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The Chancellor of the Exchequer said the notice to the judge to quit this house, had been given under a former administration. It was admitted on all hands that the salary of the president of the board of controul was inadequate (£2,000 per ann.) The house would be a great accommodation; and he could not think it improper.

Previous question carried without a division. Mr. Whitbread introduced by a long speech his resolution," that this house will early in the next session of parliament, resolve itself into a committee, to take into consideration the necessity of providing further limitations of persons holding offices, pensions, sinecures, &c. and seats in that house." Mr. Rose observed that this proposition would disqualify only 25 members out of 658. There were already less by 25 or 26 than formerly.

Mr. Tierney, Lord Folkstone, Mr Canning, Sir Francis Burdett, and others spoke. The house divided :

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Another division on the engrossing of the bill:-Ayes 84.-Noes 33.

House of Commons June 12.

Sale of Offices Prevention Bill. This bill underwent a long cross examination many members who formerly supported it declared that it now mocked their expectation, and would do more harm than good. At best, they thought it inefficient. It had been refined in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's crucible till nothing remained but dross.

Mr. Wilberforce regretted, that he could not vote for the bill in its present shape: if it passed, it would stand in the way of a better

measure.

The House then divided, that the bill be read the third time. Ayes 98.-Noes 83.

A second division took place on the question, that the bill do now pass.-Ayes 97. Noes 85.

And a third division on the title of the bill -Ayes 133.-Noes 28.

House of Lords June 13.-The Earl of Besborough moved that the standing order be dispensed with in favour of the Manchester water works bill: a very long conversation ensued. On a division contents 19, noncontents 10. The Lord Chancellor after the bill was read expressed his great dissatisfaction, and hinted his intention of recording his reasons in a protest.

House of Commons, June 9.-The indemnity to the excise officers in Ireland who had suffered peculations, and taken douceurs, included in the Irish revenue regulation bill, was strongly reprobated by Sir J. Newport. He treated the reasoning of the Chancellor of the Exchequer as contemptible. Thought it impossible that the house could sanction the House of Commons June 13.-Lord Binntaking of bribes; and moved that the bill being brought up the report on the Scotch read a third time this day three months.

Mr. Foster denied that the clause was intended to sanction defaults, Said that the officers in taking fees supposed they were only complying with general custom, and knew no harm in it. There was no medium between screening these men, and putting them into the power of all the brewers and distillers; who might bring actions against them if displeased by their future

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judicature bill. On which occasion Mr. Horner complained of the defects existing in the court of Session in Scotland. Pleadings in some instances filled a volume of 1,500 pages: the copy of each of which required the signature of an officer of the court, who received a fee upon each. He had known instances where the sum in litigation, did not exceed £200 or £300. but the fees of court alone amounted to £600 or £700: and in one case to £1,500. Surely this was a bar to the distribution of justice! It was an oppression, and required reformation.

Mr. Secretary Dundas, said things had stood as they are during three hundred years: he could not advise the House to sudden alterations. It were better to hear the report of the Committee which had the subject under consideration. Mr. Abercrombie concurred with Mr. Dundas: but wondered at the delay of the commissioners report. The bill was passed.

Mr. Howorth proposed the taxation of foreign property; to the amount of 60 og 70,000l. a year.

Mr. Baring resisted the motion. After a debate the motion was withdrawn.

Lord H. Petty introduced the subject of Mr. Erskine, and his conduct in America. He concluded (as did some other members) 2 T

that Mr. Erskine had obtained some substantial concessions to the demands of England, which we were unacquainted with. He had not the honour of acquaintance with Mr. Erskine, but blamed his acceptance of Mr. Smith's note; a note, so extraordinary that no one bearing His Majesty's commission should have received it. He should have sent it back. The idea that events were not ripe for discussion, prevailed: and the motion was withdrawn.

Mr. Windham opposed the bill for preventing of cruelty to animals: he thought it impossible to draw the line where cruelty begins, the bill would be a source of most arbitrary vexation. He described the effect it would have on the amusements of shooting, hunting, fishing, &c. and on the manner of slaughtering animals for food. He alluded to the sufferings of horses at races! and on other occasions, and thought the bill unnecessary and inapplicable. Moved that it be read that day three months.

