The Sun. — London, England, 1827-02-26 00:00:00

THEATRICAL FUND DINNER. r t Ant Annual Dinner of the Edinburgh Theatrical Fund wts held yesterday in - the Assembly Rooms--Sir Walter Scott in t r Cbiir, and near whom sat the!Eari of Fife, Lnrd Meadow b,,nk, Sir John Hope ,of Pinkie, Bart., Admiral Adam, Baron Clerk Rattsiy; Gilbert Innes, Esq., James Walker, Esq., Robert Dundat, Esq., Alexander Smith, Esq. &c. - The cloth being removed, " Non . tiobis Domine" was sang by M ears . Thorne, Swift, Collyer, and Hartley ; after which the following-toasts were given from the chair The King"—all the honours. " The Duke of Clarence and the Royal Family." The CHAIRMAN, in proposing the next toast, which he wished to .be drank in solemn silence, said it was to the memory of a re gretted Prince, whom we had lately lost. He proposed to drink to the memory. f his late Royal Highness the Duke of York.-- Drank in solemn silence. The Chairman then requested that gentlemen would fill a bum per as ful l as it would h o ld, w hil e h e wou ld say only a few w or d s . He was in the habit of bearing speeches, and he knew the feeling with which long ones were regarded. He was sure that it was perfectly unnecessary for him to enter into any vindication of the dramatic art, which they had come here to support. This, how ever, he considered to be the proper time and proper occasion for him.to say a few word's on that love of representation which was an innate feeling_in human nature. It was the first amusement that the child had—it grew greater as he grew up ; and, even ir, the decline of life, nothing amused so much as when a common tale is well told. The first thing a child does is to ape his school master, by flogging a chair. It was an enjoyment natural to hu manity. It was implanted in our very nature, to take pleasure from such representations at proper times and on proper occa sions. In all ages the theatrical art had kept pace with the improvement of mankind, and with the progress of let ters and the fine arts. As he has advanced from the ruder stages of society, the lore of dramatic representa, tions has increased, and all works of this nature have been improved, in character and in structure. They had only to turn their eyes to the history of ancient Greece, although he - did not pretend to be very deeply versed in ancient history. — Its first tragic poet commanded a body of troops at the battle of Marathon. The second and next, were men who shook Athens with their discourses, as their theatrical works shook the theatre itself. If they turned to France in the time of Louis the Four teenth, that era is the classical history of that country, they would find that it was referred to by all Frenchmen as the golden age of the drama there. And also in England in the time of Queen Elizabeth, the drama began to mingle deeply and wisely in the general politics of Europe, not only not receiving laws from others, but giving laws to the world, and vindicating the rights of mankind--(Cheers.) There have been various times when the dramatic'art subsequently fell into disrepute. Its pro fessors have been stigmatised ; and laws have been passed against them, less dishonourable to them than to the statesmen by whom they were passed, and to the legislators by whom they were adopted. (Loud Cheers.)—The performers are in a particular manner en titled to the support or regard, when in old age or distress, of those who had partaken of the amusements of those places which they render an ornament to'society. Their art was of a peculiarly delicate and precarious nature. They had to serve a long appren ticeshiy. It was very long before even the first-rate geniuses could acquire the mechanical knowledge of the stage-business. They must languish long in obscurity before they can avail themselves of their natural talents; and after that, they have but a short space of time, • during which they , are fortunate if they can provide the means of comfort in the decline of life. That comes late, and lasts but a short time ; after which they are left dependent. TLsir limbs fail—their teeth are loosened—their voice is lost— and they are left, after giving happiness to others, in a most disconsole'e state. The public were liberal and generous their protection. It was a sad thing to those tleOrviog to be dependent on the favour, or, he might say, in plain terms, on the caprice, of the public; and this more particularly for a class of persons of whOnt extreme prudence is not the charac ter. There were another class of e . ufferers, naturally and necee sarily connected with the theatre, without whom it was impos sible to go on. The sailors have a saying, every man cannot be a boatswain. If there must be persons to act Hamlet, there must also be people to act Laertes, the King, Rosenerantz, and Guildenstern, otherwise a drama cannot go on. If even Garrick himself were to rise from the dead, he could not act Hamlet alone. —There must be generals, colonels, commanding-officers, and subalterns. But what are the private soldiers to do? Many have mistaken their own talents, and have beets driven in early ?oath to try the stage, to which they are not competent.—He w erold know what to say to the poet and the artist. He would .ay ttot it was foolish, and he would recommend to the poet to become a scribe, and the artist to paint sign-posts.---(Loud laugh ter.)—But you could not send the player adrift, for if he can slot play Illn.:Tet, he must play Guildenstern. Where there are many labourers, wages must be low, and no man in such a situa tion can decently sill: Dort a wife and family, and cave something of his income for old ;qr.:. What is this man to do in latter life? Are oil to cast him off like an old hinge, or a piece of useless ma y, . chinerv, which has done its wcn:k? To a person who had contri buted to our amusement, this won,: be unkind, ungrateful, and unchristian. He had little more to say, except that he sincerely hoped that the collection to-day, from the b :unbeT of respectable z gentlemen present, would meet the views enteru ned by the pa trons. It was ungrateful and unkind, that those who bad sacra- Seed their youth to our amusement should not receive the rel s - ard due tp them, but should be reduced to hard fare in their old age, We cannot think of poor Falstaff going to bed without his cup of sack, or Macbeth fed on bones as marrowless as those of Banquo. —(Loud cheers and laughter.)