The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1806-08-14 00:00:00

eltilioN OF ittvitinsAx. ,
—4.0.--
We feel great lib-Imre in laying before* ilia-
era the following particislar, and very just deter; '
tion Of the ceremony that took place last Tharsda .
in 'Ming the foundation stone of the sew hails.. r
at Ardfrismaa, which, conflated With the canal to
Glasgovr. is a public work not surpassed in Scot-
land. except by the Grand Caledonian Canal ; and
which. while it will be an illustrious monument to
the distinguished public spirit of the Nobleman
wto conceived aad supported the design, promises
no le-s advantage to the numerous Subscribers who
have engaged in the undertaking.

HARBOUR ter ARDKOSSAN.
.tr. Paler ea-1 cannot resit communicating to
you the particulars of a scene with which, on Thurs-
day last, 1, is common with thousands, was much
delighted.
flu Harbou- of Ardroesan, on the West Coast of
Airshire, calculated as a Port for a Canal, which is
to pass ;PORI thence, through Paisley, to Glasgow,
has, I understand (ss well as the Canal) been
brought forward entirely under the patronage of the
Light Hon the Earl of Egliaton.
It was with some degree of surprise T observed,
that the ceremony of laying a foundation stone was
to take place after about 600 feet in length of the
Pier had been already executed; but, upon con-
versing with some friends, particularly well acquaint-
ed with, and much intettited in, this undertaking, I
learned. that this circunutance arose from the Eatl
London.
linton having been unavoidably detained in
and that in order not to lose the most suit-
able portion of the season, the Committee for con-
cluding the Works proceeded most vigorously with
the undertaking, and reserved the principal found-
ation stoat at the point where the pier is tonneded
with the share. to be laid with proper ceremony in
the peewee of the Noble Patron.
31st of July was Exed, on account of its
berm the birth-day of Lord Moritgotnerie, and hey-
jag Emit determined on, it soon became generally
bows in the Gauntry, and the Earl of Eglinton,
midi a. munificence which is only equalled- by his
posrletic disposition, prepared, on this occasion, a
mitt splendid and bountiful entertainment.
The Bay of Ardrossan, formed by an extensive
ridge of rocks, end au island of considereble size,
is fronted on the S. E. at some distance from the
ahem, by a held and insulated range of tacky
resod, which is crowned with the venerable ruins
at the ancient Castle of Ardrossan. From the
osomolo adjacent to this Castle is eonuniusded the
whole of the Bay of Air. The singular mountain
or rock of Ailsa, appears in the centre of the view.
To the S. E. an extensive and level toast exhibits a
succession, of thriving towns and villages, with a
gently rill% amphitheatre of highly cultivated
amour • ttekied...while -the turrets_ of...Ultra=
Castle, it4m from .amidst ostensive woods, mark
the abed. of the Baron.
Towards the West and North, the singularly
romaatic outlines of the mountains of Arran mad
Argyllshire, contrasted with the smoothness of the
Lakes and Harbours, and associated with the thriv-
ing country on the banks of the Clyde, form a
pittare truly magnificent. and are only equalled by
diet idea of Weedy conveying prosperity and wealth
to a country, by means of an extensive badmen and
navigable camel. the outlines of both of which were
sketched out imeasikstely at the feet of the speEtator.
it was amidst this sweet and on the summit of
them rode. that Lord Egliaton caused tents to be
eroded, in one of which were tables sufficient for
300 persons; there was also ea elegant tent for the
reception of the Ladies, sad another for the ser-
vants in waiting.
At a small distance, under an archway of the old
Cagle. tables were Reid fee entertaining the work-
men of various descriptions. who are engaged in
the emotion of die undertaking.
The day peeving favourable, it was delightful to
ammo the crowding trains of people, as they ap-
proaching, from every quarter. to be present at the
ceranotay, and to enjoy the novelty of the scene.
About two o'clock, the Free Masons oldie ancient
Mother Lodge, Hilwinning, with their Grand Mas-
ter, William Blair. of Blair, Esq and a party of the
&theists Volunteers, with the Band of the Airshire
Bile Botulism, proceeded from the town of Salt-
coats, along the shore. to Ardrossan. Before the
procession arrived at the harbour, they were joined
by the Earl of Eglintoo, accompanied by a num-
ber of the most respeaable Gentlemen of the county
and neighbourhood, by Mr. Telford. the engineer,
Sec. At the moment the procession, amidst crowds
of spoliators, arrived at the Pier, the Countess of
Eglinton, attended by Lady Montgonsetie, Lady
Jane Montgounorie, and above fifty Ladies of the
first rank and distindien in the county. appeased ea
the point of an eminence, near the old Castle of AT.
drouan, which overlooks the Bay.
