held, and the speech read for the prorogation of parliament: then, having signed no less than thirty-seven different bills, he went in state to the House of Lords, and put an end to the session, thanking the legislator for their diligence and perseverance; congratulating them on the Union of the empire, which he described as a measure on which his wishes had long been fixed, as best calculated to bestow all the blessings of the British constitution on the sister island: and still holding out hopes of eventual general tranquillity upon

honourable terms.

It was about this period that the new First Consul of France thought proper to write his impertinent epistle to His Majesty, as remarkable for its rudeness as for its departure from all the acknowledged forms of international civility. It was treated with much more attention than it deserved, in having an official answer transmitted by Lord Grenville to Talleyrand, exculpating the British monarch and nation from the insolent and false insinuations of the revolutionary upstart.

The King, though despising an usurper, seems always to have felt much for the unhappy descendants of James the Second; and about this period, the Cardinal York, sometimes assuming the empty title of Henry the Ninth, and then the only remaining branch of the regal Stuart line, having been completely deprived of all his property by the

ravages of the French in Italy, His Majesty instantly settled an annuity of four thousand pounds per annum, out of the privy purse, upon that venerable character, for which he was most gratefully thanked through the medium of Sir John Coxe Hippesley, who had taken an active part in recommending the misfortunes of his eminence to the protection of the British monarch. In his attention to politics, His Majesty did not neglect the arts and sciences; and this year he condescended to become patron of the Royal Institution, recently incorporated.

The projected excursion to Weymouth took place on the thirtieth of July. His Majesty was delighted with the improvements which had taken place at Weymouth since his visit on the preceding year, and had no sooner breakfasted than he set off on foot to investigate them with his customary eagerness and accuracy. In the evening, also, he walked out to enjoy the illuminations and fireworks exhibited in honour of the royal arrival, accompanied by a private gentleman, with whom he conversed in the most familiar manner, and indeed showed himself in all things quite at home.

During this residence at Weymouth His Majesty was generally accompanied in his pedestrian excursions, which were very frequent, by the Duke of Cumberland.

A remarkable circumstance took place on the

Esplanade, whilst the royal party walked there, on the second of August, when they were met by three quakers recently arrived, who accosted the King, saying, that a young friend of theirs, who had lately come from Philadelphia, had a strong desire to see the King and his family. His Majesty cheerfully desired that the young American should come forward, who was introduced, and held some conversation with the King, still keeping his hat on, but suddenly pulling it off, he retired to a short distance, and offered up a long prayer to God for His Majesty and his house, and thanksgiving for his escape from the late attempt against his life; concluding his devotions with great fervency in a supplication that the Almighty would bless him, and continue him long to be the father of the little island, and the happiness of his people. The whole scene was most impressive, and was most strongly felt by the Queen and princesses.

His Majesty during this visit kept very early hours, often bathing at six in the morning; which had the happiest effect upon his health and spirits, and always afforded him full leisure for his equestrian and aquatic excursions. He also derived much satisfaction from the company of his grand-daughter, who arrived on the eleventh of August, whilst he was walking on the Esplanade, when he ordered her carriage to stop, that he might welcome her, and seemed proud to shew her to the surrounding mul

titude; and the next day being the birth-day of her august parent, the whole party spent it on board the Cambrian frigate, then in attendance, when Captain and Lady C. Durham entertained them in a familiar style, without etiquette; her ladyship after dinner singing a number of the most favourite airs, and accompanying herself on the piano-forte, with which His Majesty was highly delighted. Returning on shore in the evening, a hasty gala was got up at the Lodge, in honour of the day, to which all the resident nobility and gentry were invited.

The Duke of York's birth-day, four days afterwards, was also celebrated by the military and the public in a manner which gave His Majesty great pleasure.

Some German hussars being encamped in the vicinity, the whole of the royal party set off on the second of September, accompanied by the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cumberland, in order to inspect them, and remained in the camp some time, highly amused with their singing, which was executed in the best German style; after which, on their return, they were agreeably surprised by the arrival of the Duke of Gloucester, and his amiable sister, the Princess Sophia, who took up their abode with their majesties. Indeed, at this moment the royal family formed a complete domestic circle; affording high example to the country at large; and in themselves feeling their happiness much increased

by the sprightly sallies of the infant princess, who was now become so much attached to her royal grandfather, that she was never so happy as when walking with him, and her little favourite, Lady Catharine Poulett.

On the sixth of September the royal party set off for the island of Portland, to take their annual dinner at the Portland Arms. They were accompanied by a select party; and as soon as they arrived at the island, were saluted by the castle. The royal party then proceeded to the church, and afterwards to the light-house, where they stopped some time to contemplate a large fleet of shipping then passing by. From thence they went to exaImine a piece of land purchased by Mr. Penn, in which the King took some interest; and also the quarries, where several poor children presented the Queen with some very curious shells; who, in return, displayed her generosity by more valuable gifts.

The whole day was spent in festive and familiar harmony, considerably heightened by its being the thirty-eighth anniversary of their majesties' nuptials; on which they and the whole royal party were complimented upon their appearance in the evening at the theatre, by all the nobility and gentry, who thronged round them, anxious to offer their congratulations.

Many anecdotes are told of the King's easy and