M. Stephen supported the bill: as did Mr. Wilberforce, also Mr. Jekyll, and Sir Samuel Romilly. It was opposed by Mr. D. Giddy, Mr. Frankland, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, &c. On a division there appeared for going into the committee 40; against it 27. The bill was lost on the next sitting, -yes 27, noes 37.

June 15.-Sir F. Burdett introduced a resolution, "That this house will at an early period of next session take into its consideration the state of the representation," by a very long speech, in which he intermingled the usual topics: and proposed a general right of voting for members of Parliament, by whoever paid all taxes: the votes to be taken on the same day in the different parishes.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer thought the house would not be disposed to entertain this proposition. The difficulties in executing such a scheme were insuperable.

Mr. Madocks supported Sir F. Burdett; and alluded in strong terms to the late case of Mr. Quintin Dick, and Lord Castlereagh. On the question there appeared; Ayes for the motion Noes........

15

74

House of Lords, June 15.-The bill for preventing the sale of seats in Parliament, underwent a discussion in which it was supported by Lord Liverpool, Lord Boringdon, the Earl of Buckinghamshire, Lord Mulgrave, and the Lord Chancellor. It was opposed by Lord Grosvenor, Lord Sidmouth, the Earl of Carysfort, the Earl of Roslyn, and others. Lord Grosvenor moved to omit the word " express."

For the amendment 9 Against it...... ...... 23

House of Commons, June 19.-The subject of the recall of Cadets and Writers from India was introduced by Sir T. Turton, who

deprecated the recall as the height of cruelty and injustice. He was answered by Mr. Dundas, who justified the conduct of the Court of Directors. Mr. Windham, Mr. Wallace. Mr Stephen, Mr. C. Grant (the Chairman of the East-India Company) and others canvassed the measure. The previous question being put, there appeared, for it 77, against it 35.

Mr. Wardle rose to discharge his promise on the subject of public economy: he stated the immense sums now annually spent ; and proposed—By disbanding the household troops, to save annually 1,276,000

Ditto the foreign corps...... 1,800,000 Ditto the Royal Staff corps... The Militia to be allowed to spend a month at harvest

20,000

300,000

700,000

The Staff of the Local Militia ...
The expences of the Volunteers... 1,000,000
The Royal Waggon Train......
The Manks Fencibles..
The Staff of the army.
The recruiting Staff..
The War Office....
Fortifications.
Barracks, &c......
Army clothing, &c........
Reduction in the rate of collecting

taxes.....

Commissioners for auditing public

accounts

Bounties

49,000

24,000

200,000

100,000

2,400

500,000

300,000

270,000

1,000,000

75,000 520,000

Mr. Wardle mentioned also the Bank, Victualling office, &c. &c.

Mr. Huskisson observed, that at so late a period of the session, this extraordinary statement could not be answered, which he exceedingly regretted. Certainly, if we thought proper to disband our troops, we might save the expense; but it required proof that we could safely part with one-half of our infántry, and one-third of our cavalry. The other savings were equally fallacious.

The various branches of the public expenditure attacked by Mr. Wardle, were de fended by different members; but all regretted that such a subject should be postponed to the last day of the session.

The motions, in number 32, with slight variations, for the expenses of these departments, were all put and carried.

June 20.-Mr. N. Vansittart introduced resolutions on the finances; which, after some observations by Mr. Huskisson, were agreed to. Compare Panorama, Vol. VI. p. 827.

Mr. Creevey complained of the want of India accounts;-was answered, that the papers were not arrived.

Several notices were given of subjects intended to be investigated in the next session.

June 21.-Parliament prorogued by commission. For his Majesty's speech, vide page 793.

BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS

attached to the Austrian army in Germany, whither he repaired early in 1796. The dispatches which he wrote in the months of September and October of that year, giving an account of the Archduke Charles, gained him great credit.

In 1799, general (then lieutenant-colonel) Anstruther was appointed deputy quarter-master-general to the expedition sent against Holland; and his services were mentioned by the Duke of York, in a very flattering nianner. In 1801, he accompanied Sir Ralph Abercrombie in his expedition against Egypt, as adjutant-general. His exertions were mentioned in the public dispatches of Sir R. Abercrombie and Lord Hutchinson, in terms of high approbation.

