lay before you a report on the events that have occurred during the last year. My Council of State will submit to your consideration plans of laws which have been prepared for improving the several branches of the Administration. My Ministers of Finance and the General Treasury shall produce the accounts which have been drawn up for my inspection, and by them you will be convinced of the prosperous state of our finances. Since my return I have la. boured without intermission to give vigour and activity to the Government, which provides for the happiness of the most distant parts of this great Empire.

"No fresh burdens shall be imposed on my people; but there shall be communicated to you new information respecting the financial system, the plan of which was laid down last year. I have it in view to diminish the direct taxes, the pressure of which falls upon landed property, and to compensate the deficiency in part by an increase of the direct imposts.

"In consequence of a battle imprudently commenced, we have lost some ships by the storms. I cannot, howe. ver, sufficiently praise the great zeal for the common cause, which, under these circumstances, has been displayed by the King of Spain.

"I desire PEACE with ENGLAND. Not a moment's delay shall it experience on my part. I shall be ready always to conclude it, taking for its basis the Treaty of

Amiens.

"Messieurs the Deputies to the Legislative Body: The attachment which you have shewn me, and the manner in which you gave me your support in your last sitting, will not permit me to entertain any doubt of your assistance. Nothing will be proposed by you but what is necessary for the glory and welfare of my people."

The Emperor having concluded his address, withdrew in the same manner as he entered, and returned to the Thuilleries amidst the plaudits of the people.

A circumstance is mentioned in the last French papers, which has hitherto been little noticed, during the delirium of the revolution, but which in the next age may produce consequences beyond the sagacity of man to anticipate at present During the last fifteen years, scarcely any persons have taken orders

in France; in the diocese of Rouen one hundred and sixty priests have died within two years, and only thirty sucsessors could be found. The Archbishop, in a pastoral letter on this subject, says, that "there will soon remain nothing to the Church of Rome, but the bare walls, and the regrets of the faithful.”

NEW CONTINENTAL ARRANGEMENTS.

The changes which Bonaparte has determined to make on the Continent are now executing with considerable activity. Whether he acts with the free consent of Prussia, or the latter is compelled to be his tool, is not certain; but from circumstances it would seem that Prussia has been compelled, and that Bonaparte has dictated these changes, leaving to that monarch only the alternative of war or acquiescence.

Be this as it may, we are informed, that M. Lucchesini returned to Paris from Berlin on the 10th of March, with the King of Prussia's full consent to the schemes of partition so dictated by the French Ruler. On the 15th, a ebnvention was accordingly concluded between Count Haugwitz and Marshal Duroc, the particular terms of which have not been published; but besides the cession or exchange of certain districts or territories, which it no doubt stipulates, this transaction seems to lead to events of the highest importance to all the northern powers.

On the 18th of March, in terms of this convention, the Prussian garrison evacuated Wesel, and next day it was occupied by a division of French troops under Gen. Beaumont, one of Prince Murat's aid-de-camps, who in a proclamation informed the inhabitants that the administration was to continue till the pleasure of the "new Sovereign" was known. Who was to be this new Sovereign, was kept a profound secret from the people of Wesel. An article from that city, dated March 26. says:

“At length the future condition of these countries is no longer a secret. The Emperor's brother-in-law, Prince Murat, is to govern Cleves and Berg, under the title of Joachim, Duke of Cleves and Berg. The following Proclamation, to this effect, was published yesterday :

"Napoleon, by the Grace of God,

and

and the Constitution, Emperor of the French, King of Italy, &c. Their Ma jesties the Kings of Prussia and Bavaria having ceded to us the Duchies of Cleves and Berg, with their full sovereignty, rights, titles, and prerogatives, and agreed to the transfer of each of these Duchies, in their present state, in favour of a French Prince, the object of our election, we hereby transfer the said Duchies, with their rights, titles, and prerogatives, in the condition we received them, to Prince Joachim, our well be loved brother, to be by him possessed in their full extent as Duke of Cleves and Berg, and to descend to his legiti mate heirs male for ever, in the order of seniority, to the perpetual exclusion of the females and their descendants. But provided, that if the male heirs, which God avert, should become extinct, the said Duchies of Cleves and Berg, with all their rights, titles, and prerogatives, shall revert to our male. descendants, natural and legitimate, or in failure thereof, to those of our bro. ther Prince Joseph, or otherwise to those of our brother Prince Louis; as the Duchies of Cleves and Berg can in no case whatever be united to our Imperial Crown.

