Star.
London, England, 1810-02-09 00:00:00

FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION,

At the London Tavern; Foxhole-itrtet; Plymouth, on Friday,
the 16th day of February instant, at Noon,
I'HE CARGO of the French ship LE ZEPHYR,
consisting of-
-134 Hlids. superior Red French 68 Iron Pots
Wine 7 Kegs Paint
,
5 Kegs French Brandy 1 Trunk & 1 tale §uidries
3 Casks Hams 59 Stone Jars Oil
30 Casks and 6 Bagl Bread 2 , Ditto Potted Meat
i 30 Barrels Flour 2 Casks & 2 Bags Cal:mantes
15 Half Barrels Beef G 5 Cases Red Wine
23 Dittd Pork 9 Ditto White Wine
117 Casks Tar 18 Gals: each 20 Ditto Oil in Bottlet
20 Ditto Pitch 10 Ditto Pickles
1 Ditto Rosin 1 Ditto Verdigris
324 Bars Square Iron 1 Ditto Glass
62 Ditto Flat irem 2 Mud Candlei
12 Buniles NAll Rod 4 3 Ditto Sundries
24 Ditto Iron Hoops
At the same tinit will be Sold, her Ordnance and other Ship
Stores; and also the Ordminee and other Stores landed from the
French private brig of war le Rodeur.
The whole captured by his Majesty's ship la StINR, Davin
A ral Na, tasq. Commander, and condemned as Prfte.
For Catalogues, &c. apply to Mr. JOHN HAWKER,
Plymouth, Feb. 4, 1810. Merchant, Plymouth.

FOR GOUT, RHEUMATISM, NERVOUS COMPLAINTS,
INDIGESTION, &c.
OXLEY's CONCENTRATED ESSENCE OF
JAMAICA GINGER. This useful Medicine is recom-
mended by several eminent medical Men, and is in constant use
with many Persons of the hietest rank and respectability. It re-
lieves and shortens the duration of Fits of the Gout, confining
them td the extremities and mitigating the yaroirtnis ; it removes
those unpleasant symittorns arising from weakness of the Stomach
and Bowels, viz. Flatulency, Indigestion, and Oppreisicin after
eating ; in Nervous Complaints it wartas and invigorates the Sto-
mach, creates Appetite, and assists Digestion, and thereby
strengthens the whole system.
Prepared by the Ineentor and Proprietor. Sarruiel Oxley, her
Majesty's Chymist ; and sold by Hudson and Co. Chyrnists, No.
27, Haymarket, London; sold also by Butler, 4, Cheap
skle
Barclay and Son, 95, Fleet Market ; and most of the Medicine
Venders throughout the United Kingdom in bottles, at 105. 01.
is. 6d. aad as. 94. each. . .

•

•••

EXPORTS AND IMPORTS.
Earl BATHUILST presented several Accounts of
Imports and Exports, during the last • three years.—
The Noble tad availed himself of the opportunity to
express a high and marked eulogium on the prosperity
of our commerce during that period, especially during ,
the last two years ; in doing which he observed, thet
if there bad been any diminution in the trade which
we carried on with the United States of America, it'
was amply made up by the increase of oui trade with'
the rest of America.
Lord GRENVILLE had expected that the Noble
Lord would have moved for the printing of these'
papers before he pronounced such a flattering pane-
ffric upon the commerce of the country. As it is,
he had the reciprocity all with himself, and no per-
sokcould contradict him. But he pledged himself,
that *hen those Papers should be read, he, for one,
would prove, to the conviction of the House, that the
panegyric of the Noble Earl was fouuded upon delu-
sion. He Wes proceeding, when
The CHANCELLOR spoke to or, !er, observing
that there was no question before the House. This
brought on a short discussion between the Lords
Grenville. Bathurst, and Holland, which ended in
Lord GRENVILLE moving that these Papers be
printed ; to which their Lordships agreed.
ADMIRAL LORD GAMBIER.
Lord MULGRAVE presented the Sentence of
the Court Martial on Lord Gambier. His Lordthip
then proceeded, in pursuance of his notice, to move
the thanks of the House to the Right Hon. Lord
, Gambier, Admiral of the White, for his conduct in
Basque Roads. The Noble Lord introduced his
motion with paying every tribute, of applause, not
only to the Noble Admiral for his conduct upon that
occasion and all others, but also to the several Offi-
cers and men who contributed by their valour and
their skill to destroy the French fleet in those Roads.
He named in a particular manner Captain Woolridge,
Captain Beresford, and Lord Cochrane, and con-
cluded an energetic speech with moving the thanks
as above stated.
Lord HOLLAND did not rise to oppose the Vote
of Thanks to Lotd Gambier, but to express his asto-
' nishenent that it was moved at all, especially when
he reflected that after so long a delay, the same Noble
Lord who signed the warrant for his Court Martial,
should be the identical individual who should call
upon the House to give him their thanks for the very
same cdoclat, that but a few months ago was deemed
by that very Noble Lord worthy to be made the suh:
ject of a erimihal enquiry. If he had not known that
the Noble Lord opposite to him (Mulgrave) was a
rank enemy to popery, he would have imagined that
it was his intention to have Sainted the Noble Ad-
miral, and to use that mode which was always in the
darker ages attributed to the devil's advocate, namely,
" by first making him a sinner."
Viscount MELVILLE said, the country had ei-
pressed a general feeling of satisfaction when the dis-
patches first announced thenoble conduct of Lord Gam-
bier. It was not the approbation of the nation for ships
destroyed, or ports blockaded, but when the account
arrived, it held out that if the enemy's ships left their
harbours and took shelter under their batteries, Bri-
tish valoui would destroy them. The Noble Viscount
then defended the conduct and character of Lord
Gambier, between whom and LordCochrane he made
a materi.d distinction. What was the situation of the

