The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1809-01-10 00:00:00

THE BRITISH PRESS.

LONDON,
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10.

The Chesterfield Packet is arrived at Falmouth,
with mails from New York, which place she left on
the 15th ult. at which time the embargo was not
taken off. The resolution for its continuance was
carried in Congress by a great majority. It ap-
pears to be the fixed determination of the Ame-
rican Government to prefer to the chances of war
the total annihilation of their commerce for a year
or two; or at least until the war in Europe comes
to some determinate issue.

The letters and papers brought by the Chester-
field Packet sill be delivered thir dad•.

We announced yesterday the arrival of Captain
IV 1r X DHA M. SMlnf the Earl of EGREMONT, and Aid-
do-Camp to Sir JOHN MOORE. N 411 dispatches from
Spain, communicating the retreat of the British
army to Astoria, and the details of a series of skir-
mishing between the British cavalry which covered
the retreat, and the vanguard of the French, in all
of which the British cavalry proved successful.—
Captain %Virginian came home in the Cheerful
cutter, Lieutenant CARPt NTER. which made her
pe'sa.,e frous Coruna to Plymouth iu 48 hours.
and arrived in company with the Peacock and
L'Eclnir, also from Corn:ins. The dispatches are
, dated the 31st last, at which date Sir J. Moons, as
we stated yesterday, had effected his retreat too Astor-

understood that Sir Jose Mouse meant to Is.
back still farther, and take poseession of the heights
of Villa Franca in order to secure a retreat to Vigo.
We farther stated, yesterday, that the English Ge-
neral was induced to abandon his meditated at-
tack upon SouLr's corps, and commence his te-
treat, in consequence of intelligence of the ap-
proach of BONAPARTE at the bead of almost the
whole army, with which he had broken up fron►
before Mad►id. Ile displayed great judgment in
this determination, and is entitled to praise for the
promptitude with which he carried it into effect.
Had he advanced against Souse, or had he delayed
the commencement of his retreat a few hours, he
would probubly have been enveloped by the French
army. This may be fairly presumed,. as we find,
on his return to Beuevente, the cavalry of the Im-
perial Guard had arrived in that neighbourhood. In
his retreat from that point to Astorga, he was closely
pressed by the vats of the French army. It had been
so far conducted with success, that not one of the
infantry bad suffered in it; though the 'meaty
pressed theist so close, that the cavalry had fre-
quent opportunities of distinguishing themselves.
Indeed, scurcey ti day passed in which they acre
not engaged in skirmishes with the advanced guard
of NAPOLEON'S army, and which it was learned
from prisoners taken iii these skirmishes, was corn-
anauiled by Marshal Nee, and that NAPO( PON,
at the head of the main anny, was not more that,
three leagues distant.
Of the many skirmishes between the British
and French cavalry, previous to, and in the course
of, this retreat, the following:, are the chief :—On the
stlst ult. before Salmon, the 15th Light Dragoons
gallantly attacked a large body of French Cavalry ;
took 13 officers, 160 men, 1.15 horses, and some
mules. In an affair which the 7th Light Dra-
'goons had near Carrion de los Condes, Lieutenant-
Colonel (ex monde) KERRISON had ),is arm bro-
ken by a coup de sabre from a French Officer;
all his party, however, were taken prisoners ;
and snot, after the French Officer died of the
wounds he had received from Colonel KERRII
sox, who is coining home. The teth Light Dra-
goons commanded by Colonel Stewaire, also ac-
quitted themselves. very brilliantly ; thirty of them
attacked one hundred French cavalry, eouipletiily
routed them, and took the Officer prisoner. And on
the retreat to Beuevente, a squadrcn of the 10th,
under Col. Letea, attacked the advance of Nay's
corps from Madrid, defeated them, and killed and
took many prisoners. Among the latter was Licut.-
Gen. Facetas Unseat:, Commander of the Im-
perial Guard.
General LEFEBVRE fought very bravely, and
we understand has received some slight wounds.—
The simil trity of name gave rise to a report very
generally credited, yesterday, that this prisoner was
the celebrated Marshal Leer:mt. now Duke of
DAN rztc. Ile is that Officer', von, and the same
person who commanded the attacks on Sarsgoess
against the hero PALAPDX.
The enemy is said to have lost, on this day,
500 men, killed, wounded, and prisoners. Our
loss, in the same action, in killed and wounded, was
about fifty ; Major BAGWELL was slightly wounded.
Similar intelligence to the above was received
at Corunim on the 2d inst. and in The C'orttents-
Gazette of the following day (which we have also
received) it is thus announced
The news which came by yesterday's post apposes es
be ill-founded ; and therefore we hope and trust all meow
will .ksist from spreading it.-
This centime was merely given in the Corunna
paper, to prevent a sudden panic and alarm. The
British army is certainly retreating to the coast.
It is unable to cope with the immense force that
presses upon it ; and the Spaniards have not come
forward in force, to enable it to stand its ground.
The Spanish troops that joined it from Rom ANA'S
cru►y, did not exceed six thousand men. That
it still be able to effect its retreat to Vigo, is
the utmost success that we fear we can expect,
followed up as it is, and pressed by an enemy of
irresistibly snperior strength, and remarkable for
the velocity of his movements.—Should Sir JOIN
Moons effect a retreat to Vigo. in safety. in th.
presence of such an enemy, it will be an achieve-
ment more meritorious than even the famous re-
treat of MOREAU ; for of all the objects of desire
that present themselves to BONAPARTE, there is
not one for which he pants so much as for the de-
struction of the British army.—To disgrace or to
annihilate that army which bleated Isis laurels at
Acre, on the plains of Egypt, and of Maida, lie
burns with desire; and all the exertion his eager
and indefatigable mind can suggest, will be made
to accomplish that purpose.—Should our army be
fortunate enough to reach Vigo, it is conso-
latory to think that there is in that harbour a Bri-
tish force of thirteen ships of war, six of them of
the line. and is fleet of two hundred transports.—
It is also worthy of remark, that in even• rencontre
between the English and French cavalry, the En-
glish have been invariably successful, although the
advantage of numbers has been generally in favour

