gar-yard and Russel-street, the roofs of which had caught fire, from being burnt down. Mrs. Mac Beath's suffered most,

About half past twelve, part of the outward walls, both in Russellstreet and Vinegar-yard, fell down, and completely blocked up the passage, but fortunately no lives were lost. The several outer walls fell successively. At two o'clock no other parts remained than a fine fragment of the western front, and a less striking part of the eastern end. Happily the wall on each side fell inwards, and thus the apprehended spreading of the fire was impeded. Before three o'clock the flames had greatly subsided, and we believe no fear was then entertained that they would spread further.

The evil to the performers is most serious. They have lost every thing, and in one day several hundred persons are thrown out of bread. There is no place in town to which they can have resort as a temporary theatre, unless they were to divide themselves into several parties, and act at the minor theatres, in the Lyceum, Catharinestreet, the Royalty, &c.

The spectacle of real desolation which the structure afforded, when contemplated from Blackfriarsbridge at 12 o'clock, far surpassed in magnificence any of the mimic representations which were ever viewed within its walls. The shell of the building was then entire, and the upper range of windows and the balustrade above, forming the whole length of the edifice, being raised above all the adjoining buildings, and thrown into strong relief by the flame, resembled the ancient aqueducts which are still remaining, in the south of Europe. From the frame of the edifice arose a broad sheet of flame; no wind stirred to

break the symmetry of its ascent, so that it terminated in a “fiery pyramid." This vast splendid body threw an interesting light on the surrounding objects. The Thames and St. Paul's were rendered unusually beautiful. Thus the effect was rather that of an elaborate work of art than of a fatal casualty, to be lamented by all the arts. In reflecting on this awful catastrophe, we must be allowed to observe, that no warning, no additional care, seems to have been adopted at Drury-lane, in consequence of the destruction of the sister theatre. We hope this misfortune will prove fectual for that purpose.

FURTHER PARTICULARS.

ef

The fire began in what was called the Chinese lobby, that is, the lobby underneath the grand lobby which faces Brydges-street. This Chinese lobby was the second entrance going into the theatre from Brydges-street: it was usually but ill lighted, and from it ascended two stair-cases to the main passages and lobbies level with the back of the front boxes. According to the original plan of the theatre, this Chinese lobby was intended to be surrounded with shops, for the sale of various articles, such as gloves, fruits, &c. during the performance. The shops had actually been made since the opening of the theatre, but they remained shut up with shutters, never having been finished or opened for actual use. This lobby, from the beginning, was a favourite toy of Mr. Sheridan, who, at the commencement of the theatre, and often since, has been heard to boast what a pretty thing it would be when finished and opened in complete style.To accomplish it had only been determined this season, during the whole of which the entrance to

the

the theatre from Brydges-street has been shut up, that the lobby and the shops in it might be finished and opened. It was nearly ready, the varnishers were at work rather Jate on Friday night, and from negligence the fire happened. How it happened is not exactly known, but it is known that the varnish caught fire, and that almost instantly the whole theatre was in a blaze.

When the fire was first discover. ed in the interior of the theatre, several attempts were made to extinguish it; but it had completely identified itself with the wood, and in less than five minutes after the entrance of Mr. Johnson, the mechanist, the boxes, pit, and stage, were covered with fire and smoke,

It is due to the exertions of the firemen belonging to the different offices, to observe, that they worked the engines with incessant labour and great judgement. All their efforts were, however, in vain; and it was found totally impossible to preserve a single vestige of the interior of the house. The multitude as sembled on the occasion amounted to at least a hundred thousand souls.

The flames were visible to a considerable extent, from the commanding situation of the theatre, and of course attracted crowds in every direction. Russell-street, Drary-lane, Catharine-street, Brydges-street, Charles-street, Bow-street, Tavistock-street, Long-acre, and Covent-garden, were absolutely filled with spectators. Such was the force of the conflagration, that its heat was strongly felt at the church in Covent-garden.

When the leaden cistern fell in, it produced a shock like an earthquake, and the burning matter forced up into the air resembled a

shower of rockets and other artificial fireworks.

COURT OF KING'S BENCH.

Ben amin v. Mile.

