The Sun.
London, England, 1831-01-05 00:00:00

LAFAYETTE.

Letter from Lafayette to the National Guard of
France

" A short time has passed, my dear Lrt-thren in
arms, since I was invested with an immense com-
mand. To-day lam no more than your old friend,
the veteran National Guardsman. This double title
will accompany me, as my chief happiness, to the
grave. That which I have ceased to own, found
me in the great week, springing from the boundless
confidence of the people amidst those glorious bar-
ricades, under the re-elevated tri-colour, where, in
three days, were fixed the fate and institutions of
the present race of Frenchmen and the destinies of
Europe. The functions which I refused in 1790, I
accepted in 1830 from the hands of the Prince whom
we have since hailed as King. They have been, I
trust, exercised for the public good. Seventeen
hundred thousand National Guards, already en-
rolled and organised at the voice of their happy
chief, are my witnesses. They may still be useful,
I declare it, at a time of which I am permitted to be
a judge, and of which I would be a rigid censor.
" The majority of my colleagues of the Chamber
of Deputies have formed an opinion that these func-
tions ought to cease for the present, and the same
opinion has been avowed by the organ of the Go-
vernment.

" Besides this, jealousies quite unjustified by
any recollection, 1 have a right to say it, arose from
various sides ; they manifested themselves strongly,
and could not be satisfied by less than a total and
unreserved abandonment of the power; and then,
though the kind intervention of Royal solicitation
was employed to retain my services, that instinct of
liberty which has never deceived me through the
vocation of my long life, warned me that I must sa•
crifice this power, and these pressing affections, to
the austere duty of preserving all the fruits of the
revolution of 1830.

" My course has not been without advantage : of
this I am assured by an immense correspondence.—
In fact, if the sublime movement of the French na-
tion in arms has been spontaneous—if to guarantee
France against the future commotion of a narrow, a
malignant, or a timid policy, it is enough to place
her beneath the protection of the principles of 1789
and 1791, and above all of the v►tal and universal
principle of election—it is not less true, that s cen-
tral influence, and, if I might dare to say it, the
confidence claimed by some personal consideration,
have beneficially contributed to harmonize, during
the suspension of law, conflicting wishes and opi-
nions, and to defeat the intrigues of the party that
was overthrown, but which still retained the power
to hurt. I love to recall the circumstances of the
second general inspection, which in this regard so
powerfully supported me.
" I will not recount all that has been done to or-
ganize for us these admirable legions of cities—
these numerous battalions of the villages. * * *
Alas! far from fearing this great institution, formed
without delay, without hesitation, or trouble, solely
by the influence of a boundless and unqualified
confidence in the body of the nation, let us hasten
to use them as the model for our ether institutions.

" How can I describe the delight with which, at
the end of a few weeks, I presented, to the admira-
tion of our people, of our King, and of strangers,
the National Guard of Paris, which for 40 years
had been my pride, and in truth my family—at
length reviving, more brilliant and more numerous
than ever, and with its gallant associates, the beau-
tiful legions of the vicinity, exhibiting in the Champ
de Mai a force of more than eighty thousand men.
This was a delight which could be surpassed only
by what I felt when, within a few days, I know that
to the National Guard Paris owed its safety—the
revolution its unsoiled purity from crime. If
one department, that of the Seine and Oise
alone, has given me such enjoyments, what must
have been my gratification at the reports from all
the departments—reports describing armies created,
equipped, and disciplined, as if by miracle—in
beholding myself throughout surrounded by
the Deputies of all France come to assist in
the second inaugurat'on of their King, and who, in
their affectionate confidence, made me the deposi-
tory of their complaints upon general questions, or
upon local grievances, and their mediator with the
Government—a mediator, as it were, commissioned
by the spirit of the great week. This duty I have
discharged. I have expressed as freely as in the
tribune my ardent—l may call them my impatient
wishes—for the full realization of the programme
published, while the blood of our 6,000 patriot
fellow-citizens still smoked upon the ground; and
I have sought that at the earliest possible moment
France should have a representation chosen subse-
quent to the revolution of 1830 ; and if I have the
opportunity, in any discussion relative to the forma-
tion of the other Chamber, I shall contend for the
prisiciple of presentation of aspirant Peers to the
King for his selection, iii preference to the existing
system. If I have scrupled to lend my name to
the procrastination or the abandonment of measures
which were in my opinion necessary, let not such
hesitation be treated as urging coups d'etat, or as
endeavouring to exercise upon others a dictation to
which I myself would never submit, of which his-
tory will do me the justice to offer more than one
proof.
" But I had rather repeat what everybody knows
—Frenchmen of all parties, and foreigners of all
countries—that if the constitutional order conquered
in the great days—if the popular throne, raised by
our bands, were even menaced—no matter from what
side, the whole nation would rise to defend them.
" In the painful moment of bidding an adieu,
which I had thought was not so near, I offer to my
dear brethren in arms my gratitude for their friend-
ship, my confidence in their recollections, my prayers
for their happiness, my admiration for what they
have done, my foreknowledge of what they will yet
do, and my hope that the calculations of intrigue or
the interpretations of malice will not prevail in their
hearts against me. Finally, I offer them all the
feelings of tender affection which will not leave me
until my last sigh.
" LAFAYETTE."

