted to retract from their engagement and claim any exemption; but in order to obviate the difficulties that may arise before the Deputy Lieutenants, if the return of such corps, or such individuals, were to be made in the form which the above-mentioned Acts of Parliament prescribe, and by virtue of which such exemption might be claimed, we think that the proper step to be taken, is to require the Commanding Officer of Corps whose services have been so accepted, not to make any return according to the directions of those Acts: If he refuses to comply with such requisition, it would be difficult to ascribe it to any other intention than that of receding from the conditions on which their service was accepted, and government would then have to deterinine upon the propriety of continuing such service., We have the honour to be, Sir, &c. &c. SP. PERCEVAL, THO. MANNERS SUTTON. To the Right Hon. Mr. Yorke. [Referred to in Mr. Yorke's Letter.] ORDERS Sd from the WAR OFFICE by H. R. H. the COMMANDER IN CHIEF, respecting the appointment of INSPECTING FIELD OFFICERS for the VOLUNTEER That it shall be the duty of these officers to conform to all orders they may receive from the General Officer commanding the district in which they are stationed, or others their superior officers. That they shall be continually employed in visiting and superintending the drill and field exercise of the several Corps of Yeomanry and Volunteers in their respective districts during those periods of the year which are or may be appointed for that purpose. To the end that the cfficacy of this force shall be at all times ascertained, it shall be the duty of these officers to muster within every two months each Corps under their superintendance, when they shall make a specific report on the number under arms (assigning causes for the absence of those who do not appear), on the state of the clothing, horses, arms, and accoutrements, and adding any observations which may occur as necessary for the information of the commanding General. It shall be further their duty to visit at these inspections the places appointed for the depôt of arms and ammunition, and specially to report whether the regulations established for the security and preservation of the same are duly attended to. It shall be, moreover, their particular province to colicct the monthly returns of the Yeomanry and Volunteer Corps: and transmit the same to the Assistant Adjutant-General of the district; duplicates of these returns they are constantly to transmit to the Lords Liewenant of the county. They shall be the channels through which all applications from the Yeomanry and Volunteer Corps shall be made to the Generals commanding in the districts, and through them to the military departments; and generally that they shall exert their utmost endeavours to promote the discipline, instruction, and welfare of these Corps. -They will be responsible that every exertion is used to render them as effective as possible. In consideration of the active service which will be required of these officers, that they shall be allowed the daily pay of fifteen shillings, and rations of forage for three horses each. And in order to insure them a due respect in the performance of the important duties confided to them, they shall have the temporary rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. The Officers appointed to these situations shall be selected from Field Officers on half-pay, and officers of distinguished reputation and approved services, who may have quitted his Majesty's service after having attained the rank of Field-Officer, shall be eligible to these employments.The foregoing proposal has been submitted to the King, by his Royal Highness the Commander in Chief, and received his Majesty's approbation.By command of his Royal Highness the Commander in Chief. HARRY CALVERT, Adjutant-General. [Referred to in Mr. Yorke's Letter.] I to each Troop. A Regiment to consist of from 4 to 12 Troops. A Regiment of from 5 to 7 Troops, both inclusive, may have Lieutenant-Colonel. Major. I I Serjeant } I Corporal Lieut.-Col. Major I to every 20 Privates. Regiments of 300 Rank and File, and upwards, may have an Adjutant, but no pay allowed, unless embodied for actual service, except in the cases hereinafter-mentioned.--A Serjeant-Major may be appointed, but no pay allowed, unless embodied for actual service, except in the cases hereinafter-mentioned.- -- Quarter-Master per Troop may be appointed, but no pay allowed, unless embodied for actual service.—A Surgeon may be appointed, but no pay allowed unless embodied for actual service. (To be continued in our next. ) INTELLIGENCE. FOREIGN.-Official papers published at the Cape of Good Hope, on the 25th of June last, have been received in London; and, in opposition to the accounts which recently appeared in the Moniteur, they state that Admiral Linois, with one line of battle ship, two frigates, and some transports, together with about 1300 troops under the command of General Decaen, arrived at St. Si mon's Bay on the 7th of May. They were received with great respect by the governor of the settlement; and, on the 27th, set sail for Pondicherry, the garrison of which place the military on board the squadron are des tined to reinforce.