.

Table.
Mh.VictiARTON tweeistil fl*
ing in his Majesty *lain pads of
The Office Remit& BM eta i 'ead a
The Report Of the Conishittee Of Si44lli w. _
the ResolutiOns agreed
The CHANCELLOR. of the EXCHEQUER agreed to the
production of all the Papers relative col Mct limasWa's
in America, which were on a farmer night Incited tillA
Wittraa e4t Di with the exception of one dated the t 7
11100: 'He said he groUndetl thlt ezeiptlon on MN Piper not hav-
ing been delidered to the Rothe of Lords.
Mi. WHITBREAD said, when be made bit motion, it cer-
tainly was for such papers as *ere produced to the House of
Lord's. The Right Min. Gentkaffin hid therelbre not done less
than" fie required.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER moved as .4.6•
dress to his Majesty for certain other America& Papers.
deed.
1,, eSsAdE FR6SI
The CHANCELLOR Of thi EXC QUER presented at
the Bar a Message from his Majeity,Whleb, bein restfiessioun the
!Chair; perpotted to be " That his Majesty, bohno to
confer a; signal mark of honour . std favour on Lord Wawa
Wettington, for his eminent services, particularly *the glorious
victory of 'filavert, requested bib faithful COMB*. to enable
him to grant to Baron Dads Lott Vbarant We on, and to
two of his heirs in succestior4 a net annuity of 110S0i."
-The Message stas ordered to be taken list consideration co
Friday seunight, in the Committee of Supply.
AUSTRIAN PitlsAnt.
Lord CASTLEREAGH saved is Addresa to the King, for
the production of certain Papers from the Court of Aawria. Ha
said, he was extremely &dross to meet this litgeity its all the
points of view. He willed to take all respo yon Heeedt,
as to Austria having desired the attack to be mode in another
quarter. He was certain that could not have been done with so
much effect, as in the quarter in which It teat made. He wee
-therefore desirous to have those Papers, in order that he might
be prepared to argue, add to thew that the Elpedittoe as seder-
taken, was the best mode adapted to the situation and nevem-
ounces of this country. He would not therefore trouble. the
further at prelent, than to move as Address to his Ma..
" That he would be graelously pleased to order that there be
laid before the House, Copies of all such Dispatches as had been
received front the Aitstriaa Government in 109, relative to the
employment of a British Force on the Continent, as may be com-
municated without prejudice to the public service."
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said, that with
-.the excepticni of ouch papers as would not by their production"
injure the public Service, he could have no objection to the :lo-
tion of the Noble Lord.
Mr: WHITBREAD said, be was glad to see the Noble Lord
was so different from his late Colleagues. His declaration jest
made was most manly and open, and be hoped the Hoene would
support him, in calling for such papers as he might think neces-
sary to be produced in defence of his conduct.
I.6rd CASTLEREAGH said, he apprehended all such Papers
as he should require might be produced without any prejudice to
the public service; and he wished fur the most ample inquiry
and investigation.--The emotion was then agreed to.
WA LCH EMT EXPEMTIO:t.
Mr. TIERNEY moved the Order of the Day, for going into
the Inquiry.
On the question that the Speaker do leave the Chair,
Mr. YORKE Matte his usual. motion, for the exclusion of
stammers, and the gallery was cleared
[After die ettelosioa of strnagon, last night, front the Howe of
Commons, the House haying resolved itself into the Committee
of Inqiiiry, Sir Timmins Tstoot and Sir Romer Geottoe were
examined at the Bar, as to the nature and extent of the ar-
rangements In the Tnmpoet end Commissariat Departments.
General Cosvesio woe tires oiled in, end questioDeo as to the
aigkari preperations iseivracy at the &speedos. We under-
stood him to have doshook inallosioo to the policy and probable
rank of that service; that he had** doubt item thekst, of the
beef Wskietenl bee did set imagine any other advantage Ira
lately to be risen s& NM. PWRAII and C.oloool Goaosest were
dem examined at combieraide logth, and diortly after Ow
itiChadi thie atm:dog the House adjourned.]