"As the excellent qualifications of this Prince have been the principal mo. tive of our choice, from a persuasion of the benefits which will result from them to the inhabitants of Cleves and Berg, so we cherish the hope that the fidelity of the inhabitants will continue to ensure the esteem they enjoyed under their former masters, and that they will merit the attention of their new Sovereign and our Imperial protection."

"Given at our Palace of the ThuilJeries, March 15. NAPOLEON."

PROCLAMATION.

26 We, Joachim, Prince and Grand Admiral of France, Duke of Cleves and Berg, &c. decree and ordain by these presents,

Art. 1.-The Imperial Act, by which his Majesty the Emperor and King has ceded and transmitted to us the Sovereignty of the Duchies of Cleves and Berg, shall be proclaimed and published throughout the whole extent of both Duchies on the 25th inst.-2. Nothing is to be changed in the Civil or Judicial Administrations of these Duchies. All

the Magistrates, and Civil Officers, including those of Justice and the Police in actual employment, shall continue in the exercise of their functions.-3. Dating from the Declaration of the Imperial Act and the present publication, justice shall be administered in our name, and all public Acts under our authority, in the same manner as when under the government of our predeces sors.-4. Baron Hompesch is charged as Chief of the Administration of Cleves, to put the dispositions above-mentioned in execution.'

Given at Cologne, March 21. 1806. The Duke Joachim made his formal entry into Dusseldorf on the 25th.

The King of Prussia has addressed a rescript to the inhabitants of the city and Principality of Neufchatel and Valingen, in Switzerland, informing them of the cession which he has made of that country to the Emperor Napoleon. This proclamation was published on the 11th of March, at Neufchatel. Frederick William, by the grace of GoD, King of Prussia, &c.

"Friends and Subjects, health.

"The paternal affection which, since our accession to the throne, we have endeavoured to shew, upon every occa sion, to the countries of Neufchatel and Valingen, will enable you to estimate the sentiments which we feel in addressing to you this present. It is intended to announce to you a change which circumstances have rendered ine vitable. Considerations of the last importance, the result of the most pressing interests of our entire monarchy, have obliged us to acquiesce in delivering into the hands of his Majesty the Emperor of the French the charge of the future happiness of these States.

"Whatever desire we had to continue to labour for that purpose ourselves, and however great the pain which we feel, in separating ourselves from estimable subjects, whose loyalty and attachment we have always highly approved, we cannot dissemble how much this voluntary resignation has been preferable for you, to the fate of a conquer ed country, with which you were in other respects threatened. Besides, the distance of our country, in consequence of its geographical situation, from the centre of our States, not allowing us to afford it a sufficient and direct protec

tion, and that situation making it necessarily dependant upon the French Empire, as well for its provisions as for its relations of culture, commerce, and industry, we think that the intimate bonds which are to attach it to that Empire, may prove for its inhabitants a new source of well-being and prosperity.

"It is our intention to contribute as much as depends upon us, by our intercession and good offices with the French Government, to offer it the advantages which it may desire, You must be convinced, in general, and we charge you to declare, upon every occasion, that we will always take for this country a lively and sincere interest; and that the remembrance of their devotion and fidelity will never be effaced from our heart. The wisdom of the powerful Sovereign to whom their lot is united, allows us to anticipate, in full confidence, the accomplishment of the ardent wishes which we entertain for hem."-Berlin, Feb. 28.

General Bernadotte has taken possession of the Prussian province of Anspach, on which occasion he published a proelamation, stating, that in consequence of an agreement by which France was to occupy the territory of Anspach, he therefore sequesters the revenues for the benefit of the military chest.

General Augereau, after invading Hesse, has taken possession of the Prussian towns of Lippstadt, in Westphalia, and Dethmold, near Paderborn. The army of Lefevre is covering the movements of Augereau, to enable him to maintain his communication with the grand French army, extending along the Black Forest.

The following is a list of new Kings and Princes created, or to be created, by Bonaparte:

Himself Emperor of France and King of Italy; Elector of Bavaria King of Bavaria; Elector of Wirtemberg-King of Wirtemberg; Elector of Hesse-King of the Catti; Elector of Baden-King of Baden; Joseph Bonaparte-King of Naples; Louis Bonaparte King of Batavia; Lucien Bonaparte, (upon repentance and submission) -King of Switzerland; Eugene Beauharnois-Viceroy of Italy; Murat Duke of Cleves and Berg; Jerome Bonaparte-Prince of Piedmont; Madame

Le Clerc (now Princess Borghese)Princess of Piombino; and Marshal Berthier-Duke of Neufchatel.