—As be believed they were all as fond of the dramatic art as he was in his younger days, he would propcse that they should drink " The Theatrical Fund," with three t i' es three. Mr. Iles.oce: rose on behalf of his brethren to return their thee:: for the toast just drank. To him this was the proudest :v of. hislife,,to have the honour, at the first Theatrical Fund d'euer in his native land, to address so brilliant an assem bl age o f tie rank and talent of hie native city ; and inspired with confi dence, he exulted that he was born between the Cross and the Lk enbooths .—( Cheers. )—,, r je concluded by tending to the meet ing, in the name of his brethhen and sisters, their unfeigned thanks for their liberal support, and begged to propose the health of th e Patrons of the Edinburgh Theatri:al Fund.—(Cheers). Lord MEADOWEANX begged to return the thanks of the patrons i for the honours now conferred on them. As a testimony of the feelings with which he rose, he begged to propose a health, which he was sure, in an assembly of Scotsmen, would be received, not with an ordinary feeling of delight, but with rapture and enthu eia.sm. He knew that it would be painful to hie feelings if he we .•e to speak to him in the terms which his heart prompted ; and t h at /le had sheltered himself under his native modesty from the applaus e which he deserved ; but it was gratifying at last to know clouds were now dispelled, and that th e G reat Unknown that these —the inight:v magician —( here the room literally rung with ap whirs continued for some minutes)—the min stre l o f plauses, our country, who .ha d con j ured up, not the phantoms of departed ages, revealed before the eyes and affec tions but realities, neew stands of his country. in his presence it would ill become him, as it would be displeasing to I.!iat distinguished person, to say, if he were able, what every man muet feel who recollects the enjoyment he has had from the great efforts Pf his mind and genius. It had been left for him, by his writings, to give his country an impe rishable name. He had done more for his country, by illumie nating its annals, by illustrating the deeds of its warriors and etateemen, than any man that ever existed, gr was produced, within its territory. He has opened up the Pecni4r beauties of this country to the eyes of foreigners. He has exhibited the deeds of those uatriots and statesmen to whom we owe the freedom we now e njoy. He would give the health of Sir Walter Scott, which was drank with enthusiastic cheering. Sir WALTER SCOTT certainly did not think that, in conning here to-day, he would have the task of a cknowledging, before 300 gentlemen, a secret which, considering that it was communicated to more than 20 people, was remarkably well kept. He was now before the bar of his country, and might be understood to be on trial before Lord Meadowbank as as offender ; yet he was sure that every impartial jury would bring in a verdict of Not Proven. He did not now think it uesessary to enter into the reasons of his long silence. Perhaps lee might save acted from caprice. He had now to say, however, that the merits of these works, if they had any, and their faults, were entirely imputable to himself.—(Long and loud cheering.)--He was afraid to think on wk."' be hail done.— " Look on't again I dare not." He had thus far unbe e semed him self, and he knew that it would be reported to the public. He Gant when he said that he was the author, that he was the total and un divided author. With the exception of quotat i ons, there was not a single word that was not derived from himself, or suggested in ;he course of his reading. The wand was now broken ar4 the rod bu ried. You will allow me further to say, with Pros pero, your breath has tilled my sails, and to crave one single toast in t he capacity of the author of these novels ; an d h e would dedicate a bumper to the health of one who has represented 11 o f those characters, of which he had endeavoured to give the skeleton, with a degree of liveliness which rendered him grate _ ful. He would propose the health of his friend Bailie Nicol Jarvie, —(loud.pplause)—and he was sure, that when the author of Waverley," and 4 , Rob Roy," drinks to Nicol Jarvie, it would nv received .with that degree of applause to which that gentleman e,es Always been accustomed, and that they would take cars gri; on the present occasion it should be raonialous !---(Long and vehement applause.) Mr. lkacicaY, who here spoke with great humour in the cha racter of Bailie Jarvie.—My conscience ! My worthy father the deacon could not have believed that his son could hae had sic a compliment paid to him by the Great Unknown. Sir WALTER SCOTT—Not unknown now, Mr. Bailie. Mr. MActcAv—He had been long identified with the Bailie, and he was vain of the cognomen which he had now worn for_ eight years, and he questioned if any of his brethren in the Council had given such universal satisfaction. (Loud laughter and applause.) Before he sat down, he begged to propose " the Lord Provost and the City of Edinburgh." Sir WALrEtt Sco-rr apologized for the absence of the Lord Provost, who had gone to London on public business. Tune—" Within a mile of Edinburgh town." Sir WALTER SCOTT gave, " The Duke of Wellington and the army." Glee---" How merrily we live." " Lord Melville and the Navy, that fought till they left nobody to fight with, like an arch sportsman who clears all and goes after the game." Mr. PAT. RORERTSON.