ton in Yorkshire, was opened, and two boats laden with coals arrived, which sold at half the usual price. His Majesty gave the royal assent, by commission, to the following bills;For cleansing, paving, and lighting, the town of Brighton. To extend the provisions of an act for the better preservation of timber trees, woods, and underwoods. * For establishing a plate glass manufactory. For better lighting, paving, and watching the town of Birmingham. And to several local and private bills. REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE CITY ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S. April 14. An express was sent off to Portsmouth to prevent the East India ships from sailing till further orders. April 15. The shock of an earthquake was felt at Guernsey and Jersey, which threw the inhabitants into the utmost consternation, no damage of any consequence occurred. April 20. Mr. Wilkes, in a letter to Sir Fletcher Norton, the Speaker of the House of Commons, claimed his seat in the House as a member duly returned by the electors. April 22. Sixteen sail of the line were ordered to be victualled and manned with all expedition. At the anniversary feast of the London Hospital, held at Merchant Tailors' hall, the subscription and donations amounted to 9191. 15s. Id. April 24. A proclamation was issued offering a bounty for seamen and landsmen to enter on board his Majesty's ships of war. 4839 3987 April 26. Mr. Wilkes, in person, went 391 to the House of Commons, and demanded 410 to be sworn, and was refused; a motion 240 was made by Sir George Saville, relative to the rights of election, which was negaTotal 9867 tived, there being for it 151, against it 201. Mr. Buckland, son to the late English consul at Nice, went out on a shooting 7310 party in that neighbourhood, when being 250 overtaken by a thunder storm, they took 472 shelter in the lanthern at the mouth of the 245 harbour of Villa franca, under which was a barrel of gunpowder, which taking fire Total 8277 by the lightning, every one of the party were destroyed. April 29. At the anniversary festival of the Magdalen hospital, the collection 147 at the chapel and at the dinner amounted 13 to 13397. 9s. 9d. 1054 April 30. A remarkable occurrence took place at the Castle Inn, Salt hill, the hon. 1214 Mr. O'Brien, capt. Needham, Mr. Eyre, Mr. Isherwood, Mr. Benwell, Mr. Burcombe, and several other gentlemen, commissioners of the Colnbrook turnpike trust, 580 dined together at the Castle, previous to 48 which several paupers were examined; in about ten days after every one of the 628 company were taken ill, and capt. Needham, Mr. Eyre, Mr. Isherwood, and Mr. Benwell, and Mr. Burwell, died very shortly afterwards, their deaths were at231 tributed to some disease caught from the 208 paupers, but more probably from the use 28 of copper utensils used in cooking the 257 dinner. The Spaniards had seven ships of the 724 line and several frigates lying in the har bour of Carthagena, and a squadron of the same ready for sea at Ferrol; from this and other preparations there was every appearance of approaching war. The first stone of the house intended to be built for the use of the Marine Society, in Bishopsgate-street, was laid by their president lord Romney, attended by the governors, and the boys with banners, &c. The freeholders of Middlesex met at the assembly room, Mile-end, and entered into several strong resolutions, with respect to the Middlesex election, the shortening of Parliaments, and a more full and equal representation of the people. May 2. A terrible storm of thunder and lightning fell in the neighbourhood of Horstead, which did considerable da mage. May 3. The general court of proprietors of the East India Company petitioned the House of Commons against the adoption of the propositions presented to the House by lord North. May 8. The seat of Sir John Rouse, bart., Hensham-hall, in the county of Suffolk, was burnt to the ground, the damage was estimated at 30,000. May 10. His Majesty gave the royal assent, by commission, to the following bills; For allowing a drawback on teas exported to America. To regulate the importation and exportation of corn. To two navigation bills. To enable Mr. Cox to dispose of his Museum. And to several other local and private bills. The House of Commons on receiving the report of the Select Committee, appointed to inquire into the affairs of the East India Company, came to the following resolutions : 1. That all acquisitions, made under the influence of a military force, or by treaty with foreign powers, do, of right, belong to the state. 2. That to appropriate acquisitions so acquired, to private use, is illegal. 