All the other Beauharnois to be provided with Principalities and Dukedoms-the females to be matched with German Princes, and to receive portions of the German Empire as dowries,

Nor is this all-The Elector of Hesse Cassel, who is to be raised to the kingly dignity, under the title of King of the Catti, is to receive a large accession of territory-he is to have from Prussia the Bishopric of Paderborn-and from Hesse Darmstadt the greater part of its possessions in Westphalia, and all its territories in the county of Wetterau, -he is to have besides the county of Iller, all Waldeck, except the county of Pyrmont, which is to be given to Prussia-the counties of Sayn, &c. to cede the Hessian part of Shauenburgh, Auersberg, &c. to Prussia; and to Ďarmstadt, Hanau, with the district of Schwarzenfells. As the Elector of Hesse Cassel is very rich, Bonaparte has probably exacted a large sum in payment for the kingly dignity and these large territorial accessions.

He is

The last Hamburgh Mail brought a sketch of a plan of partition said to have been proposed by Bonaparte to Prussia; a plan so extravagant in its nature, that it can hardly be believed to have entered the head even of Bonaparte. It was proposed to obtain the consent of the Emperor of Russia, if possible; but in case that should not be granted, France engaged to endeavour to effect the changes by the force of arms. The plan is as follows:

"Prussia to cede 400 square leagues more of its possessions, and to receive in lieu thereof 700, which will consist of the following countries;--1st. The duchy of Mecklenburgh Schwerin, whose Sovereign is to receive Bareuth in exchange, with a proportionate pension to make up every deficit.-2d. The duchy of Mecklenburgh Strelitz, whose Prince is to be pensioned for life. 3d, The duchy of Brunswick, whose Sove. reign and descendants in direct line are to be pensioned, and the Duke himself permitted to remain as Sovereign in his capital during the remainder of his life. 4th. The whole of Austrian Silesia and Gallicia, for which the Emperor of Austria is to be indemnified by the

Turkish

Turkish provinces of Servia, Bosnia, Wallachia, Moldavia, and the whole of Turkish Dalmatia.-5th. The King of Sweden to be dethroned, and part of his dominions to be given (if the Emperor Alexander consents to the plan of spoliation) to Russia. The remainder of the kingdom of Sweden to Denmark, who on these conditions shall put Prussia in possession of Holstein and Swedish Pomerania."

It is added, that these proposals have been made to Russia, and rejected. To submit such a plan to the Emperor was an insult. He has lately declared, in a positive manner, that neither he nor the Emperor of Germany have any projects hostile to Turkey; nor would he listen to any proposal hostile to the interests and independence of the gallant Monarch of Sweden, who, amidst the dangers of his situation, remains undaunted, and escaping the contagion which has laid almost the whole of the Continent at the feet of an upstart, seems determined to uphold, with his life, the dignity of his crown, and the independence of his dominions. His army continues in the Duchy of Lauenburgh; he himself is at the head-quarters at Greiswald, and he has ordered a reinforcement of 12,000 men from his Swedish territories.

A considerable train of artillery has been sent to Gottenburgh; and Baron Toll, Governor-General of Scania, has been entrusted by his Majesty with extraordinary powers to arm the people, and establish an efficient force on the coast of the Sound. Every vessel in the Swedish service capable of putting to sea, including the galley fleet, is to be got ready with the utmost dispatch.

There seems no doubt, however, that the alliance between the King of Prussia and the French Emperor has involved the former in considerable difficulties, and that he feels much anxiety how to reconcile his late extraordinary conduct with his former professions of friendship to the Emperor of Russia. On the 6th of February, the Duke of Brunswick left Berlin on a secret mission to the Court of St Petersburgh. He was politely received by his Imperial Majesty, and had many conferences with him and his ministers. On the 11th March his Highness left Petersburgh, and arrived at Berlin on the 24th; and the conti

nental accounts say, that his Imperial Majesty had totally rejected the Prussian propositions; that his armies in Silesia and Poland, in place of being withdrawn, as proposed, were to be considerably reinforced; and that his Majesty had expressed his firm determination to adhere to his alliance with Great Britain and Sweden.

