depth of the water was so increased by the flood, that not a vestige of the waggon was to be seen upon the surface, and it was upwards of six hours before the accident was discovered. The waggon contained, besides various hosiery and other goods, a ton of cutlery from Sheffield. The water has not been so high at Chelmsford since the year 1762, as it was on Wednesday. Half the town was covered with water; and it was two feet deep in the house of Mr. Wood, ironmonger, in the middle of the town. Kent. The valleys and low lands, in the course of the rivers throughout this county, were completely inundated. At Maidstone, on Tuesday, the Medway rose higher in the High Street, than was ever before known by the oldest inhabitant; and the waters of the Otham branch of the river, which intersects the lower part of the town, rose to a height which cut off all communication with the opposite side. The vale of the Stour was completely inundated, both below and some miles above Canterbury. Kingston-on-Thames was on Sunday so completely inundated, as to render it impassable by. carriages all the houses and offices next the Thames, were approachable only by boats; and, at Hampton Wick, Thames Ditton, Walton, and Sunbury, many cottages and buildings on the banks of the Thames were washed from their foundations. Near Staines, early on Sunday morning, the Exeter mail-coach was suddenly overturned, and the coachman and guard thrown to a considerable distance: the passengers were, with difficulty, extricated the horses were disengaged from the coach: the bags of letters sustained but little injury, and were conveyed in a post-chaise. The coach could not be got out. The whole country round is in the most distressed state, being covered with water from Chertsey to Maidenhead. In general, the water runs in torrents as high as the parlour windows. Numbers of poor inhabitants have lost nearly all their property, which has been carried away in the streams. In addition to their distress, the country is in such a state, that they are not able to do any work; many cannot get out of their houses to purchase food. The lower part of Egham is under water, and impassable. Oxfordshire.-At Oxford, several streets were under water, particularly in St. Thomas's parish, where it ran in torrents, the inhabitants being obliged to remove to their upper apartments. The beautiful walks round Christ Church and Magdalen Meadows, which have been of late years considerably heightened, and judged to be above high-water mark, were completely covered. A part of the old bridge at Wheatley gave way, and the greatest apprehensions were entertained that the works carrying on there, for the improvement of that structure, could not stand the violence of such a rise of water, which was on Friday mea. sured at one time to be upwards of twelve feet above the bridge. The road from Oxford to Abingdon was, in many places, under water to the depth of four feet. - Berkshire.—At Twyford, three bridges are so much damaged as to be rendered totally impassable. The mail and other coaches are under the necessity of taking the circuitous route of Henley. The workshops of Mr. Phelp, coachmaker, adjoining the High Bridge, in Reading, were undermined by the current, and almost the whole destroyed; the damage is estimated at near 800). The water was upwards of four feet deep in the village of Pangbourn; and many other places were so much inundated, that many of the inhabitants were under the necessity of getting in and out of their one-pair of stairs windows; but we are happy to state, that we have not heard of any lives being lost. Worcestershire.-The Severn overflowed its banks, and inundated the neighbouring country to an amazing extent. Torrents of water poured from the hills, in various directions, with such violence, as to sweep away every thing before it; and the roads, in many places, are rendered totally impassable. A number of horses, sheep, and cattle have perished, from the owners not being able to get them off the low grounds before the water had surrounded them. Gloucestershire. Incalculable mischief has been sustained by the loss of cattle, hay-ricks, &c. The lands, for miles, were inundated and impassable. The streets and lanes in the lower part of Gloucester, were three or four feet deep, and the inhabitants were compelled to take refuge in their upper stories. For some days, the high causeway from the Westgate-bridge to Over and Maisemore was several feet under water; and such a rapid current running over it as to render passing unsafe, either in carriages or on horseback. On Saturday evening the inundation appeared at the height, when it was about six inches lower than the remarkable flood in February 1795. The bodies of ten persons were taken out of the ruins of the houses destroyed in Bath by the inundation. During the height of the flood a cradle was observed floating down the current, in which an infant occasionally lifted its arms; the little innocent was, however, preserved by the intrepidity of some boatmen, and restored to its mother, a poor woman resident in Dolemead.-By a mark made at Monk's Mill, near the Grove, it appears that the water was exactly at the same height, on the 25th of January, 1725, as on the 25th of January last, between which periods (84 years) the flood at that place had never been once so high! Bath.-Upwards of 2,000l. have been subscribed in this city, for the relief of the sufferers by the late inundations in the neighbourhood. Somersetshire.