persisted in her intention of giving him up, and being answered in the affirmative, he desired her, upon some pretence, to look out at the coach window, and then discharged the two pistols, one after the other, by which both Miss Colson and himself were severely wounded. The coachman being within some doors of the house in Belvidere Place to which he was directed to drive, heard the report of the pistols, and ran to look for a watchman. On his return, he found the coach empty, and was informed that Mr E. and Miss C. were in the house. Several examinations respecting this unfortunate affair have taken place at Union Hall. Among others, Miss Colson has undergone an examination, and though she admitted the facts to be as above stated, she seemed anxious to vindicate Mr Eliston from the intention of shooting her, but said that his object was merely to destroy himself, and that he wounded her by mistake. Miss Colson's father, however, has been bound over for the appearance of his daughter, to prosecute at the ensuing assizes, though much against the inclination of the young lady; and Mr Eliston has been fully committed to take his trial for firing the pistol with the intention of taking away her life. OPENING OF COVENT GARDEN THEATRE.This splendid new theatre was opened this evening, and crowded in every part; but owing to the popular clamour excited by a very moderate rise of prices, the increase of private boxes, &c., scarcely a word of the performance could be heard. We refer to the Dramatic Article in this volume for the particulars of the disgraceful scenes of which this formed the commencement. But 'we cannot deny ourselves the satisfac tion of observing, that, not withstanding the contending passions and opposite interests of the audience, who for some time might be considered as the only actors in the house, yet "God save the King" was no sooner called for and struck up, than it uniformly hushed the tempest of the multitude into harmony and peace. About five thousand of the prisoners last arrived from Flushing have entered into our service. They are on board ships in Portsmouth harbour, temporarily fitted up for them until they are properly selected for their respective regiments. 19th. The London Gazette of this day contains dispatches from Sir John Borlase Warren, commander-inchief of his Majesty's ships on the North American station, addressed to the Hon. W. W. Pole, and dated Halifax, 14th August, 1809. They announce the capture of La Furieuse, French frigate, after an action of six hours and forty minutes, with his Majesty's ship La Bonne Citoyenne, one of Sir J. B. Warren's squadron. Captain Mounsey, the commander of the Bonne Citoyenne, expresses himself in strong terms, in favour of the officers and men under his command; and the loss with which this achievement was effected has been extremely small. off, with a great press of sail, to their assistance, at the imminent danger of being themselves overset, as there was a fresh breeze and a considerable scud. The Nile fortunately arrived in time to save the lives of every per son belonging to the boat, nine in number, viz. a lieutenant, midshipman, and seven seamen, belonging to the Diana frigate in the Downs. But for the prompt assistance of the Ramsgate boat, no doubt some must have perished; there was a good deal of sea. They were all, including the lieutenant, who has but one arm, preserved and put on shore at Ramsgate. 21st-28th.-MINISTERIAL DIF-. FERENCE; RESIGNATIONS; DUEL BETWEEN LORD Castlereagh aND MR CANNING. The public attention is at present drawn from the Walcheren Expedition, and the affairs of the continent, to an unfortunate difference which has arisen between Lord Castlereagh and Mr Canning. It may be proper to remind our readers, that Lord Castlereagh is secretary of state for war and colonies, and Mr Canning secretary for foreign affairs. For some time past, a considerable coolness has subsisted between these two members of the cabinet, and so long ago as the Easter recess, Mr Canning signified his wish of resigning his situation, unless Lord Castlereagh should relinquish the war department, and a proper successor to him be appointed. This design was announced in the absence of Lord Castlereagh, and the mem. bers present are said to have agreed in the propriety of Lord Castle reagh's retirement from office. Mr Canning wished the immediate disclosure of these sentiments to be made to Lord Castlereagh, which certainly would have been the fair and manly course; but his colleagues, from professed regard to Lord Castlereagh's feelings, proposed to delay the disclosure until the adjournment of Parliament. To this proposal, Mr Canning reluctantly consented; and in the mean time, these two gentlemen met on apparent terms of mutual respect in the cabinet, and Lord Castlereagh, as war secretary, was employed in the arrangement of one of the most important expeditions that ever sailed from the British shores, remaining all the while entirely igno rant of the objections which had been made against his continuance in the cabinet. When the adjournment of Parliament took place, Mr Canning is said to have urged the Duke of Portland to enforce the recommendation which he had before submitted to the cabinet, and