•
_ • .

, l

-

MINUTES OF EVIDENCE.
TAKEN BEFORE THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HOUSE,
APPOINTED TO CONSIDER OF THE POLICY AND CON-
DUCT OF THE LATE EXPEDITION TO EWE SCHELDT:

4 Mato fu. yea arttliinit:prac iie statement
ave es that kwirepresents Atka as drained as kw,
.hart that of itny=periotkdriegular troops,
Lead it may he shmed, that we can never
find the enemy mote.estigo ortid or more assailalsk in that qu,
nor is it probable that Great Britain will ems have a larger
rouble force applicable to suds a service Mint at the present nu.
went.-1 have, &c. (Signed) " CA.STLERZAGII•
" The Righty Hon. the Commander fn Chief, Ike'
transmitted (lune 3d) to Lord Cantheastacn, in answer
to his Letter of the 29th sy, 1809.
" The object to be attained asatated; B a most important and
desireable one, but the forcjame have to employ must be consi-
dered, and the difficulties aml tasks they have to micoonter from
the enemy's strength and liikantages, must be Well weighed.—
Our utmost means may be reckoned at about 23 or 90,000 infan-
try, and sor 6000 cavalry. There appears to be two-routes by
which such an army might undertake to approach from the mast
to Antwerp.
" Ist, From Ostend or its neighbourhood by a march of above
one hundred miles through the country of Flanders, and by
Aloft, Vilvarde, and Malines.
" 2d. By naval and land operations within the Scheldt, and
along that river to Antwerp ; first occupying the islands of \Val-
cheren and Sud Beveland, and probably the opposite bankrof the
Scheldt.
'6 Every calculation or prospect of successful attack can
only be foreseen and made on a knowledge of the relative
situation and strength of the enemy's country, fortresses, and
armed men that can be brought in defence of both. If the route
of the army is therefore to be taken as in the first case, through
Flanders, the country is known to be one of the most intricate in
Europe for military operations, being every where intersected
with deep running rivers, large canals, and considerable ditehes
and inclosures, at the same time that the passes and important
points are guarded by fortresses and walled towns, the most in-
considerable of which are capable of making a resistance against
an army scantily provided with siege artillery. Of the first class
near this route are Nieuport, Ostend, Ghent, Oudenarde, Dender-
mond', Brussels, Matinee. The progress of military operationi in
Flanders, from the difficulties of advance, arc well known never to
have been rapid.

FIRST DAY, FEBRUARY 2.
The Right Hon. Sir 10111.1 ANSTRUTUra, Bart, in the Chair.
The Right Hon. Sir DAVID Dnignas K. B. Commander in
Cale! a the Army was called in.—Examined by the Committee.
At what time were you first made acquainted by his Majesty's
Ministers with their intention of sending an Expedition to the
Scheldt ?—lt was on the.22d of March that I was desired by Lord
Castlereagh to attend a Cabinet that was to be held on the 24th
at Burlington house. On the iSth of March I had been appointed
Commander in Chief.

