mm' W^^^T W^^ 'm P-\ji l/'f ' ■ r M l'l!v«v.li ■iwW«:V^ f-i £ 1 Ib.'ji ^ nn| )kMjL f «\*. ^^V << •^1 ■U -y^ k ^l^^/, ■ wi? mii'lRY OF CONGRESS. UNITKB STATES (IF AMERICA, tl tg ;%•_'%■%■•»■ ■i^'»s-%.<^ «■.••$>, -«,..»..^.. ::.,uA.«tll<«rf \^^^^^ 't^"^)^'^^ (^ y ; ■ ■ ;- y, ■ > MEMOIRS, DOCUMENTS, Sfc. :i^: . / :^ loves or enjoys tlie luxuries of life and the table better thaii Mrs, Clarke ; but with these en- joyments she is not satislicd, if others do not partici- pate in them ; and what may be called avarice in her, to obtain money, arises from iui extraordinary desire to distribute pleasure and comfort to every one around her. There ai'c some minds so constituted, that to mea- sure their conduct by the common standard of human actions, would be absurd. A certain eccentric bias of the disposition leads them into modes of life peculiiu-ly tlieir own j and whether in poverty or affluence, the same cxtravagimt principle of feeling and acting will ever distinguish them. Mrs. Clai'ke is one of those eccentric beings who ap- pear happy in that vaiiety of speculative life which the generality of females have not courage or talent to en- counter. As Mr. Dovvlcr's purse was not so prolific as the mines of Peru, nor. filled the lap of indolence with that measure of massive metal which natiue has lavished on tlie torpid Spaniard, Mrs. Clarke soon had reason AlliMOIRS OF MRS. CLARKE. 1 •> to believe that her joys with him did not afford a pro- mise of long continuance. — Mr. Dowler's resources, it is said, principally emanated frolh the affection of doat- ing parents, who knew no bounds of indulgence to an extravagant son — a misapplied parental regard which at last reduced them to distress. A friendly ''separation now took place between this dashing pair, and on her return to London she again flew to the embraces of Mr. O — 1— e the army agent, who took the house in Tavistock-place which has been the .subject of so much remark in the House of Commons. Here was a remove at once into something like a regu- lar establishment, where she found herself mistress of an elegant mansion, and ^in full possession of every luxury. Her mental energies and love of literature had no^v the most favourable opportunities of cul- tivation; and as the desire of improving herself did not abate, and with the means in her power, she immedi- ately engaged masters of every description, under whom she acquired all the useful accomplishments of a gentle- woman. It cannot be a matter of surprise that such a woman should have an influence over the mind of any man with. Avhom she came in contact, particularly if he were a person whom she considered of importance to her comforts. Report speaks of her seldom failing to fascinate those whom she felt a desire to enslave in the fetters of love. A female of this description could not remain long in partial obscurity : the higher classes ol gay men would naturally feel an inclination to see her whose fame for accomplishments, and the art of pleas- ing, were so exquisitely united in one object ; and thus her name and attractive qualities soon reached the ears 16 ]\LE\IOIRS OF M«S. CLARKE. of his Royal Highness the Duke of York, who, like otlicr men, is not expected to be exempt from the in- fluence of the tender passion. But before we proceed to take a view of her acquaint- ance with that illustrious personage, it may not be un- interesting to say something more with resjn ct to her, while residing in Tavistock-place. Her princii)al visitors here \vere Lord B. and Mr. O. both of whom lavished every indulgence upon her that the imagination of a giddy girl could suggest, or her lieart pant for. Her confidants at this time are said to be her mother and sister, the latter of whom is, no doubt, Mrs. Favery, one of the persons examined at the bar of the House of Commons. From Tavistock-place Mrs. Favery married, much against the inclination of Mrs. Clarke ; and after a short time she separated from her husband, and return- ed to Mrs. Clarke's house, where the husband present- ed himself, one evening, in great rage, to demand his wife : in consequence of which a serious quarrel ensu- ed, and the guardians of the night assembled to ap- pease the fury of the storm ; but before peace Mas re- stored, one of the enraged couple jumped out at the window to make an escape. It was during Mrs. Clarke's residence here that she pleaded her covertuR\ and in consequence of an acci- dent had nearly lost her cause at Westminster. Pre- vious to going to tlic trial, it was necessary to procure the certificate of her marriage at St. Pancras, Middle- sex, and accordinglj'^ the vestry- woman of Tavistock chapel was dispatched, in the character of an crrand- w Oman, to the clerk of that piuish, for the proper docu- aiEMOmS OF MRS. CLABKK. 17 ment. By some unaccountable accident the certificate could not be found, just as the cause was coming be- fore the court : but on the discovery of the misfortune an active messenger was sent oft', and by great good luck the clerk of St. Pancras was in the way to make out another ceitiiicatc, which arrived but a few minutes before it was tendei-ed as a defence to the action in question. If report speaks truth, Mr. O. became greatly em- barrassed by his attentions in Tavistock-place, and in the course of time was obliged to relinquish all claims on the favours of that house. Mrs. Clarke, however, has always held his memory in esteem, and spoke of him with gratitude. Who the person was, or is, that became the imme- diate medium of introducing Mrs. Clarke to the Duke of York, is at present not well ascertained. Some per- sons have observed, that the Mr. O. just mentioned gave such a flattering description of her mind and man- ners to his Royal Highness, which brought about his acquaintance with this interesting woman. It however appears pretty certain that the Duke visited her at Tavistock-place ; and as her charms grew upon him, and warmed admiration into love, he only followed the footsteps of other men w ho had not philosophy enough to withstand the fascinating qualities of a lovely female, which generally lay a powerful hold on the sensibilities of our nature. We now approach that splendid period when Mrs. Clarke appears in a character far diftercnt Irom any thing that the fancy of the most vain could possibly picture, in the heat of its imaginary bliss. At once the et iH Ml'.MOIUh OF MKS (I.MIKr. cndcarhii^ conipaiiioii of Llic third i)ersoii in the btalc, suiTouiidcd by all the splendour that accompanies roy- alty, and niovinj^ amidst a retinue of gorgeous servants, like Venus attended by tlic obedient Graces, Mrs. Clarke ascended the throne of Gloucester-place Palace, where she held the sceptre of power, and dispensed l\i- Tours for two years. But, alas ! how uncertain are all earthly enjoyments ! She, who could conuiiimd the smiles and favours of a prhice — whose name and pres- ence delighted his ear and eye, is now like hemlock, which poisons and aftVights. It appears that nothing could exceed the liberality of the Duke of York, in fitting up this superb mansion. The establishment consisted of upwards of twenty ser- vants — a housekeeper, fi\'e or six maids, two butlers, and six other men servants. Three or four men cooks were frcfjuently employed, each of whom had a guinea a-day. Her confidential friends say she was allo^^-ed to receive whatever compiuiy she chose, and nothing was spared to give every one a princely reception. The furniture is described as having been the most magnificent that could possibly be procured. She paid from four to fne hundred pounds each for pier glasses ; and her wine glasses, which cost upwards of two guineas a-piece, sold afterwards, by public auction, lor a guinea each ! To tl\ings already named may be added two carriages, and from eight to ten horses, and an elegant mansion at Wey bridge, the magnitude of which may be conjec- tured from the single circumstance that the mere oil- cloth ibr the passagje cost fifty pounds. The funiiture of tlie kitchen at Gloucester-place cost upwards of two MEMOmS OF MtlS. CLARKE, 19 tliousand pounds, a sum greatly exceeding the expense of furnishing all the royal kitchens in the kingdom. Such (says one of her intimate friends) was the splen- did establishment to which his Royal Highness intro- duced the fair object of his esteem. Much has been said respecting the Annual income which Mrs. Clarke received from the Duke, to main- tain this gigantic concern. Her account is^ that his Royal Highness's settled allowance to her was one thousand a-year, which was to be paid monthly ; but with the addition of presents, &c. it might amount to about 1200/. per annum. That impartiality which we mean tO observe through- out the whole of this Memoir obliges us, injustice to the Duke, to say, that the Chancellor of the Exchequer denied her statement to be true, and declared that his Royal Highness's banker's book and accounts afford the most satisfactory proofs that she openly and fairly received from him about 6000/. per annum. Here we leave these two statements for that variety of opinion which will naturally be exercised upon this subject, without presuming to lead the reader on either side by speculative reasoning. However unpleasant it may be to narrate the misfor- tunes of a felloW'Creature, and however reluctantly the task is performed by us, in giving a biographical sketch of Mrs. Clarke, we are under the necessity of giving an account of those little disagreeable vicissitudes of for- tune which appear to mark her progress through life, while in the harbour of prosperity there is a gratifica- tion in pursuing her footsteps, because the idea of hap- piness is usually attached to the fortunate ; but when 4 20 ME.MOIUS OF MRS. CLAKKE: the day of life is overcast, and promises but a gloomy conclusion, there is no satisfaction in taking up the pen to delineate it. It is from this impression that we have to perform a painful duty in observing, that it must be regretted that this lady, after the style of her living, should, cither from imprudence or some odier cause, be obliged to pledge and dispose of a vast quan- tity of valuable property ; of which, it is said every ad- vantage has been taken by those who live on the follies and misfortune of their neighbours. o Whether, as it is reported, Mrs. Claike expended large sums upon entertainments given to sheriff's offi- cers, musicians, &c. is of little or no importance. A large establishment of servants is not likely to have been kept for nothing ; and as the expenses of the house, we know, were considerable, it is only fair to conclude that Mrs. Clarke has given many a good dinner to a set of people who now return her hospitality and kind- ness with falsehood, calumny, and detraction. There is one thing of which we highly disapprove, and that is, that Mrs. Clarke should ever have given up the name and circumstances of her footman, Avhom the Duke of York could have had no motive for rais- ing but to oblige the woman he then loved, and in compliment to the memory of the young man's father, who had educated him for the life of a gentleman. We hope, however, the exposure of his introduction to the army will not, while he conducts himself as a gentle- man and a soldier, lessen him in the estimation of eidier his country or his regiment. It is understood that captain Sutton, the father of the young man whom Mrs. Clarke induced the Duke to MEMOIRS OF MKS. CLARKE. n place in the ai'my, was oile of the most accomplished gentlemen of the age, whose amiable disposition and companionable qualities attracted the notice of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, with ^^ hom he lived for a considerable time on terms of intimacy, and under the patronage of that illustrious i^ersonage. . This gentleman having experienced most of the in- conveniencies arising from the want of discretion, be- came destitute of the common necessaries of life ; and shortly before his death he had no resources but those which he derived from the bounty of Mrs, Clarke, who, as we have before stated, is highly distinguished for that virtue called charity. We cannot but regret that Mr. Wardle should have called in tlie situation of young Carter to support his case, because the Duke could not possibly derive any benefit from granting a commission to a young man in his humble . station, and raising him to his proper situation as a gentleman, from which he had fallen through the indiscretion and misfortunes of his father. It was an indulgence granted to the youth at the solicit tation of Mrs. Clarke, and ought on no account to have been made the medium of a public charge against his Royal Highness. To proceed any farther upon this topic might lead us into the great question now before the Commons of England, and also out of the path we proposed to tread. We set out by professing our impartialit\-, and a de- termination not to arraign the conduct of cither his Royal Highness or Mrs. Clarke, nor by the strength of speculative reasoning or prejudice to enquire which of them were most entitled to the attention and belief of 32 MEMOIRS OP MRS. CLARKE. the public ; and having, we trust, fulfilled our promise in not leaning to either side of the question, it is most likely that our readers will give us credit for impaitial- ity and independence. In whatever way Mrs. Clarke may view this bio- graphical sketch, (if the work should fall into her hands,) we cannot presume to say, because it often happens that persons who have raised themselves from a humble station to elevated life, dislike to view the source from whence they sprung ; but we hope that a little consideration on her part will convince her of the weakness of such pride. Half the families in England have originated in an obscure and humble stock ; and if she be the sensible woman we suppose her to be, she will feel, like Mr. Cobbett and others, proud that her merit has raised her from the cottage to the palace ; and that though her conduct must be universally disapproved, yet her abilities have gained her no ordinary share of public^ notice and admiratjon. CHARGES EXHIBITED AGAINST HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF YORK, BY MR WARDLK. -Mr. Waudle commenced his Charges by stating as follows. He said that the first establishment under the control of the Com- mander in Chief to which he would call the attention of the House was the Half-pay Fund, arising from the sale of commissions va^. cant, cither by death, by promotion, where officers were not allowed to sell, or by dismissals. The legitimate power which the Com- mander in Chief possessed over this fund was either that of reward- ing deserving officers with any of the commissions which fell in, or of causing them to be sold, and the money applied either to the re- demption of the Half-pay-List or in aid of the Compassionate Fund. If he could prove that commissions, so vacated as he had described, had been sold, and applied to different' purposes, he should establish the fact, that the original intention of the Half-pay Fund had been abandoned ; for in such cases he should prove, that neither had merit received any reward ; the Half-pay List experienced any reduction, nor the Compassionate Fund obtained any assistance. In the year 1 803, his Royal Highness the Commander in Chief took a handsome house in Gloucester-place, engaged a full establishment of servants, and placed at their head a lady of the name of Clarke, whom he should frequently have occasion to mention in the course of what he had to say. And here he trustcdthat the House would be convinced, from the number of facts which he should have to allege, and the num- ber of names which he would distinctly and unequivocally declare, that he hadn9t taken up this subject on light grounds. 04 THE CHARGES. FIRST CHARGE. In the first case that he would submit to the house, Major Ton}Ti, (then captain Tonyn) of the 3 1 st regiment and lieutenant Donovan of the Royal Garrison Battalion, were concerned. The former, as he understood, for he had not the honour of his acquaintance, was a most meritorious officer, and he trusted that he should not be considered as casting any reflection on him by stating precisely what had come to his knowledge with respect to this transaction. Captain Tonyn, although the son of a distinguished general, not having been for- tunate enough to obtain the promotion for which he was anxious, was, by captain Huxley Sanden of the Royal Waggon Train, intro- duced to Mrs. Clarke. In consequence of that introduction an agreement was entered into between Mrs. Clarke and capt. Tonyn, that on the promotion of the latter to the majority of the 31st he should pay Mrs. Clarke the sum of 500/. through the hands of Mr. Donovan. Before he proceeded it would be necessary to apprise the House who Mr, Donovan was. In the year 1802 he had been jippointed a" lieutenant in the 4th Royal Garrison Battalion, and had afterwards been removed to the 1 1th Garrison Battalion, in which he still continued. The House would naturally ask what this gen- tleman's serrices have been. Certainly not of a military nature ; for from his first appointment to the present hour Mr. Donovan had pot gone near his regiment, having, as it were, obtained perpetual leave of absence ; a circumstance at which, when the House became better acquainted with the kind of services which Mr. Donovan had actually rendered, they would not be at all surprised. To return to the case which he had beep stating, the 500/. lodged by captain Tonyn with Mr. Donovan was paid to the hands of Mrs. Clarke by ifaptain Huxley Sanden, and captain Tonyn obtained his majority. Now the regulation price of a majority was 1 100/. ; so that the half- pay fund lost 1 100/. for the purpose of putting 500/. in Mrs. Clai-ke's pocket. This 500/. he could prove was immediately paid by Mrs. Clarke to Mr. Burkett the silversmith, in part of payment for a service of plate sent by him to Gloucester-Place, and the deficiency for which Avas paid by the Commander in Chief. It thus evidently THE CHARGES. 25 appeared that his Royal Highness was in this instance an absoKitc partaker of the benefit derived from this nefarious transaction ; and the House would be awai'c, that to p^ve the truth or falsehood of the circumstances which he had slated, no less than five witnesses might be summoned to the bar, namely, major Tonyn, Mrs. Clarke, captain Huxley Sauden, Mr. Donovan, and the executor of Mr. Burkett. SECOND CHARGE. The second case which he should adduce of the iniluence pos- sessed by Mrs. Clarke in military matters was an exchange wliich took place between lieutenant-colonel Brooke and lieutenant -colonel Knight. In this negotiation Dr. Thynne, a medical gentleman of high respectability, was concerned. It was agreed betwixt him and Mrs. Clarke, that if the latter could effect the wished-for exchange, she should receive an acknowledgment of 200/. It chanced that just at this time Mrs. Clarke had a strong inclination to make an excursion into the country : she stated her wishes to the Com- mander in Chief, and infonned his Royal Highness that they might be gratified without any expense to himself, as an opportunity then offei'cd of obtaining a sum of 200/. provided his Royal Highness would cause the exchange of colonel Brooke and colonel Knight to take place. On the very next Saturday the exchange of these officers was gazetted. Of this fact he could prove the reality by the evidence of lieutenant -colonel Brooke, lieutenant-colonel Knight, Mrs. Clarke, and Dr. Thynne. As a contrast to the facility with which the exchange of these two officers was effected, he would mention a circumstance which had occurred a few weeks ago, and which showed how difficult it was for officers, even of high rank and great respectability, to obtain the most reasonable indulgence, without availing themselves of undue means. Major Macd,onald and major Sinclair, men of high military character, were placed in the following predicament.- They were both in bad health. Ma- jor Macdonald, with whom the climate of England agreed infinite- ly better than that of the West-Indies, received orders to join hi*^ negintent, which was in ©»e of the We^t-India islands. Major 26 THE CIIARGES- Sinclair, Avith Avhoni, on the contrary, the climate of the Wcst-Indiea agreed better than that of England, was most anxious to exchange with major Macdonald : but notwithstanding the utmost "exertions were used by both these officers to obtain an object so desirable by them both, they failed in their endeavours. The Commander in Chief forced major Macdonald to go abroad, he forced major Sin- clair to stay at home, and both had since fallen victims to tliis cruel arrangement, from not liaving offered a bribe in a quarter when perhaps they were not aware that it would have been unblushingly accepted. THIRD CHARGE, The third case which he should mention was that of majoi* Shawe ; and on this occasion Mrs. Clarke must have exerted her influence more strongly than usual ; for it appeared that major Shawe was no favourite of the Commander in Chief. Mrs. Clarke and Mr. Shawe, however, soon came to a right imderstanding, and the latter consented to give the former no less a sum than 1000/. on being appointed deputy barrack-master-general at the Cape of Good Hope. Major Shawe's appointment to that situation was in consequence gazetted on the 3d of April, 1807. He immediately paid himself into Mrs. Clarke's hands, 300/. ; soon after he sent her 200/. more through his uncle, Mr. Shawe. For the remaining 500/. Mrs. Clarke applied in vain ; and when, after repeated at- tempts, she found that she had no chance of it, she complained t« the Commander in Chief, who felt so much enraged at the circum- stance, that he immediately put major Shawe on half pay. He (Mr. Wardle) had in his possession a letter of major Shawe's, com- pkiining heavily of the treatment he had experienced. Mrs. Shawe had also written to Mrs. Clarke, and threatened her and the Com- mander in Chief with a public exposure of the whole transaction, xmless justice were immediately done her husband, but in vain. This case pretty clearly showed, that Mrs. Clarke's influence ex- tended to the staff as well as to the other departments of the mili- tary service ; and by reducing an individual from full pay, in con- sequence alone of his breach of such an iniquitous bargain, the THE CHARGES. 27 Commander in Chief had made himself a direct party to the trans- action. FOURTH CHARGE. The fourth case to which he should call the attention of the House, related to a levy under the direction of colonel French. Colonel French applied, in the year 1804, for permission to conduct the levy of a regiment. This levy was set on foot by the influence of Mrs. Clarke, to whom colonel French was introduced by captain Huxley Sanden, and an agreement took place by which it was stip- ulated that Mrs. Clarke should receive a given sum out of the bounty of each man, and have the patronage of a certain number of officers. This agreement Mrs. Clarke immediately made kno>vn to the Duke of York, and then sent colonel French to the Horse Guards to wait on his Royal Highness, where, after several inter- views, he succeeded in obtaining his object. As the levy proceed- ed, Mrs. Clarke received several sums from colonel French, from captain Huxley Sanden, and from a Mr. Corri ; one sum of 500/. she received by the hands of Mr. Corri, which was paid to him by Mr. Cockayne, a solicitor of eminence in London, employed by colonel French. FIFTH CHARGI::. The fifth case which he should state it would be necessary" for him to revert to lieutenant Donovan, of the Royal Garrison Battal- ion, who was the agent of an old officer, a captain Tuck, and who had actually given to that officer a written list of the prices at which Mrs. Clarke would engage to procure military promotions, namely, for a majority 900/. for a company 700/. for a lieutenancy 400/. and for an ensigncy 200/. Now, the regulation prices were, for a ma- jority 2,600/. for a company 1,500/. for a lieutenancy 550/. and for an ensigncy 400/. ; so that the Half-pay List, and the Compassion- ate Fund most evidently have sustained the most material injury. n THE CHARGES. SIXTH CHARGE. The sixlli case that he should bring forward was of a still mortf pointed nature, and bore on the Commander in Chief alone. He Avas prepared to prove that the Commander in Chief was to have had a loah to a considerable ambunt from colonel French, or his apcnt, on condition of successfully using his influence to procure for colonel French a large arrcar due to him from government, for the very levy of which he had already spoken. His Royal High- ness did use his influence, but did not succeed, and did not receive his loan ; and it was a fact, that at that moment there was due from government to colonel French no less a sum than 3000/. SEVENTH CHARGE. The seventh case which he should intrude on the patience of the House, was that of captain Maling, who, being apiwinted an ensign in the 87th regiment on the 28th of November, 1805, was made a lieutenant on the 26th of December, 1806, and obtained a company in the African corps on the 1 5th of September, 1 808. This African corps, by the way, was commanded by colonel Gordon, the Duke of York's private secretary. Captain Maling was a man of unexcep- tionable character ; he meant to cast no reflection upon him, but he certainly had had tlie good fortime to be a clerk in Mr. Green- wood's office, and he could prove, tliat though an ensign in 1805, he was at Mr. Greenwood's desk in 1807. But what was worse, was this, that in three years, without an hour of actual service, lie was put over the heads of all the subalterns in the army, consisting of hundreds of brave men who had long served their country — who had shed their blood in her defence and in the assertion of her glo- ry, and many of whom had even lodged money for the purchase of that promotion which captain Maling had thus easily obtained. Whether this was doing justice to the British army or not, he left the House to determine. THE CIIAIIGES. EIGHTH CHARGE. 29 The eighth case to which he would draw the attention of the House, and on which he could speak from his own knowledge was, that there existed a public office in the city, open to all comers, where military commissions were oflcred for sale at the reduced prices which Mrs. Clarke used to exact ; and the agents of whicli declared they were so enabled to offer them by Mrs. Carey, the present favourite of his Royal Highness ; and further, that in ad- dition to commissions in the army, they had the power of procuring all descriptions of places in the Church and State. Nay, those agents had not hesitated to give it under their own hands, that they wex'e employed by two of the first officers of his Majesty's Admin- istration.* • On Mr. W'ardlc being requested to name the agents, he said tlie of- fices he alliukd to were held in a Court off Thread-ncedlc-strcet ; that the names of the agents were Haylop and Pullen ; and that the persons in, Administration said to be connected with them were the Lord Chancellor ftnd the Duke of Portland. CTlie outrageous abmrdity of the latter part of *his etalcmetif caused the House to he convulsed tvith lav^hter.J AUTHENTIC DOCUMENTS, Sfc. Sfc, .0 Wednesday^ February 1, 1809. Mr. Wharton in the Chair. THE following entry in the Gazette, pag« 970, Wi.s read : " War-office, July 30th, 1805. " 56th regiment of foot : Brevet Lieuten- ant Colonel Hi-nry Raleigh Knight, from the 5th Dragoon Guards, to be Major ; vice Brooke who exchanges." ANDREW THYNNE, Esq. M.D. called In. Examined by the Commit tee. Did you attend Mis. Clarke in your professional line, in July 1805 ? — I have attended Mrs. Clarke for the .last seven years : I do not recollect that it was in July 1805 more than any other time. 1 have known her for seven or eight yeai's, and in different situations. I have at- tended her when she was ill. Did you ever, by the desire of any pei'son, apply to Mrs. Clarke respecting an exchange between Lieut. CoL Knight and Lieut. Col. Brooke ? — I have ap- plied to Mrs. Clarke respecting the ex- change of Lieut. Col. Knight and Lieut. Col. Brooke. The application I made was in consequence of an application made to me by an old and valuable friend, Mr Robert Knight, the brother of the lieutenant colonel. He under- stood I was acquainted with Mrs. Clai'ke ; he begged I would speak to her to expedite the exchange ; and I did speak to Mrs. Clarke upon the subject, and delivered her the message I got from Mr. Knight and his brother the lieutenant-colonel, to whom 1 was then introduced. What passed upon that subject be- tween Mrs. Clarke and yourself?-^! was authorised to tell Mrs. Clarke she would receive a certain sum of money : I spe- cified the sum of 2001. For what was that sum specified ; upon what event was that sum offered ? — It was offered for the purpose of in- ducing Mrs. Clarke to expedite the ex- change. The exchange was to take place in the office in a certain length of time ; it began in the office : some de- lays and impediments were expected, and in order to remove those impcdi" ments and those delays I was authorised to say that such a sum would be given to her, if she would exert herself to ex- pedite this exchange. Tlirough wliat medium was it expect- ed siie should obtain that exchange >. — I am sure I cannot answer that question : I should suppose it was pretty welk known that she was acquainted with a great personage at that time : I know nothing about that. I was desired to de- liver a message, and T did nothing more, than deliver a message from an old friend to Mrs. Clarke, to induce her to expedite an exchange between two of- ficers. Was it not under the consideration and conviction of her at that time being under the protection of the commander in chief that such application was made to her? — Of course, if Mrs. Clarke was not thought likely to expedite the thing, no application would have been made Xo her. I understand you expressly to have stated,that you offered her 2001. for ex- pediting this exchange : I wish to ask how many days, to the best of your re- collection, passed between the applica- tion and the exchange being notified in the Gazette ! — I really cannot be accu- rate in that respect, for it made so little impression on my mind, that I merely recollect having delivered the message. I was anxious to oblige my friend Mr. Robert Knight, but it did not concent me, and I cannot bring my mind to tell the exact jieriod between the ap])lica- tion and tlie Gazette ; but I believe it was a good deal expedited byMrs.Clai'ke. Do you think, to the best of your re collection, it occurred within a few day; or a week ? — I pi-otest I cannot bear il in mind, but I believe a fortnight or three weeks elapsed before it was done. I cannot speak positively to that. 1 had nothing to do with the transaction b^t; barely to deliver that message, and that message made no impression whatever upon my mind. Did Mrs. Clarke communicate to you the circumstance of the exchange being gazetted ? — Mrs. Clai'ke sent the Ga- zette to my house in consequence of the message 1 delivered to her from Mr. Knight : the moment J received thp Ga- zette I sent it to the parties. No money ever passed through my hands. If Mrs. Clarke received money, she received it through some other quarter. I solemn- ly declare that no money passed through my hands whatever. I sent the Ga- zette to the parties, and what they did with the Gazette I do not care. Did Mr. Robert Knight alone author^ ize you to offer the 2001. or was Lieut. Col. Kniglit a party to that offer ?— I was entirely influenced by Mr. Robert Knight : his lady was an old patient of mine : he was always a great friend of mine. I had nothing to refuse Mr. Ro- bert Knight. Lieut. Col. Knight J knew little of at this time : I was introduced *to him by his brother : but I was cer- tainly influenced by Mr. Robert Knight, and by nobody else. Is tlie Committee to understand that Lieut. Col. Knight was present when this authority was given to you to offer the 2001. ? — I am sure I cannot answer that, for I saw Mr. Robert Knight at his own house, sometimes privately, and some- times in the company of his brother ; and tlic transaction made so little impression upon my mind, that after a lapse of three or foiu* years it is not possible for me to relate all the circumstances ; but I was influenced by Mr. Robert Knight, who, as a man, I have the greatest esteem and regard for to this hour. Did you request Mrs. Clarke to apply to the Duke of York for the purpose of expediting the exchange of Lieut. Col. Knight, in consideration of the 2001. she was to receive I — I do not exactly under- stand the question : I beg to have it ex- plained. Whether j'ou requested of Mrs. Clarke to apply to the Duke of York to expe- dite this exchange between Lieut. Col. Knight and Col. Brooke, and in conse- quencp of that application told her she would receive tlie 2001. ? — The thing is understood : I cguld not have applied, fior shoul4 not have applied to Mrs. Clarke, unless she had the means of ex- pediting the thing : it was understood at the time that she had th^ paeans. How did you understand that Mr?. Clarke possesedthe means of expediting that exchange ? — It was understood at the time that she had some influence. [The witness was directed to with- ^ draw.] £The witness was again called in, and was directed by the chairman, in his an- swer to the questions put to him to answer to facts within his absolute knowledge, and not to his understand- ing or surmise- Did you or not request Mrs. Clarke to apply to the Duke of York to expedite that exchange ? — I applied to Mrs.Clarke to beg of her to interest herself on be- half of Lieut. Col. Knight, and to expe- dite the exchange. Did you or not apply to Mrs. Clarke to request her to apply to the Duke of York to expedite that exchange ? — Yes I did so, I acknowledge that, if she had it in her power. Was it for that purpose the 2001. was offered to Mrs. Clarke ? — For that sole purpose. In this conversation was tlic Duke of York's name personally mentioned ? — ^I am sure I cannot recollect : I cannot take upon myself to say so.: It is impos- sible for mc to recollect every circura". stance of a message delivered b-tween three and four years ago. Was your application to Mrs. Clarke merely to expedite the exchange, with- out mentioning the manner in which it was to be expedited ? — Certainly with?- out mentioning tlie particular manner : it was to facilitate and expedite the ex- change. [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was called in again. Whom did- you mean to refer to in the expression, a great personage, which you used early in your examination ? [The witness was directed to witlidraw. [Tlie v/itness was again called in, and the following question and answer were read to him. Through what medium was it expect- ed that she should obtain that exchange? — I am sure I cannot answer that ques- tion : 1 should suppose it pretty well known that she was acquainted with a great personage at that time : I know nothing about tliat. I was desired to de- liver a message, and I did nothing more than deliver a message from an old friend to Mrs. Clarke, to induce her to expe- dite an exchange between two officers. ^5 Who was that gi*eat personage 1 — It Vr&s understood the commander in chief. At the time you spoke of this exchange to Mrs. Clarke, did you give the names in writing to Mrs. Clarke ? — I believe I did upon a slip of paper, and upon that paper, I believe I wrote, Lieut. Colonel Knight wishes to exchange with Lieut. Col. Brooke : if I did not write it down Inyself, she wrote it : it was given in writing. Subseq^uentto your application to Mi's. Clarke, did she at any time communi- cate to you that she had used her influ- ence for the purpose expressed, with the Duke of York ? — I do not know that 1 had seen Mrs. Clarke from the first communication till slie had sent the Gazette to my house : that Gazette proved that the exchange was effected, and 1 sent to the parties ; and that is all I had to do witJb tlie transaction. When that Gazette was sent by Mrs. Clarke, did she communicate to you that it was by her means the exchange had been obtained ? — Mrs. Clarke accompa- nied the Gazette with a note, to say tliat the exchange was accomplished, and that she was going out of town in a day or two, and that tlie 2001. would be very Convenient. Are you certain that those were the whole contents of the note I — That was the impression upon my mind at the time. This is a transaction between three and four years ago, and having thought so little about it, I cannot be supposed to know all the circumstan- ces : but I recollect receiving a note and a Gazette : tlie Gazette I sent to the parties : and I cannot recollect anything more than 1 have stated. Since that period has Mrs. Clarke ev- er communicated to you, that it was by her means it was obtained ? — Mrs.Clarke never said any thing to mc more th.nn sending the Gazette : for, from my first application to the receipt of the Gazette, 1 do not recollect having seen Mrs. Clarke ; or if I did see her, it was mere- ly to enquire whether any progress was making in the exchange. Has any communication of that kind been made since the sending the Ga- zette ? — I do not recollect having any such communication : at the same time I belieVe it was expedited by her means. Have you preserved that note ? — No, I have not preserved it, certainly ; I consi- dered the note as one not concerning me, and I sent it to tlxe parties whh the Ga- zette* [The witness M-as directed to witlulra\tf. [The witness was again called in. The chairman, by desire of the committee, repeated the caution to .# the witness to speak only to his own knowledge. Had you any reason, besides your own surmise, for believing that this exchange was expedited by the interference of Mrs. Clarke ? [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was again called in, and the question was proposed.] If I recollect right, I understood that the exchange would be obtained in the regular way, in the course of time ; but Mr. Knight, whether from ill health, or what othffr reason I know not, was de- sirous of having it done expeditiously ; and it was in consequence of that, and his brotiier's wish, that I applied to Mrs. Clarke in the first instance. Have you any reason but your own surmise for believing that this exchange was expedited by the interference of Mrs. Clarke ? — No other reason on earth. \Vhon 3-ou made this application, did you not know that Afrs. Cl.irke was liv- ing with tho Duke of York, and immedi- ately under his protection ? — It was so undcr.stood at the time. Did you ever see the commander in chief at Mrs. Clarke's ? — Never. Of your own knowledge, do you know of such a relative situation between those two parties ? — I never saw the Duke of Y^ork there in my life. Do you recollect the manner in which the proposition was at first made, en- gaging Mrs. Clarke's interest ? — When 1 first spoke to Mrs.Clarke, she seemed to suppose there were some difiiculties in the way, and she .spoke a good deal about secrecy, and of the danger she should run if this ever transpired. Do you recollect what words she used, when she expressed that sentiment? — It is impossible for me, at this length of time, to recollect the precise words, but the meaning I am clear in. You have said that Mrs. Clarke ex- pressed a great desire that it should be kept secret : did she mean secret from theDuke of York as well as tiie rest of the world ? — That is matter of surmise. Did you not understand from Mr. Knight that the exchange alluded to was in a train of being efi'ected previous to Mrs. Clarke's Interest l)eing solicited ? — I understood the thin"- would have hap- pened in the course of time. Mr. Knight wislied lo liave the thiiijj expedited, I know not from what motive ; and it was to expedite it that he begg^ed of me to speak to Mrs. Clarke. The excliange was a simple fair thing, as I supposed, and would have gone through the office in a regular way. QThe witness was directed to withdraw. ROBERT KNIGHT, Esq. was called. Examined by tlie Committee. Did you desire Dr. Thynne to use his inHucncc with Mrs. Clai'ke to have an exchange between your brother Lieut. V.o\. Knight, and Lieut. Col. Brooke, carried into eflect ? — I did. Did you authorise Dr. Thynne to hold out any personal temptation to Mrs. Clarke, to induce her to carry the point ? — Yes. To what amount ilid you autliorise Dr. Thynne to oft'er Mrs. Clarke ? — Two hundred pounds. After the exchange was effected, did you, by yourself or any otlier person, give any sum of money to Mrs. Clarke, —Yes. To what amount ?— 2001. Had Col. Knight any positive promise from the commander in chief for this exchange with Col. Brooke, prior to such application to Mrs. Clarke ? — My brother applied in the regular way to the Duke of York, and received the usutd official answer on the subject, that whenever a proper successor could be fovmd, there would be no objection to ll>e exchange taking place. 1^ The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was again called in, and was directed by tlie chairman to an- swer only to circumstances within his own knowledge. Do you know of any positive promise of the commander in chief prior to the application to Mrs. Chu-ke, that that exchange should take place ? — No. Where was the application made to Mrs. Clai'ke ? — There was some delay in the business, from what cause I do not know, and I stated that circumstance to Dr. TJiyime, wlio happened to be attend- ing my family at tlie time. He replied, that he thought he. could be of service, by applying to a friend of his, Mrs. Clarke. I told him I should be mucli ©bliged to him if he would apply to her, and that I should be happy to give 2001. if the l)usii\ess could be eHected, as my brother was in a very bad state of liealth at the time, and I w .•»>; verv Jesirous tkat he should exchange to infantry, for the purpose of going upon half-pay, that he might recover his health. I believe he had served as long as any man in the country of his age, and suffered by it : he had served twenty -three years, and I« believe he has been in every battle dur- ing the French revolution ; and it was my anxiety to serve him tliat has placed me in this painful and distressing situation. How tlid you send the 2001. to Mrs. Clarke ? — Under a blank cover, as far as my recollection serves me, by my serv- ant. I do not tliink that I made any ob- servation in the enclosure, but directed it simply to hej-. Did you see Mrs. Clarke soon after the notice in the Gazette tliat the ex- change was effected, and for what pur- pose ? — I saw her, I think, in the month of September, for the purpose of thank- ing her. Upon that occasion did Mrs. Clai-kc desire yo\i to be secret with respect to this transaction ; and did she assign any and what reason for that secrecy ? — She did intreat me to keep it a secret, lest it should come to tlie Duke of York's ears. Have you seen Mrs. Clarke within the last month, and how did it happen that you saw her ? — She wrote to beg that I would come to her, about a month ago ; to which letter 1 made no reply. She wrote a second letter, as far as my re- collection serves me, about ten days ago. I went to her, and she asked me the name of the officer wlio had exchanged with my brother : I told her. She made a number of complaints of her having been ill treated by the Duke of York ; that he had deserted her, and left her in debt, I think to the amount of 20001. ; and that she was determined, unless she could bring- him to terms, to expose him in the manner in which she is now en- deavouring to do. I said tliat that was her affiiir, but that I trusted she would not introduce either me or my brother. She said, O good God, no by no means, it is not my intention : you can have nothing at all to do with it. That pass- ed in the drawing-room, and I took my leave, and heard nothing of her since ; and I was very much surprised to hear of my name being mentioned in the way in which it has. I was thunderstruck at its being done without any notice. Had Col. Brooke's name been men- tioned to tlie Duke of York to exchange with your brother, previously to the application to Mrs. Clarke ?— I think I 35 have already replied that the application was made in tlie re^-ular way. I do not know it : but by a reftrence to the office the papers will speak for themselves. I cannot speak from my own knowledge to that. You^ have stated, that your reason for applying to Mrs. Clarke, was, that a de- lay existed in the exchange taking' place ; do you, of your own knowledge, know where those delays took place, in what office ? — In the Duke of York's office, I suppose. Can you state in what department of the office ? — I fancy that Col. Gordon was secretary at the time. You have mentioned that you sent tlie bank notes in a cover by your servant ; at what time of the day did you send those notes ? — I am pretty sure it was in the former part of the day, rather early in the morning. Were they bank notes that were sent ? — That T cannot charge my memory with. Was it one or two notes ? — Upon my woi-d I cannot venture to say, but I ra- ther think in two bank notes. Can you say from whom you received the bank notes ? — Upon my word I can- not, it is a long while ago, nearly four years. How long was this before your brother was gazetted ? — The sending was after he was gazetted. How long before your brother was gazetted did you speak to Dr. Thynne ? —I should think the negotiation went on near a fortnight, or from a fortnight to three weeks, as far as my recollection serves me. Did you ever receive any note from Mrs. Clarke with the gazette ? — No, it was from Dr. Thynne I received the communication. Dii you receive any letter from Dr. Thynne ? — That I do not recollect. From Mrs. Clarke to Dr. Thynne ? — No, I do not think that 1 saw any letter. Did you ever receive any letter from Mrs. Clarke except what you have men- tioned in your former evidence ? — I have received several letters from her subse- quent to the transaction. Respecting this transaction ? — No, I do not think I received any from her re- specting this transaction. Did you receive any answer to the note transmitting the bank notes ? — No. Did your brother, to your knowledge, ever apply to the commanding officer of the 56th regiment, to recommend the 6 exchange to Uie commander in chief ?— I do not know : I believe he did ; I am pretty sure that he did. , Do j'ou recollect about what time ?■•■! Upon my word, I do not. Did you receive from Dr. Thynne the Gazette containing the account of the exchange ? — It now occurs to me that I went to the office for the Gazette myself, somewhere about Chancery-Lane. I got it myself from the Gazette office. How long a time elapsed between the first application being made at the com- mander in chief's office, and the second application to Mrs. Clarke through Dr. Thynne ? 1 think, as I said before* about from a fortnight to throe weeks. How long a time elapsed between the first application being made at the com- mander in chief's office, and the second apjilicaticn to Mrs. Clarke through Dr. Thynne ? — Upon my word, I cannot ex- actly say. About what time ? It might have been ten days, but I cannot speak accu- rately. You have .stated, that you went to the Gazette office to fetch the Gazette ; had you any reason to suppose that the ex- change would be announced in that par- ticular Gazette, or did you go up6n every publication to fetch the Gazette, to see whether it was inserted ?— I think I went three times in the whole. In point of fact, before this transaction took place, had you ever leai'ned from Mrs. Clarke that she did apply to his Royal Highness the commander in chief to expedite this exchange ? — I cannot tell ; I did not become acquainted with her till after the exchange was notified ir^ tlie Gazette ; about six weeks afterwards. In the conversations you have since had with Mrs. Clarke, did you ever under- stand from her, that she had, in fact, ap- plied to the commander in chief to expe- dite the exchange ? — Of course, she took credit to herself for expediting the busi- ness. You have no reason for presuming it, but that she took that credit ; you do not know that she actually applied I — I am not bound to draw inferences. Did you ever learn from Mrs. Clarke, that she actually applied ! — She told me she had applied, certainly, when I saw her in September. To whom did she say she had applied ? —To the Duke of York. At the time she said she had applied to the Dulte of York, were the Duke of iH Yol'k And slic livinfj upon terms r — I do \\o{ know (hatot'iny own knowledge. \Vlun lliis conversution took place, did Mrs. Clarke reside in Gloucester-pluce ? —Yes. Was it after she said she had applied to the Duke of York, that she requested the transaction might be kept secret ? — Yes, it was arter, certainly. In point of fact, did you send the 2001. to Mrs, Clarke for any other reason than her interference in expediting the ex- chan};^e ? — 1 certainly sent it her to do all ill her power to accelerate the exchange. [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was again called in. Did not Dr. Tljynnc transmit to you a Gazette, after the exchange had taken place between your brother anil Col. Brooke ? — I do not know but he might. Was that accompanied with any note from Mrs. Clarke to Dr. Thynne ? — I do not remember that it was. Was it after you had sent tlie 2001. to Mrs. Clarke, that Mrs. Cliu-ke expressed her desire that it should be kept secret ? — Cerliunly. M as the fact which Mrs. Clarke de- sired should be kept secret from the Duke of York, the receipt of tlio 2001. which you sent her ? — Yes. Did she expressly desire you to conceal from the Duke of York your having p.aid her 2001. ; did she use tliose words, or as nearly as you can recollect, what words did she use ? — Slie requested tliat the whole business might be kept a secret. Did she exjjress herself pai'ticularly, during the conversation, as to the money, or was it one general conversation as to the transaction itself ! — As to tlie trans- action itself Was that wish of Mrs. Clarke that tlie matter might be kept secret, at tlie laat interview you had witli her, about ten days ago ? — No, it was in the month of September, 1805, subsequent to tlie transaction in qvicstion. How long previously to that interview had the nioney been ti'.insmitled ? — It was the day atler the transaetion was notified in the Gazette ; I believe, tlie next morning. Did Mrs. ("larke, in expressing a wish that the ti'ansaction might be kept secret, express a wish tliat tlie Duke of York might not know that you had any tiling' to do with it ? — Certainly. Was not lier wish expressed, that it might be kept a secret from the public ? —From luDi, tlie Duke of York. Repeat, as nearly as possible, the con» versation tliat passed upon that subject. — Upon my word, I do not see how 1 can exactly ; it is a long while ago. It is im- possible that 1 sliould repeat her words. What exjiression did Mrs. Clarke use, that you now recollect, which enables, you to state that it was not from the public, but from the Duke of York him- self, that she wished it to be kept se- ci-et ? — She begged it might be kept a secret from tlie Duke ot York. I do not know how to shape my answer in any other way ; it is impossible to recollect every word that passed four years ago. Did she add to that request, or did she join with that request, that your having any thing to do with it might be kept from the Duke of York ? — She was anxious that the whole transaction might be kept from !iim. Did she say, or give you to understand directly, tliat the Duke of York would object to your being a party in the trans- action, more, probably, tlian to any other person ?— No. Do you know that this exchange took place in consequence of your application to Mrs. Clarke ? — I caimot say that I know it ; it is impossible that I can say that, for the application had been in the war-office some time previous to the transaction with Mrs. Clarke ; I shoidd think it must have been in the office from ten days to a fortnight, but I can- not speak ex.ictly ; but tliat is a fact very easily got at by reference to the war- office ; the correspondence is to be found, no doubt. Did you ever ask Mrs. Clarke whether she applied to his Koyal Highness the Duke of York to expedite tiie exchange ? — It does not occur to my mind tliat I asked lier that question. Did she ever say tliat she had applied to tlie Duke of York ? — I understood that she had applied to tlic Duke, most certainly. Did Mrs. Cl.ai'ke appear more anxious that the transaction might be kept a se- cret from the Duke of York than from the public ? — The public was never men- tioned in the business. Was the Gazette, which was transmit- ted to you from Dr. Thynne, transmitted in a blank cover, or with any letter from the Doctor ? 1 do not remem- ber. When Mrs. Clarke told you, that im- less the Duke of York made terms, she would expose him -, did she state what lAeasures she was taking to expose the Duke of Yoik ?— No. Do j'ou recollect tlic expressions that she made use of ?— She stated thut she had been ill treated by him, anddcserted% by him, and left in debt; and that if he did not pay those debts (I understood her so, however) she certainly would expose liim. Do you recollect whether you or Dr. 'rhynne first mentioned the name of Mrs, Clarke, in the conversation you had tog-ether ? — I tliink it was Dr. Thynne ; I became acquainted with her through him. Was the interview you had in Sep- tember 1805 the first personal interview you had with Mrs. Clarke ? — Yes ; but I will not be positive as to its being Sep- tember ; it might have been tiie latter end of August ; it was the latter end of the year. That was the first interview you h*ad with her ? — Yes, it was. Where did you first mention it to col. Wardle r— I sliould tlunk williin a month ; he liad heard it from otlier quarters than from me, and attacked me upon it. ^ Had you any knowledge of col. War> die before he attacked you upon it ! — Yes, I had. What had led to your knowledge of col. Wardle before that time ! — Himself Are you speaking of a time before the attack he made upon you witli respect to tliis transaction ? — Yes, I knew him be- fore ever he attacked mc upon this sub- ject. How long ? — I suppose six months. Had you ever mentioned the transac- tion voluntarily to col. Wardle, till he attacked you upon it !— He asked me if it was true, and I told him yes. Had you stated this voluntarily of your own consent to col. Wardle, or only in answer to his enquiries ?— When Mr. Wardle told me he had heard of it, and mentioned the circumstance to me, I said yes, it was true ; that was all I said; I did not think I should be brought here upon it, or I might have been vei'y apt to deny it. Would you willingly have concealed it ] — 1 concealed it from the beginning, it was not a public thing ; certainly any thing which ought to be private, I have sense enough to keep as such. I be- lieve Mr. Knight spoke of it himself — it had got round. Who were those other persons that you spoke to of it, besides Mr. Wardle ? — A few of my friends, I do not recol- lect who ; I am not without friends. How came you to mention to a few of your friends, whom you cannot re- collect, a transaction which you say ought to have been kept secret, and which you think came forward only from Mr. Knight's mentioning it ? — I did not aay that I mentioned it, I said that my friends mentioned it, and that then I said it was all very true. When you mentioned this transaction to col. Wardle, did you give th|: same account of it which you have given to-day ? — No, I did not. Which was the true account : — Both. In what did the two accounts difter ? — I do not see that they differ at all, I did not enter so into detad as I do now. Was the difference between your accounts, that you were shorter in the account you gave to col. Wardle, th^ in the account you have given to-day ?•— Considerably. Can you recollect the day on which Dr. Thynne applied to you ? — The day of the month, or the day of the week ? Either ? — I do not, it was stich a trifling affair. ■' Cannot you tax your recoUectioti upon either one or the other f^^Not ujion such a trifling occasion. Have you not told col. Wardle on what day Dr. Thynne applied to you ? — > No, I have not. Did not you tell col. Wardle that the application was made to you on a Thurs- day, and that it was gazetted on the Sa- turd.ay ? — No, I did not ; I might as well have said Tuesday as Thursday, I do not recollect any thing about days or dates. Have you told the House now, all that you told col. Wardle upon the sub- ject ? — I have answered that before ; I h.ive told the House more than I have told him a great deal ; I told them that I did not go into detail with him, and I have with the house. Have you told the House every thing that you mentioned to him ?— Upon what subject ? Upon this subject ?— Yes, I have, and a great deal more . What have yo.u told the House to-day, which you have not told col. Wardle ? — I mentioned it but slightly to him, and I have told every thing here that I recol- lect, except a slight conversation between his Royal Higiniess and myRclf, which 1 suppose it is not necessary to repeat. '"^ [The witness was directed to wilhdrAw. [The witness was again called in.] What circumstances have you men:, tioned to the House relative to this transaction, wiucli you did not mention to col. Wardle ?— -I did not mention to col. Wardle that I shewed llie note to his Royal Highness, nor did I tell him that las Royal Highness got cliaiige for it ; it was for me t:bat he got change ; lie was going out of town at one oVloClc, and 1 at four, and I wanted the change to leave some with my servants in town, and some I wanted witlv me ; I did not enter into that detail witli col. Wardle. Is that the only circuiTi.staiice thtdyou liave mentioned to the House, and did not mention to col. Wardle ?— No, it is not. State the other circumstances which you did not mention to col. Wardle.-^I did not say mucli to col. Wardle at all, it was very trifling what I mentioned to 40 him ; he had heard it from other quar- ters, and asked me if it was true, and I said yes. Had you any intention to have men- tioned this, if Col. Wardle had not asked you > — It was in conversation it was mentioned. Should you have mentioned this to Col. Wariilc, if Col. Wardle had not mentioned it to you ? — Perhaps I mig'ht, aiid perhaps I might not. Had you any object in mentioning it eiUicr to him or to any other person. - None whatever. Had you any end to accomplish by making this known. — Certainly not. Have you ever stated that you had aiw ground of complaint against his Royal Highness. — All my friends know 1 have. Have you ever stated to any one that you had grounds of complaint against his Royal Highness. — To many I have stated it. Have you not stated, that if his Royal Highness did not comply with your de- mands, you would expose him. — I told Mr. William Adam, in a letter, that if he did not fulfil his promises, and the Duke's by paying me the annuity, for which Mr. Adam was the guarantee, and which Mr. Adam promised me should be regularly and punctually paid me, that I should be necessitated to expose his Roy- al Highness' letters : that was all. Have you never said, that if his Royal " Highness did not come to your tei'ms, you would expose him.— No never in my life. Never to amy one. — Never to any one whatever, nor is it willing at all in me now. I was very angry in that letter, and perhaps Mr. Adam will produce it : that goes to the worst part that ever I said or acted. Is it only in, one letter that you have threatened to expose his Royal ^High- ness. — Two I have written to Mr. Adam : that is all, to any one. Were there threats in'both the letters. — They are not threats : I solicited. Did you say in those letters that you would expose his Royal Highness. — Mr. Adam, I suppose, has the letters ; andi if he is in the house, will perhaps pro- duce them. Did you accompany your solicitations by saying, that if tliey were not complied with, you woidd expose the Duke.— I do not recollect that I did : but you had better ask for the letters. Did you Aever make any declaratioi^ of that sort to any otlier person.—No, never. k Did you never state to any other per- li son, that if your terms were not com- plied with, you would expose the Duke, or use any terms to that effect I — I have told you befoi-c, I did not. Are you quite certain of that ?— Yes, quite. Did you ever tell Mr. Wardle that you wanted this 2001. for a particular purpose. — No, I did not. Did you not say to Mr. Robert Knight that if his Royal Highness did not come into your terms, you would expose him ? — No, I did not. Did you ever say any thing to that effect to Mr. Robert Knight.— No, I did not : I told him I was going to publish the Duke's letters to pay the creditors, which his Royal Highness had refused. His Royal Highness had insisted that I should plead my marriage, to avoid tlie debts, or that I might go to prison : that was his last message to me. When was that message sent ? — I should think six weeks or two months since : my lawyer can tell, the message went to him. Who is your lawjer ?— Mr. Comrie- was my lawyer . AVho was your lawyer then ?—.Mr, Stokes, who lives in Golden^square. He was your lawyer M'hen that mes- sage was sent ? — He received tlie mes- sage, and came with it to me. Who cai'ried tlie message to him ?--tA man in the employ of Mr. William Adam, a sort of lawyer. Did Mr. Knight pome voluntai'ily to you, or did you send for him ?-"I was in the habit of writing to Mr. Knight since we have been intimate, after the affair of his brotlier. I wrote him one or two letters, and told him where I lived, and told him to call when he came to town. I dai'e say he has the letters, which will resolve tlie question at once. Did you not write to him, to desire him to come, particularly on the occa- . sion when you told him you should pub- lish the Duke's letters ? — No, certaiidy I did not. Did you not send to him, to desire that he would call upon you, and when he came, tell him, that you intended to publish tlie Duke's letters ?-"! must refer you to tlie letters : it was only a (Com- mon sort of letter tliat I am in the habit perhaps of writing to many more gentle- men "besides Mr. Knight. 41 ton have mentioned that you wei*e advised to plead your marriage : are you married ? — It is of no coiisequence at all about my husband, that has nothing to do with it. Mr. Adam can tell who 1 am. ^ Are you a married woman or not ? — You have no reason to doubt it. [The witness was informed by the Chairman that she must give a di- rect answer to the question. I am a married woman ; there is no question which I will not answer, though it may' be unpleasant. How long have you been married ? — I refer you to Mr. William Adam, he has my certificate. [The Chairman informed the witness she must give a direct answer to the question. How long have you been married ? — I believe fourteen or fifteen years. Is your husband living ? 1 do not know. Have you not sworn yourself to be a widow ? — His Royal Highness, a short time since, when I sent to him to ask liim to send me a few hundred pounds, sent me word that if I dare speak against him, or write against him, he would put me into the pillory, or into the Bastile. He fiiiicics that I swore myself to be a widow woman when I was examined at a court martial ; but the Deputy Judge Advocate had more feeling than the gen- tleman who has examined me now ; he told me I might say any thing out of the Court which it might be unpleasant to me to swear to. I told him it would be very improper for me to say that I was a married woman, when I had been known to be living with the Duke of York. I did not swear that I was a widow : I said it out of court, and it was put into the court-martial Minutes as if I had sworn to it, but it was not so. The Judge Advocate, to whom I told it, is at the door, and I think he had better be called in. I know now what he has come for. Who brought that message from the Duke to vou ? — A very particular friend of the Diike of York's. Who ? — One Taylor, a shoemaker in Bond-street, very well known to Mr. Adam. By whom did you send the request to tlie Duke for these few hundreds, to which the Duke sent this answer by Taylor ? — By my own pen. How did you send the letter ?— By this ambassador of Morocco. What do you mean by this ambassador of Morocco ? — The ladies' shoemaker. Was it a verbal answer that was brought to you, or a letter ? — A verbal answer, in Mr. Taylor's own language, or the Duke's : I do not know which it was exactly, but those were the words that passed. What is yourhusband's name ?~Clarke. What is his christian name ? — Joseph, I believe. Where were you married to him ?— At Pancras : Mr. Adam can tell you. [The Chairman stated to the witness that he felt it his duty to inform hci', that her manner of giving her answers was extremely indecent, and unbecoming the dignity of the House ; and that if persevered in, it would call for a heavy censure. Have you not said that you were m.ar- ried at Berkhampstead ? — I did, when I was laughing at Mr. Adam. Did you not persevere in that story over and over again ? — No, I did not, I merely laughed at it. Was it true or not, that you were mar- ried at Berkhampstead ? — I tell you I told it him laughing ; and I told the Duke I was making a fool of him when I said that ; for which his Royal High- ness said he was very sorry, for that he was entirely in Mr. Adam's clutches. Did J ou make Mr. Adam believe that you were married at Berkhampstead ? — I do not know what I made him believe. Did you not find, from subsequent conversations with Mr. Adam, that he had believed it, and acted upon it in some enquiries that he had made ? — He set a man of the name of Wilkinson to make some enquiries respecting me ; so his Royal Highness wrote me in a letter ; but I believe that Mr. Adam, nor no one, will go to say there was any thing improper in my conduct during the time I was under the Duke's protection ; nor will his Royal Highness believe it, I am certain. Did you not represent your husband as a nephew of Mr. Alderman Clai-ke ? — He told me he was. Did you believe that your husband wa.s a nephew of Mr. Alderman Clarke ? — Yes, I did ; he told me so. Did you ever see Mr. Alderman Clarke ? 