Page images
PDF
EPUB

LOST

In Federal-street, near the Theatre, a bundle of love-letters, some beginning, My dere letel angel, others, my sweet Mary, and others, my love; they are written in various hands, from various lovers, to one lady, and whoever has found and will return them to Cambridge ColJege, shall receive a satisfactory reward.

MISSING,

Supposed to be stolen, the modesty of Miss S. It is presumed to be in the possession of some vulgar female, or perhaps quaker, as the former owner has enquired of all her female acquaintances respecting it, who deny having any knowledge of the article; and indeed she confesses she cannot discover any traces of it among them; but as the commodity is now very scarce, and Miss S is anxious to recover what she has lost, she hereby offers her most heart-felt thanks to any person who will direct her the way to obtain it again. She offers the above reward for the modesty without the thief; but if the purloiner can be discovered, she will be willing to afford additional remuneration.

FAST DAY.

IT is curious to mark the distinctions which always exist between sincerity and hypocrisy, they both have virtue on the exteriour, but the garb of one is torn, and you can discover the hypocrite through the tatters, while the other is whole and free from disguise. We think we can discover in the Lieut. Governour's letter to the senate and house of representatives, many of these peep holes, and through them the deceiver which it is intended to conceal. The meaning of his Honour is enveloped in an obscurity of expression, which the light of understanding which he undoubtedly intended should enlighten it, is hardly sufficient to dispel it.

[ocr errors]

He remarks that from an anxiety at learning yesterday, that Mrs. Lincoln was very sick,' he should not accept the invitation of the legislature to attend publick worship on the day they had appointed for a Fast. His honour then takes occasion to observe that as 'the spirit of the times might mistake a non-acceptance of the invitation, for a proof of infidelity,' he confesses a belief in the christian system.' He then proceeds with an intimation that the Fast may have a bad effect on the community, by inducing the people (but by no means hinting an application to the legislature) for party purposes, to get up conventions in the country under the name of Fasts, for the purpose of creating uneasiness, jealousy and insubordination in respect to their rulers.

The first idea which struck us upon the perusal of this singular letter was, his Honour's quickness to suspect that he might be suspected of infidelity. He then, like a true hypocrite, proceeds to profess, but refuses to act. His professions are such, however, as leave very little doubt on the mind of any person possessed of common understanding. that they are only plausible covers of his real opinion, and can be removed at pleasure. His Honour's belief in the christian system may mean no more, than that it is a good political measure to maintain such a system, but is in fact no declaration of a sincere belief in the essential doctrines of christianity. But even if it were the case, why take for granted that the people would suppose his non-acceptance of the invitation' a proof of infidelity?' was not his ostensible excuse sincere ? or did he think it was not sufficient? Had he not declared his belief of the christian system at his inauguration, as a fundamental requisite for his qualification, and that too, under all the solemnity of an oath? But we beg pardon, he well knew the hypocrisy which had disgraced other inaugurations, and might reasonably conclude the people could place no reliance on similar professions of belief; and as to an oath, we know its bond is loosened and dissolved by the breath of infidelity.

But after all, if the excuse which his Honour assigned was sufficient to authorize his non-acceptance of the invitation ; and if the occasion was too solemn to admit the operation of party feelings; then the letter of his Honour is really chargeable with the same crime which he only presumes the publick may be guilty of; because he employs it for party purposes at the very time when he is engaged in a concern, which he deems of more importance, than publickly to worship God.

The whole of this letter indicates uncommon hypocrisy, and an intolerance of party asperity; and daily experience is affording us abundant proof of the validity of the assertion.

"UNCONSTITUTIONAL CONDUCT OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOUR LINCOLN.

THE crimes of the general government are so alarming, that the people view the conduct of inferiour officers with indifference or contempt; but the Romans were in as much danger from the horse of Caligula, which was elevated to the first office in the state, as from the tyrant himself. What terms of reproach are strong enough to represent the last attempt of the Lieut. Governour to control the people, by a military force, at the hazard of violating the constitution and the laws of the land? What colours are dark enough for representing his image? what masterly hand shall we find to give the characteristick touches ?

titution to which he might choose to destine them, he found them to his cost an adversary too proud to be commanded, and it is sincerely to be wished, too formidable to be subdued. He aimed at the Castilian honour a blow, which was returned with spirit. But these conclusions were too sanguine and ill drawn to be all true. Bonaparte, to be beaten from his purpose, will take a great many hard blows; and it remains to be seen, whether the Castilian spirit will evaporate, or continue with unabated strength.

The means required to resist the appalling power of the French nation at this time must be formidable indeed. It demands a kind of revo. lutionary energy to attain the object. Talents, and those of the very highest order, which the occasion must naturally call forth to view, should be sought with avidity, and the command of the armies be confided to men of real ability, and not to any of the impotent adherents of the corruption of the old court. This revolutionary spirit promed well in the first instance: the addresses of the juntas breathed nothing but this energy. They called on the people to restore to the nation its ancient freedom and original constitution, they impressed upon their minds the futility of depending upon hasty levies of troops. 'Think you,' said these statesmen, that a tumultuous levy of brave inhabitants, without military skill, without chiefs, without money, without magazines, will be able to withstand experienced armies and soldiers grown old in the habits of victory?' They then recommended the true policy of avoiding all general engagements,' of making a partizan war upon the French, embarrassing and wasting their armies by cutting off their supplies of provisions, destroying bridges, &c. which kind of hostility the natural situation of Spain, rendered highly probable would be prosecuted with the greatest success. They particularly said, ' it is indispensable that each province should have its general of known. talents, as much experience as our situation permits.' The affairs of the patriots, from the energy, and at the same time the circumspection with which they were governed, under all the aspects in which they were viewed, afforded prospects of a successful termination. Still however, no action of equal numbers had absolutely occurred; but the French were driven from the country in all directions, by multitudes of armed peasantry. Yet from the difficulties which the patriots experienced in subduing such detachments of the French armies as were spread about the country, it was reasoned that when Bonaparte, at the head of his forces should arrive in Spain, that success which over the small bodies of troops had been oftentimes retarded, would be no longer attainable. It was always hoped that the patriotism of the times would not be disheartened by any temporary successes of the enemy, (for the appearance of new and inexperienced levies before veterans almost always terminates in defeat) but that the disasters of the Spanish would afford them lessons of wisdom and teach them to profit by their first errours, so that at last they might be able to make an efficient stand. Experience

