The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1810-02-09 00:00:00

HOL'SS OF COMMONS.

MI NUTES of EVIDENCE takes before tie.COMMITTEE
of the WHOLE HOUSE, ailpututed to consider ur she
Puhcy rnd cuuduet of the fate EXPED4IIIO,N. to the
SC H ELIA%
Flan DAY.--rzumutir 'sig.

Tlie Riglit Hon. Sir JOHN ANSTRUTHER, B. in
the Chair.
. _

The Right lion Sir DAVID D7/71;•11, K.B. CoollllllDati-111-
Chief of the Army, was called in.
Ezeubined by Me Cembritteo.
Al what time were you first made acquainted by Rio Ma-
jesty's Ministers with their intention of sendintas Expedi-
tion to the Scheldt ,—lt was ou the xvil of Mara that I waa
des.red by Lord Castlereagh to attend. Cabinet that was to
be held on the gstb, at Harlington-house. in the INA of
March I had been appointed Cumniscoler-iii-t hief.
What was the nature and substaoce of the roams/dee-
Con made to you by. Lord Viseouut Castlerergli I—lt was
I. attend the Privy Council upon the subject of n proposed
Expedition to Watebrrco, mut an attack um the l'rench heat
there ; that was the general information I had, and tio that
subject I was desired to attend, to be asked a question by
the Connell.

Illy the Privy Conseil you mean the Cabiatt do.
Did yon is cometpuracit attend un the oath ?--I did.
Have the goodness to relate what ponied between you and
His Modesty's Miuisten un the ,24t1i, with respect bithis Ex•
pedition ?—1 have a memorandum to that effect, which I
will read, if I may be permitted. The object was the pro-
priety avid possibility of as immediate attack on the Island
of Wahaberen, and particularly un Flashing, and on the
French fleet, of nine or ten sail of the has, which was at that
time in the harbour of that place, nut in a state to plumed
to sea. The attempt was eepropeuted as from many consi-
derations most desirable fee the navy had then, a large dis-
posable forme, and Elm; that it should be made within a
abort limited time, depending upon the thies , for it wee to
be apprehended that on the smallest allow the enemy would
withdraw their ships from Flashing, and carry thetnism the
Scheldt to Antwerp. Fifteen Of sixteen tisonsand laud
forces were considered as neccasary far this epee:dim', and
I was desired to state whether such a force could at that
time be asseinbled. This I was not them studded to do i
lbc affirmative.

[The witness was directed to withdraw
• The Chairman was dirscsrd to report mope's, and ask
kave to sit again.

MOND D•1'....IIIIIII7•111r S.

The Right Hon. Sir DAVID DUNDAI. R. Commaadtr-
in.Chief of do Army, wan railed M.

Framiried by thieilasaittce.
Have the goodness to proceed is stating what passed he.
twee,. you and His Majesty's Ministers on the ottb, with
respect to the Expedition !—After eves), previous inquiry
sad report which had been made from the Commanding
011kers at the several Natives of the troops, and from the
well-kaown 'battered situation of the army, after the retorts
of es large a portion of it from Spain, such a torte euulil
not then he provided ; besides the very indifferent general
Nate of health, there was not one of those corps which re-
turned from Spain, whose clothing, arms, aecoutrements, and.
oilier parts of 'military equipment, were nut in • most defective
state, and required considerable time, mode, every carats's',
to replace sad repair.
Did any thing more pass between His Majesty's Ministers
aad yourself at that time, relative to the projected Expe-
dition to the Scheldt ; and if there did, state what it one
I recollect no debate or discussion taking place, or opinioa
being called fur; general conversation migbt pass while I
remained there. As I considered myself sent fur to mown
as • particular subject, I retired seen after that was dose;
and as I took no Mats at that time, I bare awe no farther
recollection of what passed at that meeting.
Do you recollect at any other time, since that retied, W-
hig consulted relative to the expediency dam Expedition he
the Scheldt do not recollect upon the expediency, bet
had a great deal of commailicaties of course with the Mo.
Warr of State after that, from. that time till the Ups*.
lion salted I mhos that I welter woe culled to a Como*
ors meeting.
Wes the Expedition suspended, is eossequence of the
difficulties you stated in procuring c sufficient force ?-ws
Upon my word I cannot say ; it is mot for at to judge of
that.

When was there any fresh communication upon the same
,object with you !—Prom the f4th of March to the sib of
May there appears to have been no peculiar communication
es the subject of Waleheren tiara His Majesty's Govern-
ment; I mean official to me as Commander-is-Chid; but
every exertion cow limed to he made mid urged to the seve-
ral corps to complete them for service.
What was the cuiensunicatiou made to you on the nth of
May, and by whom !—On the sob of May Lord Castlereagh
applied for the state of the infautry in Euglaed, aad the date
that each battalion
_wiiight be considered as it for service,
sad in estate fur ernbartatioe ; on the ititls May a return was
transmitted to Lord Castlereugh of all the battalions new in
England, with the effective streegth 'finch ; on the girth of
May, Lerd Castlereagh desired the mode in which it would
be proposed to brigade two carp% i.e of itS„orni infantry and
8,000 cavalry, the ember a sawn of 10,000 infantry and
2,000 naval. y : on the list of May, ,scheme was transmitted
to Lord Castlereagh, specifying the battalions, es they lay in
dal lets, fur se army of sa,otio infantry and 5,000 cavalry ;
that fur the reserve was postponed;, I was not enabled to du
it then.

