The Sun.
London, England, 1812-05-21 00:00:00

(COPY)—No. I.

Note from Mr. C.iiiNt NG to Lord Witt L gsLEYi, enclosing
the Minute taken in Lord Liv ittioot.'s .presence, May

17, li tz.

Gloucester Lodge, May z 7, atz.
MY DEAR WELLESLEY,

I inclose the' Minute which I have taken in Lord
Liverpool's presence of the proposal which he was
charged to convey to me.
Ever, my dear Wellesley,
Sincerely and affectionately your's,
. (Signed) GEORGE CANNING.
P. S. I shall return a written answer to Lord Li-
verpool to-morrow.

(INCLOSURE)—No. T;
Minute of Conversation between Mr. CANNING and Lord

LIVERPOOL' dated 17th May, atz.
Gloucester Lodge, Sunday, May 17, atz.

Lord 'Liverpool stated to me, that he was com-
manded by his Royal Highness the Prince Regent
'to make me the following communication :

That upon the melanchloy event of Mr. Perce-
val's death, his Royal Highness being desirous of
continuing his Administration upon its present basis,
was desirous also of strengthening it as much as
possible, by associating to it such persons in public
life as agreed most nearly arid generally in the prin-
ciples upon which piiblic affairs had been con-
dueted ;

Thar with this view his Royal Highness naturally
looked to Lord Wellesley and to me ;

That he (Lord Liverpool) was authorised to ex-
press the disposition of all his colleagues to as with
Lord Wellesley ,and me, under an.arrangement
which might be at once consistent with their own
honout and duty, and honourable and satisfactory

:0 US;

That with
,respea to Lore Castlereagh, it was
fair, that it should be disiinBly understood, that
the situation in- which he stands both in this Go-
vernment, and in the House of Commons, was to

be preserved to him ;
That with respe& to official airangements, he
(Lord L.) would not have been the bearer of any
proposition to me, but one which was understood as
comprising my friends. In answer to a question .
put by me, Lord L. stated, that his colleagues were
desirous, that be should be appointed to the office of
First Lord of the Treasury; and that this desire
was known to the Prince Regent, when H. R. H.
commanded Lord Liverpool to undertake this com-

mtmication.
Lord Liverpool added, that he was ready to an-
swer any other inquiry that I might wish to make;
or to clear up any thing that he might have im-
perfetily explained. I said, that I thought it better
to receive his communication just he gave it to
me ; and to defer making any remark, or giving any
answer whatever, until I should have communicated
it to my friends : Lord Liverpool himself undertak-
ing to see Lord Wellesley.
I would only, therefore, ask—Whether I was to
consider the opinion and policy of the Government
as remaining altogether unchanged upon the qw.s-
tion relating to the lay.s aft Ling the Roman Ca-

tholies ?
Lord Liverpool answered, that his own opinions
upon this subjea remained unchanged; and that he
was not aware that those of his Colleagues had un-

dergone any change.
I then wrote this minute in. Lord Liverpool's
presence; which he read over, and suggested such
correaions as appeared to him necessary- for making
it perfealy accurate.
(Signed)
May t 7, atz.

No. 11.

GEORGE CANNING

MINUTE Of CONVERSATION between Lord WELLESLEY
and Lord LIVERPOOL, I;,th May, 1812,.
Apsley-House, 17th May, 181 z, past g, p. m.
Lord Liverpool came to me immediately after
his visit to 11,-. Canning, and remained with me
for about half an hour. Soon after Lord Liver-
pool's departure, I received the ainexed paper from
Mr. Canning -*

Lord Liverpool's conversation with me was sub-
stantially the same as that which is described to have
passed with Mr. Canning. Any -difference which
appeared, arose necessarily from my questions, and
observations, which were made without knowledge
of what passed between Lord Liverpool and Mr.
Canning., After receiving Lord Liverpool's verbal
communication, nearly in the terms stated' by •Mr.
Canning, I inquired, list.) what was to be the
policy of the Government will) relation to the
Roman Catholics? To this,quesiion Lord Liverpool
returned the smile, answer stated in Mr. Can-
ning's paper to have been returned to a similar ques-
tion. _