of the enemy.
The British cavalry have suffered severely in
this retreat, from the severity of the weather.—
There had been some heavy showers of snow,
with smart frosts in the Right; thou;h by day
the weatlitr was very w•irm.

were occasions to excite the public mind and sti-
mulate the patriotic exertions of independent and
spirited men, they exist at this awful crisis. Assist.
ant in a cause of the utmost importance to man•
kind at large. Britain stands upon a high eminence;
the work of subjugation is intercepted ; the power
that has so long and so successfully exerted itself to
the ruin of human happiness, and the destruction
of social order, is at length opposed; and we look
forward with hope to the arrival of that auspicione
moment, when ambition shall be taught to confine
its views, and tyranny compelled to acknowledge
that nations have rights, and that they can defend
them. But while we appear to the world in the
exalted and appropriate character of allies to the
friends of freedom, while our troops are advancing
to the field, while we adventure our treasure and
our blood, and arc willing to endure every pnva-
tion that may advance a cause dear to our tidings
and prejudices, it is right that we should observe
the use which Miniszers make of this solicitude, and

their upplieati )))) of energies that want only ability
to give them effect. The period is at hand when
they must explain to our inapprehensive ictelkcts
the judgment they have hitherto evinced, and
prove, from a review of their appointments anti SU.
persedings, their orders shd counter-orders, that
steadiness of system which denote:a the capacity
for goverinuent. To people of pl.tin sad unsophis-
ticated minds, the fortunate Courention of Claire is
still an enigma, nor do we believe that many out of
the immediate influence of ?Milniters have brought
themselves to understand why victory was not at-
tended with glory, and defeat with loss. It will re-
quire all the declamation of Mr. CANNING, and
somewhat more perspicuity from Lord CANTt.e-
aceett than his Lordship generally condescends to
afford us, before we can acquiesce in those approv-
ing sentiments with which they are preparing to
enlighten the country.

