deemed a dereliction from its character, if from the lengthened period of war, and the consequent pressure upon private means; as well as the shade which the collection of a mighty army of offence would naturally cast upon a purely defensive band, it was found to relax in its assemblies.

No sooner, however, had the enemy evinced bad faith and menaced hostility on every hand, than the yeomanry and volunteer corps, faithful to their purpose, renewed with pristine activity their devotion to their country.

The necessity of offensive war, on an extended scale, and the vigorous system proposed by the Secretary of State for that department, rendered the acceptance of the services arising out of this devotion less ardent than it would have been under other public circumstances: how ample a compensation is afforded in the following letter, will be best appreciated from its perusal, which purpose alone would confer dignity on its present record.

[Addressed to Lord-Lieutenants of Counties.]

House of Commons, 10th of August, 1803. My Lord,

By command of the House of Commons, I have the honour of transmitting to you their unanimous vote of thanks to the several volunteer and yeomanry corps of the United Kingdom, for the promptitude and zeal with which, at a crisis the most momentous to their country, they have associated for its defence; accompanied with an order, that a return be prepared, to be laid before the House in the next session of parliament, of all volunteer and yeomanry corps whose services shall have been then accepted by his majesty, describing each corps, in order that such return may be entered on the Journals of the House, and the patriotic example of such voluntary exertions transmitted to posterity.

In communicating this resolution and order, I have the greatest satisfaction at the same time in bearing testimony to the confidence with which the House is impressed,

that the same spirit and exemplary zeal will be exerted throughout the present contest, until, with the blessing of Providence, it shall be brought to a glorious issue.

I have the honour to be, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient humble servant, CHARLES ABBOT, Speaker.

To the Right Hon. Lord, &c. &c.

The answers, breathing the sentiments naturally inspired by the principle of their proffered services, would be too voluminous to add generally, and their selection invidious.

The description of corps, forming in itself an immense list, has already been recorded, and is a proud memorial of patriotic virtue.

MAHRATTA WAR IN INDIA, INCLUDING THE BATTLES OF ASSAYE, LASWARREE, &c. CoмMENCING WITH THE YEAR 1802, AND ENDING DECEMBER 30, 1803. THE WHOLE OF THE PRINCIPAL PUBLIC AUTHORITIES.

The effects of the fall of Seringapatam have been shewn in the preceding section of India; the result of this war was such as to completely cripple the power of the enemy.

It ought not to excite wonder that the civil authorities should share in the praise of their country with the heroes who carried her victorious arms into the field ; since, in their respective offices, they materially shared in the collection of the force to be employed, and still more in the means that were to render it efficient.

The Governor-General had previously been advanced to the rank of Marquis.

On the 3d of May, 1804, the minister in the House of Lords moved the vote of thanks to Marquis Wellesley, for his zeal and ability in directing the operations of the army, which was seconded, in the most strenuous manner, by the Lords Grenville, Melville, Mulgrave, and Hawkesbury; so that the communication would be made on the very anniversary of Seringa patam.

Lord Castlereagh in doing the same that day in the House of Commons, particularly dwelt on the skill with which, "after providing for the security of our extensive territories, the Marquis had brought fiftyfive thousand effective troops against the enemy," and accelerated their operations.

The vote was ordered, as appears from the journals, to

RICHARD (Marquis) WELLESLEY, &c. &c. Governor-General," for the zeal, energy, and ability, with which the military resources of the British Empire in India have been recently applied," &c.