1 never saw any of Mr. Clarke's relations but two of his broth- ers and his sister : I have seen the Al- derman sometimes about, sm any body else might have seen him. 43 Do you now believe that your husband is tlie nepliew of Mi*. Alderman Chirke ! —I have never taken any pains to ask anv things concerning' him, as I have quit- ted him : lie is nothing to me, nor I to him : nor have I seen him nearly these three years, nor heard of him since he broug^ht an action against the Duke, or threatened. I saw him about a month before that. What is your husband ? — He is noth- ing — but a man. What business ? — No business. Was he never any business ? — No, his father was a builder. He lives at Ket- tering in Northamptonshire. Was not he a stone-mason ? — No, he was not ; he lives at Kettering with his younger brother, who was brought up at Cambridge, and his brother's wife : that is all I know of him. Did you ever live in Tavistock-place ? — Yes, I did. .When did you live there ? — I do not recollect. I lived there with my mother. How many years ago ? — I do not re- collect. When did you go to Gloucester-place ? —I do not recollect : I was with the Duke in Park-lane, before. When did you go to P;-.rk-lane ? — I do not recollect. How long was it before you went to Park-lane tliat you were in Tavistock- place ? — I do not recollect. Did you live at any other place be- tween the time of your living in Tavis- tock-place and in Park-lane — I do not know : the Duke knows if I did : I might have gone to some of his houses, I do not know. How long did you live in Tavistock- place ? — I do not recollect. I did not live long there ; I was backwards and forwards. Was not that before you knew the Duke : No, it was not. Where did you live wlien first you knew the Duke ? — You will excuse me if I do not mention it. [The Chairman informed the witness she must answer the question. I do not recollect. If you do not recollect, why did j'ou desire to be excused from answering the question ? — Because I do not recollect it. Was your only reason for desiring to be excused from answering the question, that you do not recollect il ? — Yes, be- cause it would be seeming as if I could not answer many of tlie questions you put to me : I wish to be very fail* and very honest. Recollect yourself, and say positively whether you did not live in Tavistock, place before you knew the Duke ? — I ' knew the Duke many years before that. I do not think it is a fair question at all to put to me ivt : you heai* that I am a married woman, and I have a family of children, and I have a daughter grown up. Did you not live in Tavistock-place before you were under the Duke's pro- tection, as you expressed yourself ? — I was under his protection : I might have lived there : I lived under his protectien tliere. Do you mean to say you were under his protection when first you went to Tavistock-place ? — No, I was under my mother's ; but I knew him before. Did you not live in Tavistock-place as a widow ; did you not represent yourself as a widow ? — No, never at any place whatever ; but at that court martial lately I did : I thought it was saving myself and my family something; and I thought it was saving his Royal Highness likewise, he was married also. Do you mean to say that you never lived in Tavistock-place till you were under the protection of the Duke ? — No, I say I was there with my mother and my children : I knew his Royal Highness previous to that, but I did not live with him. Did you not represent to the trades- people who furnished your house there that you were a widow ? — Never to any one whatever. Have you not threatened the Duke, that if he would not come into the terms you proposed, and pay you wh t you required of him, you would put the let- ters into the hands of person.? who would pay you ? — Would pay me what ? That which you required the Duke to pay you ? — What is tliat ? Will you be so good as to state what I wanted him to do? Have you not stated, that you had put upon paper, or would put upon pa- per, the transactions for the last fourteen or fifteen yeiU's, and that if he did not comply with your demand, that you would put that memoir into the hands of persons who would publish it ? — No, I have not : I cannot recollect what I said, but I must beg for the letter, and that will covince at once. You haVe stated, that you have men- 43 iloned llus tl';insaction to some other pei*- soHs besides (^ol. Wardle ; who arc tlios.c persons > — Indeed 1 do not recollect ; my acqiiaiiitiinces ; it might have been in a slight sort of way : I did not make r talk of it rnyself. How long- ago was it that you first mentioTied it to Col. Wardlc ? — That must have been since I wrote that letter to Mr. Adam : 1 did not know Col. Wardle at that time : Mr. Adiun sent a messenger to me, but I would not see him. Wlio has been present besides Colonel Wardle, when you have ever mentioned tliis transaction to him .' — I do not know of any body but my children, or a young- lady now and tlien : nobody of auy con- sequence—no man. To what man have you ever mentioned this, except to Col. Wardle ? — To many gentlemen : to my acquaintances : 1 do not recollect : I do not know. Do you know Major Ilog'an ? — Not at all : I never saw him in my life, nor ever heard of him till 1 read a pamphlet. Mr. Greenwootl sent a messajje some time since by this same man, Taylor, to say that he was very sorry to hear that I was acquainted with a Mr. Finnerty. I never saw the man in my life. I be- lieve about eight or nine years ago, at Margate, they said there was some newspaper men there, and he was tliA-e. That is all that I know. I never saW him since. And there is another man who writes, who says he is very inti- mate with me : I never saw him but once, and that was when his Hoyal High- ness was with me : that was at my mo- ther's. Do you recollect the particulars of the last conversation which you had with Mr. Robert Kniglit ? Yes : he asked me who had taken tiie house T was in, and if the Duke and I were upon inti- mate terms now : it w.is a sort of gener- al conversation ; and then the subject of the letters came up, and he asked me whether his Royal Highness had paid me my annuity. I told him no ; that his Royal Highness had not taken any fur- ther notice of me, nor of the debts ; that he had forgotten the annuity, .aitd indeed that he had sent me word tliat he had never made any ; that the trades- people were daily harassing me for the debts I had run into when I was under his protection, and it was impossible for me to plead my marriage to them all, the people not being contc^uted ; and that 1 Would publish Li.s letters, aad g-ive the 7 money among the traiDbs-pcoplc. Mr Robert Knight then desu-ecl mc, if I wa!} going to publish any sort of memoir, that I would be sure to sjjare his brotiier. That was the heads of the cdnversation tliat passed between us. Was there any other notice taken, in that conversation, of the business that is at present under discussion, except Mr. Robert Knight requesting you g-enerally to spare his brotiier ? — No, certainly not. Did you make any encjuiries of Mr. Robert Knight, concerning the btisiness now under discussion ? — Mr. Knight told ^me, I believe, as well as I can recollect : " Ah, by the bye, you got very well over the difficulty that my brother could not :" and then I asked him the name of the other man ; but 1 knew it before ; and what sort of looking man he Was : he said he was an Irishulan. I understand you to have said, in the former part of your examination, that Colonel Wardle had mentioned the cir- cumstances to you ; and that all the in- formation you had given to him, was gen- erally, that the circumstances he had so mentioned were true : do you still abide by tliat answer ! — Yes. Have you ever had atiy more than one conversation with Colonel Wardle upon this matter under discussion ? — No, I, have not ; and I hope I never shall hear of it any more. Arc you in the habit of seeing Colonel Wartlle, or have you seen him more fre- quently than that occasion when he came to enquire into tliose circumstances ? — O dear, yes. Do you recollect how long ago it wa.s th.1t that conversation relating to this bu- si)\ess took place between you and Col. Wardle ? — I have said before, it could not have been long since. Has the only conversation you had with Col. Wardle, upon this subject, tak- en place within these three d:iys ? — No. H;is it taken place since Friday last ?— • Indeed I do not know : T do not recollect. I do not think that it lias. Did that conversation take place since Friday last ? — No, U) the best of my re- collection not. Did vou see Col. Wardle on Satui'day last ? — I see him very often. I think I saw him at the Opera on Saturday. Did you see him any wliere else buf at the Opera on Saturday ? — He frequently calls upon me. Did yon know, and when did you know, that Col. Wardle h^(J, in tlii? 44 House, stated tlie present transaction, and mentioned his intention of calling upon you as a witness ? — When I saw the newspaper. He called upon me soon afterwards, and I certainly was very angry with him, and we had some words, as he had made very free with a friend's name of mine, Mr. Donovan, without my authority, depreciating his services and abilities. Mr. Donovan lias been wounded in tlie service of his coim- try, and has not been in bed for these twenty years, and he is only a lieutenant in some garrison battalion. Mr. Wardle, one morning when he was calling upoH me, took a parcel of letters away from me, without my giving him my sanction, and that has led more to the business than any thing ; and I have never been able to get them back since. He laughed it off, saying, that he should get into my love-secrets. They were letters between friends and myself. Do you not now recollect, that it was on Saturday last that you saw the uevvs- Faper that gave you this information ? — do not recollect the day at all. Did you not see Col. Wardle on Sa- tui*day last ? — I see liim almost every day ; sometimes every other day, or twice a week— I do not recollect— 1 dai«e say I did — I am in the habits of seeing him often ; but I did not know he was going to bring this thing forward ; and I told Iiim I would get out of town ; and he told me, tliat if tliey caught me any where, they woidd put me in prison, and I must not show contempt to a summons from the House of Commons. Did you see Col. Wardle yesterday ? — I think I did. Have you any dotbt ; are you not cer- tain that you saw him yesterday .' — No, I did not see him yesteriay. Are you certam now that you did not 8se him yesterday ?— I think that I am ; I do not think I was at home all day. Did you see Col. Wai-dle on the fore- noon of tliis day ? — Yes, I did, two or tln-ee times. Do you still adhere to your former answer, that you have not, witliin these three days, or since Friday last, had any conversation with Col. Wardle, relative to the subject at present under discussion ? •—To-day he told m^ Uiat I must come here and obey that summons ; and one day last week, a few days ago, he told me I must abide by what he had done, and speak the truth, and if I did not, the Wouse would commit mc for contempt ; that if I prevaricated at all, and did not speak the truth, the House would com* mit me, and send me where they had sent some sheriffs before. You have stated, that his Royal High- ness the commander in chief must have known you had received a pecuniary compliment for the service you had done to Col. Knight, because he had seeij a note ; did you shew the commander in chief that note before or at any other time, except when you asked him to ex- change it for your own convenience, for the distribution of money among your servants ? — I shewed it him after dinner one day, when I was going out of town in the morning, and his Royal Highness at night ; I never shewed it him but that once, and it was changed on that night. By whom was the message concerning Finnerty conveyed ? By Taylor ; he told me that he had just left Mr. Green- wood, who had been just reading one of Hogan's pamphlets to him, and that Mr. Greenwood told him that he had been told by several people, tliat I was con- cerned witli all tlie pamphlet writers, and among the rest, was very intimate with one Finnerty, wliich I denied, as I do now. Soon after you had received the 2001. Mr. Robert Knight and Mr. Biddulph called upon you ? — Yes, I do not know exactly how soon. I went out of town the night after I had received the 2001. and staid perhaps a fortnight or three weeks, and they called after that time. He introduced Mr. Biddulph to me. Did Mr. Robert Knight, after that, ever call upon you alone at any time, soon after you had received the 2001. ? Many times alone. Did you ever at any time, in conver- sation with Mr. Robert Knight,^ eithei- when Mr. Robert Knight was alone with you, or when any person was with you, ever say to him, that you were de- sirous that the transaction that had hap- pened should be concealed from his Royal Highness the Duke of York ? — Never in my life ; I never said that, and I have so stated before. Then, if any body has e\'er said that you said so, that accusation is false ; — Certainly. You have stated, that you sent the Gazette, containing the exchange which took place, in a note to Dr. Thynne ; dq you recollect what was said in tliat note ? — No, I do not, very little, I dare say, as I sent the Gazette with the note 45 You have likewise stated, that the 2001. was brought to you in a note, with Dr. Thynne's compliments ; are you certain as to that fact ? — Yes, I think I can say positively as to that, because j told my own maid to go do\vn and give the man who brought the letter a guinea. Was the compliments a verbal mes- sage, or inserted in the note I — ^I am certain the note was irtclosed in an en- velope ; I never recollected to speak cer- tain as to there being a note on the paper, because I thought there was a finish of the thing, and that nobody would ever call upon me about it, but I think I read Dr. Thynne's compliments. Do you know who brought that note to your house ? — No, it was a man ser- vant, and I considered it to be Dr. Thynne's servant, as he had spoken to me. Do you recollect at what time of the day it was received ? — In the middle of the day- You have stated in a former part of your examination, that the exchange was effected within a very few days after the application was made for the exchange ; do you allude to the application made by Dr. Thynne to you, or the application made by you to the commander in chief ? — I spoke to his Royal Highness the same day, at dinner. And the exchange was effected within a few days.— Yes, two or thi'ee days. Do you recollect how soon after that it appeared in the Gazette. — The same day as it was eft'ected it was in the Ga- zette. Had you any reason to desire to con- ceal from the commander in chief Mr. Robert Knight'sj visits to you ; did you ever desire him to conceal his visits from the commander in chief. — I never con- cealed his visits, or those of any gentle- man yho ever visited me, from 4he com- mander in chief. Were tliose letters you referred to, taken away before the time that colonel Wardle had the conversation first with you upon the subject of this inquiry. — Yes, 1 should think they were, because it is some time since. Do you recollect how long since. — No, 1 do not ; but there was nothing of Mr. Knight's business in those letters. Had you any conversation with col. Wardle upon the subject of those letters before he took them away. — No, I had not. How happened they to be lying in his way. — Because I was looking over ray papers, going into a new house ; I had removed from my mother's, in Bedford- place, to Westbourn-place, and he took up those letters, and said he would take away the packet of love-letters ; and he ran away with them. Do you mean seriously to state, that col. Wardle took away those letters with- out your Ipave, and without your autho- rity.— Yes, he did ; but he had run away with many others, which I suppose had induced him to take those nonsensi- cal little notes he had run away with be- fore, and then he told me he would give me those back again, if I wished it ; that they were on a different subject to what he imagined them to be ; that he was very sorry for it ; but he should take care to read them before he gave them me back. Were those letters, letters^ from his Royal Highness to you. — No, there might have been one or two of his inter- spersed ; but they were Mr. Donovan's letters, and othei s. Do you mean to say they were not the Duke of York's letters that were taken away by Mr. Wardle.— No, they were not ; he has not let me see them once. How came you to state, that the greatest part of this business has princi- pally been occasioned by those letters having got into the possession of colonel Wardle. — Because he has read them. Whose were those letters, that he had read, which led to this inquiry. — There are more letters than I could really men- tion or recollect ; they are from different friends of mine, and on different subjects, which I suppose led him to make such free use of Mr. Donovan's name. Do you recollect ever having been of- fered any money for the delivery of any letters from his Royal Highness, or frojrj Mr. Donovan. — Never. Did you ever place any letters in the hands of any body, with intent to for- ward and facilitate any negociation of your own. — No, I have not. Have you never so said to any body.— Except to Mr. Adam, who was the con- fidential friend of his Royal Highness. Have you never stated, that you had put letters in tlie hands of any one, for the purpose of facilitating some negoci- ation of your own.---No, I have not ; ex- cept that once or twice that I wrote to Mr. Adam, I never did, nor nevev swd it to any one. 46 Have you ever, in point of fact, put any letter into the hamis of any one, for the purpose of faci|it«tinjf any negoci- atiou ( f youis— "No, I have not. Hiivc you ni;ver written to any one, to sav tl ;it von liad so done.— To no one, bat "'If. A l;.m. Wliat is till n:iiTii3 of the deputy judge advociite, to wlioin you have referred,— J-Iis* uami; is Sutton. At tlio time when you received the 2001., was (lie Duke of York present in .the room. —No, he was not. JI')W soon afterwards did you state to the l)-ikc of York, that Mr. Knig-lit had iulfiUed his nronnse— The same dav. Was it on liio same day thnt you de- sired his lloyal Highness to get that note clianged for you. ---I did not desire his Royal lliglmcss to get it changed for me I he wished it himself, as I could not do it. Wiiat was tlic name of the servant by whom thalf note was clianged.— I do not know, I am sure; it is a very unusual thing to ask servants their names. WII,l,IAM ADAM, Esq. a Member of the House, examined in his place. You have heard the account which the last \\ itness has given of the part you took in this transaction ; will you give your own account of it ?— I wish to state to the committee, in answer to the question jMit to me by the hon. and learned gentlemen over against me, tiiat I believe, in the year 1789, I 'was de- sired by his Koyal Higlniess the Duke of York, to look into some concerns of his. From tliat time to the present period I have continued my attend in to those concerns, and I have continued it upon the ground that I stated the other night to the House ; namely, that it is not professional, that it is not attended with any emolument whatever, but it has been perfectly gratuitous on my part. I felt it a duty, when cngagei in it, to discharge all of it, and every part of it, with as much lidelity and accuracy and attention as 1 could. It came to my knowledge, late in the year 1805, that the liusband of the person who has been examined at the bar, threatened an action for criminal conversation against the Duke of York : it M'as necessary to inquire into the circumstances of the case ; and it fell to my lot, from the cofnmunications which 1 had upon other subjects with Ids Royal Highness, and ftom the intercourse which had con- stantly and invariably subsisted (if I may use the expression) between his Uoyal Highness antl myself, that I shotdd give directions for those inquiries. In the cou.se of the directions, and in the mat- ter that was laid before me in conse. quence of the investigation, 1 had rea- son to believe that the conduct of the person who has been examined at the bar, had not been so correct as it ought to have been, and thjit it had a tendency to prejudice his Royal Highness's in- terests, not his character in a military point of view, or in a public capacity, but his interests and his name with re- gard to money : This led to further in- quiry ; and I conceived it to be my duty to intimate the result of these things to the Duke of York : 1 found the Duke of York not inclined to believe that there could be any thing wrong in that qu.ar- ter, and that he continued of that opi- nion almost to the last, till the very close of the comiection ; and that the connec- tion, as the facts will shew, closed iu consequence of his conviction that that inve;Uigation had disclosed tiic character of the person wlio iiad just been ex- amined. The transactions of a pecuniary natui-e, which, as i have stated, had no relation to any thing like the subject of this inquiiy : these transactions came to be brought more directly home to his Royal Highness's attention by a i'act which I could state, if it were fit, ac- cording to the rules of evidence ; but it would be stating hearsay evid^ice, and that, hears.ay evidence of the party whose conduct is the subject of inquiry : I st.ate it merely to make ray evidence inlelligiblc. 1 then directed the inquiry more at large, and had an accurate in- vestigation made by employing Mr. Lowton, an eminent solicitor, who em- ployed Mr. Wilkinson, as the person that he generally gets to superintend bu- siness until it is brought forward in pro- per shape, he not having leisure for those parts of his business. By Mr. Wilkinson, to whom the person at the bar alluded, these investigations were completed, and when they were com- pleted, they were, I tlunk, eitlier upon the 6th, 7th, or 8th of May, 1806, submitted in detail and in writing to his Royal Highness, accompanied with the proofs : it was an unpleasant task, be- cause it is not pleasant to state to any person that which is contrary to their in- clinations and their feelings ; but it was a thing that I tliought I was boxmd, ip AT the discharjjo of my duty to the Duke of York, to (io fxaclly in the manner in which I hud nxelved the infoimation. This infofiniition was considered. In the course of it, his Royal llijfhness wished* tliut 1 should have an interview with the •person wlio lias just been examined ; 1 accordingly agreed to have that inter- view, because I consi(ierc;d that no un- pleasantness tiiat miglit afterwards, or at the time, arise to myself, sliould prevent me from following up the butiiness, and extricating that Royal ])erson from the person with whom he v/as at that time connected. Upon the score of those re- presentations, I had this interview : it was an interview not of long duration ; but, of course, 1 conducted the conver- sation to those points which led me to discover how far, with perfect accuracy, there was truth or falsehood in the in- formation which I hail obtained in the manner I have stated. It had been re- presented to me, that tliis person had defended an action as a married woman, having obtained the property for whicli the action was brought in the charac- ter of a widow. Investigation was made with regard to the place of her marriage, and it was found siie was married a mi- nor at Pancras. She had represented, at dilferent times, that her mother was of a family of the name of Mackenzie ; that her father was named rarquhar ; that they lived in the ncighbourliood of JJerk- hampstead, and that accounts would be had of the family there. 'I'he llerk- hampstead Register had been examined •with that view, and it was examined with accuracy for forty years back. In the course of the conversation I had with her in tlie first interview, J took occasion to ask her, where siie was married ; and she stated to me, seriously and distinctly, that she was married at R«rkhampstead. I then took occasion to put some ques- tions with regard to the register of I'an- cras ; and I took occasion likewise to state what 1 knew with respect to the registers of births, burials, and marriages at Berkhampstead ; and from the im- pression it made, I came away with a conviction in my mind, tliat those facts which had been stated to me upon the ■investigation I liad directed, were cor- rect and true ; because, no doubt re- mained upon my mind, from her de- meanor and conduct upon that occasion. She stated seriously that her marriage vas at Berkhampstead. She likewise stated in that conversation, thut her hits- band was a nephew of Mr. Alderman Clarke, now the chamberlain of London. I know, from the same investigation, that she was equally incorrect with the oth- er. In a ftw days after this, his Royal liighiicss's mind being made up to sepa- rate himself from this person, I was again asked by his Roviil Highness, wliether I had any difficulty in under- taking the communicating to her his de- termination. My being to wait upon her was announced in a short letter from tlie Duke of York to her ; and I, accord- ingly, from the samo motive which I have already stated, and feeling It to be a duty, as I iuul commenced llu; transac- tion wiiicli was to lead to this, not to rtinch from any personal inconvenience, or any unpleasantness wiiich might arise at the time, or in future, to make the communication, 1 made the communica- tion, and I accompanied it with this declaration, That the Duke of York thought it his duty, if !ier conduct was correct, to give her an annuity of 400J. a-year, to be paid quarterly ; that he could enter into no obligation in writing, by bond or otherwise, that it must rest entirely upon his word, to !)e performed, according to her behaviour, and that he might, therefore, have it in his power to witiidraw the annuity in case her beha- vioiu" was sucli us to make him consider that it was linlit it should be paid. Tiiat was tlie nalure of tlie pro]>osition which 1 made, and no other. TIic conversa- tion lasted for very siiort time. T loft the lady, and I have not seen her from that time to the ])resent moment. These circumstances seem to me, in the nar- ration, all that Is necessary to be stated with respect to that part of tlie tvansac* tion in which my name has been so fre- quently used. There are, however, two other matters, the one in which my name, was used when it was first introduced, and the other respecting a particular person, upon which I wish to stale the facts to the committee. I did, at sonic time in the year 1808, receive a ktter, I think the 11th of June ; I will not be quite sure about the date, but! think it is marked in my o\rn liand tlie 11th of Jime, 1808, which is the letter which has been alluded to. I am not in posfecssion of the letter, I gave it into the same custody that had the papers v.hich con- stituted the investigation I have stated ; that letter I shall slate nothing of the con- tents of ; I only mean to say that letter is in a situation to be produced, and I 48 ^upposo from what lias passed there will be no necessity for any tiling more. The e of that fact : that is a blunder of hers, but I never heard any one thin)!^ to make me doubt that it was so till to-ni.c^ht. Being- asked whether you were not at Mrs. Clarke's yesterday, you answered cently, had 1 any notion that there were any transactions of this kind in whioli she had been in any way concerned : Those pecuniary concerns to M'hich I alluded were the use of the Duke of York's name for the purpose of raising money, so as to involve his credit and character, but not by the sale of commissions. Do you mean by g-cttlng in debt with tradesmen, and borrowing money ? — Any mode by whicl\ she could raise Inoney. Did you continue, from the year 1806, to have the management of his Royal Highness's finances, and his money con- cerns ? — I had not, properly speaking, the management of any jjart of his Ro-" yal Highness's. But I Wish to mention this to the house ; — the Duke of York, from causes which it is unnecessary to refer to, found his circumstances cm- barassed ; at a very early period, he applied to me to look into them, and td that you had' been there about nine get matters arranged ; he appropriated o'clock in the evening ; were you not at to that arrangement, as soon as his in- Mrs. Clarke's house at any prior hour of come was such as to enable him to afford it, a very large sum of money annually, 12,0001. a year, that was put under the administration of Mr. Coutts and my- self, as trustees for the creditors, to set- tle the payments. From the circum- stance of "the Duke of York being a. mere annuitant, and from other causes, which I should be extremely glad to explain, to render my evidence intelli- gible, particularly from one cause, that in the arrangement of his estates he had cast upon him the expense of a large in- closure, which by Act of Parliament he was bound to see executed, which took yesterday ? — I called at Mrs. Clarke's yesterday morning, she was not at home ; I returned in the evening, and had a convei'sation with her for a few moments. Did you merely call at Mrs. Clarke's house ; did you not go into it, and wait a very considerable time at Mrs. Clarke's house ? — I was up in Mrs. Clarke's draw- ing-room for some time in the morning, I did not see her then, but I saw her in the afternoon. WILLIAM ADAM, Esq. was again examined in his place, as follows Having mentioned the annuity which a great deal of money, and his being was conditionally promised, can you state whether that annuity was actually paid : and, if so, for how long ? — I can state nothing respecting the payment : I had nothing at all to do with it ; I never heard any thing of it from the time when had the second and last interview. You have stated, that the annuity was to be continued so long as Mrs. Claike's conduct was correct ; will you have the goodness to explain that term ? — The term I iised I meant in this sense ; that under the necessity of buying tythes to a large amount, together with the pro- perty-tax coming on him, we were not enabled to operate the redemption of the debts by the payment of 12,0001. a year ; it was therefore the Duke of York's wish to appropriate a larger sum ; this was done, and it is still to go to a greater ex- tent, in the hands of Mr. Coutts and myself, for the same purposes. These are the monies whicli cohie under my management, and no other. I know her conduct was to be such, as not to nothing about the Duke of York's p^i- have any reference to any pecuniary vate expenditure ; 1 know riothin^ about transactions, such as I stated to have the pension he pays to any one, but only been the cause of the investigation, and the fund raised for the payment of debts, the subject of the subsequent communi- and also that for the reduction of the cation to her by me, that the Duke of debt he owes to the Public, a sum lent York was to have no further connection to him from the Civil List, when Mr. with her ; and I stated in my evidence, Pitt was Minister, and which Mr. Pitt tlidt at that time, noi- at any Ume till re- and other Ministers suspended the pay- 8 meat of to a certain time, and which was last year begun to be paid : a fund was vested in me for the payment of 4,0001. a year of that ; this will extend to the sum of from 26 to 30,0001. a year ; and when it is considered that the' income-tax falls upon that, as well as the whole of his other property, I believe that his Royal Highness will be foundtogive upas large a sum of money as his present circum- stances will afford. These are the only funds which fall under my knowledge ; and therefore it is impossible for me to know whether a pension is paid to this or that person, and it is not correct to sup- pose that I am in the administration of liis affairs further than I have stated. Did Mrs. Clarke apply to you at any time since 1806 for the payment of this pension ? — It is extremely difficult for me to state positively that she did not, but I believe the two letters which she mentions are the only letters I have ever received from her. I cannot under- take to say, in the variety of transactions I have, tliat there were no others ; the prominent letter was that of the 11th June 1808, which I immediately indorsed and delivered over to Mr. Wilkinson. COLONEL GORDON was called in, and examined by the Committee, as fol- lows : Do you hold any office under the Com- mander in Chief ? — Yes, I do. What is it ?— His Military or Public Secretary. Does the business of exchanging com- missions pass through your Office ? — It does. Can any transaction of that nature pass without your knowledge ?— It is quite impossible. Do all the documents by which the persons, who apply to exchange, are re- commended, pass through your Office ? — They do. Do they pass first under your exami- nation and consideration ? — Generally ; I might almost say always. Do you report the result to the Com- mander in Chief ? — Most undoubtedly, without fail. How long have you held the office that you do at present ? — About fqur years and a half. Did you hold it in 1805 ?— I did. When any exchange has obtained the approbation of the Commander in Chief, is there a minute made of it ?— Always. After thai, are the commissions madff out pursuant to that minute ? — After an exchange, or any commission has ob- tained the approbation of the Com- mander in Chief, it is immediately sub- mitted to the consideration of His Ma- jesty ; after His Majesty's approbation and signature has been affixed to the pa- per so submitted, it is sent to the Se- cretary at War, for the purpose of having commissions made out corresponding to the names placed in that paper previously submitted to the King, and then to be put in the Gazette. Are the commissions also signed by His Majesty before they are gazetted ?— J No ; perhaps I should explain, that thej are made out in the War -office after the gazetting ; the gazetting is the immediate J act following the signature of the King, a| notification to the army, tliat His Ma*1 jesty has approved of those appolntmentfj and he desires his Secretary at War tff^ prepare the commissions accordingly : they are made out more at leisure. You will see mentioned in the Gazetta the exchange between Colonel Knight and Colonel Brooke ; when did that ex- change receive the approbation of the Commandsr in Chief? — On the 2od of July 1805. When you say that that approbation took place on the 23d of July 1805, you refer to some document in your hand ; is that any memorandum made in your Office ?— It is. Is it the course of your Office, that, when the approbation of the Commander in Chief is signified, there should be a memorandum made of it ? — I think I may say invariably. Was the approbation of the Command- er in Chief to this exchange finally ob- tained on the 23d of July ? — It was. Do you keep records in the Office, of all the applications that are made for pro- motions or exchanges ? — Yes, I do, very carefully ; and every paper of every kind and every sort, that comes into that Office, I preserve with the greatest possible care. Is that paper which you hold in your hand, the original document which is brought from your Office ? — Yes, it is. That which you hold in your hand be- ing the original document which you brought from the Office, is it also the do- cument to which you just looked, and declared that the approbation of the Commander in Chief was obtained on the 23(1 ?— Yes ; it is the only paper I Yes, I think I could, with the same fa. have looked at since I entered this House, cility with which I have put my hand except the Gazette. upon this. You stated, that you keep an account Are you able to state who recom- of all the applications that are made for mended Colonel Knight and Colonel promotion or for exchange, and that tl^t Brooke for that exchange ?— This paper is preserved in the Office 1 — I did state with your permission, I will read ; it will so. speak for itself. Could you, upon any other occasion, [Colonel Gordon read, and then with reference to any other exchange, delivered in, a Letter from as 3 ou have with reference to this, find . Messrs. Greenwood & Cox to the' memorandum which denoted the himself, dated Craig's-court, time at which the approbation of the July 1st, 1805.(^aJ Commander in Chief was procured ?— CaJ Brooke's services. Cornet, 8 Dns. - - 29 June 93 * C. L. Lieut. 83 F. — 7 Oct. 93 cannot he acceded to, H. R. U. does not approve Capt. Ind. Co. - - 14 Dec. 95 of the exchange proposed. 96 25 Mar. 94 Maj. 13 Dec. 94 Sir, Placed on half-pay Mar. 98 Ry direction of General Norton, we have the hon- Bt. Lt. Col. 1 Jan. 1800 our to inclose a form, signed by Brevet Lieutenant Maj. - - 48 24 May 1804 Colonel Brooke of the 56th regiment, to exchange Cancelled 9 June 1804 with Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Knight of the 5th Maj. - - 56 5 Jan. 1805 Dragoon Guards, together with the copy of a letter — from Lieutenant Colonel Knight, stating, that he is * 23 July 05 satisfied with the security given for payment of the JI. R.H. does noiv approve of this regulated difference between the value of the two exchange. commissions ; and being informed the counterpart of the exchange has been sent in through the Agents of the 5th Dragoon Guards, you will be pleased to submit the same to field Marsha^ his Royal Highness the Duke of York. We have the honour to be. Sir, Craig's Court, 1st July, 1805. Your most obedient humble servants. Greenwood &; Cox. Lt. Colonel Gordon, &c. &c. &c. * The words in Italics are in Pencil Marks in the Original. I beg you will be pleased to obtain for me his Majesty's permissiqn to exchange with Brevet Lt. Col. Knight of the 5th Dragoon Guards. In case his Majesty should be graciously pleased to permit me to make the said exchange, I do hereby declare and cei-tify, upon the word and honour of an officer and a gentleman, that I will not, either now or at any future time, give, by any means or in any shape whatever, directly or indirectly, any more than the regulatecL difference. I have the honour to be. Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant, JV. Brooke. To the Colonel, or Commanding Officer, Bt, Lt. Col. & Major 56 ft. of the 56th regiment. I approve of the above exchange, and, I vevily believe, no clandestine bargain subsists betwecu the parties concerned. C J^lrion. C^lpn^l. 54 Is it your course, upon a recommend- on the 1st July, and it is not completed ation of this sort being put in, to inquire into the merits of the applicants ? — Most undoubtedly, in every case ; bnt particu larly in the case of Field Officers of rcffi ments. Is it your course to report to the Com- mandcr in Chief the result of those in- quiries ? — Invariably. When the Commander in Chief has ever drawn a different conclusion, upon the facts stated, than that which you have drawn, has it always been his course to assign to ^'ou a reason for that ? — I think he has ; but if he did not, I should most undoubtedly have taken the liberty to Iiave asked him. Where, in such a case, no reason has been assigned* are yon certain that you have always asked him ? — Most undoubtt edly. In this case, have }'0u any doubt that you made the necessary inquiries upon the representations made to you by this memorial? — None whatever ; lam quite positive that I did do so. Was the ultimate approbation of this exchange the result of those inquiries ? — I firmly believe so. Do you firmly believe that it was in consequence of your report to his Royal Highness ? — Yes, most decidedly I do. if his Royal Highness, in approving this exchange, had acted otherwise than according to your report, is it possible that that fact could have escaped your memory ? — It is some time since- this ex- change took place ; but I am much in the habit of transacting business of this kind, and I do not think that it could have escaped my memory. Would it have struck you as an extra- ordinary and unusual transaction, if the Commander in Chief had acted contrary to the result that was drawn from the communications made by you, without assigning any reason for it ? — Unless his Royal Highness had assigned a reason for it, it certainly would have struck me as very extraordinary. Have you any doubt, upon refreshing your memory as well as you can, by all the papers you have, and recalling the facts to your recollection, that the ap- probation of his Royal Highness was gained to this exchange, as the result of the memorial presented to you and the inquiries made by yourself, and commu- nicated to his Royal Highness ? — I can- not 4QUbt it for a moment. This representation, I observe, is niade till the 23d ,- do you find that there was any delay in bringing the business to a conclusion, and that it was at first stop- ped ? — Yes, there was ; and it was stop- ped. Are you now able to state, from your recollection, upon what ground it was at first stopped ?— To the best of my recol- lection, it was stopped upon this ground; upon referring to the services of the re- spective officers, as is invariably the practice, I found that the services of Lieutenant Colonel Brooke, from the last seven years, had been upon half-pay ; consequently, it became necesssiy to make more than usual inquiries respect- ing Colonel Brooke, before he could be recommended for the situation of Major to a Regiment of Cavalry ; when those inquiries were made, and I was satisfied that Colonel Bi'ooke was a fit and proper person, I made that report to the Com- mander in chief ; ai\d, as I have said be- fore, I believe it was upon my report so made, that the Commander in Chief ac- ceded to the exchange. Are you quite svire that there was no difficulty or rub on the part of Colonel Knight ? — I am perfectly sure ; if the House will permit me, I will read my answer to Colonel Knight upon this sub- ject. [Colonel Gordon read, and then de- livered in, a letter from himself to Colonel Knight, dated the 21st June, 1805— viz. " Horse-Guards, 21 June, 1805. " Sir, ■* ♦' Having laid before the Commander in Chief your letter of the 19th instant, I am directed to acquaint you, that his Royal Highness has no objection to your exchanging to the Infantry, receiving the diffisrence ; and when an eligible suc- cessor can be recommended, your re- quest will be taken into consideration. I am, &c. (Signed) J. W. GORDON. Bt. Lt. Col. Knight, 5 Dgn. Gds." Colonel Gordon. The eligibility there- fore must have depended upon Colonel Brooke. Then I am to understand from you that Colonel Knight had made an appli- cation to exchange, previous to this me- morial presented by Greenwood & Cox, in the name of Geheral Norton ? — Ycb, he had. 5 Si And that by this letter of the 21st of Fune, it was sigriified to him, tliat his )roposal was accepted ; that is, that the ;xchang-e so fai* as regarded him was ac- ;epted, if an eligible successor was found ? —Certainly. You are satisfied that the delay arose rom the doubt witli respect to Colonel irooke ? — I have so stated it. Have you any doubt that you -pursued he necessary inquiries for clearing- up ;hat difficulty ? — None, whatever. Have you any doubt that the approba- jation of the Commander in Chief was ultimately obtained, in consequence of ;hose inquiries having cleared up the iifficulty ? — None whatever ; I under- stood that I had stated that before. Was there any greater delay in this :ase, than was necessary for the purpose Df prosecuting such inquiries ? — None whatever ; similar delays occur in simi- lar transactions, almost every week. Was there any thing, from the begin- ning to the endof tliis transaction, which distinguishes it from other transactions of the same sort, relative to the same kind of exchanges ? — Certainly not ; I was much surprised when I heard of the difficulty first started in this honourable House, about thi-ee nights ago. In any conversation that you have had upon tlie subject of this exchange, with the Commander in Chief, do you recol- lect a wish being expressed that the con- clusion of the exchange might be expe- dited ? — No, certainly not ; the expres- sion of such a wish would have been vei-y futile, for it would not have expedited the exchange one half-instant ; it would have gone on in the usual course. Do you recollect instances on the part of the Commander in Chief, since you have been in office, tending to create a greater expedition than tlie necessary course of official business permits ? — Never in the current business of the office. I beg to explain to the house : the common business of army promo- tions is laid before the King once a week, and never twice a week, when any ex- pedition is fitted out and that officers are suddenly appointed to such expeditions ; then and then only a separate paper is submitted to liis Majesty, with their names exclusively, and they are not in- cluded in the common weekly paper. Are the committee to understand,that in the ordinary course of military promotion or exchange, the office is always permit- ted to take its course ? — Invariably ; I nev- ?y recollect an instance to the contvary. You have statfed that Col. Brooke had' been for seven years on half-ptiy ; in pro- portion to the length of time that an offi- cer has been upon half-pay, and conse- quently been moved out of sight from or- (iinary military observation, is it not necessary that there should be a much longer pei'iod of inquiry to discover what his conduct has been ? — Perhaps it may be so, but I cannot e.vactly say that, as I am in the habit of seeing twenty, thirty, and forty officers in the army, almost ev- ery day of my life ; and generally, from some of those, I can ascertain particulars respecting any officer T choose, and that without letting them know the purpose for whicl) I require it. Was the period of time required for this exchange beyond the ordinary pe- riod in such cases ? — Certainly not. Did the Commander in Chief ever state to you, or did you ever hear, that he thought that one of these persons, either Colonel Knight or Colonel Brooke, was a bad subject ? — I never heard him express any such thing. Can you take upon yourself to say, that no opinion of the Commander in Chief's, that one of these was a bad subject, was the occasionof any delay in the completing^ of this exchange ? — Yes, I certainly can ; the Commander in Chief is very cautious in expressing himself so strongly on the conduct of any officer : if the Command- er in Chief was to express liimself .so ' strongly upon the conduct of any officer, I should conceive tiiat thcj-e was some- thing in the conduct of that ofiicer that required more than common inquiry. Then are the committee to understand that no more nor further delay took place, than that which M'as necessary to com- plete the inquiries whicli you thought it your duty to make ? — Certainly. As you were in office at that time, sup- posingthc negotiation hetweenCol. Knight and Col. Brooke to have gone off in con- sequence of the objection made to Col. Brooke, or from any other cau.sc ; was it probable that Col. Knight might have had to wait some time before he might have had another eligible opportunity of mak- ing an exchange ? — Yes, I think he might. What day of the week is it that the lists axe generally sent in to the King ?— Thcv are commonly submitted by me to the Commander in Chief on Wednesda)', they are submitted to the King on Thurs- day ; and if they come back on Friday (which nine times in ten they do) they are gazetted on Saturday : if they do not come back in time on Friday, they 56 are gazetted on the following- Tuesday. Did you keep any memorandum of the inquiries you made respecting the ex- change between Colonel Knight and Co- lonel Brooke ? — None whatever. You have stated, that the application to the Commander in Chief for tliis ex- change was communicated on the 23d of July ; when was that application to the Commander in Chief submitted for his Majesty's approbation ? — The date is ac- curately marked upon the original paper : it was submitted to the King upon the 24th, as you will find, by reference to the paper upon the table. When did it appear in the Gazette ? — The Gazette is dated July 30th. Then the approbation of the Command- er in Chief was signified seven days be- fore it appeared in the Gazette ? — Allow me to mai"k this distinction : the appro- bation of the Commander in Chief is never signified to any body, until the King's pleasure has been subsequently obtained upon it. 1 understood, the Commander in Chief consented to this exchange on the 23d ; that on the 23d it was known to you ; that you then prepared the proper communi- cation to be laid before his Majesty, but that communication was submitted to his Majesty on the 24th ; that on the 24th, his Majesty signified his approbation, and that it did not appear in the Gazette till the 30th, being seven days after the Com- mander in Chief had given his consent, and six days after his Majesty had con- firmed that consent ? — Exactly. I beg it may be understood, that after his Majes- ty's signature is affixed to a paper of promotions, it is part of my duty to make such of them public as may be necessa- ry. The Gazette is a notification, but it is not a ratification ; the thing is finally done before it appears in the Gazette. You have stated, that being in the habit of seeing twenty, thirty, or more differ- ent officers every day, you take a proper opportunity of collecting from them the character and conduct of tliose whom you see occasion to inquire into ; is it your habit to make minutes of the result of those inquiries ? — There scarcely a day passes over my head that I have not oc- casion to obtain information of that na- ture ; but to make a minute of it would be absolutely impossible, I mean to any extent : I could not carry on the business. Between the first of July, when the ap- plication was made on behalf of Colonel Brooke, and the 23d, when it received the sanction of the Commander in Chief, did any conversation pass between your^ self and the Commander in Chief, other^ wise than tliat which originated in yoiu addressing yourself to the Duke upon the subject in the ordinary course oft office ? — To the best of my recoUectionJ certainly not ; I speak more decidedlj upon this point, because I am in the habit, of laying numbers of papers before the Commander in Chief, and of confining my conversation strictly and exclusively to the matter before us. If his fijajesty's approbation \vas re- ceived on Wednesday, why was it not notified in the Saturday's Gazette ? — I think I have said before, that if the pa- pers were returned from his Majesty in time, it would have been gazetted on the next day ; I take for granted, therefore, that they were not returned in time. What space of time was there betweeir your making your report of the inquiries made by you respecting Colonel Brooke, and the Duke of York's directing you to make out the necessary papers for the King's inspection ? — I think I have stated that I received the expression of the Commander in Chief's pleasure on the 23fl ; the papers were made out for his Maj esty on the 24th. What time elapsed between your mak^ ing the report of the inquiries respecting Colonel Brooke to tlie Commander in Chief, and the Commander in Chief giv- ing his consent ? — A reference to the pa- per on the table will explain the dates. Did you make your report on the same morning that the Commander in Chief gave his consent, and directed you to make out the necessary papers ? — I beg pardon, but I do not comprehend that question. When did you state the result of your inquiries respecting Colonel Brooke ? — I have already stated, that I made my re- port to the Commander in Chief on the 23d, and received his pleasure upon it. Upon casting your ej^e over the Tues- day's Gazette, can you tell whether there are any promotions or exchanges in the Tuesday's Gazette which received his Majesty's approbation at the same time as the exchange in question ? — I beg to state, that I firmly believe it is the usual prac- tice, at least, that every exchange, and promotion, and appointment, went in the same paper before the King. £The chairman was directed to report progress, an4 ^k leave to sit again. Friday, February 3, 1809. Ml*. Wharto:» in the chair. GWYLLYM LLOYD WAllDLE, Esq. Member of the House, attending' in his lace, desired leave to correct the evi- ence he had g^ivcn. J\rr. JVardle — I wish to state, that it ras on Monday morning- I waited a con- iderable time at Mrs. Clarke's house, ►n tlie Tuesday morning' I did see her, s well as on the Tuesday evening'. You were at Mrs. Clarke's, as you tate, on the Tuesday morning ? — Yes. And saw Mrs. Clarke ? — Yes. Was Mrs. Clarke at home when you ailed ? — I l>elieve she was up stairs. How long- mlg-ht you be at her house efore you saw her ? — I do not think very jnif. A short time. How long- did you stay there ? — I annot speak very correctly ; it is im- ossible for me to say exactly ; perhaps lalf an hour or thereabouts. 1 believe was in my carriage ; but I am not cer- ain. You came there in your carriage ? — think so ; but I am not very positive. have been so constantly in the habits if going tliere, that it is impossible for ne to say ; but I rather think I was in ny carriage. Do you recollect how long you were here ? — Upon my word I do not, or else would answer most fully : but to say (ositively that I can name a time, itreal- y is not in my power. At wliat hour of tlie day did you g^ here ? — Upon my word I cannot exactly ay ; I tliink the first time I saw Mrs. 31ai-ke on Tuesday was early in the norning. About what time ? — Upon my word I lo not know the hour ; but I remember joing down in her carriage witli her to he end of the King's road. On the Tuesday morning ? — Yes, on he Tuesday morning. You c«lled upon her in the mornijig ? —Yes. At what time in the morning Aid you call upon her first i — It was after break- fast ; I should think about eleven or twelve o'clock. I do not speak posi- tively. Was it at that time that you called upon her in your carriage ? — No, it was not ; I think I walked there. How long did you stay with her on that occasion when you called there, having walked there ! — To the best of my recollection, there were a parcel of workmen putting up looking-glasses, and things of that kind, in the house ; and I do not think I was there more than a short time. Half an hour ? — Upon my word I cannot say ; if it is of any consequence, I will endeavour to recollect. I rather think, to the best of my recollection, but I speak without certainty to these points, that her carriage was at the door. I am not certain. Did ou go out with her in her car- riage ? — I did. On that morning ? — Yes, as far as the bar at the bottom of the King's road. Did you call upon her afterwards i« your carriage on that day ? — I think I did in my carriage. I called upon her that day. At what time did you call upon her in your carriage ? — 1 really cannot ex- actly say ; I should think it might have been three o'clock. I do not speak to an hour, but, as far as I can recollect, that was the time. It has since occurred to me where I had been ; I had taken a long walk, and returned and went to her house in my carriage. Did you see her when you called upon her in your carriage ! — I did. She was at home then ? — I think she was up stairs, and came down soon. Then Mrs. Clarke saw you the second time ? — She saw me the second time. Do you recollect how long you staid with her the second time ? — I do not 58 think lont^ ; 1 should think about half an hour : I do not know whether it was so much. I cannot be positive as to the time. Then I understand you have said, that you saw her a third time in the evening- ? — As I have before stated, I saw her at night in her drawing'-room with some company, for a very short time. You called upon her the morning be- fore ; the Monday ?— I did. Mrs. Clarke was not at home then ? —She was not at home ; and I was under a mistake on the former night, in sup- posing that what occurred on the Tues- day had happened on the Monda}'. bid you see her at all on the Mon- day ? — As I was coming away, having waited about two hours, she came in af- ter driving about in town. Did you stay any time after she came in ? — No, I did not ; I came away im- mediately. Then both on the Monday and on the Tuesday you had seen her in the course of the morning ? — As I have stated, I saw her for a very short time, just as she came in on the Monday. On the Tuesday, had you any con- versation with her on the subject of these charges ? I do not really recollect that I had ; positively no pointed conversa- tion at all. Did Mrs. Clarke first mention tills subject of the charges against his Royal Highness the Duke of York to ,vou, or did you first mention it to her ! — I fancy in the first instance I asked her questions respecting them. Do you recollect from whom you first derived your information on this sub- ject ? — To say from whom is totally im- possible. I could not with propriety state many of the names. Have you received the information from Mr. Finnerty ? — I never received any information from Mr. Finnerty in my life upon this subject Within these few days he spoke to me, but not any information respecting these charges. I did not know Mr. Finnerty, and as to his giving me any information, he never did. Within these few days, Mr. Fin- nerty spoke to me respecting Dr. Thynne ; I believe the very day before Dr. ThjTine was examined. I think it necessary to add, that when Major Ho- gan's pamphlet was published, on seeing the matter held out there, of information being ready to be given to any Member of P^liament who asked for it, I wrote. a letter addressed to Ma I ur ilogan, ai] in consequence of that letter, I had interview with Mr. Finnerty. I pi some questions to Mr. Finnerty, and found, or at least I had every re ason t^ believe, that he had not any information at all upon the subject ; and none did he give me. I never had any informa- tion whatever from Mr. Finnerty that led to any charge which I have made. 1 never to my know^ledge saw Mr. fin- nerty in my life till he came, in > jnse- quence of my letter to Major Hogan, and then 1 had not any information from him, which led to the charges I have made. When was it that you saw Mr. Fin- nerty, in consequence of your letter to Major Hogan ; was it before or after the communication respecting Dr. Thynne ? — The communication respecting Dr. Thynne occurred in this lobby, or near it : I believe the night Dr. Thynne gave his evidence. It was some montlis ago when I applied by letter, perhaps a month after the publication of Major Hogan's pamphlet. Was the day, on which you now re- collect to have seen Mrs. Clarke three times, the day before your last examina- tion ; — I have before stated, that I was led to believe, that what occurred on the Tuesday had happened on the Monday ; as soon as I got home from this house, I made some inquiries tliat set me to rights on that subject, and 1 took the earliest opportunity yesterday of communicating in this house my mistake to the Right' Honourable Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and to the Right Honourable Gentleman the Speaker. Are you certain that the day on which you now recollect to have seen Mrs. Clarke three times, was the day before your last examination ? — Yes, it was on Tuesday last. WILLIAM ADAM, Esq. a Member of the House attending, in his place, was examined, as follows : Have you tlie letters to which you referred on a former evening ? — I wish to state that I have a letter dated Sunday morning, June 19th, without any year ; it is indorsed in my hand-writing, June 19, 1808. I have another letter dated Saturday morning, without any day of the month ; I have not, I observe, put any indorsement of the day of the month or of tlie year upon that letter, but it will appear that that of the 19th of June 59 1808, wa3 the first, andtliat dated Satur- day was tlic second letter. When those letters were thej subject of examination on a former evening-, lavished to be possessed of tliem in order to have pro- duced them. I had it not in my power to produce them then, not supposing- th.at such a subject would be alluded to ; I have now produced them. The following letters were read. " Sir, " On the 11th of Jfay 1806, you waited on me by the desire of His Royal Hig-hness the Duke of York, to state II. II. H.'s intention of allowing me an annuity of four hundred per annum. II. R. H. by his promise is now in- debted to me five hundred pounds. I have written repeatedly, but of no avail. H. R. H.'s conduct towards me has been so devoid of principle, feeling, and honour ; and as his promises are not to be depended on, though even given by you ; I have come to the determination of making my intentions known to you for the consideration of H. R. H. ; — and thus it is : 1 solicit H. R. H. to make the annuity secure for i-ny life, and to pay me the arrears immediately, as my necedsities are very pressing, (this he knows.) — If H. R. H. refuses to do this, I have no other mode for my immediate wants, than to publish every circumstance ever communicated to me by H. R. H. and everj"^ thing- which has come under my knowledge during our intimacy, with all his letters : those things amount to sometliing serious : He is more with- in my power than may be imagined. Yet 1 wish for H. R. H.'s sake and my own, that he will make my request good, as I know full well I should suffer much, in exposing- him, in my own mind ; yet before I do any thing publicly, I will send to every one of H. R. H.'s family, a copy of what I mean to publish. Had If. R. II. only have been a little punctual, this request had never been made. One thing more : should H, R. H. throw up his pi'otection to my Eoy, (for I thank ^lim much for the past,) I hope he will place him on the founda- tion of the Charter-house or any other public school :, the cliild is not account- able for my conduct. You will please then, sir, to state this communication to the Duke of York ; and on Wednesday I will send to your house, to know what may be ib. R. H.'s jnt^ntion ; 9 wliich you will please to aigulfy by a letter to •' Your most obedient humble Servant M. A. CLARKE." " Sunday Morning, June 19. "His "Royal Highness must feel, that his conduct on a late affair deserves all this from me, and more. " William Adam, Esq. Bloomsbury Squai'e. " Private." Indorsed Mrs. Clarke, 19, June 1808. "11, Holies-Street, " Sir, Canvendish-Square. "On Wednesday, finding there was not any answer to mv letter, I am led to enquire, H. R. H. the Duke of York, thinks proper not to make good his promise given by you, and that you encourage him In It. " I have employed myself since, in committing to paper every circumstance within my recollection during the inti- macy of II. R. H. and myself. The fifty or sixty letters of H. R. H. will give v/eight and truth to the whole. On Tuesday 1 have promised to give tliese up, if I hear nothing further after this last notice ; and when once given out of my own possess- ion, it will be impossible to recall. It is to Gentlemen, andnotany publisher they will be committed : and those Gentlemen are just as obstinate as His Royal High- ness, and more independent : they are acquaintances of yours ; and to relieve my wants, in pique to others will do what the Duke will not : however, he has It all within his own power, and so he may act as he pleases. " I am, sir, your most obedient, M. A. CLARIS. " Saturday moi-ning. William Adam, Esq. Bloomsbury-Square." Were these the two letters that the witness alUuled to in her examination ? — They must have been the two letters that she alluded to, because I am confi- dent I never received any other letter from the witness, unless that I received a very short note of a few lines ; I rather think I did, but I am not possessed of that. Did His Royal Highness ever betray any apprehension to you as to any thing which the witness could communicate respecting his Royal Highness ? — Never at any tiqie, or on any occasion. w Did you conim\iiucate the contents of these letters to his Royal Highness ? — I did. Did you shew the letters themselves, or state the full contents of them ? — I shew- ed the letters themselves, and his Iloyal Highness perused them in my presence. After you had communicated those letters to his Royal Iliglmess, and shewn them to him, did he betray the slightest apprehension of any thing the witness had in her power to communicate ? — Not the slightest. Did his Royal Highness deny that there was any thing that could be published against him ? — I cannot be precise to the words whicli his Royal Highness might have used ; but I can say with confidence, that his Royal Highness expressed him- self as not at all apprehensive respecting any thing which could be ptiblished. — I wish to state, that the boy referred to in Mrs. Clai'ke's letter is not any boy of the Duke of York's. LUDOWICK ORRAMIN was called in, and examined, as follows : In whose service are you ? — His Royal Highness the Duke of York's. How long have you been in his Roj'al Hgihness's service ? — Eighteen years next September. Have you been constantly in his Royal Highness's service during that period ? — Yes. Do you remember when his Royal Highness tised to visit Mrs. Clarke, in Gloucester-place ? — Yes. Did any, and which of his Royal High- ness's servants, ever use to attend his Royal Highness there ? — None but myself. In what capacity do you serve his Roy- al Highness ! — As footman. At what time in the day did you »ise to go to his Royal Highness ? — Sometimes at eight o'clock in the morning. I never went to his Royal Highness in the day. For what jjurpose did you use to go to him ? — To take his clothes. Did you ever see Mrs. Clarke there ? — Once. During how long a time were you in the habit of going to his'Royal Highness at Gloucester-place ? From tl\e year 1804 to 1806. Are you sure that no other of his Roy- al Highness's servants, but yourself, went to him there ? — Yes. Were you there very frequently during that time ? — Yes. What was the single occasion on which you saw INfrs. Clarke ? — A prompt meg- sage 1 received to take a favourite dog of his Royal Highness's, for Mrs. Clarke to see. Was his Royal Highness there at that time ? — Ito. Are you sure that you never saw Mrs. Clarke at any other time but that at Glou- cester place !— Not at Gloucester-place. Were you ever directed, cither by Mrs- Clarke or by his Royal Highness, to carry out from Gloucester-place a bank-note to be changed ? — No. Did you ever cari'y out a bank-note from Gloucester-place to be changed ? — No. Are you quite certain of that fact ?— Yes. Upon what ground do you assert, that no other servant of the Duke of York's ever went to Gloucester-place ? — Because I had an order from his Royal Highness, that I was to bring those things and no other servant ; and no other dared to do it. Do yon assci-t, from your own knowl- edge, that no other servant of the Duke of York's ever went to Gloucester-place ? — Yes. Can you speak to your own knowledge, that no other servant, except yourself, ever took a letter from the Duke of York to Gloucester-place to Mrs. Clarke ? — None but me. How many men servants were there in Gloucester-place ? — I do not know. State as nearly as you can, how many men-servants there were there. — There were sometimes two in the general. I never saw more than two livery-servants. How many servants out of livery ;— • One. What was he ? — Butler. AVas there no other servants out of livery ? — No. Was there a man-cook ? — I do not know . that ever there was. How often were you in the habits of • carrying letters to Gloucester-place ? — Verj^ seldom. No other servant of the Duke's ever did carry them to your knowledge ? — No, not to my knowledge. Do you know of any other person who took those letters ? — No, I do not. Did you carry any letters from the Duke, that were sent from the Horse- Gxiards to Gloucester-place ? — Yes, some I did. A great many ? — No. You stated, that you never saw Mi-s Clarke but once at Gloucester-place ii» voiu- life ? — No, I ne^ er did. 61 To whom did you deliver these letters which you took ? — Mostly to the house- keeper. What was her name ? — Favorite. What was the Butler'a»name ? — I do not know ; I believe, to the best of my recollection, it was Pearce, one of them ; the name of the last I do not know. Did you ever see Mrs. Clarke any where else but at Gloucester-place ? — Twice. Where ? — I met her opposite Somer- set-house. Walking in the street ? — Walking in the street. Three times only have you seen Mrs. Clarke in your life ? — Only three times. Have you had an}'^ intercourse with any one, previous to your coming to this Bar, respecting the evidence you have given this niglit ? — His Royal Highness asked me if ever I did receive a note from him or Mrs. Clarke. Had you had any intercourse with any other person besides his Royal Highness previous to your giving your testimony tliis night ? — I was asked the same ques- tion by Mr. Adam. Had you any intercourse of the same kind with any other person ? — A Mr. Wilkinson, and Mr, Lowten. Who is Mr. Willrinsoa ? — A gentleman with Mr. Lowten. Have you liad any other intercourse with any other person, respecting the tes- timony you were to give at this Bar ? — No. Were the servants, you speak of as being at Glo\icester -place, Mrs. Clarke's .servants ? — To the best of my knowledge ihcy were. Are you a foreigner ? — Yes. Do you know that they were not the Duke of York's servants ? — To the best of my recollection, I believe they were not the Duke of York's servants. Were the directions from the Duke of York to you, that no one but yourself should go to his Royal Highness, at Gloucester-place ?— I had his Royal High- ness's instructions, that nobody, if a let- ter came, was to go with it but myself. When Ills Royal Highness asked you, whetlier you had ever carried a b.