at all. I have great doubts; and so will the reader, if he has courage enough to look the truth in the face, and is independent enough only to think, I do not say to speak, for that is rarely indeed to be met with, and will be so as long as the PITT system predominates; but, if he has courage enough to think for himself, he will have very great doubts as to the result of the campaign.— -It is only a month ago that we were thanking, or that the parliament were thanking, Lord Talavera and his army for having delivered Portugal of the French. Nothing was then talked of but the total evacuation of the Peninsula; Massena's army was said to be put hors-de combat, that is, that it was destroyed, or rendered useless; and even the minister, yea the prime minister, talked with exultation of the confusion into which the Emperor must be thrown by the news of the defeat and overthrow and disgrace and annihilation of his army in Portugal; and, he even speculated upon the effects, which that event would produce upon other nations, in the way of example; contenting himself with barely hinting at the effects, which it might produce in France.-—————And, after all this, do we see this same army, this run-away, humbled, disgraced, shattered, overthrown, annihilated army; do we see this same identical army come and attack the conquerors? Do we see this run-away army come and assail their pursuers, make dreadful havock amongst them, and carry off some hundreds of them prisoners, including 7 officers, one of whom a Lieutenant Colonel? for the country at his buck has been exhausted and laid waste; and, in the country in front of him are Massena and his army. Whence, then, is he to bring provisions and all the various things necessary for his army? Massena has retired to a country that has not been so completely devastated. He has something, at any rate, in his rear. Our Commander can have but very little indeed; and, of course, the longer he remains where he is, the less able will he be to cope with the enemy. This state of things was to be foreseen, I think, from the beginning of the retreat of the French, unless, indeed, the French army had been beaten at some stage or other of the retreat. In that case, our army would have been in no danger. It might have separated in quest of provisions. Now it cannot. It must remain together; and, the necessity of remaining together and of being continually ready for battle will prevent it from obtaining supplies; and will, in all human probability, compel it to move to a new position in its rear.I am aware that to give such an opinion is not the ready way to gain believe or praise; but it being my real opinion, I should be a political cheat if I did not express it. If I were to express my wishes, Į should say that I certainly wish for the good of England; but wishes and expectations are very different. Imay wish for fair weather, but, at the same time, may expect it to rain; and, should I not be a fool to affect to expect it to be fair merely because I wished it? Yet, without any better reason than this do thousands and hundreds of -The public will now believe, perhaps, thousands of people now expect to hear, that I was not altogether a madman, when packet after packet, that Spain and PorI was answering the speech of Mr. PERCE-tugal are wholly evacuated by the enemy. VAL, and expressing my wonder and regret to see Mr. WHITBREAD hastening to make atonement for not having been present to join in the vote of thanks to Lord Talavera for having delivered Portugal.If the people are deceived any longer it is not the Lord Marshal's fault, I must say; for his letter, from the beginning to the end, is in a tone not to excite great expectations. He tells us of the difficulties and risks he has to meet. He does not bid us be confident; and, I should not at all wonder to hear, that he found it necessary to fling back his flank, or to take up a new position, or something of that sort; for, he is now at a distance from his supplies. He is not now in a state to receive aid from his shipping. He must, I suppose, bring every thing he gets from a great distance; -Almeida is now expected to fall. Suppose it does? does that determine any thing? It was taken from us last year and in less time than it will be taken now. We did not look upon the fall of it as being very decisive. But mark! We saw it fall without marching to its aid. The French have, it seems, marched to its aid, and pretty dearly has the investment of it cost us. -The French, it seems, though they have taken some of our army prisoners and carried them off, have retreated; that is to say, they have gone back to the place whence they marched to the attack. But, suppose they had gone quite away, and had been pursued by our army? What, then? Did not we go away from Busaço and did they not fol low us, and did we not, nevertheless, claim a victory, and fire the Park and Tower guns? "out to them while embodied. This song In short, upon a calm and dispassionate" he had sung amongst his comrades, and view of the situation of affairs in Portugal," afterwards sent the manuscript to a the least I can look forward to is another" printer's to have a number struck off. long and harrassing and destructive cam- "The printer, however, before he pub. paign, which appears to be now only be- "lished, thought it necessary to submit a ginning. The expence of maintaining copy for the perusal of Colonel Earl, an army on the frontiers of Portugal must "commander of the regiment, to which now be enormous, especially if it be com- "Taylor consented; and so soon as Col. pelled to keep together. This alone seems "Earl had perused it, he gave orders for to me to be worth the employment of a "the arrest and confinement of Taylor, in considerable French army, which costs" order