MILITARY CHRONICLE.

FEBRUARY, 1811.

MILITARY BIOGRAPHY.

THE LIFE OF LORD HUTCHINSON.

LORD HUTCHINSON is a native of a country which has contributed perhaps more than its share to the common glory of the United Empire. Like Thebes of old, Ireland may be truly characterised as the peculiar land of the soldier. A sharp northern climate, Necessity the mother of invention, and Poverty the parent of all effort, and thereby of all virtue, contribute to the produc tion of a race of men, who, in physical as well as in moral qualities, are the natural elements of a brave ariny. A bayonet pushed by Scotch or Irish nerves would force through any army in Europe. The writer of this can never fall upon this subject without lamenting the inefficiency of the present mode of recruiting. Under a more vigorous and happily directed method, Ireland alone would produce a greater army than you actually have in Portugal. In England, you have to contend with manufactories, which necessarily afford higher wages than arms. In England, you have to con tend with habits and prejudices, which time only can overcome. In England, in fine, you are opposed by the poor laws, which, by providing for the poor and destitute, keep them out of your ranks, till the increased demands of agriculture or manufactures can supply them with employment. In Ireland, you have none of these impediments. Poverty and Famine pour out their naked and houseless thousands upon the heaths and bogs, and you have only to go forth with the offer of bread and clothing, and to make your choice. The manufactories are overstocked. There is no pride and prejudice where a severe necessity calls for food.

Lord Hutchinson was born in Dublin in the year 1757. His family is antient and honourable. In some of the political con-tests of his country, the family incurred the forfeiture of very large