-mk note to change from Gloucester-place, what answer did you give him ? — I told him, I certainly did not i-ecoUcct that ever I carried any note whatever to be changed. Can you now take upon yourself, upon recollection, to state that you never did ? — Yes, I can. Did you give the s.ame answer to Afr- Lowton, and to the other persons who asked you ? — I did. Are you certain that the Duke of York never went in his carriage to Glouces- ter place ? — He certainly never did. Nor on horseback ? — As far as I know, he never did. Repeat, as nearly as you can, every thing that passed between Mr. Adam, Mr. Lowten, Mr. Wilkinson, and your- self, upon this subject. [The witness was directed to withdraw [The witness was again called in, and the question proposed. Mr. Adam asked me if I was in the habit of going to his Royal Highness's occasionally, and I answered Ves ; and then Mr, Adam asked mc if ever I recollected receiving a note either from Mrs. Clarke or his Royal Highness, 1 said I never did ; upon which Mr. Adam sent me to Mr. Lowten and IVrr. Wilkin- son. Mr, Wilkinson asked me my name again, and how long I had been with his Royal Highness, and tlicn asked me con- cerning these notes, if I CAer changed any note for Mrs. Clarke or his Royal Highness, of that description, there ; I answered no. That is as ncaidy as 1 can recollect what passed. Has the Duke no vulct-dc-chambro that ever went to him at Gloucester-place, either at night or in the morning ? — To my recollection, his Royal Highness had no valet that ever went to Gloucester- place. [The witness was directed to withdi-aw. WILLIAM ADAM, Esq. was further ex- amined, as follows : Having stated that you have served his Royal Highness the Duke of York gratuitously, may I be allowed to ask, have you a son in the army ? — 1 have, he is Lieutenant-Colonel of the 21st regi- ment of foot. At what age was he made Lieutenant- Colonel ? — l\vlll answer that question. But as 1 have received a letter which 1 will presently read to the House, they will see the necessity of my answering that question by stating the introduction of that person, and the progress he made in the army. General Sir Charles Stuart, who was a friend of my early life, asked me if any of my five sons had a disposition or inclination for the army. I told him that there was one of them, then i'ourtcen or fifteen years old, who 1 thought had a stvontj t'.'V 62 tlcncy Uijit way. He said, you .know my fricndsliip for you, and the rules of the service permit my making him an cnsig'n. He gave him the commission of ensign ; his rcg'imcnt was in Canada, :ind llie joung person never joined it, but was sent by me immediately to Woohvicli, to receive a military educa- tion regularly : and as I am asked a question of this sort, and know its tcn- tUni.y, fi'om the letter I have in my ])ocket, I do not think it becoming in me to state, of so neai* and so dear a relation, that he distinguished himself extremely in the progress at Woolwich. He rcceixpi} a second commission of lieutenant from General Sir Charles Stuart, equally gratuitously with my ser- vices to the biike of York. When Sir Il;di)h Abercrombie, whom I likewise had the honour to call my intimate friend, was about to go out to the IJelder, he Avent under )iim at the age of sixteen as a volunteer. The House will pardon me, for jt is Impossible for me not to feel up- on this subject i I must state his merits, Tliat youtl) landed in a liot fire, and he behaved so as to receive the thanks of everybody around him ; he remained ac- tively engaged in every eng-agement dur- ing that expedition ; he had the comm.and of such A subdivision of men as a lieuten- ant commimds, and they were of those troops that were raised as volunteers from the militia ; they wci'c raw to ser- vice, they required much management, and yet he contrived to conduct them veil : when lie returned to this coimtr}', he received from his Koyal Highness the Duke of York, without any solicitation whatever on my part, so help me God, a commission in his own regiment, the Coldstream, having paved the wjiy to make him a lieutenant in his own rcgi- ment, by giving him a commission in one of the regiments that was raised just af- ter the afiair of the Helder. I (\o not recollect the particular circumstances, but it will be easy to get them at tlie "War-office, if that is necessary. He re- mained in the Coldstream regiment at home imtil the expedition to Egypt, when }ie went again under Sir Ralph Abercrom- bie, whei'c he was accompanied by his friend at AVoolwich, who had made a similar progress with himself, the son of Sir John \Varren, who was killed by his side. He was one of those who landed >viththe Guards in the illustrious landing commanded by Sir Ralph Abercrombie, and covered by Lord Keith. 1 have tlic happinc?i3 to .say, that he distinguish(»d himself equally u])on that occasion. When he returned home, the Duke of York a- gain gratuitously transferred him to his own regiment, with the rank of major ; and he rose, as a matter of course, at the age, 1 believe, of not quite twenty-one, to the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the second battalion of liis own regiment. When Colonel Wilson went abroad with General jNIaitland, Colonel Wilson inti- mated to me that it would vacate his lieutenant-colonelcy ; and the only time I ever mentioned his name to the Duke of York was to mention that fact, and to leave it to his lloyal Highness to do as he thought fit : his Royal Highness put him in the first battalion : and I have the happiness to think, that he has been a constant credit to his country, and has commanded as well, from the moment lie was appointed lieutenant-colonel, as any one in the service ; and I desire general officers in the service to speak to that. H' General Moore were alive, he could do it. I now beg leave to read this letter, which I should have considered a mere trifle, if it were not for this question, and put it into my pocket, and probably into tlve fire : it is written in red ink. [Mr. Adam read an anonymous letter. Having given the answer which I have to tlie honourable Gentlemen, I am intlie judgment of the House, whether I have not a right to say, that I have gratuitous- ly served the Duke of York. COLONEL GORDON was called in and examined, as follows : What were the merits and services that obtained Captain IMaling his rapid promotion, and the gift of his three commissions ? — I will state tliem to the House. The first recommendation lor the ensign's commission of Mr. Maling I have now in my hand. [Col. Gordon read the following letter ; Sir, " London, 20th Nov. 180j. C. L. agreed to. " As I am very anxious to have the regiment under my command complete, 1 look the liberty of submitting to his Roval Highness the names of Ensigns C 6ct.l804:. jYov.lSOi.J Hudd and Warren, (the senior of their rank and of tlie year 1804) for two of the vacant lieutenancies, which his Roy- al Highness was graciously pleased to accede to ; ! should humbly beg leave ds to recommend in their succession JIurpliy anil John Maling, lionts. I'lu'v .ire botli very promisint^ young- men, and of the full ag-e prescribe^by his Majes- ty's regiilations. * *' I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble servant, J. DOYLE, Lt. General, Colonel 87. ••■ Lt. Colonel Gordon, Sec. &c. Jkc. Hoi-se Guards." On the formation of the G.irrison Bat- talions in November, 1806, when the men for limited service were taken out of the body of the army, and placed into separate battalions, it became necessary, of course, to officer those battalions. Ensign Mu.- ling, then with the 87th reg-iment, was, with four other ensigns, selected for the Fourth G.arrison Battalion, then in Guern- sey — in the same place in which he was serving-. Ensign Maling was the se- jiior of three of those ensigns, and he was of that standing in the army which enti- tled him, not only to promotion in that corps, but into almost any other corps in his Majesty's service. Th.at will account for his promotion to a lieutenancy. Lieut. Maling joined the Garrison Battalion to which he was appointed, and remained with it a considerable period. In Au- gust, 1807, this letter was written to me. [Col. Gordon read the following letter : " August 17th, 1807. " Sir, " Cox Sc Greenwood. " I have to beg you would be pleased to lay before his Royal Highness the Com- mander in Chief, my request, that Cap- tain Charles Doyle, of the First Gan-ison Battalion, may be transferred to the 78th regiment, in which corps there is a va- cant company, vice Edwards cashierrd. I take the liberty to enclose a request on the part of Lieutenant Maling- of the Fourth Garrison Battalion. " I have the honour, Sir, to be your obedient servant, C. W. DOYLE, Lieutenant-Colonel 87th, Commanding 2d Batt. ''To Lieut. Col. Gordon, &c. &c. &c." " Lieutenant Maling of the Fourth Garrison Battalion humbly requests to be removed back into the 87th, there being vacancies in that corps, and the ensigns who were senior to him, are all promoted. *• August 17tb, 1807." Colonel Gordon. Coiist-quptitly he co\dd not be an aide-de-camp. The statement of the thing was considcrod as sufficient ; the regiment being order- ed for embarkation, the Commander in Chief w^ould not permit it, nor could the officer, consistently with his own honour, accept it. The next that we heard of Lieutenant JSIaling, now Captain Ma- ling, was on the augmentation of the Royal African Corps from four compa- nies to six companies. In the month of last September it became necessary for the Commander in Chief to recommend to his Majesty two officers to fill those vacant companies. Lieutenant Maling having been recommended to the no- tice of the Commander in Chief, from the paper now before the House, he was selected for one of those vacant compa- nies ; but before he was so selected, I spoke to his brother, and asked him if he could answer, that if his brother. Lieutenant Maling, was appointed to a company in the African Corps, tliat he wnuld join that corps, and go with them instantly to Gorec ; tlie brother assured me that he would answer for his doing . so ; in consequence of which I submitted his name to the Commander in Chief for one of those vacant companies, to which he was accordingly .appointed. After he was appointed, I sent for Captain Ma- ling, and repeated to him, as nearly as I can recollect, the very words I i*cpeated to his brother. He expressed himself much honoured in the appointment, much flattered with my notice ; and that he was in readiness to set oft' inst.antly to the army dep6t, to which place I believe he did set ofl". Many of tho African corps were at that time on board a prison-ship. When this prison-ship became too cro\vd- ed to hold all the men that it Avas neces- sary to imt into it, a detachment was sent to (Castle Cornet, in the island of (luernsey, tiie only place of security to which men of th.at description could be sent ; Capt. M.aling went with it : and the next that I heard of Capt. Maling was this letter, two months and a half af- ter he had been appointed : [Colonel Gordon delivered in the fol- lowing letter : " Sir, " Guernsey, 25 July 1808. " The Secretary at War having noti- fied to me, that I am |to be allowed one. aid-de-camp from the 25th April, I beg yovi may submit to His Royal Highness the Commander in Chief my request to 64 be permitted to recommend Lieutenant Maling of the 87th Regt. for that situa- tion. " I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant, i JOHN FRASER, M. G. **The Adjutant General of the Forces, &,c. &.c. &,c." (Copy.) "Horse-Guards, 30th July 1808. ♦' Sir, " I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th inst. and to acquaint you, that the 2d Battalion of Srth Regiment, to which Lieut. Maling- belongs, has been ordered to he held in readiness for immediate cmbai'kation for foreign service. " I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY CALVERT, A. G. "M. Gen. J. Fraser,.&,c. &c. Sic. Guernsey." (Copy.) " Sir, ■ Horse-Guards, 28th Dec. 1808. 'Sir, Guernsey, 20th Dec. 1808. " I beg leave to request permission of His Royal Highness the Commander in Chief, to employ as my aid-de-camp, Capt. John Maling, of tlie Royal African Corps, who is at present stationed in this island with part of that corps. " I have the honor to be. Sir, Your most obedient humble servant, JOHN FRASER, « The Adjutant-Gcner;a M. G. of the Forces." Indorsed : " Dec. 27. " There was a very large proportion of these men at the depot, on boai-d the prison-ships, and in other places of con- finement ? and of these, it was reported that some were men of less bad conduct than others, and might be usefully em- ployed as soldiers, but that it was hai'd to keep them as prisoners for such a length of time as might elapse before they could possibly ejnbark for Goree. The only place for them is Castle Corner, in Guern- sey, where their predecessors were, and where these men may be trained and formed prior to embarkation for Afi'ica. " Capt. Maling is a good yoimg man, and I should imagine, so long as the corps REMAINS IN Guernsey, there could not be ;my objection — Maj. Chisholm left town yesterday, for Guernsey." "I have had the honour to lay before the Commander in Chief your letter of the 20th instant ; .and am directed to ac- quaint you, that his Royal Highness ap- proves of Captain John Maling, of the Royal African Corps, being employed as your aid-dc-camp, upon the Staff of Guernsey, so long as a detachment of tliat corps remains in Guernsey. I have, &c. H. CALVERT, AG. "Maj. Gen. Frascr, See. Sec. &C. Guernsey." Is it within your knowledge that there ai'e several subalterns now in tlie army who have served longer than Captain dialing ? — Unquestionably, there are a very considerable number. May I ex- plain to the House : it is the invariable practice of the army, at least it has been the invariable practice of the present Comm.ander in Chief, without one single exception, that no junior officer can be promoted over the head of his senior, I mean in the regiment into which he is so promoted : but it never has been the practice of tlie army, tliat the promotion goes in a regular routine of seniority tiirough the whole army, I never heard of such a practice. I beg further to ex- plain ; 1 conceive it my particular duty to take care, and report to the Com- mander in Chief that any officer whose name is submitted to His Royal High- ness is a fit and proper person duly qua- lified in all respects as to char.acter, as to points of service, and as to His Majesty's regul.ations, for the service into which he is so recommended ; that Captain Ma- ling is so, I did certainly conceive ; and I now feel, that he is not only an honour to the corps in which he is placed, but I do firmly believe that he is as promising an officer as any in the army, and as likely to do honour to his country. Do you mean, that no officer is pro- moted over the head of another who is • liis senior ? do you mean, that no officer is taken out of one regiment and put into another, over the head of an officer of older rank tlian himself, who was ready to purchase in tliat regiment ? — I mean distinctly tliis : if there should be a va- cant company, for instance in the 5th regiment of foot, that any lieutennnt that tlie Commander in Chief reco .iiends 65 for that purpose, must be senior to all the lieuteiiaius of the 5th. Then a major of one regiment could not be put as lieutenant-colonel into another, over the head of a major in that regiment of senior date and rank to him- self ? — Most undoubtedly not. [The Witness was directed to withdraw. [The Witness was again culled in. Was not cfoloncl Pigot, of a dragoon regiment, promoted over the head of a senior 'major who then was in that regi- ment ? I beg to explain, that whe^v, I say this never takes place, it is made a special instruction from the Commander in Chief to every general officer com- manding, tliat he invariably pursues the practice I have pointed out, except in such cases where he can give strong and sufficient reasons to the contrary. With respect to Colonel Pigot, I cannot ven- ture to take upon myself to speak so de- cidedly from memory ; but I believe the Honourable Member means Colonel Pigot of the 21st Dragoons, now at the Cape ; what the special circumstances of his appointment were, I do not now re- collect ; but whatever they were, they were on the special recommendation of the lieutenant-general, and colonel of tlie regiment, Lieutcnant-General Tarle- ton, that I do recollect. Do you recollect any unpleasant oc- currence happening in consequence of that appointment ? — I cannot say that I do. Can you, from your own knowledge say, whether, at the time of Lieutenant jNIaling being promoted to a company, any recommendations for purchase from the commanding officers of regiments, of subalterns of senior date to Lieutenant Maling, were before the Commander in Chief ?— Certainly, a great many ; but this vacancy was not by purchase. Were there any recommendations of senior subalterns for promotion without purchase before the Commander in Chief ? — It is very likely that there were. Can yoti speak positively to that fact ? —-I think I can. Do you think that they were to any great number ? — The army is so very extensive, I cannot have any hesitation in saying, that they must have been to a. very great number. Is it not a regulation, that no officer shall purchase a company, unless he has been two years a subaltern • — It is a rc- gul^ ".^n of the army. His Majesty's re- gulation, that Q» swbaltern can be prv- moted to a company, cither by purchasfe or without, under a service of two yeai-s. Do you command tlic Royal African Corps ? — I do. State what has beentlie length and na- ture of your services in the army ? — I have served His Majesty very nearly for 26 years ; for the last 24 of which I have been employed in every part of the world (the East Indies excepted) whei'c His Majesty's troops have been stationed and with very little intermission. I have been four times to the West-Indies, and have been there nearly six years ; i have been twice to America ; I have been all over the Mediterranean ; I have commanded a regiment in America ; 1 have commanded a regiment in the West Indies. It has becii my fortune, very undeservedly perhaps, to have a sword voted for my services ; to have been re- peatedly tlianked by general officers imder whom I have been placed. It is perhaps a singular part of my service, tliat I have not only served in every si- tuation in the army, from an ensign up to my ]n-escnt rank, that a gentlemaJi could serve in, but I have also served in eveiy situation upon the staft' of the army, without one single exception. Of this service, twelve years I was a sub- altern, nine of that, in constant regi- mental duty, five years I think as major, two or three years as lieutenant colonel with my regiment ; the greatest paat of that time abroad. Were not the regulations for the pro- motion of the army, which you havt» mentioned, set on foot originally by tlic Duke of York ? — They certainly were, when the Duke of York became Com- mander in Chief of the army. Prior to his being appointed Commander in Chief of the army, an officer who had money might purcliase up to the rank of lieutenant-colonel in three weeks or a month, as fast as his separate appoint- ments could be passed through each se- parate Gazette. Does the rule you have stated, of not promoting an officer into another regiment where there arc officers senior to him of the same rank that he filled in the regiment from which he comes, apply to appointments with or without pur- chase ? — It applies to both ; that is, no jvmior officer can be permitted to pur- chase over the head of a senior officer, provided that senior officer is also wil- ling to purchse ; I always mean, or unless there are special roasens to lhe> ntrary, 56 sovneling- rckUng to the misconduct of the person. Can you take upon yourself to saj', that there has been no instance clan offi- cer bcing^ promoted into another regi- ment, where if it is not a case of pur- chase, there is an unexceptionable se- nior officer in the same rank ; and where it is a case of purchase, where there is an unexceptionable officer, able anC wil- ling' to purchase ? — I have already sAid, that no junior officer can be promoted over the head of a senior officer in the same reg-imeut, and that the same rule applies to purchase ; that is, that nojunior officer can purchase over the head of a senior officer into a regiment where a senior officer is willing to purcliase ; that I never knew that rule deviated from, except in some particular case or cases, upon which a special explanation could be given. Upon reference to any paper since you were last examined here, have you any means of accounting for the exchange of Lieutenant Colonel Knight and Lieu- tenant Colonel Brooke not being in the Gazette till the Tuesday ? — I stated to the House, I believe, in my evidence the last time I had the honour to give it in this House, tliat I received the Duke's pleasure, his final pleasure, upon the subject of this exchange, on the 23d of July, which date was upon the ori- ginal paper now on the table of the House. Since that. time I have obtained possession of the original paper which uas submitted to His IVIajesty; I now hold that paper in my hand. ' The ex- change was final with the Commander in Chief on the 2od of July, the Tues- day ; on Wedensday tiie 24th it was made out to be sent to the King, but not in time to go by the mail of that day. I beg to inform the House, that the maij passes through the archway of the Horse- Guards exactly at 3 o'clock ; the King being at Weymouth on Thursday the 25th, I sent this paper to his Majesty by the mail. Here is his Majestv's signature to it " Weymouth, jidy tlie 26th, 1805 : Commissions agi-eeably to the a- bove list, to be prepared for Aly signa- ture." This p.aper was returned to me on the following day, on Saturday, but too late for the Gazette ; it was there- fore gazetted on the next Gazette da}^ I believe I stated to the House, that when I talk of the next Gazette, I mean the next Gazette in M'hich military promo- tions are announced ; and it will be found that no mililary promotions were announ- ced in the Gazette on Saturday. I havd said that the Commander in Chief had decided upon this exchange on the 23d of July; on reference to my correspon- dence for the month of July, I find these papers : — this is an application to the Commander in Chief (through mc) from an Honourble Member of this House, on behalf of his brother, to exchange into the cavalry, with Lieutenant Col. Knight : [Colonel Gordon read and deliver- ed in a letter from Mr. Huskis- " son, dated Treasury Chambers,! 22d of July 1805. Colonel Gordon. — My answer is on the! 23d of July, the day I mentioned before. [Col. Gordon read and deleivered in the answer, dated the 23d of July, l805. (Copv.) " Treasury Chambers, "My dear Sir, 22d July, 1805. " The condescension I experienced lately from His Royal Highness, in al- lowing my brother to purchase a major- ity in the 8th Foot, is not vinknown to you, to wliose friendly assistance I was much indebted on the occasion. You will probably recollect, that at the "timej I mentioned to you the probability that my brother would feel anxious for an opportunity of getting back into the cav- airy, both on account of never having served in the infuntry, and from the cir- • cum stance of his health having suffered j so much whilst serving witli the 25th. t Light Dragoons in the East Indias, that he is strongly advised against returning, at least for some years, to a hot climate. Under these circumst.ances, I cannot help requesting, if it should not appear too mucli presumption on my part, that you would submit to His Royal Highness my humble request, that he would afford my brother an opportunity of exchang- ing into the cavalry. Feeling the great obligation I am already imder to His" Royal Highness, I should not venture again to trespass so soon on his indul-- gence, if I had not understood that one of the majors of the 5th Dragoon Guards had signified a wish to exchange into the infantry, and that it might be a long time before any other opportunity mig-ht occur of bringing my brother back into that service ; to which, for the reasons I have now troubled you witli, he is so anxious to be restored. " I remain, &c. (Signed.) « W. IIUSKISSOX " Lt. Col. Gordon." er CCopy) "Horse-Guards, *• My dear Sir, 23d July, 1805. "I have not failed to lay your request in behalf of your brotlier, before the Duke of York ; and ani.*ommanded to acquaint you, that H. R. H. will be glad of any favourable opportunity, by which he can be enabled to accede to it. The exchange with Brevet Lieutenant-Colo- nel Knight, 5th Dragoon Guards, has al- ready been detci*mined upon in favour of Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Brooke, whose services his Uoyal Highness was of opin- ion could not but be favourably consic^- ed ; but if your bi'other can find any major in the cavalry, who is disposed to exchange to the infanti-y of the line, the Commander in Chief will have much pleasure in recommending the same to his Majesty. " Yours very faithfully, (Signed) " J. W. GORDON. *' W. Huskisson, Esq. &c. SiC. Sic." State what are the regulations that have. been established by the Duke of York with regard to regimental promo- tions, having regard to the period of ser- vice in each rank. — The regulations are briefly these : an officer must serve as a subaltern two years before he can be a captain, and he must have served six years before he can be a field-officer. I never knew any instance of those rules having been broken through, always, as in merchants' accounts, saying errors excepted. How many hours in eveiy day does the Commander in Chief devote to the duties of his Office ? — The Commander in Chief commands my attendance upon him every morning a little before ten ; and he very rarely gives up business un- til past seven in the evening, there or thereabouts, very often past eight. Is not his Royal Highness particularly punctual in taking care that the business of his Office is conducted in such a man- ner, that reference may always be had to the cause of any promotion ? — Most undoubtedly he is. Has not his Royal Highness taken, in the instances where commissions are per- mitted to be sold, particular precautions to confine those commissions to the re- gulated price only ?— He certainly has. 1 believe it will be necessary for me to trouble the House still further upon this : In the year 1804, when a great augment- ation was added to the army of fift^ 10 battalions, I did understand that vety great abuses were practised with respect to the purchase and sale of commissions ; that peop'e endeavoured to obtain com- missions unduly, that they endeavoured to impose upon the officers of the army in faking money under the pretence of obtaining commissions, and that this went to a very great extent. I did repre- sent this In the strongest manner to the Commander in Chief, who felt it vei-y sen- sibly, and expressed the strongest in- dignation at it, and commanded me to frame an instrument, a copy of whch I now hold in my hand, and which waS circulated to all the corps of the army. With the permission of the House I will read it. [Col. Gordon read the following letter : (Copy.) " Circular to Army Agents. " Horse-Guards, " Gentlemen, September 28, 1804. " His Royal Highness the Command* er in Chief, having the strongest reason to believ© (from the advertisements that have frequently appeared in the public papers,) that an extensive correspon- dence is carried on with the officers of the army by persons styling themselves Army Brokers, to induce them to enter into pecuniary engagements for the pur- pose of obtaining commissions, contrary to the established regulations ; and it being the earnest desire of the Comman- der in Chief to check as much as possi- ble a practice so extremely prejudicial to the service ; I am commanded to call your attention to this Important point, and to impress upon you the necessity of the utmost vigilance, in preventing, as far as may be in your power, any com- munication whatever with those persons and the officers in your agency : And should it at any time appear that any such commissions shall have been nego- tiated through your Offices, tlie Com- mander in Chief will consider It liis duty to lecommend to the colonels of the respective regiments to notice such irre- gularity, by withdrawing tlieir regiments from that agency, and placing them in other hands. " I have it further in command, to desire that you may be pleased to con- vey to the officers commanding regi- ments in your agency, the most mark- ed disapprobation of his Royal High- ness of this improper and secret traffic ; and to assvtre them» that if subsequent 68 to the date of this letter any commission shall he discovered to be so obtained, such commission will be immediately cancelled, and the officer be reported to the King-, as having acted in' direct disobedience to the orders of the Com- mander in Chief. (Signed) "J. W. GORDON." (Copy) "Circular." " Horse-Guards, "Sir, 19th October, 1804. " I have the commands of his Iloyal Highness the Commander in Chief, to transmit for your information and guid- ance, a paper, containing directions to be from henceforth exactly observed in the purchase and sale of all commissions, according to his Majesty's regulations, apd which you will please to cause to be enforced in the regiment under your command. " Returns of the officers prepared to purchase, are to be made out according to the accompanying Form, and to be transmitted in the first instance, as soon as possible after the receipt of this letter. " I have the honour to be, " Sir, " Your most obedient servant, (Signed) " J. W. GORDON. ** Officer commanding Regiment of " (Cojij'.) " Horse-Guards, 19th October, 1804. " 1. His Majesty's regulations, in re- gard to the sums to be given and receiv- ed for commissions in the army, having in various instances been disregarded, to tiie great prejudice of his Majesty's service, his Royal Highness the Com- mander in Chief is pleased to direct, that when an officer is desirous of re- tiring from the service, and of having leave to sell his commission, if his regi- ment is in Great Britain, he is to send his resignation in the usual manner througii the commanding officer of his regiment, to his colonel, who, in transmitting- the same to the Commander in Chief, may at the same lime, if there are purchasers in the corps, recommend in succession the senior of their respective ranks for pur- chase ; both the colonel and command- infc officer, certifying that they are satis- fied that no more than the sum stipulated by his Majesty's regulations is given or received. *' S. yhould there be no purchaser in the regiment, the resignation of the offi- i l cer desirous to retire is alone to be ■! transmitted in the manner and form " above-mentioned ; when, should the ap- plication be deemed proper to be grant- ed, his Royal Highness will recommend m to his Majesty such officer for the pur- *■ chase as to his Royal Highness may ap- pear most eligible. " 3. Officers belonging to regiments stationed in Ireland, must make their applications in a similar course to the commander of the forces there ; and on fflfcipv stations through the command- ing ^officer to the general officer under whose command they serve ; tlieir ap- plications being imiformly sanctioned by their respective commanding officers, who are to certify, in the same manner as colonels of regiments at home, that they are satisfied in regard to the sums given or to be received being in strict conformity to his Majesty's regulations. " 4. Colonels, when absent from Great Britain and Ireland, may empower the officer in actual command of their regi- ments, or their regimental agents, to recommend purchasers for vacant com- missions, in which case the necessary certificates, in regard to the sum to be paid in regimental successions, must be signed by them in the colonel's absence, as well as the recommendation for the purchase ; and the person so i-ecommend- ingto cornetcies or ensigncies, vacant by purchase, will be held responsible for the eligibility of the person recommended. " 5. The Commander in Chief is fur- ther pleased to direct, that when an offi- cer is desirous of retiring to half-pay, re- ceiving the difl'erence, the same rules are to be observed in regard to transmit- ting his application ; but no recommend- ation in succession is to accompany the request to retire, as his Royal Highness will himself nominate the officer to be proposed to his Majesty for the ex- cliange. " 6. To enable the Commander in Chief to recommend officers for pur- chase, it is necessary that regular retui-ns of all officers prepared to purchase pro- motion should be transmitted from each regiment and corps in the service to the Commander in Chief's Office, Horse- Guards, London, on the 25th March, 25th Jime, 25th September, and 25th Ui^cember in each year, under cover, to his Royal Highness's Military G9 Secretary ; and these returns must par- ticularly state wliere the money of each individual desirous of purchasing is tedg- cd, or to be obtained ; and similar re- turns must be forwardecUto the regi- mental agents, for tlie Information of tlieir respective colonels. •' 7. Officers on leave of absence from corps on foreign service, may transmit their applications to purchase or sell througli the colonels of their regiments ; and in the event of a cljangc in an offi- cer's circumstances between tlie quarter- ly returns, he may make a direct com- munication to liead-quarters, in order to prevent any purchase taking place in his own corps, by which he may be passed over by a junior officer. " 8. 'I'his rule is applicable also to offi- cers on tlie recruiting service, or on oth- er military duties, whose corps may be on a foreign station. " 9. Officers on half-pay, desirous of exchanging to full-pay, giving the regu- lated difl(t;rence, must address themselves to head-quarters, stating where their money is lodged, or to be obtained, to enable tlie (;omm;indor in Cliief to re- commend them as vacancies occur. " 10. After these orders have been circulated, no attention will be paid to representations of officers who have ne* glected to return themselves prepared to j)urchase ; as, whatever hardsliips they may suffer in that case must be cntia-ely owing to their own neglect. "11. In causing these orderS to be circulated to the army, the Commander in Chief thinks proper to declare, that any officer who shall be found to have given, directly or indirectly, any tlilnjj beyond the regulated price, in disobedi-. cnce to his Majesty's orders, or to have attempted to evade the regulatiou in any manner whatever, will be reported by the Commander in Chief to his Majesty, in order that he may be removed from the .service ; and it is also to be under, stood, tiiat the prescribed forms of appli- cation for tlie sale and purchase of com- missions, and the usual certificates an- nexed thereto, are all instances to b(j complied with. " By command of ills Royal Hij^hness the Commajider in Cliicf, (Signed) J. W. GORDON, jNIilitary Secretary-'' FORM OF RETURN. REGIMENTS. Names and Rank of Officers desirous to purchase Pi'o motions. Where their Money is lodged, or to be obtained. REMARKS. ' N, B. TJie Returns to be transmitted to Head Quarters, are (Jirccted to be on r .sheet of foolscap paper, 70 Colonel Gordon.— \n consequence of this letter, it was necessary to issue cer- tain regulations, whicli, perhaps, It will be unnecessary to trouble the House with, but which I will deliver in with my letter. I beg leave to add, that that strong letter was found totally insufficient for the jAirposes ; that it did come to my knowledg-c, and that I had proof, that those abuses did still exist ; that I put that proof into the hands of the most eminent counsel at the time, and they assured me, that I could have no redress against the parties, there was no law to the contrary, and that it did not amount to a misdemeanour. Having mentioned it to the Commander in Chief, I had frequent communication with the then Secretary .at War, now a Right Honour- able Member, of this House, and whom I see in his place ; and after frequent conferences with this right honourable gentleman, he did bring into this house, and submit to its consideration, a clause which is now part of the Mutiny Act, in- flicting a penalty upon all persons, not duly authorised, who sliall negociate for the purchase or sale of any commission whatever. You are in the habit of almost daily intercourse with the Commander in Chief ? — When the Commander in Chief is in town ; I do not recollect that I ever passed a day without communicating with him. At the time that this exchange was ef- fected between Colonel Brooke and Co- lonel Knight, tlie King was at Wey- tnouth ? — I have shewn it to be so. Did that paper, containing commis- sions to be submitted to his Majesty, go down to Weymouth by the mail-coach ? •—I believe so, I had no other mode of sending it. Do you recollect the Duke of York's gfoing down to Weymouth about that time ? — Perfectly. Do you know on what day hp went down to Weymouth \ — I do exactly. On what day ? — It was the 31st of July. You have stated, that according to the new regulations introduced since the Duke of York has been Commander in Chief, a certain number of years must elapse before an officer can be promoted to a certain rank in the army; is any ser- vice required by those regulations be- sides length of time ? — It is generally understood that an officer must serve eix years. Has it ever come within your know- ledge that any officer has been promoted without any service whatever ?— No, it has not. Has it ever come within your know- ledge that a boy at school has had a com- mission of ensign ? — Yes, it certainly has, I think in some three, four or per- haps some half dozen instances ; not ex- ceeding that; but those commissions Ij have been surreptitiously obtained : and II when it was known that the boy was at school, the commission has been can- celled, and that reason given in the Ga- zette. Have 1;hey been cancelled in every instance ? — In every instance that has come to the Commander in Chief's knowledge ; and the Comm.inder in Chief will be obliged to any gentleman that woiild point out an instance. Could you name those instances ? — Xot immediately from my recollection, but I can obtain them from reference ; but one I can name. I recollect the barrack-master of Hythe, I think ; the name I do not immediately recollect ; but tlie person I do perfectly, recom- mending on the score of his own service and great distress, that his son should be recommended for a commission ; I re- collect also having some suspicion at the time, tliat this son was not of a proper age ; and I do furtlier recollect desiring the officer commanding there, then in command, to examine the young man } and the report of that officer was, that he thought him, though young, eligible for a commission ; upon such report the yoimg man was appointed, but when he joined his regiment, the officer com- manding that regiment was of a different opinion, and reported him as too young, and I do perfectly recollect that commis- sion was cancelled. Is that the only instance which occurs to your recollection ? — That is the only instance that occurs ; yie name of the boy was Kelly. You have in that bos by you, papers ready to answer questions which have been put to you ; had you before you came here any idea of the questions that would be put to you ?— Upon my word I had not the papers that ai-e now in this box relative to the exchange of Lieut. Colonels Brooke and Knight, part of which I have shewn to the House. All the others relate to the appointment of Captain Maling ; to the appointment of all the officers of the African corps, and to every thing in any manner connected with the African corps. You had no information of the other 7\ questions that would be asked you to- night ? — Most undoubtedly not. You have stated, that you recommend- ed Lieut. Maling to be made a captain in the African corps ; did };mi recommend him in yourcapacity of lieutenant-colonel commandant of the African corps ? — I most undoubtedly did ; because I know it is an extremely diflicult thing to get offirers to join such a corps as that in such a place ; and I thought it my duty to take particular care, that whatever of- ficer was appointed to the African corps, should clearly understand, that nothing was to prevent him from joining it. Whom did you recommend to the o- ther company which was added to the African corps at that time ? — The other officer that was recommended for the company of the African corps was a Lieu- tenant Edward Hare ; his memorial I now hold in my hand, if the house would choose to have it read. [^Colonel Gdrdon read the following memorial : " Sir, " I have the honour to transmit to you the memorial of Lieutenant Hare of the 1st Garrison battalion, which I request you will take the earliest opportunity of laying before his Royal Highness the Commarjder in Chief. " I beg leave to state, that Lieutenant Hare was remarkably well recommended to me, previous to his accepting my ad- jutancy, by the Earl of Dalhousie, un- der whom he served upwards of two years. During the time he was in my volunteer corps, his behaviour was such as to afford every satisfaction to myself, and to all my officers. " I have the honour to assure you that I am, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, JOHN LAWSON, Lt. Col. Com. Catterick & Richmond Vol. Infantry. "Brough-h all, 30th August 1808." "To Field-Marshal his Royal High- ness the Duke of York, Commander in Chief, &c. &c. Stc. " The Memorial of Lieutenant Ed- ward Hare of the 1st Garrison Bat- talion ; " Sheweth, " That Your Memorialist has liad the honour of serving his Majesty as a su- baltern officer for near fifteen years, the particulars of whicli he has had the ho- nour of stating to Your Royal Highness in a former memorial, accompanied by teltimoBials from those under whom he has had the honour to serve ; when Your Royal Highness was graciously pleased to promise him promotion. " Your Memorialist is induced, from the length and nature of his services, liumbly to solicit, that Your Royal Highness will be graciously pleased to recommend him to his Majesty for u company in the Royal African Con-ps, or any other regiment Your Royal HigU- ness may be pleased to appoint. " Which is sul>mitted, August 24th 1808." "C.T. " The Cr. C. has no opportunity of recommending him for promo- tion, but he may be recommended to a regiment of the line, if he is desirous of more actual service. 2d Sept. G. jr. C. T. " He may be recommended for the vacant company, R- A. Corps. " Sept. 19, 1808." J. W. G." "To Field-Marshal his Royal High- - ness the Duke of York, Comman- der in Chief of his Majesty's Forces, &c. &c. &c. " The Memorial of Lieutenant Ed- ward Hare, of the 1st Garrison Battalion ; " Sheweth, " That Your Memorialist has been ac- tively employed as a subaltern officer for upwards of eleven years ; that he served in the 2d West York regiment of militia from March 1794 till August 1797, when he purchased an ensignoy in the 2d or Queen's regiment, in which he served the campaign in Holland un- der your Royal Highness's commaud ; that he waar appointed lieutenant in the 35th regiment on the 2d November 1799, in which he served near three years in the Mediterranean ; that in consequence of bad health he was obliged to retire upon half-pay in June>1803, without tak- ing the difference of exchange ; that ni February 1804, hu found his health re- covering, when he got the appointment of adjutant in the Catterick and Richr mond Volunteers, where he served till he found himself enabled to return to his duty in the line, when he applied to be restored to full-pay. " Your Memorialist begs leave to offer his best thank* for your attention to hi* Memorial of the 11th of August last, when Your Royal Iliifhuess was pleased 72 to order his name to be noted for pro- motion ; most humbly and confidentially hoping^, that the lenglli and nature of his services, together with the testimo- nial enclosed, may entitle him to your Roval lliglmess's recommendation for a Company. EDWARD HA HE, Lieutenant 1st Garrison Battalion. "Which is submitted, , January 4th, 1806." *' I certify that Lieut. E. Hare served in the 35th regt. from the year 1799, M'ith attention and credit, till June 1803, when, in consequence of bad health, he was placed on half-pay. CHAULES LENNOX, Col. 35th Regt. and Lieut. Gen, « Dec. 9th 1805. Lieut. E. Hare, 1st Gar. Batt." " Stockton on Tees, « Dear Sir, December 1805. " I have great pleasure in bearing tes- timony of your exertions and unremitting attention in promoting the duty and dis- cipline of the Cattei'ick and Richmond corps, which, from being placed under my inspection, I had every opportunity of observing ; and I trust, before long, you may again be placed in a situation where your zeal and abilities may be of service to your country " I am, dear Sir, Your very obedient Servant, THO. B. GREY, Lieut. Col. & I. F. O. " Lieut. Hare, Yorkshire District. 1st Garrison Batt." " At the request of Lieutenant Ed- ward Hare, I certify that he was appoint- ed ensign in the 2d West York regiment of militia in March 1794 ; was promoted to a lieutenancy in the same year, and continued to serve till August 1797, when lie purchased an ensigncy in his Majesty's 2d or Queen's regiment ; and, during the time he was under my command, always conducted himself* with propriety, and M'ith attention to his dutv- DOWNE, Col."2d West York." Colonel Gordon. — This memorial was forwarded by John Lawson Lieut-Colonel of the Catterick Volunteer regiment, and certified by the Duke of Richmond, and byLclut -Coloiiel Grey, the Inspecting Field Officer of the district. What were the services of Captain Maling's brother, who is, I believe, a captain in the army, who is in the Wai* -Of- fice ? — There is a Captain Maling, an as- sistant of mine, in the office of the Com- mander in Chief; I take for granted that is the person referred to. What his ser- vices arc as a lieutenant I really do not know ; I found him as a lieutenant in the office of the Commander in Chief ; and in consideration of his extraordinary good charactej", and more than common abilities, the promotions of the army going through his hands under mine, I did recommend him to his Royal High- ness the Commander in Chief, to be placed upon the half-pay as a captain, upon which half-pay he most assuredly will be placed as soon as an opportunity offers ; but the Commander in Chief has it not in his power. Do you know whether or not that Captain Maling ever joined and did duty with any regiment ? — I do not know that he did ; and I do not think that he did. Does not the Commander in Chief re- qviire testimonial, tliat each candidate for the army shall be at least sixteen years of age ? — That is the general rule ; btit it sometimes happens that a boy of fifteen may be more strong than a boy of sixteen or seventeen ; and all that the Commander in Chief requires is, that he shall be competent to do his duty. Is it not a general order, that every officer shall join his regiment within one month after his appointment, except in some special instance ? — It is very pro-, bable that it may be so, but I really can- not speak to that. You are very positive as to the date of the Duke of York's going to Weymouth in tlie summer of 1805 ; do you know at what time of the day his Royal Highness went ? — Upon rny word I cannot speak with any degree of accuracy ; but it is the custom of the Duke of York to travel in the night, and he probably went in the night. Do you apprehend that he did go in the night ? — I cannot give a more positive an swer than I did before. [The witness was directed to withdi'aw. The Chairman was directed to repqrt progress, and ask leave to sit again. Mariis, 7° die Febniarii 1809. MR. WHARTON IN THE CHAIR. Mr. JOHN FEW was called in, and ex- atnined by the Committee, as follows .- What business do you carry on ? — An auctioneer. Do you know Mrs. Clarke ? — Not now, I do not. Did you ever know her ? — In the year 1803. ' Where did shq then live ? — In Tavi- stock-place, next door to Tavistock- cli#pcl. Did she order any furniture from you ? — No ; at that time I lived in Bernard- street, Ilussel-square, and I had a share in* a glass concern in Holborn. She called ; and, by direction of my partner, I waited npon her ; it was to consult me about fitting' up a Grecian lamp in her back room. After she had talked a little while, 1 sat down, and drank some wine with lier. In the matter of conversation, from one thing leading' to another, she seemed to be acquainted with almost every person that I knew. I sat there perhaps about half an hour ; a person, whom I understood to be her sister, was present. Did she represent herself as being a married woman, or a person who had been married ?- She talked of her late husband, and of her children, who were then at school. What further passed ? — Nothing more than general conversation ; I conceived that she knew almo.'st every body that I knew. I can hardly describe her to you ; for I never met with any person who, on the first interview, behaved so extremely polite and genteel to a stranger : I saw her two or three times, and drank wine with her ; and she consulted me about the placing of some glasses, and the size and shape of some figures, whether they \\ ere too large for the room. Did she give any orders to you ?— Yes ; she desired I would have a Grecian lamp made, to fit up in the back room, which I believe came to about twenty pounds. What was the price of that lamp ? — About twenty pounils, I cannot say ex- actly ; the whole of the account with me was twenty pounds and odd. When was the order given for this lamp ? — About the middle of May, abovit the 18th or 20th of May ; the first deliv- ery to her was the 24th of May, 1803. Did you see any one but Mrs. Clarke at this house ? — I saw her sister, and I saw her mother, but that was uubsequeat to my bringing an action against her. When I arrested her, she mentioned to me at the lime that slie had purchased that house of jNlr. Burton, and given 1,200/. for it : I applied to Mr. Burton, and he corroborated her having bought it, l)ut I do not recollect the amount. Did you ever observe any thing which led you to believe she was not a widow ? — I "once called, I believe, in the morn- ing to see whether the lamp was proper- ly hung, or I was asked by an upholstei-er to get him a sight of the house, and I saw a cocked hat ; I made an observation to the servant, and the servant said her mistress was a gay young widow, and had been at the masquerade the night be- fore, and of course I did not suspect any thing after that. Were you paid for those articles you furnished I Subsequently I was ; I brought an action against her, but I was nonsuited. How so ? — I do not understand the distinction, but she either pleaded her coverture, or gave it in evidence ; I be- lieve there is a distinction, but I do not know which it was. You Were defeated, upon i he ground 74> of her being a married woman ? — Cer- tiiinly ; I was in court at the time. Did you ever write any letter to Mrs. Clarke, upon the subject of this demand ? ■>-I am pretty certain I did not, I am al- most certain I did not ; do you mean the demand after my action or before ? I be- lieve I did not in either case. Do you recollect writing' any letter, threatening to expose her ? — I cannot gay, I might ; I drew up a hand-bill and sent it to her, but whether I sent any note to her with that I cannot say ; that hand-bill was warning the tradesmen in the neighbourhood of Gloucester-place, from trusting her. Do you recollect sending the hand-bill to any body else in a letter ? — Yes, I do recollect, I enclosed one to the Duke of York, directed to Portman-square : I think it was. Do you recollect whether you wrote to the Duke of York, when you sent the hand-bill ? — I do not think I made one single letter inside ; I am pretty certain I did not. Are those letters your hand-writing ?^ Yes, this is my hand-writing ; I had not the least recollection that I had ever written it. Is that the hand-bill ? — ^Yes, that is tlie hand-bill ; I tried to get a copy of it when I was served with the Order of the House, but could not. [The hand-bill and letter were delivered in and read. *' Madam, **As I have not heard from j'ou *' in reply to my last Letter, I think *' myself justified in informing you, ** that in the course of a week the *' inclosed Hand-bill will be pub- *' lished, which no doubt will pre- •* vent any other tradesman from " subjecting himself to similar treat- " ment. \s the wording of the Bill " has received the legal sanction of " very able men in the profession, i " am perfectly at ease in regard to *' any additional threats that may be " held out to me. " I remain " Your obt. serv. "John /Vw, jun. " 22 June 1804." " Mrs. Clarke, " Gloucester-place, " No. 18. Portman-square." « CAUTION TO TRADESMEN. "THIS is to give Notice to the " Tradesmen in the Neighbom-hood of " PoRTMAN-Sq_UARE, that they can- " not recover by law any debt from " Mrs. Mary Ann Clarke, for- ** merly of Tavistock-Place, Rus- " SELi.-Sq.uARE, but now of Glou- " cester-Place, she being a married " Woman, and her Husband now llv- *' ing, though his place of Residence , " was wiknoivn even to herself or her *' Mother. These Facts were proved « on the trial of an action lately ** brought by a tradesman in Holburn, " ag'ainst this Mrs. Mary Ann "Clarke, for Goods actually sold " and delivered to her ; but she avail- •* ing herself of her Coverture (which, " to the great Surprise of the Plaintiff, *' she contrived to prove,) he could *' not by Law obtain any Part of his " Demand ; and, being consequently " non-suited, an Execution for her " Costs was, by her Attorney, actu- " ally put into his, the Tradesman's « House ! ! ! **W. MARCHANT, Printer, 5, Gfen- ville Street, Holborn." I understand you to have stated, tliat you were paid your bill ; was that subse- quent to that hand-bill being published ? — Of course it must be. I should hardly have published it, if I had had my bill. I received the debt and costs. Did you recover your bill by any pro- cess of law ? — I could not. You were paid it entirely through the will of Mrs. Clarke ? — It is impossible for me to say ; I did not receive it from Mrs. Clarke. After being non-suited, and after that h.and-bill had been published, Mrs. Clarke paid you your bill ? — I cannot say it was Mrs. Clarke, I received the mo- ney through a Mr. Comrie ; it was im- material to me who paid it. Did you know Mr. Comrie to be Mrs. Clarke's professional man ? — That, was impossible to say ; Mr. Stokes defended the action, and afterwards Mr. ComMe paid me the money. Is Mr. Comrie a la\rj'er ? — I believe so. Do you know that he was Mrs. Clarke's lawyer ? — It is impossible for me to know that, because one defended the action, and then it came to Mr. Comrie ; it was impossible for me to tell. Did Mr. Comrie defend the action 75 against Mrs. Clarke ? — No ; Mr. Stokes. I believe so, because Mrs. Clarke told me afterwiircls, that she never authorised Mr. Stokes to give that plea. Mr. Comrie paid yflu the money ? — By his Clerk. [The witness was directed to with- draw. Mr. THOMAS STOWERS was called in, and examined by the Committee, as follows : Did you know Mrs. Clarke before she was married to Mr. Clarke ? — 1 did not. Did you know her after she was mar- ried to Mr. Clarke ? — I did. Do you remember the time when Mr. Clarke was married to her ? — I never knew the time. What business did Mr. Clarke then carry on ? When I first knew Mrs. Clarke, by being wife to Mr. Clarke, he was not in business just at that time ; he was a young man. What business did he afterwards carry «n ? — That of a stone-mason. Was that soon after his marriage ? — I cannot speak to that ; I did not imagine that he was married so soon as I under- stood he had an acquaintance with this lady. Did he carry on the business of a stone- mason while she was living with him ?— He certainly did. For how long ? — Not less than three Or four years. Was she living with him all that time ? —As I never visited them, 1 cannot un- dertake to say she lived with him all that time, but I conceive she lived with him the principal part of the time. Had they any children ? — Not less than three. Were those children born during the lane, where he carried on the business of a mason. When was this ? — He commenced there somewhere about 1794, and he lived there about three or four years. Had Mr. Clarke a stone-mason's yard there ? — He had. At the first place he lived at ?— In Charles's-square, Hoxton, he lived on his fortune ; he had no business. Did you visit at his house ?— I never did visit him at any time wherever he lived. . • Did you know Mrs. Clarke by sight ?— Yes, I did. Did you know when Mrs. Clarke parted with her husband ?— No, indeed I did not. You have no guess when she parted from her husband ? No further than that it was after they quitted Golden- lane I understood. Do you recollect who told you so ? — No ; public report. You know nothing about the matter, of your own knowledge ? — I do not. Where do you yourself live ? In Charter-house-square. [The witness was directed to with- draw. Mr JAMES COMRIE was called in, and examined by the Committee, as follows : Do you know Mrs. Clarke ? — I do. Have you been employed by her in your professional line ? — I have. What is your profession ? A soli- citor. Had you ever any conversation with the Duke of York respecting Mrs. Clarke ? —In consequence of Mrs. Clarke's wish- ing me to wait upon the Duke of York, I said that I should wish to receive a time he was carrying on the business of message for that purpose from his Royal a stone-mason ? — Some of them were. Highness. I did receive such a message. Where did Mr. Clarke live at the time I think in writing ; in consequence of you speak of ? — The first part of the v/hich, I waited upon the Duke of York time he lived in Charles's-square, Hox- in Portman-square. ■ ■ - - . g^^^^g ^Y]^\, passed. The Duke of York spoke to me upon private profes^ sional business ; 1 therefore appeal to ton ; then he was not in business as a mason. Was Mrs. Clarke with him at that pe- riod ? — Certainly she was. How long did they live there ? — As I did not visit them, 1 cannot speak posi- tively ; I know it was not less than one year, and, I should imagine, not more tlian two. Where did they live afterwards ? — I do not know of their living any where else, till they went to live iu Goklen- 11 the Chair, with great submission, wheth- er, under those circumstances, I am bound to divulge it. [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was again called in, and informed, that it was the pleasure of the Committee that he shoidd an- swer the last'questivn.Q 76 ills Royal lli!^lines5 wished to know whether I could raise him the sum of 10,0001. upon mortg'as^e. ([The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was ag'ain called in, and proceeded as follows :] I answered, that I believed I could. His Roval Hig-hness, after some conver- sation, referred rrtfe to his man of busi- ness, Sir. William Adam of Bloomsbury- square. His Royal Hij^hness asked me if 1 knew him ; I replied, not personally, but by reputation. I mentioned that I knew him to be a man of very high cha- racter. Shortly afterwards, I called upon Mr. Adam, and saw him : I think he men- tioned that his Royal Hig-hness had told him I was to call upon him (Mr. Adam ;) we proceeded to discuss the business, and Mr. Adam said that his Royal Highness had occasion i'or tliat sum, I think he said to complete the purchase of some tithes in tho vicinity of Oatlands ; 1 am not quite Sure as to that, Init I think it was so ; and he said his Royal Highncss's then solici- tors, Messrs. P'ai'rer and Atkinson, would shortly send me the necessary abstracts, which they did. In the mean time, I had applied to a client of mine, a rich client, and he had agreed to lend his Royal High- ness the money. The abstracts were laid before a conveyancer, Mr. Walker of the Temple. We made some objections, I think, which is usual in those cases, ques- tions to be answered ; it g-enerally hap- pens so. The money was ready to be advanced, and the abstracts were return- ed to Messrs. Farrer and Atkinson, to an- swer tliose queries. 1 should state, that for expedition (for it was mentioned that expedition was necessary) I had copies made of those abstracts to accelerate the business. I returned the ahstr.acts to Messrs. Farrer and Atkinson, but those that I returned were never sent back to me, and the loan was afterwards declined, and Messrs Farrer and Atkinson desired me to send in my bill, which I did. Had you ever any conversation, eitlier at that time or anv other, with the Duke of York, about Mrs. Clarke ?— I had. Do you recollect that he ever assigned anv reason that was prejudicial to her character, when he parted with her ? — The Duke of York stated to me, that he h.id been served with a subpana to a^ pear in the Court of King's Kench ; I think it was on a trial which was then pending, in which Mrs. Clarke was the Defendant ; wlxich subpoena had been ac- companied by a very severe letter, de« scribing her very improper conduct in having pleaded her covertui*e to an ac- tion brought for goods sold and deliver- ed ; and I think, upon a Bill of Exchange, one or either, I do not immediately re- collect which. His Royal Highness stat- ed that that was tlie i-eason which occa- sioned the separation. Do you mean to state, that you under- stood from the Duke of York, that she had done so without his knowledge ? — He did not state that ; but he said, after such a thing as that, it was impossible but that they must separate, or words to that ef- fect. Did he complain of any other bad con- duct in Mrs. Clarke ? — I do not recollect that he did. I think his Royal Highness said, that he had sent the letter and sub • pccna to Mr. Adam. Do you recollect any thing further that passed in the conversation ? — There was something passed about the allowance to be made Mrs. Clarke. Do you recollect what that allowance was ? — His Royal Highness the Duke of York and Mr. Adam being present, it was mentioned and agreed to, that she shovdd be allowed 4001. a year ; but it was expressly mentioned that she must pay her own debts. Upon my mention- ing the difficvdty of that, for she had told me she was very short of money, his Rojal Highness said it was not in his power then to pay them, but that she had some furniture and valuable ar- ticles with which she could easily pay her debts. [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was called in again. Do you recollect paying a bill due to Mr. Few, for Mrs. Clarke .' — I'here w.as a Mr. Few who had a demand upon Mrs. Clai'kc, and I paid that ; I do not know the amount. You ])aid it on her account ? — I did. [The witness was directed to withdraw, DAVID PEIRSON was called in, and examined by the Committee, as follows : With whom do you now live as butler ? — Tlie Honourable Mr. Turner. Did you live as butler in Gloucester- place when Mrs. Clarke was under the protection of the Commander in Chief ; — Yes, I did. Do you recollect in the summer of 1805 the Duke of York going to Wey- I 77 iwouth, and Mrs. Clarke to Worthing ?— Vcs, I do. Do you recollect liudowick, the ser- vant that used to attend the Duke of York, being ordcred^by the Duke on an evening abojit that period, to take a bank bill out, and to get it changed ?— I do not. Do you recollect any servant being or- dered bv the Duke to get a bank note changed ? — 1 recollect the housekeeper, Mrs. Favorite, bringing down a bill in a morning, and Ludowick going out and getting it changed, and coming back and giving it to Mrs. Favorite again, and she took it up stairs. Do you recollect any servant being or- dered by the Duke to get a bank note changed ? — No. Df> you recollect Ludowick taking out a bank ntjle to be changed ? — Yes I do, on a morning. Did you hear him ordered to do so by any body ? — The housekeeper gave him the note ; I saw her give him the note, and he took it out. Do vou know the amount of the note ! — No, 1 do not. Did you hear the housekeeper give him the order .' — Yes, I did. Do you recollect what order she gave ; in what words ? — No, I do not in particu- lar recollect what order she gave him ; but she gave liim a note, and he was to go and get it changed. Are you positive that that note was not given on the niglit, and the change brought back in the morning ? — I am positive I saw it given. Was his Royal Highness the Duke of York in Mrs. Clarke's house at the time this note was delivered to ludowick to get changed ? — Yes, he was up stairs. At what time of the morning was this ? ^— Near eight o'clock. Do you know that the Duke was up ? — I am not certain of that. How long did you live with Mrs. Clarke in Gloucester-place .' — About fif- teen month.s. State whether any and what servants of the Duke of York came to Gloucester- place during that time ! — I never saw any one but Ludowick. Can you state, as far as it came within your own knowledge, that no other ser- vant of the Duke of York's came there ? — I never saw any other servant of the Duke of York's come to the house, but Ludowick. In wliat year, and in what mnnth in what year, did this transaction happen ?— ■ About three years ago. Do you know the amount of the note I — I do not. Do you mean that this passed about the month of January 1806 ?— I mean in July or August, some time then about ; it was hot weather when Mrs. Clarke went to Worthing ; I do not recollect exactly the time, but it was in the sum- mer time. How long was it before Mrs. Clarke went to Worthing ; was it the day be- fore or two days before, or three days before ? — I do not recollect exactly ; but it was a short time before she went to Worthing. Was it more than three days I — I can- not be exactly certain to the time. Is this the only note that you ever re- collect Ludowick to have changed ? — The only note. Did Mrs. Clarke go to Wortliing the same day that the Commander in Chief went to Weymouth ; did they both leave London the same day ?— I think the next day in tlie morning ; that his Royal High- ness went away between twelve and one o'clock, and Mrs. Clarke at four or ilve the next morning. Was it the morning of the snme day th.at his Royal Highness went to Weymouth, that Ludowick took the note out to be changed ? — It was some morning a little time before. ([The witness was directed to withdraw Captain HUXLEY SANDON was called in, and examined by the Committee, as follows : What interest had you in Colonel French's levy ? — 1 was conccwied with him in the levy. In what way and to what extent ? — A letter of service was given to us both, Colonel French and Captain Handon. Do you know Mrs. Clarke ? — I do. Did you or Colonel French apply to Mrs. Clarke for her influence with the Commander in Chief, in order to your having this levy ! — In the hrst instance we were informed, that it was a person who had great interest with a leading person in this kingdom : we did not know at the moment that it was Mrs. Clarke. When you discovered it was Mrs Clarke, "state you proceedings. — We did not discovcr"it till we had the letter of service. What passed with the person whom Tou afterwards discovered' to be Mr$. 78 Clarke, before you knew her to be so ? —We proceeded \ipon our letter of ser- vice. fThe Witness was directed to withdraw. [The Witness was again called in.] Who gave you the information that took you to Mrs. Clarke ? — Mr. Cockayne, who was my attorney, informed me that if I had any thing particular to ask for in the War -office, or at the Commander in Chief's Office, in all probability he could recommend me to a person who could do any thing in that way for me that I choose to request. Did he recommend you to Mrs. Clai-ke ? — He recommended me to her agent. Wlio was her agent ? — I understood a nwisic-master of the name of Corri. f The Witness was directed to witlulraw. [The Witness was again called in.] Through the means of Mr. Corri had yoa any interview with Mrs. Clarke ? — I really do not know. Had you any interview with Mrs Clarke? — It was a long time afterwards that I ever saw Mrs. Clarke, How long afterwards ? — I should pre- sume a month after the letter was grant- ed ; near upon a month ; I cannot exact- ly say, perhaps, to a week ; it might be three weeks. When you had an interview witJi Mrs. Clarke, can you recollect what passed between yourself and her ? — Nothing passed between Mrs. Clarke and myself, because every thing was arranged and settled. For what purpose did you apply 'to Mrs. Clarke ? — It was settled previous to that ; the letter of service was granted and I had every thing that was asked. For what did you apply to Mrs Clarke? —Mrs. Clarke wished to see me. What passed when she did sec you ? Very little. Colonel French asked me to go to Mrs. Clarke, who was, as we supposed, the lady, or the person, or the agent, for we did not at that time know whether it was male or female, at least I did not know when I went to Gloucester-place, I found it to be a fe- male. Do you know whether Colonel French had, previously to that, seen Mrs. Clarke ? — Most assuredly he had. Do you know when Colonel French saw Mrs. Clarke ? — No, I cannot pretend to say when. Do you know whether Colonel French saw !VTrs. Clarke before he received his letter of service ? — I rather think not; tlie letter of service was granted before he saw Mrs. Clarke. Then you do know when Colonel i French saw Mrs. SClavke ? — No, I do '1 not, for Colonel French was going to ■ Ireland, he was taking that part of the letter of service ; the letter of service was so extensive, it was for England, Ireland and Scotland ; he took for Ire- land and Scotland, and left me to take that for England. At this interview between yourself and I ! Mrs. Clai-ke, what passed ? — I really can- 'l| not recollect. ■ Do you recollect the substance of it ? — No, he came to introduce me, merely to say, that was Captain Sandon, and this was Mrs. 'Clarke. Do you recollect that the levy was spoken of that day ? — No ; I cannot take upon me to say that it was mentioned. Can you take upon you to say that it was not mentioned ? — No, nor can I take upon me to say it was not men tioned. Do you recollect when you or Colonel French mentioned the levj' to Mrs. Clark ? "-Colonel French had seen her previous to my having ever seen her. Had Colonel French mentioned the levy to her, previous to your seeing her ? — I really cannot say that. Of your own knowledge, do you know that the levy had been mentioned to )icr ? —I really cannot say, Colonel French had seen the person who was to get that ; he never mentioned to me whether it was male or famale. Who was that person ?