to his being brought to a CourtFrance nothing at all; and, if any mishap "martial. In two hours he was brought should, at such a distance from Lisbon, before the Court for trial, upon the charge or from the sea, befall our army, there is "of publishing this song, alleged to be an no foreseeing what may be the conse- injurious reflection upon the regiment quence. Such is my view of this mat- "and its service, and he was remanded to ter; if I am right, what I have said may, "confinement with the allowance of an in some, tend to prepare the minds of my "hour to prepare for his defence. At the readers for untoward events, and, if I am "end of which time he was again brought wrong, my error cannot possibly do any "up, when he avowed having written the mischief. As I am sending this off to the press, I perceive, that there is, to use the words of the TIMES news-paper, intelligence of "another glorious victory,' under Marshal Beresford. I hope will not turn out to be " another;" for, really," with a copy of the minutes of the proto talk of victories that bring us nothing but killed, wounded, and missing, is quite disgusting. song, but denied any criminal intention, "and he produced several witnesses to "character. He was, however, found "guilty, and sentenced to receive 200 "lashes. He requested to be furnished ceedings against him, but this was re"fused; and in two hours afterwards he "was marched under a guard to the pa Taylor is a person of most excellent "character, in reputable life, being clerk "to the Society of Lighter and Boat "Owners in Liverpool; that he is a man rade, where the regiment was drawn up. FLOGGING SOLDIERS. This subject, "He was tied up to the halberts, and reparticularly as far as relates to the LOCAL "ceived 50 lashes, but the remainder were MILITIA, is now taken up in the proper "remitted by Col. Earl. The letter adds, place, and it is in proper hands; those of "that the writer means not to attach any SIR FRANCIS BURDETT, who, having laid "censure upon the conduct of Col. Earl, his hand to the plough will not look back. "whom it states to be an humane man; I will here insert the short report that "and says, that many Members of the is given of what passed upon the subject," Court-martial were anxious to acquit in the House of Commons, on Saturday, "the man, but could not, upon the evithe 25th instant, as I find it in the MORN-"dence against him. It stated, also, that ING CHRONICLE..--་ SIR FRANCIS BUR"DETT rose to call the attention of the "House to a subject upon which he meant "to make a motion, but which he would "not now press, if it was the sense of the" of good moral character, and of educa"House that it ought to be postponed. "tion and mind much superior to his sta"He held in his hand a written statement "tion. The letter concluded with request"from a respectable Gentleman at Liver- "ing the Hon. Bart. to bring the subject be་ pool, upon the authenticity of which he "fore Parliament, and, if possible, to cause had every reason to place reliance, and "a stop to be put to a species of punish"which with the permission of the House "ment so calculated to excite disgust."he would read.-The letter stated, that "The Hon. Baronet then proceeded to "during the period on which the local "some very pointed observations upon the "militia was recently called out at Liver- "punishment of flogging, which had as it "pool, a private of the 8th company in "were crept unaccountably into the Bri"the regiment, named Taylor, had writ- "tish service, as one which was abhorrent "ten a song respecting the service of the "to every feeling of humanity as well as local militia, the circumstances of their" of British freedom, and was a disgrace "treatment on duty, and the bread served" and a reproach to the military service 66 of this country. He concluded by moving for that which Taylor was unable to obtain, namely, a copy of the Minutes "of the Court-martial.—THE CHANCEL"LOR OF THE EXCHEQUER observed, that "on a Saturday, and in so thin a House, "it was not usual to expect motions of such importance as to call for discussion. "Before, however, he could consent to "the motion, he should wish a fuller "House, and some opportunity for in"quiry. He therefore hoped the Hon. "Baronet would have no objection to post"pone his motion. After some conversa❝tion the motion was postponed until Thursday se'nnight."This subject is of much more importance than are the battles in Spain and Portugal.—It did not seem, one would have thought, to require a very full House, or much consideration, to vote for the production of the proceedings of the Court Martial. The same was done last session by the same member, and the consequences, in the case of Jeffery, are well known.—I do not mean to insinuate, that there is, on the part of the ministry, any intention or wish, to smother the proposed inquiry; but, certainly, the sooner it is gone into the better; and the more full and solemn the discussion the more advantageous will be the effects. I am very glad to see the thing entered on with such temper. Why it should create heat in any party, I know not; but, certainly it has had that effect, in most cases, hitherto. Now, however, we shall, I trust, hear it soberly, coolly, and manfully discussed. The House of Commons vote the money to pay the soldiers; it is there where the laws originate for the governing of them; and surely, it is there, where inquiries ought to be made into the treatment of them; for, I think, no one will any longer have the impudence to assert, that "the soldier is out of the pale "of the Constitution." WM. COBBETT. State Prison, Newgate, Tuesday, May 28, 1811. PROTESTANT DISSENTERS. At a General Meeting of Protestant Dissenters, and other Friends to Religious Liberty, at the London Tavern, Bishopsgatestreet, on