PREFACE.

THE very extraordinary events which have lately taken place in the political world, have given rise, among many other productions, to the following pages. Most of those publications are more intended to amuse the fancy, than convince the understanding. It was, at first, the Author's intention to have slightly passed over the different subjects of which he has treated; but, on more mature reflection, he found them of too grave a nature; and he has, therefore, purposely delayed the pub

A

lication of this work, that it should not be considered among the light effusions that have been sent into the world, merely to answer electioneering purposes, or any other temporary object.

The Author has, therefore, endeavoured to bring forward a statement of facts, and testimonies upon oath, to substantiate the opinions and strengthen the conclusions, he has drawn. He is one of those who think the country cannot be too well prepared against future events; and the first material news from Poland may, perhaps, confirm this opinion.

He feels, and he believes he feels in common with the considerate and

unprejudiced part of the nation, a

just sense of the exertions of the present Ministers to save the country; and, under God, he has a reliance in

their success.

They possess the confidence of the people, and of their Monarch, whose eve of life he most fervently prays may be prosperous; and whose Birth-day, he hopes, his happy people will have long to celebrate.

June 4, 1807.

༣

TO THE

Yeomanry & Volunteers

OF THE

IMPERIAL KINGDOM.

IN addressing myself to you, Gentlemen, I am conscious I appeal to above four hundred thousand of the most enlightened, zealous, and loyal, of his Majesty's subjects,

THE DEFENCE, THE SAFETY, THE GUARDIANS, OF THE EMPIRE.

Although I hold it inconsistent with the spirit of the glorious Constitution which we are all associated to support, that REGULAR MILITARY BODIES should intermeddle with

B