He has addressed another letter to the National
Guard of Paris, in which the same sentiments are
repeated at somewhat less length.

LORD HILL AT TALAVERA.-HILL was
moving up to reinforce Colonel DoNxIN, and was in the
act of giving some orders to the Colonel of the 48th regi-
ment, when he was fired at from this summit ; and not
doubting that the shots proceeded from some British strag-
glers, who mistook the direction of their fire, he rode
,martly up, accompanied by his Brigade-Major, FORDYCE,
to stop them. These two were instantly surrounded by
the enemy ; FORDYCE was killed on the spot, and the band
of a French grenadier was already on the bridle of Him:s
charger ; but the General spurred his horse hard, broke
away, and galloped off. Directing the wounded beast
downwards, he met a part of the 29th, and, turning, led
them up with uacalculating courage to the charge. The
old 29th did not disappoint him ; they won back the sum-
mit at the point of the bayonet. But scarcely had the
General placed them in position by the side of Colonel
DorouN's brigade, ere a heavy mass of French battalions
again advanced, and a violent attack, of which the first
was but a prelude, burst upon them. The fire flashed red
upon the night, and was delivered so close, that the com-
batants discerned each other's formation within a few
paces. The British having poured in their deadly volley,
rushed on
dwow.
ithnt_cheir
abbaiynoent Lets,ibbrray_
okrethmemor
the column,darkisof i;arenid
drove _
lington.

DREADFUL DISTRESS IN DERBY SHIR guarded M
(FROM OR CORREsrownENT.) omitted to bar
The distress which prevails amongst the miners and Tiers took ads,:
weavers of this mountainous and cold district is almost to rescue their
beyond description. We were present at a numerous and of the sentinel,
respectable meeting of the inhabitants of the village of
one hand, a
Bradwell, held on Wednesday last, for the purpose of con- What became
sidering the best means of administering relief to the suf- learn, but the
faring families in the neighbourhood, especially those who paniOn in Wre
are in indigent eircutsist.ances in consequence of the very in
a great b
low rates of Wages afforded to those employed in the above reached it, the
trades, who it is well known cannot, by the tssoat diligent he met
rite r
exertion, earn n more than from three to four shillings per ceived him wi
week ! It is impossible to conceive the vast depth of wieDNEsnA
misery which exists. It appeared from the statements of and proceeded
some of the speakers, that many of these poor sufferers joined their fe
had their children in bed when visited, whose bed-clothes bourhood. 1
had not a vestige of either linen or flannel about them, than on tire
but was ccAnpoge lof wrappers and old cloths—others had Miners. Tht
not a tittle of fire! To all who have spent pleasant days but the Riot
in the summer in this interesting and beautifully pictu- most laudable
resque country, we would say (and we humbly beseeci their wants,
them on behalf of the poor mountaineers of Derbyshire), and Sir Watt
send your mite, and send it without delay :—to all who the British
are connected with the district by birthright and family he had, it
connections, we especially address ourselves, and urge the workmen, Ist
cause of these oppressed sons of labour to their benevolent to the Comp;
attention. The respectable inhabitants of the village and at Acrefair.
neighbourhood have done their duty, having already sub- complaints,
scribed nearly 50/ , which sum they are actively distri- tent, which
buting amongst the sufferers, in coals, meal, and blankets. nothing, as
Several resolutions were unanimously adopted, appoint- provisions a
ing a committee, and earnestly recommending a aubscrip- Mr. Wood,
lion from all who could afford it. wishes of the
The miners in this quarter labour under greater diffi- Wood replied
culties than the miners of Peak Forest, in consequence of had another
the extra quantity of lead which his Grace the Duke of there being
Devonshire, as Lord of the Manor, receives from the this charge.
former. A petition was presented to his Grace a foe mined to sen
years ago, praying that they might be placed on the same for a pound
footing as their brethren of the Peak Forest, to which he weighed in
was pleased to promise Iris attention, but which his grace.' Penny pieces
ship has never yet done. Since that period the distress_ stated that ti
and difficulties the miners have had to contend with have lost weight
greatly increased. The meeting therefore resolved to res was agreed ti
new the application. We wish, with better success. We on the follow
hear often of the gaieties and splendid hospitality of the Rhuabon, w:
princely mansion of Chatsworth, but would it not snore the workmen
redound to his Grace's patriotism and love of country, for THIIRSDA
surely, if he is an Englishman, he must love the soil and Hers and mit
the labourers too, which afford him the means of die- the meeting
persing the luxuries of the world to those who do not lie one. TI
stand in need of them? We would advise his Grace to the coalman
attend to this, as we may have something further to sal Pickering, a
on the subject. At this merry season we had no idea of men were se
meeting, or even witnessing such scenes of misery and tan could nt
wretchedness amongst the once happy, kind, and hospi-
return home
table peasantry of Derbyshire—a class with whom it was to the work
only necessary to be acquainted to be able to appreciate
Inn with d(
enraged the
their worth.

