not safely permit the desired interview, the Prince, for his future justification with the King, may receive that opinion in writing signed by them.

"The Duke of York most humbly supplicates your majesty for the same indulgence, in paying his humble and affectionate duty to the King, his father."

Among the events of this remarkable period, we cannot forbear mentioning, that the Prince of Wales, with his usual consideration, and beneficence, apprehending that the poor of the city of London might sustain some hardships and inconvenience from the delay of his majesty's annual bounty, directed his treasurer to pay into the chamber of the City of London the sum of 1000l. for the relief of the poor of the same, and likewise directed 2001. to be transmitted to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, for the same purpose.

A motion was made soon after in the Court of Common Council, and carried unanimously, for a vote of thanks to his royal highness the Prince of Wales, for his timely and munificent benefaction; but an amendment, moved by Mr. Deputy Birch, that thanks should also be given to his majesty, for the frequent bounty which had been extended by him for the same humane purpose, and to congratulate the Prince on his treading in the steps of his father, was rejected. This amendment, which came from a well known partyman, and was evidently of a party complexion, gave rise to a warm debate, as being founded in an error of the grossest kind. It was observed, that the annual bounty of the King did not come from the private purse of the King, but from the civil list, and made a part of the annual grant of the nation for that establishment; whereas, the present mag

nificent bounty came from the purse of the Prince, and would not even prevent the common sum from being paid into the City Chamber, as soon as the government was happily settled. This being clearly explained by the recorder, Alderman Wilkes, Alderman Skinner, and others, Mr. Deputy Birch at length consented to withdraw his motion.

Soon after the recovery of the King, the Prince of Wales set off on an excursion to Yorkshire, and honoured the races at York with his presence. The day after his arrival, he was waited upon by the corporation, who presented the following address to his royal highness, with the freedom of their ancient city, in a most elegant gold box, which were very graciously received.

"May it please your royal highness,

The lord mayor, and corpora

tion, of the City of York, animated

with the most lively gratitude for the high honour conferred on this ancient city by your presence, beg leave to approach your royal person, with the utmost respect, and most cordial affection. This honour, Sir, is greatly increased by your royal highness's being the only heir apparent to the imperial crown of this realm whom we have ever had the felicity personally to address.

They cannot resist the present favourable opportunity of expressing their just admiration of, and unfeigned acknowledgments for the wisdom and moderation which so eminently dis tinguished the affectionate and princely conduct of your royal highness, in the most awful and trying situation, when all men looked up to your royal highness for protection, with the fullest assurance of receiving it; and blessed as this kingdom hath been by divine Pro

vidence, in the happy recovery of our most gracious sovereign, (for whom they entertain the warmest sentiments of duty and loyalty) it is their fervent prayer, that when it shall please the Almighty to call his majesty to a heavenly throne, your royal highness may succeed him in the hearts and affections of a free, brave, and loyal people, and long live to reign over them with the happiness and glory of a patriot king.

"Your royal highness is respectfully intreated, to permit your royal name to be enrolled among the freemen of his ancient city, and to accept the freedom thereof, which is thus humbly offered to your royal highness's gracious reception."

To this address, his royal highness was pleased to return the following

answer.