• I observed to Lord Liverpool, that he was
apprised of my opinion, that our efforts in the Pe-
ninsula had been concluded on an 'inadequate and
impelled scale, which could not be expelled to dc-
complish the ultimate objeds of the war in
_that
* Vide Mr. CanniDg's Minute, No. a.

quarter : that had for a long I'mz conb:dor.t-A in et
tension of our system in the Peninsula to be indis-
pensably necessary, and easily practicable : that I
was aware of the impropriety (in my present situa-
tion) of urging any detailed questions to Lord Liver-
pool on this point ; but, that I mentioned it now,
because it must form a principal consideration in
my answer to the proposition which he had brought
to me, •

Lord Liverpool said, that he did not agree in my
opinion respecting the scale of the efforts which we
had hither to made in the Pcninsula,which he thought
as great as it had been possible to make ; that there
never had been any limit to our exertions in that
quarter, but what arose out of the question of-prac-
ticability (that is, the means of increasing and sup-
plying our armies) ; and that he had never heard
any specific plan by which those means might have
been carried further, though the subje6t had been

often most anxiously considered in my presence :
that circumstances had occurred since my resigna-
tion, which did not then exist, and into the parti-
culars of which -it Would not be proper for him to
enter at this time, winch might enable Govern-
ment to extend, to a certain degree, the military'
operations in the Peninsula; and the system of him-
self and his colleagues would be, as he contended
they always had been, to make the greatest efforts
in the cause of the Peninsula which the-iesources of
the country rendered possible. •
idly, I inquired whether all the general consti-
tuent part; of the present Cabinet were to remai❑ ?
He informed me that they were in general to re-
Main. He believed it was known to me that some
of the Members of the Cabinet had been long de-
sirous of retiring, and would be ready, therefore,
now to afford facilities to any new arrangement.

In answer to a question put. by rue respecting
Lord Sidmouth and his friends, he said they were to

remain.

4thly, I stated to Lord Liverpool that I made no
inquiry respecting the proposed distribution and al-
location of offices , because that circumstance would
not constitute the basis of my decision upon the
proposition which he had brought to me.
Lord Liverpool observed, that the distribrition of
offices was a (natter open to future adjustment, to
be regulated for the honour of all paaies.
sthly, When Lord Liverpool informed me, that
the leading in the House of Commons was to be
preserved to Lord Castlereagh, I remarked, that in
any situation which I might ever hold in any Ad-
ministration, I should feel great obligation to any
Member of the Government who would undertake
that charge, which was called. the .leading in-the
Home of Parliament in which I sat ; although I was
fully aware of the great importance which that
charge necessarily conveyed to the person who ex-
ercised it, and of the great influence which it must
give 'to him in the general Administration and Pa-
tronage of the Government.
6thly, I desired to know, whether all those per-
sons now designated by the name of the " Oppo-
sition," were to be excluded from the tproposed
scheme of Administration ?
Lord Liverpool answered, that no principle of ex-
clusion was intended ; but that be was not autho-
rized to make any proposal to any persons of the
description which I had mentioned
7thly, Considering:the course which Lord Liver-
pool had observed in making this communication, I
asked him, whether he applied to me by command
of the Prince Regent, as a part of Mr. Canning's
suite reminded Lord Liverpool of the constant
and unabated exertions which I had made to open
every avenue for the return of Mr. Canning to the
-public service; remarking at the same time, that- I
never bad' attempted to press that point beyond the
honour and feelings of Mr. Perceval's Administra-
tion. I stated, that I could not consider any Ad-
ministration to be constituted on a foundation of
justice towards individual talents and services, or'
towards the interests of the country, in which Mr.
Canning should not hold a high efficieot station.
But I added, that Mr. Canning was under no en-
gagement to rue which could preclude his accept-
ance of any Office which might be offered to him ;
that, on the other hand, Mr. Canning. would cer-
(airily make the same declaration with 'regard to my
perfe6t freedom. Lord Liverpool said,. that he had
pursued this course of communication, being con-
vinced, that under the present circumstances, f would
not accept Office, unless a fair proposal was made
to Mr. Conklin. I declared to Lord Liverpool, that