When was the next communication relative to the Eire-
dittua to the Scheldt )—eM the outh of May, Lord Castle-
reagh requested toy sentiments on the praCicability of an
attempt on the enemy's navel establishment in the S. brill,
the extent of means it would require, sod the itt,,de by
which it could best he carried iuto execution, twr the eon-
sitleraliou of His Majesty's Ministers; on the ad of Jnue,
my 1111111Wer was transmitted on the above eubjett to Lord
Castlereagh.
Cu you state the substance of your answer to I.orrl Cas-
tlereagh ?—I have that aaswer ►ere, sal also his Loa
letter to

[Sir David Disodas delivered is a letter from Lnr•l Ca.th
reagb to himself, dated May as, 'imp i and ►n
June 3, t au% •hick, tete* read. J
(Coubdential.;—Copy of ■ Letter &. Lard Castlereagh to
the Cotosaaader-irs•Cbief.

" Doming-street, May ttp, I log.
" naval establishment which the enemy hes
errata! it tie Scheldt has already led to the coustraction of
not less than e i .ail of the lime, in differest stages of equip-
/ Still, and promises to receive, at be distant period, au ta-
lesman in point of number °letups, and a solidity iii point of
defirsom, witch must nudes it. as a maritime poa.tien, not
aaJy rsoressely formidable to the security of Great Kenai's,
bat still more invulnerable to attack. These culaidenitiolle
have long attracted the anions attention of Ilia Majesty's
Govereasent, nail they feel it their duty to Mentors', with
the formidable mesas, bath naval and muttony, which His
Majesty has at present at his disposal, bow for It is possible
he strike a blow against the enemy's naval resources in that
emitter, including the destruction of their arsenal at Ant-
werp, and the shim of war stationed in different pans tithe
Scheldt, liagweca Antwerp and Hashing.
The extreme importance of this 'abject will, I aim per-
seeded, Were you to give it your best anemias, mid I have
to'request that you will favour use with your sentiments, for
the consideration of Ilia Majesty's Ministers, upon the prac-
ticability Of atiCh au attempt ; aria the extent of menus it
wierld require, sod the agnate by which it evaLd beat he ear-
ned into esetti tine.

88 The iotenvecties received (ma the northern parts of
Franey, from Flannels, and horn Holland, slihnurb not each
ae won ensile see hw famish yam with any en rim statement
delis cooloye forts oa that lief, represents theta as drained
so len. if Slut 14.0. tr. Homo at say former prried, el reeler
terve. sod I apprehend it may 4e generally simineed, that
Agtampver emote to gad the enemy inert reposed ur more
assailablene Hist ytuAer ; snr is it probable that Sri.
1•1111/014111fr him • tares disposable beet, appheabee to
eith a orprpor,thoo at she nreeeet maim.
I Live; h.. (Sigma) C IsTLEIMAGW"
The Right Roo. the Casoluider-sa•Clnet; Sic.

'~,

(Copy.;—Paper franamltted (Jane 341 to Lord Coatkretel..
in snorer to bb letter of May t9i I*o9.
"be object to he attuned as Waled, is a asust itnport•
not and deotrobte one, but the toes we bate to employ meet
be eowaidered, and the sitScoltier and roda the, bare to cn-
ealutier Gem the eseiny's strength sad ',truistic', oast be
wall welched.

„
” utmost means rosy be reellimsed at about ut
iko.ooo infrintry, shit s or 5,001, cavalry.
" There appear to be two routes by which !Inch an army
might undertake to approach from the rout to Autui.rp.
Psi, Funs Ostend, or Its neighbourhood, be a march of
share ten miles. through the country of Flauders, sod by
Must, Vilewde, and Malin's.
" ud, De naval end laud operations within the Sehtlilt,
and along that river ta Antwerp ?Mai occupying die Islas fe
of Welchem' and 81'4 Bercland, and probably the opposite
haulsrof the Scheldt.

