TEKINTED BY B. MCMILLAN, BOW-STREET, COVENT GARDEN,

for the Proprietors of Dodsley's Annual Register".

LOTRIDGE AND SON, PAULDER AND SON CUTHELL AND MARTIN OGILVY AND SON; R. LEA; J. NUNN JWALKER; LACKINGTON, H; ALLEN, AND CO, E. JEFFERY; AND YERNOR, HOOD AND 2. Bi do a noite

SHARPE.

PREFACE.

EVEN

VEN in the history of the present war, so novel in both its origin and conduct, the year 1796 is particularly interesting to every subject of the British empire. The spirit of innovation, imported into this country, from France, became strong, rampant, and daring. The established order of affairs was loudly threatened. Outrage, in a quarter that ought to be held the most sacred from violence, was actually begun: multitudes of men appeared ready to precipitate themselves into anarchy and rebellion.

In such circustances, the British government deemed it necessary to take strong measures of prevention. On the conduct of admi nistration the nation was divided, according as they were, more or less, forcibly struck with the dangers to be apprehended from popular encroachments on the one hand, or those of the executive government on the other. The apprehensions of both parties were abundantly justified by experience.

It was scarcely possible, that, in such a shock, the balance of qur constitution should not, in some degree, be shaken, and bent a little, for a time, towards one side or other. The candour and indulgence with which we have treated the opposite opinions on this important, delicate, and tender subject, we wish to be considered, by our readers, as a pledge of that perfect impartiality and freedom from all party spirit, by which we wish this work to be distinguished. As it extends to many years back, so we hope it will be continued, and find acceptation in the world, for many years to come. It is not for any party, or temporary humour, or passion, that we select and record the transactions and events of the passing years, but for our countrymen, and all men, in all times and cir cumstances.

Though we are rather inclined to be of opinion with those who think the measures of administration, to which we have now alluded, were compelled by the dangers and exigencies of the times, VOL. XXXVIII.

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