-At Bristol, the water extended through Rosemary-lane, Merchant-street, Kingstreet, and Broadmead; and, in many places, exceeded four feet in depth. In Newfoundlandstreet, and neighbourhood, the depth was more, considerably; and many of the inhabitants were supplied with food by boats, brought from the river. The flood was considerably higher than in April last. The fresh in the river was so sudden and furious, that it drove two trows against the buttresses of the temporary wooden bridge, between Clare-street and St. Augustine's Back, and forced it down with a tremendous crash: providentially, it was perceived to be in danger; and, as the by-standers cried out," Bridge! Bridge!"* the passengers and spectators had time to escape. Wiltshire.-At Salisbury, the water was deeper than at any period since 1774. The street of Fisherton Anger was inundated, between the two bridges, to the depth of 18 inches: the inhabitants removed up stairs: carts were employed in the conveyance of those who quitted their houses. Two houses, on the south side of the Close of Sarum, had the water a foot deep on the ground floor; and the cellars in the Close were generally filled with water. In Wilton, Downton, Fordingbridge, &e. the inhabitants of several houses were obliged to take up their abode above stairs. lost, but the poor people living in cabins, at the south side of the bridge, have suffered consider. ably, by the loss of their potatoes, corn, furniture, &c. in some proportion to each, and the temporary inconvenience of want of dwelling to all. Drogheda.-The unusual and heavy rains that have fallen from Saturday to last night, has caused the Boyne to overflow all the flat grounds from Navan to this town. Our river was never remembered at a greater height; and, from the rapidity and strength of the current, it was with the utmost difficulty and care that the vessels at the quay kept their moorings. We understand several small bridges have been carried away in the counties of Meath and Louth, and other damage sustained. HIGH WINDS. Sunday, Jan. 29, it blew a hurricane, which continued the next day, and aid considerable damage in the metropolis, and cther places. A woman passing along Haye 's court, Solo, was killed by a tile striking her head. In Oxfordstreet also, a woman was so mact hurt, from a similar cause, that her recovery is doubtfuf.— Devonshire.-The waters of the Exe rose to a tremendous height. At Exeter, the parish of St. Thomas the Apostle, the Exe-Island, and the lands adjoining, were completely inundated. The streets in St. Thomas exhibited a most melancholy appearance, the shops were shut, being full of water, and the inhabitants obliged to betake themselves to their upper roonus. Trees, field-gates, wrecks of various descriptions, and a number of sheep, were borne away by the rapidity of the current. The water appears to have been about two inches higher than the memorable inundation in 1800, The tenter racks in the Bonhay and Shilley were completely covered, and many of them carried away, with the pieces in them. The great losses sustained by various individuals are truly distressing. Mr. Baker, farmer, of Exminster, lost forty sheep. In the town of Thorverton, a brook of water rose in a manner unprece-through the pool, carrying all other shipping away dentel, and threw down a cob wall: the obstruction occasioned so sudden a swell, that the house Many houses in Exeter were completely unroofof Mr. Anthony, surgeon, was instantly over- ed, several chimnies blown down; and slates and whelmed the family were assisted out of the bricks falling in every direction, rendered it exwindows at midnight: one half the dwelling-tremely dangerous to pass the streets: the mahouse was completely washed away. The injury sustained in this part of the country is estimated at 30,0001. : On Monday night the shipping and craft of all descriptions on the River suffered great damage, from the violence of the wind, and the number of tiers that broke adrift from the tower, downwards, that they came in contact with. jestic row of trees which formed the avenue to Cowick-house, near that city, is entirely destroyed; and in that field, and one adjoining, upwards of one hundred large elms, &c. are entirely rooted up, forming a scene which almost conveys to the mind the dreadful idea of an earth Wales. The floods, in several parts of the principaety, have been greater than were ever rememb red; but no very considerable private loss has been sustained, owing to the people hav-quake: the tops and lops of the fallen trees, ing had time to remove their cattle, sheep, and other property, from the low grounds to more elevated situations. A great part of the town of Llanelly was inundated, and the water entered the house of an old man who had resided in it upwards of 54 years, without having before experienced such a visitation. Brecon was similarly circumstanced; and the bridge over the Usk at Crickhowell was carried away. The river Wye rose higher than has been known for many years, and the flood swept from its banks every thing that could not withtand its fury: vast quantities of timber and other articles floated through Chepstow-bridge, Ireland.-Cork, Jan. 10. On Wednesday night last, there was a great fall of snow; and on Thurs day almost incessant rain, which caused such a food in the Sair, as has not been remembered here for many years.