" Every ealc----i;ie tiea or prospect of eurceedul attack. ran
I only be foreseen sad made im a knowledge of the relative
' situation amsl strength of the euemy's reentry, fortresses,
and armed men, that can he brought in defence of both. If
the route of the army is therefore to he takes, as in lb.
/rat ease. through Flaielers, the country is known to he sus
of the most intricate iu &loupe fir military openithew, being
every where iittereected with deep relining Avila, large ear
eels, and considerable ditches and inclosures ; at the 43414
time, that the passes and important wont; are gnard.al
fin tresses sad walled towns, the most itICO7I■IIIC., ahle of u
r•
Sr. capable of making a resistanre n;rainst an army scunwe
provided with siege limitary. Of the ChM, ne.ar
risme, are, Nieaport, Ostend, Ghent, Oudeueirte, De nib. •-•
mood, Brussels and Milo-tea The prowess of military opt-
relicts in Flanders, hum she difficulties of adrauce, are sed
trews sever I. have been rapid
" With one state of preparation and number., an attempt
by thieffiret route, of a rapid march tinsmith Forriders, to ar-
rive at Antwerp, would certainly he isnot singular, and on,
haps without example. For a very eons tili•rible &et a.n.l
army must arrive lied washer nu a pact et the esemy'stoaat,
which is at all times fat, dangeroin, and without bay or
Weller of any Iliad, in seder to land on the ripen beach (be.
twist two of the enemy's fortresses) 11710Ut 30,000 area, or
5,000 hones, sad a considerable artillery, sad perhaps (Aber
carriages mid horses, medical, commies:trim and Loggege, if •
means mid eirmiesstattcce allow; to give up all rlYlNlUltllllCii-
two with their shipping, mid to march ietterdiakly, without
teats, fur He Means of carrying them could be provider, or
depeusied ea ; without hospital equipment, with ouly a
scanty 'apply of bread fur a very few days, through an hos-
tile country, most iotricate and difficult iu its nature, where
the u of the canals foals' be so easily impeded, where the
bridges which are 11111121Thtill would be destroyed, where the
*enemy would linniediately be in front, rear, and or both
flanks, being enabled su to do from the situation of his strung
garrison towns: where the sick stud wouorled must be aban-
doned, whenever they become so, from want of carnage t
where necessity would soon isdure rapine, plunder, and great
lots; where, if such an army was not sootier arrested in its
progress, it must arrive after a march of above too mile%
at its destined point, and before a great lowa (Antwerp)
sufficiently fortified to require a regular siege, and which
ibis army could out tarry on salsas the exertion. of the
ni . II
Acct, sada another cossaiderable as
troops, had opened
and sauced a eumunicatiou by the held'.
" During such • march sad some the defensible tease
eyes opened the it gates it is evident each an army could Mgt'
diminish its min/ben byleavingprrisoas to themoisidi I
thereby attempting to keep up • communication with Um
urigiaal point of landing, where puesibly a fortrows (Ostend)
may have been steered, bat whey fortress .1 sot such a us•
Yeas effettuaffy cover and secure the re-etoliarkatimi of a Llll
eamoderable ewes Supposiag after such a march the maim tat
object of the Expedition to have been attained in the dee " 1
chunk, of the enemy's Beet, it is evident that the army t '
amid sot eviction (from the time and force the gamey meat
have acquired) on returning by the same orate, but must 7
treat, from the previews measures takeu awl its Own can:.
times, to return (having accomplished Its object) ley the
Sehelift.
" If it therefore appears that We advance through Flag-
dere ti ettenchd with very great difficulties, and that at
aay rate a return by the Scheldt is the most expedite{ end
eligible; it ovoid fellow also that the attack chreki be eft-
reseed from that sidle, and be a corahiaed naval sad brad dr
'pastime. the detail of which mu tbe well esesidesid mad •
.eloaesse by both esmatint
.4 " le whatever way Aatwsrp is is be approstbed evening,
the tartlet is one of very gr. risk, which the safe
refuse( the army soemployed may be very precarious, from the opposition made, and the lemma or time esseamed in the 6 eperatios, which ambles the enemy to assemble 4r. a short
time a great force from every part of the Nethi lauds au/
Holland, and even from Westphalia, by the coarse of the
Rhine, as well as from the frontier of France
ud Juue, is. 9, Horm Goards. "D. DU NDAS."
Are you in pumessiow of the opinions of ether odium •
given upon the Wilt subject P—Yes, lam is puseembie of
four opiniuos I have them set here.
Whose opinions were they P—Of the Adjulteat-Conserat,
the Quarter-blaster General, the Deputy Quarter. Master.
General, and oftelonel Gordon, who is my Secretary.
Were those opinions in writing ?..Tiley were In eritiag.
Are they la your office ?—They ere ie ray office.
Were those iodirideal opinions, or were they the resell of
any military consultations ware *pinions that those •
Gentlemen wrote by my direetioe ; separate opittions ; se-
parate papers; and these papers were seat to the Secretary
of State along with my owe *pinion.
What was elm met eurnmeniestion, in point of time, which
sea had with His Majesty's Ministers upon this subject '—
Os the lath of how Lord Cast ierengh trammitteit His Ma-
ttes pleasure fur huldiag in readiness far immediate em-
bation 3:,,oins infantry, and ',ono cavalry ; on the
the Commander-hi-Chief transmitted to Lewd Castlereagh
detailed state of force to proceed oe envier, with a staff, eerie
sad military, the forte amounting to 35 , 400 iefaHtry, and
thoo cavalry • also tits force that would remain ta areal
Britain, Ireland, sail the Islands in the Channel.
Does that number include the Pout Guards and the Arid-
lery ?—The Foot Geoids, but nut the Artillery; /admits, 1
call them.
IVhat was the force of the Artillery ?-1 de not know the
particelan; 1 apprehend the Board of Ordstaace ram gine •
detail of them ; I caneet give it epos recollective, and hate
not it marked down here.
Was the wed ofJune the earliest period at which so large •
foree could be collected ?-1:pon my word 1 Lanese say ea.
wily, they might some days sootier, perhaps; om the genii
of May there was au arrangeoweat of 9...0040 moo germ i
Jemmied*. between that sad this last date, J 5,0,61 or mute
were mieseldesi ; the mess were recovering fast there was a
great iiicrease of men during that period: Ide not think such
a force as that could have hew well neseeibled before that
period, which may be called as army of 40001.. wren ; such a
number could not have bees get emmer.
Have you any papers in year elk?. which would 41161
what was the largest force which could have bogs gessaidsheh
at different periods, previous to the gild of June P—l think
sot; it is very difficalt to ascertain the number at say par-
ticular time 3 we had niciathly imams, sad these were: in.
termeduile ret , and there were Mares of the state of the
'trek, and ye on; but I could sot mate • adadateso, rue every
week, of the numbers.
When were you next consulted relative to this expedition
....The next official communication our Lord Castlereagh's
notificative us the 97th nfJune of Hie Majesty's planar.%
that the Earl of Chatham sitimad be appointed to the C4lll.
maid..f the hirers es, foreign envies, and that Lieetecaut-
General Sir Eyre Coots should be appointed seemed in come
mend.