;;;Fi

Whit was the nature and substance of the communication made
to you by Lord Viscount Castlereagh ?alt was to attend the
Privy Council upon the subject of a proposed Expedition toWsi-
eberen, and an attack on the French fleet there ; that was the ge-
peral information I had, and on that sUbject I was desired to
attend to be asked a question by the Council.
By the Privy Council you mean the Cabinet ?—I do.
Did you in consequence attend on the 24th ?—I did.
Have the goodness to relate what passed between you and his
Majesty's Ministers on the 24th with respect to this Expedition ?
—1 have a memorandum to that effect, which I will read if I may
be permitted, The object was the propriety and possibility of
an immediate attack on the Island of Walcheren, and particu-
larly 04 Flushing, and on the French fleet of nine or ten sail of
the line, which was at that time in the harbour of that place not
in a state to proceed to sea. The attempt was represented as
from miny considerations most desirable, for the navy had then
a large disposable farce, and also that it should be made within a
abort limited time, depending upon the tides; far it was to be
apprehended that on the smallest alarm the enemy would with-
draw their ships from Flushing, and carry them up the Scheldt to
Antwerp. Fifteen or sixteen thousand land forces were consi-
dered as necessary for this operation, and I was desired to state
whether such a force could at that time be assembled. This I
was not then enabled to do in the affirmative. 1
[The Witness. was directed to withdraw.
The ChM; iran was directed to report progress, and ask leave
to sit again.

ITaper

" With our state of preparation and numbers, an attempt by
this first route of a rapid march through Flanders to arrive at
Antwerp, would certainly be most singular, and perhaps without
example. For a very considerable Beet and army must arrive and
anchor on a part of the enemy's coast, which is at all times flat,
dangerous, and without bay or shelter of any kind, in order to
land on this open beach (betwixt two of the enemy's fortresses)
about 30,000 min, 7 or hOOO horses, and a considerable artillery,
and perhaps other carriages and horses, medical commissariat and
baggage, if means and circumstances allow ; to give up all coin-
muLication with their shipping, and to march immediately with-
out tents, for no means of carrying them could be provided or
depended on; without hospital equipment, with only a scanty
supply of bread for a very few days, through an hostile country,
must intricate and difficult in its nature, where the use of the ca-
nals could be so easily impeded, where the bridges which are
numerous would be destroyed, where the enemy would imme-
diately be in front, rear, and on both flanks, being enabled so to
do from the situation of his strong garrison towns; where the
sick and wounded must be abandoned whenever they become so,
from want of carriage ; where necessity would soon induce ra-
pine, plunder, and great loss; where, if such an army was not
sooner arrested in its progress, it must arrive after a march of
above 100 miles, at its destined point, andtefore a great town
(Antwerp) sufficiently fortified to require a regular siege, and
which this army could not carry on, unless the exertions of the
fleet, and another considerable body of troops, had opened and en-
sured a communication by the Scheldt.
" During such a march, had some of the defensible towns
even opened their gates, it is evident such an army could not di-
minish its numbers by leaving garrisons to occupy them, and
thereby attempting to keep up a communication with the origi-
nal point of landing, where possibly a fortress (Ostend) may
have been secured, but which fortress is not such a one as can
etfectually cover and secure the re-embarkation of a considerable
corps.
" Supposing after such a march, the main object of the Expe-
dition to have been attained in the destruction of the enemy's
fleet, it is evident that the army could not calculate (from the time
and force the enemy must have acquired) on returning by the
same route, but must trust from the previous measures taken and
its own exertions, to return (having at;complished its object) by
the Scheldt.
" If it therefore appears that the advance through Flanders is
attended with very great difficulties, and that at any rate a return
by the Scheldt is the most expedient and eligible, it would follow
also that the attack should be directed from. that side, and be a
combined naval and land operation, the detail of which must be
well considered and arranged by both services.
" In whatever way Antwerp is to be approached or taken, the
service is one of very great risk, and in which the safe return of
the army so employed may be very precarious, from the opposi-
tion made, and the length of time consumed in the operation,
which enables the enemy to assemble in a short time a great force
from every part of the Netherlands and Holland, and even from
Westphalia, by the course of the Rhine, as well as from the fron-
tier of France. " D. DUNDAS.

SECOND DAY, FEBRUARY 5.