—They had heard this evening a toast which had been received with intense delight ; which will be pub lished in every newspaper, and will be hailed with joy by all Europe. He had one toast assigned him which he bad great pleasure in giving. He was sure that the stage had in all ages a great effect upon the morals and manners of the people. He would conclude with reciting a few words from Shakespeare, in a spirit not of contradiction to those stern moralists, who disliked the theatre, but of meekness ; " Good, my lord, will you see the players well bestowed ; do you hear ; let them be well used, for they are the abstract and brief chronicles of the time." He then gave Mrs. Henry Siddons, and success to the Theatre-Royal of Edinburgh. Mr. ML:satAy.—Gentlemen, I rise to return thanks for the honour you have done Mrs. Siddons, in doing which, I am some what difficulted, from the extreme delicacy which attends a brother's expatiating upon a sister's claims to honours publicly paid—(hear, hear)—yet, gentlemen, your kindness emboldens me to say, that were I to give utterance to all a brother's feelings, I should not exaggerate those claims—(loud ap plause.) I therefore, Gentlemen, thank you most cordially for the honour you have done her, and shall now request permission to make an observation on the establishment of the Edinburgh Theatrical Fund.—Mr. Mackay has done Mrs. Henry Siddons and myself the honour to ascribe the establishment to us ; bat no, Gentlemen, it owes its origin to a higher source—the publication of the novel of Rob Roy—the unprecedented success of the opera adapted from that popular production.—(Hear, hear.)—l therefore hope, that, in future years, when the aged and infirm actor derives relief from this fund, he will, ha the language of the gallant Highlander, " Cast his eye to good old Scotland, and not forget Rob Roy."—(Loud applause.) _ _ _ - Sir WALTER SCOTT here stated, that Mrs. Siddons wanted the means but not the will of beginning the Theatrical Fund. He concluded by giving the health of Mr. Murray, which was drank with three times three. Mr. MURRAY—Gentlemen, I wish I could believe that, in any degree, I merited the compliments with which it has pleased Sir Walter Scott to preface the proposal of my health, or the very flattering mariner in which you have done me the honour to re ceive it. When, upon the death of my dear brother, the late Mr. Siddons, it was proposed that I should undertake the ma nagement of the Edinburgh Theatre, I confess I drew back, doubting my capability to free it from the load of debt and diffi culty with which it was surrounded. In this state of anxiety I solicited the advice of one who had ever honoured me with his kindest regard, and whose name no member of my profession can pronounce without feelings of the deepest respect and gratitude— ! allude to the late Mr. John Kemble.—(Great applause.)—To him I applied ; and with the repetition of his advice I shall cease to transgress upon your time.—(llear, hear !)—" My dear William, fear not, integrity and assiduity must prove an overmatch for all difficulty, and though I approve your not in dulging a vain confidence in your own ability, and viewing with respectful apprehension the judgment of the audience you have to act before, yet be assured that judgment will ever be tempered by the feeling that you are acting for the widow and the fatherless." —(Loud applause. )—Gentlemen, those words have never passed from my mind ; and I feel convinced that you have pardoned my many many errors, from the feeling that I was striving for the widow and the fatherless.—(Long and enthusiastic applause fol lowed Mr. Murray's address.) Sir WA 'Ata Scorr gave the health of the Stewards. Mr. VANDINHOIT.—Mr. President and Gentlemen,—ln the name of the Stewards, I most respectfully and cordially thank you, for the honour you have done us, which greatly overpays our poor endeavours.—(Applause.) Mr. J. CAY gave the University of Edinburgh. Lord MEADOWBANK, after a suitable eulogium, gave the Earl of Fife, which was drunk with three times three. Earl Figs expressed his high gratification at the honour con ferred on him. He concluded with giving the health of the Com pany of Edinburgh. Mr. Jowxe was truly grateful for their kindness ; and he now experienced, in appearing before them, all the terrors which he felt when he beheld himself announced in the hills as a young gen tleman who had never before appeared on any stage. After ex pressing gratitude to the Professional Society of Musicians, who had deferred their Concert to oblige them, he proposed to drink to their prosperity. Sir WALTER SCOTT gave—" Colonel Fraser and the other °Maas of the 7th Hussars." Captain pROADHEAD returned thanks, and apologised for the absence of Colonel Fraser. Mr. PAT. Roup.T3ox proposed " the health of Mr. Jeffrey," whose absence was owing to indisposition. Mr. J. MAcoNocnir gave " the health of Mrs. Siddons, sen. —the most distinguished ornament of the stage." Sir W. SCOTT said, that if any thing could reconcile him to old age, it was the reflection that he had seen the rising as well as the setting sun of Mrs. Siddons. He remembered well their breakfasting near to the theatres—waiting the whole day—the crushing at the doors at six o'clock—and their going in and counting their fingers till seven o'clock. But the very first step— the very first word which she uttered, was sufficient to overpay him for all his labours. The house was literally electrified ; and it wee only from witnessing the effects of her genius, that he could guess to what a pitch theatrical excellence could be carried. Those young fellow:: who have only seen the setting sun ofsthis diatingoi,l:ed performer, 144iitiful and serene as that was, must give us 414 fellows, who have seen its rise, leave to hold onr heads a little higher. Mr. DI:NDAS gave " The memory of Home, tlq author of Douglas." 3lr. MACKAY here announced that the subscription for the night amounted to 2801. ; and he expressed gratitude for this substantial proof of their kindness. Mr. MAcKAY here entertained the company with a pathetic song. Sir W. SCOTT apologized for having so long forgotten their na tive land. He would now give Scotland—the Land of Cakes.