he was corre.-t• in Allis...view of my sentiments to-
wards 'Mr.-Canning; repeating, however, that Mr.
Canning and I were ptrfealy free to. as as each
might think fit, and that our agreement in many
great public principlis could not'affea questions of
mere official arrangement.
Oily, I expressed my wish to receive this com-
munication in writing; to answer it in writing; and
,
also to submit my sentiments upon the whole trans-
action in an audienceiof the Prince Regent. ' •
Lord Liverpool informed me, that Mr. Canning
would transmit to me a copy of the Minute of Lord

Liver*lit conversation 'taken in iris pri3iseke, etid
Lord Literpsol desired the to consider that Paper *as
the written cotiacrinnicaticn Which I wished tfteceive.
I agreed to Lod pool's propOsal on this point.
I then infdrnted Lord LiVetpoot that I would return
my answer in writing to that Paper. Whatever might
be. the tenour of my answer, with regard to the
great public considerations on which it niust bsit,
founded, I expressed my hope, that Lord Liverpool
would be assured of my Sincere perEonal respe& and
esteem. I now transmit this Minute to Lord
Liverpool, requesting him to idsert any correLtioh
which he may thick requisite.,
May 18, 1812. (Signed) WELLESLEY.
COrieC;led by Lord Liverpool, ,and retained to
me. •

(Signed) WELLESLF_T.

No. 111.

Note from Mr. CAN t,ING to Lord WELLEs LEY, enclosing*
Letter to Mr. CANNING from Lord LIVEIirOOL, relat.ibc
to Lord CASTLEREAGH,

(Copy.)

Gloucester-Lodge, Sunday night, May 17, au,.
My DEAR WELLESLEY,

I have just received from Lord Liverpool a letter,
of which the inclosed is a copy. I transmit it to
you to be added, according to his desire, to the
copy of the minute of his verbal communication of
this morning.

Ever atleaion2tely your's,
G. C.

Copy in No. 111.
Lard LiiinKroot. to Mr. CANHINC
(Private.)

MT DEAR CANNING,

Fife-house, May 17, art.

I think, upon reflection, it is due to Lord Castle"
reagh to state, in writing, what I mentioned to
you, verbally, that from motives of delicacy, be
absented h4nself from the Cabinet, on the occv.
sions on which . the subjea in your Memoranduiss
was determined.

tO
I did not, however, make the communication
you, without having reason .to know that he woula
be no obstacle in the way of an arrangement,fotuk
ed on the principles stated in the Memorandum-

I will beg of you w communicate this !owl 141
any persons to whom you way communicate tb.

Memoraodutu.

(S;gned)
To the Right Ron. George Canaing.

LiviorooL;

No. IV.
Copy of a Letter from the Marquis Wzr-ttstry to the "I,
of Livsaroor., transmitting Lord W.'s Reply to Logi

LIVERPOOL'S Proposal.

A psley.House, May iS, 18t2, half-past three p. ra"
MY DEAR LORD, the
enclose a paper, containing my reply to
communication which you were so kind 119
make to me yesterday. Although I find (Weil
compelled to decline s the proposal which 1°
conveyed,, I request you to accept my grateld,
0
thanks for the amicable and satisfatlory manner
which you communicated with me; and to be °41,.
sured, that I shall always entertain the meat
and' coidial, sentimeres of personal respe=l
esteem for you.

Believe me, my der Lord,

Most sincerely your's.
(Signed) WEi.LssISI

Earl of Liverpool,

In. (No. IV.),
nsi
Lord VE;,LasLEY's reply t(.., Lord LIVERPOOL'S TOP—gt,,
Apsley-House, MaY rj
From the communication received throng' )4).0
Liverpool; I understand, that his Royal.Nighodeta
the Prince Regent has been gmcioualy-Ple3Ef —rgo
signify his desire of strengthening his Adinill's-3.11,
tion upon' its present basis, by associating oe
it as one of those persons who agree Most
and generally in the principles upon whiel)