Mc Right Hon. Sir Darts DITNDAS, K. B. Commander in Chief

of the Army, wa4 clled in —Examined by the Committee. '
Have the goodness to proceed in stating what
passed between you and his Majesty's Ministers on
the Sith, with respect to the Expedition ?—After
every previous inquiry and report which had been
made from the Commanding Officers at the several
stations of the troops, and from the well-known shat-
tered situation of the army after the return of so large
a portion of it from Spain, such a force could not
then be provided ; besides the very indifferent gene-
rni state of health, there was not one of those corps
which returned from Spain whose clothing. arms, ac-
coutrements, and other parts of military equipment,
were not in a most defective state, and required con-
siderable time, under every exertion, to replace and
repair.
Did any thing more pass between his Majesty's
Ministers and yourself at that time relative to the
projected Expedition to the Scheldt ; and if there did,
state what it was ?—I recollect no debate or discus-
sion taking place, or opinion being called for ; gene-
ral conversation might pass while I remained there.
As I considered myself sent for to answer on a parti.
cular subject, I retired soon after that was done ; and
as T took no notes at that time, I have now no further
recollection of what passed at that meeting.
Do you recollect at any other time since that pe-
riod, being consulted relative to the expediency of an
Expedition to the Scheldt do not recollect upon
the expediency, but I had a great deal of communi-
cation of course with the Secretary of State after that,
from that time, till the Expedition sailed ; I mean
that I never was called to a Council or a Meeting.
Was the Expedition suspended in consequence of
the difficulties you have stated in procuring a suffi-
cient force ?—Upon my word I cai.not say ; it is not
for me to judge of that.
When was there any fresh communication upon
the same subject « i:h you ?—From the 24th of March
to the Bth of May there appears to have been no pe.
culiar communication on the subject of Walcheren
from his Majesty's Government ; I mean official to
roe as Commander in Chief ; but every exertion
continued to be made and urged to the several corps
to complete them for service.
What was the communication made to you on thed
Bth of May, and by whom ?-0n the Bth of May
Lord Castlereagh applied for the state of the infantry
in England, and the date that each battalion might
be considered as fit for service, and in a state for em-
barkation : on the 10th of May a Return was trans-
mitted to Lord Castlereagh of all the Battalions now
in England, with the effective strength of each ; on
the ‘2oth of May, Lord Castlereagh desired the mode
in which it v ould be proposed-to brigade two corps,
one of 25,000 Infantry and 5,000 Cavalry, the other
a reserve of 10,000 Infantry and 2,000 Cavalry ; cn
the 21st of May a Scheme was transmitted to Lord
Castlereagh, specifying the battalions as they lay in
districts for an army of 25,000 Infantry and 5,000
Cavalry ; that for the reserve was postponed ; I was
vot enabled to do it then. _ _

When wis the, next communication relative to the
Eapedition to; the Scheldt ?---9n the 20th of May,
Lord Casttere4gh requested my tentiments on the
practicability of an attempt on the enemy's naval
establishment in the Scheldt, the extent of means it
would require, and the mode by which it could best
be carried into execution, for the consideration of his
Majesty's Ministers ; on the 3d of June my answer
was transmitted on the above subject to Lord Cas-
tlereagh. •
Can you state the substance of your answer to
Lord Castlereagh have that answer here, and
also his Lordship's letter to me.
[Sir David Donk! Is delivered in a Letter from Lord Castle-
reagh to hiatself; d.ned May 2.9, 1809; and his Answer, dated
id June 1809, which wtro read.]

•
(Confidential).—Cory of a Letter from Lord Ca smitzenn to
the Commander in Chief. '
" Downing-street, May V. 9, 1869.
" SlR—The naval establishment which the enemy'bas created
in the Scheldt has already led to the construction of not less than
twenty sail of the line in different stages of equipment, and pro-
IYI:Sei to receive at no distant period an extension in point of num-
ber of ships, and a solidity, in point of defence, which must ren. J
der it, as a maritime position, not only extremely formidable to
the security of Great Britain, but still more invulnerable to at-
t:.ek. These considerations have long' attracted the serious at-
tention of his Majesty's Government, and they feel it their duty
t, investigate with the formidable means, both naval and milita-
e which his Majesty Ims at present at his disposal, how Ear it is
possible to strikes blow against the enemy's naval resource4n•
that quarter, including the destruction of their arsenal at ;kw-
werp, and the ships of war stationed in different parts of the
cl•t•ldt between Antwerp and Flushing.
" The extreme importance of this subject will, I am persuad-
ed, induce you to give it your best attention, and I have to re-
Twit that you will favour me with your sentiments for the con-
..dtration of Lie 111.•jesty'e Ministets upon tilt: prasticabUity of