— He would giv e ever y r i ver , eve ry loch, every hill, from Tweed to Johnnien Groat's house—every lass in her cottage and countess in her castle ; and may her sons stand by her, as their fathers did be fore them, and he who should not drink a bumper to his toast, may he never drink whiskey more. Sir W. SCOTT here gave Lord Meadowbank, who returned Mr. U. G. BELL said, that he should not have ventured to in trude b;nisei? !Jpon the attention of the assembly, did he not feel confident, that the ..east he begged to have the honour to pro pose, would make ameLde for the very imperfect manner in which he might express his sentiments regarding it. It had been said, that notwithstanding the mental suprepacy pf the present age, notwithstanding that the page of our history was :tinkled with names destiod 41so for the page of immortality,— that the genius of Shakspeare was extinct, and the fountain of his inspiration dried up. It might be that these observations were unfortunately correct, or it might be that we were bewil dered with a name, not disappointed of the reality,—for though Shakspeare had brought a Hamlet, an Othello, and a Macbeth, an Ariel, a Juliet, and a Rosalind, upon the stage, were there not authors living who had brought as varied, as exquisitely paint ed, and as undying a range of characters into our hearts ? The shape of the mere mould into which genius poured its golden trea sures was surely a matter of little moment—let it be called a tragedy, a comedy, or a Waverly novel. But even among the dramatic authors of the present day, he was unwilling to allow that there was a great -^d palpable decline from the glory of preceding ages, and his toast ttictitie w w ou 9\i ld l4 be n a o rh t , im t out prese in nt den in y s i i n st g e th it e he t r ru u th po o n f ettrhe meritshheappsr,opno- propo sition. of our distinguished countrywoman, whose genius gave bi rt h to " De Montf ort," or of the y oun g er, but, perhaps, less inspired autho7stheoFfose‘a‘tiT.,,h-eNoVrVespers he ofoulPuargleormopoo;u" or of that other female yen, rendered so dese rve dl y ce lebr ated by the recent tragedy of the talents, already so well known, either of a Croly, a Byron, a Shiel, a Coleridge, or a Maturin. But there was one name to which he was sure the Chairman would forgive him for venturing to eall his attention. lie was sure that the Chairman, and many who heard him, already anticipated that the works to which he alluded was that of the author of " Virginius," " Caius Grac clips; and' William Tell." When he mentioned the name of Mr. Knowles, he pronounced his eulogy, and it would be super fluous to attempt to enhance its force. He begged to have the honour of proposing the health of James Sheridan Knowles. Sir W. Scorr—Gentlemen, I crave a bumper all over. The last toast reminds me of a neglect of duty. Unaccustomed to a public duty of this kind, errors in conducting the ceremonial of it may be excused, and omissions pardoned. Perhaps I have made one or two omissions in the course of the evening, for which I trust you will grant me your pardon and indulgence. One thing in particular I have omitted, and I would now wish to make amends for it by a libation of reverence and respect to the me mory of Shakespeare. He was a man of universal genius, and from a period soon after his own era to the present day, he has been universally idolized. When I come to his honoured name, I am like the sick man who hung up his crutches at the shrine, and was obliged to confess that he did not walk better than before. It is indeed difficult, gentlemen, to compare him to any other individual. The only one to whom I can at all compare him, is the wonderful Arabian dervise, who dived into the body of each, and in the way become familiar with the thoughts and secrets of their hearts. He was a man of obscure origin, and as a player, limited in his ac quirements. But he was born evidently with a universal genius. His eyes glanced at all the varied aspects of life, and his fancy pourtrayed with equal talents the King on the throne, and the clown who crackles his chesnuts at a Christmas fire. Whatever note he takes, he strikes it just and true, and awakens a corre sponding cord in our own bosoms. Gentlemen, I propose " the memory of William Shakespeare." Glee, " Lightly tread his Hallowed Ground." . . After the glee, Sir Walter rose, and begged to propose as a toast the health of a lady, whose living merit is not little honourable to Scotland. In her private character she (he begged leave to say) is as remarkable as in a public sense she is for her genius. In short, he would in one word name—" Joanna Baillie." This health being drank, Mr. Thorne was called for a song, and sung, with great taste and feeling, " The Anchor's weighed." W. Mmizizs, Esq. Advocate, rose to propose the health of a gentleman for many years connected at intervals with the dramatic art in Scotland. He would wish, in the first place, to drink his health as an astor ; but he was not less estimable in domestic life, and as a private gentleman; and when he announced him as one whom the Chairman had honoured with his friendship, he was sure that all present would cordially join him in drinking " The health of Mr. Terry." Sir W. Scarr said, he would gratify himself by proposing the health of an honourable person, the Lord Chief Baron, whom England has sent to us, and connecting with it that of his " yoke fellow on the bench," as Shakspeare says, Mr. Baron Clerk—The Court of Exchequer. Mr. Baron CLERK regretted the absence of his learned brother. We have heard this night the confession of a distinguished indi vidual, and far be it from us to suppose, that it is like the confes sion of the culprit—his last. We have heard the confession of the Unknown, may we not yet have heard his last words. Sir WALTER Scow—There is one who ought to be remem bered on this occasion. He is indeed well entitled to our great ful recollection —one, in short, to whom the drama in this city owes much.