requested him to communicate the sentiments of himself and his colleagues to Lord Castlereagh; otherwise he expressed his determination of immediately resigning. The Duke of Portland again recurred to the topic of delicacy, though he agreed that it was right Lord Castlereagh should retire. After some further delay, Earl Camden was selected for the purpose of making the above communication to Lord Castlereagh. It was again, however, deferred, in consequence, it is said, of the hurry occasioned by the preparation of the Expedition to the Scheldt, and no communica tion on a subject so interesting to Lord Castlereagh was made to that gentleman, until Mr Canning, displeased by the delay, actually gave in his resignation. The Duke of Portland then saw the necessity of stating to Lord Castlereagh, the sentiments of Mr Canning respecting his lordship, with the concurring opinion of the cabinet. On receiving his grace's communication, Lord Castlereagh sent in his resignation, and wrote to Mr Canning a letter, dated St James's Square, 19th September. In this letter, his lordship indignantly refers to Mr Canning's secret proposal, that he (Lord Castlereagh) should be removed from the war department, with the alter native of Mr Canning seceding from the government, if such removal could not be effected; and while he allows that Mr Canning had a right, upon public grounds, to make such a proposal, he considers its systematic concealment from him as a breach of good faith, and reproaches him with sitting in the cabinet, during the preparation of a most important expedition, on terms of apparent friendship and cordiality with a colleague whom he was labouring to supersede. He adds, that he can not consider Mr Canning excusable for practising such deception, in consequence of the Duke of Portland's, or any other person's scruples respecting the delicacy of the disclosure, as he must have well known that he, (Lord C.) had he been aware of what was going forward, could not have submitted to remain one moment longer in office. He states, that in such circumstances, Mr Canning, as a man of honour, ought to have given in his own re signation, and concludes thus: "Under these circumstances, I must require that satisfaction from you to which I feel myself entitled to lay claim." To this letter Mr Canning replied as follows: Gloucester Lodge, Sept. 20, 1809. "MY LORD-The tone and the purport of your lordship's letter, which I have this moment received, of course preclude any other answer on my part, to the misapprehensions and misrepresentations with which it abounds, than that I will cheerfully give to your lordship the satisfaction you require." The Earl of Yarmouth (Lord Castlereagh's cousin) was the bearer of his lordship's letter to Mr Canning. On Thursday morning, September 21st, at seven o'clock, the parties met on Putney Heath. Lord Castlereagh was attended by Lord Yarmouth, and Mr Home, surgeon; Mr Canning by Mr Charles Ellis. At the second fire, Mr Canning re ceived the ball of his antagonist through the outside of the thigh bone. The wound was immediately dressed by Mr Home, who ac companied Mr C. in his carriage to Gloucester Lodge. The wound was not dangerous, and he is in the way of recovery. Lord Castlereagh had a narrow escape, a button on the right lapel of his coat having been shot off. His lordship, on learning the nature of Mr Canning's wound, returned to town with Lord Yar mouth. It appears that the resignations of Lord Castlereagh and Mr Canning, together with that of the Duke of Portland, (which his grace's infirm state of health for a long time past has now rendered absolutely neces sary,) had induced the rest of his Majesty's ministers to think of making some overtures to Lord Grenville and Earl Grey. This measure having received his Majesty's appro bation, a correspondence took place on this important subject. It was opened by a letter from Mr Perceval to each of these noblemen, dated Windsor, September 23d, 1809, and stated, that in consequence of the intended retirement of the Duke of Portland, and the resignations of Lord Castlereagh and Mr Canning, he (Mr P.) stood to have terminated. A tem- and Lord Liverpool, were authorised to concert measures with Lords Grey and Grenville, for forming an extended and combined administration. He therefore requested these noblemen to come to town immediately, in order that this object might be accomplished. Lord Grey replied to the letter addressed to him, in a letter dated Howick, September 26th, ex--Colonel Wardle, v. Mrs Clarke.pressing, in respectful terms, his zeal At 11 o'clock, Colonel Wardle atfor his Majesty's service, and his tended at the sessions house, and, in readiness to go to town at a moment's a little time after, was called in benotice, had his Majesty's commands fore the grand jury, where he underbeen personal to himself; but at the went an examination, which continusame time declining to do so on the ed nearly two hours. Major Dodd present occasion, as it was impossible and Mr Glennie were likewise exafor him, consistently with his regard mined; and, a little after three o' to public duty, to enter into any clock, the grand jury, headed by terms with the existing administra- their foreman, appeared in