OF EMINENT PERSONS, DECEASED, BETWEEN JAN. 1, AND JUNE 30, IN 1809. DUKE OF ANCASTER.-Brownlow Bertie, Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven, Marquis and Earl of Lindsey, Lord Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of the county of Lincoln, and Recorder of Boston, died at his seat, Grimsthorpe Castle, near Bourn, Feb. 8. His Grace entered into the 79th year of his age on the 1st of the preceding May. He succeeded his nephew, Robert, the preceding duke, in July, 1779. In 1762, he married Harriet, the daughter and heiress of George Morton Pitt, Esq; but had no issue by her. She died in April, 1763. He married secondly, Jan. 2, 1769, Mary-Anne, the daughter of Major Peter Layard; and by her (who died Jan. 13, 1804) had issue one daughter, Mary Elizabeth, married in 1793 to viscount Millin town, eldest son of the earl of Portmore, by whom she had issue a son (Mr. Colyear, a young gentleman about 13 years of age), and died Feb. 10, 1797. His Grace having no male issue, the dukedom is extinct; the marquisate is also extinct; but the title of earl of Lindsey devolves upon general Albemarle Bertie, late M. P. for the borough of Stamford; unaccompanied, however, by any estate, unless it shall be determined that that of Uffing-swer given by him to one of Sir A. Wellesley's ton, near Stamford, descends with the title. Grimsthorpe castle and park descend to lord Gwydir, by right of his wife, lady Willoughby d'Eresby. The personal property of the duke (amounting, it is said, to 200,0001.) is chiefly bequeathed to his Grace's grandson, Colyear, the heir in abeyance of the earldom of Port

more.

GENERAL ANSTRUTHER.General Anstruther, who literally perished through excessive fatigue, in Sir John Moore's memorable retreat to Corunna, was the eldest son of Sir Robert Anstruther, bart. of Beleaskie, in Fifeshire. After having been educated at Westminster school, he was sent to Strasburgh to study the principles of the profession for which he was destined, and of which he afterwards proved so distinguished an ornament. Having acquired a knowledge of military science, with a perfection in writing and speaking the French language, he proceeded to Berlin, intending to study the discipline of the Great Frederick, with the manoeuvres and administration of a large ariny. There he acquired the German language.

On his return to England, he obtained a commission in the 3d regiment of Guards, in which he held the rank of lieutenant-colonel at his death. After serving during the whole of the campaign in Flanders, at the commencement of the revolutionary war, he obtained permission from the court of Vienna to be

On general Anstruther's return to England, he was appointed deputy quarter-master-general to the forces; and soon after to the important situation of adjutant-general in Ireland, which post he filled with advantage to the public service, and the highest credit to himself.

The command of the brigade of light troops was intrusted to him in the first expedition, commanded by Sir A. Wellesley, in Portugal; and at Vimiera, he particularly distinguished himself. We cannot, moreover, deny ourselves the pleasure of recording the manly an

aides-de-camp, on his being told, that a corps not much engaged at that moment should be sent to his assistance: " Sir, I am not pressed, and I want no assistance. I am beating the French, and am able to beat them wherever I meet them."

In the progress of the late campaign in the north of Spain, general Anstruther joined the British army at Toro; and, in the retreat to Corunna, he, and general E. Paget (under Sir John Moore), commanded the reserve. The labour and anxiety to which he was exposed, were incessant and extreme. He slept constantly in the open air, and underwent the same privations with the common soldier. The immediate cause of his death was an inflammation of the lungs, brought on by excessive fatigue; he exerted himself to the last, and when unable to mount his horse, he said to those about him: "I am quite done up." He was put into a carriage, and conveyed to Corunna. It was not until the arrival of the British reserve at Betanzos, that the danger in which general Anstruther was placed by the severity of his duties became apparent. Here, however, he was so ill, that he could scarcely say: "I am dying; send for a surgeon, and let me be bled." The next morning he felt himself somewhat better, but was still very ill. In this state he was obliged to mount his horse, and ride six Spanish leagues (24 miles) to Corunna. The next morning he was speechless and insensible, and died

towards the close of the day! Major Monta- | lembert, and captain Gordon (the general's aid-de-camp) attended his remains to the grave. They were the only two officers that could be spared to perform this melancholy duty. The general was buried in one of the bastions of the citadel of Corunna, which overlooks the sea.