—The memory of Allan Ramsay. Mr. JAMES M'CONNOCHIE said that he had had two bets, one of which is to go the fund. Sir Walter regretted they could not both go. Mr. Murray, on being requested, sung " 'Twas merry in the ball," and at the conclusion was greeted with repeated rounds of applause. Mr. JoNEs—One omission, I conceive, has been made. The cause of the Fund has been ably advocated, but it is still suscep tible, in my opinion, of an additional charm— Without the smile from partial beauty won, Oh, what were man ?—a world without a sun ! And there would not be a darker spot in poetry than would be the corner in Shakspeare-square, if, like its fellow, the Register Office, the Theatre were deserted by the *dies. They are, in fact, our most attractive stars. " The Patronesses of the Theatre —the Ladies of the city of Edinburgh." This toast I ask leave to drink with all the honours which conviviality can confer. Mr. PATRICK ROBERTSON.—I feel that lam about to tread on ticklish ground. The talk is of a new theatre, and a bill may be presented for its erection, saving always, and provided the ex pences be defrayed and carried through, provided always it be not opposed. Bereford Park, or some such place might be selected, provided always, due notice was given, and so we might have a playhouse as it were, by possibility. But wherever the new theatre may be erected, I trust we shall meet the Old Company. I am no advocate of the Lord Provost, neither am I the advocate of Mr. Cockburn. But reserving considerations of the interest of both parties, there should be advertisements placarded on the parish kirk doors, hereby intimating that the citizens of Edin burgh intend to erect in this city, for the better accommodation of the Old Company, a new theatre site unknown.—(Great laughter.) Sir WALTER SCOTT—Wherever the new theatre is built, I hope it will not be large. There are two errors which we commonly commit—the one arising from our pride, the other from our po verty. If there are twelve plans, it is odds but the largest, with out any regard to comfort, or an eye to the probable expence, is adopted. There was the College projected on this scale, and un dertaken in the same manner, and who shall see the end of it ? It has been building all my life, and may probably last during the lives of my children's children. Let it not be said, when we commence a new theatre, as was said on the occasion of laying the foundation stone of a certain building, " Behold the endless work begun."— Play-going folks should attend somewhat to convenience. The new theatre should, in the first place, be such as may be finished in IS months or two years ; and, in the second place, it should be one in which we can hear our old friends with comfort. It is better that a theatre should be crowded now and then, than to hare a► large theatre with benches continually empty, to the dis couragement of the actors, and the discomfort of the spectators.— (Applause.)—He then rose, and commenting in flattering terms on the genius of Mackenzie, and his private worth, proposed " The health of Henry Mackenzie, E.g." Immediately afterwards he said : Gentlemen—lt is now wear ing late, and I shall request permission to retire. Like Partridge I may say, " non sum quails eram." At my time of day, I can agree with Lord Ogilvie as to his rheumatism and say, " There's a twinge." I hope, therefore, you will excuse me for leaving the chair.—(The worthy Baronet then retired amidst long, loud, and rapturous cheering.) Mr. PAT. ROBERTSON was then called to the chair by common acclamation. Gentlemen—said Mr. Robertson—l take the liberty of asking you to fill a bumper to the very brim. There is not one of us who will not remember while he lives, being present at this day's fes tival, and the declaration made this night by the gentleman who has just left the chair. That declaration has rent the veil from the features of the Great UnknOwn—a name which must now merge in the name of the Great Known. It will be henceforth coupled with the name of Scott, which will become familiar like a household word. We have heard the confession from his own immortal lip—(cheering) 7 —and we cannot dwell with too much or too fervent praise on the merits of one of the greatest men which Scotland has produced. m r. . JAMES Hoer:, (son of the Lord President), after an eulo gium on the rising genius of Scotland, proposed " The health of Mr. J. G. Lockhart, the son-in-law of Sir W. Scott." After which several other toasts were given, and Mr. Robert son left the room about half-past eleven. A few choice spirits, however, rallied round Captain Broadhead of the ith Hussars, who was called-to the chair, and the festivity was prolonged till an early hour this morning. FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. LISBON-WAR-OFFICE, FEE. 7, 1827. Extract from the official communication received to-day at this Office:— General Stubbs writes from Oporto the 4th, detailing the pru dent measures he had taken to defend Oporto, and praising the Commander of the Corps, and various Officers who powerfully se conded him. The Marquis d'Angeja writes from his head-quarters at Braga on the 3d, as follow s :—" To-day I effected my junction with the Count de Villa Mr, and we marched from Lexa to Gui marens, where the Viscount d'Azenha, Baron de Villa Ponca, and some soldiers (cavalry) had retreated at two o'clock in the af ternoon, not committing any excesses towards the inhabitants there ; I was informed that the Rebels occupied Braga, having pushed to Santo Tirco a column, compose d o f so me infantry, 80 horse, and 4 pieces of artillery. For this reason, I ordered General Milho to remain for to-day at Guimarens, while I proceeded to Braga, accompanied by the division of the Count de Villa Flor, which was composed of all the battalions of Cazadores, the 16th Re giment of Foot, and the squadrons of the Ist, 3d, 4th, and 11th Regiments of Horse, General Minho having the