28. This was an action to recover compensation for an assault. The defendant was captain of a West-Indiaman, and the plaintiff and family passengers on board the same ship. What cause of discontent existed between the parties previous to the quarrel which led to the present action did not appear in evidence. But on the night of the assault in question, the cabin-boy was the only witness present. He stated that Mrs. Benjamin wished to give her child some of the liquor, which the captain objected to. She said she had nothing else to give it. The captain said it was his rum, and she should have none of it. She said, she dared to say the captain would be paid for all he furnished to them; to which he answered, he did not know that. During this period of the altercation, the plaintiff, Mr. Benjamin, came into the cabin. He asked captain Miles what he meant by this conduct, saying, I can never go out of the cabin but you are always quarrelling with Mrs. Benjamin." The captain immedi ately began abusing him, and pulling him by the nose. Benjamin said this was not usage to be borne, and asked the defendant why he did not take his pistols and fight it out like a man. The captain, upon this, did get his pistols; but instead of using them in the usual way, he rubbed them against Benjamin's nose, and beat him over the head with the butts of them. Afterwards Benjamin went upon deck with a view to hail the commodore; but the captain followed, threw him down, and again beat him.

Mr, serjeant Pell addressed the jury

jury for the defendant, but called

no witness.

Sepulveda, Somosierra, and Ma drid, 7,000.-In Estremadura, in the action of Velez, and in several engagements in La Mancha, 4,000.

General recapitulation of the losses sustained by the French armies since the time they entered Portugal and Spain. The calculation rests on known public data; and whoever will take the trouble to examine them, will find that the number is rather lessened than exaggerated.]

First campaign-Carried off by diseases in Madrid, Burgos, Biscay, Navarre, &c. 11,000.-In Catalonia, 8,000.-In Saragossa they lost in various actions, and during the first siege, 10,000.-In Valencia, and La Mancha, 8,000.-Killed and taken prisoners in Andalusia, including the French squadron at Cadiz, 30,000.--Hanged, deserted, and destroyed, by the fury of the people and private individuals, 11,000.-Killed by the English in Portugal, and carried off by disease, 8,000.-Killed in the different actions in Old Castile, 6,000.

Second campaign.-Lost in se veral actions with the army of the centre, including that of Lerin, 3,000.-On the 23d November, in Tudela, 6,000.-During the long siege of Saragossa, and in various actions with the Arragonese, including deserters, 17,000.-In the different actions in Catalonia, 10,000 -Killed and wounded by Blake's army in Biscay, and in the mountains of St. Andero, 10,000.-Killed and wounded in Burgos, by the army of Estremadura, 1,000.-In

FATAL DUEL.

is

The cause of this duel arose, as it said, from a misunderstanding that took place the right before at Stevens's hotel, in Bond-street, from lord Falkland's addressing Mr. Powell by the familiar appellation of Pogey; on which the latter expressed much displeasure, remarking," that he had not the honour of being sufficiently acquainted with him, to entitle his lordship to take so great a liberty." This drew from lord F. a sarcastic reply, accompanied by some threats; on which Mr. P. rejoined, that "he had that in his hand (meaning his stick) which would defend him against any menace, even from a lord." Lord F. on the instant snatched a cane from some gentleman in the room, and, as it is re

ported,

ported, struck Mr. P. many severe blows with it. The consequence was a challenge from the latter, which produced the melancholy catastrophe above stated.

Mr. Powell has always been esteemed as one of the best-tem. pezed and most inoffensive men that exist. After the duel, lord Falkland was conveyed to the house of Mr. Powell, in Devonshire-place, in the latter gentleman's carriage. Lady Falkland was kept ignorant of this calamitous event for some hours, from no friend having sufficient fortitude to impart to her the melancholy event. About seven o'clock the same evening, however, she received some information respecting it, and proceeded with her children to Devonshire-place.

Another account states, that lord Falkland and Mr. Powell were in habits of the most confidential intimacy. On Friday se'nnight they met in a party at dinner with a mutual friend. A discussion arose respecting the properties and perfection of a peculiar description of Burgundy; and his lordship and Mr. Powell taking different sides of the question, some trifling altercation took place, but which was speedily drowned in the conciliat ing juice of the grape. The company then adjourned to the whist table, and in the course of play lord Falkland and Mr. Powell were frequently partners: and, when adverse, made amicable bets upon the game or rubber. When the party broke up, Lord Falkland and Mr. Powell went arm in arm to Stevens's hotel, Bond-street, where they supped, and afterwards drank Madeira negus. The waiters at Stevens's, during supper, in the course of conversation, repeatedly heard the interchange of mutual and amicable civility; but shortly the har