---I really can- not say ; I never knew her till I had the pleasure of being introduced to her, and then I found it was Mrs. Clarke. When was the first time that you re- collect having spoken yourself to Mrs. Clarke upon the subject of the levy ?— I really do not recollect any thing about it, fortius reason, the business was entirely settled between Mrs. Clarke and Colonel French, and I thought I had nothing at all to do to interfere in it. State the way and the terms on which the business was settled between colonel French and Mrs. Clarke and yourself. — Colonel French and Mrs. Clarke made it their agreement, which I did not un- derstand ; I was not present when tliey spoke about it. What passed between colonel Frencli 79 nd yourself upon the subject ? Of ourse we wished to get the levy ; the L'tter of service. What ineuns did you take to get tiie jtter of service ? — I undAstood from Co- :>nel French, tliat he was to give a cer- ain sum of money for it. What passed between you and Colonel "rench upon tliat subject. £Tlie witness was directed to withdraw. fTlie Witness was again called in, and the question was proposed.] Wlicn I saw him, he told me as he had )eforc, tliat he had settled every thing vith Mrs. Clarke. Do you know what were the terms con- ;luded by that settlement ? — Yes, he in- "ormed me that he was to give her 500 guineas. ^^'h;lt furtlier ? — I understood that he fave her the 500 guineas afterwards. Do you mean, that that was the only igreement with Mrs. Clarke, upon the subject ? — I cannot take upon me to say tvhat he made with lier, that was the only j.groemcnt that I know of. Did you yourself make any agreement whh virs. Clarke ? — None. You have stated that of 3'our own knowledge, you were not aware of any ^tlicr bargain than the 500 guineas ? — Not till he went to Ireland ; but previous to his taking leave of me he told me that if she wanted more money, 1 was to give it to her. To what amount did he authorise you to go ! — As far as five or six or seven hun- dred pounds more. Do you recollect any application being made to Mrs. Clarke, for any alteration in the original letter of service ? — There were a variety of alterations in the letter of service, because the bounty of difT'cr- ent recruits were raised ; in the first in- stance, we had it at thirteen guineas, the bounty was raised to nineteen ; we thought of course we were entitled to that nine- teen guineas,; we applied to Mrs. Clarke to get that enlargement, without any oc- casion for doing it, for of course we could not get men at thirteen guineas when the line allowed nineteen guineas. You mean that the other recruiting parties were allowed nineteen, and that you were allowed thirteen ? — of course. And that you were not allowed the nineteen till after you had applied to Mrs. Clarke to use her influence to get the nineteen allowed to you ? — All re- cruiting parties were precisely in the samp situation ; thotigh we applied ^o ^rr.«!. Clarke, it must come otherwise, or our recruiting was at an end ; we could not get a man. You stated, that the other recruiting parties were allowed nineteen, but that Colonel French's levy was not then ad- vanced ? — It was the order from Govern- 7nent that every recruiting party should receive nineteen guineas, it was found that the thirteen guineas were not suHl- cient, the bo\mty was raised ; and though we had engaged to do it for thirteen we could not do it for that ; and on the gene- ral bounty being raised, we applied, and had ours raised too. To whom did you apply ? — To the Commander in Chief, of course. Then you did not apply, upon that oc- casion, to Mrs. Clarke ? — There was no occasion for it. Do you recollect that you ever applied to Mrs. Clarke upon any other occasion relative to the levy I — I do not recollect that we did. As to boys ? — That brings something to my recollection about boys, that in every hundred men we were to have ten boys,, which were to be allowed tlie bounty of the men ; but the letter of service will state it better than I can, for it is in the letter of service. Do you mean to state, that there was no alteration made or applied for with re- gard to boys, after the original letter of service ? — Not after the letter of service. What alterations were made in that letter of service ? — The ten boys to the hundred men. Was that done through the Influence of Mrs. Clarke ?— I cannot take vipon me to say; for colonel French was the per- son Avho entirely finished the business with Mrs. Clarke. Do you recollect that you ever went to the Commander in Cliief, in consequence of any communication or message sent to you by Mrs Clarke, at Lyon's Inn ?— I do not recollect it in the smallest de- gree. Do you recollect any gentleman bring- ing you a note or message to such elfect? — I cannot take upon myself to say any- thing about it; I do not remember. Do you know Mr. Dowler ? — I once Iiad the pleasure of seeing him at Mrs. Clarke's. Do you recollect any thing particular that passed .' — TVot a syllable whatever passed between Mr. Dov.l cr and rn\ self rpon the subject. «0 Dd you recollect Mr. Dowler calling Upon you at Lyon's Inn ? — Mr. Dowler was never at my chambers ; at least I never saw him there. Do you recollect that, in consequence of an)r communication with any person at any time from Mrs. Clarke, you attended on the Duke of York ? — I once, in com- pany with colonel French, waited upon the Commander in Chief, to return him thanks for having given us the levy. I never saw the Commander in Cliief after- wards upon that subject. State what sum or sums of money were paid to Mrs. Clarke by yourself, or with your knowledge, upon this levy business ? — At various times, I conceived that I paid her 8001.; it might be 8501., but not more. Do you recollect giving a check upon Mr. Grant for 2001. in favour of Mr. Corri, on account of the levy .' — Perfectly well ; but it was not a check, it was a draft at two months : but it was not for Mrs. Clarke, it was entirely for Mr. Corri, who acted as the agent from her to Mr. Cockayne, the attorney. Do you recollect any thing of a loan of 50001. to the Commander in Chief, that it was in agitation should be advanced him by colonel French ? — I never under- stood colonel French to have 5001. in the world ; therefore how he could ad- vance five thousand, I cannot tell ; for our account with our agent will shew we were very minus indeed, for we owe him 38001. upon the levy. You do not recollect any mention of •uch an advance upon the part of colonel French ? — Most assuredly not. You have stated, that five hundred fuineas was to be paid Mrs. Clai-ke at rst; and then, that vou have paid her from 8 to 9001. since'?— I think 8501. I have the exact sums in my pocket-book ; it appears by that, that it is 8501. Can you state, whether that 8501. arose out of any particular agreement, at so much a man raised, or in what propor- tion Mrs. Clarke was paid ? — It was to be general ; if our levy Jiad succeeded, We were to have made her a present of perhaps a couple of thousand pounds : It appeared to me there was no explicit agreement tliat a certain sum should be given. But our levy failed, and we were very much out of pocket ; she was the only gainer, I believe, upon the business. Do you recollect how you remitted her these sums you have mentioned ? — Gener- ally by bank notes ; I generally gave thei^ to her mj-^elf. Did you ever give her any large sum- of the 8501. at once ? — Two hundred ^W pounds was the largest sum I ever gave her at once. Endeavour to recollect, whether Mr. Dowler did not call upon you at Lyon's- Inn, and that you yourself might state that Mrs. Clarke was overpaid, and that you had no money for Jier at that time ? —No. You do not recollect any thing of that circumstance ? — No ; Mr. Dowler never called upon me with that message. Colonel French never stated exactly to you the original bargain between him and Mrs. Clarke ? — I understood the 500 guineas in the first instance, and 2001. to Mr. Corri, and it was left to my discre- tion to make up the 20001. as the levy succeeded, or not ; if we succeeded in the levy, we might Jiave gone on to the 20001. perhaps ; if not, it was left entirely to my discretion. You have stated that you never saw Mrs. Clarke till after the letter of service was granted ; but in a former part of yo\ir evidence you have stated, that you had some dealings with respect to this busi- ness with one Corri, a music-master : what passed between yourself and Mr, Corri ? — Precisely what I have related : that he was to have 2001. for the intro- duction, and any thing that Mrs Clarke and colonel French settled ; lie had no- thing more to do with it. I understand you to have stated that to have passed previous to the gi-anting of the letter of service ? — The two hun- dred pounds was paid to liim after the letter of service was granted ; because, if nothing was carried, he was to receive nothing. This stipulation was made with Mr. Corri, in case he should succeed, by means of Mrs. Clai-ke, in procuring the letter of service ? — He did not precisely know what it was we wanted of Mrs. Clarke ; we did not tell him what we wished to speak to INIrs. Clarke upon. You mean to state, that you only ap- plied to Mr. Corri for an introduction to Mrs. Clarke, without stating what use you meant to make of that introduction ? — We certainly did not inform Mr. Corri, the music-master, what we meant to do with Mrs. Clarke. You mean to state, that you only ap- plied to Mr. Corri for an introduction to Mrs. Clarke, without stating what use you meant to make of that introduction ? — Mr. Corri spoke to Mr. Cockayne, to make him a friend ; Mr. Cockayne was 81 the person that we had to do with upon the business altog'ether ; Mr. Corri had notliins' to do with it, he did not know what we were to do with Mrs. Clarke ; it was merely that he eould get letters or any proposition conveyed to her. Vviiat passed with iSlr. Cockayne ? — I do not know wliat passed between him and Mr. Cockayne. You have mentioned, that several sums were at^-eed to be paid to Mrs. Clarke ; state whether you know tl)at i'lict of your own knowledg-e, or whether it is by hear- say from Colonel French ? — The 8501. I paid myself : tlie 500 guineas, I undei'- stood from Colonel French, that he had paid. How often did you see Mrs. Clarke daring the negotiation respecting this levy ? — Previous to the letter of service being granted, I never saw her. How often did you see her during the whole negotiation ? 1 dare say iifty times. Was any direct application made to the Commander in Chief, upon the sub- ject of this levy, from Colonel French and yourself ? — Of course a regular ap- plication was made from Colonel French and myself, to grant us this letter of ser- vice ; that went tlirough the regular of- fice, and we received the regular answer. It was long subsequent to that, that you and Colonel French applied to otlier individuals upon the subject ? — Tliat I cannot take upon me to say. Colonel French came to town, he had been rais- ing two levies in Ireland, he had raised tliem with promptness and credit to him- self, and great satisfaction to the Com- mander in Cliief ; he asked me, whether I would join him in getting tiie levy, and I imagined that the length of my service entitled me to ask of the Commander in Chief for this levy with colonel French. For .what purpose was the sum of 500 guineas promised by colonel French to Mrs. Clarke ? — When we understood that this music-master could introduce us to a person in very great power, we thought that we had better give the five hundred pounds fwr their assistance, whoever it was, whether male or female ; and then in the regular form, we applied to the Commander in Chief. Had you not reason to believe that the application would be refused by the Com- mander in Chief at that time I — It had not been refused, we never had a refusal ; we did not put it to the trial. I really cannot say whether the Commander in Chief would refuse it or not, I do not see why he should refuse it. Had you not reason to believe, that the application would be refused by the Commander in Chief at that time ?— Ihad no reason to believe it would be ; we had done nothing that was improper, and why siiould it be refused ? I do not think it would have been refused. If J ou did not think that the letter of service would be refused, how happened it that any application was made to any other person than the Commander in Chief, and why .was a sum of money pro- mised to obtain it ? — It would facilitate the letter of service when we presented the letter, of course ; and that was the reason why we applied to the person i» povrer. How long was the promise of 500 guineas, before the letter of service was granted ? — It Was a long time before we got the letter of service ; it was very near upon two months or ten weeks be- fore we got it, after the first proposal. ^\'hat was the reason alleged by colo- nel French to you, for the further advance of the 7 or 8001. ? — He gave me no par- ticular reason ; he said that I had better give her that sum ; he gave me no par- ticular reason. Have you an}', and what reason to be- lieve, that the letter of service was expe- dited by the money given to Mrs. Clarke ? — ]My own private opinion was, that it was not : for, I think, she had very little influence with the Commander in Chief. Have you any reason to believe, that the Commander in Chief was privy to the money given to Mrs. Clarke ? — None in the world ; I never could have the idea. Having stated, that you considered the influence of Mrs. Clarke to be very small, upon what grounds do you found that opinion ? — The length of time we had in obtaining the letter of service. Had you any conversation j'ourself with Mr. Cockayne, respecting this trans- action ? — No, it was merely we were to be introduced to this person who had great power, and there to state what we wanted to them. You have continu.illy said; you were informed that a person had an influence with a great personage ; by whom were you so informed ? — Mr. Corri, the music- master. What communication had you with Mr. Corri, the music-master, with refer- ence to the transaction ? He was a client of Mr. Cockayne, and he proposed a2 or mentioned something- of this natnre to Mr. Cockayne, sayinj^, that if any of his friends were military, and wished any assistance in the War-office, or tlie office of tile Commander in Chief, he coi'.ld assist them, throus^h his introduction. What did Mr. Corri mention to you : what personal communication was there between you and Mr. Corri .'--Nothing- more than I say -, I saw Mr. Corri once or twice, and he would not tell me the iiame of the person ; but he still persist- ed, in repeating- what I have mentioned, that he had interest with this person. Did the proposal come from you to Mr. Corri, or from Mr. Corri to you, and in what terms and what manner ? — Mr. Corri proposed it to Mr. Cockayne, Mr. Cockayne mentioned it to me, and then an interview took place between Mr. Corri and me. Then I now understand, you had a personal communication with Mr. Coc- kayne yourself ? — Mr. Cockayne was the person who introduced Mr. Con-i to me. How did he introduce him, and open the subject ? — Exactly as I have men- tioned. This man was a client of Mr. Cockayne ; he informed Mr. Cockayne ; that if any of his friends were military, and wished for assistance in the War- office, or • the Commander in Chief's office, he had a person of his acquaint- ance that could be of very great use to them. You are now only stating the conver- sation between Mr. Cockayne and Mr. Corri ; did Mr. Cockayne relate to j'ou, that he had such a conversation with Mr. Corri, and what he would propose to you in consequence of that conversation ? — He did relate it to me, and I beg-g-ed to be introduced, or to have an interview with Mr. Corri. Did Mr. Cocka3me come to search out you, or did you go to search out Mj*. Cockayne ? — I really cannot say ; he was a, client of Mr. Cockayne, Mr. Cockayne is an attorney. Mr. Corri was a client of Mr. Coc- kayne ? — Yes. You have been relating a conversation between yourself and Mr. Cockayne ; did Mr. Cockaj-ne come to you to inform you of this channel, or did you g*o to his good services take place previous to the regtdar application to the Commander in Chief ? — No, I believe it was not ; we did not mention anv thing to him about the 2001. then. When was any thing mentioned about the 2001. to Mr. Corri ?— After the letter of service was granted. For what purpose was the 2001. offered to him ! — He had previously mentioned, that he cxpeded somcting for his trou- ble, in the event of the letter of service being obtained, but no sum was named. Was the application to Mr. Corri pre- vious to the application to the Commander in Chief ? — No, certainly not. Was your first interview with Mr. Corri previous to your regular applica- tion to the Commander in Chief .'—As- suredly. And, in that interview, it was under- derstoodthat Mr. Corri would give you his good offices ! — With his friend which was Mrs. Clarke. Was the offer of 500 guineas to Mrs. Clarke made with your privity ? — Cer- tainly it was ; I empowered colonel French to write thus much to the person who we understood was to be our friend in the business. Was that previous to the regular ap- plication ? — Certainly. Did you ever mention to colonel French your idea, that Mrs. Clarke had not much interest with tlie Commander in Chief ? — Repeatedly. What was colonel French's observa- tion ? — " We had better sec what she can do." Did colonel French mention to you the necessity of keeping this transaction secret ? — Most assuredly he did ; cer- tainly. From whom did you suppose it was to be kept secret ? — It was required, from the person who was unknown to us, tliat it should ue kept secret. Do you mean the person who was then unknown to you, as being Mrs. Clarke ? — As it proved afterwards. Do you mean to say, that Mrs. Clarke required that this transaction should be kept secret ? — Not a doubt about it ; that she requested it upon .all occasions ; and when I have seen Mrs. Clarke, she re- search for Mr. Cockayne ?— Mr. Coc- quested I would not mention her name, kayne was my attorney; and going there or the Commander in Chief's name, upon other business, he then related this From whom did Mrs. Clarke wish it to me. to be kept secret !— From all the world. Did that interview with Mr. Corri, in from every body, which 2001. was offered to Mr. Corri for Did Mrs. Clarke ever mention a wish ^^v» 83 that il shoTikl lie kept secret from the^ Duke of York lier havinpf rt'ceivctl any money ? Most assuredly, slu; begged that it might never escape my lips to any body. ,* Then from conversation you have had witlj Mrs. Clarke from time to time, had you reason to suppose tliat she kept it secret from the Duke of York ? — I can- not [iretend to say that ; I know nothing- about what she did with the Duke of York. . Do you mean, in the last answer but one, that she wished you should keep it secret from the Duke of York ? — And every body else as well. I ask particulr.rly as to the Duke of York ? — Yes, certainl)'^ she did. Was any money paid to Mrs. Clarke before the letter of service was obtained ? —No, nothing. I understand you to have stated, that you have seen Mrs. Clarke to the num- ber of fifty times ; in any of those times did she ever inform you that the Duke of York was privy to the transaction of her taking any money ? — Never. Did she ever at any of those times in- form you that the Duke of York knew of the application to her ? — No, she did not. Was the money which was paid to Mrs. Clarke, paid solely on account of colonel French, or were you interested in that money yourself ? — I had part of the levy, and the money that was paid by us was from the joint stock. When you had conceived, from the delay of the letter of service, that Mrs. Clarke had very little interest with the Duke of York, with what motive did you consent that your money should be thrown away afterwards to the amount of 8501. to a person who had in your opinion no interest ? — I have only to say, that she persuaded us to the contrary, and said that she had a great deal of in- fluence over the Commander in Chief I understood you to say, that you had concluded, from the delay of the letter of service, she had very little interest with the Duke of York ?— That was my opinion. And I understood you to say, that, sub- sequent to the letter, you had paid her 8501. consequently your payment of 8501. was subsequent to your conviction that she had little interest with the Duke of York ; state therefore why, having that conviction at that time, as you have stat- ed, vou consented that your monev, to 12 the amount of 8501. should be thrown away ? — It was my opinion, but it was not colonel Frencli's. Do you recollect the date of your ap- plication for the letter of service ? — No. I do not. State by what sums the 8501. which you paid to Mrs. Clarke, was made up ? -—1001. 1001. 2001. 1001. 1501. 1001. and 1001. Will you state the dates J— I have no dates. [The witness was directed to withdraw. Mr. DOMINGO CORRI was called in, and examined bi) the Committee, as follows : Do you know colonel French and cap- tain Huxley Sandon ?— Only captain San- don ; I never saw colonel French. Do you recollect introducing captain Sandon to Mrs. Clarke ? — I never intro- duced him ; he introduced himself. Did you give him the direction that enabled him to introduce himself ? — Quite the contrary ; he asked me very often, but I never would tell him : he asked me several times, and I always told him I could not say who the lady was ; but he found it out himself, and told me he knew the name of the per- son, and that colonel French had gxMie to her. Do you of your own knowledge know what the consequence of their going to her was ? — Yes. Say what it was. — Captain Sandon was introduced to me by Mr. Cockayne ; and he told me that he knew that I was ac- quainted with the lady who had a great influence in the War-office ; and he told me that if I would speak to this lady, she would have 20001. for what, I recol- lect, for the levy of the troops. I told him I would speak to Mrs. Clarke, and so I did ; and gave him the answer, that she would try what she could ; but she said at the same time, it was a very dif- ficult matter, that she was obliged to break tlu-ough it gradually, and could recommend nobody but people of cha- racter, and qualified for the place, and to go through the War -office, as every body else was ; and this I told captain Sandon. Do you of your own knowledge know any thing more of the bargain between Mrs. Clarke and colonel French and captain Huxley Sandon ? — Yes ; captam Sandon came to me and said that the Duke had screwed them down very hardj 84 and that he could only give 7001. " Well," I said, " it is all tlic same to me what you will give, and 1 will tell hei- what J ou'say ;" and 1 told Mrs. Clarke of this new proposal. In this interme- dium, captain Sandon introduced him- self, as 1 said before, to -Mrs. Clarke, and I never heard any more of tlie busi- ness, they settled it by themselves ; ex- cept in the month of June, 1804, Mr. Cockayne sent to me at the cofiee-house, the Cannon Coffee-house, and he brought a bill, I believe, which I never looked at, for 2001 payable to my order, he said. Upon Mr Grant. I did not look at the bill ; I put my name, and gave it to Mr. Cockayne, and said, yovi had better keep it yourself, I am under an obligation to you, you had better keep it. And that was the end of^^iy busi- ness. Do vou of your own knowledge know nothing further of the bargain that was made ?— -Nothing more ; several people came to me applying to me for places, and I told Mrs. Clarke ; but I never heard any more. She was very anxious to get the Gazette every night, expecting places ; but 1 know nothing more of tlie parties, for I introduced them to her, and I had nothing more to do with it, and no more business of any sort passed be- tween Mrs. Clarke and me, except the music. Have you, since this business came before the House, destroyed any papers ? —I destroyed a paper in the month of July, the ^ame year, soon after captain Sandon's business. One day I went to Mrs. Clarke's house, and she told me she was coming to me ; that there was a terrible noise ; that the Duke was very angiy, and desired 1 would burn all papers and letters that I had ; conse- qucntly 1 burned all the letters at that time. Have you burned any papers since this business came before the House ? — I had none : I jiave four letters in my pocket now, which I received from Mrs. Clarke since the 1st of Januray ; but 1 was ter- rified at that time, and did not like the business, and I destroyed the papers which I had at the time of this transac- tion immediately after it had taken place. \re the four letters, which you have now in your pocket, to tlie same pur- port with the papers you burned before ? — No, invitations to go and see her, to go and spend tlie sixth day of the yeivr with her ; the first was an invitation to see her. The first day i went there was the sixth, and she desired me to dine and sup and to remain the whole evening i which I did ; and on the 15th I went and 1 supped there again. Has Mrs. Clarke ever stated to you I any tiding respecting the Duke of York's opinion respecting these transactions ?— She never talked any thing to me ; she always told me the same tiling she had before, that it was always a very deli- cate thing to open such matters 'to the Duke. When Mrs. Clarke stated to you that the Duke was very angry at what had passed, upon which statement you burn- ed the papers ; did she explain herself any thing furtlier, and state at what the Duke was angry .'—Yes ; she told me .at that time that t)ie Duke was watched very close by colonel Gordon, and that Mr. Greenwood also watched her mo- tions ; therefore she was so situated, she could get nothing almost. AVhat was the paper which j^ou de- stroyed ? — O, just common things ; I could not remember five years ago ; a desire to cajjtain Sandon to go such a djiy to the War-office, or sometliing of that kind. I was there every day of the year, consequently we had plenty of time for conversation, and she need not send letters to me. Wliat do }ou mean by saying yoii destroyed papers ?— -I mean that Mrs. Clarke said to me, that I should destroy every paper, (because the Duke had heard of something of the kind, and he was very angry indeed) '* for God's sake ;" and my wife was present at this conversation, and she went home and burned the letters ; further, she told me that perhaps we should be called where I have the honour to be now. Did Mrs. Clarke mean to state, that the Duke of York suspected that there had been some correspondence betMeen her and captain Huxley Sandon, and that the fear of the Duke's discovering that induced her to desire you to destroy all letters that had passed upon that sub- ject ? — She was just going to Kensington Gardens at the time, the carriage was at the door, and she s.aid in a great hurry, " For God's sake go home and burn the letters i" .and there was very little more passed in the hurry. You have stated, that you put your name upon a bill for 2001. and returned it to Mr. Cockayne, saying that you had 85 obligations to him ; do you mean to say, that you got no i*emuneration or reward for your services in the transaction be- tween Mr. Huxley Sandon and Mrs. Clarke ? — None wh:^»ver, not one shil- ling. What induced you to put your name on that bill ? Because Mr. Cockayne told me it was payable to my order ; I ditl not read the bill. Did you owe Mr. Cockayne any mo- ney ? — Yes ; I have Mr Cockayne's a«- count ^ere from the year 1802 to 1806, debtor and creditor, and not one penny creditor but the 2001. which took place in the year 1804. What obligation did you mean in con- sequence of which vou gave Mr. Cock- ayne this bill of 2001. ?— I thought, in the first place, that he was entitled to the half, if it had been for us, for I never asked any thing ; and I thought he should have the half ; and at the time I said, " You may as well keep the whole, you are very welcome ;" and he said, it is a very good act of generosity, Mr. Corri. Do you know whether Mr. Cockayne got the money for that bill ! — I know nothing about it ; he wrote me a letter, thanking me for this act of generosity. In this letter of Mrs. Clarke's, which you state yourself to have desti-oyed, did she express any apprehensions of the Duke of York's knowing any thing about the transactions in which yourself and she were concerned ? — Yes, it was in consequence of that that the Duke had heard something which had transpired, and that he was very angry, and that we should be called to this House. You have stated, that you have seen Mrs. Clarke twice since the first of Janu- ary, on the 6th and 15th ; was there any conversation at either of those meetings, when you supped each time, respecting the transaction to which this related ? — Yes, I was a little surprised, because soon after dinner she sent for the twelfth cake, and they sent, for a com- pliment, to some gentlemen, and two gentlemen came in the evening ; ,and as soon as they came, the conversation of this afi'air of Mr. Sandon was introduced, and I repeated every word there just as I have iMi'e, that captain Sandon told me she haa received the 5001. and Mr, Cockayne had received the 2001 and they were laughing at me, saying what a fool I had been ; and this was the topic of the conversation of the whole night almost. You have stated, that you were sur- prised at that conversation having been introduced by Mrs. Clarke that evening; did Mrs. Clarke assign any reason for introducing that conversation on the ar- rival of the two gentlemen you have mentioned ! — No. Did Mrs. Clarke allude to any other transaction of a similar nature, before these gentlemen ? No, the rest was spent in convi\ial convei-sation and mer- riment, and I left the gentlemen there at twelve o'clock, or a little after twelve, drinking there. Do you know who tlu» gentlemeh were ?— I could describe the person ; one I know, and knew the second time ; she did not tell me the first time, but the second time she did, and introduced me to him ; she asked me the first time, whether I could tell who he was. I told her he appeared to me to be a lawyer ; he laughed very much, this gentleman did, and I knew no more the first time ; the second time I could tell you who he was, if you please. Were" th<; same gentlemen present both upon the 6th and upon the 15th ? — The ^ 15th, I am not altogether certain as to ' the little one ; the long nosed one, thti friend of Mrs. Clarke, he was there, and she introd\iced me to him ; but I believe the other one was there too, from my re- collection. A\'ho was the gentleman whom you do know ?— Must 1 tell, for she told me in secret ! [The witness was directed to answer the question. She told me it was Mr. Hellish, the Member, who I sujipose is in the House. Do you now know who the other gen- tleman was ? — I could describe the figure if I could see him ; my sight is noi very plain ; but I should not be surprised if he was here. Was there any other person present besides these two gentlemen ? — The first time there was a young lady, besides Mrs. Clarke. Was there no other gentleman present besides those two you have referred to ? — No ; only Mrs. Clarke, a young lady, and two gentlemen, and myself, t)ie first time. Tiie second time ? — The second time there was another new gentleman. Did Mrs, Clarke inform you who that 86 third gentleman was ?— Yes, she told me dressed ; dark hair, and rough in his he was a writer of some Paper ; she told manner of speaking' ; he appeared to me me the name, but I do not remember his name at all ; some writer of some Paper ; and she mentioned some Paper, but I forget what Paper it was ; I took no no- tice of these things ; she said that this man was to take care of her, she was obliged to have him with her to take care of her. Did that person seem acquainlcd with the other gentleman, or either of them ? —Yes ; when he came, he shook hands with Mr. Mellish. You have stated, that in the letter which you destroyed by Mrs. Clarke's desire, she expressed great apprehen- sions of the Duke's knowing she was con- cerned in any such transactions ; state, upon your recollection, whether or not Mrs. Clarke did not more than once in this letter express her apprehensions of way \^describing it."] not to be an Englishman, he had such a broken accent ; he was not elegant in his speaking. Did the man squint ? — I think a little, I am not positively sui'e ; if he squinted, it must be on the left side ; I sat on the right side. Was not his name Finnerty ? — No j I do not remember the name at all, I have a very bad memory for names. She told me the name and the paper. He told me that he had travelled a great deal, and that he hud been in Africa : and he said that he did not like any music but Scotch music, and he made me play a tune fifty times over, the same tune over again. Did the person wear his arm in a sling ? — No ; he wore them very careless in that the Duke of York's knowing that she had received money in tlie way in which it was stated that she had. — I could not re- member the contents of the letter ; but this conversation was repeatedly with me, to take care that the Duke should know nothing of the kind ; this was done every day ; and that she was obliged to have gi-eat caution, to break the matter cautiously to him. [The witness was directed to withdraw. WILLIAM MELLISH, Esq. a Member of the House, attending in his place, was, at his own request, examined, as follows. Did you meet Mr. Corri at Mrs. Clarke's, on the 6th or the 15th of Janu- ary last ? — I never was at Mrs. Clarke's in my life, nor did I ever see her, to the best of my knowledge, before I saw her here. Mr. DOMINGO CORRI was called in again, and examined as follows : Did you ever see me (Mr. Mellish, the member for the county of Middlesex) at Mrs. Clarke's ? — No, it is not you ; but I only say what she said to me ; the person I saw was a gentleman of a darker com- plexion than you ; if she tell me a lie, I cannot help it. CFrom another member of the Commit- tee.J — Can you describe the third per- son you saw at Mrs. Clarke's ; the news- paper man ? — Yes, he is a very awkward figure, sallow complexion ; I would call him ratlier an ugly man ; very badly You have mentioned, that Mrs. Clarke told you the name of the paper to which he was writer ; was he not a writer for the Moming Chronicle ? It must be either the Morning Chronicle, the Times, or the Post, one of the three. Did }0U hear any person call liim by the name of Finnerty ? — No. Have you any reason to think that that is his name, from what you have heard ? — Nobody told me his name ; but we went into the back-room, me and Mrs. Clarke, and left all the gentlemen in the other room, and there she told me about Mr. Mellish and this other person. You did not hear the name of this other person mentioned at all ? — No. Do you know the person of Mr. Fin- nei'ty ? — No ; I could not recollect him at all ; but I thought the name to be something like a foreign name ; if I could see him I could tell. [The witness was directed to withdraw. WILLIAM DOWLER, Esq. was called in, and examined by the Committee, as follows : Are you not just returned from tlie Continent with dispatches ? — On Thurs- day last I arrived from Lisbon with dis- patches. Have you known Mrs. Clarke long ? — Several years. How many years have you known her I — I believe eight or nine at least ; I am not confident. Do you recollect ever seeing colonel French and captain Huxley Sandon in 87 Gloucester-place, while Mvs. Clarke was that then he should be able to go on with under the protection of the Duke of the service, otherwise, lie said, that he York I I have. should be obliged to abandon it. I do Did you ever hear either of them speak not recollect any thing particular that to Mrs. Clarke on iiie subject of the occurred after that time ; but I under- levy ? I have. ' stand that obstacle was removed with Did you ever speak to colonel French respect to the boys, that colonel French's or captain Sandon yourself, by desire of wish was obtained. 1 cannot speak to Mrs. Clarke, on the subject of the levy ? that beyond my recollection at this dis- I cUd. tant time. Do you recollect any conversation that Do you recollect any other application you bad with colonel French on that sub ject ?— I do. State as nearly as you can, what you recollect to have passed at that time. — I saw colonel French several times of colonel French's, to have an obstacle of any other description removed ? — I do not. Do you recollect that he requested at any time, that the recruits might be Relate, as nearly as you can, what passed near the place wliere they wei-e passed between colonel French and recruited than the rendezvous at that yourself upon that subject.— I saw col. time was ? — I recollect that col. French French at Mrs. Clarke's house, and was stated, that as he expected to get the informed that he was there on the subject greater part of his recruits in Ireland, of the letter of service. I asked Mrs. it would be very difficult and expensive Clarke, from curiosity, the nature of it ; to pass tliem in the Isle of Wight ; but I slie told me ; and I recollect perfectly, cannot recollect the particulars of what that I took the liberty of saying that I passed at that time. disapproved, or thought it was exceed ingly wrong, such a business, and endea- voured to dissuade Mrs. Clarke from it. That was one of the conversations I re- collect to have had with Mrs. Clarke up You have stated, that you remonstrated with Mrs. Clarke on this transaction ; what answer did she make to you when you so remonstrated ; what excuse did she offer ? — This and other proceedings on the subject; it was after col. French I frequently mentioned, and endeavoured left the house that morning. to dissuade Mrs. Clarke from having any Do you x-ecollect when you next saw thing to do with them ; she stated, that colonel French, and had any conversa- the Duke of York was so distressed for tion with him respecting the levy ? — I money that she could not bear to ask cannot recollect when I saw col. French ; him, and that it was the only way in it is along time back-; but that I did see which her establishment could be sup- him several times after that I perfectly ported. I beg leave to state, that in recollect. consequence of this, IMrs. Clarke was of- State the substance of the conversa- fended with my freedom, and I ceased to tions, as nearly as you can, that passed see or hear from her, for I cannot tell between you and colonel French on the how long, till 1 think nearly my depar- subject of the levy. — Mrs. Clarke told ture for South America, in 1806. me she was to have lOOOl. and a guinea What was the nature of the remon- a man, as far as my recollection serves strance you made with Mrs. Clarke ? — me, to be paid on the completion of 500 I felt that it mig:lit implicate her cha- men, when they were passed. I was racter or the Duke of York's at a future likewise present when colonel French or captain Sandon, I am not positive which, paid Mrs. Clarke five hundred guineas of the thousand that was first of all pro- mised. Afterwards, I recollect, seeing time, that was what I told her ; that there was a great risk attending it, and I tbo't it was very dangerous to her reputation and to his. In what situation are you ? — I have colonel French there, and he stated, that lately been in charge of the accoimt there could not possibly be any but the department of the commissariat at Lis- usual boimty given, and that he came, bon. (Mrs. Clarke was not visible at the mo- How long have you been in the com- ment he came) to request that an in- missariat ? — Since 1305.. creased number of boys should be in- How did you obtain your situation in eluded in the number of the levy, which that department '. — 1 purchased it of Mrs. he should be able to procure at a less Clai-ke. sum than the bounty given for men ; and Did you apply directly to Mrs. Clarke 88 for the appointment ? — Certainly not ; she suggested it to me. Did you pay any money to Mrs. Clai-ke for the benefit you received from it ? — I first oi" all gave her 10001. and at other times other sums to a very considerable amount. Did you ever mak« any other direct and regular application to obtain that situation ? — To no one. You are positive as to that fact ?— Po- sitive. Never to any one but Mrs. Clarke ? To no individual whatever. In what department lies the presenta- tion to such appointment as that which you hold ? — In the Treasury. In what situation of life had you been before you were appointed to the com- missariat ; had you ever been in any Public Office ? — I had never been in any public office. When my father retired from business, which was within the know- ledge of Gentlemen who are members of this house, I retired into the country with him ; he was a wine-merchant and a merchant in general. How did you become acquainted with Mrs. Clarke ? — Through a Gentleman that is deceased, captain Sutton, whom I had known for some yeai's previous to my knowledge of .Mrs. Clarke When did captain Sutton introduce you to Mrs. Clarke, and in what manner and with what view did he so inti'oduce you ? — He took me to dine at her house ; the view was because there were a few musical persons to be there, a musical party ; captain Sutton asked me whether I would go out to dinner with him ; and that was the cause of my being intro- duced to Mrs. Clarke. When was this ? — I have said as nearly as possible about eight or nine years per- haps ago, but I am not confident as to the length of time. In what manner and at what time did you make the proposition to Mrs. Clarke, through her influence to procure the of- fice which you now hold ? — She made the proposition to me. In what manner did she make the offer ; and what passed between you upon that occasion, and when was it ? — She stated that she was extremely pressed'for mo- ney, and requested that I would assist her, as the Dake of York had not been punctual in his payments, and I applied to my Father in consequence ; he he- sitated, and I told her I could not furnish her with more money than I had then given her ; she then promised, not the situation I now hold, but another ; I applied to my Father, and he did not seem at the moment to give his consent to it. It was afterwai'ds a considerable time afterwards, for many months elaps- ed after the first suggestion '.vas made by Mrs. Clarke to me, he at last consented to it, if I could be confident it w<»uld be a matter that would not becoi., public, if I felt myself secure in it. Inconse- quence of that I was named to the ap- pointment I now hold. Did you never make any application for the office to any other person ; and'in what manner was your appointment to the office communicated to you ? — I never applied to any other person ; Mrs. Clarke told me that I should be appointed sooner by much than I was, and at last stated as the reason why it was put ofi', because a Mr. Manby, who had been in the 10th Regiment of Dragoons, was to be first gazetted ; my appointment was delayed in consequence of that ; I believe it was about two or three months at the utmost before I was gazetted, after Mr. Manby. In what year was that ? — 1805. Was your Father apprized of the object you had in view ? — Certainly. Might not your Father liave made ap- plication through other friends for tliis situation for you ? — I am certain not. Do you recollect the date of this com- munication with Mrs. Clarke respecting this appointment ? — 1 do not. State it as nearly as you can ? — I really cannot state it at all correctly, because it was the subject of conversation ; it was first of all pointed out to me, the situa- tion of a commissioner of the Lottery, wliich caused the delay. I understood my appointment was on the point of tak- ing place, but it was set aside because the vacancy that happened was given to Mr. Adams, the Secretary to Mr. Pitt ; and then it was suggested to me, that the commissariat was an eligible and gentle- manly employment, and not an inactive one, as I believe the circumstances of my service will sufficiently shew. Am I to understand from you, that this arrangement, about getting you the situa- tion in the commissariat, arose about the time that Mr. Adams, the Secretary to Mr. Pitt, was appointed a commissioner of the Lottery ? — I believe it was after- wards i but they were both the subjects of conversation previous to that. Was it soon afterwards ? — I am sorry J cannot state that correctly. 89 Will you state the year ?— I do not know the dates, because they were both the subject of conversation before they took place. Can you state Ihe^Iate of your com- mission appointing you in the commis- sariat ? — 1 was first in the store depart- ment of the commissariat, previous to my going', and after I went to South America ; and I was tranferred to the Accoimt Department on my going out with Sir Arthur Wellesley. Do you know the precise date of your first commission from the Treasury ap- pointing you an assistant commissary of stores and provisions ! — I think it was in June or July 1805 Do you know the names of the Lords of tlie Treasury by whom that commission was signed ? — My commission is at Lis- bon with my luggage ; I cannot answer that ; as I came with dispatches, it was necessary I shovdd not encumber myself with luggage, and it is there. Cannot you state, upon your own re- collection, the name of any one of the Lords of the Treasury who signed that commission ? — I cannot. You also held a commission from the Secretary at War ? — J believe that com- mission, was made out after my depart- ture, and that it has never been in my possession ; but I have no paper to help my recollection. After your departure for what place ? — Sotith America. You have stated, that you received your first commission in June or July 1805 ? — I believe so. Where were you employed after that time ? — In the Eastern district, Colches- ter and Sudbury, in Suifolk. • You have stated that Mr. Manby's commission took place before yours ? — It did. And that Mr. Manby's having the pre- cedence over yours, was the cause of the delay in your appointment ? — Yes. Do you know the date of Mr. Manby's? — I do not ; I believe it was the com- mencement of the year 1805, but I can- not be positive to the commission of Mr. Manby, as 1 never saw it. You stated, that you were appointed, in June or July 1805, assistant commis- sary of stores and provision ; by whom was the notification of that appointment commimicated to you ? — I was apprized of it a few days before it took place, by Mrs. Clarke ; in consequence of which I recollect paying the remainder of tlie 10001. In consequence of this notification being received from Mrs. Clarke, what steps did you take in order to procure the instrument which put you in possession of your appointment? — I was apprized that it was the usual Office in the Treasury, and Mr. Vernon was tlie gen- tleman, I believe, that signified it to me; 1 was in expectation of it every Gazette. Do you know who Mr. Vernon is ? — I believe Mr. Vernon's is the Office in the Treasury where commissions are left. Did you understand from Mrs Clarke, that she made her application direct to any person in the Treasury ; or through what chaimel did you understand from her that that application was made ? — To the Dnkc of York. Is the committee to understand, that you gave your money to Mrs Clarke under the belief that you had been re- commended to the Trersury for this si- tuation by his Ro)'al Highness the Duke of York, through the influence of Mrs Clarke ? — Certainly. From the time tliat yoit first under- stood that this application liad been made to tlie Treasury, up to the time that you received this commission, did you take any steps to hasten or to expedite the ob- ject of your appointment with Mrs Clarke, through any other channel what- ever ? — I did not. Had you had any communication with any person connected with the First Lord of the Treasury, or any other gentleman then in tlie Treasury, on the subject of your expectations of your commission, up to the time that you came to Mr. Vernon's to take out that commission ? — Never, but mentioning to Mr. Vernon my expectation. Then you saw Mr. Vernon before you were appointed .-—Certainly I know Mr. Vernon. You saw no other person at the Trea- sury ?--None. Between the time in which you state you paid the premium for obtaining this commission, add the time that you ac- tually received it, did you receive any in- timation from any person connected with the Treasurjjthat your expectations were favourably entertained ?- — Mr. Vernon mentioned to me one morning when I called there, a gentleman was speaking to him ; I was desired to call in five minntes; he said, " I believe you are going to be 90 appointed an as^bislant commissary," I do not know tlie exact term, there was a paper going' up, and he said, " 1 have no doubt the appointment will take place, it has been signified from the Board," or some such expression. Did you receive from Mrs. Clarke, the. person whose recommedation you think procured you this situation, any informa- tion respecting- the progress making to- wards tlic completion of the appointment ? --I have stated what passed between Mrs. Clarke and myself respecting Mr. Man- by's appointment, it was the subject of conversation afterwards ; but it was not of that consequence to me as to make it the subject of particular inquiry. What, in point of fact, was the dis- tance of time between the money being paid by you and the appointment to tlie commissariat ?- — I cannot at all tell that. Not wlictbcr it was in the same year ? — Certainly in the same year. Within six months ?"--Ccrtan 1 y. I think you stated, that you hud paid some sums of money to Mrs. Clarke, in expectation of getting some appointment before you paid to her the specific sum that was to lead to this appointment ?- — Not in expectation of getting any ap- pointment. For what other reason ? — It was con- sidered merely as a temporary relief to her ; she was always stating, "the Duke will have more money shortly, and I will pay you ;" and it was obtained from my father at my request, but with no view of any appointment . Then is the committee to understand, that the sums of money which you paid to Mrs. Clarke, before you paid this sum for this appointment, were loans made to her without any expectation of any public employment being conferred upon you?--- Certainly. When Mr. Vernon, from whom you re- ceived the notification of your appoint- ment, made that notification, in wh.it terms was it made ; was it verbally or in writing ?----VerbaUy. What were tlie terms of it ? — " I be- lieve, Mr. Dowler, you are going to be appointed an assistant commissary," as far as I can recollect the expression. In what terms did Mr. Vernon inti- mate to you, tliat you were actually ap- pointed ?— The intimation was, that the appointment was in a train, not that I was actually appointed. From wliose hands, or from whom did you actually receive the warr.ant of your appointment ?— -I believe from Mr. Ver- non ; there are fees paid upon them, I am not certain whether myself or a friend received the commission, and paid the fees or not. You do not recollect whether you re- ceived it from Mr Vernon's hand or not ? — I do not. Do you recollect whetlier you received it in a letter from Mr. Vernon ? — I be- lieve not, I am not confident, I cannot charge my memory with a circumstance which I did not consider of any conse- quence, at the distance of from 1805 to the present time ; I am here very reluc- tantly ; I am just arrived in England, and had but yesterday a summons to attend this House, very unexpectedly. From the time you have received the appointment in the commissariat, to the present time, have you never ascribed your appointment to any other intei-est "but that of Mrs. Clarke ?— I stated, that Mrs. Clarke did not give me the appoint- ment I hold, and that was the only an- swer I ever gave ; I bought it. Was not your Fatlier a common- councilman of the city of London ?— He was, for many years. Did he not represent the same Ward of the city of London of which Sir Brook Watson was tiie Alilerman ? — He did. Do you recollect a conversation that passed between yourself and me (Mr. Alderman Combe) at the top of the Hay-, market, after you had received the ap- pointment ? — 1 recollect seeing Mr. Combe, but what occured I cannot possi- bly tell. Do you recollect this having passed, that I congratulated you upon what I had heard, as to your having received an ap- pointment in the commissariat, and that I put the question, whether you had re- ceived it from the favour of Mrs. Clarke or the patronage and favour of Sir Brook Watson ? — I have no recollection of the conversation that passed from Mr. Combe but his congratulation to me ; he was on horseback ; I think the horse did not stand very still, and I ran in the middle of the street, to ask Mr. Combe how he did. Are you quite certain, that to that question you did not answer, that it was entirely by the favour of Sir Brook Wat- son ? — Upon my honour I cannot recollect wliHt passed, as Hiave before stated. Will you undertake to say jrositivelj', that you did not at that time say it was by the favour of Sir Brook Watson ? — I cannot say positivel)', but I state what I stated before, tliat Mrs. Clarke did not give me the appointment ; and many 91 mistakes have occurred upon that, by persons sujiposiiig- that 1 received it without having- purchased it, which is tl>c fact. »■ When you made tlie remonstrance you have stated, to Mrs. Chirke, did she en- deavour to aUay your apprehensions with respect to herself, by any Bug'i^eslion that the Duke of York was privy to her tak- ing" money on such an occasion ? — I can- not say what conversation arose, except that she was offended vvitli my freedom. Did you not consider Mrs. Clarke as placing- a very particular confidence in you, for a lonp^ course of years ! — On these occasions 1 thoii):>lit so ; but as my opinion did not accord with hers, com- munication very soon ceased on such subjects. Is the committee to understand, that Mrs. Clarke did not give you any reason to think tliat the Duke of York knew of licr taking" that money ? — Six; gave me reason always to think that tlie Duke of York was perfectly acquainted witii it. Do you not recollect that slio transac- tion respecting colonel French and n\ajor Sandon was in tlic year 1804 ? — I do not recollect the time of the transaction. Do you recollect whether it was before or after your giving- Mrs. Clarke the lOOOl. for the purchase, as you term it, of the place for you in the commissariat ? — My expostulation with Mrs. Clarke on the subject of col. French, was pre- vious to my appointment in the commis- sariat, I believe so, as far as my recollec- tion goes ; but I trust at tliis distance of time I shall be excused, if 1 am imperfect as to the dates. Tlie transaction with colonel French was in the year 1804 ? — I have a belief that it was so ; but, not being positive, I would not venture to say that of which I am not sure. If, from respect to Mrs. Clarke, you tTiought it riglit to remonstrate and ex- postulate against the transaction with colonel French in 1804, why did you yourself in 1805 bribe her with lOOOh to get an office for you ? — Ik-cause shp was peculiarly distressed tor money at the moment, and because the appointment would remain a secret in my breast, and nothing but such an inquiry as this possibly have drawn it from me. The Duke of York's cliaracter and Mrs. Clarke's would ne\'er have suffered from that which unfortunately I am now obliged to communicate to this House. Then the committee Is to uncleratand ]3 that your only reason for remonstrating and expostulating with Mrs. Clarke, was not against the impropriety of the act, but on account of the risk of a dis- covery .' — For both reaons, and her an- swer, a^ for as I recollect, was this : I stated to Mrs. Clarke the anxiety and trouble that it seemed to have occasioned to her in this business of colonel French's : and that I advised her by all means, to have a i-egular payment from the Duke of York, instead of meddling with such matters ; and she told me, that he really had not the money. Although then you might think the secj'et safer with } ou, did you not feel the impropriety of the act equally ap- plied to your own transaction ? — I was principally induced to it from the diffi- culty and embarrassed situation she was in at the moment I purchased the situa- tion. You have stated, that Mrs. Clarke wan so much offended with your expostulation and remonstrances, that you saw very little of her since ?— Not so frequently as before, by much. [The following question and answer, given by the witness in the former part of his examination, were read.] Q. " You have stated, that you " remonstrated witli Mrs. Clarke ou " this transaction ; what answer did " she make to you when you so re- " monstrated ; what excuse did she " offer ?" — 1. " Tliis and other pro- •' cccdings I frequently mentioned, '*and endeavoured to dissuade Mrs. " Clarke from having any thing- to " do with them. She stated, that " the Duke of York was so distressed " for money that she could not bear •' to ask him ; and that it was the " oidy way in which her establish- " mcnt could be supported. I beg " leave to state, that in consequence "of this, Mrs. Clarke was offended " with my freedom, and I ceased to ".see or hear from her, for I cani.ot "tell how long, till I think nearly " mv departure for South America "in"l806." (Mr. Dowler.) I beg leave to amend that ; that I saw her less frequently dur- ing- the interval ; not so frequently as I had seen before : it produced a great deal of tttiger in Mrs. Clarke, my taking the liberty of giving my advice, as I have stated. Wexfcvou personally acquainted witli 92 Sir Brook Watson ? — Not sufficieirtly so to bow to him even passing in the street. Do you know whether your father was acquainted with Sir Urook Watson ? — He was, but not intimately, not on terms of particular intimacy ; he dined with him once a year with the common- councilmen of the Ward, that was the utmost intimacy I know of subsisting be- tween them. Did you nevlonel French that under tlie heavy advance I already was for the Ic vj% I certainly could not do it with convenience. Do )'ou recollect that colonel French suggested, that this loan of 50001. was to be advanced, provided the arrears due from government on tlic Levy account were paid up ? — No such condition or provision was stated ; but it was observ- ed, that if that should be recovered it might form a part of it. Was it colonel French who made that observation ? — I really cannot recollect whether it was from colonel French or from myself. Then the mode of accommodating the Duke of York was agitated between you ?— If that may be called a mode, it certainly was. Do you mean to say, that if the sum due from Government to colonel French on account of the levy was paid up, the Duke of York might on that event have been accommodated ? — No, certainly not. Was any application made to your knowledge by the Duke of York, for the paying up of the sums due on the levy I — Not that I know of. Did colonel Frencli ever tell you such application was to be made or had been n\ade ? — Colonel French did promise that he would memorial the Duke upon it. Did you say that if the money was paid up, the 50001. was to be lent to him ? — No. Then you mean merely to state, that if the money due on account of the levy was paid, that on that event you would have been able to have met colonel French's wishes, and to have made the advances to the Duke of York I — No ; I never mentioned any such idea nor took it into consideration. I thought you said, that there being so much due from colonel Fi*ench on the account of the levy, you could not meet his wishes upon that subject ? — That did not relate to what was due from the War Office, but to a large sum still due from colonel French and captain Sandon ; 99 uliich tlicy had expended perhaps in otlicr ways, and which sum they are still indebted to me a very larg-e amount. [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness ^as again called in.] Do vou recollect colonel French com- plaining of other parlies having larger bounties than were allowed to his levy, and tiiat that hurt his recruiting very much ? — He did mention, that he met recruiting parties wherever he went ; but as to' the bounty being larger or not, I cannot undertake to say that he did. It is understood that colonel French and captain Sandon had at one time thirteen guineas, and at another time nineteen ; at what period was the sum advanced from the thirteen to the nine- teen ? — 1 cannot speak particularly as to the period; but I think it was in ISIay 1804 ; if the letter of service is referred to, that will shew it distinctly. Did colonel French tell you whether that advance was procured through the medium of Mrs. Clarke ? — No. Do you recollect that colonel French ever told you that through the influence of Mrs. Clarke, he had obtained per- mission to have his recruits passed nearer the places where they wei-e recruited than before ? — No. [The Witness was directed to withdraw. Mrs. MARY ANN CLARKE was called in and addressed to the committee, as follows : I feel myself so verj'^ unwell, and so very much fatigued, that it is impossible for me to be examined this evening ; I have been waiting here eight hours, and I am quite exhausted with the fatigue ; my feelings have been very much harass- ed during the time. [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was again called in. [The chairman informed Mrs. Clarke, that it was the pleasure of the com- mittee that her examination should proceed, and that a chair shoiddbe provided for her accommodation, (Mrs. Clarke.) The chair will not take the fatigue off my mind. [The Witness was directed to with- draw. WILLIAM DOWLER, Esq. was again called in, and examined by the committee, as follows : Since you quitted this bar, have you had any communication with Mrs. Clarke ? — Only to oflcr her refreshment, as she is very unwell ; I procured a glass of wine and watef for hep, which I put be- side her. Have you communicated to her the substance of what passed here during your examination ? — No. • How long were you in the room with Mrs. Clarke \ — I imagine five or ten mi- nutes •.' the gentlemen withdrew from the room for some time and I was absent at the time: I was ; in the room perhaps five or ten minutes. Did you give Mrs. Clarke any intima- tion whatever of what had passed in this house ? — She asked me the names of the gentlemen by whom I had been ex- amined ; and I answered that I did not know them. What other persons were present in the room ? — The whole of the witnesses I believe ; she was unwell, and several gentlemen gathered round her, and asked her whether she would take te- frehment. Hrtw many witnesses are there attend- ing ? — When I say all the witnesses, I suppose there were eight or nine in the room, I cannot speak positively. Were you apprised that you ought not to have any communication with Mrs. Clarke ?— I'felt so. And acted entirely from your own feelings upon the subject ? — Yes. [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The chairman was directed to report progress, and ask leave to sit again.] 14 ovtS) y" die Febtiarii 1 809. MB. WHARTON IN THE CHAIR. WILLIAM STURGES BOURNE, Esq. attending in his place, made the fol- lomng' statement : I stated on a former niglit, that I had never seen the witness Mr. Dowler, and that I did not recollect that he had ever been recommended to Mr. Pitt through me ; but that it" such recommendation had taken place, I should probably be able to find a memorandum of it : I have since searched for such a memorandum, but I can find no trace of his having been 80 recommended. WILLIAM HUSKISSON, Esq. attend- ing in his place, made the following Statement!: I stated on the former evening that I had no knowledge of Mr. Dowler, nor no recollection of ever having seen him, or his having been recommended through me to Mr. Pitt. I certainly have now no recollection of any circumstance I had not then ; in consequence of what I stated to tlie committe, that I should make an inquiry, I proceeded, in the first instance, to cause a careful search to be made at lie Treasury, whether among tlie muni- meats of that department there was any paper to be found, or any trace of a recommendation of this gentleman ; the result of that search was, that there was no such document in tlie Treasury. I then sent to the present commissary ge- neral, Mr. Coffin, and I desired Mr. Coffin to examine all the books of the late Sir Brook Watson, and all jtlie pa- pers which, in the course of office, when he succfcded Sir Brook Watson, hadbcen placed in his care j I also desired the person who had Sir Brook Watson's pri- vate papers, his executor, to examine such papers as were in their possession ; they have not been able to find, either in the public records of the commissariat department, or among his private papers any trace of a recommendation by him, either official or private, of Mr Dowler, to the situation he now holds ; the only mention made of Mr. Dowler in the books of this department, is wliat I shall state presently. Having failed in this quarter I applied to Mr. Adams, Mr. Pitt's private Secretary at the time he was appointed, for any information he might possess, or any recollection he might have upon the subject. Mr. Adams had not the least recollection, as he stated and is ready to state in evidence if he is called, of any recommendation of Mr. Dowler ; he states, that with respect to all private papers of Mr. Pitt, and any memorandum which mir^ht have been kept of persons who had been recom- mended to him for appointments whe- ther those appointments had been con- ferred or not, they were in the posses- sion of the Bishop of Lincoln, as his ex- ecutor. Mr. Adams went yesterday to th(? town residence of the Bishop of Lin- cold, the Bishop is at Buckden, and Uierefore he could not obtain any infor- mation there -, but Mr. Adams stated to me, that before the papers of the late Mr. Pitt were removed from Downing- street to the Bishop's, all those which did not appear to be of any importance, but merely of indifference, were destroyed. Whether any memorandum of this nature were or were not, I must leave the com- mittee to form an opinion. I also in- quired of every gentleman in the Trea- sury, at that time, as to any knowledge they might have respecting tlie manner in which M^. Dowler had been recommend- ed ; none of those, whom I have seen, profess to have any knowledge of the quarter from which he was recommended. Under these circumstances, it may per- iOl haps be necessary to stale, if the com- mittee wishes for any further light I can throw upon tills subject, that I find upon the 29th March 1805, Sir Brook Watson, then commissary g^eral, applied offici- ally to the Treasury by a letter, which I hold in my hand, that three additional assistant commissaries should be appoint- ed. If it is necessary I will read the let- ter. On tlie 5th of June 1805, Sir Brook Watson writes ag-ain to the Treasury, requesting that five additional commis- saries may be appointed. But I must here observe, that by the context of the letter of the fifth of June, it appears, that his request of the 29th of March liad not then been attended to ; no appoint- ments had taken place in consequence of the former letter ; that would be, there- fore, five in the whole : and he presses their immediate appointment. On the 6th of July, he stated the necessity of one more, in consequence of one being in ill health. In consequence of these requisitions of Sir Brook Watson, it ap- pears that on the 15th of June I was di- rected by the Lords of the Treasury to write a letter to the comptrollers of army accounts. This is the first trace I can find of Mr. Dowler. This letter it may be necessary, perhaps, I should read to the committee. [Mr. Huskisson read the letter.3 " Treasury Chambers, June 15th, 1805." " Gentlemen, " The lords commissioners of "his Majesty's Treasury intending *' to recommend to his Majesty, ••William Dowler, gentleman, for ••the situation of assistant com- " missary on the home establish- •' ment, if he shall be found px-o- *• perly qualified for that service ; I " am commanded by my lords, to "desire you will accordingly exa- "mine into his fitness and suffi- " ciency, ancrcial education, " and perfectly conversant in mer- " cantile accounts, we are of opi- " nion, that your Lordships may "with propriety recommend Mr. '• William Dowler to His Majesty, 102 "for the situation of assistant com- " missary. " We have the honour to be, " My Lords, *' Your Lordship's " most obedient "humble servants, " John JUartin Leake. " J. Erskine." " Rt. Hon. Lords comm'rs of " his Majesty's Treasury." Indorsed : " (175.)" " 3d July ISO5. "Comptr's army accounts. " On tl\e fitness and sufficiency of " Mr. Wni. Dowler for the " situation of an asst. comm'y. "on the honie establishment." "No. 3,730." " Rec'd 4th Julv 1805." " Rec'd 5 July 1805." " Give the necessary directions for the appointment." " Cipriani," In consequence of this report from the comptrollers, a letter was written to the Secretary at War, desiring' the Secretary at War to lay before his Slajesty a com- mission for the appointment of Mr. Dow- ler to be an assistant commissary on the Iiome establishment. And here it may be necessary for me to state the course of proceeding in that respect ; it Is indeed in consequence of some question I put to the Witness. If a person is appointed a commissary on the home establisliment, no commission issues from the Treasury, but merely a letter to the Secretary at "War, desiring he would submit a com- mission to his Majesty : if it is neces- sary to send him upon foreign service, then he gels a Treasury commission, which Treasury commission entitles him (as the Witness slates he bad received) to five shillings additional pay in conse- quence of going on foreign service. The first commission then issued from the Treasury to Mr. Dowler, was when he ■went on foreign service, to South Ame- rica, and is dated the first of November 1806 ; that commission is still at the Treasury, Mr. Dowlernever having called for it nor taken it out. On the 27th of July, I find a letter* from my tlien col- league, yJi-. Rourne, stating to the com- missary general that Mr. Dowler had been ap])ointed an assistant commis- sary : this is all I can trace in the Trea- Bury or in the other departments respect- ing this appointment. It may not be im- proper I should state to the committee, that I do find that, in consequence of the requisition of the commissary general for this addition of five commissaries, made in June, there were appointed on the 18th of June a Mr. Stokes, on the same day a Mr. Green, on the 10th of July Mr. William Dowler, on the 25tli Mr. Richard Hill, and on the 26th Mr. Charles Pratt. It is not within my re- collection at this moment, upon what re- commendation, or through whose applica- tion any one of those persons was ap- pointed ; indeed, on looking over the list of the whole of the commissaries ap- pointed during Mr. Pitt's last administra- tion, amounting to seventeen or eighteen I find but two of whom I have any recol- lection ; wliethcr I shall be able to find by the recollection of others wlio i-ecom- mcnded them, I cannot say. I will only state further, that I nm satisfied the chan- nel through which he was recommended, whatever it may be, was one that did not give rise to any suspicion in any body connected with the Treasury at that time, that there was any improper influ- ence employed ; and I can state that con- fidently for tliis reason, that it is the rule of the Tresury, if they have any reason to apprehend any such transaction, to di- rect the comptrollers to whom they refer the parties (and the comptrollers have a power) to examine upon oath as to such a fact. I could produce proof, if that is necessary of such an inquiry being di- rected within these six months as to a person in the commissariat. I merely state this, because not finding any refer- ence to such an inquiry being directed, I am sure that no suspicion of any such circumstance was in the mind of any per- son connected with the Treasury. I have no recollection, nor do I know even now, of my own knowledge, through what quar- ter Mr. Manby was recommended. I have learned from a RiglU Honourable Friend of jnine, who was then one of the Lords of the Treasury, that he was the person applied to, to mention Mr. Manby to Mr. Pitt. If I had been able to trace in the same manner respecting this gen- tleman, I would have mformed the com- mittee. 