command of all the Infantry of the Line. The rebels began to retreat from Braga this morning. The Marquis and Marchioness of Chaves left it at two o'clock. Their picquets remained till night, and I then en tered the City, the enemy's whole force having retreated in the di rection of the Porte de Prado, which they passed, followed by my advanced Guards, which are on the left bank of the Cavado, which river is defended by three pieces of cannon, placed against the bridge. I have determined to force that passage to-morrow, pur suing the rebels, who, according to all appearance, are endeavour ing to retreat, by way of Lindozo, to Gallic!a. The tranquillity of the province has not been considerably interrupted, notwith standing the very criminal conduct of the Chambers of Braga, Gni marens, and some others. As soon as I have obtained necessary documents, I will send them to your Excellency." The General of Lower Beira writes from Guards, on the 3d, that the whole of that province was tranquil. WAR• OFFICE, FEit. 8. General Stubbs writes, from Oporto, on the sth—" Since what I had the honour to write to your Excellency I have learnt nothing mere respecting the movements-of the Rebels, only I find by a dispatch which I have received to-day from the Count deVilla Flor, dated Braga, the 4th, that the Rebels continue their pre cipitate retreat in the direction of the Rio Cavado, while those that were in Braga had already passed ; and that the Marquess d'Angeja continued to pursue them. " The city is perfectly tranquil, and continues to shew the same enthusiasm and fidelity to the Government of Don Pedro IV. as well as the troops stationed here." WAR OFFICE, FEB. 9. Official dispatches received to-day : Lieutenant-General the Marquess d'Angeja writes from Barca on the sth " I hasten to inform your Excellency, that having united to day at Brags the troops under my immediate command with those of the Count de Villa Flor, I resolved, in concert with that Ge neral, to attack the Rebels, who occupied and had fortified the bridges of Porto, Prado, and Barcellos, on the line of the Cava do. The second being chosen both as the nearest and as the centre of the forces of the Rebels, which were divided among all three. The division of Count de Villa Flor was appointed for the attack, which it executed with the greatest rapidity and bravery, though one arch of the bridge was broken down, which did net check the enthusiasm of our troops, so that the 24th Regiment, which defended it could not retreat in time, one Captain and fifty-three privates being made prisoners, and some others of different corps; this action having scarcely delayed our march, we were able to pursue the Rebels the whole day, and arrived at four o'clock at the Bridge of the Bares, the town being occupied by the 17th Regiment, which defended it till night fall, when it retreated beyond the river, and a very brisk action took place, in which the bridge was attacked, and defended with great vigour and perseverance : bat, notwithstanding all the efforts of the Rebels, they could not withstand the vigorous charge of the Cazadores and infantry, and were obliged to retreat, leaving in our possession 180 prisoners, some officers, and two cannon, besides two others taken on the bridge of the Prado, and I do not think it probable that the other corps, so dispersed, will be able to preserve them. The result of this day's victory, so glorious for the arms of his Majesty Don Pedro IV. is 260 pri soners, besides some officers and privates killed, and many wounded, our loss being very small. I cannot particularise the most distinguished services of every one till I have received the necessary communications ; but I must not omit that the Count de Villa Flor, who led his division in person, in the various at tacks, showed his usual ability and bravery, leading the columns with such vigour, that the glory of this day is chiefly due to him. The Count de Jaipa, Peer of the Kingdom, especially distinguished himself. He and Captain Bernardo de La Nogneira, marching at the head of the columns which attacked the bridge of the Prado ; these brave officers, Colonel Vasconcellas, and my Aid de-Camp, Mendonca, were the first in the charge with the bayonet, which decided the affair at the bridge of the Barca." A letter from Count de Villa Flor is of the same tenor. LISBON, FEB. 9.—Arrived to-day the Portuguese vessel Novo Dertino, in two days from Viana. It had on board Brigadier Marod Joze de Sousa Leote, who says that on the 6th the rebel division of 100 horse and 400 foot, commanded by Lieutenant- Colonel Joao Marceliro, left Viana. He says that the cavalry had gone towards Braga, and the infantry, with two pieces of cannon, marched towards Caminha ; that on the retreat from Viana, the Rebels were observed to be in great confusion, believing that their retreat would be cut off by our division, for which reason some soldiers remained in Viana; and, lastly, that on the 7th, just as they were weighing anchor, a noise and shouting was heard from the shore, whence he presumes that the legitimate Government of the King was proclaimed, but he cannot positively affirm it. In the Chamber of Peers on the 9th, it was resolved, on the motion of the Count de Linhares, to ask from the Government some information respecting the state of the country, vie.:— "1. On the state of our relations with Spain ? Whether the troops of the executive Government, on the result of the negocia tion, authorise a probable expectation of the preservation of peace or not ? Whether the Government has any well-founded hopes that, at a certain time, not very far distant, the invasions from a friendly country will cease, it having the means to disarm and disperse the rebels, invade us, and cause its territory to be respected; and if not, whether the system of not pursuing them wherever they can be found is to be persevered in—a system which was judicious, but which must cease (according to the Law of Nations) when there is no sure guarantee on the other side. " 2. On the effective force of the Army, and what are the hopes of the Government, to make it complete. On the state of the rebellious who ferment it, and what are the hopes of the Government speedily to suppress it. On the present state of the finances." The mover proposed that the debate on this subject should be private, which was agreed to. The Chamber of Deputies resolved unanimously on the 7th, on the motion of Senhor Magelhaes, to apply to the Government for copies of all the rebellious Proclamations issued by the Municipa lities of the Kingdom, and all other similar documents. The Chamber continued the discussion of the project for making Lisbon a free port.