The Dutch national brig Afanly, arrived at Hull
on Saturday morning, was captured on the t st inst. by
the Onyx sloop of war, in the North sea, after an ac-
tion of an hour and a half, in which the Manly had
four men killed and three wounded, and die Onyx
three wounded. The Manly was driven near the
entrance of the Humber on Tuesday night, and
brought up between Stoney Kinks and the Newsom
buoy. Owing to the violence of the storm, they
were compelled to cat away her main-mast
imme-
dietelr on her bringing up, and, in a very short
time after, the fore-mast was carried away. She
mounts 16 is-pound carronades, and two long
brass 9-pounders aft, is a fine vessel, with 70 men
on board, and was formerly a British gun-brig,
captured by some Dutch gun-boats in the river
Ems, about three years ago.

His Mareerv's ship rieis, with a poet under
i convoy, from Portsmouth, arrived at Rio Janeiro.
on the 17th of October.
The Crazelewd, Hammett. from Liverpool, for
Gibraltar and Alicant, was captured on the 29th
pithy a French privateer, since recaptured by the
Alate, and brought into Penzance.
The first division of the 114th Regiment of Foot.
lately stationed at Hull, crossed the Humber, on
Wednesday, on their route for Colchester liar-
racks. The second division was to have followed
early in the morning of Friday, and the baggage
belonging to it was sent on board the horse-boat,
in the l'erry Dock, on the afterimon of Wednes-
day; but owing to die violence of the storm, the
boat souk in the night. A great pert of the bag-
gage had previously been taken out, but a ernisi-
&rattle quautity went down in her. As the Ferry
boats could nut venture out, the second division
was to proceed on Saturday, and the thud division
yesterday.
A letter from Vigo, dated 2Gth of December,
states, that it has been linnet itnlion-ible to save the
Jupiter. of filly guns, which went on shore on the
Bayous 'Mende, as she is bilged, but that the
crews of the Mieerea, and some other vessels, were
employed in saving the guns and stores.
The intelligence recently received from Spain
has spread a great degree or solicitude, anxiety,
and gloom over the public mind. It is not merely
the 'rival supenority of BONAPARTE, that in-
spires apprehension. The want of general energy
and enthusiasm aiming the Spaniard,. themselves,
is a sli
That our cavalry will meet and repulse the enemy,
however superior, we uever doubted. But if Bu-
aAPAaT6 can Willi( from different quarters agoiast
us, as we are assured he 4.1111, from 95,000 to 105,00 S
infantry, and near Iti,tron cavalry, while the
Spaniards neither rise en waste. 'nor equip a g;eat
regular force, what can such unequal numbers
effect
The Royal George. Capt. Mitts, arrived in the
Downs, from St. Thomas's, parted from the Lee-
ward Island fleet, on the 47th of November, in tat.
30. 50.10 h. 61.12. in a gale at N.W. • on the 1,211 a
Dec. experienced a dreadful gale at N.W. ; whew
the gale was over, Capt. M. saw a ship diemested ;
spoke the George. from Quebec ; she had lust her
1111111-tillo.lllliSt amid sails, and had me of 'her an-
chor washed overboard. Afterwards fell ill with
the Bellona, with two ships under convoy, front
Halifax. On the 6th inst. spoke the Royal Edward.
from Demerara, very leaky ; she had parted from
the fleet on the 3061 Nov. The Master of the
Royal tieorge stated, that several of the Meet has
sustained much damage; the Commodore's ship.
the Gniereo, was very leaky. and a brig bad
foundered.
General Lereavar, taken at Benevente, and
come to England sii the Clear el, left Madrid e 3
days ago; but he was SO estreineiy reserved, that
it was impossible to put ally question to him rela-
tive to the existing stale mil Re is at pre-
molt at Plymouth but it is expected he Will be
*cut to lleadivig uu las parole.

1

~9

THEATRES.

1111.1 -a.