IN Ire that the table of that e
tbr ora.tie of that colotottateattoo

-. ..... - j •
Wis.( wee tlw next communication of as official natant -...
if OD the i:atti of J•ly, Lord tasticresgh requested, that an.
ether ritv,lry regiment ‘bontat be added ; on the 171 h, Lord
Caink rragh was sequainted, that the id Drogues Guards
were under erd.es
Mega was the newt communication on this sublect `—When
the espedittern was determined on in the 'temp lets's/ of June,
I had •fterwsrels caroms meetings soil conversations with
toed Caetlerecgh, relative to the state of the nue" and the
means of amtsolding them ; after they were put tit march to
their . several places of encharketion, sail sr. meat there tin
gal of June and the hegniciang of July, the) erre pot antler
the orders of the itionerat Office,. appointed for the Coredi•
time i a very huge proportion embarked el Po: isasootti, Le-
Ai

cause they were earriefl by ships of vet lying there, and is
tenelesi to distract the Aleation of the tummy, nod leave them
in suspense se to the start of the Expedition. •
Were you embarked opus the plan of the Expeditim ?-
1 c.uusut say eimmilted, further than the. limas that I have
rireetitmcd; I at no time had nay rommtmeatenn, with the
Adittiielty or navy us the general subject of Walcheten, or
the goods of execntion; 1 hod, with Lord Chatham and the
Secretary of State, coovecsatious relative to the troops and
equipaieet, and ail sorts of thisom of that kiwi, arid with
Lord chathmo • idrrlly, perhopi ; oisetlaer that animals
to reasultatien I f moot my.
Ws any .)ethic.) plan of the iutended oporationc submit•
ted w conummicated to von ?...1 have ue recollection of any
detailed plan, any 'full. plan saboutted to me ; itothiug regu-
larly olEf ial in my ilitaation of that nature knew. from
a variety aipeoplc, a great deal which was going ors, but :so
detaired plate a " • '
II as your opinion eaked-as to the prectienhility of the at-
tack int Antwerp, mud the probable result of she Expedition,
upon Of after the e.td admit remember no opinion, our
timid I civet any thing of that kind beteg irked, atter the
army rut prepnerd , I secolliet arethiag of the kind.
lii you recollect any coo‘ultetteio with His Majesty's Mi-
nisters ofi the sultject of yen.. mower to Lord Caritieseagh !-
71in. mote.
Weer you emisalled with, shoat the appointment of dm
eunifireutermit.Chtif of the land forces Jo sot rceoliett
bang absolutely consulted by Manners, but I thought it a
very proper uue ; I kitty ..fit.
Explain to the Committee whether the operations spas
which you were consoled upiati the utb of March, was the
same operation that was sober totally carried into affect, or
au you consider its perfectly distinct open/thou l—Perfectly
dist itift.
Was that operatom, upon which yun were consulted spa
the itch of March, laid aside, in consequeace of the state
of tinr liftiq not eulnuttanit at that moment of • force of 16,•e•
teen Ileum :Warns, to that service ?—1 suppose that was •
principal rearms, but 1 Jo out kuow what other reason.. there
might be, I Moe no doubt that was a principal rfavoir
le poiut of rau, at &bat rime thertate of the army did not
admit of ti,ono me. being employed on that service ?•-•-"fliat
to what I stated, I apprehend, at the time
Wee the bees of the army employed to the late Expedition
to the ricbeldt, the army whkh returned after serving with
Sir John Moore. ill Spain ?—that would he more correctly
lumen burn looking at the cunapositstia.of the force that
went to the Scheldt ; the names of their regionals ; I think,
as recollectiuu, that it was.
Was it out a coneiderable time after the return of that
- army, this many lain ilisendb died at flitiCiebit ports, sad
the regiments befog very much no.ral toseilter in the traits-
potty, before any ditClll4l Incas. Coral.) be taken for re-
ethoss that artily far service '—lt errtaiuly u as.
Did oat a stry cursiderable proportion of the fame after-
' Waldo employ c.l in the Scheldt, It ife (cam drafts from the
billtUa, which cue incorporated into those regirocuts
only Otto those regitneuts, but into all the tegitaeftts, I
•apprelieful, that embarked; I Eli not knew the enact num.
bee ; but, no doubt, there mast Lave been a considerable
*amber.
Do you recollect having repeatedly whims% Lord Castle.
reagh's usitance, or doer-mil the Adjutant,General to write
eirculer letter* ta all the regiments, to accelerate the relit.
meat of the in my, and IO .10,18,1 in know the earliest day at
which the regiments could be completed ter act vice ?•-••
This was repeatedly dote
1)o you recollect that some regiments in the southern .146
trick, Lad not completed their equipments pie late a* towards
the ettil of Just ?...-•1 Colin*, recollect !Articular regiment',
but, I hove Ito doubt, that was the ease; lam sure it was
the tear.

