The Sun.
London, England, 1823-04-04 00:00:00

THE KIN©.

Ilmoirrox, APRIL `2.—lt is with much concern we state,
that his MAJESTY experienced a fresh attack of gout in his
foot last night, which, however, was as slight as sudden, and,
we have the happiness to add, that his Majesty was pronounced
much better this morning. At this time, half-past 9 o'clock,
r. St. the physician's report is equally favourable. A Council
would have been held at the Palace to-day, but for the above
event: its delay is not eicpected to exceed a day or two.

BRIGHTON, Thursday, March 3.—Three p. m.—
The slight bUt sudden re-visitation of gout in his Majesty we
mentioned yesterday. It is with extreme satisfaction we this
day add, that the promising symptoms of yesterday were not
fallacious. The gratifying report to enquirers at the Palace
this morning has been.—" Ills Majesty has had a good night,
and is much better to-day."
The Duke of YORK was often in public yesterday. ills
Royal highness, who is again looking remarkably well, has
beep in several of the streets to-day, though the weather has
been cool, and, at intervals, damp.

GIBRALTAR, MARCII B.—A Spanish squadron,
consisting of the A•iu, of 64 guns, Cosi/do frigate,
Arethusu corvette, and Aguita brig of war, ure
to cluise in the Mediterranean; under the com-
mend of Rear-Admiral VACARO.

Mr. CAPPER, the Superintendent of the Con-
vict Establishment, has reported to the Secretary
for the Home Department, " that a vast number
of the convicts, of late received on board the
hulks, have brought with them, from the respec-
tive jails, such reports of had character, that but
slight hope of reformation can be looked for by
their detention in any establishment in this
country."—On the Ist of January, 1822, there
were 2,807 prisoners on board all the convict-
ships? since which period there have been received
from the respective jails 2,200 (being 550 less
than the year 1821.) During the year, 1,470
have been transported to New South Wales,'
(being 550 less than the preceding year) ; 85
have been removed to the penitentiary ; 367 dis-
charged by pardon or otherwise ; 5 have escaped,
and 49 have died ;—leaving 3,031 prisoners in
confinement in the several depots on the Ist inst.

SECOND EDITION

SUN-OFFICE, Two o'Clock.

We stated in a Second Edition of THE SUN of
Wednesday last, that the FaEricit DECLARATION
of WAR had been received by our Government.
Yesterday was the day appointed for its dis-
cussion, with our Foreign Minister and the
French Ambassador; and we can state from au-
thority that his Excellency and Mr. CANNING
were closeted for two hours at Gloucester
Lodge yesterday, on this important subject.

\lre can also state, that the French Govern-
ment are exceedingly alarmed lest privateering
should he allowed by the British Government,
and by the probability that our seamen will volun-
teer in great numbers into that part or the Spanish
service. These measures, we are well assured,
the French Government is most anxious to pre-
vent ; and urgent representations have been
made on the subject to the British Cabinet.

There is not one word of truth in the reports
respecting the letter said to have been addressed
by the King of SPAIN to the French Government,
and countersigned by Sir WILLIAM A'CounT
for we positively know that the British Cabinet
has no such information.