Friday, May 24, 1811, convened to receive the Report of the Committee appointed at a former Meeting, to prevent by every legitimate effort the successful progress of a Bill introduced into Parlia ment by Viscount Sidmouth, relating to the Acts for Religious Toleration; SAMUEL MILLS, Esq. in the Chair: The Committee reported, That by great exertions, aided by the generous sentiments which were universally excited, they had obtained in 48 hours 336 Petitions from various Congregations within 120 miles of the metropolis, signed only by Males exceeding 16 years of age, (exclusive of many Petitions that have been subsequently received) that those Petitions had been presented to the House of Lords on Tuesday; and that in consequence of the number and respectability of the Petitioners, of the attention of his Majesty's Government, and of the assistance of many liberal-minded Peers, the motion that the Bill should be read for the second time was negatived without a division, and the Bill was consequently rejected. Resolved, 1. That the Report of the Committee is highly satisfactory to this Meeting; that, loving religion, liberty, and their native land, they rejoice at the speedy rejection of a Bill which would have limited the diffusion of religious light, have enfeebled the energy of freedom, and by producing internal dissentions have inflicted upon their country a dangerous wound: and that they particularly rejoice that this effect has resulted from the zeal displayed by the friends to Religious Liberty of every denomination, and that complete success has conferred on their labours an adequate reward. 2. That this Meeting congratulate Mi nisters and other friends resident in every part of the empire, on this memorable result, on the just displeasure they have manifested at the first effort of reviving intolerance, on their consequent attention to the recommendations of the former Meeting, on their liberal promises of pecuniary aid, and on the pledges they have given of their determination to resist any encroachments on the Acts of Toleration, and every future attempt to restrict useful and pious teachers from disseminating Christian principles, and thereby promoting the salvation of men. 3. That anxious to vindicate Protestant Dissenters from the unmerited imputation of having acted with insincerity or from caprice, this Meeting declare that all communications alleged to have occurred between individual Dissenters and the Framer of the Bill, were unauthorized by any body of Protestant Dissenters; and that any favourable opinions of the measure which such persons might avow have never obtained the sanction of general approbation. 4. That the inconveniencies which have long resulted from the want of union and co-operation among Protestant Dissenters for the protection of their Religious Rights, the necessity which has been demonstrated for the appointment of persons authorized vigilantly to watch against innovation on their privileges, as well as the constructions that have been put on the Acts of Toleration; the assumption by Magistrates of judicial authority in the execution of some of the provisions of those Acts, as to which their power is only ministerial; the recent violent outrages which have been committed against their Meeting houses and Preachers, in Suffolk and Kent; and the harsh revival of the intolerant provisions of the Conventicle Act in Berkshire, against persons guilty only of assembling to pray to God, induce this Meeting to recommend that a Society be formed of the Ministers of Congregations of Protestant Dissenters, and of other persons assembling under the Act of Toleration throughout England and Wales, to defend themselves against these evils, and that any balance of monies which the Committee appointed by the former Meeting, may eventually retain, be applied by them towards the formation, and for the purposes of such society. 5. That the same Committee be requested to prepare the plan of such society; to invite the concurrence of every congregation assembling under the Acts of Toleration; and to carry any plan they may deem eligible into immediate effect. 6. That, as expences have been unavoidably incurred to an amount certainly great, although unascertained, all Gentle men present at this Meeting be requested to subscribe such sums as their liberality may suggest; and that all congregations be requested to transmit their collective contributions, or individual assistance, to the Treasurer, Robert Steven, Esq. at 101, Upper Thames-street, or at the London Tavern, Bishopsgate-street; or New London Tavern, Cheapside; or to Sir James Esdaile and Co. and Messrs. Robarts, Curtis, and Co. Lombard-street; and Messrs, Down, Thornton, and Free, BartholomewJane, without any avoidable delay; and that the Committee appointed at the last Meeting be solicited to continue to exe cute all the powers with which they were then invested, and which they have so usefully employed. 7. That the energetic and judicious exertions of that Committee, who have awakened with so much advantage a laudable spirit among Protestant Dissenters, and the friends to Religious Liberty, merit the highest approbation; and present an example for universal imitation, whenever the smallest infringement of the most extensive Toleration be hereafter attempted. 8. That the thanks of this Meeting be presented to the Right Hon. Spencer Perceval, for the politeness with which he attended to the representations of their Committee; and to every Member of his Majesty's Government, for withholding from the Bill their important support. 9. That this Meeting cannot adequately praise the Right Honourable Earls Stanhope and Grey, and Lords Holland and Erskine, for their manly and eloquent opposition to the principles and provisions of the Bill, and for their unanswerable defence of Religious Liberty-but that they be requested to accept of their warmest thanks. 