You have stated to the Committer, that, so the *lst of
Afar you wade a return to the Secretary of State, of the
seeps of 4S,rtw iofantry and 5 uou cavalry ; do yon spook of
the offeetteor as they tiara stood: opus the tooruhly retono,
or mesa to describe that corps as invu. beet then reported
emopkte and It for service !—The Numbers were collected
Irmo ti- Adjutant-General from the last "storm, and they
Mood oa the returns as effective
Witold the effi Go tire monthly returns disttagoinh
whether they were equippc4 rod he fur service?—'They err.
truly were not front the nionthly fictions, but from the latest
MUMS which WITS probably
Do those returns distinguish whether they wore effective,
Of whether they were equipped and At tor wirier !•••••I cannot
say, this goes to members alertly ; hero is s totem of the
Soothers bistrwt as the 7th of May, of a 'rest weber of
the regioweis slowing the do/eteacim of Wee regiments,
*hie+ is of the nature alluded to; here is the doficeerrey of
clothing, accoutrements, soil aflO• ow the yth of May,
le-lied by Sir Jobe Hope, of 10 lealteliese io that distant,
triads rsaspecimen of Metalline.
You have stated that you delivered io a written opinion to
• Lord Castlereagh did you leetlve is writing any ciourevrot
as that newton, or any letter rusoicpsence from turd
Castkreagli ?-21 do nut recollect inswing any.
Heil yowl any cosies-race or coovenarion with Lord Castle.
reagh, or say other of Hia Majesty's Ministers, on the sub-
ject of that upsmonl-1 do sot recollect any formal conver-
sation; I very probably hid with Lord Caat!ctragh, but I
sewer had any formal way of explaioing or reins deeper into
it, or any thong of that tort, that 1 recollect.
You Myer 11..1 an coneersation with lord Candi-reach in
the suture of debate ur iliscus,iou of that opinion ?—No, I
had not.

Had nut Lord Castleirach, fr.int time to time, conversa•
times with yes with i aspect to the operah•iiis w th-
mihsemiently to your roped of lb, art of June ?
Certainly, opou suite petits; but I do not co coll.Tl any
inisi costs indium or explanation of that answer or report
that I gr. ; certainly there were ..oristently rouversatious of
to,. as.. it other, relAtive to the slate of equipment of this
Mein that we, the general subject, more than the policy
if this object; that was ismer of my concern.
Ho wit you recollect having had communications with Lord
Chatham ud Lurd Castlereagh, respects"' the expedition,
sod particularly respecting the defences of Antwerp '—l
caueot think that I could have any rumiiderable conversa-
tion respecting the defence' of Antwerp, foe I never saw a
plait of it; I ito out recollect havinga plan of Antwerp she.",
'sic ; I bare born there myself: and, as far u I knew, I saiFlit
mention, but it most be • very cornflour convimatiou that
passed co the "abject ; there was nishiug written, nothing'
for ni.• to judge flora bet UNltt conversation.
Did not Lord Chatham and Lord Castlereagh commiii-
eate with you on the subject of Antwerp, ou the ;wand of
quad having been Cominawiler of that fostress about the year
171 s, and 17os, with a view of uhtsiuing your general oyiuiuw
sod knowledge .4 the state of the works at list lime you
sort Coatmeodee ?—The army was encamped near Antwerp,
and I was very considerably indisposed, aad the Duke of
Aiwk desired tee to go to Antwerp, which was in thr rritt of
the army at this time, aa a sick quarter, and to take the
COMISIMIIIi I was thaws Mime "emu tow eight day.; dewing
that time t looked about as marls as I could, bat it was very
little • howerer, I had a grtiveral ides of Anlwrrp, and I dare
nay I roinasamcated that to Loud Castlereagh and bird
C;iathassi, very saierally.
lied not Lord Castlereagh, both with and without Lord
Chatham, commus.cations with vow on the sot ject of the
difficulties of ascending the Scheidt, awl the difficulties the
Army might meet with is its ulterior operations agouvt
Antwerp cannot recollect partieulius ; but I hose Do
doubt we had Malty such eiaannstimentions, front the iuter-
cosine that was 'wag on betimes laird Castlereagh and
myself, and which was always on a very friendly footing.
so not Lord Cristlesienh in the *habit almost of daily
communication with pee, and of disclosing, 111 the most
confidential aid unreserved manner, the military operations
which were in contemplation'—Lied Castlereagh, I thin.,
ens very much wureseived tome, as much as 1 could possibly
look hi, as as individual certainly.
Did thisopinion, delivered in writing by you to Lord Castle-
mei, ever become matter of diocesans% between you and
Lod C iatharn *:---"ito, I cannot my particularly ; I du nut
think it had a (initial thscuasion ; I dant/ay many of the
points ie gist, to a certain degree; but, as as opinion, it ne-
ver MI,
Were you curt asked to sernie that opinion, or tailed upon
for s Wither ...... '-111 iie.ir ass asked to revise that up. mon, or called upon for another 'urinal opinion of the smut
nation.; that was -
I was to give.
Was the -
attempted, the
icu operaboa
?wwl bat the

paper explains, I sbuubi itassiue, sufficiently; the subject
ins sk same.

Were Hos opinions given by otter Ofßeers, obo had been
applied to by you, collected by you, and transmitted through
poi to Lord Cuatleteagli '—They were, at tee 'awe hum
with my own.
. . .