-Boats were plying up and down the quays, and admittance into any of the stores was impossible. All the fields on the banks of the river were completely covered, and scarcely the vestige of a ditch or wall to be seen. The river Auner was so swelled at two-mile bridge, that the Dublin mail-coach, which should have left this yesterday morning at nine o'clock, was obliged to remain until alter two. We have not heard, nor do we believe that any lives were (which become the property of the tenant) are valued at 2001. At Aylesbury, Henry, the eldest son of Mr. Sheriff, keeper of the gaol, was going up the court-yard of the prison, when the chimney of the debtor's hall fell upon him, and in a few moments rendered him lifeless: his mangled remains were interred on Thursday. he was a fine young man, in his 24th year. At Winchester, a cluster of poplars, exceedingly high, were blown down near the College. At a village near Woodstock, the top of a wheat rick was lifted up and carried by the wind nearly half a mile, without being in the least scattered. A small building was blown down at Caerwent, in Monmouthshire, which fell upon a person of the name of Langley, who was standing near it, and crushed him to death: the unfortunate sufferer had buried his wife only on the preceding day. On Monday evening, the wind blew from off thd Middle Storehouse, in his majesty's dockyards, at Hortsmouth, 5 tons 1 cwt. of lead, in three pieces. One piece, weighing 80 cwt. was carried by the violence of the gale across the road-way, to the distance of 111 feet; one peice, weighing about 40 cwt. was driven to the distance of 112 feet; and the other peice, weighing 31 cwt, dropped in the road-way, at the distance of 75 feet. POETRY. THE BATTLE OF CORUNNA 3/ AND DEATH OF GENERAL MOORE. Enough he died the death of fume !” Why is our sky with clouds o'erspread ? -It might not be !-Th' auxiliar host So, in old Homer's deathless song, Pierc'd, on the blood-stain'd field he lies, Lest she should triumph in our hero's fall. Illustrious Chief! tho' at thy grave, -The conflict o'er,-the victory won,➡ And MOORE was number'd with the dead!-- O'er her lamented chieftain's bier, Who fought,-who conquer'd, -and who died for her? Yes,-in a grateful nation's praise, Thy fame shall live to future days. The spirits of the warrior dead, Shall glide around thy lowly bed, And with parental fondness, see Their ancient fame reviv'd in thee; Shall mark, along th' ensanguin'd plain, The triumphs of thy warlike train, And in thy victories live again. Tho' now the din of war's alarms, No more shall rouse thy soul to arms; Tho' low within thy narrow cell, On thee shall memory fondly dwell; When sending forth our sons to fame, Pointing to MoORE's illustrious name, "Be thine," the anxious Sire shall cry, "Like him to conquer, and like him to die." Heroic Chief! Belov'd,—rever'd, By every tender thought endear'd; Forgive, if on thy native plains, A shepherd lad, in artless strains, With rustic pipe, and ruder lay, To sing thy warlike fame essay. Full well I know that deeds like thine, Turns his dejected country's eyes, To where new scenes of glory rise, Who plann'd,-who vanquish'd,—and who bled, • Their breasts the bulwarks of their native land." No strains like these to me belong, But mine to weep,-and mine to feel,- Le Perroquet de Lise, oiseau fort mal appris, Des couleurs avait l'avantage. On l'admirait, on supportait ses cris En faveur de son beau plumage. Plus ne trouva l'oiseau de voix pour le louer. PARLIAMENTARY HISTORY. CHAP. II.-Petition from Prisoners for Small Debts.-Bill to prevent Cruelty to Animals.-Correspondence with America. -Vote of Thanks to Sir A. Wellesley, &c. Convention of Cintra.-Vote of Thanks to Lieut.-Gen. Baird.-Erfurth Negociation-Correspondence with America. Treaty with Spain.-Campaign in Spain and Portugal.-Irish Imports and Exports.-Committee of Finance.-Sir J. Moore's Monument.-Militia Bill-Appropriation of public Money....Sir A. Wellesley's Reply.-Conduct of Duke of York. Committee of Supply-Distillation.-Volunteers from Militia.-Increase of Ordnance in Ireland.-Militia Bill. House of Lords, Monday, Jan. 23.-The Duke of Gloucester presented a petition from the prisoners in the King's Bench. [Similar petitions have been presented from Newgate, Liverpool, Warwick, &c.] Lord Moira gave notice of his intention to move for a committee to consider the propriety of imprisonment for small debts. Lord Erskine mentioned his intention to introduce a bill for preventing wanton cruelty to animals. [See Panorama, Vol. IV. p. 967. and Vo!. V. pp. 905, 1148, et. seq.] Lord Auckland moved for the correspondence with America; and that the Lords be summoned this day fortnight, to consider the orders in council. The Earl of Liverpool moved the thanks of the house to Sir Arthur Wellesley (and afterwards to the officers and troops under his command in Portugal], for his conduct in the actions of Aug. 17 and 21. His lordship enlarged on the advantages enjoyed by the enemy, on the resources they derived from their military occupation of the country, their superior numbers in the field, the strong holds, and the garrisons. Displayed the judgment, decision, promptitude, &c. of this officer, in glowing terms. Lord Moira wished to include general Sir Harry Burrard, who, as commander-in-chief, could not, in his opinion, surrender his duties. He too was a meritorious officer; the omission of his name would be understood as a censure. Lord M. protested that Sir H. Burrard's conduct was highly judicious. All the success acquired might have been lost by one false step. Lord Harrowby shewed, from Sir H. Burrard's public letter, that he actually had remitted