It was also resolved, that as the natives of this neigh.. T. Griffith,
bourhood are generally able to till the ground, and be- and Jones
lieving that they would be greatly bencfitted by being Placed, for I
allowed to occupy a small plot of ground to be cultivated works. Bu
by spade labour, on the same moderate terms as it io Plny, had
generally let out to the farmer it was therefore agreed to hayrick in
petition Earl Newbury, who holds property in this district, dragged out
that he would be pleand to apportion such small allot- rnenced an
ments to those applicants whom the committee would re. he .was m
commend. God grant that the petition may be sue- NO other ou

cessful. noon, Sir Ni
Another resolution appointed Mr. A. Deakin, as tres- House, whe
surer, and Mr. Charles Pearson, as secretary. men to lay
It is said that one great cause of the misery which his utmost i
exists here is the facility which Spain possesses of pro' diselosure;
clueing the metal at a much cheaper rate, and importing it bodied men
into this country, and selling it lower than it can be third class.
worked in England ; and that the Derbyshire miners mean following st
to petition for a restrictive duty. The age of restrictions' rt et, and ex
however, is passed. The Duke of Devonshire must refill' verbatim et
qiiish some of his perquisites, and then Spain, nor no gentleim
other country will come into the market with British skill, before you
enterprise, and industry. All we want is a clear stage and habitants of
no favour, and we fear not the result. First,—'
same pitch,

STATE OF NORTH WALES.

(From the Chester Courant of Tueeday.)