What was the opinion given by you in consequence of the
slight observation you had bees enabled to matte, while in
essamand at Antwerp, of the probable state of defence of that
fortress 1-.-1 was enabled to say, that the citadel was a very
eossideruble one certainly, mid would require a siege of some
duration, probably, to take it. The town was surrounded by
very high wall ramparts, them wu a very deep ditch, great
old mounds of earth, and other ciresinstances du nut know,
I believe that was what is called a demi-rebutment; in abort,
it was • place that could not be mitered without a regular
siege unkm at um wan endured, if there was a sufficient neut.
bet of men in it ' • it has sustained several sieges, and has
hots given np without a siege, but then it was always when
the country wan possessed by the enemy, and then It west
tall (groaner.

Hare not many places, more co•siderable in point of de-
fence than you at that time stated Antwerp to he, becu sur-
rendered on hotabaniment in coosegaruce of an army sp-
fraltring before It with adequate memo, without a regular
auto ?—%l any places hate bona ►urreudrrcd certainly of that
deseriptios, and under those circummatees.
In the case of Copenhagto, was nut that reduced without
• regular Mtge ?—lt ear a regular siege, I apprehend, as far
as it went ; there wen all the ceremonies of a regular siege,
parallels sod batteries, I •pprehead, but I am not stillicient-
ly unformed upon the 'abject; I apprehend it was attacked
In a regular manner fur ■ certain timr ; the tow it was not
carried by am nil, and I do net kiwi., that breaches were
made ; the oteee was a regular one, I apprehend.
Ie Copenhagen a more formidable place in point of defence
the. yea considered Antwerp to be?—.lll tither circum-
stances supposed, the same, I testy judge from a plea ; I
teeter saw Copenhagen; I should judge it t• be a more &ins-
table plies; a great portion of it is covered with water, and
is not to be approached.
11' ere there, at the time yon were in the command, asp
out-workouts° Antwerp, to prevent as army frum taking its
position rs flier as it might bud couvroient to the place ?-
1 hare nitutioncd that I was not coabkil to scow it com-
pletely ; hut I de sot believe there were any advanced forts
us reeloebtaterourlos *Mat mienee,tewarde the laud.
What was t►e pepuletiou of Maui:fp ; was it sot (mons
silty to eighty thuissaud initabitauts know nothing about
the population; it is a very large old city; the Meng an
very large in general ; there is a great di at of vacant space
wittun, which lice between the citadel and the tueu; it 13 of
sery great niters, one of the lugs at tunas iii Flanders.
:speaking generally, what amount of garrison would it re-
quire to put Antwerp into a etimpeteut state of defence, in-
s ludiug both town and citadel?-1 suppose out lees than ten
thousand two could be cvlkd a gas risou for s toes of that
kind . last Mute would be better ; if is au is be attacked, and
to be defended, that it ...wild require • very great army to
annul it, of course, in propurtiou.
Was it not reasonable to presume, that although the cite-
dr•l might nut be gut poibession of, the city of Antwerp
might be fumed to 'encoder do not see that I can att-
ester that question distinctly ; it is a Quitter of opinion, and
I have out saficient kaowledge ui all encuasstaaces to an-
swer it.

Are you of indium that it would have been an easy opera-
tiei for the enemy to Lire collected asagasifies sulliciesit to
bare subßisted the iiihabitsits and the glorious) of so large •
town as Antwerp ?--It is impoNsibie fin me to say bow that
stood; but I thmk lion, its admit' ou and the 1111te of it, that
at would hate r.ipnied • very [eras fusee to have cut off the
communication with ti.e Country; while that was open of
course provisions must come hi.
Speaking generally, what force do you think sight be ne-
tweet" to rot off all communication in ibe master stalest is
the last question'—That stoat &prod upon the etesuiti of
the ettemy without the walls, more than those *tan the
walls : a small force ought do it, ,I there was ao enemy in
the enuntry, hut if there was ea en. to.).s elle) al the cues-
try, from the situation of it, :.18.. .:. clwitnetyi,atical with
the Scheldt, a r,ver of that b.. :,thi, .tiiii inniritude, (it de.
pendu tuially epee the force ..li the enemy 41 the country);
ios
gs,.
the enraty hail tea thon I men in the toustry, I sup.
e an army of four times th.it size would be nixesaary to
urge it, mid ID cut oil the couttuunic.intiu at the same
time.