103 • (Copy) " Treasury Chambers, July 2rth, 1805." " Sir, " I am commarjjjctl by the Lords " Commissioner^ of His Majesty's " Treasury to acquaint you, that " thcvhave directed the Secretary at " War to submit a Warrant to His " Majesty for appointing- William " Dowlcr, Esq. to be an Assistant " Commissary of Stores and Provi- " srons to l.i>€ Forces, from the lOtli *' instant, at the rate of 15s. a day. " I am, &c. . " JF. S. lioiinie." " Comn/ Gen Sir Brook M'atson." Mrs. MARY ANN CLARKE was called in, and examined by the Committee, as follows : Did you know colonel French ? — Mrs. Clarke. I have been very much insulted. I knew I should be protected when i sent for the proper Gentleman. I sent for the Serjeant at Arms to conduct me in : it was before I t^ot into the Lobby. Did you know colonel French ? — Yes, 1 did. Do you recollect wliether lie applied to you in the jear 1804, to use your in- fluence with the Commander in Chief, to have a levy of men for tiie army? — He applied to me, but I cannot rocollect tlie year. Do you recollect that he applied to you to use your influence with the Comman- der in Chief, to liave a levy of men for the army ? — Yes, I do. Do you recollect if colonel French of- fered you any pecuniary advantag-es for using" your influence ? — Yes, 1 do ; or I should not have mentioned his name. Do you recollect what those olTers were ? — No, I do not. Do you recollect any part of the oflTep that colonel Frencli made ? — I have seen all the papers ; bvit if I was to be guided by them, I should not guess nearer the thing itself tlian from my own memory ; I cannot recollect the time nor the con- ditions. Do you recollect that colonel French entered into any conditions with you ?' — Yes, I do. Did those conditions imply, th.at you were to receive a ]5ecuniary reward for vour influence with the Commander in Chief ; — Certainly. Did you, in consequence of this, apply tp the Commander^ in Chief, and request that colonel French might be allowed ta have a levy ? — Certainly. Did you state to the Commander in Cliief, that you were to iiave any pecu- niary advantages if colonel French was allowed to have a levy ? — Yes, cer- tainly. Did the Commander in Chief promise you, after sucli application, that colo- nel French should have a levy ? — Yes, he did. Did yon, in consequence of colonel French having such levy, receive any sums of money from him or any other person on that account ? — Yes. Can you state any, particular sums tliat wei'e paid to you on tiiat account, and by wliom ? — I recollect having one sum, but I caimot tell whether it was colonel French or captain Sandon, of 500 guin- eas, bank notes, making up the sum of guineas ; and I paid 500 pounds of it or account to Hirkctt, for a service of plate, and His Royal Higliness paid tlie remain- der by liis own bills ; I fancy His Royal Higliness told me so. Do you recollect any otlicr sum or sums tiiat you received ? — \'es, but C cannot speak to tlie amount of them. I fancy that Mr. Dovvler was by, when I received the money I paid for the plate. Do you recollect that either colonel Frencl\ or captain Sandon applied to yoo. to prevail u])on tlie Commander in Chief, to make any alterations from the original terms of the levy ? — They teased mc every day, and I always told His Royal Highness, or gave him colonel French's notes ; but 1 cannot tell what it was about, for I nc\cr gave myself the trou- ble to i-ead tliem. I w^is not aware of what they always asked me or wanted, but His Royal Highness always under- stood it, I believe. Do you recollect, that during the pro- gress of the levy, any loan was to have been made to tlie Commander in Chief", by colonel F/ench ? — No, no loan by col- onel French. Do you recollect that any loan was to have been made to the Commander in Chief, arising out of the levy, or con- nected with tlie levy I — Colonel French told me, that if His Royal Highness would pass the accounts which had been some time standing, and which col- onel French and his Agent had every reason to expect to have been passed be- fore, and which were all very correct, he would accommodate liim with 50001. upon 1 0-1 proper security being given, at the regu- lar interest. Did you speak to the Commander in Chief upon this subject ? — Yes, I did. State what further you know upon that point — I believe that his Royal Highness applied as far as was proper in him, and he could not command the mo- ney from the different offices, or the office where it was to be paid, and the thing- dropped ; he has no business whatever with money, and perhaps he was rather delicate on that subject of pressing, when he expected to receive the 50001. on loan, and where it might be publicly known afterwards. How often have you seen Mr. Dowler since he arrived in England ? — Once, and the other night, till he was called in here ; I have not seen him since. Then you have seen Mr. Dowler but twice since his arrival in England ! — Cer- tainly not. Did you inform colonel Wardle of the details of the transaction relating to co- lonel French's levy ? — Yes, I did of some Sart ; of the best part, but not of all that Ir. Dowler has mentioned, by what I saw by the papers ; I have had no communica- tion by note or otherwise with him, or any one connected with this business, since I left the House the other night ; I have only seen two men since ; General Clavering has called twice to-day, begging that he might not be brought forward, but I would not see him ; and another gentle- inan, whose name I will mention here- after, and what he came upon. How long have you been acquainted with Mr. Dowler ? — As I have seen the papers, it is almost useless to ask me that, because I might agree with him. How long have you been acquainted with Mr. Dowler ? — Eight, nine, or ten years ; I cannot say which. Have you not at various times received sums of money from Mr. Dowler ?— Some few sums. Can you recollect the particulars of any of the sums, or the amount of the whole, which you may have received from Mr. Dowler ? — I can speak particularly as to receiving a thousand pounds for his situation. Was that 10001. which you received for his situation, the last sum of money you received from Mr. Dowler ? — No. Was it the first you had ever received from Mr. Dowler ? — ^I cannot speak par- ticularly as to that. Do you owe Mr. Dowler any money ? —I never recollect my debts to gentle- men. Do you owe Mr. Dowler any money ? —I do not recollect, nor can recognise any debt to him. Have you not frequently recognised i j debts to Mr. Dowler, and promised to 1 1 have them paid? — I only recollect one, 'I where I had two or three carriages seized in execution, or something ; I had nothing to go out of town in to Weybridge ; I sent ■ a note to Mr. Dowler's lodgings, and j begged he would buy or procure me a carriage immediately ; he did so in a few hours, and I told him his Royal Highness Avould pay him hereafter for it ; his Roy- al Highness told me that he would do so J for it, or he would recollect him in some way. Did you inform Mr. Dowler of that answer of his Royal Highness ? — Yes, I did. Are you positive of that ?-f-0, quite so. Try to recollect yourself, and answer positively, whether you were not in the habit of receiving money from Mr. fow- ler prior to the money given for his ap- pointment ? — I am perfectly collected at present, and I cannot recollect any thing of that sort ever happening. I am very equal to answer any thing now which is asked me by this honourable House. Do you recollect seeing Mr. Corri at your house on the 6th of January last ?— I have seen him twice at my house. In the month of January .* — I cannot recollect the month ; it is not long since. What other persons were at your house on the first occasion that you saw Mr. Corri ? — I found Mr. Corri at my house one day, in consequence of a note I had sent to him to procure me a box at the Opera, to treat witli my lawyer, Mr. Com- rie, about one ; it was very near dinner- time when I found him there ; I could not do less than ask him to dine with me ; and afterwards he went up into Uxe drawing- room ; there was a gentleman, who was a relation of mine, who dined with us, and some young ladies. Were that gentleman and these young ladies the only persons with whom Mr. Corri was in company at your house on that day ? — I believe one or two came in, in the course of the evening. Who were the one or two ? — I do not at this moment recollect ; if you will ask me exactly their names, and make the ques- tion pointed, I will answer it ; they were my friends, no doubt : but I believe only one came in. 10; who was that one ? — A friend. What was his name ?— If you will tell ne his name, I will tell you whethex- it vas liim or not. ^ [The Chairman informed the Witness that she must answer the question.] It was colonel Wardle. Was colonel Wardle the only other )erson that came that evening ? — And ny relation. Do you recollect having received a se- cond visit from Mr. Corri at your house omc time after this ? — Yes ; he brought wo boys to sing- to me. State the names of all the men who net Mr. Corri at your house that even- ng. — If I did so, I should not have a de- ent man call on me during the whole of his time. [The Chairman informed the witness she must answer the question.] Am I obliged to answer the question ? f I am, I do not wish to shelter myself. [The Chairman informed the witness, that it was her duty to answer the question proposed to her.] Must I, without appealing to you ? [_Ckairman. — If any improper questions are proposed, the Committee will take notice of them, and prevent their being put. No one has yet done that to me. [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was again called in, and was informed by the Chairman, that if any question should be put, which she thought improper to be answer- ed, she was at liberty to appeal to the Chairman, whether that question should be answered or not ; and that with respect to the last question put to her, the Committee expected that she should answer that directly or positively.] State the names of all the men who net Mr. Corri at your house that evening. —Captain Thompson, colonel Wardle, ,nd a newspaper man, whose name I eally do not recollect ; I never saw him ►ut twice before ; but he answered ex- ictly to the description I read in the pa- ler, as given by Mr. Corri ; I shall know t tomorrow ; it begins with Mac. Was the name Macallum ? — Yes. Did you represent any of those persons o Mr. Corri, under a false name ? — No. told him one was a member, which was ery true. You did not tell him that it was Mr. Mellish, a member ? — ^fo, it was his own mistake. Which of the thr«e persons was it, that you introduced to Mr. Corri, and represented as a member ' — Mr. Wardle. Do you recollect in what sums you re- ceived the 10001. that Mr. Dowler gave you for his place ? — Perfectly well. State them.— 2001. first, and 8001. af- terwards, in one sum, which his father came up to town to sell out of the funds. AVas not that 2001. paid to you before the appointment had been obtained ? — A few days. You have stated, that you do not ac- curately recollect how long you have been acquainted with Mr. Dowkr, whe- ther eight, or nine, or ten years ? — Ex- actly so. Cannot you recollect whether it was eight or ten years ? — No, I do not think I can. Were you acquainted with Mr.Dov/ler before you lived in Gloucester-place ? — Yes, I was, some years. Were you acquainted vi^ith him before you lived in Tavistock-place ? Yes, I was. Did you never receive any money from Mr. Dowler, while you were living in Tavistock-place ? — No. Do you recollect your ever having re- ceived any money, before you received the 2001. 'part of the 10001. from Mr. Dowler ? — No, I do not recollect that I had. Do you recollect having received any money since the 10001. except the money for the carriage ? 1 think once or twice I have, speaking from my recol- lection. Did you receive the money for the car- riage, or did he pay for the carriage ? — He paid for it, and he sent the carriage in within the space of two hours. He bought it of a colonel Shipley. Did he pay for it ? — Yes, certamly. He did not give you the money to pay for it, but paid for it himself ? — Yes. Do you recollect any other sums of money you received from him subse- quent to' that respecting the carriage ? — Only the other two sums of 8001. and 2001. Were they before the carriage or af- terwards ? — Before. Then are those the only three in- stances of your receiving money from Mr. Dowler, the 2001. and 8001. and the money for the carriage J— I cannot speak 106 to any exact sum, but 1 tlilnk he has once or twice paid sometliing- for me to my housekeeper ; when she has told him something^ that was distressing', he has g-iven her money to ])ay for tliinsfs, when his Royal Highness was not in the way ; it has not come to my knowledge some- times for a week afterwards ; but those were marked things, the other things. Was Mr. Dowler in the habit of seeing von very frequently r Not very fre- quently, but when he had lodgings in London : about the time of col. French's levy he was. Did you see 'Sfv. Dowler, after he came from examination at this bar, the last niglit of examination ? — Not the last time he was examined, but before Upon his retiring from the bar ? — Ne- ver since. After his first examination licre ? — Yes, I did. Did any thing pass between you and Mr. Dowler respecting his examination, -when he retui-ned ? — Certainly not about money concerns ; he only mentioned to some gentlemen who were present, the conduct of one or two of the members, who he thought harassed him very much, and put questions very distressing to his feelings on private occurrences, that had nothing to do with the q\iestion pending ; it was a Mr. Bootle he was speaking of; that he would rather give (I think his ex- pression was) every guinea he was worth, than be brought before such a place again. Did he state what he had been ex- amined to ? — He said he had been exam- ined closely to his private concerns, he did not speak of any thing else ; it was not to me, it was to this gentleman, a stranger, one of the members. Did )ou ask him wliat he had been ex- amined to, or make any observations as to what had passed ? — I asked him who had examined bim. But not what he had been examined to ? — No. How long have you been acquainted with the Duke of York ? — I believe it ^vas 1803 when he first took me under his protection. AVere j-ou acquainted with the Duke of York before that period } — Yes, I was. At that period he took you more im- mediately under his protection ; had you an establishment from that time ?— No, I think it was from 1804 to 1806, that the establishment commenced onlv in Glou- )t i cestcr-place ; ^v c were in Park-lane be- fore, in a furnished house. Had jou any .establishment of horses and carriages in Park -lane ? — Only what belonged to myself. Wliat number of carriages had you when you lived in Gloucester-place I — 1 always had two. What numl)er of horses I — About six ; sometimes eight. AVhat number of men-servants ? — I do not know, without I went over it. State the servants you had. — There was butler, coachman, postillion, groom, mostly a man cook, a gardener, and two footmen ; from seven to nine, I do not know exactly. To whom did the house in which yo lived, belong ? — To the Duke. Wlio paid tlie' expences of tlie estab-l lisliment ? — I did. What allowance did you receive from the Duke of York for that purpose ? — His Royal Highness promised me lOOOl- to be paid montlily, but sometimes he could not make the payments good, which was the occasion of many distressing circumstances happening. Was it on the bare promise of 10001. a year, that you mounted such an estab- lishment as you have mentioned, and with the expectation of no other means of defraying it ? — His Royal Highness did not tell me what he would give me till I was in it. When was it that His Royal Highness promised you 10001. a year ? — He began it by paying it to me. How long did he continue to pa}' it re- gularly ? — Till almost the whole time that we were together in it ; for three montlis before His Royal Higliness left me, he never gave me a guinea, though he was with me every day. How were the monthly payments made ; by His Royal Highness's own hand, or by what other means ? — His Royal Highness wished me to receive it from Greenwood ; but I would not sub- ject myself to that, although it would have been more punctually paid. How did you receive it ? — From His Royal Highness. Did you ever receive more than at tlie rate of a thousand a-year from His Royal Highness ?— His Royal Highness, if any thing unpleasant had happened, which was always happening, would sometimes con rive to get a little more," and bring met Do vou know what is the total araoun' 107 oi'tiie sums you received from Ills Roy.il Highness, during* tlie time you lived ia it loucester-place — Certainly not. Were the sums you received from His Royal Hijjhness adesftiate to the payment of tlie expences of tlie establishment you kept up ? — I convinced His Ko^'al High- ness tliat it did not more than pay the servants' waf^^es and their liveries. Did you state that to His Royal High- ness ? — Many times. What observation did he make in con- sequence ? — I do not know that he made any observation on tliat ; but after we had been intimate sometime, he told me, that if 1 was clever, 1 should never ask him for money. Do you remember at wliat period it was that His Hoyal [ligliness made that observation ? — No, I tlo not ; but it was when he had gTeat confidence in me. Was it before you removed to (ilou- cester-place r — Not till some time after. Can you at all state what was the amount of the annual expense of your establishment ? — No. Pretty nearly ? — Not the least ; I can- Hot give a guess. You staled in a former part of your examination, that you were going to Weybrjdge ; had you a house at Wey- bridge ? — Ves. Was that your house or the Duke of York's ? — It was the Duke's. Had you a separate establishment there, or did the establishment move from Gloucester-place to Weybrldge, and from Weybrldge to Gloucester-place ? — There was a groom there and a garden- er, and two maids ; the remainder of tiie servants waited on me when I went ; I was never there but from Saturdays till Mondays, and I always took four more servants with me, sometimes five. Did the sums of money you received in the monthly payn\ents, and by occa- sional payments from the Duke of York, Ticarly cover the expense of your estab- lishment ? — If it had, I should never have i)een harassed for money as I was during the whole time I was under Ills Royal Hlghness's protection. Ilo you know a person of the name of William Withers ? — Yes, I do. What is he ? — He is a Sheriff's Officer. How came you acquainted with him ? — He had some business with me in his own way. Was it In consequence of your pecu- niary distresses, that you became ac- quainted with A^'illiam Withers .' — No one 15 would ever know a man of that descrip- tion, but through that very thing. Did you ever enter into an agreement with William Witiiers, for participation in any sums of money which you miglit receive ? — Never, nor ever hinted at such a thing. Do you recollect the first time you ever made application to the Duke of York for any thing connected with Army Promo- tions ? — No, I do not ; it was after I was in Gloucester-place. Were the applications you had to exert your influence with the Duke of York, numerous ! — Very. Were those applications universally attendttd to by you ! — Not always by me ; if I thought they were not correct, nor proper to recommend, I mentioned it to ills Royal Highness, and he told me who were proper and who were not, and then I could give my answer the next day, as from myself, wliether I could listen to any thing or not ; if they were improper, he told me to say I could not interfere, without saying that I had mentioned the matter to him. Did you vmiformly inform thejDuke of York of every application you had re- ceived ? — Yes, and hundreds had been re- jected but through his means, for I did not know who were proper or who were not. When you have received applications, did you entirely trust to your memory, or did you record tliem on paper ? — If it was a single application, I trusted to memory and His Royal Highness, who has a very good one ; but if there were many, I gave him a paper, not in my own writing. Gave him what paper ? — Any paper that might have been handed to me. Do you mean a list of the applications ? — I recollect once a list, a very long one, but only once. Do you recollect how many names were upon that list ? — No, I do not. Do you recollect when that list was existing ! — No, I do not ; but I know that must have been a little time beforii colonel Tucker, who is lately dead, was made Major Tucker ; there were two brothers of them. For what reason do you know that it must have been before colonel Tucker was created a Major ? — His Royal Higli- ness had promised that he should be in the Saturday's Gazette, and one day, coming to dinner, a few days before, lie told njc 'J'ucktn- had behaved very 111, for 108 that Greenwood hud him, and to inquire into it, Ibr tliat he had come to phiy with me, and perhaps to make a talk ; that he was not serious in the business. I inquired into it, and found it was so ; ;ind His Royal Highness said, that Sir David Baird had recommended him. That was the answer th:it Greenwood gave to it. I'ut when I gave His IJoyal Tliglmcss that list, that is, when he took it, with the number of names upon it, he ;\sked me what I meant by it ; if I want- ed those men promoted ; and if I knew any of them or not, and who recommend- ed them ? I told him, I did not know any one, and that what I meant by it, Iieing in his way, was for him to notice them. lie said that he would do it ; that there were a great number of names, and that if I knew any thing at all of military business, I must know it was totally im- possible for him to do it all at once, but that he would do it by degrees ; that ev- ery one should be noticed by degrees : and among tliose was captain Tucker. Is tliat list in existence now ? — No, Ids Royal Highness took it away with him that morning ; and, from that moment, I knew in what way I might h.ive his sanc- tion to go on. I saw it some time after in his private pocket-book. Is that the only list that was ever made out by you ? — I did not make it out, some one gave it me ; that was the long- est list, and the only list that I recollect ; I never gave him any other list, I am sure. There might have been two names down. "VVcre you in the habit of making out a list to refresh your own memory ? — No ; their friends always took care of that. Do you mean, that you used to receive the names of the applicants in writing ? — 1 have had letters, hundreds upon hun- dreds What do you mean by stating, that their friends took care of tliat, in your last answer but one ? — They ex])ectcd the thing should be done immediately, and tised to tease me with letters. Do you recollect any other names, ex- cept that of captain Tucker, in the list you have referred to ? — I believe so, but I would not mention the name of any man who had behaved well to me, on any account. His Royal Highness did not promote the whole of that list. Yoiu* acquaintance with William Wi- thers, you have stated, was owing to some pecuniary embarrassments of yours : in vhat way were those embarrassments sa- tisfied ? — I gave him two bills on my mother for 3001. each, and that satisfied those things ; I never gave him any thing, nor spoke to him on any thing relating to military business. Do you recollect from whom you re- ceived tho list you have spoken of ? — I think from captain Sandon or Mr. Dono- van ; but Mi: Donovan is quite prepared to deny it. Can you state positively whether you re- ceived it from captain Sandon or Mr. Do- novan ? — No, 1 cannot, they were connect- ed in some way or other together. Have any questions been read to you by any individual whatever, as such ques- tions as would be asked you in this house ? — No, never. You have mentioned having received v'arious sums of money from INIr. Dow- ler, and in particular two sums of 2001. and 3001 ; state upon what consideration those sums were received. — It was for Mr. Dowler's Appointment, but previous to that he was not to have paid me money. To what Appointment do you allude ; — In the Commissariat ; Assistant Com- missary. Whom did you apply to for that Ap- pointment for Mr. Dowler ? — His Royal Hig-hness. From whom was it notified to you, that that Appointment had been m.ide ? — His Royal Highness ; he told me that he had spoken to Mr. Charles Long upon it, and it was settled at last ; that there had been some little difference in the Prince's regiment, that Mr. Manby was obliged to leave it, and his Royal Highness prom- ised to the Prince of Wales to give some- thing to Manby, and to seem very civil to him, he must gazette him before Mr. Dowler ; but before Mr. Dowler proposed to give him the money for tl\e situation, I fancy he was to have procured some votes for the Defence Bill ; I think it was^ something like that name ; Mr. Pitt was very ill at the time, and I think it was something of that sort mentioned ; how- ' ever, Mr. Dowler could not bring forward the number of voters that I had given the list of to the Duke, seventeen I think, and there were very few of them came ; but I recollect one gentleman, general * Clavering, got up, from Scotland, lord John Campbell ; and altliough lord Lorn would have voted witli Mr. Pitt, and of course his brother would hav« gone the same way, (but he was not in London) still it was considered that it was a great 109 favour bringing up Lord John from Scot- land ; he was the only man that 1 recol- lect, and that was through my means ; I had a i'aw more friends besides, but it dropped. Mr. Dowler could not bring the men forward, some of them were in the Opposition. His Uoyal Highness told me he gave the list to Mr. Charles Long, and he was delighted with it. Vou have used an expression relative to captain Tucker, that Greenwood had him : explain what you meant by that ex- pression. — 1 do not know, I never inquir- ed further into it ; I was very angry th.it tlje man should be only laughing with me ; it was his Royal Highness's expression, not mine : but 1 am almost certain that captain Sandon knows him and about it, though perhaps he will not own it. Were you in tlie habit of shewing to the Duke of York the letters which contained the applications to you for influence ?— Yes^ I was ; but I did not trouble him witl) all, not many, upon the same sub- ject ; if a man wrote one letter first, I migliL show him that, but if he wrote me ten more, I might not trouble his Royal Highness with those : they frequently used to call, and wait for answers while his Royal Highness was there, though they did not pietend to know he was there. Then if those letters contained an offer of money to you for the exertion of your influence, his Royal Highness must have been aware of it ? — He was aware of every thing tliat I did, jjut I never was very in- delicate with him upon those points. Did you shew to his Royal Highness letters containing suchofl'ers, as well as letters that did not contain them ? — Yes, I did. On the first day of your examination, you stated, that a bill of two hurKlred pounds, which you received from Mr. Knight, was sent from your house to be changed by a servant of his Royal High- ness : how do you know it was taken by a servant of liis Royal Higlmess, and not one of yoiir own servants ? — I believe that I,*4 where did you receive it, and from whom? — I received it at this door. On the outside of the door ? — This 'in- stant, when I went out. From whom ? — I belie\e one of the messengers. • The witness delivered in the letter, and it wis read.] " Westminster -hall, Thursday night, eight o'clock. " Madam, "1 am most anxiously dtesirous *' to see ydii to night. '' " The lateness of the hour will be "no difficulty with me : " It is I trust quite unnecessary " to observe, that business alone is " my reason for expressine* by this " solicitude in so earnest a way -, or "that if you think a more uj)Te- " served commvmication might taiie "place at Westbourne-place, I woulft " be there at your own hour to- " night. " To what this particularly refers " j'ou may have some guess, but \i " would be highly improper to glance " at it upon paper. " I will deliver this to one of the Ill "Mcssrngevs, wlio will convey to " me your itiiswer ; or if your f'cel- " ings at all accord with mine, you " will not perhaps think it too much '• trouble to wrU^two notes, one to " the care of the iVIesseng-er who " delivers this, the other addressed " for ine at the Exchequer CofFee- •' House, Westminster-Hall. Be- " licve me, " Madam, - " Most sincerely vour Friend, " iVm. miliams." " P. S. I have tried two or thfed " Members to deliver this, but they " are afraid some injurious suspicion " mit^iit attach. " I hope you will not attribute " my hasty manne;^ to negligence or* •' disrespect." Is this the letter that so much inter- ested you '. — Yes, it is. Is tiiis the letter that desired you not to go on ? — In my opinion it is, from what occurred yesterday. What do you allude to a:^ having' oc- curred yesterday ?-^A letter came to me vestcrday from the same Gentleman, and I coidd not exactly make out what it was, or what he meant by it ; he said he had seen me at the play one night, in com- paHy with lord Lenox and Sir Robert Peate, about two months since, and that he took the liberty of addressing a letter to me to grant him an interview ; I sent down my servant to say I was at home to him ; this was the Gentleman whom I Kllude(4 to as being the only one 1 had seen since I quitted this place. When he came into the drawing-room yesterday, he asked me whether there was any one in the back room ; I said upon my word and honour not ; but I told him as my character now seemed so much hacked about with every one, 1 would open the door and convince him, which I did ; he then began to question me how I felt to- wards the Duke of York, if I had any re- venge, or if 1 had any wishes that his Royal Highness had not satisfied, and if any thing would induce me now to aban- don the country with my children, and take all the blame on my own shoulder ; that no sum whatever would be backward if 1 would aay that I would, as my char- acter now had been so very much with the public, it could not be worse if I would take it upon myself and abandon my coun- try with my children, and I should be pro- vided for for life in the handsomest man- ner possible ; that he had no authority from the Duke of York, but it was th^ Duke's friends. [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The chairman wa^ directed to report progress, and ask \ci\\'p to sit ag'ain. After a short tiiiy;' th6 coitimilUe was again resumed.] Jlr. WILLIAM WILLIAMS was brougl>t in, in the Custody of thfe giei:jt*ant at Arms. :. : ■ • Is that yOur hanil -writing ? — This is My hand-writing, and I d'jlivc ^ed that Letter mVself to the dOor-keefifer. •. ; Will you inform the Oomiintit'tee who and what 30U arc ?— I am a clergyman. Where do you live ? — -\m I bound to answer that question. [The chairman informed the witness he nuist answer the; question.] . I have some personal reasons for not doing so ; reasons applicable to mc pci-- sonally, to my private afi'airs. ['I'he chairman informed the witness he vvas bound to answer the c(ues. tion.] ' Mv place of residence is now atNo. 17, Somcrs Place East, in the New Road, near Somer,^ Town. You have seen this Letter which you delivered to the dtxn- -keeper ; of course \ou arc acquainted with tlie contents of It ? — I suppose the letter in jour hand to be the same which was p\it into my hand jlist now ; I am acquainted w'ith it, ha\- ing written it within this hour. What was the business on which yoti \vished to see Mis. Clarke ? — 1 had busi- ness with her ; I am sure I do not know how decorously to answer tliis question, but it has no reference to the examina- tion now going on before this house. Were you at Mrs. Clarke's house yej,- terday .'—Not yesterday, the day Ia;- fore. • ■ 1 ■ What passed upon tbai^ 6ccnsiQn 1— — The whole is not exactly' iri 'my recpflcc- tion,; 1 believe 1 was near an' hour there. ' , State as much as you can of wliat pass- ed upon that occasion. •! am taken somewhat by surprise, but 1 will', p.^ nearly as I can recollect ; it had some general reference to the transaction \hu'. is now investigating before this hou.se. State the sub.stance of it.— She askc J. me if I had seen the Newspaper ; I re- plied in the negative ; she then related to me part of what I have sjncc seen iu 112 tlie Xewbpapcrs, tliat she was fhtipiied •ttter many hours waiting here ; I believe that was the substance of what she re- lated. Are you certain that it was the day before yesterday you had this communi- cation ?— It was the mornin.^ after she \yas examined here ; if I answer tlie ques- tion conftiscdly, I hope you will not be surprised at it, for I am a'little surprised at finding' myself here ; this is the sub- stance as far as related to any thing else 1 hat had reference to our acquaintiuice : 1 mentioned some persons that we were acquainted with, and as their health, and matters, not. I think, worth relating to the house; if you wish I will refresh my memory, and state the minutirc. , Did you state any thing to Mrs. Cliu-ke as to the course of the examination here- after to be pursued upon this business ? — I do not recollect that I did. Did you give Mrs. Clarke any advice as to what she had best do upon "this sub- ject ?— I spoke I believe something to Uiis eftcct, that it would be well and pro- per for her to be cautious. Was that all ?~I believe I added, what every body is aware of, the higli con- nexions of the Personage whose conduct is now under your investigation, and that of course I reiterated what I Iiad said be- fore, that caution, I thought, would very much become her. Did you advise Mrs. Clarke to get out of the way ?— I never did. You ai-e quite certain that vou did not give her any advice of tliat sort ?— I did not. Did you represent, that vou came from any of the friends of the Duke of York ? -—I did not, I spoke ;imbiguously, but I did not give her any such intimation whatever. What do you mean by saving you spoke ambiguously ?— I spoke tlie senti- ments of my own mind and mv own co- gitations upon that subject, not having any intimation from anyindividual in the world. For what purpose did vou go to Mrs. Chirke upon th.it day ?—l' suppose I mav be allowed to pause a moment or two before I answer tliat question, because it mvolves a variety of circumstances that now press upon my mind. [The witness paused for some time.] Among otlier tilings, I thought that tlie confidential intercourse that" must have passed between her and the person whose name perhaps I am not at liberty to men- tion, might have given her opportunities of observing upon his conduct in mo- ments of unreserved communication, and that to introduce matters of that sort be- fore this house would e.xcite certainly his personal resentment as well as the indignation of his family, juid that what- ever promises might be hold out to her would probably not in the event be found sufficient to protect her from the resent- ment that they probably might conceive it was right at some tinie to exercise up- on her : I suppose I have said enough to convey to the house my sentiments ; and to expect of me minutely to detjiil all that passed in that conversation, would be, I think, an unreasonable expectation. Did you advise Mrs. Claikc to go out of the kingdom witli her children ? — I did not. And that they should be provided for ; did you make any promise to her ? I made no promise to her whatever. Did any body advise you to go to Mr.s, Clarke ?— It was a suggestion of my own mind. Had you been acquainted with Mrs. Clarke before ? — Very little. How long- had you been acquainted with her ? — Precisely I cannot sayj per- haps two months. Where had you seen her before ? — At the ojjcra liouse. Had you seen her any where ebe but at the opera Jiouse ■ — No. Had \ou any conversation with her at (he opera house ? — No. AVere you introduced to her there ? I might be said to be introduced ; it was rather casu.il ; it w.as in the presence of persons known to us both. How long ago was tliis ?— About two months ago. Who were the persons present ?— Lord Lennox and sir Robeat Peate. I beg leave to add, that I had not been directjed or instructed, or requested to address Mi-s. Clarke, on this or any other subject, by any person whatever ; and after mention- ing tbe names of tliose two gentlemen, I think it very hard they should be impli- c.ated in this which hAS taken me by sur- prise. What led you to come here this afl!cr- noon ? — I was extremely anxious to see Mrs. Clarke. For wh.it purpose ? — If I am positively bound to ajiswer that question at the pe- ril of imprisonment, of course it must bo answered; to whom am I to address ray- self for an answer to that question. ii: [The Chairman hiformeil the Wit- ness, that it \v;is the pU-iisui-e of the Committee that the question should be ans\vpred.] My reason was, tar attempt, if I could, to persuade her from that ironical, sar- castic, and witty animadversion that sometimes had fallen from her, with re- ference to the person that I before allud- ed to. Was that the object with which you wrote this letter ? — That was one of the objects. >Vhftt other object had you ? — I will answer particularly afterwards ; f^enc- rally, I will say it was with a view that was by no means adverse to the person whose conduct is now under in\ estima- tion, but j ust on the contrary ; and there- fore I am the more surprised at the harsh mauner in which 1 have been treated. State what your other object was in writing this letter to Mrs. Clarke ? — I tliought that if I had an ojiportanity of seeing her before the appointment that I had to-morrow morning witli an au,ent of his Royal Highness, that probably I might suggest to her something' to prevent those things that did not serve to eluci- date the investigation now going on, but to excite tlie inveteracy of those person- ages to whom I before alluded. Who is that agent ? — Mr. Lowten. Who made the appointment with you ? —By agreement, I addressed Mr. Low- ten first, and afterwai'ds the appointment was made. For what purpose did you address Mr. Lowten ? — For tlie purpose I have given to the house before. Did you apply to Mr. I-owten by writ- ing, or address him verbally ? — I liud spoken to two or three members of tliis house upon this subject. Nan\e them. — Mr Adam and Colonel Gordon ; the otlier waved it entirolv, I am unwilling to mention him ; it is Col. McMahon, if I am desired to mention him. Did you.apply to Mr. Lowten person- ally or by letter ? — I was desired by two of the gentlemen whom 1 have named ; colonel McMahon conceived of this very differently from what many members of this house do : they thanked me Ibr the communication ; lie does not conceive of any hostility to his Royal Highness in the communication, but just the con- trary. If there is any thing culpable in my conduct, I am amenable to the cen- sure of tlie house, am willing to abide by it ; ])ut I do not know that gentlemen act decorously to me, in making me the subject of personal merriment and ridi- cule. Was it by persotVal address or by writ- ing you made the appointment with I\lr. l.rt>wten ? — I hesitated whether I should speak to Mr. Lowten or not, and when I spoke to Mr. Adam I declined it ; but coming here with this letter, I met Mr. I.iOwten, within these two hours, and then I addressed liini. What did you say to Mr. Lowten ? — I knew Mr. Lowten officially, and no ot]\er- wise ; I understand that he holds an oilicc, indeed I have seen him in tlie ex- ercise of his oflice in the Court of King's Bench. What did yon say to liim ? — I told him that I had spoken to the gentlemen (I be- lieve that was pretty near the commence- ment of my conversation with him) whom I have recently named, Mr. Adam and colonel Cordon ; and I told him also that, they declined, and seemed apprehensive ; they seemed to think there was a delica- cy and difficulty in it, which inclinctl them to have nothing to do with it; they advised me to communicate to him, and wlien I met liim I took the liberty to ad- dress myself to him. Did you tell Mr. Lowten the nature of the subject wliicii you had to comnumi- cate to him ? — 1 said (I did think 1 eX; prcssly guarded what I had to say with this observation) that I had no message from Mrs. Clarke, or any communication directly or uidirectly, to make from her. What did )'ou say you had to commu- nicate to Mr. liowten ? — I said I thought, as matter of opinion arising out of my own mind, that it was possible, I do not know how I expressed it, but I meant t« convey to prevent her going into that ir- relevant matter, and 1 believe the obser- vation I made was this, that it was impos- sil)le for any man in an unreserved com- mimication of four years, not in some period of tliat length of time to have said and done those tilings which the House of Commons had very little to do with. Was it upon that communication to Mr. Lowten, that he made an a])point- mcnt with you to come to him to-morrow tnornlng ? — I recollect no other. What did you tell Mr. Lowten you liad to say to him on the subject on which you were to speak to him to-morrow morn- ing ? I have told you this moment thai vrtiB the subject I had to speak upon. 114 To: prevent Mi's. Clai'ke going" into irrelevant matter ? — Qertainly, tliat was the main obje,ct. How were you to prevent it by goinjf to Mr. Lowten ?-^-^Cer<*inly this is a ques- tion I am not prepaa-ed exactly to answer j J am not sui'e that I could prevent it at all, and the means must arise out of the circumstances. What did you mean to propose to Mr. Lowten as the means by wliich Airs. Clarke's examination might be in any de- gree aliered ?— I am sure I do not know exactly what I should have said to Mr. Lowten to-morrow morning, but what I should have said to him would have aris- en out of the circumstsnces, and probably out of the communication I should have had with Mrs. Clarke to-night; and it was for that purpose that I expressed so anxious a wish to see her, as I conveyed in that letter that is laid upon tlie table. What did you expect would arise be- tween Mrs. Clarke and yourself to-night, which you expected would enable you to make a communication with effect to Mr. Lowten lo-morrow ? — I do not know whe- ther I may iiot be allowed to go a little into explanation, and not to answer sen- tentiously and immediately, but in an intercourse and friendship of four years much might have passed that it would be proper to suppress. What did jou expect would arise be- tween Mrs. Clarke and yourself to-night, which you expected would enable you to make a communication with effect to Mr. T^owten to-morrow ? — If it is intended by these questions that I should It is im- possible, I do not know how to answer the question, I have not the capacity, I do not understand it. Wh.at did you expect would arise be- tween Mrs. Clarke and yourself to-night, which you expected would enable you to make a communication with effect to Mr. Lowten to-morrow ? — I confess, standing here as I do, that if an enquiry of this sort was going on upon my own subject, there are many things already which have transpired which I should be sorry should transpire, and which have nothing to do with a political question ; that is the only way I can answer it. How was it to effect the commu- nication with Mr. Lowten to-morrow, in consequence of your seeing Mrs. Clarke to-night I — I did not certainly in- tend to interfere, or to prevent the in- '"quiry, or to smother the inquiry, or to advise her to suppress any information that has refevciice to the investigation going on before the house ; but I did tliink, that if I could persuade her to avoid those sort of witticisms to which I alluded before,and those sort of observa- tion? >If the gentlemen wish me to answer this question in such a way as to prove I have beenguilty of a breach of the privilege of this house, I cannot do that ; I know the deference due to this house, and am willing to treat it with proper deference. May 1 take the liberty to make one more observation on the law of evidence ? [T|ie chairman informed the witness that he was not called to the bar to make observations, but to give evi- dence.] ^ Then may I take the liberty of asking, whether I am bound to give that sort of evidence that would criminate myself, and is this not leading to it. Had you written the letter at the time you saw Mr. Lowten ? — No, I wrote the letter subsequently ; it arose out of the conversation I had with him. As a mat- ter of humanity I address myself to the chair with reference to tlie chancellor of the exchequer, whether, as a lawyer, taken by surprise as I am, it is right to propose questions to me, that if tliey were answered would criminate me. Do you refuse to answer these ques- tions which are put to you, under the fear they will criminate yourself? — No, I do not upon my honour. [The w itness was taken fi-om the bar.] WILLIAM ADAM, Esq. attending in his place, made the following state- ment. Many persons have desired to see me, since the commencement of this business, who have not sent any name ; and 1 have given orders, to let nobody in, who did not send in tlieirnames. This gentleman called yesterday about five o'clock I think or a little after five : he sent in no name, but a geutleman wished to see me. I desired to have the name, and I thought the name given in, was Williamson ; I had seen a gentleman of the name of Williamson in the morning, a clergy- man of Sherford, in Bedfordshire, and I believed it to be the same person ; I went into the hall to him, to the outer door ; 1 found it to be a different person ; and this gentleman who has just been at the bar, addressed me, and said he had something to communicate, respect- ing this business that was proceeding in Parliament ; I said I could hear nothing from him ; he seemed extremely anxious 115 to state somethings ; I stopped him, and told him if he had any facts or circum- stances to state, Mr. Lowten was em- ployed as his Royal Highness's solicitor, and he might go to lAn, and desire an appointment ; he left the house ; and that was all tliat passed- JOHN M'MAHON, Esq. a member of the house, attending in his place, made the following statement. To my extreme astonishment, I found my name alluded to by the lady who has just been examined attlie bar; I cannot tell for what possible purpose she has al- luded to me ; I have nothing to offer to this committee, that has the least rele- vance, or can throw the smallest light upon any subject whatever, that the ho- nourable gentleman has brought before the consideration of this house. Incon- sequence of an anonymous note that was written to his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, promising very important com- munications, I did, at the command of the Prince, lightly as he treated the note, nevertheless call at No. 14, Bedford-row Russell-square, where the note was dated from. Upon going there, the woman who opened the door, and from whom I thought I saw much that told me she had put that note into the penny-post or the two-penny post herself, I asked her the name of the lady of the house, that I wanted to see ; she desired me to tell my name ; I told her I could give her no name, but produced the note, which she immediately remembered to have put into the two penny-post, and said it was writ- ten by her mistress. I was then con- ducted into the house, into a parlour, where cci'tainly there were a great many of those morocco concerns, which she has mentioned before, for there were ten chairs I tliink set round the table, from the supper or the dinner of the day be- fore ; after remaining some time, I was conducted up stairs, where I saw the lady whose name I was told to be Farquhar. The lady in perfect good humour came out and received me ; and I held the note I was possessed with, as my credentials, for hercommunicating whatever shemight think fit to tell a third person, not pressing her to any communication whicli she ought not to give me. She told me, that she would communicate nothing to a third person ; I then told her that it was impossible that I could hold up any ex- pectation of an interview with such a per- son as the one to whom that letter was 16 addressed, unless she gave nic some clue or some plausible pretence for it, and that I had no idle curiosity to gratify. She then entered into a conversation of so general and so extraordinary a nature, that I am confident this house would not for one moment entertain it, because the tendency .ind intention of it v/as to make bail blood between two illustrious brothers, whose affections could never be shaken by any such repres .itation, at least, I am confident "tliat the illustrious Person I have the pride and glory to serve and love would be incapable. She then told me she would shew me letters to prove and to establish, that there was a hatred on one part to the other ; I declined seeing any letters ; she then said, I would com- mit those letters to you, for the perusal of the illustrious Personage ; to which I as my bounden duty and firm conviction, said, if they were lying at his feet, he would scorn to look at one of them. In tl\ls interview, at first, I stated that I thought she was a friend of Mrs. Clarke ; slie said, certainly she knew Mrs. Clarke extremely intimately, that there was no- body she loved and regarded as she did Mrs. Clarke ; that she perfectly knew her. She then asked me if 1 knew Mrs. Clarke ; I said I do not. " Do you know her. Sir, by person ;" I said, I believed not. " Do you know her by character ;" Yes, said I, her fame is very celebrated ; and 1 have heard of Mrs. Clarke, but know nothing of her myself. She asked me then what I knew ; I said, it cer- tainly was not to her advantage ; but I had heard the Duke of York had been very generous to her, and that she had not been very grateful on her part ; but that was only from information I had re- ceived. She then proceeded to state, what I throw myself on tlie considera- tion of the house, as it might be the effect of passion, and appeared to me a disposition to gi-atify her reveng-e by re- presentations that I do not think the House would for a moment permit me to expose, when it went to a tendency to make bad blood between two Brothers. We then proceeded. I soon after said, " I am speaking to Mrs. Clarke herself:" I thought so, from several things she told me, that I wish not to repeat : I said, " I am confident I am address- ing to myself to Mrs. Claj-ke herself :" She laughed, and said, " I am Mrs. Clarke." I then begged her a thousand pardons for the portrait I had drawn but disclaimed being the painter. " I am 116 sure you are not, for it was Adam and Greenwood that jjave you my character." We then proceeded, till she made a state- ment, that I have no hesitation in de- claring- to this committee did, in its statement, appear such as I could with honour and character entertain and listen to ; that, under every compassionate feel- ing- and sentiment, I felt no indisposition to listen to and entertiyn. She stated to me, that Mr. Adam hi.1 called upon hei", and in a very firm, but steady manner, told her, that the Duke of York was de- termined to separate from lier ; but that if she retired into the countr)', and con- d\icted herself with propriety and deco- rum, he would allow her 4001. a year ; that she had according-ly so retired into Devonshire for several months, but fail- ing to receive the remittances she ex- pected, she had been driven to town for the purpose of gaining- her arrear, and placing her annuity upon a more regular mode of payment ; that if that condition was complied with, by the payment of her arrear, and of securing the punctu- ality of it to her in future, his Royal Highness should never hear any more about her. Upon the fairness of this statement, supposing it to be true, (I do not pretend to say what my opinion of it was) I said, if your statement, Mrs. Clarke, is correct and orthodox, I will certainly wait upon Mr. Adam, and state it to him, to know where the objection lies to the payment of your annuity. That was in the month of July last. Mr. Adam had gone, two days after 1 saw Mrs. Clarke, ijUo Scotland, and had not returned when I came back to London in October, therefore I never saw liim, but at the persuasion of Mrs. Clarke, by a letter she wrote to me, she saying that his Royal Highness was prepared to hear what I had to say, as she had told it to him. I had the honour of waiting upon the Duke of York, and telling his Royal Highness exactly what she had stated, not pretending to vouch for its veracity in any shape whatever. His Royal High- ness's immediate and prompt answer to me was, her conduct is so abominable, that I will heiir nothing at all about her. Any thing I could possibly offer after what I have now said would be superflu- ous ; there is the conclusion, that is the epilogue of any thing I have to state ; and as to any question thought proper by the honourable gentleman, or any circum- stances he has cited or remarked upon, I am as ignorant as a man vmborn. — With regard to the gentleman who has this moment been at your bar, 1 did receive a letter fiom him last night, which I have in my pocket, and will deliver, if it is the pleasure of the house, to which I certain-* ly wrote him a civil answer : I said I was obliged to him for his attention, but that I had no interference in the question be- fore the house, and that I never would directly nor indirectly have any interfer- ence with it. [Colonel McMahon m the testimony of Mrs. Clarke, that she put the pen into her mother's hand, and with that wrote her name upon a bill of exchange ? — That i s in the answer to the first question that was put to Mrs. Clarke. During the proceedings of that court martial, were any private questions put in your presence to Mrs. Clai'ke out of court, respecting her being a widow, which were afterwards entered upon the minutes ?-^I do not recollect any ; I had conversation, as I mentioned before, with Mr. Smithies, and, I believe, with Mrs. Clarke, I am not exactly sure, but I can- not recollect the whole of that conver- sation ; it was relative to her delicacy with respect to her being examined, and her fear that unpleasant questions might be put to her generally ; I have no recol- lection of any as to her being a widow ; I desired Mr. Smithies, understanding that captain Thompson was brother to Mrs. Clarke, that he would give me her description, and he gave it upon paper. [The witness was directed to withdi-aw. M. THOMAS PARKER was called in, and examined by the committee, as follows : Refer to your book as to the date of any pajment that was made by Mrs. Clarke in the year 1804 ; 5001. on account of a service of plate ? — I know nothing of the subject at all ; I was only left exec- _ utor to Mr. Blrkett ; I have a book here, in which there is some account, which I looked at to-day, wliich I did not kiiow of before. Produce the book. [The witness fetched the book, in which appeared tlie following account. , 125 "3 ^ o o o o O o o •>* '^ , 3 •-? U CO CM 6 ' < Oh <5 O rt 0^ o a O U CO 1 o C »l Pi Oh u o < O o "o o 00 1 o o o 1 « Q -d u c o ■S '• rt '"' t^ rt 3 M P m o o m 4} U eS rt rt rt u c4 >. X >^ X O o t>-. >-. ^ CO CO CO ea Q Q CO ca_ -t1 >> >. '^ ^ 00 -3 1 2 i? ■^ OO O CM C^ « »0 O «N Oi ".. there is a case of m.ijov Shaw's, of v.i-rh you have heard ?^I heard last No\i-niber only. D ' » oil know of any other besides ma- jor ^liaw and captain Tonyn ? — I do not recn'ilt ct any other. A \-v \o\i sure you do not knoM of any other ' — I do not recollect any other. Do you, or do you not know of any other ? — I do not know of any other that I recollect ; nor do 1 believe that I re- colK'CT any other. Do you not know of some others ? — I 135 know of no otlie.rs, to the best of my knowledge ; if I did, 1 would mention it, but I do not ; I believe I know of no other whatever. You have said positively you know of no other ? — I believe not. You have said once positively you knew of no other ; do you say positively whether you knew of no other ? — Do you mean to say I have been concerned with others ? Have you been concerned in any other ? —Not at all. Do you know of any other : — 1 do not, to the best of my knowledge : it is impos- sible for me to charge my memory ; I have told } ou every thing, to the best of my knowledge and belief. "When you .were asked concerning cer- tain custom-house appointments, you said that colonel VVardle, an honourable mem- ber of this house could tell about them ; what can you say of colonel Wardle's knowledge of those appointments ? — I must refer to Mrs. Clarke for that. What lias Mrs. Clarke told you relative to that ? — That she could procui'e recom- mendations from great people, and she mentioned the name of Mr. Wardle also, not as the person that would recommend, but as the person who knew others that she should make acquainted with the circumstance. Wliat other persons, besides colonel Wardlu did she mention as knowing of th;-sc matters ! — Not as knowing, for she told me, she should tell colonel Wardle. You said colonel Wardle amongst o- thers, who were the others? — ..She men- tioned, that she should acquaint colonel Wardle, or mentioned his name upon the business. Who was the person with whom you negociated iA the last transaction to which you have alluded, with respect to the wj-itership ? — Mr. Tahourdin. You stated that it was through him the money was paid, was he the only person with whom you negociated ; — He was the person who jirocured the appointment, but from whom I cannot say. Was he the only person with whom you negociated, or had any concern or dealing in this transaction ? — The gentleman who obtained the Introduction for his young friend, of course I negociated with also, as I introduced them together ; Mr. Tahourdin and that gentleman, I really cannot tell the gentleman's name, for I noit 10 wooJ jo do not recollect it ; but I dare say Mr. Tahourdin would furnish me with his name. State to the committee whether you first applied to Mr. Tahourdin, or Mr. Tahourdin to you ? — I did not apply to Mr. Tahourdin ; he was recommended to me in consequence of a 4etter I had from a lady in Dublin to procure a writership for Mr. O'Hara. Who recommended Mr. Tahourdin to you ?— -Messrs. Austen and Maunde re- commended him to me. Do you know whether that writership was the subject of any advertisement in the Newspapers ? — Not at all that I know of. Not being a trafficker in places, but yet having a certain tendency to negociate them, and to take a pecuniary advantage by them, how came you not to apply to Mrs. Clarke while she hadan acquaintance with his lloyal Hiphness, but to apply after that had ceased ; and when her con-^ nection with the Dvike of Portland and members of this house was a little more distant ? — I have already explained that business ; it was itverely the eft'ect of cliance ; Mrs. Clarke sent for nie, and proposed the business to me ; it was not the effect of my application. At what number in Agryle-street does Mr. Ta!)Ourdin live ? — I do not know, but his name is upon the door. Did Mr. Tahourdin receive the nomina- tion of the writership immediately from the director, or through the medium of a third person } — I never asked Mr. Ta- hourdin from whom he procured it, or how he procured it. Is the lady, who applied to you on be- half of Mr. b'Hara, an acquaintance of your's ? — She is. You have stated, th.at you saw nothing of Mrs. Clarke from the middle of the year 1806, till last November ; was that interruption in your intercourse occa- sioned by any difierence that you had to- getlier ? — Not the least. What was it owing to ? — because I hiid no acquaintance with .Mrs. Clarke furthei* than I have already stated ; I never saw her more than four times previous to her separation from his lloyal Highness the Duke of York, [The witness was directed to withdraw ; the chairman was directed to report progress, .ind ask leave to sit ag.'un I Tuesday, 10th February 1809. MR. WHARTON IN THE CHAIR. GWYLLYM LLOYD WARDLE, Esq. a member of the house, attending in his place, was examined as fol- lows : Arc those the letters Mrs. Clarke alludes to in her letter to Mr. Donovan, in which she says, " I must be candid " and tell you, tliat in order to facilitate •' some negociation, I have given him a ♦* few of your lettAs." — Those are part of the letters I had from Mrs. Clarke. Are those the letters to which this let- ter of Mrs. Clarke alludes ?— It is im- possible I can answer that. Are those all the letters of Mr. Dono- van's you received from Mrs. Clarke ? — To the best of my recollection, all, ex- cept some letters of Mr. Donovan's that apply to the commissions that I examin- ed about last night, to bfe backed by a member of Parliament. Did you obtain the letters of Mr. Do- novan all at once from Mrs. Clarke, or at different times ? — At different times ; the letters I have now given in, I obtained in the way I before stated to the house. These are part of those which you took away without her consent ? — That I took away, as I before stated. Was it with her consent or against her consent, that you took away those let- ters ? — I have before stated how I took them, I took them from her table : she said I must not take them, or must not vise them, or something to that effect. Mr. JEREMIAH DONOVAN was call- ed in, and examined by the com- mittee, as foUow^s : State whether those letters in tlie hands of the clerk are youi* hand-writ- ing ? — They are. [The witness was directed to withdraw. [Letters read, dated the 8th October 1808, the 20th October 1808, 16th J\ovember 1808, 14th December 1808, and the 23d December 1808.] " Chai-les-street, St. James's-square, October 8th, 1808." " Dear Madam, " The deanery of Herefoi'd is va- *' cant, and in the sole gift of the " Duke of Portland ; can vou procure " it for the Rev. G. H." Glasse ? I "would myself, unknown to him "give 10001. for it. It must be " filled by next Saturday, at least, " so a gentleman who has just given "me the information, paid. Mr. G. " is my most pai*ticular friend, and " I would make great sacrifices to " serve him ; he is not in town at " present. I can with confidence " assure you he is a very good scho- " lar, a man of good fortune, and " an extraordi)iari/ kind fnend, of " excellent connections, well known " to the Dukes of Cumberland and '• Cambridge. He is rector of Han- " well, Middlesex. His town house "N(J. 10, Sackville-street." " The money wdl be deposited " on Wednesday next, for the land- " ing-waiter's Place. " An inspector of the " whose duty is rowuig customs, in a boat - I 137 " about the river, visiting and plac- •' ing officers on board different ♦• ships, is about to be superannuat- *' cd, the salary is 4001. per annum ; " I am applied' to for the appoint- " ment, on the resignation taking " place ; 10001. is ottered for it. " Yours very truly, "J. Donovan.'* " Mrs. Clarke." " Charles-street, St. James's-square, October 20th, 1808." " Dear Madam, " Some friends of the Rev, T. " Baseley, M. A. are extremely de- " sirous of pi'ocuring- for him pro- " motion in the church ; and it ap- •* pears to them a very favourable " opportunity, the vacancy of the " deanery of Salisbury, to make " application to the Duke of Port- " land ; and in order to secure an •' interest without his knowledg-e, a " party of ladies, at the head of " whom is lady Cardigan, have *' subscribed a sum of money, 3000 " guineas, which is ready to be de- " posited to carry into execution " their intended plan. " Mr. Basely is well known to "his Grace, and was particularly " recommended to her Majesty by "lady Cardigan, on the publica- " tion of his pamphlet, * The claims " of the Roman catholics constitu- " tionally considered, &c. &c.' This " chaplain to the Duke of Glouces- " ter, and the Bishop of Lincoln, " went with /lis Grace upon some " occasion to serve the marquis of " Tichfield ; would be very strongly " recommended by many persons of " fashion, the bishops of Norwich " and Salisbury. I have a letter " from each to M. Baseley in my " possession, which would shew the " estimation in which he is held by " them. The ladies are very anxi- " ous, and at the same time desir- "ous that he should not know " through what channel the money " is raised, much less the applica- " tion, nor do they wish to know "any thing further than that he *' shall succeed, and then to agree- *' ably surprise him : or rather that **his Grace, without anj'^ preface, " should have the whole merit of " having selected so wortliy a man " to fill the vacancy. Your answer " will oblige, "Your's very truly, " J. Donovan.'