8. That great sums of money have been obtained by such means from the sovereign princes of India. L'Appollon, French man of war, fou dered off the Land's-end, Cornwall, and all on board perished. May 14. The court of proprietors of East India stock, by a large majority, agreed that an answer be sent to lord North, declaring their intention to refuse both the loan and the agreement respecting the territorial ac quisitions and revenues, rather than accept them upon the whole of the terms proposed. May 21. The House of Commons passed a resolution, that Robert lord Clive had possessed himself of 234,000. through the influence of the power which he had been entrusted with in India, and in so doing, had abused the powers with which he was entrusted, to the evil example of the servants of the public. The court of East India Directors appointed a committee to oppose such parts of the bill now pending in Parliament, intituled, “An act for better regulating the affairs of the East India Company," as appeared to them subversive of the chartered rights of the Company, and was afterwards determined to oppose the bill by petition. May 25. Messrs. Adams, the architects of the Adelphi, petitioned for a bill to enable them to dispose of the Adelphi buildings. May 26. Lord Clive had the honour of a long conference with his Majesty. A melancholy accident happened on board the Centaur, man of war, in Portsmouth harbour, the duchess of Portland went to view the shipping, when the Centaur was ordered to be manned, nine men fell from the main yard arm, three of whom were immediately killed and two much wounded, May 28. At a court of common council for the city of London, petitioned against the bill respecting the affairs of the East India Company, on the ground that it was a dangerous attack on the liberty of the subject, and would prove of fatal consequence to the security of property. His Majesty gave the royal assent, by commission, to the following bills ; To discontinue frivolous and vexatious suits originating in Wales. For appointing assay masters in Birmingham and Sheffield. And to several local and private bills. The House of Commons agreed to grant 1,400,000l. to his Majesty, for the relief of the East India Company. May 29. The Duchess of Gloucester was brought to bed of a princess. June 2. The hon. capt. Phipps, and capt. Lutwidge, in the Racehorse, and Carcase, frigates, sailed from the Nore, to attempt to find the North-west passage, they were provided with every sort of scientific implements, and we accompanied by several gentlemen of eminence. A violent storm of thunder, lightning, and rain happened in the metropolis, a watchman at the post office was struck down, and for some time deprived of sight, the roofs of two houses, one in Fenchurchstreet, and one in Berners-street, were much damaged, and the masts of several ships in the Thames were split. June 11. The House of Commons agreed to a grant of 8,750l. to Mr. John Harrison, as a reward for his new invented timekeeper. Ata numerous meeting of the proprietors of East India stock, it was resolved to petition Parliament against the bill for better regulating the affairs of the East India Company. June 16. The court of common council of the city of London granted the Recorder 10007. per annum, during pleasure, and an additional salary of 2007. a year to the Common Sergeant. Mrs. Gladwin, a lady coming from Bengal, with two young children, and two female black servants, were poisoned on board the vessel (the Osterley) by the two servants, who, after the deaths of the lady and her children, confessed the fact. June 11. The House of Parliament granted 20001. as a reward to Dr. William's, for a new invented dye of green and yellow for cotton, yarn, and thread. A violent storm of thunder and lightning happened at Brandon, in Norfolk, Mr. Greenacre, a young gentleman of Oxburgh, was struck dead from his horse, which was terribly wounded. June 21. His Majesty gave the royal assent, by commission, to the following bills; For establishing rules and orders for the future management of the East India Company. To prevent paper bills of credit from being declared legal payment in America. To explain and amend the laws for the better preservation of moor game in England. For the more effectual preservation of the game in Scotland. For altering the punishment of persons fraudulently marking plate. To prevent the retailing of spirituous liquors. To regulate the assize and making of bread. To amend the laws to prevent the killing or destroying of dogs. To explain and amend the laws for the better preservation of the game in England. And to several local and private bills. June 22. In the House of Lords, thirteen Peers entered a protest against the East India Regulation bill. His Majesty set off at four o'clock in the morning from Kew to Portsmouth, to review the fleet assembled there, he arrived at eleven o'clock, and after going round the whole fleet in a barge, he dined on board the