WAYMANICET.
Last night WWI perforMed the Trazedy of The
Reeehge. Mr. YOUNG, as Zang.), eshibitecl a
striking instance of his merit. The gloomy nisi-
jtAy of the character was pursued throughout with
the utmost conststency, and those tine toucher
which bespeak true genius appeared in almost
every scene. At the commenceinent of the play
he gave uncommon force to the indignant devrip-
tion of hi; injorier ; but his greatest and most suc-
cessful effort aile in the lasi .cease, where he di.co-
•err himself to Alonzo as the enemy of his happi-
ness, and the accomplisher of his ruin. The sa-
vage joy of the haughty Moor struck forcibly at
t 7.:: 'heart of every 4pectator ; or it' any did 'tappet'
1,. be pre.ent, without feeling the appeal, they
were lost in Me erourd of the *nitro' ing.

The Roy at, Vsntt Y are expected in town, to-
■tnrroie, from 11 indxor.
The Duellers of Yoiu is expected to town, from
ftitlstids, on Friday, for the winter season.
EVIIF. ConvE, his Lady. and a selec► party,
were cm a ve.it to the Earl of Suryout, at his seat
at Cli triton, in Wiltshire, during the last week.
The lion. T. XMlnt entertained a select party at
yeuerdsy, at his house in Upper Grosve-
nor-strett.
Mr. and 11. WILLIAM Famitstsrt.r., and the
Misses Hsitvxy, will return to town on Suurday,
from Batzletield-grcen, far the beason.
The Misses Joussrow had a music party, on
Sunday eveniiir„ at their house in Hanover-,quare ;
the Marchioness of Downsittas and Countess of
BARRYMORA were preseht.
Lady Et.tzmicrit and Mr. WILITBREAD are PK..
rieetv!, next week, at their house w Lover-strert,
from Bedfordshire.
The Paper-stainers of Dublin, on Tuesday
se*ninglit, voted the Freedom of that body to Sir
ARTHUR WELLEscer. We thought th•ii all the
Generals who signed the Armistice and Conven-
tion of Gotha had been paper-stainers.
Ler I Vnaxsin'i fox-hounds have h.iil good sport
at Markeaton, Michnnr, act Eatisa Woad, Staf-
fordshire. _

In the Dee:until Persons of the 53i-‘lisant Ita-
lian Opera. we look in vain for a CATALAISI, or a
RANT!. They resemble a Jury de milli late
lingua, at the Ohl Bailey, on the trial of a In-
rigner fir swindling', or any other crime, half
Ehglish, and half of any other ti ttion you plea...
Viscount ASIIICIVIT and family will leave town
the beginning of next week for Portsmouth, to Pm-
/park for Sicily. Part of his Lordship': baggage
was sent off yesterday.
The Earl of OUTMAN is nearly recovered from
his late illness.
The remains of the Honourable Mrs. Coalwat,
its will be interresh next to those of her late hus-
band, the Archbishop of CSISTERBVRY, at Lam-
beth Church. The funeral is expezted to take
place next week.
The Earl and Countess of Cputate returned,
ofrnomSactiaisrtellaeyiltoowatlrodeirfohortiii:ee in
season
rnsvenor-plitoe,
Mr. BEAUMONT. Manager of the Glasgow
Theatre, left London, on 6unday. Mrs. BE•u-
stosr will follow this day, accompanied by several
excellent performers.
Their Excellencies the Duke end Duchess of
Iliehatown were to honour the Dublin Theatre,
on Saturday last, with their presence, to see Mr.
HOLMAN and Miss SMITH perform the parts of
Benediet and Beatrice, in SHARESPEAIIf:i comedy
of Much ado about Nothing.
One of the morning prints of yesterdav, in a
fulsome puff upon the Op.tru-liouse, unfortunately
admitted that VESTA'S excels Wily in a pirouette;
that is, that he is a worthy rival of a top.
The Marquis Wct.t.Es Lev, Countess of BEsseo-
SOUGH, WWI LaJy CAaot.tea and the lion. Mr.
LAMB. were at Theitte, last night.
Lady FOLLY Inn, a select party, last evening., at
Aver house. iu Hill-street, Berkeley-square, for the
first time since her Ladyship's aecouchenterst.
The Swansea New-Year's Ball, on Tuesday, at
Or Bush, w.es very fully attended by our votaries
of fashion and pleasure, who did not separate until
a late hour.
Ilaturt.ussx, one of the heat Eugli.h singers,
and who noiv.l not fear a comparison wi.ti any fo-
r, ign perfortit.n., in Ilia prOviavr, has b ,en long an
that it was thouuht he could neve: be able to
resume his politic station. We are glad, however,
to find that be is so lunch better as to promise en
entire recovery.
Miss ORSIAIT, the fair heiress of Porkington-
all, Shropshire, in addition to The Cattle Spectre,
hich already lwen performed, is getting up
The Way to get ;Worried, She stoops ts Conquer,
nie Way to rein Hint; awl, on Friday night last,
Twelfth Aught; or, What you Will, was performed
t Bret elegant and hospitable mansion.
_ _