—Lisboa Gazettes of Feb. 8,9, 10. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS. PRICES OF STOCKS THI Bank Stock POS 7% :3 per Cent. Red 83343( % 3 per Cent. Cons. 3 2,6% 3% per Cent. Ditto Red. B g34ltiN 4 per Cent. New 9730, 3 Ditto, 1826 9Bv Bank Long Ann. l9 11-16 s India Stock 245 14' Ditto 80nd5......... 53 54 52 54 pm. PRICE OF IRISH Bank Stock Consols, 3 per cent Gov. Stock, 3% per cent. Ditto, New 4 per Cent. Gov. Deb. 3% per cent BB% Royal Canal Stock Grand Canal Stock City Deb. 4 per cent. Ballast Office Deb. 4 per cent. - MA Arrived. Due. O America 0 O Brazil 1 O Buenos Ayres O Donaghadee 0 2 Dublin 1 Flanders 0 11 France O Gottenburgh 2 ANDS AT ONE O'CLOCK. Neapolitan, 1824 Peruvian Bonds 36:5 Portuguese Bonds — Erussian, 5 par cent. Ditto, New Russian, New, 5 p. c 901 { 90 :Spanish, 1821 13% +a,: ...... ii, 0,1 French Rentes, 5 p. c —t •—c. Exchange _f. --c. —3 per cent _f. --c. ---- Exchange —4. —c. !TOES ON LONDON. -Two Months llf. PP4. —Two Months. 38. 5%. nthe, 6. 17. nth', 6. 98% HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE TO-MORROW. Morning l3 minutes after 3. I Evening ....... IS minutes after 3. Übt nu LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 26, 1827. The French papers of Thursday and Friday, with the Etale, dated Saturday, have been received, but they contain little of political importance. The Quo tidienne is still zealous in propagating false reports of the defeat of the Constitutionalists, but we have news direct from Lisbon, some days later than the dates of the Quotidienne, stating the continued success of the Constitutional troops and the flight of the rebels. It appears that FERDINAND has been at length roused from his dream of Transatlantic sovereignty, and so far recognises the independence of his ancient provinces by allowing trade to - be carried on between Spain and the new Republics in foreign vessels. For this purpose he has issued an ordinance on the ISth instant, authorizing Spanish merchants to ship goods directly for South America under a foreign flag, and to receive the produce of South America in return, upon paying certain duties, without the necessity of a permit in each particular instance, as has hitherto been the case. By article second the export duty is fixed at four per cent. above the duties formerly established for goods exported to the Colonies ; and by article third, the import duty on the products of America, brought to Spain in foreign vessels, is fixed at 8 per cent. above the former rate for national ships. A fourth article raises the export duty to 10 per cent. when the cargo, assorted from a Spanish port and destined for America, consists of a half or a third part of foreign produce or manufactures. If this ordinance be not the effect of state neces sity, in order to conciliate the vengeance of American cruisers, it at least shows some prudence on the part of the Spanish Government, as opening an outlet to Commerce, while it indirectly tends to aug ment the Revenue. After this relaxation of se vere, though ridiculous, because ineffectual, decrees against the revolted Provinces, we may shortly expect to hear of FERDINAND'S entire recognition of their independence,Nhifle they possess oritisidle in gr l a n sp po in ! he shadow v irnto be substance. the b litical as well as p r i vate lif e, nothing is so common as the arrogant assumpt i on of power over parties who had once been inf er i or , b ut h ave, i n t h e course o f circum stances, risen to an equality, if not s uperiority. Thi s feeling may be very natural, but it is very illiberal, if not unjust. BOLIVAR rose from obscurity to be the great assertor of South American independence, and Colombia from being a Province of Spain, is now more o re dreaded, th an the Aiother powerful—certainly m Country. Wh ere then is the wisdom of F ERDINAND in contending against circumstances which he cannot controul ? His armies have been annihilated on those plains where they possessed despotic rule ; and his navy—but the presence of a few Colombian privateers off Cadiz proclaim its humiliation, by waving the ban ner of Independence over the captured merchantmen of Spain. But what else could be expected from a Government too indolent to be free—and too weak to make itself respected. We subjoin a few extracts from these papers : (From the Etoile, dated Saturday, Feb. 24,.) " PARIS, FEB. 23.—Letters from Havre, of the 22d of Feb. say ; contrary winds still prevail. A vessel which has succeeded in reaching the port, saw about 300 ships at the ent rance o f t h e Channel ; it saw 52 American ships in one day. The arr i va l of all these vessels will cause much bustle in our market. Business, which is now dull, will certainly become brisk. " The Augsburg Gazette of the 18th returns t o w h at i t ca ll s the fable, recently published, respecting Paraguay, 'We find,' it says, in this fictitious account, that Dr. F ranc i s cause d the independence of Paraguay to be proclaimed i n 1 826, whereas this independence was proclaimed in 1812, a year after its revolution. The millions are reckoned up which that country must gain by the exportation of hides, cotton, indigo, cocoa, and coffee, while not single ox-hide is exported, while the produce of cotton is not suf ficient for its own consumption, no indigo is manufactured, and the coffee and cocoa tree does not grow in Paraguay.' " LIES OF THE DAY. t, The Memorial Bordelais—Letters from Badajo2 publish circumstantial details of the battle fought at Torre Moncorbo, be.. tween the Royalists and the troops of the Regency, in which the latter are stated to have lost all their artillery. It is thought that the Royalists must have entered Oporto on the sth or 6th. (From the Pilote of Friday.) " The schooner brig which arrived on the 13th of October last at Marseilles, with Lord Cochrane on board, sailed from that port on the 14th of this month. Its papers are for Zante. " The Marshal Count de Viomenil, who has been ill for these three months, is now so exhausted that fears are entertained for his life. A Spaniard, of Old Castile, has just invented a musket of large calibre, which discharges 100 times in A minute. 