-The Cape is represented to be in a deplorable condition: trade is almost destroyed, provisions are extravagantly high, the inhabitants are dissatisfied, and the mutinous spirit of the Dutch soldiery has just been quieted, for a short time, by the promise of an increase in their pay. The disturbances in the Turkish Empire daily increase. In Egypt the rebellious Albanians have been joined by the discontented Beys, and their united forces have defeated the troops of the Porte, in various engagements, and have taken possession of Cairo and other important places in the pro REGULATIONS for the formation, &c. of CORPS of vince. Syria is in a state equally disordered; sia. ing for introducing a number of Swiss co. Abdul Wachab having taken possession of of Medina, was in full march for Damascus, when he was met by Djezzar, Pacha of Acre, and, after an obstinate engagement, completely defeared.-The Hamburghers, who are languishing under the interruption of their commerce, complain of the slowness with which negotiations are carried on for relieving the petty states in the north of Germany, from the misfortunes which the present war has caused. They still flatter themselves with the hope that Russia is interfering in their behalf, and that Prussia and Denmark are anxious for the restoration of their former privileges.-Large quantities of British goods have been seized at Hamburgh, by the French-The condition of Hanover is particularly unfortunate. The military exactions which the French have required, and the burthens which they have imposed have produced great distress DOMESTIC.-The trials of the Irish rethroughout the whole electorate. The em- bels proceed. On the 27th of September, barrassment of the states has, however, re- Howley, the person who shot the keeper of cently been relieved by a considerable loan the tower, was convicted; and, on the day advanced by the Elector of Hesse-Cassel, following, was executed. He was a storeThis, together with a further loan of one keeper in the depôt, and, previously to his million of rix-dollars, which his Highness' death, confessed himself to be the murderer agent in that country is now negotiating, of Colonel Browne. On the 1st instant, will enable them to comply with the requi- Mackintosh was brought to the bar, and sitions of their conquerors.-Intelligence re- after a long trial was found guilty. It was ceived by the last German mail states that at his house that the explosion of gunpow "it is now asserted with more confidence der took place on the Saturday preceding "than ever, in private advices from Berlin, the insurrection, and that a quantity of mus"of the 24th of September, that the chief ket-balls, pike handles, and bayonets were 66 object of Lombard's mission to Paris was discovered. He was particularly active in "to obtain the consent of Buonaparté that the riots in Thomas Street, and was one of "Frederick William should eventually be the assassins who stopped the carriage of "raised to the dignity of Chief of the EmLord Kilwarden.-A few weeks ago, a perpire."-M. Otto, late minister plenipo- son who had just arrived from Ireland was tentiary at the court of St. James's has been taken into custody, on suspicion of having dispatched by the First Consul on an em- been concerned in the late rebellion, but, for bassy to Bavaria.-A decree of the French want of sufficient evidence against him, he government issued from St. Cloud on the was liberated. He has, since, been arrested 17th of September, ordains that flags of again, all his papers seized, and no person truce, which, according to the decree of the suffered to visit him, and in a few days he 26th of July, were only to be admitted into will be sent to Dublin.-A Frenchman, emthe bay of Audierne, near Brest, are hence- ployed in Lord Claremont's kitchen, was forth only to be received in the port of Mor-apprehended on the 30th ultimo, by virtue laix. The plan of instituting senatorships of a warrant from Sir R. Ford, on suspicion in the departments of the republic, which of his being a spy from the French govern was sanctioned by the senate, has received ment. On the next day he underwent a the approbation of government, and is about long examination at the Secretary of State's to be carried into execution- The senate office, and was afterwards committed to the met on the 23d Fructider, by virtue of a house of correction in Cold Bath Fields.consular convocation, to receive the pre- The Gazette of last Saturday contains adsentation of candidates.-In almost every dresses to his Majesty, from the counties of part of Swisserland great misery prevails Westmeath, Donegal, and Cardigan; the among the inferior and laborious classes of Bishop, Archdeacon, and Chapter of the dic the community, who are unable to obtain cese of Landaff; the Bishop, Dean, Chapemployment. The emigrations to America ter, and Clergy of Chester; and the Fres are increasing; and arrangements are mak-bytery of Edinburgh -The King has been 66 |