at-Lirs have been cor.duaed.
~e the
From the same connnunication 1 also del'
gratifying intelligence, tl:at all Lord Liverpo4s
leagues have authorised him to express a die-311'9'1
„ tco*
to a& with me, under an .arrangetnetit 0"-i5
'with their
,own honour and duty, and 11"6ur3

and satiNfaaory' to. me.
Repeat
I receive this notification of the Prince
A 304'
commands with t vet)/ sentiment of duty so— ;0
tion, while it affords me Matter of. just slti'fa6l.
„
that, to the distinguished ,honour of s' l' '
flooti
scending notice from his Royal Highness, 16
2 teem
so high a testimony of the confidence alla esteeot
of all the respeaable persons Composing his Pt`''
Xdminitration.' t.cf`tY
With all humility towards the exalte,l [1,6
frOna which this proposition proceeds,. arid i;
most Sincere.regard for those. through "°(.-
it
,conveyed, I _must, however, declaro; that,
have declined it at the first instant Of its aPPrO'ob cot
if , motives of deference and stibrnisi.he
. atta
had not imposed upon me the obligation
ef cb
re
ing it with respeaful coasideration• aposli
The proposition necessarily rests upon
tion, that I entertain no such, di:Terence °' oulj
sentiment with the present Adtninis;rotion, 85 5
preclude me from acing with them, tic*
der an i

See Mr. Canning's Minute, r°•

ranement compntiblp. with our mutual and re.
spedive honour wird duty.

But. it appears fro:n Lofd Livrrponl'S candid and
explicit sta!emenL, ti.at, u;-,on the important ques-
tion, which regards the laws atleCling the Roman
Catholics, Lord Liverpool's opinions remain un-
changed ; nor is 'he aware, that the sentiments of
Lis Colleagues, on -that subjea, have undergone any

change.
I must therefore conclude, that the policy which
has been pursued respeaing the Roman Catholics,
during the present Session of Parliament, is to be
continued without abatement ; the general consti-
tuent parts of the present Cabinet are to remain un-
changed ; the highest and most of offices in
the State, therefore, are to be tilled by personS who
still conceive themselves to be bound by duty, he-
nour, and conscience, n'ot only to resist any miti-
gation of the present condition of the Roman Ca-
tholics, but even to prevent the Consideration of the
,laws which aged that large portion or the popula-

ton of the empire.
cannot concur in the principle on which thq
present AdMinistration has conducted this important
branch of pubic affairs : on this point, I have re-
cently expres•ed the strongest difference of opinion
With the present Administration.

The declaration ot Lord Liverpool precludes the
Lope ot any such change in the policy of the pre-
sent Adminkira;ion towards the Roman Catholics as
could sAisty my judgment. This difference is of
the utmost importance : without any other ob-
st2ck, therefore, this alone compeis me to decline
the proposition which Lord Liverpool has conveyed
to me.

.1 entertain a confiA:nt expatiation, that whun
the Prince Regent shad have considered the nature
of this difficulty, he will extend his indulgence to
my humble representation, and will relieve we from
tha pressure of commands, which I could not obey
Without a sacrificing a public principle of the highest
obligation.

These observations comprise a sufficient reply to
the communication received through Lord Liverpool.
But I deem it to be a duty towards tht. Pr'nce Regent
to declare, that the considerations which induced me
on the 1911 of February', to resign the station which
I had the honour to held in his Royal Highness's
service, have accrired a,idiiitional force since that
time, and would constitute an insJperable obstacle
to my acceptance of any station in the present ad-
tainistration.

I originally expre,sed my desire to withdraw from
Mr. Percevars Administration, because my g:lieral
opinions, for a long time past, on%arious importani
questions, had nor suth knt weight ;n that Cabm::t
to justify me towards the public, or towards my

•
'own character, in continuing in office.
My objetlons to remaining in that Cabinet arose,
in a great degree, from the imperfe& sale on which
the efforts in the Ptnin•uia were conducted. It was
41ways sated to me, that it %as -.mpr.ielicable to en-
large that system. I thought that i► was perfeMtv
practicable to extend the plan in the Peninsula, and
that it was neither safe nor honest towards this coun-
try or the Allies to continue the present Inadequate
scheme.