* " Lord M. and Mrs. Jn. are in town." " Charles-street, St James's-square, Nov. 16, 1808." " Dear Madam, " The place of Inspector of the " customs is now vacant by the " death of Mr. Booty, and I learn " that the Queen and the Duke of " Dorset are about to apply for it. " I hope you will procuro it for " Mr. Henry Tobin, the gentleman " you were so good to say you would " serve when an apportunity of- " fered. I will do myself the plea- " sure of waiting on you whenever "you will appoint on the subject. " Can you procure the paymaster- " ship to a second batt. for 5001 ? " Your's very truly, " /. Donovan.** " Mrs. Clarke." " Dec. 14, 1808:'* " Dear Madam, " I regret much that I had not " the pleasure to see you on Satur- " day evening. It was the only time " I had been out since Tuesday, and " I have sufFei'ed considerably in " consequence, from my wound. " I am daily applied to for the "particulars of the appoinment at " Savannah la marr. Is it a sur- " veyor of customs and landing " waiter ? Is the salary 1,3001. " per annum, or how much is the " salary, and from what do the per- "quisites arise ! Is the 13001. ster- " ing or Jamaica currency ? What " is the duty ? Can you procure tlie " landing waiter's place in Janu- " ary next ? " The paymaster second batta- " lion ? "Relative to the letters, I am in " part ready, and wish to consult " with you relative to them. I shall " be at home this evening, and, if " able to bear the motion of a car- *' riage, dine in your neighbour- " hood to-morrow*. " I remain, " Dear Madam, " Your's very truly, " J. Donovani" "Mrs. Clarke." IS8 * Charles-street, St James's-square, Dec. 23d. 1808." " Dear 31adam, " I am daily plagued about the ' Savannah la mai-r appointment ; ' also respectinfj the landing wai- ' ter's, the 2d batt. paymaster- * ship, and the commissaryship. ' Pray let me hear from, or see you, ' on the subject of the Savannah ' business particularly. " Mrs. Howes requested me to * thank you in her name for your 'kindness, and have got into dis- * grace for not having done so ' sooner, and for not letting her ' know when you call'd last. Your's very truly, "J. Donovan." " Mrs. H. sends her.comp"." ' Mrsv^Cltf ke." DAVID PEIRSON was called in, and examined by the committee, as fol- lows : [The evidence given by the witness on the 7th instant, being read.] Is there any part of tliat evidence, on which you wish to make any observation or alteration, or any addition ? — No al- teration. On the night tliat the Duke of York went to Weymouth, about eleven o'clock at night, I was sent out to get a bill changed : I went out and got it changed, and brought it in, and returned it to Mrs. Clarke ; she looked it over, and said it was all right. The Duke of York was present when I gave the bill to Mrs. Clai'ke, and received it from Mrs. Clarke. With whom have you had any conver- sation, respecting the evidence you gave when you were here last ? — Not any body. Have you spoken with nobody about it ?— With nobody ; I have not spoken to any one about it. Have you seen Mrs. Clarke, since you gave your evidence here last ? — No, I have not. Did you see Mrs. Clarke when you re- tired from the bar on the former day \ — I saw her, but I did not speak to her. Did she speak to you ? — She just bow- ed her head, and said, " Peirson ;" I said, " 1 have been examined Ma'am.'* Did she say any thing els© to you ? — Not any thing, Are you positive that no other person has spoken to you on the subject of the evidence you gave here, or you to them ? — I met Ludowik in the Park, and he asked me ; he said that I might be mis- taken, -et he could not recollect any thing about it. Was that all that passed between you and Ludowik : It was all that passed be- tween him and me, except he Siiid that I must make a mistake ; that there was a bill brought do\\n one morning, in his presence of 101. by Mrs. P'avorite, and given to a gii-l to go out and get change ; and he thought I must have made a mis- take about that bill. Did not you make a communication to Mr. Wardle, or speukto him, to say that jou wished to alter your evidence ? — I called upon Mr. Wardle, and lold Mr. Wardle about the bill that I received from MiS. Clarke, and went and got change for, and returned that niglit, in the presence of the Duke of York ; I told Mr. Wardle that I had done that. What was the amount of ihe bill you got change for ? — 1 think 1001. but I am not certain. Do you adliere to your former state- ment, that you had spoken to no person on this subject since you were ei.amined^ m this house ? — I have not spoken to any person since I was examined. Where did you get that bill changed ? — I got it changed at ^Ir. Byfield's and Mr. Bridgeman's ; Mr. Bridgeman and his wife cltanged it for me, confectioners in Vere-street. Are B\ field and Bridgeman partivers ? — I believe they are. Did you try to get that bill changed at any other place ? — Yes, I v ent to Mr. Stevens's in Bond-street, and tried tliere but they could not do ii for me ; they sent out, but could not do it for me. How long have you left Mrs. Clarke's service ? — It is three jears ago now: Have JOU seen her frequently since you quitted her service ? — I never saw her before I saw her at th's house. Did not you see Mrs. Clarke in her chariot a day or two before you gave your evidence at this bar, or or, the very day in which you gave your former evi- dence ? — The day before she sent for me into Baker-street, where slie was in her carriage, to ask me, whether ever I had changed any bill, or knew any bill changed; I said I recollected Mrs. Fan vorite giving a bill to Ludowik, and hif going and getting the bill chang. — On the second time, I certainly said it was extremely extraordinary that she had gone out, when she had appointed that time for seeing me. Did you leave any message purporting what was the nature of your visit to her ? — I left no message whatever, but that whicli I have had the honour of stating. I understood you to say, that you im- peach the credibility of the testimony of Mrs. Clarke, upon the ground that she represented herself to be living with a^ Mr. Mellish ; did she represent herself to you as living with Mr. Mellish tlie member for Middlesex ?— Slie did not say that he was the member for Middle- sex. Have J'OU any, and what reason to sup- pose that she did not live under the pro- tection of a Mr. Mellish !— That which passed in this honourable house a few evenings past; it was proved that she did not live with Mr. Mellish. Then I understand you to say, that you have no otiier reason for impeaching the credibility of the testimony of Mrs. Clarke, but the statement that she lived under the protection of a Mr. Mellish ? — Not any, that I am at present aware of. Have you any reason, independent of any circumstances that > ou have read or heard of, to impeacli her testimony, or to consider her not worthy of belief ?— I certainly do not conceive her worthy of belief, from having imposed upon mc \\\ Ui the maniin- she had, and from the variety of contrary evidence it does appear she has delivered before tjiis honourable house. [The witness was directed to withdraw.] [The w;itness was again called in.] How has she imposed upon you? — By having informed me that she was under the protection of Mr. Mellish, which I understand not to be the case. How do you understand that not to be the case ! — From its appearing to have been proved to the contrary before this honourable house. Have you any oth^ reasons whatever, than those you have stated, to believe that she has imposed upon you ?— None, that I am at present aware of. Have you not stated in evidence to this committee, that she has imposed vipon you by stating that there was a false letter written to you in the name of Sumner ? — If I am correct in my i-ecol- lection, I did not state this evening that she had imposed upon me on that ac- count. Have you not stated, that in the case of the Defence Bill your name had been used, which you denietl to be true .' — I stated that I had heard so, but not from herself. Are you acquainted with Miss Taylor ? — If it is the Miss Taylor who has been examined before this house, I certainly have seen her at Mrs. Clarke's. Have you frequently seen her at Mrs. Clarke's in Gloucester-place ? — I may have seen her probably twice or three times. Was she there as the friend and com-r panion of Mrs. Clarke, when you saw her there ? — I certainly believe not, because Mrs. Clarke informed me, that she kept a boarding-school at Chelsea. When she was in Gloucester-place, was she not upon a visit to Mrs. Clarke, and associating with her, living with her for the day ! — That is more than I can reply to, not recollecting having ever been in Gloucester-place more than twice. Did you not state that Mrs. Clarke had informed you that a regulation existed, by which a letter of recommendation of an officer, requesting promotion, for- warded by a member of parliament, or a general officer, would obtain considera- tion ; and have you ascertained whether such a regulation does exist ? — I certain- ly have informed myself, that any appli- cation from an honourable member of parliament, or from any general officer, will always meet with attention at the office of his Royal Highness the com- mander in chief. Is the sense in which you understand attention will be bestowed upon a letter so sent, the sense in which you under- stood the communication you received from Mrs. Clarke ?— I really do not un- derstand tlie question. Do you understand the regulation, as you suppose it to exist, to be the same as she described it to you I — Certainly not, because she gave me reason to under- stand, that, during the time I was absent abroad on foreign sei'vice, a regulation had been issued, and no regulation had been issued upon the subject ; I cannot say that she absolutely in those direct words said so, but she gave me to un- derstand it, and I did so understand it. In what respect does the representa- tion she gave of this regulation, and what you understand to be the practice of the commander in chief, differ .'—They differ most widely, in consequence of no such regulation as she informed me of having ever been issued ; but it was always un-. derstood, that a recommendation from a member of this house would be attended to, provided the object so recommended, on fartlier inquii'y, was found worthy of promotion. You have stated, that you called at Mrs. Clarke's twice recently, to request that you might not be culled upon to speak to her veracity ; had yon any other communication with Mrs. Clarke relative to the subject now undergoing the con- sideration of this committee ? — I certain- ly had another object in view besides, that I did not wish my name to be brought forward in a case of this kind, because the world might naturally ima- gine, that, having had any communica- tion with a lady of that description, it might have been a communication of a criminal nature, wliich, upon my honour, never did exist. Have you no other reason for request- ing that you might not be called upon ? — None but what I have had the honour of stating to this committee. You have stated, that you impeach the credibility of the evidence of IMrs.Clarke, because she told j'ou that she lived under the protection of a Mr. Mellish.which you think contradicted by the evidence that came before this committee ; what reason did she give you, or what reasons induced 143 you to suppose that the Mr. Mellish she alluded to must be the member for Mid- dlesex ?— If 1 am correct, I did not say- that it was Mr. MelJish the member for Middlesex. Having' stated that you called twice upon Mrs. Clarke, to request that your name should not be mentioned, or that you should not be called upon to g-ive any testimony against her ; what mo- tive has induced you to come now to give this evidence ? — Because my name having appeared in the public papers, I was desirous of wiping away the imputation which I have already re- ferred to. Are you acquainted with Mr. Dowler ? —I never heard of him, excepting through the medium of the public prints. Do you recollect having had any con- versation with Mrs. Clarke upon poli- tical transactions, at the period of 1804 and 1805 ? — I have no recollection of any conversation of the kind, I am cer- tain that none of that nature then took place. No conversation on the subject of the debates that were taking place in this liouse, and who was likely to vote on one side, and who on the other ? — I have no recollection of any circum- stance of the kind, and I am almost positive that no conversation of that na- ture ever did take place, as it was a business in which I did in no way what- ever concern myself. Had you any communication whatever on the subject of army promotions with Sirs. Clarke ?-— I never proposed any conversation of that kind, nor do I re- collect any having ever existed, except- ing at the period I before alluded to, when she requested I would recommend to the consideration of the Duke of York, lieutenant Sumrtfei-, of the 20th regiment. I understand you then to say, you had never at any time any communication or conversation whatever with Mrs. Clarke, on the subject of army promotions, ex- cept in the case of lieutenant Sumner ? — Certainly not, as being the subject of conversation. Had you any incidental conversation with Mrs. Clarke upon that subject ? — A period of so many years having elapsed .since that time, it is impossible to speak positively and accurately to a qviestion so i'lose as that, but to the best of my belief I do not tliink I had. Do you ofyou^o^vn knowledge know that Mrs. Clarke used her influence in favour of any person whatever in the army with the Commander in Chief? — I do not. Do you of your own knowledge know of any person that asked her to uso her influence with the Commander in Chief upon that subject ? — I am not ac* quainted with any person that ever did ; 1 have heard reports of that nature, but I cannot bring to my recollection any person positively. Then you state positively that you do not know of any transaction of that na- ture ?- None, to my certain know ledge. Give a direct and positive answer to that question.— I do not know of any transaction of that nature. [The witness was directed to withdraw. The MARQUIS of TITCHFIELD, a Member of the house attending in his place was examined as follows ; Will your lordship state every thing- you are acquainted with as to an ap- plication from the Rev. Mr. Basely to the Duke of Portland ?— Mr. Bascley called upon the Duke of Portland on the 3d of January, not being able to see him, left this letter, whicli the ser- vant gave to my noble relation ; it i.s dated N" 9, Norfolk-street, Grovesnor- square. [The Marquis read the letter.^ " Norfolk-street, Grosvenor-square. " My Lord Duke, " I wished particularly to see your " Grace upon the most private busi- " ness, 1 cannot be fully open by "letter. The object is, to solitit "your Grace's recommendation to "the deanery of Salisbury, or some " other deanery, for which the most "ample pecuniary remuneration I " will instantly give a draft to your ** Grace. " For Salisbury three thousand "pounds 1 hope your Grace •' will pardon this, and instantly com- "mit these lines to the flames. ** I am now writing, for the benefit " of administration, a most interest- " ing phamphlet. Excuse this opcn- " ness ; and I remain your Grace's " Most obedient and " pbliged servant, «' T. Basclev." 144 "P. S. I will attend your Grace "whenever you may appoint, but, "sincerely beg your Grace's secre- " cy.» Indorsed : "Delivered by the writer himself to my servant, on Tuesday 3 Jan. 1809, atB" House, P." This letter was delivered by tlie wri- ter himself, and is indorsed by the Duke of Portland, the 3d of January in the present year. Upon i-eceiving tliis letter my noble relation, finding that the wri- ter of it, was gone, gave particular orders that Mr. Baseley never should be admitted into his house, and the same day wrote a letter to the Bishop of London, of which 1 have a copy in my hand, inclosing the Kote, which I have just delivered in at the table." [The Marquis read the letter.] " Bui-Iington House, Tuesday 3d Jan. 1809." " My Lord, •*The person by wliom the note *' inclosed was left at my house this " morning being possessed, as I un- *' derstand, of one if not of two "chapels in your Lordship's dio- *' cese, I consider it to be incumbent " upon me, from the sense I have of " the duty owe to the public, as " well as from my respect for your *' lordship, not to suffer you to re- " main uninformed of it ; and I ac- " cordingly take tlie liberty of lay- " ing it before you. " I have reason to believe that the "note is M'ritten by the person *' whose name is subscribed to it as •' I have heretofore received notes " or letters from him, the writing " of which to the best of ray recol- " lection, very much, if not exactly, *♦ resembles that of the note en- " closed ; and one if not more of " which was Avrittcn at my house in ■ ''consequence of my declining to *• see him. The note inclosed, hovv- " ever, he brought with him ; and on " my desiring to be excused seeing " him, he gave it to my servant, and " immediately left my house. " As I have no copy of the note, " I must desire your Lordship to re- " turn it to me." Indorsed : " To the Lord Bishop of London, "3d Jan. 1809." I do not know whether it is necessary I sliould read the letter which my noble relation received from the Bishop of Lon- don in consequence. f [Tlie Marquis read the letter.] " Fulham-House, Jan. 5, 1809, " My Lord, j " It is impossible for me to esr ■ " press the astonishment and indig- " nation which were excited in my " mind, by the perusal of the letter "which your Grace has done ma " the honour of enclosing ; a marfc "of your attention, for which I "must beg you to accept my bes* " thanks. " It is too true that this wretched " creature Basely has one if not two " chapels in my diocese. I hav " long known him to be a very we " man, but till this insufferable in- " suit upon your Grace, I did not^ "know he was so completely wick-™ "ed, and so totally void of all prin- " ciple : and as your Grace is iiv^ "possession of the most incon<4 "testible proofs of his guilt, yoij " will, I trust, inflict upon him tlie " disgrace and the punishment he so " richly deserves. " I have the honour to be, " With the highest respect, " My Lord, " Your Grace's most humble and obedient servant, " £. London.'* "Fulham House, 5th Jan. 1809." Indorsed : " The Bishop of London." That is the whole of the transaction. Mr. THOMAS PARKER was called in, and exanyned as follows : Are you furnished with your books of accounts ? — I have no more than I had 3esterday, nor I do not imderstand that there is any more ; I was not acquainted that I was to attend at the house this evening 'till I had the summons, but I sent to desire them to let me have all the books and papers that had Mrs. Clarke's name upon them. [The witness was directed to with- draw. Mr. WILLIAM TYSON was called in and -examined by the committee,'a| follows : Have you got p.ny account of checks o; his Royal Highness tlie Duke of Yorld I 145 that *^ere sent Into your house by the Lite Messrs. Birkett of Princes-street ? — Not any. Have you any notes of hand, or bills ?— Not any. Have you any memorandum in your books of any such bills having passed throug-h your house ? — Not to my knovv- ledg'c. Have you the late Messrs. Birketts's accounts at your house ? — Yes, we have. Have-you examined those accounts be- fore you came here this evening ? — Yes, I have. Was not the order that you received, to, bring those accounts with you.' — It was. Why did you not comply with that or- der ?— I have brought a statement of Birkett's checks. Had any body spoken to you upon this subject before you were served with a summons this day ? — No one. Do you take upon you to say that no- body to your knowledge has been at your house upon this subject, within these last ten days ? — Not to my knowledge. Are you a partner in tlie house ? — I am not. Why was it you did not comply with the order of the house. [The order was delivered in and read.] You have stated, that you have a list of checks with you, what is that list ? — In the j'ear 1803, October 7, Parker and Birketts draft payable to Clarke or bear- er for 1201. ; in the year 1804, April 26, payable to Clarke or bearer 501. ; August 11, payable to Clarke or bearer 701. ; September 15, payable to Clarke or bear- er 501. ; in the year 1805, March 13, pay- able to Clarke or bearer 3641. — That was the whole I saw payable in the name of Clarke. Whose checks are those; by whom are they drawn ?— The first four I believe •were drawn by Parker and Birketts; the remaining one by Birketts and Dock- ery. You have stated that you have examin- ed Messrs. Birketts' account, and find in that account no checks whatever by his Royal Highness the Duke of York, as kaving passed through your hands ?— My instructions were to !fee what checks were drawn by Birketts and Dockery in favour of Mrs. Clarke, which 1 have done. Do you happen to know that any bills vere ever left at the banking-house of Marsh and Company bv Messrs. Birkett, in which Mrs. Clarke's name appears to have been the drawer or the acceptor .' I have no knowledge of any. [The witness was directed to withdraw.] COLONEL LORAINE was called in, and examined by the committee, as fol- lows : Did you hold any situation in the Com- mander in Chief's office, at the time when colonel French's levy was first institut- ed ?— I did. _ What situation did you hold a-- that time ? — Assistant Military Secretary. State what you know respecting colo- nel French's appUcation to be permitted to raise a levy of men at that time ?— It came in the usual course of office and passed regularly through the office, and was examined as all things of that kind are, and every pains taken to ascertaia whether it was a levy that would answer the purpose or not. Did the application of colonel French come to the office in writing, in the first instance ? — It did. Can you produce that writing ? — These are the terms which were produced i» the first instance. [The terms were read.] What was done upon this proposal ? — It appeared to have lain by for some time, and colonel French wrote another letter. [Note was read, dated March 5th 1804. What situation did colonel Clinton hold at that time ? — Military Secretary to the Commander in Chief. Was any answer sent to that note by colonel Clinton ?— To the best of my re- collection when this note came to the of- fice it was sent to me, and I was desired to examine the terms that were offered by colonel French. At that time I was in the habit of consulting and communicat- ing with general Hewitt, who was then inspector general of the recruiting ser- vice, and I shewed the terms to him, and he desired that colonel French might be referred to him ; in consequence of th.at, a reference was made, which I believe will appear by the correspondence. [A letter read, dated Horse Guards, 7 March 1804. Do you recollect what was the next step taken upon this proposal * — As far as I i-ecollect, colonel French applied to general Hewitt, as directed ; and general Hewitt of course examined tlie terms that he proposed, and modelled them as lie 146 thought fit for the Commantler in Chief's consideration ; and after it had gone through the whole of the regular course in the office, the letter of service was is- sued hy the Secretary at War, which is usual in those cases. Is there any letter of March 20th ! — Yes, there is ; colonel French made va- rious representations with I'egard to his levy, before it was finally settled. Can you, by referring to those papers, give any account of those different appli- cations ? — There is one representation of the iJOth Mai'ch, which I hold in my hand. Is there one of the 18th or 20th of April ? — Thei-e is a copy of a letter from colonel Clinton of the ISth of April, re- turning the proposals, with the Comman- der in Chief's remarks thereupon. [The Letter was read. 3 The proposals in short, after having been referred to General Hewitt, were accepted with certain alterations, whicli appeared in red ink in tlie margin of that paper ? — They were. Are you aware of any other alterations that took place in the course of the levy, and how were they introduced, if any ? — ^To the best of my recollection, the bounty was raised at two different times during tliat levy, because the bounties to the regiments of the line had been in- creased. Are there any letters among those papers which give an account of that cir- cumstance ? — Unless I had time to look over the whole papers, I do not know that I could speak to it. Is the course of office, after the levy is approved, to send it to the Secretary at War ?— It must necessarily go to the Secretary at War, because it is by him tliat the letter of service is issued. Were you in office in April 1805 ? — I was. Will you see whether tliere is any let- ter of the 16th Api-il 1805, from the Com- mander in Chief to the Secretary at War ? —There is. [The Letter was read.] Subsequent to thatletter^ do you recol- lect any application from Messrs. Frencii and Sandon, proposing some alterations in this levy ? — Yes, I have a proposal of the 20th April. What is the effect of tliat proposal ? —They proposed that a certain number of officers should be employed in th? levy, of a diffiirent description from what they had before ; that appears to be the drift of it, and also a change with regard to the non-commissioned i officers. J Was there any answer to that letter? — <■■ There was, of the 25th April 1805, a let- ter from colonel Gordon. [The Letter was read.] t I What situation do you now fill ? — ^I am )t one of the commissioners for the affairs a of barracks. Wluat situation did you hold before you were a barrack commissioner ? — I was lieutenant-colonel of the 91st regiment, ! and assistant military secretory to the commander in chief. How long were you assistant military secretary to the commander in chief ?— About seven years. « j What was your rank in the army when 11 you first became assistant military se- ^! cretary I — Major of the 9th regiment of foot. Did you ]Dur chase the lieutenat-colo- nelcy ? — I did not. Did you ever join your regiment as aj lieutenant-colonel? — Never: when my || regiment was ordered on service, I twice offered to join my regiment, and the com- mander in chief did not accept either of my offers, saying I must remain in my present situation, meaning at the horse guards ; after this, I did not think that it would be becoming in me to offer again, because it might appear that I was volunteering my services, when I knew my services would not be accepted ; and I beg leave to add, that before I came to the horse guards, I had been 22 years in the service, and constantly with my regi- ment ; and therefore I did not think that I was so peculiarly called upon, as per- haps a young man who had never seen any service. Arc you now in the army ?— In conse* quence of having served 29 years, when I accepted of a civil situation in the bar- rack department, his Majesty was gra- ciously pleased to allow me to retain the rank I now hold, but that rank is not to be progressive. Did you sell your lieutenant-colonelcy ? —I did. At what pi'ice ? — I know of no other price but the regulated price allo>\red by j his Majesty. Where have vou served ?— I served four i4.r campaig-ns ilurin.'j;' the American War, in America ; 1 l\:ivc- served between five and six years in the West Indies ; during- that period I served with the late lord (^rey at tiie capture of tlie 1^-encli West India Islands ; and I have served on tne Con- tinent ot" Europe. Did colonel French's levy go' tlirough all the ordinary statues in the office ; w'as there any tiling' irregular or out of the v.ay in the manner in vvliicli it was pro- posed or adopted ? — It went throug-h the rcg-ular course of office, and if I may be allowed to say it, I think it was more hardly dealt with than any other levy at that time g^oin,^ on, and for this reason, that grneral flevritt, who was inspector general of tlie recruiting- service, had a great prejudice ag-ainst any officer that he considei-ed a recruiter. Were the difl'ercnt a]Dplications refer- red to general Hewitt before they were accepted ! — I invariably laid every thing of the kind before g-eneral Hewitt that came into my hands ; as I had constant communications with him, it was impos- silde to find any opinion so g-ood as his upon that subject. Were the sug-g-estions of gener.al Hewitt in the alterations that he proposed, adopt- ed by the Commander in Chief ? — To the best of my recollection, almost always in those cases. Do you remember in the course of those pi'oceedings, any alterations proposed by g-eneral Hewitt that were not adopted ? — I cannot exactly recollect that, but the whole of the proposals were modelled as far as possible according- to his wishes and opinions. Is general Hewitt now in the kingdom ? —•He is not ; he is Commander in Chief in the East Indies. Do the papers in your hands contain every written communication whicli has passed upon the subject of colonel French's levy in the Commander in Chief's office ? — It is impossible for me to answer that question, not being now in the office, and having had no inter- ference or hand at all in looking over these papers. Then you are not able to state that these are the whole of the communica- tions upon this subject ! — No. [^The witness was directed to withdr.aw. -Mr. JEREMIAH DONOVAN was called in, and examined by the committee, as follows : 20 Did you know major Tonyn, of the 31st regiment ? — I did. Kelate what you know respecting major Tonyn's promotion from the 48th regi- ment to the majority of the 31st. — I believe it was about the montli of JNlurch 1804, that captain Sandon called upon me, and told me that he had an opportu- nity of promoting a gentleman to a ma- jority ; if I knew of any gentleman who had claims tiiat would entitle him to it, he could forward tlie promotion. I mon- tioncd this circumstance to captain Tonyn, who was a very old officer, I be- lieve- he had served about 23 years. The terms upon which he was to obtain that promotion, as far as I can recollect, was 5001. Captain Tonyn waited for some lime, and he became impatient. I believe about the montli of May or June, lie said, as there were a number of Field Officers to lie promoted, he considered, as he had not obtained that promotion through captain Sandon, in the mean time he should withdraw his name from captain Sandon, and take his chance in the i-egular line of promotion : in conse- quence of which I immediately waited on captain Sandon, and apprized him of it. Captain Sandon requested that he might be introduced to captain Tonjn ; he was. Captain Sandon argued with him, and told him that it was in consequence of his recommendation that he would be gazetted. Captain Tonyn, on the con- trary, said, that his father, general Tonyn, had recommended him for a ma- jority ; and that as he understood a vast number of captains were to be promoted to majorities on the augmentation, he certainly should be promoted without the interest of captain Sandon ; however, they agreed upon some terms ; what they were I do not know, I had notiilng to do further with the pecuniary transaction, nor did I know till the -May twelvemonth fol- lowing, the year 1805, how it was that major Tonyn obtained that promotion. What did you know in the year 1805, to which that refers ? — I knew that major Tonyn was promoted. Is that all you know ? — But major To- nyn's promotion came out in the general • promotions of augmented field officers. Is tliat all you know ; — That was all I knew till the year 1805. Major Topyn, I believe, was gazetted in August 1804, and then, to my astonishment, I was in- formed by Mrs. Clarke that she was the person who had obtained that promo- tion. 148 Do you know wlictlier the 5001. vas lodg-cd upon the first ag-reenicnt in the hands of any pai-ticuk4r person ; — Tlie money, I believe was not lodg'cil in the hands of any person m the first agree- ment. Do you know whether any money was lodged prior to tlie gazetting of major Tonyn ? — I did not know that any morley was lodged prior to the gazetting of Ma- jor Tonyn. Do you know whetlier any money upon that communication was lodged at all or not ? — I do not know tliat any money was lodged previous to that period. I do not ask previous to any particular period, but do you know tliat any sum of money was lodged with any body on that account ? — There was no sura of money lodged on that account ; but, I believe, a gentleman had undertaken to pay captain Sandon the sum of money, which I understand was paid to captain Sandon ; but I do not know it. Do you know who that gentleman Avas ? — I do. State wlio he was.- — Mr. Gilpin. Who was ISIr. Gilpin ?- — An army clotliier, and agent to the 48th Ucgi- ment. Do you know at what period this sum was lodged with Mr Gilpin ? — I do not know that any sum wiis lodged with Mr. Gilpin; Mr. Gilpin, ] believe, undertook to pay the money. Do you know that Mr. Gilpin did pay the money ?- — I do not, further than hav- ing been told so. Do you know of your own knowledge who did pay that money i- — I do not, nor w Jun it was paid, nor how it was paid. Who told you ?-— Mrs. Clarke. What did Mrs. Clarke tell you ? — She told me tliat she had received a sum of money for the promotion of captain Tonyn to a majority in the 31st regiment. Did Mrs. Clarke tell you what sum of money it was ?- — 1 do not exactly recollect what sum it was. Arc you positive that you cannot re- collect what sum it was r- — I am. Did Mrs. Clarke tell you from whom she had received that sum ? — She told me she had received that sum, whatever it was, from captain Sandon. You have stated, that captain Huxley Sandon told you that he had the power of getting promotion ? — He did. State what passed upon that subject, as nearly as you can recollect, between * captain Huxley Sandon and yourself.-— Captain Huxley Sandon told me that Jie had the power of obtaining promotion through some gentleman, a friend of his ; but captain Huxley Sandon never told me wiio the person was through whom he did obtain the promotion, until I met him and conversed witli him upon this subject, in tlie room where the wit- nesses had been waiting near tliis house. State who that person was, wliom captain Huxley Sandon named this night. — Mrs. Clarke. State whether captain Huxley Sandon has ever stated you his power of pro- moling ofiicer.s, independent of this one circumstance of captain Tonyn.— At the same time he mentioned to me ; that he could promote lieutenants to companies ; I think captains to majorities ; majorities to lieutenant-colonels ; and, in the first instance he told mc, it was in conse- quence of the new levies that were to be raised, or some augmentation to the army. Did captain Huxley Sandon ever speak to you about other promotions, uncon- nected with those new levies ? — He never spoke to me as to any other pro- motions than those I have mentioned now ; I was imposed upon by the suppo- sition, that it was new levies, or an aug- mentation to the army. You do not of your own knowledg"e know of any other transaction of the na- ture in which captain Huxley Sandon was concerned r — I believe that a major Shaw applied, and that I left his papers in the hands of captain Sandon ; but he could not obtain the promotion for ma- jor Shaw. What was the promotion major Shaw wanted 1 — Permission to purchase a lieu- tenant-colonelcy, or to get a lieutenant- colonelcy without purchase, by pa^^ing a sum of money for it. And major Shaw did not establish that wish ? — Not through that channel. Through what other channel did he establish it ! — Major Shaw's papers were delivered back to me, and returned to major Shaw. I believe they were brought to me by a Mr. Macdougall, as I recol- lect, and I believe they were returned to Mr. Macdougall. Some time afterw^ards, Mr. Macdougall asked me, if I could pro- cure that promotion for Colonel Shaw. A lady had called upon me, and said, that she had an opportunity of promoting ma- jor Shaw's wishes. Wlio was that lady ? — Mrs. Hovenden, Where does Mrs. Hovenden reside at 149 present ? — In Villiers-street, York-build- i ng-s. At what number ?— At No. 29. Was that lady at the house with 3'ou the other night ] — She was. Is major Shaw now at the Cape of Good Hope ? — I really do not know, but I understood he got the promotion, and went to the Cape of Good Hope. State whether, through the medium of tliis lady you have named, any other pro- motions have been eftecled in tlie armj' ? — Not to my knowledge ; it may be ne- cessary to explain the business of major Shaw, because it was not through tliat introduction at that period that major Shaw obtained that. Was this the only circumstance of the sort that was carried throug-h the medi- um of that lady ? — I know not of any that was carried, not even of that. Do you know of any that through her medium was attempted ? — I have heard her saj- that some were attempted, but I cannot say what they were. You do not know that any money was lodged, upon captain Tonyn's attempt at promotion ? — I do not : I have already explained that Mr. Gilpin, I understood, undertook to pay it, but that no money was lodged. You have stated, that captain Sandon informed you that he had the means of promoting lieutenants to companies, cap- tains to majorities, and majors to lieu- tenant-colonelcies ; in consequence of that information, did you negotiate such promotion ? — I did not negotiate any. promotion through captain Sandon, ex- cept that of major Tonyn, by introduc- tion. Were you to receive any remuneration for that introduction ? — I was. What wei'e you to receive ? — Twenty- five pounda. Did you receive it ?— I did. Have you, since you were last examin- ed, recollected any negotiation which you carried on for promotions in the army, besides those wliich you mention- ed in your last examination ? — I have never thought of any. Are you now certain that those were the only ones iu which you ever engaged ? — I am not certain. You have stated, that you learnt from Mrs. Clarke, in the yeai- 1805, that she had received 5001.? — No, 1 do not know the sum exactly. That she had received a sum of money in consequence of inajor Tonyn's promo- tion ; at what time of the year did you receive that information ? — It was in the month of May, 1805 ; major Tonyn had been gazetted in August, 1804. Where was it you received that infor- mation from Mrs. Clarke ! — At Mrs. Clarke's house in Gloucester-place. On what occasion were you at Mrs. Clarke's house at Gloucester-place ? — 1 was there in consequence of a report which had been circulated, that I was tlve author of some scurrilous paragraphs against his Royal Highness the Duke of York. I had traced my inibnnation to Mrs Clarke, and from her I traced it to captain Sutton, but not the first time I saw her, and that was the reason 1 wait- ed on Mrs. Clarke ; I had no other intro- duction but that. Did you receive that information at yo\u' first visit, or your second visit, or your third visit ? — \t my second visit, as near as I can recollect. Do you recollect any other conversa- tion tiiat passed between you and Mrs. Clarke at that second visit ? — I do not recollect the conversation : it was not of any consequence. bid any conversation pass respecting promotions in the army ? — I do not re- collect that any conversation passed re- lative to promotions in the army at that time ; it might be so. Do you recollect that any such conver- sation passed at any other time ? — I be- lieve on the third visit. What was that conversation ? — That Mrs. Clarke had been the means of pro- moting major Tonyn. You have stated, that you received that information at your second visit ? — I am not certain whether it was at the se- cond or the third ; I do not say it was absolutely the second ; but I believe it was : I had no expectation of being call- ed upon, and therefore I made no minutes or memorandum of it. Are you certain any conversation took place respecting major Tonyn at the third visit ?— I am not certain whether it did or not ; 1 know it did not on both meetings. You have slated, that in your second visit to Mrs. C<;irke, no conversation took place about military promotions, except th.at of major Tonyn ; did any such con- versation take place at any other time > — I believe it did, relative to major Shaw. 150 Xever as to any case but that of major Tonyn and major Shaw ? — Not in wliich I was concerned. Are you sure you were never concern- ed in any other ? — 1 am not sure. Did Mrs. Clarke at any time inform you whether his Royal Hig-hness the Duke of York know any tiling- of the transaction of major Tonyn's promotion ? — Mrs. Clarke never informed me of his Royal Ilighness's having- known anything' of it, till November last. What did she state to you in Novem- ber last ? — She mentioned, among;st a number of other things, that slie had been extremely ill vised b}^ his Royal Highness the Duke of York ; that in con- sequence of that, unless his Royal Hig-h- ness did that which was rig-lit towards her, she would publish the wliole of tlie transactions which had passed relative to promotions during the time she lived with his Royal Highness. But not relative to major Tonyn's ? — ICot particularly to major Tonyn's. Did Mrs. Clarke ever inform you that she had mentioned to his Royal Highness the Duke of York, that she had received a sum of monej' on account of major To- nyn's promotion ? — Never till then, the month of November last ; on the contra- ry, when I visited her in Gloucester- place, in the first instance, she, so fai* from mentioning his Royal Highness be- ing privy to it, was so alarmed at my name being announced as a friend of major Shaw, or any other person, that major Shaw got his papers back imme- diately, gave Mrs. Hovenden 101. for them, and said he would have done with aMrs. Clarke, for that my name had pre- vented his promotion taking place ; and, in consequence of that, I had no more to do with major Tonyn in his promotion, which I understood took place about twelve months afterwards, nor did I ever see him but once since, on Ludgate- HiU. What did Mrs. Clarke say, in Novem- ber last, on tlie subject of major Tonyn ? —I have mentioned what she said of ma- jor Tonyn, that she had received a sum of money, which she should publish, among a number of other circumstances, unless his Royal Highness did- that by her which she thought he ought to do. What sum ? — The sum which she had received for major Tonyn's promotion. And that she had informed the Duke of York of it I — No, never. You liavc said, that General lOnvii re- commended his son for promotion i — I liave said, that major Tonyn informed me that General Tonyn had recommend- ed him. Do you know how long captain Tonyn had had tlie rank of captain in the army r — I believe nine or ten years. Can you tcU, in the course of your bu- siiiess, whether you do not know that that is a very long period for an officer to remain in the rank of captain before he gets to the rank of major ? — I under- stand, that a captain of ten years stand- ing is entitled, and generally I'eccivcs the brevet of a major. Are you certain that it was not by bre- vet he got his rank ? — I believe it was by augmentation, and not by brevet, for he was appointed to tlie 31st regiment ; had it been liy brevet, he would have contin- ued in the 48th. Have you not stated, that in your in- terview with Mrs. Clarke in November last, slie informed you his Royal High- ness was acquainted with the circum- stance of money given for captain To- nyn's promotion ? — She said that she shotdd publish it, but she did not tell me tliat his Royal Highness was acquainted with it. Was that in Gloucester-place that you saw Mrs. Clarke in November last ? — No, it was in Bedford-place. [The following Question and An- swer were read over to the w'it- ness :] " Q. Did Mrs. Clarke ever inform you, that she had mentioned to his Royal Highness the Duke of York, that she had received a sum of mo- ney on accoimt of major Tonyn's promotion ? — A. Never till then, the month of November last." Jifr. Donovan. — That is not what I mean to say. Chairman. — State how you wish that answer to be taken down. — No ; in No- vember last Mrs. Clarke tskl me, that if his Royal Highness did not do that which was right by her, she would publish the case of major Tonyn with many others. Did she, in November last,communicatc to you that she had informed his Royal Highness the Duke of York of her having taken a sum from major Tonyn ? — She did not ; she only threatened to publish that, with many other cases. 151 T uiulcrstancl you to have said, she was cxtreinely anxious tliat it should not come to the eai-s of the Duke of York, when you saw .AJrs. Clarke in Glouccs- ter-phice ; is that so ? — It is. What reason did she g'ive foi* that .anx- iety ?— She said, that if his Royal A'lg-h- ness the Duke of York should know of h.er having' received any money for mili- tary promotions, that she sliould be dis- gi'aced, and the officer would lose his commission. You £cre sure, upon your recollection, that that was the i-eason which was as- sig'ned ? — I am. When captain Sandon stated to you, that he had the means of obtaining- pro- motions through almost all the gradations of the army, did he state to you any par- ticular terms upon which those promo- tions were to be had ? — I recollect that he said, for a majority five hundred gui- neas ; but I do not recollect that he stated the particulars of every commis- sion. Had you any reason, either at the time or afterwards, to consider capt. Sandon, in that business as the agent of Mrs. Clarke ? — Never, till Mrs. Clarke her- self told me so. Did you visit Mrs. Clarke, in No- vember last, by her own solicitation .' — It was by her own solicitation. You have stated, tliat she used certain tlu'eats, unless conditions were agreed to ; what terms did she state to be the terms of her forbearance ? — Vhe payment of her debts, and the settlement of an an- nuity. Did she apply to you, to participate in carrying those threats into execution ? — She did. To what extent ? — I am afraid I should be obliged to implicate many persons, vith whom she took very great liberties, in mentioning their names, as persons who were in fact instigating her to these acts. State what Mrs. Clarke said to you, "to induce you to participate in that business. — Mrs. Clarke said that the Duke of York, unless he came to these terms, must be ousted from his command ; that he would then retire to Oatland, where he would soon cut his throat ; that was her expression Was that all that passed ? — I endea- voured to prevail upon her to inform me who were her associates in the plot : her answer. was, that if I would go with the tide, she would provide for me and my fiiends very handsomely, for in that case slie would have a carte blanche, that would enable her to do more business than she ever had done : that was her expression. Did she state to you Mho were her as- sociates in this plot, as you term it ? — She said that she was bound to secrecy, though she longed to inform me ; that was her expression. Then how could you implicate others, if she did not inform you who they were ? — There was one or two persons wliose name she mentioned as having offered her money for some papers. Who were they ? — One was Sir Francis Burdett ; she said that Sir Francis Bur- dett, about eighteen months before, had offered her 40001. for the papers, but that she would not then take less than 10,0001. I did not believe her. AVho were the other ? — I do not wish to mention. [The chairman directed the witness to answer the question.] There was but one more ; I do not choose to mention the other person. [The chairman informed the witness, it was the sense of the committee he must answer the question.] It was captain Dodd that she men- tioned as the other person who wished to get the papers from her. How was this to be carried into execu- tion ? — She did not inform me. You have stated, that if you gave names, you must implicate a number of people ; how much further do you mean" to g-o with the names, to make out a number of people ? — 1 do not mean to go any further. The following words of the wit- ness, in a preceding part of the examination was i-ead :] " I am afraid I should be obliged " to implicate many persons with " whom she took very great liber- "ties, in mentioning their names, as " persons who were in fact instigat- " ing her to these acts." Do j'ou mean that two constitute the mawy you spoke of ? [The witness referred to a paper.] What is that paper to which you arc referring? — ^lemoi-andum's. 152 Do you mean that two constitute the many you spoke of ? — Two cannot con- stitute many. Then name the others. — I am in an error in that in mentioning man}'. What terms, or what consideration did she inform you captain Dodd had offer- ed for the papers ? — She did not mention what lie had offered for the papers, but that he had wished to possess the papers. Do you know what situation captain Dodd is in ? — I do not. Does he hold any official situation that you know of ? — I believe he does. what is it ! — I do not know what it is that he holds, but I believe he holds some official situation under his Royal High- ness the Duke of Kent. Do you, of your own knowledge, know of any other persons concerned in this transaction ? — I do not ; I do not know that they are, further than the report of Mrs. Clarke ; nor do I believe it. You referred to some memorandums ; why did you refer to tliem, and what do they contain ? — They contained some notes taken at different periods ; I be- lieve the best way will be to read the whole. £The witness was directed to withdraw. Captain HUXLEY SANDON was called in, and having been informed by the chairman that he was to answer to such facts as were within his own knowledge, and not to those facts which he was acquainted with only from hearsay, was examined by the committee, as follows : Did you know major Tonvn ? — Yes, I did. State what you know respecting his promotion from the 48th to the majority of the 31st regiment. In an interview with Mrs. Clarke, she asked me if I had any military friends that wished for inte- rest ; if they had money, she thought she could get them promoted. At that pe- riod I did not know any body ; but meet- ing with Mr. Donovan the next day, I asked him if he had any friends ; he said yes, there was a gentleman in town that he thought would give a sum of money for a step ; I asked him what sum he would give; he said he thought he would give five hundred guineas. I spoke to Mrs. Clarke upon the subject, and she sud, by all tieans close with him. When I saw Mr. Donovan, I told him that I thought I could procure his friend the step that he wished for ; upon which he produced a memorandum, signed by a Mr. Gilpin of the Strand, for the sum I have mentioned, whenever he should ap- pear in the London Gazette, gazetted as a major. I believe -t was near upon two months or ten weeks, I suppose it might be two months, when captain Tonyn, for I never had the honour of seeing captain Tonyn before that period, got tired that his promotion did not appear ; he desired Mr. Donovan to call upon me, to say, that if I could not get the business finish- ed, I had better retiu-n him his memo- randum. I waited upon Mrs. Clarke, ,, and told her what Mr. Donovan had said. ' i She said that he was a shabby fellow, t that he was ver)- much in haste, but that if he would wait quietly, she dare say it would be done, and desired me to say that lie had better wait a little. How- ever, the next day I met Mr. Donovan, »■ i and I told him tlie interest thatwehad'TJI to procure the majority ; had informed me that they had better wait alittle. Mr. Donovan said, I am instructed by cap- tain Tonyn to say, you must give up your security immediately, for we are pretty clear, or at least I am pretty clear, you jL I cannot get him g-azetted ; and another- j' tiling general Tonyn has spoken to the Commander in Chief, and he has pro- mised him the first majority that is va- cant. I then begged to see captain Ton)^ ; Mr. Donovan introduced me to him ; he then told me the same. Sir, tliis business has been a long while upon the carpet, I do not think you can effect what you say you can do, and I desire you will give me up the security I gave you, for general Tonyn, my father, has procured a promise from the Commander in Chief, to give me a majority. I observed to him that he had better wait a few days, for that I thought in all probability he would be gazetted. However, after arguing the point for a little time, he said, for two or three gazettes it does not signify, let the business go on, and if I find I am gazetted in a week or ten days, the busi- ness shall be as it originally was. How- ever, to make short of the story, I believe it was the Wednesday when we were speaking, and on the Saturday or Tues- day following he was in the gazette as major — the consequence was, I received tlie five hundred guineas, 5001. I gave to Mrs. Clarke, and 251. to Mr. Dono- van. Do you of your own knowledge know that the promotion of major Tonyn was 13: owing to the Interference of Mrs. Clarke ? —No, I cannot say any thing upon the subject. Have you any and what reason to be- lieve it was owing- to the interference of Mrs. Clarke ? — I have no reason to be- lieve it was owing to the interference of Mrs. Clarke Did Mrs. Clarke ever inform you that she had procured the appointment of major Tonvn from his Royal Highness the Duke of York ? — She certainly in- formed me slie had g-ot him gazetted. Do you mean by that, that she inform- ed you that she had got him gazetted bv means of lier application to the Duke of York ? — She always told me she would get him gazetted, and of course it was through that interest, I imagine. Did she state that it was through the Duke of York that she obtained it" ?— She told me yes, that it was through her in- terest ; but whether it was or not I can- not say. Do you believe that this was obtained through Mrs. Clarke's application to the Duke of York ? — I doubt it exceedingly. Had you yourself no emolument from this transaction ?— I received 500 guineas, 5001. I gave to Mrs. Clarke, and 251. I gave to Mr Donovan, which I believe makes the 500 guineas. I had no emolu- ment. Did Mrs. Clarke send you a gazette, .nnnouncing the promotion ?— I really do not know, I gave her the monev the mo- ment I saw it in the gazette ; she had no occasion, for I watched the gazette, and the moment I saw him gazetted, I took her the money. You have stated, that yon do not be- lieve this appointment was effected by the interference of Mrs. Clarke ; for what did you pay Mrs. Clarke the 5001. ?— Be- cause we had promised upon his appear- ing in the gazette as a major, for that was the way in which the note ran, that we were to receive the 500 g —So captain Tonyn told me. Did you receive, as a remuneration to yourself, any part of the 5001— No. You have stated, tliat you delivered the 5001. to Mrs. Clarke, and the 251. to Mr. Donovan ; what advantage had you ? —Nothing at all. [The witness was directed to withdraw. GEORGE HOLME SUMNER, Esq. a member of the House, attending in his place, made the following state- ment: I have only to confirm the statement made by General Clavering, that I have no nephew of the name of Sumner, and that I believe there is no such person living in the Temple. Mrs MARY ANNE CLARKE was call- ed in, and having been Informed by the chairman, that she was to an- swer only those questions which she could answer from her own know- ledge, was examined by the com- mittee, as follows : Do you recollect recommending cap- tain Tonyn of tlie 48th regiment, for a majority, to his Roval Highness the Com- mander in Chief ?-"-! do. Do you recollect who introduced cap- tain Tonyn to you for your recommen- dation ?— Either Mr. Donovan or captain Sandon. Do you recollect whether you were to receive any sum of money, provided cap- tain Tonyn was gazetted" J— I do not re- collect the stipulated sum, but I received 5001. when it was gazetted. Did jou make it known, when you re- commended captain Tonyn to the Com- mander in Chief, that you were to receive any pecuniary consideration for his pro- motion ? — Yes. How did you come by the gazette you sent to Dr. Thynne ?— I suppose by the newspaper man. Did }'ou ever apply to General Claver- ing for a recommendation in favour of lieutenant Sumner ?— Yes. Are you acquainted with lieutenant Sumner ? — No. Who recommended lieutenant Sumner to you ?— Mr. Donovan. Do you recollect, whether you repre- sented lieutenant Sumner to General Clavering as being allied or connected with any particular person ?— Yes, with his relations. 154 What relations ? — Ills unci?. Who was his uncle ? — Doctor Sum- ner. Was that the only relation you men- tioned to General Clavcring' ? — No, Mr. Sumner the member also. By whom was lieutenant Sumner re- presented to you, as the nephew of Mr. Sumner the member ? — He was nephew of the doctor. What relationship was lie represented as bearing to Mr. Sumner the member ? — I cannot exactly recollect, but it was cousin, or something in that way ; that he was a relation. Have you ever represented yourself as being under the protection of a Mr. Mel- lish ? — Neither him, nor any man. Have you not represented yourself as being', at one time under the protection of his Royal Highness the Duke of York. ? I really think that gentleman is more mad than the person that was committed last night. [The chairman informed the witness she must answer the questions, and not make irrelevant observa- tions. 3 The whole of the gentlemen know tliat already, by the representation which has been given before. Have you not represented yourself as being, at one time, under the protection of his Royal Highness the Duke of York ! —I do not know that I ever did represent myself so ; people knew it, without my telling it. What do you mean by saying, it was very well known already by what had happened ? — I do not recollect the name of any person that I ever represented myself to as living under the protection of the Duke of York. Will you positively say you do not re- collect ever to have stated, that you lived under the protection of the Duke of York ? — Yes, I will positively say, that I do not recollect tliat I did, to any parti- cular person. Will you say, that you never repre- sented yourself as being under the pro- tection of any gentleman of the name of Mellish ?— No, I never di4, nor any other. You are positive of that ?-T-Quite so. Did you ever make any representation to that eft'cct ? — Never. Did you never make any such repre- sentation to General Clavering .' — Ko never ; I will repeat what was said in my parlour ; General Clavering was mention- jng to me, one morning when he ci;lled, that Tui-f Mellish was just settmg offi with General Ferguson; I said, yes, II have been told so, tliat he had taken, leave of the prince the night before ; he said that I was in a very good house, ^d sometliing, that contractors and. beef went on very well: tliat was all thati passed : I made no answer to that :,I iiave many tinies heard the report, ,botli of him and many others. Do you recollect having conversation with Mr. Donovan, in November last, re- lative to the proceedings that are nqw taking place ? — No. Do you recollect stating, in a conver- sation, to Mr. Donovan, that if his Royal Highness the Duke of York would not come Into your terms, you would publisli all the transactions which had passed between you during tlie time you had lived together ? — No. Did any thing to that efiect pass be- t\Aeen you and Mr. Donovan ? — No. Did you ever try to Induce Mr. Dono- van to assist yo'-i in any purpose of ex- posing the Duke of York, or publishing those transactions ? — No ; but I will re- peat what he said to me in the secreta- ry's room the other night ; he said, if he had been aware of what colonel Wardlc intended to have done, and he had called upon him and stated his intentions, and behaved in a handsome manner, he would have put him into the way of pro- ceeding, but as it was, ha should gOj entirely against the whole of it ; that^ he might have given him many and mapy cases. Is that conversation which took place the other evening in the witnesses' room, the only one you have ever had with Mr. Donovan concerning this business ? — The only one, except what I wrote. Was any body present when this con-, versation took place between you and Mr. Donovan in the witnesses' roon» ?— t| It was full of persons, but he spoke to me privately apart. Did you ever mention Sir Fi-ancis Bur- dett's name to Mr. Donovan In any way, connected with this subject I — No. Do you know Sir Francis Burdett ?— -, In what way, as an acquaintance or per- sonally only ? 1 Are you acquainted with him I — I have, seen him a few times. 15 Di, HaTO you ever spoke to him or he to ybu ? — I told him I had been a little ac- quainted with him, very slightly. Has Sir Francis Burdett ever written to you or sent you a message ? — No, he has not, not that I can recollect. Did Sir Francis Burdett ever apply to you to procure from you any papers re- lative to the subject now under inquiry ? Never once ; nor have I had any sort of communication, nor heard or known any thing of Sir Francis Burdett since May last, and that was merely accidental. Have you ever told Mr. Donovan, or any body else, that Sir Francis Burdett offered you money for some papers in your possession, or any thing to that ef- fect ?— No. Do you know captain Dodd ? — Yes 1 do, slightly. How long have j'ou known captain Dodd ? — Since my living in his neighbour- hood. Do you often see captain Dodd ? — What is meant by often ? More times then once, or how often ? — Yes, more times than once, if that is often . When did you see captain Dodd last ? —I do not recollect ; but I have no view in screening it at all ; I am not ashamed of captain Dodd, nor I dare say captain Dodd of me, only perhaps just at this time. Did captain Dodd by any means de- mand or ask of you any papers in your possession relative to this transaction ? — Never ; we have never talked about it. Did you ever represent to Mr. Donovan or any other person, that captain Dodd had tried to procure from you some pa- pers relative to this transaction .' — Never to any one. Did you ever express any wish to Mr. Donovan, that he would join with you or assist you in prosecuting this inquiry ? — Never. Or on any subject connected with the transactions now under inquiry ? — Never. Do you know colonel M'Mahon ? Yes. Did you ever write an anonymous let- ter to his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales ?- — T(J shew colonel M'Mahon in his proper colours, I will produce his notes here to-morrow evening. Did you ever write an anonymous let- ter to his Royal Highness the Prince of "Wales '.—I wrote a fi-*w lines *o the Prince 21 of Wales, stating that a person wished to see him, and colonel M'Mahon called. Did you sign your own name, or any name to those few lines which you sent to the Prince of Wales ? — It was only a few lines without any name, and colonel M'Mahon called in ton sequence, and when the servant opened the door, he asked who kept the house ; Mrs. Far- quhar, that was my mother. When he came up stairs into the drawing-rOom, he said, ISIrs. Farquhar how dO you do ; what is the business ; I told him, that I wished to see the Prince of Wales, and after a few minutes conversation, colonel M'Mahon found that I was Mrs. Clarke ; he then promised to communicate the message to the Prince, and the next day brought me a very civil message from his Royal Highness, stating that he was extremely sorry he was obliged to go out of town to Brighton, which he did do that morning, that it was impossible for him to interfere, that he had a very great respect for me, was sorry for the manner in which I had been treated, and that colonel M'Mahon might use his influ- ence with the Duke of York to be the bearer of any message that might be the means of making peace ; but that it was a very delicate matter for his Royal Highness to interfere with his brother. Several notes passed between colonel M'Mahon and me, and several interviews. He mentioned to me that he had seen his Royal Highness the Duke of York at one time, I think in July, that the Duke of York asked him, if I was not very much exasperated against him, and if I did not use very strong language, and abuse him. Colonel M'Mahon said quite the contrary. Sir, I assure you ; Mra Clarke is very mild towards you, and she lays the whole of the blame on Mr. Adam ; he said, she is very right, I will see into her affairs. That was the end of the first message. I think the last mes- sage that colonel IVI'Mahon brought me was, that he could not bring his Royal Highness to any terms at all, to any sort of meaning concerning the debts, and although [ had behaved so very handsome towards his Roval Higimess, and had ex- acted nothing but his own promises to be put in execution, or even to take the sum that was due to me upon the annuity and pay the tradesmen, and then I would let his Royal Higimess off of the debts, as that perhaps would satisfy them ; that he considered it as very fair, and vwy ho- 156 iiouriible :ukI very liberal, or lie would not have been the bearer of those mes- sages ; and he said, he esteemed me very much, from the character I bore among my female acquaintances that he was in- timate with, I mean women of character, and for the services I liad done to many poor young men within his knowledge. I will bring some of his notes, or give them to colonel Wardle, to be read here to-morrow, to corroborate what 1 have stated. Did )'ou in November or December last, represent yourself to any persons as still having the power of procuring mili- tary promotions, or any other offices ? — No ; but I recommeiDLled some that wanted promotion to a person. Who was the person to whom you re- commended them ? — I will mention his name ; and I intend to have him here ; but it caimot happen immediately, from some circumstances. I must beg to be excused naming him now. [The chairman informed the wit- ness that she must answer the question. If I answer the question. It will be im- possible for me to produce him here ; he will get out of the way ; he will not come here. [The chairman informed the wit- ness that she must answer the question. Mr. Maltby, of fishmongers' hall. Is Mr. Maltby the only person to whom you have made any recommendations since November or December last ? — Yes ; except the letters I sent to general Clavering. Have you represented yourself at any time, since the close of the year 1806, as having it in your power to procure ai'my promotions, or other offices ? — No ; except through Mr. Maltby, which he can speak to, if they lay hold of him. Have you had any communication with any other person than Mr. Maltby, re- lative to the prociu'ing army promotions or offices? — No; except what I have just spoken to. '^ ■yvhat situations did you endeavour to procure through ]Mr. Maltby, and for whom ? — As I thought Mr. Maltby ought to be exposed in the whole of his con- duct, I have not thought much ubout it ; but I have letters at home I can bring forward, when I am called upon. What situations did you endeavour to procure through Mr. Maltby, and for whom ? — I forget. Do you not recollect any one of them ? —Not one. Of the situations you endeavoured to procure so lately as November or De- cember last ? — I am so little interested in it now, I cannot recollect. Do you even recollect how many situ- ations you endeavoured to procure ?— No. Can you recollect whether they were army promotions, or civil situations ?