'llia HOUSE OF LORDS. ORDERS OF THE DAY FOR THIS DAY. I. Sir George Stewart's Estate Bill—Second reading. 2. II ulme's Estate Bill—Second reading. HOUSE OF COMMONS. NOTICES OF MOTIONS AND ORDERS OF THE DAY WHICH NOW STAND ON THE ORDER BOOK FOR THE PRESENT WEEK. Monday, Feb. 26. ORDERS OF THE DAY. I. Ipswich Election—Deputy Clerk of the Crown to attend. 2. Bribery at Elections—Adjourned Debate on proposed Resolution. 8. Land Tax Commissioners Names Bill—Second reading. 4. Supply—Committee. 5. Ways and Means—Committee. 6. Duke and Duchess of Clarence Annuity Bill—Second reading. 7. Mutiny Bill—Committee. S. Marine Mutiny Bill—Committee. 9. Public Works (Ireland) Acts—Committee thereupon. - _ NOTICES OF MOTIONS. 1 M r . Attorney-General—Bill to declare the state of th e L aw i n relation the Committee of In q ui ry on th e * to Bills of Exchange and Promissory Notes beco m i ng paya b le on ofH od o l m 'r e_ ida c y o o p r y C o r h st e m ß a e s p D or a t y. Mutiny of the Native Troops a t B arrac k poor in November 1894, and of Orders issued since th a t t i me. a Mr. Hume—To move a Cl ause i n the Mutiny Bill against Corporal 2. M G r. o Punishments in the Army in Great Britain. 4. Mr. Hume—Return of the number of Corporal Punishments in the Army during the last two years. 5. Sir Thomas Lethbridge—Bill to amend the General Turnpike Act. 6. Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer—Annual Duties (in Committee of Wave and Means). 7. Lord . Vise. Palmerston—Militia Estimates (in Committee of Supply.) 8. Mr. Hume—Names of defaulting Contractors for Flour and Biscuit for the Navy. 9. Mr. Whittle Harvey—To move for Papers explanatory of a Return recently made of Prosecutions under the Customs Laws. Tuesday, Feb. 27. NOTICES OF MOTIONS. 1. Mr. Michael Angelo Taylor—Motion tending to separate the jurisdic tion in all matters of Bankruptcy from the High Court of C hancer y . 2. Mr. Wilmot Horton—Bill to regulate Shipping at Malta. Wales Act. 3. Mr. Wilmot Horton—Bill to continue and amend th e New South 4. Mr. Wilmot Horton—Bill to impose Duties on Rum and Spirits im ported into Newfoundland. 5. The Master of the Rolls—Bill for the regulation of the Court of Chancery. tAo ia)poSeilnectitnCommitt.ee. Iledon Election Petition. ORDER OF THE DAY. Constabulary Act, of the 6. Mr. Fynes Clinton—To discharge the Order for consideration of the Penryn Election Petition—Ballot for Committee a half after three. Wednesday, Feb. 28. Waterford; viz. the to apply for , and the Memorial of the ec,m o iro T sutu t t.i ii o nmt) e N thay s tte o.h Estimates ent of a re- County against, that Appointment. I. SirJ o li n Newpor t T o , refer a r t c h o e n, O l nt ri h i c s net h; 2. Mr. . Villiers Certificate Stuart —Papers 3. Mr. Brownlow—Copies of Correspondence which passed between the s p id is e t n r t ie S t t o ip f ead n i m ar . y ethomas, Irish Government and the Magistrates of Lisburn, and its vicinity, relating to Orange Parades on the 12th July, 1825 :—Also, Copies of the Opinions of the Law Officers of the Crown in Ireland which were laid before the Magistrates respecting Processions. 4. Sir James Graham—To present two Petitions relating to the intro duction of the Military into Carlisle during the la.st Election. Thursday, March 1. ~ NOTICE OF MOTION. Mr. Secretary Canning—Consideration of the Laws relating to the Im portation of Foreign Corn. ORDER OF THE DAY. Stirling, &c. Burghs Election Petition—Ballot for Committee at half after three. Friday, March 2. NOTICE OF MOTION. General Gascoyne—Select Committee to inquire into the present state of the Shipping and Commerce of Great Britain, in conwquence of the relaxation of the old Navigation Laws. The Firman from the Grand Seignior, permitting Lord Byron to travel over Turkey and the East, with his Lord ship's name inserted in the Turkish language ; a manuscript on paper made of silk in a tin case, the property of the Rev. Henry Drury, was sold by Evans, last Thursday, for seven guineas. PRICES OF FOREIGN F Austrian Bonds,'s per cent. Brazilian Bonds Buenos Ayres Bonds. Chiban Bonds, 6 per et. Colombian Bonds 36 D anish, Dltto 3 ,1824 y , i per cent. S 9 Ni 9 % 61%h1t Greek Bonds Ditto, 1826 16% Guatimala Mexican Bonds 57W Do. 1925 64% 9 8% 9% 9 % DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK. South Sea Stock Old Annuities 83% New Ditto Ex. Bills, £l,OOO 21. 33 34 pm. Ditto 5OO 2d.......33 34 pm. Ditto Small Ditto Commercial Bank for Account India for Account Cons. for Acct. 92Th 3 TOCKS, FEB. 28. Per Shire. 45 29% 20 X 1 Hi St. Patrick Insur. (per share) Royal Irish Ditto — National Ditto — Patriotic Ditto — Hibernian Bank — Provincial Ditto Royal Irish Mine — Imperial Mine — Mining Co. of Ireland 2 %% Commercial Buildings — ILS. Arrived. Due, 2 Guernsey& Jersey. 0 O Hamburgh ... .... 8 I Holland 0 O Jamaica ....... 0 O Leeward Islands 3 Lisbon 0 O Malta 3 Waterford 0 PRICES OF SHARES AT ONE O'CLOCK. Paid Anglo Mexican Mining Company £2o Brazilian Mining Company 2O Potosi La Paz and Peruvian Assoc. FOREIGN EXCHAI AIIiTIRDAM, Fan. 23. —ltf.- 11A.mauscut, Flf. 21-36. 8%. PICTIIISAIRON, FEB. 9.-91 i LEI/911C, Fan. 16.—Three . a Esaux. Fan. 17.—Three Mot