Tredegar, the seat of Sir CIAISLES Moaca
Bart. leas for several days been the scene of great
festivity. and numerous parties of friends have been
entertained with that munificent hospitality which
.ins a distingnished feature in the worthy &no-
es character.—Soule alarm Wag eeeated on
;earwlay the 22.1 ult. when a sudden and most
lent gust of wind completely lifted a piece of
td, fifteen yards long, two yards wide. and about
ee tons in weight. from the roof of the house,
it forteleately fell into the square behind, with-
doing any mischief.
Tl►e loan MAYelt and LADY M►yoaesa have
upwards of seven hundred cards of invitation
the Ball and Supper, at the Mansion-Ifouse, on
lay newt, it being her Ladyship's Birth-Day.
e understand some of the ROVAI• nears. many
the Nobility, and most of the first Families
the City, will be present. Great preparations
making to give every degree of splendour to the
ertainment. The Salome and the Egyptian
it will he most beautifully fitted up and deco-
: and the whole suit of apartments are in-
to be throws open for the accommodation
%114 ribitom

POETRY.

EVII.OOSVE
TO I. s 1119'W PLAY OF
.VAN AND W 2 lE.
SPOKEN NT 1111 S. ror•.n.ta.
What is an Anther like, un th it dryad night
When his first Five• Act Play is brought to light?
Why, like a culprit, trembling in his shun,
There, at the hat he stands, and frets and stews:
Anxious be lists—to bear how vastly well
II is Counsel's (Mrs. JO*DA''s speeches tell !
Thu' lousiest plaudits he elm scarcely hear,
The slightest sibillaticia ass his ear !
An author's ear !—'Tis wondrous at a kiss
How very delicate that orzasi is !
A hiss !—What dues lie then look like ,—Gadrooks,
Yon cann't conceive how like a fool he looks !
Cnhe•—his judges—faith lie don't like them—
lie dreads their caustic cough—and damning Lim!—
The jury—you--and here in judgment sit,
Nature rapper gallery), sense(pil ), karma: (Gaze.•), humour
(kat, ~NliLry), lame (Gofer), and sit (pal).
Freedoms, Mirth, Honour, Justice, Truth, are lore,
Ash Caudoar's honest foreman every where !
He's quite content, good runts--sLile suds shall throng ye—
, lie doesn't mean to chalkngr our ■siusg ye
Them what's an author like ?—there's so denial--
111 es like—tu have a fair, au Pai:lish trial!
.4p:weed, be may he like the soil that pays
The tom's* heed that tries the germ to raise :
Ceadeured—he's like—he's like—Gad, who c.ui say
That the man's tile, if you should d his play.

snort--if you 10-sight condrinn Warm.
nem like—Oh, nn ! he'm nruer like to write mgaiti
And now—as brcwit)'s the soul of ud, se know,
You 1111...4119.461 likely, u lottld like use-44s go !

EPICIt AN!.

TO AN uvEmPLuvria

• If to ran aid them for their various .eel,
All Latryets go hereafter to the Devil,
So little met( hie( Oast thou from the laws,
Thou% surely gu helots uid•out u t awit.