General Anstruther's military journal, his papers, and writing-desk, were preserved by his old and faithful servant, Cameron, for Mrs. Anstruther. The general was married to Miss Hamilton, grand-daughter of lady Anne Hamilton, by whom he has left five children.

DR. BECKWITH, Organist of the Cathedral and St. Peter's Church, Norwich -This gentleman, who died at Norwich, in his 50th year, in the early part of June, was admitted to the accumulated degrees of B. and D. M. at Oxford, in 1803. He displayed very early in life strong musical talents, and received his education under Dr. Philip Hayes, then professor of music in that university. There he was distinguished for his close application to the study of music as a science, and for his extraordinary powers as an organist. His stile of organ-playing might be said to be peculiarly and thoroughly his own. His compositions were not numerous; the principal of them were a Collection of Voluntaries, and a Set of Anthems, both written when he was young. His last work was a Collection of Chaunts, in which he had been long engaged, and which appeared this year. His stile was formed on the best models; and many of his writings would have done honour to Purcell, or Croft. Great as were Dr. Beckwith's powers as a musician, and much as his time was occupied in his profession, he never neglected or forgot his duties as a man, and a member of society; but discharged them with correctness and diligence. Several of the most useful charities in the city of Norwich were partly indebted to him for their origin; and they never ceased to receive from him the most steady and active assistance.

Vienna, about Feb. 22. His indifferent health had compelled him, since December, 1805, to retire from public business.

This distinguished nobleman, famous for the treaties which he had signed, and for the important negociations with which he had been charged, was born at Brussels, Nov. 21, 1753; and commenced, in 1772, his political career under the minister count de Persen. After two years he was named minister plenipotentiary extraordinary to the court of Denmark; in 1777, to that of Prussia. He was recalled at the time of the war of the Bavarian succession, and was destined to negociate the peace of Teschen; but a sickness with which he was afflicted prevented nister from Austria to St. Petersburgh. On him. In the same year he was named mihis return to Vienna, after the signing of the preliminaries of Leoben, he concluded, in 1797, the treaty of Campo Formio; and in December, of the same year, the military convention of Radstock, with the soi-disant Emperor of France. After the conferences of Selz, he returned to St. Petersburgh. Feb. ville; and filled, in the month of December 9, 1801, he concluded the peace of Lunefollowing, the places of director, minister of

state and conferences, and vice-chancellor of state for foreign affairs.

..............

GEORGE CROFT, D. D. formerly Fellow of University College, Oxford, Preacher of the Bampton Lectures, in 1786, Vicar of Arncliffe, and Rector of Thwing, Yorkshire, late Head Master of Brewood School, Staffordshire, and for the last 18 years Lecturer of St. Martin's, Birmingham, died in that town, in the spring of this year. To general classical learning, he added a considerable knowledge of the Hebrew, the Syriac, and some modera languages, also an extensive acquaintance with ecclesiastical law. He was a zealous supporter of the constitution, in church and state; and made himself known to the literary world, by several publications on theology, politics, and ethics. By all who knew him in private life, he was highly esteemed for his integrity, his hospitality, his constancy, his ardour as a friend, his kind and anxious attention to the poor, and his most amiable disposition as a husband, and a father,

DUCHESS OF CUMBERLAND.-Her Royal Highness, Anne Duchess of Cumberland, who died at her retreat in Switzerland, early in the year, was the second daughter of Simon Luttrell, carl of Carhampton; and was Mrs. HANNAH COWLEY, a writer well married to Christopher Horton, Esq. of Cat-known in the poetical and dramatic walks of ton-Hall, co. Derby; by whom she had one son, who died an infant. She was married, secondly, to H. R. H. Henry Frederick, late Duke of Cumberland, Oct. 2, 1771, who again left Her a widow, without issue, in 1790.