had convinced most thinking men, that the popular indignation would soon subside, unless it were constantly excited. The height of rage was therefore the proper time to secure a permanent force, by proper enlistments, and the introduction of a system of discipline which might be permanently useful. The American revolution had afforded abundant: proofs of the want of efficacy in a militia inlisted for only a year, when they were allowed to return home; it was therefore hoped that: the Spaniards would contrive to raise a large army which should be durable, and be placed under the direction of such faithful officers as might hereafter insure success, even against such troops as Napoleon could bring into the field. The regulations of the Supreme Juntas were in some respects well calculated to effect so desirable an end; they required the services of all citizens without regard to rank; but there may exist some doubt of the excellence of the system on which they were enlisted. The services of all the male inhabitants from the age of sixteen to forty-five, were put in requisition for the army. They were divided into three classes: the first class were all volunteers who chose to enlist, and they held themselves ready to march at a moment's call: the second class consisted of unmarried persons and married men and widowers without children; these were to be called upon when their services should be required: the third class, composed of married men and widowers with children, were only to be required to attend the army in the last resort, when it should become necessary to sacrifice their lives to save their country. Of these three classes, the first was called into immediate service; they were volunteers, stimulated by their patriotism, ambition and courage, and probably the flower of the Spanish people. As they were not selected from any particular rank in life, it is somewhat an interesting subject of enquiry to ascertain their compar ative excellence to French veterans, when brought into competition.

The great perfection of a military system consists in the prompt and complete submission to superiour orders; not merely review submission, but an obedience which shall induce the soldier to lay down his life at the command of his officer, to encounter every peril and disas ter without impatience and without repining. The ardour and enthusiasm of the new levies would undoubtedly carry them a great way in this mode of obedience; but the pride of the Castilian could ill brook the intolerant rigour of a petty disciplinarian, probably placed over him on account of his greater capacity, but inferiour to him in rank. The heart-burnings and jealousies which are the natural effects of the new system, would more than any thing tend to subvert that quietness and strictness of subordination, which is absolutely necessary to complete the soldier for service. We are fearful that the powers of the Supreme Junta may not be sufficient to curb the licentiousness to which this spirit will naturally incline; their proclamations often seem to be in the style of invitation rather than of irresistible authority.

[ocr errors]

Our belief therefore, was that the Spaniards would not only be beaten at first, but they would be obliged to fight hard afterwards to extinguish the fire of insubordination that is always generated in new levies, unless they are rigorously watched. If a few defeats do not damp their ardour in the cause, though the immediate effects may seem disastrous, the permanent effect will be favourable. It will teach the superiour officers where to look for the best soldiers, and who it is most advisable to promote; it will serve to 'vent the musty superfluity,' of the times; and bring the precious gems to the light, which had been surrounded and hidden by mean and earthly incrustations.

On the other hand, the cause in which they are engaged, presents a permanent motive for unremitted exertions; and it will probably keep up a constant stimulus to their bravery, If it does, though Napoleon should march to Madrid and crown his brother Joseph there, still hope would not languish; the Spanish nation would rise behind them after they had passed, and recover their original strength, as a plant which has been trodden down is restored to its former elevation, by means of its natural elasticity. The first battles which have occurred since the entrance of Napoleon into Spain, are by no means so disheartening as might have reasonably been supposed; he has proceeded towards Madrid, and what else could be expected? The policy which the Supreme Junta very wisely prescribe to their generals is by all means to avoid a general engagement. A partizan warfare will impede but cannot stop the progress of the enemy. Let Joseph be crowned at Madrid. What then? Are the Spaniards of necessity conquered? By no means. All the losses they at present have sustained, are very inconsiderable; and they have met with some success. It does not appear that the second class of the Spanish people are yet called out. Let us consider for a moment the extent of the French successes.

The advantages they have gained are evidently exaggerated. The left wing of the Spanish army under General Blake, which has generally been considered completely destroyed, to judge even from the French accounts is by no means in so desperate a condition. It appears the French having received great reinforcements under Marshal Le Febre, the Duke of Dantzick, he joined the division of General Merlin, and attacked Blake on the 31st of October, who was posted at Sonorsa, near Bilboa. The Spanish army, the French accounts assert, amounted to 30,000, the truth is probably less; but at all events, the French were much superiour in point of numbers. After fighting the whole day, the Spaniards abandoned their positions, for fear of being cut off: they displayed great bravery during the action, and they retreated in such order, that General Blake formed a junction of all the corps which had been engaged, and marched them to the heights of Bilboa, stopping on the road to rest for the space of two hours. All the Spanish troops were not engaged in this affair; and Blake, leaving Bilboa un

« PreviousContinue »