The National Register.
London, England, 1809-11-12 00:00:00

NOV. 12.

THE NATIONAL REGISTER.

ticability, by means of a large Naval Force, of performing
that service in spite of all the efforts of the enemy. Naval
Officers, it is true, find that very practicable, which op-
pears to others almost impossible; and may they long pre-
serve this bold, intrepid spirit. We acknowledge we feel
some pleasure in coiuciding in their opinion as to the
poSsibility of maintaining the occupation. But the means
we have hitherto adapted to that effect, are ruinous in the
extreme, to our brave troops. A very small force, suffi-
cient to garrison Flushing, should be preserved in the
island. It is generally understood that that fortress is ca-
pable of sustaining a cry long seige ; and this sentiment is
corroborated by the testimony of the enemy. The &Von&
steur, in alluding to the capture of the place, reproaches
MONNET with the greatest severity ; stating, that he had
the power, by means of inundation, r,f defending the town
for four months. It •fact, it goes farther, and represents
the fortress as impregnable by regular seige. Our policy,
is, therefore, obvious ;—w e have only to,defend flushing,
and abandon the rest of the island. A:detachment con-
sisting of a single company is sefficient to keep Middle-
'burgh in awe. The enemy will never be guilty of the
rashness of attempting a considerable debarkation on the
Island, as long as we arc masters of Flushing. Should they
'attempt, however, descent, and sacceed in deceiving the
'vigilance of our navy, woat would he the consequence ?
'P-We have them in 'a trap, from which they cannot escape '
'Without our consent, and should' soon "have the pleasure of
transporting them to this country. -In -an emergency of
• that kind, it is in onr power to throw into- Flushing what-
ever reinforcements we please ; and may, in less than two
weeks, send over a force more then sufficient to cope with
that of the enemy. • Two regiments arc inure than
.sufficient for the service we allude
.to;. and as Flush-
inga. cannot be taken by a coup main, it is equally
ruinous and absurd to keep there a larger force. We en-
tertain no apprehensions of the French attempting their
threatened attack ; if they do, they will he guilty of a
'blunder they are not in the habit of committing. The
'possession of the island is of the highest importance, both.
- inn-a military and commercial point of view, and we hope
Ministers will not be- guilty of the weakness to abandon it.
• We think the Public will agree•with us in considering
-the following traits as flagitious proofs of the discernment,
'ltem of duty, and consistency of the present Ministers :
Mr. CROKERI known to his friends as a miserable pam-
phleteer, and briefless barrister; to the public, as an in-
- trinling, tedious, insufferable, and unexhausted speaker ;
to the Ministry, as an obsequious tool, is made Secretary
to the Admiralty!. • Ilis pretensions to this important ap-
pointment might have remained long concealed from the
notice of his country, had not the ken of Mr. SPENCER
PERCEVAL discovered this 'precious treasure, and exposed
its brilliancy to his admiring country.—Mr. THORNTON, oirr
late Minister at the Court Of Stockholm; who possesses
great merit, extensive knowledge, and the modesty inse-
perable from real worth, (we do not mean of that species
• for which Mister CROKEK is distinguished) who adds to a
sound understanding and great experience, the suasive tone
and manners of a person long employed iu diplowatic mis-
sions; who is, perhaps, better acquainted with the interests
of the Continent, particularly of the German and Northern
Slates, thail any other man in this country, this Gentleman
is suffered to languish in inaction, and the country is de.
prived of the benefit of .his talents and experience, whilst
..CILOK Eft, PALMERSTONE, WHAILTON, and many inure such
helpless creatures, are thrust into the most important ai:d
lucrative offices under Government!!!! If the Public *are
not satisfied with, or rather overwhelmed by these flagrant
proofs, we will take the liberty of submitting to their con-
sideration the following particulars we extracted from the
TIMES :^46 We hear—but we must first, in serious
solemnity assure' our readers that we are not meaning to
palm an absurdity upon them without believing it our-
selves--that among the naval heroes lately. 4dvanced by
•