At three o'clock, the principal foundation stone, at
the point where the pier is conneßed with the shore,
was laid by the Grand Master. with the usual so-
loist:tines. In this stone were depositesls 00. Mule,
containing coins of His present ajesty ; also ano-
ther bottle, containing a list of use Names of the
Subscribers to the undertaking, with copies of the
Aas of Parliament under which it is to be executed,
and a copy of the following inscription. written upon
vellum. ibis inscription is likewise engraved upon
a plate, which covers the cavity in which the bottles
are deposited.
INSCRIPTION.
In die Reign et the meat Gracious Sovereign
GEORGE ill.
The Right lisp. Hugh, Twelfth Earl of F.gliuton,
Lord Montguiuerie and Kilwinning,
Rahn Ardrosme,
Lord Lieutenant of the County of Air,
First suggested
The formation of a Harbour and Wet Docks at this
place, I. be connected with a Canal to Paisley and
Ceiss•ow•
And afterwards,

Under the Patronage and Patriotic Exertions of His Lordrl.ip,
tied Acts of Parliament have been ironed, fur carrying iiihs
execution these Works, so well calculated tOr the iinimise.
night and kasprrity of the Country, on plans by Thomas
Tinton!, Esq. Ingineur.
William Blair, Esq. of Blair,
Grand Mane, Mason
Of the Ancient Mother Lodge, Kilwinn;ng,
Laid the Foes.latton Slone at these Werke,
On the 31st bay rif July,
And nt the lio a of Masonry, Sic{.
Afay Almighty God,
Grand Architect of the Universe,
Bless and rulpsr the Undertaking,
And lie.sea, to the ismstAges, tt;so RPaw-
mutiviom % ••••4
• ". '

The iniciinum being 'read, thi Stone was Lod,
aid the Earl addressed the company present in ii
very neat and appropriate Speech, the only part of
which I could diitinaly heir, being at tiro great a
distance, was thb tnoclusiCe, in which his Lordship
stated, " that though in the course of nature he
could not raped in see these works at the surnmit of
their prosperity. he had, no doubt that long after he
and many of those who had given aid to the measure
were gone, the union? Would reap the advantages
of them, and estimate their true value." There-
after, a very imponsive and suitable prayer was
given, by the Rev. Mr. Duncan. Minister of Ar-
drossan, and immediately on a flag being hoisted
in the adjacent Mason's shed, where the stone had
been prepared, a round was fired from eight field
pieces, placed near the old Castle, and returned
from two of His Majesty's cutters, which were am-
' domed in the Bay, with 21 guns.
The scene, at this moment. was particularly inte-
resting. The Pier, the adjacent plain, the summit
of the castle, the ridge of rocks,aed every eminence.
being crowded with well-dressed people, who, in the
intervals of firing, expressed their applause on the
commencement of a work which promises so much
to promote the general good. The flags which were
displayed upon the Old Castle, by the ships in the
harbour of. Saltcoats, on Mr. Brown's signal-post.
land the tower of Sea Bank, also added much to the
scene.
'rwo tables, each 120 feet long, were laid, and at
four o'clock upwards of 200 persons sat down to. a
splendid dinner, with choice wines and every fruit of
the season, provided by the Earl, and so plentifully,
that more than three-fourths were left unconsumed ;
every thing was conduaed with the utmost regula-
rity. After dinner the following toasts were givens
The Elam.
The Queen.
The Prince of Wales.
The rest of the Royal Family.
The Duke of York and the Atoll.
Lord Howick and the Nay,.
The Health of the Day.
The Grand Masser proposed the health of the Feld of !sho-
wn, and may he llve is see his patriotic exertions crowned
with success—which was drank with three timid three. Then
The Usine.d Kingdom.
Toe AI iStia of the U•Aterd Kinglets'.
The Yeomanry and Volunteers of the United KingdoM.
Success to the Agriculture Trade, Commerce, and Masorete
tures of the United Kingdom.
The County of Air.
Success to the Harbour and Town of Animism.