the continuation of the command to Sir A. Wellesley. He was not on the field till late ju the action (of the 21st); his command, therefore, was nominal, not effective. Lord Sidmouth differed from Earl Moira: thought no disrespect was implied in omitting Sir H. Burrard's name, since he himself had Lord Erskine thought the omission invidious, and injurious to the character of Sir H. Burrard. It had always been castomary to notice the commander-in-chief. Lord Mulgrave gave due credit to Sir H. Burrard for his manly and liberal conduct toward Sir A. Wellesley, whom he might have superseded on the field; but the thanks to be voted were exclusively for the action; and Sir H. Burrard, so far from assuming any merit for the action, had even desired Sir Arthur to write the dispatches describing it. Several other lords spoke, desiring unanimity on this subject. Lord Moira's amendinent was negatived without a division, and thanks were ordered. Lord Darnley moved for papers relating to the convention at Cintra. Wednesday, Jan. 25.-The Earl of Liverpool moved the thanks of the house to lieut.gen. Baird, and the officers and army under his command in Spain. The battle of Corunna displayed the courage, perseverance, discipline, and cool determination of British troops. The French had rushed on our warriors in full confidence of destroying them, from their superior numbers, from the exhausted state of our troops, and from the additional disadvantages arising from the act of embarkation; but the undaunted resolution of British soldiers had baffled all the fury of the Gallic legions. The foe had been completely repulsed. The British general had never exerted superior wisdom, courage, or skill, although there had scarcely been an action or expedition of importance for some years past, in which Sir John Moore had not borne a share. His example would form new heroes and future generals. To the public grief, his lordship added the sympathies of private friendship for that great man. proved themselves superior to the French. Such troops would prove the safety of Britain; but they must be directed by a wise, not an imbecile ministry. In the latter case, we should too truly be found, as a noble lord (Moira) had described us, a sinking nation! Lord Erskine enlarged on the same ideas with the addition of our conduct toward America. Were we not a sinking people? and we should continue so, while the present men guided the helm of the state. Lord Grenville admitted that no encomia could surpass the merits of Sir John Moore and his army; but condemned the ministers for sending these troops into such a perilous situation. Their success was impossible. The country must sink, if she should patiently endure a continuance of those destructive measures to which our present misfortunes were owing, &c. Motion agreed to. Lord Auckland moved for a return of the value of exports and imports to and from America.-Ordered. Thursday, Jan. 26.-The Earl of Liverpool opened the subject of the Negociation proposed by Russia and France, being confident that no objection could be started against the proceedings of ministers. They had the voice of the nation with them. The real intention of the Despot of the Continent could not pos sibly be peace; yet, not to crush the overture at once, his Majesty's ministers acted on the supposition that his intention might be sincere. Indeed, there was an appearance of fairness in proposing the uti possidetis, as the basis of an agreement. The ministers knew the preparations made by Buonaparte against Spain; knew that the people of Spain were making every effort to meet those preparations; knew that the feeling of every heart among us was in favour of the brave Spaniards, and that the whole country was indeed fired with enthusiasin in their cause. To terminate all evasion, and to prevent the protraction of the negociation, which could have been profitable only to the enemy, and was calculated to diminish the confidence of the Spaniards in this nation, his Majesty's goLord Mulgrave regretted the introduction vernment thought it was best to bring the of topics foreign from the subject: would matter to a single point, to ascertain whether rather have borne the whole burden of the the Spanish government, acting in the name noble earl's indignation himself, than have of Ferdinand VII, was to be admitted as a heard such allusions on this occasion. Com-party. However great the blessings of peace pared Sir John Moore to gen. Wolfe. Lord Moira most warmly approved of the motion; attributed to the ministry the occasion of every evil, and the ruin of our expectations: by their ignorance, our countrymen had been immolated. The matter demanded inquiry, &c. Lord Sidmouth considered the defeat of the French as truly glorious to the British army. The enemy had all the advantages of time and place of attack; and this upon troops not freshly landed, but exhausted by fatigues and privations. It had impressed him with the conviction of the superiority of British troops in every branch of military service. The in-. fantry, the cavalry, the artillery, all had were to Britain, they could not be purchased by the sacrifice of its honour, and by defeating the expectations of a generous nation, which placed its hopes of liberty on our assistance. Had the Spanish Juhta been admitted, ministers intended to have named plenipotentiaries. But the Spaniards, strug gling against lawless power, were deeme insurgents," and debarred. from all and every consideration! His lordship lamented |