Barfleur, which he left at six o'clock, and at eight viewed the fortifications, and afterwards supped and slept at the commissioners house. The corporation presented a loyal address to his Majesty, who was pleased to confer the honour of knighthood on John Carter, esq. the mayor. June 23. A quarterly court of proprietors of East India stock, declared a half yearly dividend of three per cent. His Majesty approached Spithead, and was saluted by every ship on that station, after dining on board the Barfleur, he went on board the Augusta yacht, and sailed round the fleet. June 24. His Majesty reviewed the 20th regiment of foot, in the rope walk, and afterwards held a levee at the governor's house; he promoted vice-admiral Pye to the rank of admiral of the blue, and conferred the honour of knights bannerets, on admirals Pye and Spry, and captains Knight, Bickerton, and Vernon. At a common hall held for the city of London, Messrs. Sayre and Plomer were elected sheriffs of London and Middlesex for the year ensuing, but afterwards Mr. Plomer fined, and William Lee, esq. was chosen in his stead. June 26. His Majesty returned from his journey to Portsmouth, having previously distributed the following sums: To the artificers, labourers, &c. of the dock yard To the crews of the Barfleur and Augusta yacht, and of his Majesty's barge To the poor of Portsmouth, Portsea, and Gosport L. 1,500 350 350 And several smaller gratuities; his Majesty was received at Portsmouth, and during his progress, with the warmest duty and affection by all classes of his subjects. The princess of which the duchess of Gloucester was lately delivered, was christened Sophia Matilda, the sponsors were the princess Amelia, and the duke and duchess of Cumberland. By the East India regulation bill, the salary of the governor-general was to be 25,000l. per annum: four council 10,000.; chief justice, 8,000l.; three other judges each 6000l. to be appointed by his Majesty. From an account laid before the House of Commons, it appeared, that the number of horses exported from England, from 5th Jan. 1750 to 5th Jan. 1772 was 29,131. THE FOLLOWING IS AN ACCOUNT OF THE NUMBER OF PROPRIETORS OF EAST £. 8. d. 1,018,398 19 11 For granting a certain sum of money out of the sinking fund. For raising 600,000l. by exchequer bills. For applying 1,400,000l. for relief of the East India company. For preventing the counterfeiting of bank notes. For preservation of the highways. diminishing the gold coin. For preventing the counterfeiting or For regulating the prices of the Spitalfields weavers. For better cultivating of wastes, &c. For regulating Lying-in hospitals. For enabling Messrs. Adams to dispose of the Adelphi buildings by way of chance. And to several local and private bills. His Majesty then made a speech to both Houses, in which he noticed the continuance of war between Russia and the Porte, and expressed his pleasure at the relief afforded by the Parliament to the 890,940 17 0 East India company, the Parliament was then prorogued to Tuesday, the 7th day of Sept. next. 1,909,339 16 11 634,464 1 8 50,226 0 0 684,720 1 8 The shock of an earthquake was felt at Birches, near Buildwas bridge, Colebrook-dale, Shropshire, which greatly alarmed the inhabitants, it left many large chasms in the land, and removed a barn into one of them, the land was damaged to the amount of 7001. June 28. The House of Assembly in Boston, North America, agreed to a petition and remonstrance to the King, praying that he would remove from their situations Thomas Hutchinson, esq, governor, and the hon. Andrew Oliver, deputy governor of that province. July 1. His Majesty went in state to the House of Peers and gave the royal assent to the following bills ; July 6. His Majesty visited Woolwich and inspected the foundry and the machinery for casting and boring guns, he also reviewed the regiment of artillery, during which an accident happened to col. Broom, whose horse reared and fell backwards upon the colonel, who was greatly bruised, and not expected to survive. July 8. The cause between lord Sandwich, and the printer of the London Evening Post was tried before lord Mansfield, in the court of King's Bench, it was for a libel, charging his lordship with receiving money for the sale of places under government, the jury gave his lordship a verdict with 20007. damages, Aug. 2. A fire broke out, opposite the church-yard at Ilminster, in Somersetshire, which burnt four hours, and consumed twenty dwelling-houses. Aug. 14. A violent storm of thunder and lightning happened in the metropolis and its neighbourhood, the church of St. Peter's, Cornhill, was damaged, and the Obelisk in St. George's Fields; a house was rent asunder at Limehouse, the son of Mr. Steelman, of Oxford-street, was struck dead, a man at Islington, and another at Blackwall, were