mony

of the coffee-room was dis turbed by lord Falkland rising under the impulse of a very violent passion, and exclaiming, " Powell, you're a damn'd lying rascal!" Under this accusation, Mr. Powell did what every man of spirit must do; but his lordship being the stronger man, and initiated into the manœuvres of pugilistic science, Mr. Powell received many severe blows, and was repeatedly kicked by lord Falkland whilst on the floor. Con sidering the etiquette of society, there was no other appeal than to the field of honour. The interfe rence of friends completely failed, and the consequence was as stated.

His lordship succeeded to his title a few years ago, on the death of his brother. He manifested great gal lantry in his profession on several occasions, and had acquired a considerable fortune by captures. In consequence of some convivial ex cesses on board his vessel, he was dismissed the service a year or two ago, but was recently restored, and would doubtless have signalized himself in the cause of his country, had not this unhappy event occurred. He was about 40 years of age.

Lord Falkland, after he was conveyed to Devonshire-place, on hearing the surgeons' opinion on his wound, said (with a faltering voice, and as intelligibly as the agonized state of his body and mind would permit), "I acquit Mr. Powell of all blame in this transac tion; I alone am culpable." After the lapse of some hours, he desired to see Mr. Heaviside: that gentleman was in attendance. Lord Falkland then expressed a wish to have the ball extracted. M. H. said it was impossible, without the operation causing almost instant death. "You may live three or four hours afterwards, but no more," conti

nued

nued Mr. Heaviside. His lordship then said, he would first settle his worldly affairs, by making his will; this was done at a late hour. On the night of Tuesday he asked Mr. H. "How long he might probably survive if the operation was not performed?" "I have known cases (replied Mr. H.) wherein the sufferer has lived forty hours." After a long pause, his lordship fixed upon one o'clock on Wednesday afternoon for the operation to be performed. The operation was not performed, in consequence of his lordship being on the whole much easier; the pain had considerably, abated. During the afterpart of the day, he had a relapse, and towards the night he became delirious; he was not expected to survive during the night. About eleven o'clock a consultation was held, which was attended by Messrs. Heaviside, Cline, Hume, Abernethy, &c.

In the evening of Wednesday, his lordship complained of feeling the cold in his extremities in a great degree; by his desire he was repeatedly taken out of bed, for the purpose of being warmed. Fomentations were continually resorted to, but without effect, and about two o'clock on Thursday morning his lordship breathed his last.

ASSAULT AND FALSE IMPRISON-
MENT.

Dunn v. Lewis.

2. This was an action brought by Hannah Dunn, a maid-servant, against Mr. Lewis, a trussand comb-maker on Ludgate-hill, to recover a compensation for an assault and false imprisonment.

The plaintiff, a servant girl, was passing with her mistress through Ludgate-hill, during the slippery weather of the 24th of December last, and happened to fall against

the defendant's shop window, and broke a pane of its glass. She hurt herself considerably by the fall, and broke some crockery ware, which, with other things, she was carrying in a basket. Both she and her mistress went into the defendant's shop, where the mistress offered to send a glazier on the Monday following (this was on Saturday evening) to mend the window, leaving in the mean time the basket, which contained goods of much greater value than the pane of glass. The defendant insisted upon either having 4s. 6d. immediately for the payment of the window, or sending the plaintiff to the Compter; and a constable of the name of Kimber looking in at the time, to the Compter she was sent, the defendant always having in his possession the basket. On her way to the Compter, the plaintiff met her master, who having no small money to pay for the window, offered his watch till he could redeem it; and the constable actually suffered a collection to be made from the bystanders of 2s. to pay for the window. The plaintiff was then carried back to the defendant's, who still persisted in sending her to prison, if he had not the 45. 6d. paid down. This the plaintiff's master had not to pay, and the plaintiff was sent to the Poultry Compter, and confined there till nine o'clock at night, among prostitutes and pickockets, when she was bailed by the humanity of the gaoler. On Monday morning she re-appeared, and was brought be fore Mr. alderman Boydell, whoreprimanded the defendant severely, and advised the present action.

The pretended defence was, that the plaintiff's mistress had abused and struck the defendant (but one of the defendant's witnesses who was present, did not see this); that the plaintiff's