should
for A service,
Eyre Coote should be appointed Second in C 0...,
Was that the whole of that communication
That was the whole of that communication.
What was the next ceinmunication of an official
liitur6 ?-0n the 16th of July, Lord Castlereagh re-
gamed that another cavalry regiment should ' be ad-
ded ; on the 17th, Lord Castlereagh was acquainted,
that the 2d Dragoon Guards were under orders.
When was the next communication on this subject?
When the expedition was determined on in the be-
ginning of June, I had afterwards various meetings
and conversations with Lord Castlereagh, relative to
the state of the troops, and the maws of assembling
them ; after they were put in march to their several
places of embarkation, and arrived there the end of
June and the beginning of July, they were put under
the orders of the General Officers appointed for the
expedition ; a very large proportion embarked ai
Portsmouth, because they were carried by ships of war
lying there, and intended to distract the attention of
the enem!, and leave them in suspense as to the ob-
ject of the expedition.
Were you consulted upon the plan of the expedi-
tion cannot say consulted, further than the times
that I have mentioned ; I at no time had any com-
munication with the Admiralty or Navy on the gene-
ral subject of Walcheren, or the mode of execution ;
I had, with Lord. Chatham and the Secretary of State,

conversations relative to the troops and equipment,
and all sorts of things of that kind, and with Lord
Chatham, individually, perhaps; whether that a-
mounts to consultation I cannot say.
Was any detailed plan of the intended operations
submitted or communicatecUto you ?—I have no re-
collection of any detailed plan, any full plan submitted
to me ; nothing regularly officially in my situation of
that nature : I knew, from a variety of people, a great
deal which was going on, but no detailed
Was your opinion asked as to the-practicability of
the attack on Antwerp. and the probable result of
the expedition, upon or after the 22.(1 of June ?—I re-
member no opinion, nor could I expect any thing of
that kind being asked after .the army was prepared :
I recollect nothing of the kind.
1)o you recollect any consultation with his Ma-
jesty's Ministers on the subject of your answer to Lord
Castlereagh ?—No, none.
Were you consulted with about the appointment of
Ithe Commander in Chief of the Land forces ?—I do
not recollect being absolutely consulted by Ministers,
but I thought it a very proper one ; I knew of it.
Explain to the Committee whether the operation
upon which you were consulted upon the 24th of
March, was the same operation that was subsequently
carried into effect, or do you consider it a perfectly
distinct operation ?—Perfectly distinct.
Was that operation, upon which you were con-
sulted upon the 24th of March, laid aside in conse-
quence of the state of the army, not admitting at
that moment of a force of 16,000 men being applied
to that service ?—I suppose that was aprincipal rea-
son, but I do not know what other reasons there
might be; I have no doubt that was a principal reason.
In point of fact, the state of the army did not ad-
mit of 16,000 men being employed in that service ?
That was what I stated, I apprehend, at the time.
Was the basis of the army employed in the late
expedition to the Scheldt, the army which return-
ed after serving with Sir John Moore in Spain ?
—That would be more correctly known from looking
at the composition of the force that went to the
IScheldt ; the names of the regiments : I think, on
Irecollection, that it was. ,
Was it not a considerable time after the