also killed by the elec tric fluid, much damage was also done at Lowlayton, in Essex. An extraordinary whirlwind happened at Salisbury Port, Boston, North America, which, though it lasted but a few minutes, did incredible damage, 76 buildings, chiefly dwelling houses, were blown down, two of 90 tons burthen, were lifted off the stocks, and though no lives were lost, the master of a vessel was blown out of the rigging and carried 140 feet distance, and fell severely bruised. Aug. 18. The earl of Northington was invested with the order of the Thistle, vacant by the death of the earl of War wick. His Majesty has been pleased to declare his pleasure, that the captain lieutenants in the royal regiment of artillery, and corps of engineers, shall take rank in the army, as well as in their respective corps, as captains of foot. Aug. 19. A violent storm of wind and rain tore up some trees in Cold-bath-fields; the roof of a house was blown off in Shoelane; in Dobb's-court, Southwark, a house was blown down, and a woman and two children buried in the ruins; a sailing lighter was upset below bridge, and Mr. Moorsby, of Rotherhithe, and his apprentice were drowned. The waters were out at Egham, and several stages were detained in consequence of the floods; at Oxford the weather was very tempestuous. Aug. 22. Died, the right hon. George lord Littleton, who was chancellor of the exchequer in 1755, and held other valuable appointments under the crown, he was also an elegant poet and scholar. Aug. 23. A riotous and insolent mob paraded through the streets of Dublin, with two figures, representing, as they styled them, capt. Nankin and Miss Calico; the military were called out, but they could not be prevailed upon to disperse, on the contrary, they being armed, fired upon the soldiers, orders were then given the military to fire, when seven rioters were shot dead and twelve others wounded. Subscriptions to the amount of 12,000. were received towards building the bridge at Richmond, the whole estimate was 25,000/. Aug. 27. A house in Angel-street, Bishopsgate-street, fell down, by which accident, Mr. Seymour, a saddler, his wife, four children, and a maid servant, were buried in the ruins, all except the girl, were dug out without much injury, the girl was suffocated by falling in the common sewer, which gave way at the same time. An earthquake at Caraccas, in the Brazils, overthrew forty houses and destroyed upwards of 400 persons. Sept. 30. The Parliament was further prorogued to Tuesday, the 12th of October. VOL. II. Sept. 16. The Charming Jenny, Chilcot, bound from Dublin to Waterford, was wrecked near Holyhead, when every person on board, except the captain, perished, the whole cargo, except two puncheons of rum and one cask of geneva, was lost; the inhabitants, instead of assisting the unfortunate survivor, plundered what remained of the cargo, and cut off the pockets of the captain's wife, whose body was thrown on shore. Sept. 17. The duke and duchess of Cumberland, with their suite, set off for Dover, to embark for Calais, intending to travel through France and Italy. Sept. 20. The Carcass, bomb ketch, commanded by captain Lutwich, and the Sea Horse, bomb ketch, commanded by captain Phipps, which went in search of discoveries in the Polar regions, and to endeavour to discover a northern passage to the South seas or the East Indies, arrived on the English coast; it appears the design miscarried, from the impediments of the floating ice, the voyagers not being able to get nearer the Pole than 81 deg. 39 min., no accident occurred during the voyage, and the crews were in good health. Sept. 23. By advice from New York, the report is confirmed of an insurrection amongst the negroes employed in cutting logwood, in the bay of Honduras, they had killed several white people, and alt business was suspended at the bay. Sept. 24. The ambassador from Tripoli, Ibrahim Aga, had his first private audience of his Majesty, he brought as a present from the Dey of Algiers, six fine Arabian horses and four mares, which he presented to the King. Sept. 29. The Lord Mayor, and other City officers, and the livery attended at Guildhall, to nominate two persons to be returned to the court of aldermen to be chosen Lord Mayor for the year ensuing, when the greatest number of hands were in favour of John Wilkes and Mr. Bull, but a poll was demanded on behalf of aldermen Sawbridge and Oliver. Sept. 30. The Pope issued a bull for suppressing the order of the Jesuits, that order is now suppressed in France, Spain, Portugal, the Two Sicilies, and Tus cany. The Mermaid, a collier, trading to Dublin, was wrecked near Whitehaven, when every soul on board perished, except the cabin boy. The emigration from Scotland and Ireland to America, was very great about this time, in the course of last year 120,000 2 K |