court, and tion. Lord Grenville repaired to reported several bills for larcenies and town in compliance with his Majes- minor offences. They then presentty's request, and on his arrival, wrote ed, as a true bill, that against Mrs to Mr Perceval an answer to his Mary Anne Clarke and the two communication, similar in substance Wrights, for a conspiracy. to that of Lord Grey, and declining, like him, to enter into a treaty with the existing administration. He declares, however, that, in doing so, he is actuated by no feeling of personal animosity, and that it is not more his duty than his desire to study to allay political animosities; but as his objections apply to the principle of the government itself, and not to the persons of ministers, he considers such an accommodation as leading to a dereliction of public duty. Mr Perceval, in a letter dated the 29th, replies to Lord Grenville. He expresses his regret at the failure of the object in contemplation, and reminds his lordship, that in making the proposal, he had not stated that he wished for the accession of him and Lord Grey, but for their concurrence in forming a combined and extended administration. Here this business is under When the foreman presented this bill, he was informed by the magistrate, then presiding, that, not having a quorum present, namely, five magistrates, they could not receive it. Mr Alley, on the part of the prosecution, observed, that when the dinner hour should arrive, there would be a considerable number of the bench present, and the jury would wait until that hour. At four o'clock the jury, in a great body, again came into court, and a full bench of the magistracy appearing, the foreman again presented the bill, and it was received. Mr Alley then submitted the usual motions, calling upon the defendants to find bail for their appearance, next sessions, to answer to the charge. Some reluctance was manifested, but it was finally settled that no warrant was to be executed, provided Mr Stokes, the solicitor for the defendants, would put in bail for the Messrs Wrights to-morrow, and for Mrs Clarke on Tuesday next. The words "A True Bill" were endorsed upon the back of it in letters three inches in length. A vast crowd of people witnessed these occurrences, led thither from the expectation of the bill being to be presented this day. THOMSON'S ANNIVERSARY AT EDNAM. This day, (the 22d,) the annual meeting was held at Ednam, for the purpose of celebrating the anniversary of the Birth of Thomson. The memory of the Poet of the Seasons, and other appropriate toasts, were given, and the day was spent with that conviviality and decorum which the occasion of the meeting is so well calculated to inspire. We observe with regret, that a sufficient sum has not yet been subscribed to warrant the gentlemen of this society to proceed with the monument in honour of Thomson, which has long been an object of contemplation. We hope, however, more for the credit of the country than for that of the poet, who is far removed from human praise or censure, and whose fame is, at any rate, too firmly established to admit of increase by such a tribute, that this laudable design will not be relinquished. 28th.-MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT WORTHING. POLICE-OFFICE MARLBOROUGH STREET.-A final examination was this day made by the magistrate, relative to a very extraordinary case, in which Miss Latham, a handsome young lady of 16, the daughter of a respectable physician, was prosecutrix, and Mr Barrett, a wine merchant in London, was defendant. The testimony of Miss Latham, on former examinations, stated, that she was walking along South Street, Worthing, at seven o'clock in the morning of the 10th of June, after having left her brother and maid-servant at a bathing-machine, when she was overtaken by the defendant, who took her by the arm, and pressed his conversation upon her. She declined his company, but he still solicited her to grant him five minutes conversation. The defendant followed her to the door of her lodgings, where he left her. The next morning, being the 11th, Miss Latham saw the defendant pass the house, but she supposed he did not see her. On the morning of the 12th, she had returned from bathing, and whilst sitting on her sofa, and perusing a book, she heard the lock of the door opened, and suspecting it to be the son of Mr King, of Bedford Row, she went down stairs, and, to her surprise, beheld the defendant, who followed her hastily into her drawing-room. He immediately began to take liberties, and Miss Latham fainted. She did not know what happened until some time after, when she partly recovered, and found herself on the sofa, with a handkerchief tied over her mouth. The defendant had taken off her white sash, and tied her hands at the wrist. He observed that she should not be hurt, and advised her not to be alarmed. After having treated her with excessive rudeness, the defendant used pressing solicitations to prevail on her to elope, and he added, that a post-chaise should be waiting for her at the door of Mr Ogle. He assured her that he would treat her affectionately. She should go to his country house, and have servants at her command. The defendant loosened the handkerchief from her |