. return of
44 Horse Guards, Jung 3,1809." that army, the army being disembarked at different
Are you in porsession of the opinions of other offi- I ports, and the regiments being very much mixed to.
cers given upon the same subject ?—Yes, lam in pos- f gether in the transports, before any effectual means
session of four opinions ; I have them not here. could be taken for refitting that army for service ?.-e
Whose opinions were they ?—Of the Adjutant Ge- It certainly was.
neral, the Quarter Master General, the Deputy Quar- Did not a very considerable proportion of theforce
ter Master General, and of Colonel Gordon who is afterwards employed in the Scheldt arise from drafts
my Secretary. from the militia which were incorporated into those
Were those opinions in writing ?—They were in regiments ?—Not only into those regiments, but into
writing. all the regiments, I apprehend, that embarked : I do
Are they in your office ?—They are in my office. not know the exact number, but no doubt there must
Were those individual opinions, or were they the have been a considerable number.
result of any military consultation ?—They were opi. Do you recollect having repeatedly written, at
nions that those Gentlemen wrote by my direction ; Lord Castlereagh's instance, or directed the Adju-
separate opinions ; separate papers • and those pa- tant-General to write circular letters to all the regi-
pers were sent to the Secretary of itate along with ments to accelerate the refitment of the army, and to
my own opinion, desire to know the earliest day at which the regiments
What was the next communication in point of could be completed for service ?---This was repeatedly
time which you had with his Majesty's Ministers upon done.
this subject ?—On the 18th of June Lord Castle- Do you recollect dint some regiments in the
reagh transmitted his Majesty's pleasure for holding Southern Districts had not completed their equip-
in readiness •Tor immediate embarkation 35,000 in. I ments so late as towards the end of June cannot
fantry and 1800 cavalry ; on the 22d, the Comman. 1 recollect particular regiments, but I have no doubt
der in Chief transmitted to Lord Castlereagh a de- I that was the case ; I am sure it was the case.
tailed state of force to proceed on service, with a staff( You have stated to the Committee, that on the
civil and military ; the force amounting to 35,400 in- I 21st of May you made a return to the Secretary of
fantry, and 1900 cavalry ; also, the force that would I State, of the corps of 25,000 infantry and .6000• ca-
remain in Great Britain, Ireland, and the Islands valry ; do you speak of the effectives as they then
in the Channel. stood upon the Monthly Returns, or mean to describe
: Does that number include the Foot Guards and the ! that corps as having been then reported complete and
Artillery ?—The Foot Guards but not the Artillery; ! fit for service ?—The numbersavere collected from the
infantry I call them. ' Adjutant-Genera from the last returns, and they
What was the force of the Artillery ?—I do not I stood on the returns as effective.
!mow the particulars ; I apprehend the Board of) Would the effectives on the monthly returns dis-
Ordnance can give a detail of them ; I cannot give it tinguish whether they were equipped and fit for ser-
upon recollection, and have not it marked down here. vice ?—.They certainly were not from the monthly re-
Was the 22d of June the earliest period at which . turns, but from the latest returns, which were proba-
so large a force could be collected ?—Upon my word j bly later.
I cannot say exactly, they might some days sooner Do those returns•distinguish whether they were ef-
perhaps ; on the 20th of May there was an arrange- fective, or whether they were equipped and fit
ment of 25,000 men given ; afterwards, between that for service ?---I cannot say ; this goes to numbers
land this last date, 35,000 or more were assembled ; merely ; here is a return of the Southern District on
the men were recovering fast, there was a great in- j the 7th of May, of a great number of the regiments,
crease of men during that period ; I donot think such shewing the deficiency of those regiments, which is
a force as that could have been well assembled before ; of the nature alluded to : here is. the deficiency of
that period which may be called an army of 40,000 elothing, acoutrements and arms on the 7th of May,
men, such a number could not have been got sooner. transmitted by Sir John Hope, Of ten battalions in
Have you any papers in your office which wouldl that district, which is a specimen of the others.
shew what was the largest force which could have You have stated, that you delivered in a written
been assembled at different periods, previous to opinion to Lord Castlereagh ; did you receive in wri-
the 22d of June ?—I think not ; it is very difficult to ting any comment on that opinion, or any letter in
ascertain the number at any particular point of time; censequenete of it, from Lord Castlereagh ? Ido not
we had mouth), returns; and there were later:lmbue recolkct receiving 'any.

.. - •

rj!