From Lord Liverpool's statement upon this point,
it is evident, that since my resignation, it has been
tittd pratticable to make some extension of the
sYslem
.in the Peninsula; but it is still intimated,
that my VirWS are more extensive than the resources
Of the country can enable the Government to re-
,
tluLe to praciice. I, however, still entertain ihe
'rle views and opini(.ns, without diminntion or
Itt•tation ; and .I am convinced,, that a considerable
Ittension of the scale of our operations in the Perlin-
"a. and also an effectual corredion of many
Ilranches of our system in that quarter, are °b-
ites of indispensably necessity, and of easy at-
tainment:

• With such a decided difference of of Won' in re,
14100 to the conduct and management of the war,,
return into a Cabinet composed as .the present
would offer to me no better prospect than the
renewal of discussions which have hitherto proved
Unavailing.
learn from Lord Liverpool, that he has re-
te,ived no authority, in forming the iniended,Admi-.
to make any proposal to any Of those
Persons
.now designated by the Millie of " The Op-
Position." •
„ My, inquiry on this paint originated in.a sincere
rviClion, (founded upon, an attentivei observation
the general state of public opinion, and of the
odition of the Empire), that • no AdMinistration,
I:bleb shall not comprise some of those -persons„ can
olave advantageous to the Prince Regeni, concilia-
thrY towards Ireland, 'and equal to tire conduct of
e war on a scale of sutlicient extent.
r
of has been stated erroneously, that: the first.atc,t
str.the Prince Regent upon, his approach to mire-
jCied authority, was to establish Mr. Perceval's
wolinistration: but the fact I', than bis it());11
149ess's• first ad at that crisis was to
foertZvai'l Administration ; and to endea., to
as" a Cabinet upon a more extended' and liberal
-111e18- This endeavour was frustrated at. th:4. mo-
pren_t; and the formation of such a Cabinet e'as re-
letitctcl to his Royal Highness to be impral tlcable,
fror.suas, however,. since :,?.peared evid,nt nat.,
„44. .44 tt)e cliscusttions and (I:el:nations which I have

~.

Witnessed in ParliarncA;-Ikat Lls Iloyai Highness's
bene..olent intentions on that subjea are now p.tr-
redly practicable; and that their accornplishment
would toad to promote interna: peace and tranqui-
lity, and to invigorate the whelp system of cur ex-
ternal operation,
Impressed with this sentiment I should be untrue
to his Royal Highness's interests and honour, a 5 well
as to the prosperity of the. Empire, if I condoned
in any arrangement of an Administration which did
not include a fair and full consideration of this most
important point.

After such a dispassionate consideration, my opi-
nion is, that a Cabinet might be formed, on ati in-
termediary principle respeOing the Roman Catholic
claims, equa:ly exempt from the dangers of instant,
unqualified concession, and from those of inconsi-
derate, peremptory exclusion; the entire resources
of the empire might be applied to the great, objects
of the war‘ with general consent, upon a full un-
derstanding of the real exigency of the present cri-
sis; and concord and union at home might secure
ultimate and permanent success abroad.
(Signed) WELLESLEY.

(CorY.)
TO THE MARQUIS WELLESLEY.
Fife-House, May r 9, 1812.

My DaAR Logo,---After the receipt'of the Paper
which you sent to me in the afternoon of yesterday,
I should certainly have felt it to be unnecessary and
fruitless to trouble you with any further correspond-
ence, if I were not desirous to correct the misappre-
hension into which you appuar to have fallen re-
specting my opinions, and those of my colleagues,
upon the. Roman Catholic question.
In ihe communication which passed between us
on Sunday, as well as that which I previously had
with Mr. Canni.sr, I certainly stated my opinions
upon the Roman °Catholic question tosremain un-
changed, and 'that I was not aware that these of tny
colleagues had undergone any change.
With respect to myself individually, I must pro-
test against its being inferred trorn any declaration of
mine, that it is, or ever has been, my opinion that
under no circumstances it wotild be possible to mane
any alteration in the laws respeCting the Rom in Ca-
tholics.