10. That his Grace the Duke of Norfolk, the Most Noble the Marquis of Lansdowne, and the Right Honourable Earls Moira, Lauderdale, and Rosslyn, have, by their prompt and generous assistance, excited in this Meeting the most ardent gratitude. 11. That the Committee for guarding the Privileges of the Methodists in the connection of the late Reverend John Wesley, having essentially contributed to this important success by their concurrent efforts and cheerful co-operation, have increased the esteem which this Meeting previously entertained, and have proved themselves to be sincere friends to the best interests of mankind. 12. That this Meeting are also grateful to those Clergymen and other Members of the Established Church, who by their strenuous opposition to the rejected Bill, have evinced their unfeigned attachment to the cause of Religious Liberty. 13. That the attentions of the worshipful the Mayor and other Gentlemen of Bristol, and of the Members of several Corporations, have made an indelible impression on this Meeting, and are entitled to gratitude, permanent and sincere. 14. That this Meeting are most happy to renew their grateful acknowledgments to Samuel Mills, Esq. the Chairman, for the liberality of principle and the propriety of conduct which he has manifested on the present and on the former occasion. 15. That the able, unwearied, and disinterested exertions of Thomas Pellat, Esq. and John Wilks, Esq. the Secretaries to the Committee, have procured for them the respect of this Meeting, and merit universal approbation. 16. That these Resolutions be communicated to the Noblemen and Gentlemen to whom they relate, and that they be printed, advertised in the Newspapers, and circulated at the discretion of the Committee; and that they be also requested to collect and publish all the Proceedings which have occurred, that a Record may remain to gratify contemporaneous enquiry, and to excite and direct the efforts of future generations. SAMUEL MILLS, Chairman. BULLION DEBATE. He must resist, therefore, any innovation upon the last, as one of the three important links of society; and he was deeply impressed that on the event of this discussion depended the prosperity and the best interests of the British Empire. Mr. MANNING defended the conduct of the Directors of the Bank of England, and denied that the Bank had any interest distinct from that of the public. In speaking from himself, which he had done in all that he had said upon this subject, and not as a person commissioned to state to that House the sentiments of the Bank, he was free to say that his situation as a Director, derived to him no advantage whatever, save what flowed to him in the channel of the public interests. He was no farther a stockholder than as holding that portion of stock which was necessary for him to qualify himself for his situation as Bank Director, and he had no connection with the stocks but as a Bank Director. In order to shew that the arguments which had been resorted to, to prove the depreciation of the paper currency, from the high price of guineas, he stated there was a Dutch gold coin, called the Ruyder, which was worth fourteen guilders, but which, by the laws of Holland, was not exportable. It was well known that a piece of bullion, of equal weight and fineness, would in Holland sell for 12 per cent. more than the Ruyder, because the Ruyder was not exportable. He repeated his vindication of the Bank, and contended that their paper issue was not regulated with a view to the raising of any excessive or unreasonable profit. Mr. HUSKISSON rose merely to make one or two observations upon what had fallen from the Right Honourable Baronet and the Hon. Gentleman who had just sat down. He apprehended that the Right Hon. Bart. had in his zeal for the paper cause let out considerably more than the advocates of paper could wish to have disclosed. He seemed not only to deny the evils of an excessive paper issue, but to hail it as another and most promising system of finance; and that, as for the vulgar prejudices in favour of gold and silver, that they ought to be at once exploded or left merely to those modern Midasses who would ruin the country in the fury of their speculations; this glorious paper system was to rescue us from all the horrors of gold and silver which the Right Honourable Baronet had proved by a quotation from a French pamphlet must inevitably make "the poor miserable and the rich wicked and powerful." With respect to the Dutch coin mentioned by the Honourable Gentleman (Mr. Baring) the Ruyder, he believed, was the oldest coin in Holland. It was certainly prohi bited from exportation by one of those absurd laws which were allowed to continue in many countries without one reason to warrant the continuance of their operation. But the instance put by the Honourable Gentleman, could not apply unless he was prepared to state that the Ruyder had not become deteriorated. It was certainly a very old coin; and the coin to which the Dutch directed their at tention chiefly was the ducat, which was exportable, so that the probability was, that the Ruyder had become deteriorated with regard to the 3rd Resolution, he wished to know from the Right Hon. Gent. the meaning of the word "equivalent" in that resolution; was it the denominations were the same-of this there could be no question; was it that their intrinsic value was the same, or was it that they had the same exchangeable value? Are the two commodities interchangeable? No; then what was the meaning of "equivalent?" standard was the measure of equivalency. If the Assaymaster, the favourite witness, Mr. Meale, was called and asked as to this point, he |