Our city and the whole of this county have been intro'
dated during the week with rumours of serious riots in
Wales, particularly at Wrexham, Rhuabon, Hawarden,
and Mold ; and to such an extent were the most ridiculous
tales propaged by the busy-bodies of the day, that at one
time it was gravely said, and by some believed, that the
Denbighshire Yeomanry Cavalry had been annihilated br
the mob, that the town of Wrexham and the houses in its
vicinity had been reduced to ruins, and that the mansion
of Sir W. W. Wynne had been sacked of all its valuable
contents. In order to set matters at rest, we made an ex'
cursion into the country, where we obtained such infor'
motion as enables us to say, that the working classes in
the northern parts of the Principality were never less
posed to riot than they are at present, although a good
deal of dissatisfaction prevails among them on the subject°
of employment and the remuneration they ought to receive
as wages.
About ten or twelve days ago, the colliers in Hawarden
and its neighbourhood turned out, and demanded of their,
employers an increase of wages, which, after a few days or
parley, they generally obtained. Inflated with this sue'
cess, they instantly communicated the result of their exec'
tions to the mineis and colliers in other parts of the court'
try, and it was soon evident that similar demands would
be made throughout the whole of the coal and mining die.'
iricts in North Wales. We have not heard that at tho
time there had been among the workmen any indicatiort°
of a spirit to riot, or to commit any breach of the peace i
they confined themselves exclusively, we believe, to °
" turn out," and to a remonstrance with their employer°
on the abject and distressed condition of the colliers
pointing out the necessity for an increase of wages. V°
may here remark, as will he seen by and by, that the eel'
Tiers and miners in this part of Wales have really been f°'
a long time in a most distressing situation, unable to earl'
by their hard and willing labour a fair proportion of the
necessaries of life. Late on Sunday night, the 26th ult"
Thomas Fitzhugh, Esq., of Plas Plover, received by ea'
press a letter from John Wynne Eyton, Esq., of Leeswoodt
urging him to forward it with the utmost despateh to
Sir Watkin Wynne, Colonel of the Denbighshire Yeo'
manry Cavalry, as the turn-outs would repair to Wre%'
ham on the following diy. This letter was itnmediatell
forwarded to Sir Watkin, who, without loss of timer
transmitted it to Captain Morris, with orders for SY
sembling all the members of the Yeomanry' Cavalry s'
Wrexham early on the following morning. Accord'
ingly, about ten o'clock on Monday, the streets 0'
Wrexham were paraded with the cavalry, where thei
remained inactive during the day. Towards the after',
noon a messenger was sent off to Mr. Wynne Eyton,
Leeswood, to ascertain if " the rioters" intended to rito
Wrexham or not ; and about five o'clock in the evening
he returned with a letter from Hawarden, soliciting
Sir Watkin to be there that night with his troops, or early'
on the following day. Between seven and eight o'clock
on Tuesday morning his troops assembled in Wrexham
as before, and proceeded to Hawarden ; but when thef,
had advanced a few miles on the road, they receive°,
information that the Ffrwd and Brymbo colliers ba°
joined, and were travelling in a body to Rhos Pollard'
rugeg, where they intended to coalesce with the work'
men there, and proceed to Acrefair. On the re;
ceipt of this news the cavalry turned to the left, and
by cross-lanes and bye.roade reached the back of Rhee
Llanercyrugog, where they found several hundred co!'
tiers assembled, but who were peaceable and not ind!'
eating the least symptoms of disorder. Sir Watkto
inquired of them what they wanted ? They replied(
" Employment, and an increase of wages." They were
recommended to disperse quietly to their bottles, as t?'
cavalry could do no good for them. The men either roll',
understood this advice, or refused to comply with it, ao'
the Riot Act was then read (query, in English?) by Mr'
Lloyd, of Wrexham. This was at Gutter-hill. TV
men stood in mute astonishment, seemingly not under'
standing what was meant ; when Mr. Roberts, a coal-rnas'
ter interfered, and begged that the cavalry might retire,
he had lived among the men and was certain they ;cool'
not do any harm. He likewise addressed the crowd, mill
were !standing on the brow of the hill, covered veit_AP
clinkers (the residuum of the iron ore). They replie'
they did not want the cavalry, and told Mr. Roberts to be
off, as they had plenty of clinkers at hand, which the;
could use if necessary. He went away, and severs
clinkers were hurled down the hill, as we are informed'
by women and boys, without doing the least injury to Oil
one. Several of the cavalry then endeavoured to charge
the bill, which was found impracticable, and three or o,i'r
blank cartridges were fired over the peoples' head''
which Sir Watkin reprobated in severe terms. Thy''
men were then captured, one of them (David Joie)
was instantly mounted, and strapped to a cavalry man'
accompanied by six others, and conveyed to Wreabt";
pi ison, which town the escort entered with their pist°,,
pointed at the prisoner's bead !! ! This created no Ittt
emotion and alarm among the inhabitants, as it was I'll 4
day time, and a great number of the country people li*o
assembled to enjoy themselves in the town. The t°'

SATUR
and the tc
universal
the collier
burst wit]
declared I
outs were
near Chit
Oswestry
and that 5.

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and neigh
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Were 300
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he called
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and not
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officers n.
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1001. Wa
The o
o'clock, 1
Sign of a

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they did
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(Dr. 1);
Archiepi