The Grand Master and Free Mesons who this day laid the
first Stone of the Harbour.
Success to the Glasgow, Paisley, and Ardrossan Canal.
The Royal Boroughs of the District.
The Town of Parsley, and iUCCINS to it.
The Town of Saltcoats, and success to it.
The Town of Sixth, prreperity to it.
The City of Glasgow, prosperity to it, and may it soon tee
its true intesests its promoting the speedy execution of the
present undertaking.
•,:tvwSolaseribers and Wellwishers to the undertaking.
The healtbi'd those who have been instrumental in pro.
meting the underteSPlr Particularly MONO Moodie and Love,
of Paisley, and Mesas:. IlfOligl. DOW. and Erskine, of Salt-
coats, for their unconsuati:, activity and *henbane in every
matter which regards three nori.`tUkinig.
And many other loyal and patriotic toasts.
About seven o'clock. the Earl end his Countess,
whose polite and kind attention left a lasting im-
pression on the mind of every individcal present,
proceeded to Eglinton Castle, where a splendid ball
concluded :be evening; at Saltcoars also, various
parties spent tSe evening in dancing and festivity.
Thus passed a :47 upon which was laid the foun-
dation of what proNbly will become a great com-
mercial city, and pro'," a splendid monument to the,
memory of its patriotic a,Nd noble founder.
The situation appears to ~.4 well calculated for bu-
siness, health, and pleasure. ;to a rich, extensive, and
very populous country, a safer,
lad extensive harbour.
conneded, by a navigable canal,
with Glas.gow,Pais-
ley, and a country rich in coal, line• miff iron-stones
and open to the west of England,
slcodand, all Ire-
land and America, affords a certain
p. sosped of com-
w-erce and nianufaanres; while the ma uner in which
I was informed the Earl intends laying .'rut the New
Town, will afford accommodation, in one Wart", to
those who are engaged in business, and is 1 another,
to those whose leading objeds are, retreats t:som bu-
siness.
I understand his Lordship m,-ans to retai.o the
eminence upon which the Castle stands, also the
adjacent ridges of rocks, in order to adorn and re u-
der them ornamental by buildings, trees, walks,.
ice. ; on the plains sternward with the Harbour and
canal, the rtreets for commercial men and tradesmen
are to be laid out and accommodateot with gardens ;
while on the east side of the castle, and ridge of
rocks, along the bottom of th e rocks, a crescent of
about a mile in length, frontier/ i the Buy of Air, and
enjoying the other magnificent rroutiding scenery,
is to be disposed of, for separati villas. How those
will succeed, near a canal up n which a family
can, in ow day. pass to and from Glasgow and
Paisley... may be estimated fro in the concourse of
people at present at bathing qu tiers in Saltcoats,
which, lam credibly informed, sceeds 1500.
tt,
I trust. the. importance at the undertakings for
the prosperity of the country at td the happiness of
mankind, will be a sufficient apolr shy for the minute-
ness of this description.
I am, &c. A tiVato.wrusta
To every improveme of of my country.
Alrtirersaa, date Aro. tenni.
On Friday last, the Volunteer Infantrj of the
Borough of Leeds were assembled, 'to take Into
\con-
sideration
the propriety of tontine 'ping or discon-
tinuing their services, as a Volunteer • Corps; when,
after a very animated address from ,t their Colonel,
it was determined to defer coming t lin any final de-
cision, till some subsequent day.
During the late dreadful thunder-' ' tom, the fol-
lowing shocking event occurred on 13 \it:by Heaths.
near Rickmansworth, Bucks. Several lenen and set -
men were employed on the Heath in ma \;Sking bricks ;
when the storm came on, one of the we •Nttro. to ap-
pease the crying of her it:rant child, plat !nod it to her
\\
breast, and ran towards hLr cottage, wb, Ich she had
nearly reached, whm the lightni.ig sot; ek her in a
terrible manner ; it burnt her body to a c le 'Cr, end
tore her limbs from their place.; unl o. It her legs
was found twenty yards from her body , \w hut the
child remained unhurt. The lig!.tiiing i.e, \lt set fire
to her thatched cottage, in which v ere , `ter four
other children, one of whom was killed, an. \ \
another
so dreadfully scorched that its life was dap:. ircd of.
though hopes are now entertained of its ret ' itvel7"
The-craw, and the whole of the poor mar: 'a for-
nituse, wear entirely cocurned.
1