It appears that the Duke of Brunswick was personally interested in his mission to Petersburgh, both as a Sovereign and a negociator. Among other changes proposed by Bonaparte, one is, to establish a new division of the circle of Westphalia. The principalities of Brunswick and Wolfembuttle to be ceded to Prussia, in room of Anspach and Bareuth, and the Duke to be indemni fied with a part of Munster, East Friesland, the duchy of Oldenburgh, and the Bishoprick of Osnaburgh, which are to form the new province of Westphalia, of which the Duke is to take the title of Elector.

But the most important consequence of the secret convention between Prussia and France regards the occupation of the northern ports. On the 25th of March, Mr Jackson, the British minister at Berlin, received an intimation from Baron Hardenberg, "that his Prussian Majesty, in consequence of his connections with France, had not only rati fied his assumption of the British dominions in Germany, but had ordered all the ports in the German ocean (in his possession) to be shut against the British commerce." On the 3d of April Mr Jackson, brother of the Minister at Berlin, arrived in London express with the above intelligence, on which a Council was held the same day, and the following order was published in the London Gazette of the 5th.

Order of his Majesty in Council.

"Whereas his Majesty has received advice that his Majesty the king of Prussia has taken possession of various parts of the Electorate of Hanover, and other dominions belonging to his Majesty, in a forcible and hostile manner; and has also notified, that all British ships shall be excluded from the ports of the Prussian dominions, and from certain other ports in the North of Europe, and not suffered to enter or trade therewith, in violation of the just rights

and

and interests of his Majesty and his dominions, and contrary to the established law and practice of nations in amity with each other; his Majesty, with the advice of his Privy Council, is thereupon pleased to order, as it is hereby order ed, That no ships or vessels belonging to any of his Majesty's subjects be permitted to enter and clear out for any of the ports of Prussia until farther orders: -And his Majesty is further pleased to order, that a General Embargo or Stop be made of all Prussian ships and vessels whatsoever, now within, or which hereafter shall come into any of the ports, harbours, or roads within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, together with all persons and effects on board the said ships and vessels; but that the utmost care be taken for the preservation of all and every part of the cargoes on board any of the said ships and vessels, so that no damage or embezzlement whatever be sustained:-And the Right Hon. the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury, the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, and the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, are to give the necessary directions herein as to them may respectively appertain.

STEPH. COTTRELL."

The following additional notification appeared in the Gazette of the 8th of April:

Downing Street, April S.

"The King has been pleased to cause it to be signified by the Right Hon. Charles James Fox, his Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, to the Ministers of neutral powers residing at this Court, that the necessary measures have been taken, by his Majesty's command, for the blockade of the entrance of the rivers Ems, Weser, Elbe, and Trave; and that, from this time, all the measures authorised by the Law of Nations, and the respective treaties between his Majesty and the different neutral powers, will be adopted and executed with respect to all vessels which may attempt to violate the said blockade."

These decisive proceedings amount to a declaration of war against Prussia, and we presume they would not have been resorted to, if the British Government

were not convinced that the Court of Berlin had identified itself with that of Paris. Unless some intimate conexion of that nature were established, it is scarcely possible that the latter should have come to the resolution of shutting, not only her own ports, but all which she can influence and controul, against the commerce of this country.

The course of policy which his Prussian Majesty has pursued for some time, prepared us for acts of concession and submission on his part to Bonaparte; but we could not have conceived, that he would at once direct so deadly a blow against a country, by the liberality of which his predecessors have been maintained on the throne which he now fills. Until the official notification of Prussia shall appear, we must continue ignorant of the reasons which have induced her to forego all the advantages which she derived from her maritime neutrality.

By the latest continental accounts, it appears, that Prussia does not confine its hostile arrangements against the British commerce, to its own dependencies, but even extends them to such other quarters as it can intimidate by the proximity of its armies. It will be seen by the following short but important declaration, published at Hanover on the 28th of March, that by a treaty be tween Napoleon and Frederick William, it is determined, that not only the Prus. sian, but "all the ports in the North Sea, and also the rivers running into the same," are to be shut against us.

DECLARATION.

Majesty the King of Prussia, and his "In a treaty concluded between his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of the French and King of Italy, it is determined, that the ports in the North Sea, and also the rivers running into the trade and navigation, in the same mansame, shall be shut against the English ner as when the French troops were in In consequence of the superior orders I possession of the territory of Hanover. have received, I hereby make this known to the public concerned, in order that they may secure themselves against any damage; as the troops of the King my Master have received orders to repel and prevent the entrance of English ships into any of those ports

and