Upon the last occasion on which the subj,!et was
discussed in Parliament, I exessly stated, that
circumstances might arise, in wh;cb, in my judg-
ment, some alteration in those laws would be ad-
visable. I have always been desirous of hearing
the specific proposition which w.ould explain dis-
tinctly, what part of the existing setunt,es it was
intended to repeal. Wh,t part it Was iotended to
preserve, and what were •he new securities which
it has been woken declared, must bz. constitu ed in
the place of some of those which ate at present in
force.

1, have never heard any satk:actory expllnation
on this point.

I will fairly own, that in the present state of the
opinions and feelings of the Roman enhol'es, I d
not believe such a projoti to be prarAieAble, e‘nsist-
ently with the attainment of the avo..ed onjt•cis of
satisfying- the Roman Catholics, and of af-
fording an adequate cecurity .to the Established
Church and Constitution.

Entertaining this opinion I have felt it to be my
duty to continue to resist a Pirkirnernary Inquiry,
on that st.bjeci, which, in my 'judgment would be'
productive of no other effed than that of alarming
the Protestantson the one hard, and of deluding and
deceiving the Roman Catholics on the other,

With-resped to tie opinions of my Colleagues,
there are some who entirely agree with me in the
view which I have taken of this question; but I am
sure it must be known to you, from discussions at
which r,,u have been present, that there are others
who have always entertained and avowed different
opinions from those professed by rue upon some
parts of this subjea.
You must rccol►.eB that considerations of a very
high importance, but which might be only tempo-
rary in their nature, induced us all, up to a very late
period, to be decidedly of opinion. that it was not
proper that tinder such circumstances the measure
should be entertained.

You may be of opinion that since the month of
February List these considerations have ceased to be
in force. But they are still regarded by others as
not having l►►st their weight. -Be4ides the considera-
tions to which I have referred the condutt and
temper which the Roman Catholics have been in-
duced to manifest, the principle upon which the
question has been brought forward, thecircumstances
of Europe at this time, gave rise to obje6lions which
are felt in a greater or less degree by different per-
sons.

I have thought this explanation due to my col-
leagues and to myself.
In one point we are all agreed, that, this is not
the moment at which the question ought to he en-
tertained, with a view to any immediate practical
consequence. lam aware, that in this sense of
our, duty, Our opinionl may be at variance with
ymr's : but it is material that these opinions should
not be misunderstood, or subjed to the interpreta-
tion to which my silence might render them liable,
if I had not returned some answer to that part of
vol3l'
Jr . _

Upon the ssubjeEt of the manner in which the
war in .the Periin,ula has been managed, I forbear
entering into any particular* at present ; but I
think it :material to observe, with resped to my
declaration, that since your'resignation it, had been
found practicable Ito make some extensicn of the
military efforts in the Peninsula, that it has not
arisen from any meanS'which • were in existence at
the time when you were in office, and in which
there
,had been th6n any indisposition, or chjedion
ro direct to that objeci, but that it has gt‘own out of
events which subsequently, occurred, and which
may place at the disposal-of Government means
Which weie at that time unavoidably applied to an-
whet service.

As this letter is merely explanatory, I will not
give you the trouble
.of returning any answer to
it ; but lanrsure you will see the justice and pro-
priei); consideri4 it as a part of the correspond-
ence which has passed between us on the subject to
which, it relates. I-atn, &c.

(Signed)
'Marciuis Wellesley, K. G.

LIVERPOOL.

Rd PERS
RELATIVE TO LORD LIVERPODL's PROPOSiIL
TO MR. CANNING, MA): 17,1812.

L Minutes of Lord LIVER rooL's conversation with Mr.
CAN:: and Lord LIVE.R POOL'S subsequent ii-!ter to
Mr. CANNING, dated Sunday night, May 17, are given in
the preceding part of our Paper. Mr. CANNING'S an-
Ewer to Lord Ltvz a root. is as follows :
Gloucester Lodge, May it, i 312.
MY DEAR LIVERPOOL,

I have communicated to such of my friendi as I
had an immediate opportunity of consulting, .the
minute, taken hi your presence, of the proposition
which you conveyed to me yesterday.

