The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1811-05-28
MPERIHL PARLIAMENT,
HOUSE LORDS,

Trince ReScntS Messdge-did TO the Poy.up uese
The marquis Wellesley stated, that he had a
message from his royal highness the prince re.
gent to the house oflords, which was accord.
tngly handed up to the Woolsack, and read by
Che lord chancellor
GEORGE p. r.
The prince regent, in the name and on be-
half OF his majesty, having taken into his serious
consideration the accounts which he has receiv-
Cd or the severe distresses to which the jnhabi.
tants OF part OF the kingdom of Portugal have
oeen exposed in their persons and property, in
consequence OF the invasion of that country and
especially from the wa6:on and savage barbara
ty exercised by the French armies, in their re.
cent retreat, which cannot fail affect the hearts
OF all persons who have any sense of religion or
humanity, desires to be enabled by the house OF
commons to afford the suffering subjects of his
maIesty's good and faithful ally such speedy
and eftectual relief as may be suitable to ,hi, in
eeresting and affecting occasion.
"CPR"
Lord Wellesley moved that it be taken into
consideration on Tuesday.-Ordered.
TUESDAY, April 3.
The Prince regent's message.
The marquis Wellesley addressed their lord.
ehips on the address, in snswe to the message
OF the Prince Regent, respecting the Portu-
Guese. His LordshP described, in the most
animated manner. the spirit, loyalty and patrio.
fism OF the people OF that part of the Peninsula
and their strong claims upon our admiration,
ou generosity, and every noble feeling of the
human mind He was not dipo.ed TO dwell I'M.
on that policy, as sound as it was generous.
which dictates the message, of which he had
ehe honor to be the bearer. He did not howe
YER, suppose that this principle was to be bro't
into action wantonly or unnecessarily, but only
where a nation displayed that a1e-gy of cha
racter, that sense Of national independence. and
that firm adherence to the line of her own true
Interests, that would justify our cooperation e.
ven to minds the most cold and calculating
With such fair prospects we had entered INTO
engagements with our ancient and faithful al,
lies, not only for the purpose of maintaining
Their independence but also to secure our own.
Their lordshIpS would see the practical effects
winch the efforts OF this brave people were cal
culated to produce, and that the main spring of
eher great exerton3 was to be found in the no.
BILE spirit with which they were animated II
was this spirit which supported them under ey-
cry sacrifice necessary to be endured, and to nut
forth those exertions which were essentially ne.
cessary for the salvation of their nation. The
Jesuit OF the combined operations of our forces
and those OF our allies, was before their lord.
shipsi and it was unnecessary for him to
state that we had frustrated the plans, had chas-
tIsed the arrogance, and repealed the yaunts of
Boosting and vain glorious enemy. His lord
ship entered into statement of the combined
operations of the allies, and the eminent ser.
vices OF every description of the Portuguese
troops.
W. arc then called upon most imperiousIy to
SUpPort by every means the spirit of this brave
people. Upon that spirit we might be able if
properly maintained, to erect new military eff
forts. This spirit now comes to their lordships
for new strength, and every consideration of pol
icy and expedency demanded that the applica-
ton be not in vain. 1t was impossible 20 saw
what might be the effect of such noble strue-
gle upon the slumbering nations Of the cont
nent, but the continuation of this diversion 90
eyeli as ito present character, must enable us to
entertain great hopes.-Under this idea our sup.
port &As . solid ground of policy, and holds
forth noble example. 1t would not. he wss
sure, be ground Of rejection of their claim.
chat it came sanctioned by every sentiment of
humanity and generosity. Sentiments If COM
passion and ofgenerosity were not as yet extinct
On this country, and ne hoped we had not lived to
that day when honorable feelings were deemed
Visionary and Questionable. The extent of the
eelef which it was in the contemplation Of the
mes &c to request for the distresses of the
Portuguese, was 100, 0ool. The noble marquis
hoved the answer ofthe house to the message
Of the prince, usual on such occasions, an cello
OF the message, and stating, in conclusion, that
1Iis house would most cordially contribute To
abe amount OF 100000
Lord narrowly trusted that there would not
be found one negative to the grant, and that our
Behavior would stand In honorable contrast to
French promises, 20 French threats and yrench
Performances.
The motion was carried mem. con.