Hail yen ever any conversation with bled Castlereagh on
the subject of taking Antwerp by a coup de wain '-1 do nut
think asp Espedielou would base Wes Oiled out apes an
expectation of that kind , I may bare talked of it.
Ilad you ever any conversely:de with Lewd Castlereagh cm
the subject of taking Antwerp by a coup de meini-1 t w Ms-
puesibie ter me to recollect thiugs of that kind ; it is very
pessilile. I might ; that is the counie of our Colll,erildion a
e4up de rtllin might be mentioned ; butt no scrims. eisorlintS.
lion of that kind, and of the kasibility of it.
In paha of fact, did Lord Cmitkreugh ever slate to you
the probability of .urcrm in the event of attacking Antwerp
by a crop de woes .'—l du net recollect it.
Did Lord Caralcreagb state to you the general Mews).*
bad of the mintier iu which that Expedition was to be eon.
ducted against the tunny cannot way ; these are all ere
entente! conversatinue, if ruck .•'it I canowl recollect
these sort of Chimp: I dare say ke its ea a great deal of
moat things that occurred to km., bet I do ind recollect
the detail of them, or what they were
Du you consider yourself as having been consulted en a
military man upon the plea mill execution of the lute Expe-
dition to the Scheldt ?-1 think I was consulted when lard
Castlereagh wrote that letter to me, to which I gave an
111111,4 t, j and I do sot know that I ca. what you call regu-
larly conciord tit •uy wher time, further than coovereatters.
Is it uot customary to cuimuit you as Conimander-in.Chief
%p of the appood meat of officer. to command detached Ex-
peditious ?---11 certainly is.
Were you ever cossetted upon the appointment of Lord
Chatham to that command was consulted iu a certain
degree; I knew before he was appointed; I knew he was
meant to be appointed, but it was not my choice ; I was ant
asked as a choice, nor dell expert that, nor could I ; at
the game time, as I asentiousil before, I thought it a most
proper choice at the time.
Do yen know whether Lord Chatham ever commanded
any Expeditiou, or auy force before out of this kingdom ?
I do ant recollect the extent of Lord Chatham's services.
I was myself with bon in Holland, and I know toe served in
the Anseimais war. Ido not know the particulars of hi.
service., bat these circumstances occurred to my knowledge.
De yue know in what situation Lord Chatham served hi
ligigneid, aid what rank be had in the army in Ow Ameri-
tea war?-1 think he was a Field Officer in the Amenh an
Gar, sad was a Major•Genersl in Holland.
De yogi knew that Lord Chatham ever before had the
miannand of live thosusaull amen in his life out tif England
seid rush ~nem say particularly that I know he had fire
t tuts under his cominaud.
Is it not a part of the duty of the Commasder-in-Claief, le
be prepared to avower to the /ketchup of State, ur the Go-
sierareent, what the services of any officer have been whom
they premise to him to be employed in the service?—The
Commander-in-Chwfcaatiet give a detailed aceouut of every
officer's services. Lord Chatham's tervices were know,. to
every betty no well as to the Commander-in• Chief; he was a
man of very high military rank, and who had always cois-
dueled himself well in his 'kasha. in Holland; indeed, I
knew him; he served more particularly in the division of the
army I wan in, and I saw every thing that wu prow, very
much se at that time, in Lord Chatham; lie seas altereards
under my command in Kent, and I always consider'd him
mid found Inns a very excellent officer.
Without considering you as responsible for the immediate
appointment of Lord Chatham, du you nut believe that laird
Castlereagh conssuaniested confidentially with you with re-
fli tto that appointaseet,before the command was proposed
to Lord Chatham?—Lord Castlereagh certainly communi-
cated to me fare, I ran recollect, and I could out disap-
prove, .
beci:ase I thought him a very proper mar aud a good
siker

Do you know what difference there vias in hie state of
strength and (arbitration of Antwerp at the time the Ex-
pedition was oudert4ken, for that is which it stood when
you wan there in Into t--rtiti, 1 do net ; 1 never saw any
writhes description, ut Bay play of it, and therefore could
set judge.
Ton ►ave stated that you had conversation with the Secre-
tary of State, Lord Castlerragh, on the subject of Antwerp,

and that you were required to state what were the nature of
its fortifications and its strength in the year 1794 when you
were thew; did the Secretary of iltate eosamtaieste to you
that he had any information ...I to any alteration in the na-
ture and strength or the foitdit.,t...as of Antwerp from that
time du nut recollect that Lord Castlereagh required
me to state particularly as to Antwerp, 4 suppose it did hap-
pen la the course of convenstioa.
Did Lord Castiereugh 'communicate to you that he had
had any information as to any alteration io the state of de-
fence and fortifications of Antwerp!-1 do not recollect the
particolans aunty such communication.
Is it in the course of the service to discos/ miantely with
you the plan of operations upon which nacres are going on
service or is not that left to rest with the responsibility of
the dicer employed, that °tracer taking such SICUUMB as
appear to him necessary to collect information to direct his
conduct!—l cannot say :lam so young in command that I
have net had • great many opportunities of having these
points discussed ; it is very natural to coininunieate I sup-
pose any thing with respect to a service of that kind; un-
doubtedly the detail is left with the Commander, who is re-
sponsible for its and is to take charge of it, but every com-
municative and information that can be collected is and
intake of course to hegiven to him.
_ .

Was the force, mentioned by yon as being ready on the
IA of June when you toads your return to Lord Castlereagh,
to such a state, that if transports and men of war had been
ready, it might hare_ been embarked at that timi?—uThe
greater port l apprehend certainly was, but they were thee
so separate cantonments, dispersed over the country, and it
required a considerable time to assemble them, before you
could soy they were prepared suit ready fur raabarkatiaa
they were in an etfective state fur service as far as I can
recollect.

Hut if you had had dirwetious to put those troop► into
canto:animus nearer the places of embarkation, might or
•m;bt nut that Lave born done so that they might have
►ailed by the Ist of July ?—No, certainly ; the troops
could not have been collected at Portsmenth by t►e tat
ufJul), and nearly belittle force embarked at Portsmouth.
The question does not relate to the period from the 2141 of
July only, but supposing pervious obstructions to you bud
been given, to expedite the embarkation of the troops as soon
as possible, might nut they have been put tutu such canton.
meats as to have embarked by the lit of July'—The whole
of the troops were embarked betweee the :tttla of June mid
t►e yth of July.
. . _

[To be cardboard.]
r -

WiLCNtRBN EXPEDITIOY.