Count LEWIS DE COBENTZEL, the Austrian Minister of State, died of a dropsy, at

literature, died at Tiverton, in Devonshire, March 10, in the 66th year of her age. This lady was the daughter of the late Mr. Parkhurst, also of Tiverton; a gentleman equally respected and esteemed, for his learning and probity, as for a peculiar flow of humour, which enlivened his conversation. Mrs. Cowley's genius may, in some respects, be

indicates the writer. The general turn of her life was by no means theatrical; at the theatres, except to oblige others by accompanying them, she was never seen; frequently, for years together, she was not there at all. Though public as a GENIUS, yet, private as a WOMAN; she wore her laurels gracefully veiled. In the course of her last ten years, she wrote two or three slight poems, in friendship with the families of Lady Carew, Lady Duntze, Mrs. Wood, and other ladies in her neighbourhood, which probably are yet extant. Nothing remained with her but two MSS. the first written in the close of the last year, without rising from the table, at which she had received an "Elegy on Lord Nelson," by a clergyman of her neighbourhood. The other signed "A School Boy," on pretence of its being composed by one, was written but a few weeks before her death, and given to the Sexton of the parish, whose little property was destroyed in the late floods. It describes the man's efforts, while his cottage was overwhelmed; the consequences, &c.; and claims a subscription for one who would not directly beg. The list of subscriptions began with that of "The School Boy; and quickly more than restored his property who was so soon to assist in the funeral of his benefactress.-Mrs. Cowley latterly declined visits, except those of ladies, at her own house, on Monday mornings: it was a working party (at which sometimes forty were present), for the benefit of distressed married women.

considered as hereditary. Her grandmother by the father's side was first-cousin to the celebrated poet Gay, by whom she was held in high estimation; and he passed a considerable portion of his time at her house in Barnstaple. Mr. Parkhurst also obtained a proficiency in classical literature; and had the reputation of being an excellent scholar. Under such a tutor was the genius of Mrs. Cowley cultivated. In the earlier part of her life, however, she had not been fond of thea trical entertainments; and the fancy which she conceived for writing was accidental. Reing present at a successful comedy, her imagination was caught: " and I too can write!" said she to her husband, who was in the box with her. She was rallied by him for her presumption. "You shall see," said she; and produced, before dinner the next day, the first act of" The Runaway," verbaitim as it was afterwards performed, with great applause. In quick, succession came "The Belle's Stratagem," the farce of "Who's the Dupe?" (the Greek introduced therein she had from her father); " Albina," a tragedy; "Which is the Man?" "A Bold Stroke for a Husband;"" More Ways than One;" "The School for Grey Beards," comedies. "The Fate of Sparta," a tragedy; "A Day in Turkey," and "The Town before You," comedies. "The Runaway" was written in a fortnight, and the "Belle's Stratagem" in three weeks. The first produced 800 gui neas, the latter 1200. Nothing was laboured; all was spontaneous effusion; she was no drudge of literature; fame was not half so Though not actually ill, she had for a conmuch her object, as the pleasure of composi-siderable time, been conscious of rather quicktion. These dramas were brought out under ly approaching death; and she looked forward the superintendance of her husband, except to it with cheerfulness. She had, through one or two of the last, he having then joined her life, been deeply religious; prayers writhis regiment, in which he had the commis- ten by her at twelve years of age, were many sion of captain, in the East-Indies. He died years kept, by those whose preservation was there, about ten years since. This gentle- praise. She had never in her life been seriousman, who was brother to the merchant of ly ill, but had considerable dread of a long the same name, possessed considerable powers continued death-bed sickness; and had fre of mind, and would sometimes slide in a sen- quently wished even for sudden death, rather tence which was pleasing to the authoress; than to be sensible of gradual decay. She exhe, now and then, too, would insert a speech pired without a struggle, in the fullest poswhich she thought became not her. Three session of her mental powers, after having Epic Poems were published, at intervals be- been only one day confined to her room. tween these: "The Maid of Arragon," the scene of which is laid in Spain, during the incursions of the Moors. [Her imagination in this sends out the christian bishops at the head of the troops, the cross in one hand, and the sword in the other, as in reality they have been seen in the present day.] "The Scottish Village," and "The Siege of Acre." In the different characters of daughter, wife, and mother, Mrs. Cowley's conduct was exemplary. Her manners were lively, and unassuming; her countenance was peculiarly animated and expressive; but there was no thing about her of that style which sometimes

The Rev. J. DUNCAN, D. D. formerly of St. John's College, Oxford, died in the early part of February, in his 88th year. He had been forty-five years rector of South Warmborough, Hants. In the years 1745 and 1746, while chaplain of the king's own regi ment he was an eye-witness of every battle in Scotland, in which that regiment was engaged; he afterwards accompanied the regi ment to Minorca, and was present at the memorable siege of Fort St. Philip. He was the author of an " Essay on Happiness,"

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