In a case in which I felt that my decision either
way might be liable to misapprehension, I was de-
sirotAs rather coiled the opinions of persons whose
judgment I esteem, than to aft on the impulse of
my own first feelings.

Tne result of their opinions is, that, by entering
into the Adminisration upon the terms propoSed to
me, I should incur such a loss of personal and public
charader as would diSappoint the obj,-.Ct which his
Royal flighneSs the Prince Regent lies at heart
and must render my accession to his Government a
neW source Of Weakness, rather than an addition of
strength.

To become a part of your Administration with
the previous knowledge of your unaltered opinions
as to the policy of resisting all consideration of the
State of the laws affecting hiS Majesty's Roman Ca-
tholic subjects; would, it is felt, be to lend myself
to the defeating of my own declared opinions on that
most important questiwi : opinions which are as far
as those of any man from being favourable to preci-
pitate and unqUalified concession ; but which rest
on the 'conviation that it is the duty of the advisers
of the Crown, with a view to the peace, tranquility,
and strength Of the empire, to take that whole
question into their early and serious consideration,
and earnestly to endeavour to bring it to a final and
satisfaCtory settlement.
With this result of the opinion of those whom
have consulted my own entirely concurs and such
being the ground of my decision, it is wholly un-
necessary to advert to any topics of inferior im-
portance.

After the expressions, however, with which you
were charged on the part of all your colleagues, I
should not be %%arranted in omitting to declare, that
no objeaion of a personal sort should have prevented
me from uniting with any, or all of them, in the
public service, ill could have done so with honour ;
and if, in my judgment, a Cabinet, so constituted in
aff its parts, could have afforded to the country,
under its present grew and various difficulties, an
adeqUately efficient Administration.

I cannot deny myself the satisfaction of adding,
that the manner of your communication wilh me
has entirely corresponded with the habits and senti-
meats of a friendship of so many years; a friend-
ship which our general concurrence on many
great political principles has strengthened, and
which our occasional differences have in 'no degree
impaired.

On the public grounds which I have stated, I
must entreat you to lay at the feet of the Piince
Regent, together with the warmest expressions of
my dutiful attachment to his Royal Highness, and
of my acknowledgment fOr the favouiable opinion
which his Royal Highness has been graciously
pleased to entertain of me, my hcmble but earnest
prayer to be excused from accepting office on terms
which, by a sacrifice of public chargier, must ren-
der me inefficient for the service of his • Royal
Highness's Government.
I presume, at the smile time, humbly to solicit
an audience of the Prince Regent, for the plume of
explaining in person to his Royal Higtineh the
grounds..of my condua, on an occasion which I
should be grieved to think, that his Royal High-
. •
ness could, for a moment, consider me as wanting
either in duty to his Royal Highness, or in. zeal for
the public set vice and of assuring his Royal High-
ness that my inability to assist in forwarding his
Royal Highness's purpose of procuring strength to
his administration, on the plan which has been
suggested by his. •ROyal Highness's confidential ser-
vants, does not arise from ,any disposition„ on moy
part, to shrink from the encounter of those
ditli-
culties which press, at this time, upon the country
arid upon the Crown., J. am, &c. •
(Signed) GEORGE CANNING.

EXTRAORDINAIiY ,COINCIDENCE.--411 ibe Law
List for 181 V, page tog, is the following statehleia
(verbatim), wider the head of
.6 COURT OF EXCHrQUER."
" Chancellor—Right .Hen. Spencer Perceval."
66 Secretary to the Chancellor—Sit Wm: /3,:iiingham,Knt.."

The name of " Bellingham" occurs in the print
exaei ly as it does above, immediately under that
of Pet ceval.

There is a singular passage in MOOR E'S Alma-
pack for the present year, which May gratify the
curiosity of our Readers. After stating the unfa-
vourable position of the Planets at the end of the
Spring Quarter, it says " that their opposition may
tend to frustrate the ablest designs for the public
service, if not hasten the death of some great Luau.
We are, indeed, fatten in evil days.".