C•PIES or LETTERS MOO AF•R•AOSSIRISL SIR R.
STR•CII•11, TO RIE•R-•DIEIR•L LORD O•RUNSR

JULY. ISOS)..AMLATSUO TO TUX ITIOX TO TUE

ICIICLDT.
[Ordered, by the House of Commons, to be printed, Feb
5, Isto.]
_ . _

- -
(Seeret.)—Copy of a Lotter from Rear-Admiral Sir R. J.
Straehan to (tear-Admiral Lord Gardner, dated Amethyst,
in the Down; July 40 1609.
MY LORD—AI the division of His Majesty's ships and
vessels under the command of Capt. tau en, of the Clyde, may
require the service of the boats of the squadron under your
Lordship's orders, for the purpose of hunting troops on the
Island of Cowhand% I have to request that every prepse.ition
may be made by your Lordship accordingly to afford this
assistance, if required.
'"'

The squadron are also to be daily exercised at the pins, and
every precaution taken for the ships being is complete readi-
ness foe getting the spars or sheet cables out of the gun-roots
ports to beim to either of the anchors, as it may be neces-
sary, in the event of its bring thought practicable to attack
the torn of Flushing, that the squadnos should be authored
by the sten as well ao head, there being • streog eddy tide
slues to the pier beads.
I hare the honour to be, he Ire.
RD. J. STRACILIN.
Rear Admiral Lord Gardner, ate. Sue.

(ficceet.)—Copy of • Utter from Rear-Admiral Sir R. J.
btraclaan to Rear-Admiral Lord Gawkier, dated Ame-
thyst, in the DOWNS. 24th Jaly, 111109•
Al Loao—As it will be necessary that the launches of
ehe squadron under guar liserdeltip's cunignami should be
held in constant reads leas with their carrunades, to support
the JiTiNkm under Captain three's osiers, in lauding at Cad_
sand ; I wish that every pre should be made accord-
hey, and that the sloops war with year Lordship should
also be directed to aaant In wearing the beech I hare the
honour, ise. R. J. STRACHI,N.
Right Hon. Rear-Admired Lard Gardner, lbw.
Blake, elf the Sahel&

The old Proverb of " Setter bite then never,"
was once verified when eliToll sold the poor wpm
from Greenwich. (who was just in time the last
Sixteenth of No. 2,570, the 40,0001. Pnae.—livTott
now invitee his friends tote early in their parchaee,
ai be they isbitie by the old proverb) no
Shots, will be left on sale a few days previous to the
drawing, at his Office, No. 2, Carotid!, the demand
lions the public being greatly beyond Evroles ex-
pectation.

In consequence of the very extensive oilers
Hoarsest( and Co. daily receive from all parts of
the country and the metropolis, they venture to
assure the public, that there is not a sufficient
number of Tickets to supply those who have not
purchased; and they further add, that the Con-
tractor has given them notice that he has very few
Tickets on hand; nay, not half the usual stock
which is always consumed after this day. HORNSBY
and Co. urge their friends, who usually do adven-
ture, by no means to postpone purchasing what they
intend buying, because they will Ire disappointed
of ',Minn* a Share of the two hundred thousand
pounds prise money, which will be distributed on
tVedoesday next, (Valentine's Day) at either of
their State Lottery Offices, 26, Corithill, or St.
Margaret's-hill, Borough.
ecoLn's-In e—Hilary Term, 11110.—The fol.
low um/Gentlemen were yesterday called to the Bar :
MOLINRUI HYDR NiPEAN, Hsaar BRIOIST,
RALI4I BERNAL. sod EDW&KD WILBRAHAM,
Esquires.

Letters from the Cape of Good Hope by the last
ships, communicate the follnering remsritable
currence:—The Island of &men, or Penguin. mine.
times celled Seal Island, at the Western eztrenvity
of Table Buy, haa entirely disappeared beneeth the
waters. A convulsion was felt at Cape Town is De-
cember, only two leagues distant, by which some da-
mage was occasioned to the houses, bpt we do not
find that any lives were lost at that ploce, and it is
supposed that the earthquake extended to Bosses.
The island was about two miles in length, mid one
in breadth, and was, although fiat, somewhat
more elevated above the surface of the sea than
the contiguous Island of Elizabeth. The Mitch,
when in possession of the Cape. kept a guard of
twenty-four men on Bingen, and it was employei as
a place of banishment for criminals, to the num-
ber of from 70 to lOU, who dug limestone to supply
materials fat the buildings on the adjacent conti-
nent. No women were then permitted to reside
he,,, not even the wife of the port-master. It was
_pot allowed that strangers should visit it, since
Danish ship, which hail lost great part of her
crew. and was reinsert assistance at the Care, sent
a boat on shore, dispersed the geard, and received
on booed as many malefactors as was necessary to
navig.ite her to Europe. At the southern extremity
of the island, a flag was boasted on the approach of
any vessel.

- -- , oese OH tmtlra 0, mianv inairtdet
- -•-...... .pm.tm oi u„, „,,,e wr , iguret ription, ur say plata of it, and thertfixe could k i 0
navig-ite her .o 11rOpe. At
Was tlir "pent
liat".
1 that
w"
4 "gut" "--;""'n I *us required to give. aOl judge.
.._..t.,, „ ..„ sr,
. `anis attempted, the Tor bays stated that you had conversation with the !were- of the island, a Sag was boa'
.i
operation' upon ...
.' IV gnen ....:11saa she lacy Siatute, Lur4 Casticresgh, oa the subject of AL/twerp, any yawl.
• ,
i 7 s • -
11 • C •
i 4r.--t',,,j%24 •
VI .•
_, ..
.._