of

discussion of that

opinion ?—No, .I did not.
Had not Lord Castlereagh from time to time COn.
versa.tions with you with respect to the operations in
the Scheldt, subsequently to receiving your report of,
the 3d of June ?—Certainly, upon some points; but I
do not recollect any formal conversation or explana,
Lion of that answer or report that I gave ; certainly
• there were constantly conversations of some kind or
other, relative to the state of equipment of the troops.
that was the general subject, more than the policy of
the object ; that was none of my concern.
Do not you recollect having had communication,
with Lord Chatham and Lord Castlereagh respect,
ing the Expedition, and particularly respecting ill.,
defences of Antwerp ?—I cannot think that I corid
have any considerable conversation respecting t1ie42,,.
fences of Antwerp, for I never saw a plan of it: I:
do not recollect having a plan of Antwerp she
me ; I have been there myself ; and as far as I ;me,
I might mention, but it must be a very common co:.
versation that passed on the subject ; there ‘‘,ls nti
thing written ; nothing from me to judge from b 4,
mere conversation.
Did not Lord Chatham and Lord Castlernot
communicate with you on the subject of Antwerr,
on the ground of your having been Commander of
that fortress about the years 1793 and 1791, with a
view of obtaining your general opinion and know-
ledge of the state of the works at the time y(.,u were
Commander ? —The army was encamped near Art.
werp, and I was very considerably indisposed, and
the Duke of York desired me to go to Antwerp,
which was in the rear of the army at this time, as a
sick quarter, and to take the command. I was these
about seven or eight days ; during that time, I
looked about as much as I could, but it was vtlr,
lit,le ; however, I had a general idea of Antwerp,
and I dare say I communicated that to Lord Castle.
reagh and Lord Chatham, very naturally.
Had not Lord Castlereagh, both with and without
Lord Chatham, communications with you on the sub-
ject of the difficulties of ascending the Scheldt, and
the difficulties the army might meet with in its ulte.
rior operations against Antwerp ?—I cinnot recollect
particulars ; but I have no doubt we had many such
communications, from the intercourse that was going
on between Lord Castlereagh and myself, and whica
was always on a very friendly footing.
Was not Lord Castlereagh in the habit of almost
daily communication with you, and of disclosing, in
the most confidential and unreserved manner, the mi.
litary operations which were in tontemplatian ?
Lord Castlereagh, I think was very much unreserv-
ed to me, as much as I could possibly look for a au
individual, certainly.
Did the opinion, delivered by yon in writing to
Lora Castlereagh, ever become matter of discussion
between you and Lord Chatham ?—No, I cannot say
particularly ; I do not think it had a formal discus-
sion I dare say many of the points might, to a te:-
tain degree; but as an opinion it never came under
discussion.
Were you ever asked to revise thatopinion, or called
upon for a further opinion ?—I never was asked to re-
vise that opinion, or called upon for another formal
opinion of the same nature ; that was a regular op:-
niott I was required to give.
Was the operation that was afterwards attempted,
the operation upon which that opinion was given .
That the paper explains, I should imagine, suffici-
ently ; the subject was the same.
Were the opinions given by other officers who had
been applied to by you, collected by you, and trans-
,
mined through you to Lord Castlereagh?—They were
at the same time with my own.
What was the opinion given by you in consequence
of the slight observation you had been enabled to
make, while in command 'at Antwerp, of the proba-
ble state of defence of that fortress ?—I was enabled
to say that the citadel was a very considerable one
.certainly, and would require a siege of some duration
probably to take it. The town was surrounded by
:very high wall ramparts, there was a very deep ditch,
great old mounds of earth, and other circumstances
Ido not know, I believe that was what is called a:
•demi-rebutment ; in short, it was a place that could
not be entered without a regular siege unless it was
surrendered, if there was a sufficient number of men
in it—it has sustained several sieges, and has been
given up without a siege, but then it was alwis s
when the country was possessed by the •enemy, tied
then it must fall of course.

Have not many places, more considerable in poir
of defence than you at that time stated Antwerp to
be, been surrendered on bombardment in consequence
of an army appearing before it.with adequate means.
without a • regular siege ?—Many places have been
surrendered cestainly of thildescription, and under
:those circumstances.
In the case of Copenhagen, was not that reducei
without a regular siege ?—lt was a regular siege, I
apprehend, as far as it went ; there were all the cere-
monies pc, a regular siege, parallels and batteries I
apprehend, but -I am not suffiCiently informed upon
the subject ; I apprehend it was attacked in a regu-
lar manner for a certain time ; the town was not car-
ried by assault, and 1 do .not know that breaches
were made Ithe siege was a regular one I apprehend.
Is Copenhagen a more formidable place-in point
of defence than you considered Antwerp to be ?
All other circumstances. supposed the same, I only
judge from a :plan ; I never saw Copenhagen, I
should judge it to be a more defensible place; a
great portion of it is covered with water, and is not
to be approached.
Were there at the time you were in the command
any outworks to Antwerp, to prevent an army from
taking its position as near it might find convenient to
the place ?-4 have mentioned that I was not enabled
to know it completely ; but I do not believe there
were any advanced forts or redoubts, or works of that
nature towards the land.
What was the population of Antwerp was it not
froth sixty to eighty thousand inhabitants ?—I know
nothing about the population it is a very large old
city ; the houses ate very Ire in general ; there 'S
great deal of vacant space within, which lies Wawa

doze of lanes./ explaining or going deeper into it, or any thing of
mu. an suorct or tnat.oprnism t—l do not recollect
were you I uunitar reillibe asia e4Pik any form conversation ; I very probably had
wi
- . ?—The text 41E441 iltamminication . was j Lad Castlereagh, but I never had any formal way of
• Castlereagh's' satificatiotemi•
of his Majesty's pleasure, that the Earl of Chithani that sort that I sec4ect.
should be appointed- to the command of the &POW Ireisi—iireirArailiirconversatiorr With Lord ca.
for foreign service, and that Lieutenant General Sir tlereagh in the nature of debate or discussion of _ . . _ _