^ The letters I have at home can distin- guish between them, but I cannot at present ; besides, I wanted them for friends. Who were the friends for whom )'0U wanted these appointments ? When they give me the liberty of using their names, I will communicate them. [The chairman informed the wit- ness she must give a direct answer to the questions, unless she ob- jected to them, and appealed to the chair,] I certainly must object to them. [The chairman informed the wit- ness, that it was the opinion of the committee that she should name the persons.] I have already named Mr. Maltby ; if he is brought forward perhaps he will name the persons. [The chairman again informed the witness, that it was the opinion of the committee that sh6 should name the persons. One is Mr. Lawson ; I cannot recollect the other. llecoUect yourself and state to the committee those persons whom you so represented as your friends, whose names you would communicate when you had _ their permission. — That is one of them. AV'^ho were the others r — I do not re- collect. Why did you speak of friends, instead of speaking of a single friend ? — If you try to serve a person you call them your friends, if you interest yourself for them. Do you stake the veracity of your 157 testimony upon that last answer, that you recollect but one of those persons ? — I think that I ought to appeal to the chair now. QThe chairman directed the witness to state tlie objection she had, and the committee would decide upon it.] lie is a very respectable man, and he has been already very ill used, and I am afraid of committing him and his family. [The chairman directed the witness to name the person whom she al- luded to as a respectable person.] That is giving his name at once ; re- ally I cannot pronounce his name riglitly, though I know how to spell it, and I must be excused. Do you not know how to pronoimce the name of your particular friend, whom you represented as a hardly used man ? [The chairman admonished the wit- ness that her present conduct was very disrespectful to the commit- tee.'] I mean to behave very respectfully, and I am very sorry if I do not ; but I do not know but the gentleman may lose the money he has already lodged, if I mention his name. [The witness was directed to withdraw.] [The witness was again called in, and informed by tlie chairman, that the committee had consider- ed her reason for declining to an- swer the question put to her, and was of opinion that she must an- swer the question.] "What is the name of the person you alluded to ? — Mr. Ludowick or Lodowick. Has that gentleman any other name but Ludowick ? — I do not know his other name. Who is Mr. Ludowick ? — He is a gen- tleman, I believe he lives in Essex ; that is all I know of him. Whereabouts in Essex does he live ? — i do not know. Who introduced Mr. Ludowick to you ? ■—I never was introduced at all. How did you become acquainted with Mr. Ludowick r- — Through different friends. Xame the friends that recommended Mr. Ludowick to }ou ? — I cannot exactly name which it was in particular, but Mr. Maltby can tell, if he is had before the house. Name the friends that recommended Mr. Ludowick to you. — I cannot name any one in particular ; Mr. Maltby knows more of him himself than I do. Is Mr. Ludowick the person whom you stated as having suflTered enough alreadv, whose name you were unwilling to tell ? —Yes. In what has he suffered already ? — In lodging his mone_v, and being a long while out of the appointment, meeting with frequent disappointments from day to day. At a future time, or after Mr. Maltby has been examined, I will men- tion the general officer's name that he has made free with, I do not know whe- ther correctly or incorrectly. Tliat M ho was made free with, Ludo- wick or INfaltby ?— Maltby. What disappointments has Mr. Ludo- wick suficred, to which you allude ? — I have already stated them. What appointment has Mr. Ludowick been disappointed of ? — I believe two or three ; first one was mentioned, then another ; I cannot speak to one particu- larly. Try to recollect any one of them, or all of them. — I really cannot ; when Mr. Maltby comes forward, he will be able. Do you mean to state, that you cannot recollect any one of the appointments Mr. Ludowick has been disappointed of? — One I can ; but there have been three or four since offered to him, neither of which he has been able to procure. Name that one. — Assistant commis- sary, I think. Where has Mr. Ludowick lodged the money which you speak of, or with whom ? — As to that I cannot tell, but I can when I look over my papers at home. Do you say positively, that, without looking over your papers at liome, you cannot say where this money is lodged J — Yes, I do. How much money has Mr. Ludowick lodged?— From 8001. to lOOOl. Wlio was the general officer whose name Mr. Maltby represented himself as Jiaving made use of :— Is that a fair ques- tion ? [The chairman informed the v, itncss 1£L8 thai she must answer tiie ques- tion.] Sir Arthur Wellesley ; and one of the excuses for one of the appointments not taking- place, was, Sir Arthur being so very deeply engaged in the investigation at Chelsea. If this is not true, I'm do- ing Sir A> rthur a great service by bring- ing it forward. What appointment was it that was so delayed, by Sir Arthur being so much engaged ? — I believe it was this first, that of assistant comitiissaiy, but I am not sure. For whose use is the money lodged ? — I do not know, but I can tell by looking at my papers. You have certain papers at home, which will enable you to state to the com- mittee for whose benefit the sum of mo- ney in question is now lodged, and where it is lodged ? — Yes. How came you to be in possession of those papers ? — They will shew for them- selves when I produce them, better than I can explain it. How came you in possession of those papers ?— From Mr. Maltby. Was it Mr. Maltby that introduced Mr. Ludowick tp you, or you Mr. Ludo- ■wick to Mr. Maltby ?— I do not think they have ever seen each other, not that I ^now of. Did you first mention Mr. Ludowick's name to Mr. Maltby, or did Mr. Maltby mention it first to you ?— ^I to Mr. Mall- b.v ; I believe he has been in the habit of acting as agent for these ten or a dozen years in this sort of way. Has Mr. INIaltby made use of the name of any other person besides Sir Arthur Wellesley ? — He has written very point- edly to that to me, and spoken besides. Has Mr. Maltby made use of the name pf any other person besides Sir Arthur Wellesley ? — I cannot recollect at pre- sent ; but I shall, at a futui'e time, if I am here, and will state it. Where did you form your friendship for Mr. Ludowick ? — I have already said, that any man that I interested myself for, I considered as a friend ; I am not inti- mate with him. How came you to interest yourself in Mr. Ludowipk ? — From a friend of my own. Who was that friep.d ? — Mr. Barber. Where does Mr. Barber live I — In Broad-street, in the pity. How long have you known Mr. Ludo-' wick ? — I do not know him, but by means of his family. Do you mean to say you have never seen Mr. Ludowick ? — No, I did not mean to say that. Where have you seen him, and when ? —I have already said, I do not know him ; I might have seen him, and not have known him. Have you ever seen Mr. Liidowick, or not ? — I cannot tell, as not knowing his person. About what time was it that this com- missariat appointment began to be in ne- gotiation ] — I cannot remember, but the papers will date it exactly. What year ? — Last year. Can you recollect what part of last jear ? — .No, I cannot. What kind of papers are those you allude to ; are they letters .' — I do not know what they are. Do you mean to say, that you do not know at all what kind of papers they are I — They are papers written on. Are they letters, or securities ?— They shew what they are ; I cannot exactly speak to them ; I will give them to Mr. Wardle to-morrow. You have said, that those papers will inform the committee of all the particu- lars of this transaction ; how can you say that, if you do not know what those pa- pers are ? — Because I do not know how to describe them exactly. Do you recollect their contents ? — No, I do not ; but I know there are a great many letters from Mr. Maltby, and some- thing about the bankers ; enough to shew the whole of the transaction. Do you recollect to have stated to cap- tain Donovan, that if his Royal Highness the Duke of York was informed of your ever having received any money, it would be your ruin >. — Never to any person whatever. Through what channel, or by whose influence, did you propose to Mr. Ludo- wick, or the agent employed by Mr. Lu- dowick, to procure the situation that he required ? — -A|r. Barber will recollect that ; and he is a very honourable man, and will speak to the tfutli, and I believe he knows the parties. Who was the person whom you held out yourself as having such influence over, as that by that influence you could procure the situation desired by Mr Lu- dowick ?— I do not tliink that ;iny one was 159 held out, I fiincy they guessed the Duke of York, but no one was held out ? and I think it is very likely that Mr. Donovan •apposed the Duke of Portland ; but I mean here to say, that he is not at all connected. And the office that Mr. War- die mentioned in the city, I know nothing* at all about ; I was very sorry to see that Mr. Wardle liad mentioned such a thing', because every one who knows the Lord Chancellor, must know that, besides be- ing oiie of the highest, he is one of the most honourable men in England ; and if there are any insinuations about the Duke of Portland, Air. Maltby is the Duke of Portland — He is my Duke of Portland : I mean entirely to clear my- self from holding out any insinuations against the Duke's character. Mr. War- die accused me once of going into the Duke of Portland's, and that he had watched me in ; I told him I was not in the habit of going in there, and I laughed at him ; and afterwards somebody told him it was Mrs. Gibbs ; more likely Mrs. Gibbs than me. I wish to do away the two stories of Mr. MeDish and the Duke of Portland before the honourable gen- tlemen. Am I to imderstand you, you never did give out to any person, that you had access to or influence with the Duke of Portland ? — No, I did not ; I fancy that once I laughed very much about some sort of birds, with Mr. Donovan ; but I mean to say, I never did use his name. How long have you known Mr. Law- son ? — About four months, or five months. Who introduced Mr. Lawson to you ? — He is a piano-forte maker. What office has he been soliciting ? — I do not recollect, I cannot tell what ; it is something tliat Mr. Donovan has been concerned in as well ; something at Sa- vannah la Mar. What appointment did you solicit for Mr. Lawson ?— One of those places ; there are a number of them ; but Mr. Maltby can speak to it ; I fancy he has been lodging money lately, within this very short time, within this fortnight, per- haps. Where ? — I do not know, but Mr. Malt- by knows ; it is some concern of his. What malces you think that he has de- posited a sum of money within this last fortnight ? — Because he told me he was going to do it. When did he tell you so ?•— About a, fortnight since. Where did you see him when he told j'ou so ? — At my own house. With whom did he say he was going to deposit it ?- — He did not say with whom ; but Mr. Maltby had some more of thegp men, who had to be concerned in it, and he was to lodge it with his bankers. With whose bankers ? — Mr. Maltby's, I suppose. How long have you known Mr. San- don ? — Ever since colonel French's levy. Was that the first knowledge you had of him ? — If he did not come about colo- nel French's levy, he came about some other appointments ; I should rather think he brought me a list of officers for appointments, instead of the levy first. Did he come to you voluntarily, or did you send for him I — I could not send for him, for he gave Mr. Corri 2001. for an introduction, him and colonel French. Was that before captain Tonyn's re- commendation ? — Yes. How much had Mr. Sandon out of the money paid by captain Tonyn ? — I never inquired. He had no part of the five hundred guineas, had he ? — No ; I should not wonder but what he had eight or nine from captain Tonyn, it was something more than the five, or else Mr. Donovan had. He got more than you did by that trans- action then ?— No, not that ; I state it at eight or nine, and he gave me five ; but I do not know that he had that. What makes you think that he had it ? —I think he must have had something, or he would not have troubled himself in the business. What do you suppose he had about colonel French's levy ?— Colonel French told me, that he stole half You stated in your examination yes- terday, that you were at the opera with a lord Lenox and some other gentleman ; how long have you known lord Lenox ? — I never knew him at all. I understood you to have stated in your examination yesterday, that you were at the play or the opera with lord Lenox and Sir Robert Peat ? — I said I was along with Sir Robert Peat, and an old gentleman came in with this Mr. Wil- liams, and they said that was lord Lenox and Mr. Williams. Sir Robert Peat said that. You mean to say you did not know this lord Lenox before you saw him at the 160 play that night ? — No ; I had seen him driving about town, and knew it was tlie man tliey called lord Lenox, but never spoke to him before. Are you positive you never spoke to him before ? — Quite. [The witness was directed to withdraw. Did she ever shew yo\t titese paper* she has referred to ? — No, she did not ; I think I saw one or two notes to her about the thing I endeavoured to find out, but it has escaped me what it was ; it is several weeks ago, and I have had so hiuch upon my mind, that after an at- tempt or two, it is impossible to recal it. CWYLLYM LLOYD WARDLE, Esq. attending in his place, was examined as follows : Did you ever reproach the last witness with going to the Duke of Portland ? — I had heard that she had been there ; and I woiulered what she could be doing- there ; so far I did reproach her. Who told you that she had been at the Duke of Portland's !— I heard it at the office I mentioned in tlie city ; a person described her person, and they said there was a tide waiter's place to be sold, they believed ; but they were not certain ; it depended on an application then making by a lady to tlie Duke of Portland ; I wentag.ain in a few chiys ; they described a person excessively like Afrs. Clarke, and when I saw her I questioned her about it, and said if it was so, she was doing very wrong. Do you know Mr. Maltby ? — I have seen him once, I tlilnk, at Mrs. Clai'ke's. Did you ever endeavour to trace the transactions carrying on by Mr. Maltby? — I did in some measure ; but 1 could not at all succeed ; he would not commit him- self at all to me ; I endeavoured to catch him upon one point, but he would not open to me at all. Were you aware that the witness was employed by Mr.Maltby in these transac- tions ? — I merely understood from her that he was employed in one business, which I endeavoured to find out, but I endeavoured in vain ; I could not gfet him to open at all. Did she state to you that it was a busi- ness in which she was concerned ? — No, she did not ; she merely mentioned that he was about business, I forget the name now, I was excessively anxious to find it out. Did she ever mention to you the busi- ness respecting Mr. Ludowick .' — I do not know that ever she did ; 1 do not know the name at all, but 1 really think she said that he was in the habits of do- ing it for a number of persons ; one case she mentioned, and I endeavoured to sift It to the bottom. Colonel GORDON was called In, and examined by tlie committee, as fol- lows : Have you brought with you the official documents respecting the appointment of major Tonya I — Yes, I have. State to the committee what you know upon that subject. — I hold in my hand the first recommendation upon the sub- ject of captain Tonyn — major Tonyn : witli the permission of the committeee, I will read_ it. [Colonel Gordon read a letter, signed Patrick Tonyn, dated tlie 2rtli of June, 1803.] " May it please your Royal Highnccs. " Sir, " In the present period of exten- " sion of his Majesty's forces, I beg " leave to recommend the 48th re- " giment to your Royal Highness's *' consideration. " I hope it will not be thought I " presume too far to say, captain " Tonyn for some time past has *• commanded the 48th at Malta ; " and with great submission, I like- " wise venture to mention lieutenant " Tonyn : And I most humbly peti- " tion your Royal Highness, gra- " ciously to condescend to grant my " sons your royal protection. " With most profound and dutiful •' respect, I have the honour to re- " main, with all submission, "Sir, *• Your Royal Higness's " most devoted servant, " Pitt. Tontfn." " 118, Park-street, 2nh June, 1803." Indorsed : " London, 27 June, 1803. General Toni/n." " Promoted to a majorittj " in the ol.st regiment, up- " on the formation of a se- " cond battalion, in ^^iig. »< '0\^Without purchase" j I6i (Inclosure.) "II. R. H. will be glad to consl- "tler the general's two sons on " luvourablc opp"' Ibr promoting " them." ficncral Tonyn -was an old officer ? —.One of the oldest officers 1 believe, at that time in the army. The answer to that letter is dated the 29th of June, 1803. [^Colonel Gordon read It] " Horse-Guards, 29th June, 1803. " Sir, "I have to acknowledge the re- "c«ipt of your letter of the 27tli " instant reconnncnding to nie your " sons captain Tonjn and Lieutenant " Tonyn of the 48th rcgt ; and I "request you will be assured, that *' I sliall have much pleasure at a *' favourable opportunity, to pay *' every attention in my power to "your wishes in their favour. " I am, &c. (Signed) " Frederick, " General TonjTi, Com"^ in Chief." &c. &c. &c." Indorsed : " Copy of a letter from " H. R. H. the Com' in "Chief to Gen' Tonyn, " 29th June 1803." The next document upon this subject appears to be a memorial from captain Tonyn himself. [Colonel Gordon read it. "To his Royal Highness the " Duke of York and Albany, *' Commander in Chief of his " Majesty's forces. "The memorial of George " August. Tonyn, captain "in his Majesty's 48th " regiment of foot. " Humbly sheweth, " That your memorialist has been " near twenty four years an o^cer ; " fourteen of these on active sei-vice " with tiic 48th regiment on all its " various stations, in the West Indies *• and the Mediterranean. "That your memorialist, being *' the senior captain present witli the " regiment, most humbly implores " Yovir Royal HigUncss's protecllou " and that your Royal Highness will " be pleased to recommend him to " his Majesty's royal favour ; thjit " his Majesty may be graciously " pleased to grant him promotion " to the rank of m.ijor, in such man- " ner as your Royal Highness may " think fit. " And your IStemorialists, as in duty bound, will ever pray." Indorsed : " Memorial. " George Augustus Tonyn, captain 4Bth regiment. March, 1804." (Inclosure.) « C. L." " Captain Tonyn to be noted for " promotion, and acquainted that " iiis li. H. will be glad to consider " him on a favourable opportimity. " J. G." This memorial is without date, but it was received in March, 1804. The an- swer to that memorial I hold in my hand. [Colonel Gordon read it-J *' Horse-Guards, " Sir, 15th March, 1804. " I have the honour, by the Com- " mander in Chief's commands, to " acknowledge the receipt of your *' memorial without a date, and to " acquaint you in reply, that your " name has been noted for promo- " tion ; and his Royal Highness will " be glad to consider you on a fa- *' vourable opportunity. *' I llAVC &c» (Signed) '" JV. II CUntonr " C.ipt. Tonyn, " 48 Foot," "118, Park-sti-cet." Indorsed : " Copy of r col. Clinton'.'* letter to capt. Tonyn, of the 15th March, 1804." The document I hold in my hand re- lates to the promotion of lieutenant Tonyn, alluded to in the first letter of General Tonyn : it remains vith tiie committee to decide whether that is to be read. Was not General Tonyn colonel of the. regiment at the time he made the appli- cation ii) favour of his sons ?— Yes, he' 162 was. These are all the documents that I have, with respect to major Tonvii. It appears, that in the month of August 1804, a very large augmentation was made to the army, consisting of no less than fifty battalions ; in the formation of those battalions I received the orders of the Commander in Chief to prepare a list of tho senior officers of the army, generally of each rank, and to take their names from the book of recommenda- tions, where they had been noted. Ii\ consequence of this command, I did pre- pare a list, and submitted it to the Com- mander in Chief; and, in that list, in the same list with major Tonyn's name, there were fifty -three officers appointed to majorities ; namely, eleven majors re- moved from otiier corps, or from tlic half-pay ; thirteen brevet majors ; twenty- nine captains. Of those captains seven •were captains of the year 1794, nine were ciiptains of the year 1795 (amongst them was captain Tonyn) five were captains of the J ear 1796, seven of tlie year 1797, and one of the year 1799. I have men- tioned that captain Tonyn was a captain of 1795, tliere were only six captains in that year senior to him in the service. That is all I know on tlie subject of cap- tain Tonyn's jM-omotion. It appears that in the letter of general Tonyn he recommends two of his sons ; can you state any thing wiUi reference to the other son ? — On the 30th of May 1804, General Tonyn writes again. [Colonel Gordon read the letter.] " Sir, " I have the honour to transmit a " letter from captain Long of the ** 48th, requesting liis Royal High- *' ness the Commander in Chief's " permission to sell his company, " having purchased. I humbly beg *' leave to recommend lieutenant " Charles Willi.am Tonyn to his *' Royal Highness the Duke of " York's fiivourable representation " to his Majesty ; humbly praying, " that he m.ay be graciously pleased " to grant him leave to purchase " captain Long's company, the mo- ** ney being lodged with tlie agent " for the same ; as all tlie officers " standing before him iu the corps " have declined the purcliase *' Give me leave, Sir, to beg the " favour of your good offices in bc- *' half of my son, whose declara- " tion I have the honour herewith '* to inclos«, and that you will have " the goodness to implore for him " his Royal Ilighness's gracious pro- " tection. I have the honour to re» " main, with all respect, " Sir, " Your most obedient and " most humble Servant, " I'at. Tonyn.'* " 118, Park-street, SOth May 1804 '' Indorsed : " 48th Foot. Lt. Tonyn, Mem. 2d June 1804." (Inclosure 1. «' Mallow, 15th May 1804." " Sir, " Circumstances of a peculiar ''nature having lately occurred, " that oblige me to retire from the " service, I have sent in a memo- "rial to the commander in Chief, "to be allowed to sell my commis- " sion at the regulated price. I take " the liberty of informing you, as "early as possible, of my intentions " as I have been given to understand "your son would succeed to the "promotion by purchase. Should " that be the case, if you'll have the " goodness to lodge the money in " the hands of Mr. Gilpin tlie agent, " and give me the earliest informa- " tion, in order that the business " may be forwarded with as little "delay as possible, you will ever " oblige, " Sir, " Your vcrv ob' humble serv', "E. S. ton J, capt. 48th rcg'." "General Ton\n, "118, Pr.rk-street,'near Ilyde-Park, London." Indorsed : " Capt. Long. " 43th regiment " 15th Mav 1804. "R----23d Slay." " All officers concerned have declined purchasing." (Inclosure 2.) " Sir, " I beg you will be pleased to ob. "tain forme, his Majesty's pcrmis- "sion to purchase Captain Long's " company in the 48^ regiment "of Foot. I 1^3 '' In rase his .Vrujosty shrill be p;ra- " ciously pleased to permit nio lo *' purchase tlic same, I do dcclar<^ " and certify, U])on tlic word and " honunr of an oHicer and a g-entle- " man, tliat 1 will not, now, or at " any tiiture time, g-ivc by any means ** or in any shape whatever, directly *' or indirectly, any more than the " sum of 1,5001. bJhig- the full value " of the said commission, as the •' same is iimitcil and fixed by his ". Majesty's lleq-ulation. " I have the honour to be, " Sir, " Vour most obedient and " most humble servant, " /-. //''. Toni/n, " Lt. 48tli RcG^t." " To tlic Colonel or Coinmandinp;' Officer oflSth Uegt. " I beg' leave to recommend the " above ; and I verily believe the " established regulation, in regard " to price, is intended to be strictly " complied with ; and that no clan- " destine bargain subsists between " the pai'ties concerned. " J^at. I'om/H, " General .and Colonel. " .30th May 1804 " Tlic inclosure is the letter from the young man himself. - Did all the offitffer.s who were promoted at the time major Tonyn was promoted, receive their promotion into the new corps without jjurchase I — Into the new corps, most certainly. All the new captains those that were promoted into the augmentation of the army ? — Yes. Did many of them appear in the same gazette with major Tonyn ? — I have stil- ted, that there were 53 field officers in the same gazette, and 1 sliould imagine, without counting them, there could not be less th.an 200 officers altogether ; the paper is now in my hand. At the time this great augmentation took place, and lists of officers were pre- paring in the office of the Commander in Chief, were those lists a secret, or was it in any one's power, on referring to the clerks, to sec those lists ? — I endea- vour to keep those things as secret as I possibly can, but in so large a promotion it is impossible for mc to say the secret was exactly kept. Previous to tiif {gazetting of those coitir missions which have been alluded to, when the list was completed, or nearly completed, was it possible to keep the secret Ml) far, as to prevent the contents of those lisis being more or less known I —1 do not think it was. Give the committee some account of the purchase and sales of commissions in the army, the manner in which that business is transacted, and in whose hands the purchase-money is lodged. I liave already stated to the House, and it is in evidence before the committee, that the same rules apply to the pi-omotion of dfficers by purchase, as without ; but in order to ensure the greatest possible re- gularity, every regiment in the service is ordered to transmit a return quarterly, of the number of officers in each regi- ment disposed to purchase, and to men- tion in such return where the purchase- money is to be had ; those returns arc entered in a book in the Commander in Chief's office, and in the event of a va- cancy those returns arc invariably refer- red to, and the officer senior upon the list, if in all respects eligible, is invari- ably recommended, pro^ ided it does not interfere with other officers of greater pretensions. In whose hands Is the purcliasc-money deposited or lodged ? — Before a recom. mendation is submitted to his Majesty for ])urchase, it is necessary that a j^aper should be sent to the Commander iu Chief's office from the agent, stating that he is satisfied that the money will be forthcoming when the commission is gazetted. It is not necessary, and it is so gone forth to the army, as is stated in a paper upon the table of this committee, that the officers are not called u])on to lodge the mon-jy in the agents' hands, but they are only called upcm to notify to them, that it will be forthcoming on the pronu)tion being gazetted. Docs any part of the money relat- ing to the sale of commissions pass through the hands of the Commander in Chief, or has the Commander in (JhieC any controul over that money ? — None wh.atever. Can you state from your knowledge of the business of the office, what is the a\crag-e amount of the purshase and sale of commissions in the course of a year ? •—The average amount lor the last three years, annually, exceccls considerably fonr hundred thousand pou'ic^s- 22 164 Give the Gonimitlee some account of the origin of purchases and sales of com- missions in the army, and the effect that they have upon the army ? — I believe that the origin of the purchase ^nd sale of commissions arises pretty much as follows : In every other service in Eu- rope it is understood that the licad of the army lias the power of granting pensions to the officers of the army, in propor- tion to their rank and services : no such power exists in the head of the army in this country ; therefore, when an officer is arrived at the command of a regiment, and is, from long service, infirmity, or wounds, totally incapable of proceeding with that regiment upon service, it be- comes necessary to place a more efficient officer in his stead. It is not possible for his Majesty to increase the establish- ment of tlie army at his pleasure, by ap- pointing two lieutenant-colonels where only one is fixed upon the establishment ; nor is it consistent witli justice to place an old officer upon the lialf-pay, or de- prive him altogether of his commission ; there is, therefore, no alternative, but to allow him to retire, receiving a certain compensation for his former services ; what that compensation should be, has been awaitled upon due consideration, by a board of general officers, that sat, I think, forty or fifty years ago, some- where about 1762 or 1763 ; they taking into consideration the rank, and the pay of each rank, awarded a certain sum that each officer, who was allowed to retire, should receive upon retiring ; tliat sum is called " the regulation-price of com- missions." The bearing that this has upon the army, is a very extensive ques- tion, but there can be no doubt that it is extremely advantageous for those officers who cannot purchase. I cannot better illustrate it to the committe, than by stating an exann»le : We will suppose, of the first regiment the thiixl captain can- not purchase ; the first and second can : if those two officers could not purchase, it is very evident that the third captain Avould remain much longer third captain, than if they were removed out of his way, by purcliase in the great body of the army ; and if no officer can be al- lowed to purchase, unless he is duly qual- ified for promotion without purchase, there cannot poasibly be any objection to such regulation, nor can it be said that any unexperienced officer is appointed by purchase over the heads of others better qualifieu than himself, no officer being allowed to purchase, but such as is duly qualified by his Majesty's regu- lations. Upon the whole, you consider the pre- sent mode in which purchases and sales of commissions is limited, as advanta- geous to the service ? — As a matter of opinion I certainly do. You liave stated, upon the former ex- aminations, the manner in which the bu- siness is transacted at the Duke of York's office ; in the course of your transacting business with the Duke of York, in re- gard to former lists of commissions for tlie approbation of his Majesty, do you ever remember the Duke of York taking a paper-memorandum, or a list of officers out of his pocket, and putting it into your hand, with an intimation that that list was to be considered out of the usual course ? — I never recollect any sucli in- stance : I take this opportunity of stat- ing, that since I have had the honour of serving his Royal Highness the Duke of York, I have stated it often before, I nev- eV recollect any one solitary instance, in which the Commander in Chief has ever taken any paper out of his pocket and put into my hands, saying, * this man must be an ensign, tliis a lieutenant, and this a captain ;' but all recommendations have come regularly through tlieir prop- er channel, and I do not think there is any one instance to the contrary. in the first documenUyou gave in, the former night, with respect to captain Maling, tliei'e is marked in the printed paper, in italics, the initials C L. with the words " agreed to ;" what is the meaning of those letters C. L. ?— My first assistant is colonel Loraine, C. L. are the initials of his nanie, and " agreed to," is put, and it then passes into liis hands, and is acted upon. Is the entry marked with tlie initials C. L. the definitive entry with respect to any recommendation that comes before you \ — No, it is not. If any alteration takes place after- wards, in what way is that noted ? — It is commonly noted in the same manner upon the same paper. With the same initials ? — ^\Vhen the initials are once put, there is no occasion to put them again, the paper invariably passes through the same channel. Is it usual when a recommendation is delayed in the office for want of sufficient information, but not definitely stopped, to mark that in the same way with these initials, C. L. ! — I commonly put a mc- 165 morandum upon every paper that passes undei" my hands. How would you mark a recommenda- tion in that predicament ? — If the paper was to be considered, I should say so ; " to be considered." If further inquiries were to be made, what woidd you say ? — I should probably say " to be considered," or very proba- bly, "cannot be acceded to." It is al- most impossible for me to state the pre- cise terms .- I should adopt them accord- ing to' circumstances. AVould you state " not to be acceded to," when it was not determined that the recommendation shoidd not be acceded to, but only dela3ed, while further in- quiries were making ? — If the paper was not to be acceded to, I sliould say, " not to be acceded ;" but it does not follow that though it was not acceded to then, it might not be in a month afterwai-ds, or three weeks afterwards. If the only reason for not acceding to the recommendation at that time, was tlie want of information, and that inqui- ries were making to obtain that informa- tion, would you mark '* not acceded to^' ? . — I really might or might not ; it seems to me, as I conceive it, a matter of perfect indifference. How are the first commissions in the army commonly disposed of; the first commission that an officer receives ? — Invariably without purchase, unless for some special purpose. Are those first commissions in the pat- ronage of the Commander in Chief? — Yes, they are, exclusively. You have stated that officers purchas- ed according to their seniority, unless thei'e were superior pretensions ; do you mean in junior officers ; will you explain what you mean by that ? — Suppose there •was a vacant company in a regiment, and a lieutenant in that regiment was willing to purchase, it does not quite follow that the Commander in Chief would permit that lieutenant to purchase, although he might be very eligible, because there might be other officers still more deserv- ing than him in the army. Do tliose circumstances in point of fact frequently happen ? — Continually. Within these last years have not a vast number of commissions been given to the officers of* the militia, both in Great Britain and Ireland ? — Yes ; to a very considerable extent. What is the practice of the Command- er in Chief's office, when an application is made, by any gcntleftiaaeither in Great Britain or Ireland, by memorial or other- wise, for a commission for bis son or re- lation ? — It is the practice in the Com- mander in Chief's office to answer every paper that comes in, without exception. When any officer, or any gentleman, makes an application for an ensigncy, that application is invariably answered, and the common answer is, * that the name of the applicant is noted, and will be considered as favourable opportuni- ties offer ;' the name is then put down in a book, and the letter is put by. Is it the practice in the Commander in Chief's office, particvdarly when applica- tions come from Ireland, to i-cfer those applications to the general officer com- manding in the district from which they may have come ? — Tlie applications from Ireland are not considered regular, uni less tliey come through the officer com- manding the forces there, or through the civil channel of the secretary of state. Amongst the documents that you have given in, with respect to major Tonyn, is there a document similar to that just alluded to, indorsed C. L. " agreed to," or any thing of that kind I [Colonel Gordon referred to the do- cument.] " C. L." " State captain Long's services. E?is. Liverpool Jie^t. 2d Oct. 1795 0)v>. J 'ent 65th .... 6th Jan. 1796 by P. x.icut. . . IBth Drag, olst Jan. 1799 bi/Exc. Capt 9th Mar. 1803 by P. . . . A^th . . . \Oth Sept. 1803 byE.rc." It amoiuits to the same thing ; it is a slip of paper. This was the mode' of transacting business by my predecessor : I generally do it upon the corner of the letter ; I think it better, because this is liable to be lost, that would not. Do you mean that commissions in new- raised regiments are always gi\en away, or thatensigncies are always given away? — The answer that I gave to the former question, I mean to stand exactly as it does ; and I beg to explain, that there is no such thing as original commissions purchased ; there are many-„-jn'«igns coni- missions for sale, but they > private property, arising out of the t^plr.natlon that I gave to a former question : for ex- fimple, a captain sells his commission, that is, he sells his company ; a lieuten' aBt buys tlwt company ; an ensign buys 16G that lieutenancy ; both of whicli are the captain's property ; the ensif^ncy then becomes vacant of course, by purchase. In point of fact, Avas the application of General Tonyn, in rcg-ard to his second son, successful ? — I think it will he found on reference to the document, that the services of the second son of General Tonyn were not so long' as those of the eldest son ; and the g-eneral recommend- ed the second son for purchase ; and that he actually was promoted, I helieve it \vlll be found on reference to the dates, before the eldest son. You have stated, that when this large promotion took place, in consequence of the avij^mentation of tlie army, you were directed by his Royal Hij^hness to lay before him a list of officers to be pro- moted into this augmentation, to be tak- en from tlie oldest officers of their re- spective ranks in the army ; arc you quite sure that the name of captain To- nyn was included by you in the list you laid before the Commander in Chief, or was his name suggested as addition and alteration in that list by the Commander in Cliicf ? — I recollect perfectly well tlie circumstajices of that levy ; it was at a period of the additional force act ; and tlie names, upon the list which I sub- mitted to the Commander in (vhicf, I reallybelieve, were written, almost with- out exception, with my owti hand. I had one assistant to assist me in making out the list ; but 1 really believe, that the rough paper was actually written with my own hand. Do you answer, that you are certain you included captain Tonyn's name iu the list you submitted to tlie Command- er in Chief, as b«ing one of the oldest officers in the army in that class fin- pro- motion ? — As certain as I can be of a thing that I could not possibly take my oath of. To the best of your recollection ? — O, certainly. If the name of captain Tonyn had been introduced by the Commander in Chief, having been omitted by yourself, would not you have recollected tliat circum- stance ? — Yes, I think I should ; it is iu evidence before the committee, on ray first examination, 1 believe. Do you not put a mark upon all papers, upon which any thing is done or to be done ; — It is my constant practice to make a mark upon every paper, without exception, that comes into that office : 1 mean to say that generally ; many pa- pers may escape me, but that is my gene- rid practice. According- to what is done, or to be done ? — Wh.at is to be done. State whether the Commander in Chief has not been in the habit of attending to recommendations by colonels of regi- ments for eusigncies in their particular regiments, provided the gentlemen re- commended were certified to be eligible and fit for service, and ready to join their regiments ? — Yes, certainly ; but in giv- ing my evidence before this house, I think it my duty to state, that the Com- mander in Chief does not consider that tlie patronage of the regiments in any manner whatever devolves upon the co- lonel. [The witness was directed to witli- draw. [The chairman was directed to re- '• port progress, and ask leave to sit aarain.l ucl- APPENDIX TO THE FIFTH DAY'S Minutes of Evidence upon the Conduct of His Ropl Highness The Commander in Chief. No. 1. (No. 1.)— TERMS proposed to raise a Corps of 5,000 men to complete the old i-egimcnts. That an allowance be made of tvventy- jRve g-uineas for each man approved at the appointed dep6ts, which arc below mentioned. Til at no man is tq> be enlisted above 55 years of agfc, rtftr imder 5 feet 5 inches, but well made g;rowing lads, be- tween 16 and 18 years of age, may be taken at 4 feet 6 inches. That an allowance to be made of twenty guineas for growing boys, ap- proved as above, under 16 years of age, at 5 feet 2 inches. No. 3. — [That the above sums of twenty-five guineas for men, and twenty guineas for boys, arc to serve as a fund to subsist the recruits until finally ap- proved at the appointed depots, to pay their bounties, to afford pay to the officers employed on this service to fur- nish clothing, appointments, and pay to the non-commissioned officers, drum- mers, &c. &c. &c. In short this fund is to cover all recruiting expenses and cas- ualties whatever.] The recruits are to be engaged with- out limitation as to the period or place of their services ; and such coporals it may be found expedient to employ, are to Jje given to understand, that they are liable to be drafted as privates into the old regiments. Each recruit is to be provided with the following slop clothing, viz. a plain red cloth jacket, so made as to button close to the body, and to have a stand- up collar, a short waistcoat lined with flannel, a pair of long mixed-colored cloth trowsers, and one plain round black hat and cockade . An allowance to be made of 11. 7s. 6d. for the expense of slop clothing for each appi'oved recruit. That the bounty given to the recruits, not exceed that given by the line. It is submitted, that the following places are to be fixed upon for depots (as considered best calculated to expe- dite the service) where the recruits are to be finally passed by an inspect- ing field officer, or such other officer as may be authorized by his Uoyal High- ness the Commander in Chief: Edin- burgh, or Berwick-on-Tweed, the Isle of Man, Tilbury Fort, Cork, and the Isle of Wight. That the officers employed on this service, upon being approved by tlie Commander in Chief, are to be gazetted, and have temporary rank in the army. That government in the first instance is to issue an advance, in order to enable the levy to proceed. And it is humbly hoped, if the chiefs of this levy carry into prompt and suc- cessful effect (which they pledge them- selves to do) a measure of such magni- tude and importance, that their exertions will have tlie honour of meeting the ap- probation and consideration of his lloy- al Highness the Commander in Chief. And notwithstanding the high boun- ties now given to recruits for the army of reserve and militia, they aie now prep.ared to commence the proposed levy immediately, trusting to their stre- nuous exertions and attention. J. Fhencii, Colonel, laic 102d Foot. II. Sandon, Late lieut-col. of North Middlesex regi of Militia, and now captain in the Royal \V. Train. London, Fob, 1st, 18Q1. 168 No. 2.— Proposals- to raise j.OOO men to complete the old regiments. To carry into efficient cflect a levy on so extensive a scale, it is submitted that the following non-commissioned officers should he allowed, which are consider- ably under tlie usual complement for tlie number of privates : 90 Serjeants, PO Coporals, 40 Drummers, with the usual allowance of paymaster, quarter-master, adjutant, and surj^eon. On completing- the first' 500 men, to be allowed to recommend three captains, two lieutenants, three cnsiji^ns, a quar- ter master and adjutant. On complet- ing the first thousand, to be allowed to recommend one field officer, two cap- tains, two lieutenants and tliree ensigns, and so on progressively until the whole levy of 5,000 men is completed. The officers recommended, ai'c not to dispose of their former commissions. To be allowed levy money at the rate of 151. for each approved recruit. The bounty to each recruit to be the same as that paid by the line. Slop cloathing at 11. 7s. 6d per man to be aUowed. J. French, Colonel late lG2d Foot. H. S.\NDOX, Capt. R. W. Train, and Deputy Lt. County of Middlesex. IMemorandum : The letter of service granted to colo- nel French and captain Sandon, is dated the 30th April 1804. The levy money was augmented from thirteen guineas to nineteen guineas for each approved recruit, from the 28th June, 1804. The levy was discontinued on the i3d April, 1805. C. U. No. 2. Note from colonel French to colonel Clinton, March 5th, 1804. Col. French presents his compliments to colonel Clinton : he hopes he will excuse his taking the liberty of request- ing to know, if the proposals submitted to the Commander in Chief' by col. French and col. Sandon, have met with llie approbation of his Royal Highness. March 5, 1804, 'cil-strect Coffi:e-house, Strand. No. ,5. Copy of a letter from colonel Clinton to colonel French. Horse Guards, 7th March, 1804. Sir, In reply to your note of the 5th inst. I have it in cdmmand to acquaint you, that you should address yourself on the .subject of the proposal to which you allude to Lieutenant General Hewett, who will give it every consideration, and should he deem your plan to be eligible, will then submit it for the Commander in Chief's consideration. I am, &c. (Signed) W. Hs Clinton. Colonel French, Cecil-street Coffi;;e-house. No. 4. Letter from Colonel French to Colonel Clinton, dated 20th March, 1804 ;^ enclosing terms for raising a corps of 5000 men for general service. Cecil-street Coft'ee-house, Strand, Sir, g^ March 20th, 1804 In consequence o* the circumst-anco which you stated to me for consideration yesterday, respecting tlic terms proposed for raising a corps of 5000 men for ge- neral service, and as that point onlj', viz. the amount of levy money proposed for the recruits, appears to be objec- tionable to his Royal Highness the Com- mander in Chief ;" captain Sandon and myself, anxious to render our humble exertions acceptable to his Royal High- ness, herewith have the honour to inclose terms, wherein we have changed the levy money for each approved recruit from 121. to 10 guineas, which we hope will meet the approbation of his Royal Highness. I have the honour to be. Sir, Your most obedient humble servant, Colonel Clinton, J. French, &,c. 8tc. Etc. Col. late 102 foot. Proposals to raise 5000 men, to com- plete the old regiments. ^ , To be allowed to appoint 90 serjeants, 9o corporal, and 60 drummers. Their subsistence to commence from the dates of their actual appointments as such. The one hjilf of the abpve to be reckoned as part of the complement of the first five hundred, and the re- mainder as part of the first thousand. To be allowed I07 money at the rate 169 of ten guineas for each recruit passed at the depots whichjj are hereafter men- tioned, together with their subsistence from the dates of attestations, but sub- sistence and slop clothing only for re- jected men. • Not to enlist any man above the ag-e or under the size directed by the re- cruiting instructions for the line. The same rule to apply respecting boys. Agreeably to what was allowed to the levies for general service the last war.' It is -proposed that for such recruit as may receive- an intermediate approval bv an inspecting field oftfcer of a district, and afterwards desert, an allowance will be made of three guineas, provided it appears no improper delay has taken place in sending such I'ccruit forward for final approval. That the men are to be engaged with- out limitation as to the period and place of their service ; and the corporals, when approved, are to be given to understand placed that they are liable to be drafted as pri- vates into the old regiments. Of the ■(-.sergeants, the one half are to be allow- ed their discharge at the completion of the levy, if they desire it ; the remain- der, and the drummers, are to be trans- ferred as such. The actual expence for the clothing for effective and appointments of the » non-commis- sions officers and drummers to be pro- vided by government, allowed. ^: Each man to be provided with the following slop clothing : — A plain red cloth jacket, so made as to button close to the body, and to have a stand up collar ; a short red waistcoat lined witli flannel ; a pair of long mixed-coloured cloth trowsers, and one plain black hat and cockade. That lie shall out of his bounty, be supplied on his final approval, with such necessaaies as are pointed out in the in- structions for the recruits of the line j and he shall be free fronm debt- § That an allowance ia to be made *Qu. As to tlie number of boys, and the bounty to be allowed growing Inds, as regi- ments !uc allowed. fit is presumed that the public are not (obe cbarp;t'd with bounty for the Serjeants. 4^ Qu. Wiiether any clothing is necessary till the recruits are appi-ovcd and attached to leginients. § Very objectionable. for the slop clothiivg of one pound seven shillings and sixpence for each recruit sjjecified as above. *That the bounty to each recruit is to be the same as is now paid by the line. To be allowed during the levy the as- sistance of ten officers, whose names are to be stated to his Royal Highness the Commander in Chief for his approbation ; and such of these as may be upon tlic half-pay during their services, to be al- lowed full-pay. I'hat government in the first instance sliall grant an issue, in order to enable the levy to proceed without delay. fTo be allowed, during the levy, the usual allowance of adjutant, paymaster, surgeon and quarter master. t.\t the completion of tiie first 500 men, to be allowed to recommend two captains, two lieutenants, two ensigns, a quarter master and adjutant. Upon completing +.'ie first 1000, to be allowed to recommend one field officer, one captain, two lieutenants, and two. ensigns ; and so on progressively until the levy is completed. The ofiicers recommended not to be allowed to dispose of their former com- missions. The dates of the commissions of the officers recommended to taka place from the date of the letter of ser- vice. The following dep6ts to be fi.xed upon where the recruits are to be finally ap- proved by an inspecting field officer, or other officer, as the Commander in Chief may judge proper to authorize : — Tilbury Forf,§ the Isle of Wight, the Isle of ISian, § Edinburgh § or Berwick on Tweed, Cork,§ l)ublin.§ J. French, Colonel late 102 foot. II. Sandon, Capt. 11. Wag. Train, late Lieut. Col North Middx, Kegt. and Deputy Lieut, for tlic county of Middx. Cecil-street Coffee-house, Strand, 20th March, 1804. 2:^ for growing lads. 4 guineas for men. * Care must be taken to secui-e the recruits receiving the bounty. •j- Provided Uiey are effective. ^ Tills appears a very olijectionable mca sure. It uouldjinour humble opiuion.s, b«; preferable to give col. French a considerable compensation on tlie completion of his levy, than to open this door to abuse, and give «p such a degree of patronage to an individnal § Objectionable. 17» No. 5. Letter from €olouel Frencli to Colonel Clinton; diited 15th April, 1804. — (Three inclosnres.) Colonel French, trusting to the known goodness of his Royal Highness the Com- mander in Cliief, presumes to offer some observation respecting the terms (in be- half of himself and cairtain Sandon) which he had the honour of la3ing- before his Royal Highness, for raising a corps of 5000 for general service, aitd those which have been communicated by colo- nel Clinton. He begs, in the first instance, to refer his Royal Highness to a compar- ative statement, herewith inclosed, be- tween the proposal he had the honour to lay before his Royal Highness for raising 5000 men for general service, and the plan adopted by government to raise an equal number by regiments. The differ- ence in favour of the plan of the levy, in point of saving to the public, is obvious. However, it appears that government, instead of granting the recommendation of commissions in raising the levy, are disposed to allow a specific sum above the levy money ; which sum, colonel Clinton has mentioned, it is proposed should be two guineas, a consideration by no ineans one half of what would have been allowed (thoug-h so favourable as has been made appear to government) by thej commissions. From the insight and knowledge pos- sessed by his Royal Highness of the re- cruiting service, it is scarcely necessary to I'epresent the various heavy extra ex- pences attending an undertaking of such magnitude, the veiy great attention and activity required on the part of the un- dertakers, with great attendant charges ; the absolute necessity (besides a multi- plicity of rendezvouses) of having, in the most populous towns, houses fitted up as barracks, with every kind of convenience for the accommodation and health of the recruits ; the risk of bad debts by the imprudence of some officers, which, with every precaution, commanding officers are liable to, particularly on the present extended scale. In short, the various expences attendant on such a service cannot but absorb or at least very nearly, the two guineas proposed. Under these circumstances, and fully confident of his Royal Highness's liberality blended with public economy, it is humbly proposed to the Commander in Chief, tliat further addition of two guineas, under whatever head his Royal Highness may judge most proper, may be allowed. No. 9, Duke-street, Adclphi, April 15, 1804. C. L. acquaints Col. French that his Royal Highness cannot recommend any other terms being acceded to than those with wliich he has been made acquainted. The following is submitted to the con- sideration of his Royal Highness the Com- mander in Chief: J. French, Col. late 102 foot. For the further encouragement and expediting the completion of the levy, the sum of two guineas per man (under the head oibrin^n^ money) will be allow- ed in your public accounts, to be disposed of in such manner as you shall judge most conducive to the purposes for which it is intended. Difference of expences to govern- ment, on the reduction to half-pay (ex- clusive of the period of full-pay), between a levy proposed of 5000 men for general service, and tlie same number of men to be raised in five regiments of 1000 men each upon the plan now adopted by go- vernment. Officers for the levy in proportion as it advances to completion. Officers for 5 Ee^ments. Difference. Field Officers 5 Captains - 15 Lieutenants 20 F.nsigns ------.--20 !.'■ 11 r\ai CLt. Colonels 5^ ,„ l-ield Officers < ^. ■ r J- 10 (^ Majors - 5 3 Captains ----■ SO Lieuts. 2 per company of 100 men 100 Ensigns - SO 5 F'd Offic'rs 35 Captains 80 Lieuten'ts 30 Ensigns Total difference — 5 field officers — o5 captains — 80 lieutenants — 30 ensigDS. Ad- ditional charge upon the half-pay list to that of raising 5000 by the proposed levy for general service. V7l No. 6. Copy of a letter from colonel Clinton to colonel French ; dated 18tli April, 1804. — (One inclosure.) Horse Guards, Sir, 18th April 1804. I have it in command, to return you a copy of the proposals you made to raise 5,000 men to complete the old regiments of the line, with the Commander in Chief's remarks In red ink ; and to ac quaint you in reply to your letter of the 15th instant, that his Royal Highness cannot recommend any other terms being acceded to, than those herewith trans- mitted. I am, &c. (Signed) W. H. Clinton. Colonel French, No. 9, Duke-street, Ad^phi. PROPOSALS to ra\se 5,000 men to complete the old regiments. The non-commissioned officer^s and drum- mers to be previously approved of by an inspecting Ji eld officer of a recruiting dis- trict. The drummers to be of the same age and standard of boys, as specified in the recruit- ' ing instructio'iis. Such as are opprored at the appointed depots^. To be allowed to appoint 90 Serjeants 90 coporals, and 60 drummers. Their subsistence to commence from the dates of their actual appointments as such. The one half of the above to be reckoned as parts of the complement of the first 500, and the remainder as part of the first 1,000. Thirteen guineas houiUy for men. The bounty alloiued and sum after mentioned is to cover every expence ; consequently no cJiarge as subsistetice for rejected men, or any charge for slop clothing luill be al- lowed, as the recruits on approval will be clothed at the depot by the regiments to ■which they are appointed. JVo subsistence can be allorved for any recruit, but from the date of approval at the several depots ,■ but luith a viexu to cover any extra expences that may be in- curred by the men having been enlisted a considerable time previous to their being approved. Colonel French ivill be alloiued to enlist ten boys in each hundred recndts for whom he will receive the same bounty a7id allotvcvice as for the others. As the final approval is to take place at the depots, no intermediate approval is to be alloived. The Drummers the saltie. To be allowed levy money at the rate of ten guineas for each recruit passed at the depots, which are hereafter-men- tioned, together with their subsistence, from the dates of attestations ; but sub- sistence and slop clothing only for re- jected men. Not to enlist any man above the age, or under the size directed by the recruit- ing Instructions for the line. The same rule to apply respecting boys. Agreeably to M'hat was allowed to t^^e levies for general service last war. It is proposed that for such recruit as may receive an intermediate opproval by an inspecting field officer of a district, and afterwards desert, allowance will be made of three guineas, provided it ap- pears no improper delay has taken place in sending such recruit forward for final approval. That the men are to be engaged with- out limitation as to the period and place of their service ; and the corporals when approved are to be given to understand that they are liable to be drafted as pri- vates in the old regiments. * The Remarks here printed in /fs/jc*, w^re, in the ii»aaus»ript copy, \vritten in red iijk. 172 The -whole of the mn-f.omnyisdoned offi- cers must necessarily be enlisted in the Jirst instance as privates, such onh/ receivinff the bounty as may afterivanls be posted to such regular corps as the Commander in Chief 7nay direct, and which bounty can on- ly be paid^'he7i so posted. Referred to the inclosed paper. The clothing, S/c. to be furnished for tlie effectives by government. ^9s the recndts on their approval at the depot will be immediately posted to regiments, no slop clothing appears requi- site. Answered by the foregoing remark. DiU9. Of the Serjeants, the one half are to be allowed their discharge at the com- pletion of the levy, if they desire it ; the remainder, and the di'ummers, ai-e to be transferred as such. The actual expence for the clothing and appointments of the non-commis- sioned officers and drummers to be al- lowed. Each man to be provided with the following slop clothing : a plain red clotli jacket, so made as to button close to the body, and to have a stand up col- lar ; a short red waiscoat lined with flannel ; a pair of long mixed coloured cloth trowsers ; and one plain black hat and cockade. That he shall, out of his bounty, be supplied, on his final approval, with such necessaries as are pointed out iu the instructions for recruits of tlie line, and he shall be free from debt. That an allowance is to be made for slop clothing of one pound seven shil- ings and sixpence for each recruit spe- cified as above. That tlie bounty to each recruit is to be the same as is now paid by the line. Ojt approi'al the recruit must certify that he has received the whole of the boun- ty he has been promised. JVo objection ; but it is to be clearly un- derstood, that the government I'cser-ves to itself the power of discontinuing the levy in toto, if 4000 men are not raised and passed at the depot in nine months from the signing of this letter of service, or that the 5000 have not been raised and passed in thirteen months from the same date. JSTot necessary, as they are to be passed at the depot ,■ but an officer above the ten •uiill be allowed, who must be resident at each of the depots during the levy. In lieu of any nomination of officers, an allowance at the rate of two guineas per man, over and above the beforenamed sum of tldrteen guineas, shall be paid, when- ever 500 men shall have beat' passed at the depot, and that for every other 500 men so passed, the like additional sum of two guineas will be allowed by government, which is considered to be a very ample gra- tif cation for the possible risk or failure in the undertaking. To be allowed during the levy the as- sistance of ten officers, whose names are to be stated to his Royal Highness the Commander in Chief for his approbation, and such of these as may be upon tlie half-pay during their services, to be al- lowed full pay. That government in the first instance shall grant an issue, in order to enable the levy to proceed without delay. To be allowed during the levy the usual allowance of Adjutant, Paymaster, Surgeon and Quartermaster. At the completion of the first 50Q men, to be allowed to recommend two captains, two lieutenants, two ensigns, a quartermaster, and adjutant. Upon completing the first thousand, to be allowed to recommend one , field officer, one captain, two lieutenants, and two ensigns, and so on progressively, un- til the levy is completed. The officers recommended not to [be allowed to dispose of their former com- missions. The dates of the commis- sions of the officers recommended to uke place froni the date of the letter of service. The Isle of Wight, liublin, and Edin- burgh to be the only depots. Cecil-street Coffee-house, Strand, 20th March, 1804. The following depdts to be fixed upon where the recruits are to be finally ap- proved by an inspecting field officer, or other officer, as the Commander in Chief may judge proper to authorize : — Tilbu- ry Fort, the Isle of Wight, the Tsle of Man, Edinburgh or Berwick on Tweed, Cork, Dublin. (Signed) J. French, Colonel late 102d. Regt. H. Sandon, Captain R. Waggon Train, late Lieut. Col. N. Middlesex Regi- ment, and Deputy Lieutenant for thfe county of Middlesex. dated 20th April, 1804— No. 7. Letter from Colonel French to Colonel Clinton (One Inclosure.) No. 9, Duke-street, Adelphi, mainder on completing the first one Sir, April 20th, 1804. thousand. The serjeants of course to be 1 have the honour herewith to return attested as privates. It is submitted that the terms proposed on the part of capt. it would appear singular to the serjeants, S.andon and myself (with the remarks of that no bounty should be allowed them, the Commander in Chief,) for raising until so distant a period as the comple 5000 men for general service. We trust his Royal Highness will have the good- ness to take into favourable considera- tion the observations inserted in the mar- gin, as well as those herewith Inclosed, which are referred to in the margin. I have the honour to be. Sir, Your most obedient humble servant. Colonel Clinton, J. French, &c. &c. Col. late 102d. Foot. Memorandum from Colonel French. The reason for submitting that one half of the serje.ants should be discharged at the conclusion of levy (agreeably to what was allowed in former levies,) is because it has generally been judged ex- pedient to employ a certain number of steady and experienced persons as ser- jeants ; men very proper as recruiters, but not perhaps fit for active service.* tion of the levy, when attested aiid pass- ed at the commencement. It would oc- casion a great loss of time and expence to send the serjeants and drummers to the Isle of Wight for approval, as tliey would have to march from distant and different parts of the empire, and return. But it is to be understood these serjeants and drummers are again ultimately to be brought forward, and disposed of hito regiments of the line. Copy of a Letter from Colonel Clinton to Colonel French, dated 20th April, 1804 — (One inclosure.) Morse Guards, Sir, 20th April, 1804. Having laid before the Commander in Chief your letter of shis day, submitting for his Royal Highness's consideration, alterations proposed in your certain We farther submit, that the levy of terms for raising men ; I have it now in one h.alf of the serjeants will be allowed command to return the enclosed papers, on completing the first 500, and the re- by which you will observe how far his Roval Highness has been pleased to ac- * The Commander in Chief agrees to one half of the serjeants being discharged as re- quired ; but in the first instance they must be enlisted and attested as privates, in order that they may be amenable to military law ; but at the same time it may be noted in their attestations, that they are to be discharged on die completion or discontinuing of the levy. — Those who may be approved as fit for ser- vice, will be allowed the bounty on approval at any of the depots. cede thereto, and to acquaint you, that on your signifjing to me your readiness to undertake the levy on the terms spe- cified, the necessary directions will be given for expediting a letter of service, to enable you to proceed therewith. I have, &.C. (Signed) W. H. Clint o.v. Colonel Frencli, No. 9j Duke-Street, Adelphi, 174 flic CniAmdneki' in Chief agrees to one half of the Serjeants being discharged as required, Intt in the first irstance they must all be enlisted and attested as privates, in order that they may be amenable to military law ; but at th^ same time it may he noted in their attestations, that they are to be diS' charged on the completion or disco7itinuing of the levy- Those -who may be approved as Jit for service, ivill be alloived the bounty on ap- proval at atiy of the depots. ^fEMORANDA from colonel French. The reason for submitting-, that one half of the Serjeants should be discharged at the conclusion of the levy (agree- ably to what was allowed in former le- vies) is because it has generally been judged expedient to employ a certain number of steady and experienced per- sons as Serjeants ; men very proper as recruiters, but not perhaps fit for active service. We further submit, that the levy of one half of the Serjeants will be allowed on completing the first 500, and the remainder on completing the first 1000. The Serjeants of course to be attested as privates. It is submitted that it would appear singular to the Serjeants, that no bounty should be allowed them until so distant a period as the completion of the levy, when attested and passed at the com- mencement. It would occasion a great loss of time and expence to send the Ser- jeants and drummers to the Isle of Wight for approval, as they would have to march from distant and different parts of the empire and return. But it is to be imderstood, these Serjeants and drum- mers are again ultimately to be brought forward, and disposed of into regiments, of the lin^. Letter from Colonel French to Colonel Clinton. 9, Duke-strcct, Adelphi, Sir, April 21st, 1804. I have the honoiu* to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday's date, inclosing the terms, with certain altera- tions, upon which the Commander in Chief will be pleased to grant a letter of service. I herewith return the ^ame, and, on the partof capt. Sandon and my- self, beg leave to say we accept the same. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant. Colonel Clinton, J.French, $i;c. &c. Colonel late 102d Foot. the inclosed copy of proposals made by Colonel French and captain Sandon, for raising 5000 men to complete the regi- ments of the line ;.and from the remai'k.s (in red ink) made thereon by his Royal Highness, Mr. Bragge will be enabled to judge how far the terms have been ac- ceded to ; and I have therefore to request that you will be pleased to move Mr. Bragge to give the hecessary directions for {expediting a letter of service, to en- able colonel French and captain Sandon to proceed with their levy. I have, &c. Francis Moore, esq. (Signed) he. Sec. &c. W. H. Clinto:. No. 10. Copy of a Letter from Colonel Clinton to Mr. Moore. Sir, 23d April, 1804. I am commanded by the Commander in Chief to transmit for the purpose of being laid before tlie Secretary at War, No. 11. Letter from Mr. Moore to col. Clinton. War-Office, Sir, 26th April, 1804. I have the Secretary at War's direc- i7i tioos to transmit herewith for tlie consi- deration of the Commander in Chief, the draug-ht of a letter of service to col- onel French and captain Sandon, framed according' to the terms inclosed in yoair letter of the 23d instant. You will be pleased to state to his Roy- al Highness, that Mr. Bragge, adverting to what has taken place in former levies, is induced most particularly to recom- mend that it should be a condition of the engagement now under consideration, that the recruits should receive the fidl bounty required by the general recruit- ing' instructions ; or that, at all events, the bounty to be paid to each recruit should not be less than a certain sum fixed by the letter of service. I have the honour to he, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant. Colonel Clinton, F. Moore. &c. &c. &.C. No. 12. Copy of a letter from colonel Clinton to Mr. Moore. Sir, Srth April, 1804. Having laid before the Commander in Chief your letter of yesterday's date, transmitting drafts of aletter of service to colonel French and capt. Sandon (here- with returned,) and stating the secretary at war's opinion, " that it should be a condition of the engagement, that the re- cruits should each receive the full boun- ty required by the general recruiting in- structions, or that the bounty should not he less than a certain sum fixed by the letter of service ;" I have it in command lo acquaint you, for Mr. Bragge's infor- mation, that as each recruit, on approval at the depot, is to sign a certificate that he has received the full bounty promis- ed him, his Royal Highness thinks that the consequences, which Mr. Bragge seems to apprehend, from no certain sum being fixed as bountj', ai-e not likely to ensue, and that therefore the article al- luded to may remain as already fixed on. Tlie Commander in Chief howevei' suggests, that a clause should be insert- ed witli a letter of service, requiring? that a sum, equal to what may be fixed by the recruiting instructions in force at the time, should be deducted from the levy money allowed to furnish the recruits with such necessaries as may be requi- site on their final approval at the depots specified. I have, &c. Francis Moore, esq. (Signed) &C. &C. &C. W.U.Chl^TON. No. 13. Copy of a letter from the secretary at war to colonel French, of the late 102d foot, and captain Sandon, of tl\e Royal Waggon Train. — (Letter of s«r- vice.) War-Office, 30th April, 1301. Gentlemen, I have the Iwnour to acquaint you, his Majesty has been pleased to approve of your raising five thousand men, to be turned over to the regiments of the line in liis Ma.jesty's service, upon the fol- lowing conditions : — The recruits are to be engaged without limitation as to time and place of service. You will be al- lowed thirteen guineas levy money for each recruit finally approved at one of tl>e following depots ; viz. the Isle of Wight, Dublin, and Edinburgh ; out of Vhicl: levy-money a sum equal to what may be fixed by the recruiting instruc- tions in force at the time is to be ap- propriated to furnishing the recruits with necessaries on their final approval, exclusive of the actual sura wliich may have been received by the recruit. The subsistence of the recruits, the extra allowance to inn-keepers, the allowance for beer, and any other daily charge, will only be allowed to commence from the date of approval of each recruit ; but with a view to coyer any extra ex- penses that you may incur, by the men being enlisted a consideralilc time be- fore their approval, you will be allowed to enlist ten boys in every 100 recruits, for whom j'ou will receive the same bounty and allowances as per men. The men aid boys respectively are to be of the age and size directed by the general recruiting instructions of tlie army. No charge for slop clothing, for the non-commissioned ofliccrs or recruits will be admitted, as, on ap- pi'oval, the latter will be clothed at llic depots by the regiments to which they shall be at once attached. No inter- mediate approval of the recruits is to take place ; and, consequently, ueitlier bounty, subsistence, nor any other charge will bs allowed for such as shall be rejected at the several depots. Eacix recruit, on approval at the dojiot, is to sign a certificate, that he received the full bounty promised to him. You will be allowed to appoint 90 Serjeants, 90 corporals, and 60 drummers, who must be previously approved by an inspecting field officer of a recruiting district. The drummers are to be of the age and stancjard of boys, as specified in the ir6 recnritlng- instructions. Tlic subsistence of the above-mentioned non-commis- sionecl officers and drummers is to com- mence from the dates of their actual appointment as such. Half of them, if finally approved at the depots, are to be reckoned as part of the complement of the first five hundred recruits for your levyj and the remainder as part of tlie first thousand. The corporals and drummers are to be given to under- stand, that they are liable to be drafted as privates into the old regiments. The whole of tlie non-commissioned officers and drummers must, in the first instance, be enlisted and attested as pri- vates, and these attestations transmit- ted to this office immediately on ap- proval. One half of the Serjeants may be enlisted with the condition of their being discharged at the conclusion of the levy, which circumstance is to bo noticed in their respective attestations. The bounty of thirteen guineas will be allowed for such of the non-commis- sioned officers and drummers as shall be fmally approved at the depots, as part of your levy. Clothing will be provid- etl, under the orders of government, for the effective non-commissioned officers and drummers employed as above- mentioned. You will be allowed, during the levy, the assistance of ten offi'cers, whose names are to be stated to his Royal Highness the Commander in Chief for his approbation ; and such of these officer.s as may be on half pay, are to receive full pay during their service with your levy subsequently ta such approval. As tlie men are to be passed at the depots, it is not thought necassary to make you an allowance for an adjutant, paymaster, surgeon, or quarter-master, but an officer above the ten will be allowed, to be 4'esident at each depot during the levy. In lieu of g-iving you permission to nominate any officers for commissions, an allowance at the rate of two guineas per man, over and above the before-mentioned sum of tliirteen guineas will be made to you whenever 500 men shall be passed at the depots ; and for every 500 men sub- sequently passed, the like extra allow- ance of two guineas per man will be made to you. The stipulated allowance of thirteen guineas each, for tlie ap- proved recruits, will be issued imme- diately on their approval, by the pay- masters residing at the respective de- pots, by draughts upon the agents of y^e corps to which the tnen and boys may be attached, and the recruits will be afterwards subsisted through the same channel, or by the district paymasters, until they join regiments. The pay of the commissioned officers, non-com- missioned officers, and drummers, em- ployed in the levy, is to be received fi-om the paymasters of the recruiting district in which they shall be respec- tively stationed, who will draw for the same upon the general agents for re- cruiting in London and Dublin respec- tively, rendering distinct pay lists of tTieir expenditures on this head to this office. If, however, any of the commis- sioned officers should be on full pay in the existing regiments, the distinct pa^^nasters will draw for the pay of such officers on their respective regi- mental agents, in the same manner as for that of other officers employed in the recruiting service. In consequence of this arrangement, it is presumed that your advances, on account of the levy, will be so inconsiderable as scarcely to require any imprest of mo- ney into your hands, in the first in- stance, but if you should find some as- sistance absolutely necessary, there will be no objection to your receiving a mo- derate sum on account, giving security for the immediate repayment thereof when desired. It is to be clearly un- derstood, that government reserves to itself the discretion of discontinuing the levy entirely, in case 4,000 men are not raised and passed within nine months from the date of this letter, or in case the whole 5,000 men are not raised and passed within thirteen months from the same date. In the execution of this service I am to assure you of every assistance that this office can afford. I have, &c. (Signed) C. Bragge, Colonel French, of the late 102 foot, and Captain Sandon, of the Royal Waggon Train. No. 14. Copy of a letter from Colonel Clinton to F. Moore, esq. — (With two En- closures.) Horse Guards, 31st May, 1804. Sir, I am directed by the Commander in Chief to refer to you herewith a note from colonel French, relati^-e to the 177 pay of the non-cotnmlssloncd officers and drummers of his new levy; and his Royal Higliness thinking, from the cir- cumstances stated, that there appears no objection to what is requested by the Colonel, in regard to the subsistence of his non-commissioned officers and drummers, provided that any back pay that may be issued for them be actually received by them, and for which their acknowledgements will be of course re- quired, desires tliat you will be pleased to lay tlie same before the Sccretaxy at War, with his recommendation that colonel French's request may be com- plied with. I have, &c. (Signed) W. H. Clintoit. Francis Moore, esq. ■ . S;c. kc. Sir, Horse Guards, 25th June, 1804 I I am commanded by the Commander in Chief, to acquaint you, for the infor- mation of the Secretary at War, that in consequence of the levy money for re- cruits for general service being raised to nineteen guineas, colonel P'rench and captain Sandon are to receive the aug- mented levy money for each approved re- cruit raised by them, I have, &c. (Signed) W^. H. C l i x x o jr. F. Moore, esq. Copy of a letter from the Deputy Se- cretary at War to colonel French and captain Sandon ; dated 28th June, 1804. War-Office, 28th June, 1804. Sir, The rate of levy money for the in- fantry of the line having been augmented to nineteen guineas, by the general or- ders from heaU-quarters, dated 16th in- stant, I am directed to acquaint you, that the like sum will be allowed for each of your recruits raised subsequently to the receipt hereof, instead of thirteen guineas, as specified in your letter of service. I am, &c. Colonel French. (Signed) F. Moosjie. Captain Sandon. No. 15. London, Cecil Street Coffee-house, Strand. Sir, Ht January 15th, 1805. Your Royal Highness I hope will have the goodness to excuse: this intrusion, as my intention was to have done myself the honour of personally presenting the en- closed letter to your Royal Highness tliis day, but on account of your Royal High- ness's not holding a levee, I presume to take the liberty of transmitting it in this manner. The particular situation in which I obviously stand with Brigadier General Taylor, who inspects my re- cruits in Ireland, and a delicacy not to be troublesome to your Royal Highness, has hitherto lield me silent on the subject ofUrig-adier General Taylor'.s most un- accountable and persevering hostility to my levy. It is with concern I must de- clare that he has, with diligence, taken every step to render abortive my unre- mitted exertions to carry into effect the intentions of your Royal Highness in honouring me with the letter of service. At length I feel myself called upon, by duty, and in justice to myself, to state the circumstance. The present Inspector General having lately had the goodness to give instructions to Brigadier Genex'al Taylor, relative to some arrangements of my non-commissioned officers, I com- municated the same to Quarter-master Fawcett, of the levy, recruiting in Dublin (for his guidance) who waited upon Bri- gadier General Taylor on the occasion. The reception he met with is stated in his letter ; and it is with deep regret I must add, that this proceeding, on the part of the Deputy Inspector General in Ireland, is but a continuation of what my levy has experienced from him since its commencement there. I have the honour to be. Sir, Your Royal Highness's respectful and dutiful servant, J. French, His Royal Highness the Com- ColoneL mander in Chief, &.c. Sec. 8cq. (Private!) Dublin, Sir, 8th Jan, 1808. The esteem I have for you, and zeal for his Majesty's service, I am sorry to say leaves it out of my power to forward your levy as I could wish, from the treat- ment I have received from Brigadier General Taylor. Your letter, dated the 3d instant, I received the 6th, afternoon ; and the next moi-ning waited on Lieut. Morton with it ; he desired me to take it to general Taylor. The general looked at it, read part, threw it on the table ; said he knew nothing about it, or word* to that effect. After a short pause, he J?8 raised his voice, and said lie luid received a letter, laying' his hand upon it, it being' open before him. He then bcg-an about the Serjeants ; then the money, the Ser- jeants and the money, so that I was heartily tired of his sermon. After some time he concluded witli saying' " you are no levy ; how came you by that name of levy ;" nor did lie, in part of his ora- tion, forget the word crimp. It would take a quire of paper to give you a full detail. Adjutiuit Fosse was the only- person present. Like on former occa- sions it may be denied ; but I give you iny honour tliat what I have stated are facts. I wish you to come here as soon • » as possible : he is doing- every thing ui his power to tlirow us on our backs : I am so hurt,l have not spirits to carry on your business : I am sorry to distress your mind ; but it is impassible for me to stand it. 1 am, Sir, Colonel French, Your obedient servant, &c. Sec. cic. Owen Fav.ce tt. No. 16. Copy of Colonel Gordon's Letter to IVfr. Kirkman, 19ih Jan. 1805, sending co- pies of Col. French's Letter (No. 10.) Horse Guards, 19lh Januaiy, 1805. Sir, I have the commands of the Com- mander in Chief to transmit to you, for tlie information of lord Cathcart, a copy of a letter and its enclosures, from Colo- nel French,* in which that officer com- plains that the deputy inspector general ibr the recruiting service, in Ireland, has taken every step to render abortive his unremitted exertions to carry into effect the intentions of the Commander in Chief, in honouring him with a letter of service, and I am commanded to desire, lliat the deputy inspector g-eneral may be called upon to explain the circumstances to which colonel French alludes, as although his Royal Highness is sensible of the du- ties incumbent on tli.e deputy inspector general, to presci-ve a vigilant control over the various branches of his depart- ment, and to check and report upon every irregularity that may take place in the conduct of officers and persons engaged in the recruiting service in Ireland, yet his Hoyal Higlmess thinks it equally just that every fair indulgence should be given to every officer to enable him to act witli fii- * loth Januar\ . cility according to tlie terms in whirh iieij bound by his instructions; and I am furtfief to desire you may be pleased to move his lordship to examine the letter of service* under which colonel French acts, and to« give such directions thereupon, as may ■ tend to put a stop to further represen- tation. I have, &c. (Signed) J. W. Gordon. P. S. Colonel French has been directed to repair forthwith to Ireland, and report his arrival to the commander of the forces. J. Kirkman, esq. &c. S;c. &c. No. 17. C. B. 0'en enclosures.) Acknowledge. Royal Hospital, 8lh Feb. 1805. Sir, Having In obedience to . the Comman- der in ChiePs commands conveyed in your letter of 19th January, by direction of Lieut. Gen. Lord Cathcart, called upon R. General Taylor for an explanation of the circumstances alluded to in the allega- tions set forth by colonel French's repre- sentation therein inclosed ; in answer, 1 am now directed by his lordship to ac- quaint jou, for the information of his Royal Highness, that he has called for the letter of service, by virtue of whicii colonel French and cr.ptain Sandon carry on this levy, and that his lordship desired B. General Taylor to report upon the steps he has taken In conformity to the instructions he has received from time to time from the Inspector General, con- cerning the levy in question, and also to furnish him with answers to the points which his Royal Highness is pleased to notice for enquiry. The Brigadier General has in conse- quence delivered to Lieutenant General Lord Cathcart, the report and explana- tory papers herewith enclosed, which it Is requested may "'be submitted to his Royal Highness. Colonel French has not reported his arrival, nor is it known he ever has called upon tie commander of the forces in Ireland ; but undoubtedly he will have every facility and support afforded him which the recruiting instrtictlons and circumstances of the service can warrant. Lieutenant general lord Cathcart de- sires me to say, that it Ippears to him that the matters of complaint chai'gcd I 179 against brlgadier-general Tuylor by colo- nel Frt'iich, may be reduced to four heads : 1st. The having objected to scndiiip^ a Serjeant of the levy, supposed to have been raised for the proportion intended for Ireland, out of this part of Ids Ma- jesty's dominions. 2d. For having' refused to approve of . more than 45 scrjeants being- raised in Ireland witliout some proportion of pri- vates, ini til more explanatory instructions should be obtained from the inspector- general to autiiorize that measure, and until tlic Serjeants raised in this country- are broug-ht forward for final appi'oval. 3d. Fur having- taken a beating- order from a person named O'Rielly, although g-iving beating orders to persons similarly situated had been allowed in the case of other levies. 4th. For having- admonished quarter- jnastcr Owen Fawcett, in reg-ard to the conduct of the levy, in a manner the quarter-master did not approve ; and for having, in the course of what he had oc- casion to say to this person, made use of the word " crimp." In regard to the two first of these heads, the brigadier-general appears to have acted as it seemed to him, tlie in- structions he received from the inspector- general in regard to issuing Serjeants' clothing, explained the intention to be, but that he had submitted his doubts and observations to the inspector-general, whose decision had not arrived. With regard to the third case, tliat of O'Rielly, there is an explanatory paper, (Xo. 9,) by which it appears, that the inspector-general could not recognize this person as a proper officer to hold a beating order without further explana- tion. And in regard to the fourth case, the conversation with quarter-master Faw- cett, there is in the brigadier-genernl's report, a statement of what actually pass- ed, and which as it happens had not escaped the deputy inspector-general's recollection. Lieutenant-general lord Cathcart feel.s himself calkd upon, not to conclude his report without obiit-rving ^generally, that l)rigadlcr-general Taylor has uniformly appeared to his lordship, to be remarkable for his diligence and assiduity in carrying on all the important duties entrusted to him ; that his lord- ship has on all occasions perceived in his conduct the greatest zcA for Uie increase 24 of his Majesty's disp^^osal force by ser- viceable recruits ; but his lordship never remarked in his proceedings, or heard that officer accused of any manner of partiality. I liavc the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant, J. KlKKMAK. (Enclosure 1.) Sir, Dublin, 25th Jan. 1805. I have the honour of your letter of the 24th inst. enclosing the copy of one from lieutenant-colonel Gordon, together with another from colonel French to his Royal Highness the Commander in Chief, and of one from quarter-master Fawcett to colonel French ; also directing me to transmit, for the information of the com- mander of the forces, a copy of the colo- nel's Jetter of service and of the instruc- tions under which he has undertaken his levy, and for me to report upon the sub- ject of colonel Frenth's letter to his Royal Highness, as likewise upon quarter-mas- ter Fawcctt's to the colonel. In obedience to these directions, hcrO/- with I enclose a copy of colonel French's letter of service, as also of such papers from No. 1. to 8. as I have received, that appertain to his and my own instructions ; but previous to my statement concerning the two letters in question, I beg leave to mention, that in May last I first received intimation that colonel French had un- dertaken to raise 5000 men in a given period ; and to enable him to eflect it, he was to have the assistance of a certain number of persons as officers, with 90 Serjeants, 90 corporals, and 60 drum- mers, (me lialf of whom being intended for Ireland, (p. No. 8.) I was directed to provide clothing for. That imder certain conditions specified in the letter of ser- vice, and in the instructions, the colonel was to have a levy money of 21 guineas per man. One half of tlie Serjeants were to be fit for service agreeably to the re- cruiting regulations, to be attested as privates, but to be transferred as scr- jeants at the termination of the levy- The other half wore to be capable of the 'recruiting service, and to Ijc discharged on tlie tcrminatloti of the colonel's levy. The corporals and drummers were also to be according to the recruiting regula- tions of their respective ranks, to be attested as privates, and transferred si's 180 privates, on the close of llic levy, to such corpe as his Hoyal Highness might be pleased to direct. The bpunty money payable to the whole of these persons, as well as to the privates, is not specified, but may be on whatever terms the colo- nel can malse his agreement ; and in order to prevent any future disagree- ment, in consequence of there not being a specified bounty to the recruit, I am directed to have a certificate of the agree- ment with colonel French, of such men as I finally approve of, which certificate I annex to the attestations, and is in form, No. 4. Towards the end of July last, I was given to understand that one serjcant who had been finally approved of, had been sent out of the country. This being signified to colonel French, he said he could send them to where he pleased, und on my replying that I should consi- der this man as one of the proportion of Serjeants allotted to Ireland, (having drawn the levy money for him,) he con- cluded with observing, he should appoint as many as he chose fox* Ireland. This conception of the instructions differing very materially from mine, I deemed it requisite to send a state of the levy to the inspector-genei'al, and to enquire to what extent I was to pass or approve of Serjeants for colonel French's levy. As to corporals and drummers, they never came into question, for to this moment he has not raised the proportion I sup- posed to be intended for Ireland, viz. 45 corporals and 30 drummers. In answer to this query, I received the following, being an extract of a letter from lieutenant-colonel Carey, dated 26th July, 1804. "He, (alluding to the in- *' spector-general,) has thought it advis- " able to refer your query to the Com- " mander in Chief's consideration, and *' at the same time to lay before his Royal *' Highness a statement of the expenses *• of the levy, with a comparison of the ** benefit derived to the public from the " contract ; from which it appears the " public has paid for some time past, " more than 101. per day for the subsist- " ence of parties, exclusive of marching *' money and bounties, for only six re- •' emits who had been approved of at the ** time the calculation was made. Under ** such circumstances you will of course " not act in conformity to colonel " French's desire, until further or- "ders.". This information was given to colonel French early in August ; at the same time I said, that as he wanted but few Serjeants to complete what I conceived to be his establishment for Ireland, and several of those he had were at that time only intermediately approved of, he had better bring them forward for final ap- proval, and use some greater exertion to get them, and have this part of the busi- ness over, particularly with the serjeants for permanent service, because he had more limited service serjeants than the others ; but that he must not expect I should exceed this number without fur- ther orders. Thus the levy continued with brining few forward imtil the middle of October last, when colonel French left Ireland, and when I thouglit I had passed the 4.5 serjeants. I signified to quarter-master Fawcett in the November following, I could not pass any more fresh instruc- tions, and again urged the completion of the other part of the establishment, and to make some exertion to raise privates. The levy continued in this state until the beginning of this month, when I received the copy of a letter from colonel French to the inspector-general, accompanied with a memoranda from lieutenant-colo- nel Gordon, stating, that by colonel French's letter of service, " he was en- " titled to 90 serjeants, 90 corporals, " and 60 drummers, he should of course " be allowed to appoint them." No. 7. The day after I received those instructions quarter-master Fawcett call- ed, and shewed me colonel French's letter, the answer to this letter appears to be the one I have with your's of the 24th,) which letter stated the purport of his intended regulations, being 63 Ser- jeants for Ireland, and at the rate of 9 to each officer. Thus far quarter-master Fawcett's statement of my inattention to the letter is incorrect, for if my re- collection serves me it is nearly the words of it. I then mentioned to him 1 was ready to inspect such persons as were brought forward ; and was not sur- prised at the exertion to be allowed to complete the full establishment of ser- jeants, because they were got for a gui- nea or two boimty, but there did not ap- pear to be the same attention to get cor- porals and drummers, although in a few- instances did the bounty to them exceed six or eight guineas, and as to privates they scarcely appeared to be intended as" ISi any part of the levy. After this I added I should have supposed, if the intention actually was to raise privates, some great- er exertion ought to have been made, if it was no more than to shew a disposition to make good the engagement, and to ful- fil his Royal Highness's expectation of so considerable a levy, so as to induce him to continue it. But situated as I was, I felt it incumbent on me to say, that the whole tenor of the proceedings of the levy since I saw it, went to pro- cure persons to whom scarcely any boun- ty was issued, and where a bounty be- came necessary no steps were taken to produce them. As to the appointment of Serjeants, I had offers daily for these situations, without any expectation of bounty, and no charge of bounty had been incurred by the nomination of any of those attached to the recruiting de- partment, although they were all for general service. That at that moment there was an application on the table, for whom I had not an immediate vacan- cy ; the Quarter-master on this had the modesty to desire he might be transfer- red to him ; to which I sharply said-i— AA'hat, Sir, do you think I am to act as crimp for you, you call yourselves a corps, but in fact you are a levy without men, and the few you have got stand govern- ment in 1501. per man. We then ])art- ed, on my again reminding him to bring forward as soon as he could the remain- ing non-commissioned officers colonel Trench intended for Ireland, for the not doing so there was hardly any excuse, particularly as he was aware, that the age and standard for this levy were more fa- vourable than to the line, being at 35 years of age, and 5 feet 4 inches in height, whereas for the line and general service (except for the four yovmg regiments) it was at 30 years of age, and at 5 feet 5 inches in height. This statement is in fact the purport of my conversation with Quarter-master Fawcett, and is the subject of his private letter to colonel French, it passed at my office and in presence of the adjutant, and I think fully accounts for what he is pleased to call my sermon upon the Ser- jeants and the money, and it by no means denotes any hostility to his levy, but ratlier shews an anxious desire to pro- duce men to the service. In regard to the representation made by colonel French to his Royal Highness, of my most unaccountable and jjerseve- 1 ing hostiliy to his levy, and that I take every diligent step to render abortive his unremitted exertions to cary into ef- fect the intentions of his Royal Highness in g^'anting him a letter of service, I can safely say, that no act of mine has shew- ed a disposition to thwart his recruiting, but the contrary ; and if 1 was to have acted in strictness to my instructions, se- veral of the few men I have passed should have been dismissed merely ou account of colonel French's officers hold- ing out engagements to them as corporals and drummers, for the future disposal, that could not be made good ; and for asserting in their attestations a less boun- ty than they agreed for, wliich (on ac- count of their not being able to read) they knew nothing of until they came be- fore me. I do most solemnly declare the day of inspecting colonel Fi-ench's men, whenever it has hitherto happened, has been more a day for settling disputes be- tween them and tlie non-commissioned officers, than for passing of recruits. At several the colonel has been present, when it appeared that the agreements for inlisting were for a greater bounty than inserted in the attestation, and the engagements were to be transferred as corporals and drummers instead of as privates, consequently tlie inducemcnl to inllst for a less bounty is obvious. In repeated instances, from a wish to get men, I have prevailed upon them to agree to a transfer as privates, and at the same time signified to colonel French he should instruct his officers to prevent these continued disputes, some of which of a similar nature, since Ins absence, have been greater than before. In respect to tlie bounty paid to men raised in the country, tlie colonel's of- ficers are not satisfied with inducing- them to inllst at an under-rate of bounty, but in their payment of it they keep a run- ning account, and when they settle, the men have been charged with the pay given to them from their inlistment, as part of tile bounty. Colonel French is no stranger to this, and I believe in more than one instance, he has refunded the pay to the recruit, and said he would re- cover it from Ills officer. From these circumstances, I feel it ne- cessary to see the men and the publick done justice to, which I am convinced is the sole cause of the representation of my perseveringhostility to thelcvy. The certificate of the sums agreed to, and wrote on the back of several attestations, differing with what is originally inserted 182 in the front of them, will corroborate what I assert. 1 now beg- to mention as a matter of information, that since colonel's French's levy commenced in Ireland in July last, there has been 48 Serjeants approved of to the 19th inst. of whom 2 have desert- ed, 1 drowned, 1 promoted to be an of- ficer, 1 reduced by sentence of a court martial, and sent to the Isle of Wight as private ; 2 more reduced by sentence of a court martial, and being for hmited service, are supposed to have been dis- missed, not being- returned as privates, leaving 41 forlh-comingfor transferrable and limited service, but including the one sent from Ireland ; besides 25 corporals, of whom 1 has deserted, and 15 drum- mers. These are the whole that the levy has produced of every description ex- cept 27 privates and 2 boys, of whom 8 have deserted or have been taken up as deserters from other corps. Now as from the strength of the present number of persons to recruit (no less than 30 ex- clusive of officers) but — recruits are forthcoming, and not one returned since the 27th ult. it is scarcely possible to ex- pect much advantage, pai-ticularly as from the tenor of the contract there is no obligation to make it good. Should the whole of colonel French's non-commissioned officers be nominated and his engagements with them be ef- fected on the same terms as hithei-to, the advantage can be easily ascertained, Avhen the paj^ers before me shew, that the average bounty to each serjeant is under 2 guineas, to each corporal 7 gui- neas, and each drummer 6 guineas ; con- sequently when the harvest is reaped by the appointment of the non-commission- ed officers, there can be little reason to suppose from what has been done, that the proper exertions to obtain privates will afterwards be used. I cannot close this statement in reply to colonel French's representation, without observing, that no bounty is advanced to such recruits as arc raised in Dublin, un- til they are finally passed ; and unless ac- cidentlyseen when under surgical exam- ination, they are not noticed by any of the secruiting staff ; and it has happened re- peatedly, that quarter-master Fawcetthas stated (as sooii as the men are passed and completely offtherisk of colonel French's people)he was certain that particular men ■would desert, and with a sneer recommen- ded me to keep a vralch upon them ; se- veral of his pointing out have desertedr and others have been taken up the very i I same evening or next day, when our peo- ■' pie had time to examine. In one instance I have strong reaSon to believe (though without proof) that he knew the fellow to « be a deserter when he was brought for- W ward. r! The reports of irregul.ir proceedings in the country are numerous, ofoneinpar- ticvUar, I inclose the magistrate's repre- 4 sentation. The lad was brought to Dublin J^ as stated by the magistrate in No. 5, and was surgically rejected, and dismissed be- fore I received the letter, consequently I was not enabled to make the proper in- quir}^ In short the complaints are fre- quent, and I can aver, that notwith- standing the multiplicity of recruiting . which has been going on in Ireland since June last (to the extent of more than 5000 men that have been raised) and some of it with the strongest inducement to raise men by eveiy means possible, yet I have had fewer personal differences to settle between officers and their reeruits, than I have had with colonel French's levy. However feasible colonel French may have imagined it might be to raise 5000 men, when he gave in his proposals to his Royal Highness, he now sees the im- practicability of it, therefore must attach a cause for its fkilure somewhere. If; however, there is a cause for its not suc- ceeding in Ireland, he should affix it to the avarice of his own people ; for the bounty to the — recruits is but II3 gui- neas on the average to each ; how there-? fore is it possible for them to get men, even with every knowledge of the art of recruiting, when every officer around them are given 16 guineas, and to which is added the inducement of promotion and personal influence ; notwitlistanding which, many of these gentlemen have failed. I trust you will excuse the unrea.son- able length of this letter, but tlie very strong and unwarrantable representation of colonel French against my conduct, renders it requisite to make this state- ment in vindication of it, which I beg Lord Cathcart will have the goodness to represent to the Commander in Chief. At the same time I can declare, th.at since the first moment his Royal High- ness was graciously pleased to appoint me Deputy Inspector General for Ire- land, every thought and ^ct has been 183 zealously exerted to fulfil the trust repo- sed in nie, and to promote tlie service, which I believe not only tlie late inspec- tor g-eneral will testify, as will I trust the present one, froin his knowledge of my proceeding's since his appointment. I have the honour to remain, Sir, Your most obedient, and faithful humble servant, l.ieut. Col. Kirkman, .Tames Taylor. &c. &c. &,c. IJr. Genl. D. I. G. (Enclosure 2. — No. 1, with Two Enclo- sures ) (Copy.) Sir, Army Depot, 11th Maj-, ISO-t. I have recei\ ed the inspector g-cncral's directions to transmit for your informa- tion and guidance, the enclosed copy of a letter * from Francis Moore, esq. with the copy of a letter of service f grant- ed to lieutenant colonel French, of tlie late 102d foot, and captain Sandon of the royal waggon train, authorizing them to raise 5,000 general service recruits, in any part of the United Kingdom, to be finally passed at the following depots : at Dublin, under your or- ders ; at Edinburgh, under the orders of colonel Scott, deputy inspector gen- oral for North Britain ; and at the Isle of Wight, under the inspector g"en- cral. Lieutenant general Hewitt de- sires me at the same time to request you will be particularly cautious in re- gard to deserters, and not pass any man whom you may have reason to suspect ns such. The lads and boys are to be invaria- bly sent to this depot in such numbers and by such means as you may judge most advisable, and in forwarding them hither you will use every precaution to prevent their passing for the ordinary general service recruits. You will for- ward separate weekly retin-ns of this corps, which will regulate the inspector general in his directions for the dispo- sal of the men which may be approved of by you. I have the honour, £;c. Sec. Sec' (Signed) Jxo.Jas. Barlow, Colonel Taylor, Lt. Col. D. I. G. &c. &c. &c. Dublin. (Copy.) Sir, War-Office, 4th May, 1804. I have the secretary at war's direc- tions to enclose herewith, for your infer- raation, a copy of a letter of service, au- thorising lieutenant colonel French, and captain Sandon to raise 5,000 men for his Majesty's service.* Yoti will be pleased to cause clothing for the efiectivc non-commissioned oili- cers and drummers employed in carry- ing on this levy, to be supplied from the litoi'es of tlie army of reserve. I have the honour to be, 5:c. Sec. Sec. (Signed) F. Mooke. Lieut. General Hewitt, &c. he. &.C. (Copy.) War-Office, April 30th, 1804. Gentlemen, I have the honour to acquaint you, his Majesty has been pleased to approve of your raising five thousand men, to be turned over to the regiments of the line in his jXIajesty's service, upon the follow- ing conditions : The recruits are to be engaged with- out limitation as to the time and place of service . You will allow thirteen guineas lew- money for each recruit finally approved at one of the following depots, (viz.) The Isle of AVight, Dublin, and Edin- burgh, out of which levy-money, a sum equal to what may be ii.xed by the tg- cruiting instructions in force at the time, is to be appropriated to furnish the recruits with necessaries on their final approval, exclusive of the actual sum wliich may have been received by the recruit. The subsistence of tlie recruits, the extra allowance to inn-keepers, the al- lowance for beer, .and any other daily charge, will only be allowed to coni- nience from the date of approval of each recruit, but with a view to cover any extra expense that you may incur by the men being enlisted a considerable time before their approval, you will be allowed to enlist ten boys in every hun- dred recruits, for whom you will receive the same bounty and allowance as for men. The men and boys respectively are to May 4, 1804. April 30, 1804 April 30. ;^4 be of 0*t a^ ami size diircsed bj the gemtnl lecnutiag lastrucuons of 1^ No ckar^ for slop ckitlunir tor the ■OB-connissioned officers or recruits wiD be admitted ; as on approval, tbe latter vill be clotbed at the dero>;s, bj the regiraents to vUch they sh:iU be at mmcc attached. No Iiiteniiediate ^ ywwa l ot* recruits is to tale place, and consequendv, neither bovBty, subsistence, dot any other chai^ ^~ill be alloved for such as shall be re- jected at the sereral d^wts. Eicli necniii oB a{^aoTaI at the depot L- : • 5:— a certificate, that he recaved tl>e ftili bounty promised bin. Tou viU be aJIoTed to appoint 90 ser- jes.nt>. Oil ct»ponls, and 60 drummers, '? ~ - - ? ". he previously approved by an H-c;.. g^ fi^d officer of a recnud^ disuict- The dramiaers are to he of the age aad standafrd of boys as specilied in the recraitii^ instractieas. The subsistence of the abore men- tioaed naiMomiiussiaacd officers aad drumners, is to conffiieace fioen the dales of their actual appointmcnl as such. Half of thera, if fisaDy approred at tbe depots, are to be reckoned as part <~>f the coapleatent of the five hundred r-ecTuits for your levy, and the remaLader as part of tibe first thousand. The c(»porals and drummers are to he sivea to understand, thai they are liable to be drafted as privates inio the okl regiments. The Thole of the noD-coaimissioacd officers and drummo^ must, in the first THStanre, be inlisted aad s.tie5ted as privaftes, and their attestauons trans- XQitted to this office inunedlatehr oa ap- provaL a this bead to this office. 14 howero', any of the commisstooed oSfDcrs should lie on foil pay m the ex- ists^ regiments, the district payaiastKs will ^aw fiff the pay of sock officers on their respec ti ve r^imeatal agents, ta till ■1111 I for thai of other ofikers emphr^ on the recmitin^ service. In cottsm n cnce of 4bs arraagemeata it is pvesiMed that yonr advaaoes on ^**m m » i of the levy wiU be so iacoaadaahle. a& scarcdy to require any imprest of money into your hands, m the first instance; but lif VIM should fiad some asastamce ahsolutelv aecessu^. there viU be no 18; objection to your rpcclvin£if a moderate sum on account, g'iving- security for the immediate repayment thereof when de- sired. It is to be clearly understood, that povernment resai-ves to itself the disci-c- tion of tUscontinuing- the levy enlirelv, in case 4000 men are not raised aiid passed within nine months from the date of this letter, or in case the whole 5000 men are not Tals^ and passed within thirteen months from the same date. In execution of this service, I am to assure you of every assistance that this office can aflbrd. I have, &:r. CSi.cned) C. Bragce. Colonel French, of tlie late 102d foot. Captain Saii- don of the Koyal ^Vag•g-on 'i'rain. (Copy.) Sir, Inspector -General's Office, loth Mav, 1804. (ropy.) f.iiclosure, 3.— Xo. 2, with Three En- closures.) Army Depot, 19th May, 1804. Sir, In addition to my letter of the 11th in- -<;tant, I am directed by the inspector gen- eral to forward, for your information and guidance, a copy of' a letter* which has been written to colonel French, relative to the carrying on the recruit inc^ duty of his levy, and to desire you will "be pleas- ''d to act in conformity' to the direction therein given. I also e'nclose you a state- mentf given in by colonel French to his Royal Highness the Commander in Chief, together with a copy of a letterf from the inspector general to colonel Clinton, giv- ing his opinion on the subject, which vou will pay every attention to on your" in- spection of the recruits enlisted for this levy. (Signed) Jno. Jas. Barlow, ^ , , Lt. Col. D. I. G. Colonel Taylor, Deputy Inspector eenexal, &c. S;c. &c. ♦ May 13, 1804. I Colonel French to II, K. II. ± May 9, 1804 I have the honour to submit your let- ter of the iCth instant to the inspectoi- gencral, and have received his directions to say in answer, that for each of the recruits approved at the Edinburgh and Isle of Wiglit depots, there v>-in be no objection for the paj-masters there t<» give your agent in Lo'ndon drafts for the amount of tlieir levy on the general agent, Mr. Ridge ; but in regard to Ire- land, the same mode of payment cannot be adopted, as it involves" the subject of exchange, by the same means how- ever mav any agent of yours in that part of the Unital Kingdombe paid by drafts on the general agent in Dublin 4 witli respect to the drummers, the inspector general cannot s.anction your proposed deviation from the recruiting instnic- tions, although you may look to bovs for tiiat employment, the service w'ilT want them eventually for soldiers, an^l w ith that view must their approval take place. It will be necessary for you to transmit to the inspector-general, on jour commencing the recruiting icnic., a list of such persons as you think pit^- per to employ as commanding officers of your several parties, as well as the non- commissioned ofilcers to each, and name of tlie place to which you propose send- ing them, that proper notice may b- given to the inspecting field officer 01 each district ; and .althougli with ro.spec to subsistence, periods for marcliin..;- recruits to the depots, an intermedials approval, your letter of service is a.'i exception to the general recruiting re gulations, yet in all other respects your p.artles are to conform strictly thereto and whenever you may judge it expe dient to change tlie situation of you* parties, the inspecting field officc'r or the district from whence they remove, as well as that to which tlie'y may be' long, is to be made acquainted there- with previous to such removal ; I there- fore enclose for your informatirn, a hi,t of the deputy inspector-generals, and several inspecting field officers, the lim- its of their districts, and the head quar- ters at which they respectively reside. I need not point out to you the nccessitv of the most scrupulous attention to the se- veral rules laid dowu in his Koval Ilisiv idki r.css tlie CoMimandcr in Chirr's regula- tions, and how necessary it will be for you to ii>si3t on the most punctual atten- tion on the part of the several officers acting under your orders, to the fair and full adjustment of all accounts between their parties and recruits ; that his IVla- jestv's orders, particularly respecting- tlie money to be advanced at the time of eiilisLmcnt, be most scrupulously attend- ed to ; the recruit may be made fully acquainted v/ith the nature of his en- gagement, that the attestation may ho siiyned not only by the mag-istrate and the recruit, but by the oflicer who may command the party, and all in tlic pre- sence of each other ; that tlic attestation may be regularly transmitted with tlic recruit to the depot he goes to for in- spection, and that it be free from era- sures of every kind, and the sum paid, with the day of the month and year, be t-'xprcssed in words and not in figures ; any neglect on these points will be con- sidered as invalidating tlie engagement, iind the man will he discharged without admitting any expense to the public. I have only to add, that although the in- specting field officers have nothing to do with the approval of yoiu' recruits, itis^ point of the greatest importance, and which must be rigidly adopted, that no recruit enlisted at the head quarters of a recruiting district, shall march away ■without liavlng been seen by the inspect- irrg field officer there stationed, and most particularly in the metropolis, where frauds are more easily practised than any where else. Lieutenant-colonel Robin- son will inform you of the most conven- ient time for presenting your recruits to him accordingly. I have the honour to be, Lc. Sec. Sec. (Signed) r. C.VREY, Colonel French, A. I. late 102d Foot. fCopy.) Colonel French presumes to state to Iiis Royal Highness the Commander m Chief, that lie has received from tlic War-Office, his letter of service in favour of captain Sa.idon and himself, but under such circumstances of discouragement, and so very different from those accept- ed by him which he had the honour to receive by order of his Royal Highness, from colonel Clinton, that he feels him- self urged to make this appeal to hh Royal Highness. " From the weight of the undertaking, and the exertions re- quired in obtaining recruits vmdcr the present circumstances, colonel French rests satisfied his Royal Highness's good- ness will afford him every aid consistent with justice to the public; his only re- quest indeed now in, that the letter of service may remain as was understood by colonel Clinton's proposals ; one principal result arisiiig from the newly introduced arrangeincnts into the letter of service, will be that of placing colonel French in a capacity apparently more civil than military, by which that spe- cies of inflviencc and consequence is ta- ken from him which is ever necessary to command obedience and stimulate exer- tion ; besides colonel French trusts his Royal Highness will pardon him in ex- pressing, that he cannot bvit feel hurt at being placed in a situation of such little confidence, as the letter of service in its present state assigns hun. I5y this new arrangement, in the fir.st place, the non- commissioned officers and drummers are in a manner taken out of his hands, and subsisted liy the paymasters of the re- cruiting districts, in which they shall i-espectively be stationed ; his Royal Highness must be well aware that the non-commissioned officers and drummers arc to be looked for in various places and in distant parts, that they must frequently (according to circumstances) be march- ing in different directions,and often chang- ed, particularly the corporals to go as pri- vates. In short, the various inconvenien- ces of this plan, colonel French feels fully sensible, cannot but tend most seriously to cripple and embarrass the operations of the levy. la the second place, the allowance of thirteen guineas for each approved recruit is to be paid, on the approval, by the paymaster residing in the district. Colonel French always conceived himself (and he hopes he will in this meet the ideas of his Royal High- ness) invested witli discretionary powers, in order to attain tlie end in view ; for instance, to those who recruit in the neighbourhood of the depots, the risk being' less, the levy will be so in propor- tion to those at a distance, more than the levy will be allowed. In short, the plan of colonel French is, that tliis fund should be distributed according to the calculated risks, distances, and other various operating causes of the different recruiting parties. By this mcan^ all 187 win have an eqtial interest in carrying the levy into effect, and the same spirit will be exerted at the greatest distance as near the depots. Colonel French, conceiving himself indebted to his Royal .Highness for the preference given him on this occasion, cannot but be highly interested in carrying the undertaking through in a manner to give satisfaction to his Royal Highness ; the accommoda- tion and convenience of an agent to ofliccs engaged in so extensive a plan, must be obvious. If what colonel French here has the honour to submit to his Royal Highness appears equally ceconomi- cal to the public purse, though more simple, and equally safe in every point of view, he trusts (as it will be so much for the benefit of the levy) his Royal High- oess will favourably consider it ; the ex- pense to Government is the same, the mode is only submitted to be changed. By the terms held out by colonel Clin- ton, and accepted, it was understood that an issue would be granted by government to the agent of the corps, and that the bounty to the recruits and subsistence to the non-commissioned officers and drum- mers, would be entrusted to the chiefs of the levy. It is submitted, that the risk, on the score of the issue of money, cannot be great, when the accounts are to be settled at the completion of each 500 men. Besides the commissions of col- onel French and captain Sandon are re- sponsible, as also the two extra guineas, which are not to be credited until the final passing of each 500 men. It is therefore submitted that an issue of money should be granted, in the first in- stance, to enable the levy to proceed. That at the final passing of each 500 men, a full settlement with the public is to take place, and the extra two guineas are to be reserved until such final settle- ment has taken place, and further security to be given if thought necessary. The attestations of the Serjeants and drummers, upon final approval, are to be transmitted to the war-office, and that the non-commissioned officers and drum- mers are to be subsisted by the chiefs of the levy. That the chiefs of the levy, as being responsible for the payment of the boun- ties promised each recruit, are to be al- lowed to charge the levy money, being thirteen guineas, in their periodical set- tlements, but are onlv to be allowed for 25 such as are certified and approved by the inspectors of the respective depots, which certificates are to be produced as vouchers to their charges. (Signed) J. French, Col. late lOSdFoot. And on the part of Captain Sandon. (Copy.) Inspector General's Office, 9th May, 1804. If my construction of the letter of service granted to colonel French be cor- rect, he misconceives materially the inten- tions of the Secretary at War, and has no grounds for complaining of embar- rassments, or for demanding any pecuniary assistance. The thirteen guineas allowed for each of his recruits are, I conceive, to be paid to his accredited agents at the different depots, immediately upon the recruit's approval. The distribution of that sum rests solely with colonel French, the Inspector General having only to be satisfied that the recruit receives what he engages for, of course by this mods of settlement the principals in the levy can be very little in advance, and that only for the recruits first raised, as the difference between the thirteen guineas and the bounty paid will go in aid of further recruiting, and of all the branches of the establishment, and this assistance it is obvious must increase with the projects of the levy. If it be intended to permit the recruit- ing parties to move about at pleasure without the knowledge or concurrence of the inspecting field offioer or recruiting districts, then indeed colonel French has some cause to object to the mode of pay- ing his non-commissioned officers pointed out by the war office ; but as no such in- tention is supposed to exist, and that the same restrictions which it was judged ex- pedient fo put upon the late levy raised by captain Nugent, will apply equally to this, no inconvenience can arise from the pay- ment proposed, more particularly as the payment of recruiting parties always take place a month in advance ; but the detail of this, as well as other matters, will be given to colonel French whenever he re- ports himself to you. (Signed) G, H. Col. Clinton. 188 (Circular.) (Enclosure 4. — No. 3.) Army Depot, 14th June, 1804. Sir, 1 am directed by the Injpector General to transmit herewith copies of letters from colonel Clinton and Francis Moore, Esq. respecting the intermediate approval of the non-commissioned officers and drum- mers of colonel French's levy, and to de- sire you will pay every attention thereto. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant, (Signed) J. J. BARtow, Lt. Col. D. I. G. Colonel Taylor, Deputy Inspector General of the Recruiting Service, Dublin. (Copy.) Horse Guards, 11th June, 1804. Sir, I am directed by the Commander in Chief, to transmit you the enclosed copy of a letter from the Deputy Secretary at War on the subject of inspecting the non- commissioned officers and drummers of colonel French's levy ; and as his Royal Highness concurs in opinion with the Secretary at War, as to the propriety of an early inspection of tliese men, his Royal Highness desires that you will be pleased to give the necessary directions according- ly, communicating at the same time to colonel French the Commander in Chief's pleasure on this head. I have the honour to be. Sir, Your most obedient humble servant, (Signed) W. H, Clinton. Lieut. General Hewitt, &c. &c. &c. (Copy.) War Office, 9th June, 1 804. Sir, In answer to your letter of the 3Ist ultimo, I am directed to submit, for the consideration of H. R. H. the Commander in Chief, that, as according to the present recruiting system, recruits are to be brought before the inspecting Field Offi- cers in the several districts, for approval, within as short a time as possible after their aucjtment, the Secretary at War thinks It highly proper that the same rule should be extended to the persons appointed non-commissioucd officers and drummers in colonel French's levy, and that they should be produced for inspec- tion within one month of the dates of their attestations, in which case, if approved, Mr. . undas would not object to allow them back-pay. I have, &c. &c. &c. (Signed) F. MooiiE. Colonel Clinton, &c. &c. &c. (Enclosure 5.— No. 4) Form of certificate given by men inlisted for colonel French's levy. I do acknowledge that I have inlisted in colonel French's levy, for general service, for the county of Pounds shillings and pence ; and that I have received the whole of this bounty according to my agreement, except the sum of two pounds five shil- lings and sixpence, which is to be re- served for the purpose of supplying me with necessaries on joining such battalion as I shall be appointed to, on my arrival at the army depot in the Isle of Wight, Dated this day of 180 Witness. [Enclosure 6.— No. 5.] (Copy.) Sir, I beg leave to lay before you the fol- lowing case, and make no doubt you will liave the goodness to enquire into it. A boy of the name of Christopher Lanheran, inlisted with a party under the command of captain Adam Robinson ; he was brought to me to be attested on the 11 th instant ; two days after being inlisted, he refused to attest, wishing to be set at lib- erty ; his friends lodged the smart money with me, and returned the inhsting money as directed by the recruiting act, and I sent the boy home to his friends. On Monday last the 24th instant, cap- tain Robinson sent his party and took the boy into custody, and has forwarded him to Dublin, his friends| inform me, without his consent or approbation ; if 189 on ciifjuiry you fnul the above stalcmcnl con-cct, you will please to order the boy to be set at liberty ; on the other hand, should it appear that the boy is willing' to serve his Majesty, tlicn I will return the smart money to his friends. I have the honour to be, &c. &c. &c. James Isi.es, Sovereign. Armagh, Sept. 27th, 1804. his Royal Highness the commander in Chief has been pleased to approve of the. age of men inlisted for colonel French's li;vy being extended to 35 years of age ; you will be ])leased to communicate the above to the I. F. O. under your order. s. (Signed) J. J. Barlow, Lt. Col. I). I. r. Brig. General Taylor, Sec. &c. 8cc. Dublin. (Enclosure 7.-^No. 6.) Memorandum : Copy of an order from the Inspector Ge- neral, being a transcript from one re- ceived from tile Horse Guards. Horse Guards, 10th Nov. 1804. " His Royal Highness has been pleased *' to approve of the standard for colonel "French's levy being lowered to five feet *' four inches for men, and five feet three " inches for lads, but no altcretion is to " take place as to the age of recruits, nor " any on the standard for boys inlisted by "him." Sir, Horse Guards, 22d Nov. 1804. *' By direction of the Commander In " Chief, I have the honour to transmit ** hcrewitli, a representation from colonel " French, and to acquaint you, that "in consequence of what is therein sta- " ted, his Royal Highness has been plea- " sed to approve of the limitation with " respect to the age of men inlisted for " this levy, being extended to tliirty-five "years, which you will be pleased to "communicate to the inspecting field " officers accordingly. " With respect to the standard of boys " inlisted for this levy, his Royal High- " ness does not approve of any alteration "taking place." (Signed) ,T. W. Gordon. Major-Gen. Whltelock, &c. kc. &c. Army Depot, Isle of Wlglit, Sir, 26th Nov. 1804. I am directed by the Inspector Gene- ral to transmit, for your information and guidance, the enclosed copy of a letter from licut. col. Gordon, stating, that (Enclosure 8. — No. Y.) (Copy.) Memorandum from Lieutenant Col. Gor- don to Major General Whitclockc, dated 29th Oct. 1804. Colonel French by his letter of ser- vice, is entitled to 90 Serjeants, 90 corpo- rals, and 60 drummers, and should of course be allowed to appoint them. J.W. G. (Copy.) Colonel Barton, ' 29th Dec, Will you make the necessary commu- nication to B. Gen. Taylor and Colonel Frencli. A. B. London, Cecil-street Cofl'ce-housc, Strand, (Copv.) Dec. 18tli, 1804. Sir, Having done myself the honour (for the purpose of p-uying my respects to you) of calling at your office a few days ago, I was recommended by Major Brow nc to state upon paper for your consideration, •those points, in the letter of service granted to captain Sandon and mc, upon which the Deputy Inspector General in Ireland and I form diHorcnt constructions. One of the chief points in which Icon ceive the Deputy Inspector has misap- prehended the terms of the letter of ser- vice is that wliich relates to the distri- bution of the non-commissioned officers. On this subject I had a correspondence with him some months ago (for as early as in August last I was directed by him not to recruit any more Serjeants wh.il - ever, though the levy had then but about. 26 in Ireland, and still fiswer in England and Scotland) and a reference was made on the occasion by each party to Lieut General Hewitt. I had not the honour of an answer from the Inspector tJencr.al : but, from what Brigadier General Taylor expressed to me afterwards, previous to my leaving Ireland, I conceived he y,».?. 190 satistied with the correctness of my con- struction, and I hoped at length the levy, on that )icad at least, though so very late, would receive no further impediment. It is therefore with surprize I have learn- ed that brig-adicr Taylor, since my leavin,^ Ireland will not allow more than 45 Serjeants to appear upon the pay-lists of the levy in that country. Wlien you, sir, have the goodness to take the trouble of looking- over this letter of service, I feel full)' confident you will be satisfied B. Gen. Taylor has not maturely consi- dered, or at least has misconceived, the terms of it Not to intrude too much upon your time I shall take the liberty merely to state, that the letter of service allows ten recruitinsj oiiicers and ninety Serjeants ; the proportion therefore is, that of nine Serjeants to each officer. Seven recruiting- officers are stationed in Ireland of course therefore, by this calculation there should be 63 Serjeants in Ireland. Upon what date the Deputy Inspector General founds his conclusion I am at a loss to conjecture, unless it is from the circumstance of my having informed Lieut. Col. Williamson, at the commence- ment of the levy, that I should require 45 Serjeants' suits of clothing, Scc.for Ireland, which brig. gen. Taylor was directed to supply me with. My original intention was, to have employed in Ireland only five officers and 45 Serjeants, but vei-y shortly after (for well considered reasons) this plan was changed, and seven officers were placed on that service (who were duly notified to the inspector general, and are there now) of course more non-com-' missioned officers became necessary, and I wrote to my colleague, Capt. Sandon, in London, and the resident officer in Scot- land, to send over additional clothing, which was done. I have no doubt on my mind but it will appear to you, that the terms of the letter of service do not by any means assign any stated propor- tion of non-commissioned officers to any particular part or district of the United Empire ; but that this point is left to tlie discretion of the chiefs of the levy, under the usual restrictions of the General Tlccruiting Instructions, as far as they ap- ply. Their number is limited : the means of every undertaking should be adequate to theend. Ninetyserjcantswerejudged necessary for this levy, and the propor- tion for Ireland ; by far the major part has hitherto been suspended by Brig. Gen. Taylor, to the almost incalculable Injury of the undertaking-. These cir- cumstances I had the honour, month* ago, forcibly to state to him. On my arrival in Ireland in June last, various persons offered their services to recruit for me ; among others were the offiirs of Mr. John O'Reiley, late Lieute- nant in the 60th Foot. As I knew this gentleman to have been an active re- cruiting officer, and to have considerable influence in his country, it was natural I shoidd wish for liis services. Other levies, as at present, were then recruit- ing in Ireland, and I informed myself how they acted on such occasions, and found they employed various jjcrsons to recruit, who sent forward their men through the medium of the officer of the levy recruiting in the district. Mr. O'Kciley, in order to qualify himself, consented to be attested, wliich was done in my presence ; which circumstance, by him, when called upon, was explain- ed to Brig. Taylor, who has likewise seen his attestation. Essential service has been derived to the levy from this person, he was under the charg-c of ail officer of the levy^ Quarter-master Short, in the. Athlone district. B]-igadier Gen. Taylor has deprived this man of his beating order, while other persons un- der similar circumstances, recruiting for other levies, are allowed to hold theirs. He drew no pay from the public , and was therefore not included in the pay- lists, in like manner as others recruiting for the other levies. As the other levies did not report persons of this description, I followed the same rule ; but if the De- puty Inspector wishes such to be reported to him as regularly as those included in the pay-lists, and upon the strength of the levy, it can be done. I need not mention to you. Sir, that one active recruiter is frequently of more service than lialfa dozen others, and Mr. O'Reiley is that sort of man ; under all these cir- cumstances, I trust it will appear to you, and to the Deputy Inspector General in Ireland, that I studied the good of the service in employing Mr. O'Reiley, and I hope he may be continued. Your having the goodness to communicate your sen- timents on the points here laid before you, must tend in a great measure to do away the heavy impediments this levy has had to contend with in Ireland, which, if continued, must prove fatal t« its success. I have, &c. &c. &c. (Signed) J. French, Colonel. General Whitelock, SiC. Sec. 5cc. 191 (Copy.) (Enclosure 9.-- ffo. 8.) Inspector-General's Office, 54, Spring- Sir, Gardens, May 22, 1804. I am directed by Lieutenant General Hewitt to acquaint you, that a colonel French has engaged with government to raise a certain number of men, and, as he purposes, to send to or raise in Ireland 45 Serjeants, 45 corporals, and 30 drum- mers. The general desires they may be cloth- ed from the reserve clothing you may have in store, but if you have not suffi- cient, to direct clothing to be made up, viz. for each serjeant, corporal, and drummer, a cap and plume, jacket, waist- coat, breeclics, and long gaiters. The jackets of the Serjeants and corporals to have bright yellow cufi's and capes, the usual lace, and plain white buttons. For colonel French's parties in Eng- land, reserve clotliing has been issued for the drummers without any alteration. (Signed) Geo. Williamson, Colonel Taylor, Superint. of clothing &c. &.C. Lc. li. A. of reserve. (Enclosure 10. — No. 9. Extract of a Letter from Brigadier Gen- eral Taylor to the Inspector General ; dated Dublin, 15th November, 1804. " Enclosed, is a beating order issued by colonel French, to a person of the name of John O'Rielly, which I have been under the necessity of withdrawing, in consequence of the engagements with the recruits brought forward as corporals being contrary to the instructions, inas- much as holding out to them that when they are to b© drafted, they are to go as corporals instead of privates, whereby they are induced to inlist for live, six, or eight guineas, instead of what they would have to agree for as privates. But ex- clusive of this reason for stopping this man's recruiting, it does not appear that he is on the returns or books of colonel French, neither does any officer belong- ing to his levy in Dublin, or his clei'k, know that he is attested, although he says that he has been inlisted by colonel French, and that he was formerly a lieu- tenant in the 4th battalion of the 60th rcgimenl ." No. 18. (One Enclosure.) Copy of a Letter from Colonel Gordon to Mr. Kirkman. Horse Guards, 20th February, 1805 Sir, 1 have received and laid before the Commander in Chief your letter of the 8th instant, transmitting, by direction of lieutenant-general lord Cathcart, briga- dier-general Taylor's report, with the accompanying papers relative to the complaint pi'eferrcd by colonel French against the brigadier-general ; and I am commanded to communicate to you, for the information of lieutenant general lord Cathcart, that the explanation* of the brigadiei'-general is satisfactory, in as far as it clearly proves that the motives from which he acted were a laudable zeal for his Majesty's service, and an anxious desire to discharge faithfully the duties of his office ; but it certainly ap- pears that a premature judgment had been formed on the probable success of the exertions of colonel French, and that the terms of that officer's letter of ser- vice were not allowed him. I am further commanded to transmit to you a copy of a letter which the Commander in Chict has instructed the inspector general to write to colonel French ; and should it hereafter appear, that with every reason- able facility colonel French should fail iit the engagement he has imdertaken, it is the intention of his Royal Highness to communicate to that officer that his levy shall be discontinued. I have, &c. (Signed) J. W. Gordok. J. Kirkman, esq. &c. &c. &c. (Copy.) (Enclosiu-e.) Inspcctor.Gencral's Office, London, 2d February, 1805. [_PariIy to be returned to Mr. Dighton.'l Sir, The Commander in Chief having ob- served the vei-y little progress that has been made in the recruiting of the levy under your command, and having taken into his consideration the very great ex- pence incurred for the pay and subsis- tence of the officers and non-commis- sioned officers employed upon that ser- • 2d February, 1805, 192 vice, I am cominanded to acquaint you, that, unless a very considerable increase shall take place in the numbers recruited prior to the first of April next, liis Royal Highness will feel himself under the ne- cessity of recommending to his Majesty to discontinue a levy so unproductive. I have, &c. (Signed) John Whitelocke, Colonel French, Inspector General. &c. &.C. &:c. No. 19. M. Gen. Whitelocke. C Agreed to. J Army Depot, 14th April, 1805. Sir, In addition to a return of the progress made in the recruiting of the levy under tlie direction of colonel French and cap- tain Sandon to the 24th January last, 1 have now the honour to transmit a return of its increase since that period ; and congidering the very great expense incurred fo'r the subsistence of the offi- cers and non-commissioned officers em- ployed on this service, as well as the dis- graceful conduct of the latter, as repre- sented in the enclosed letter from the in- specting field officer of the London dis- trict, I feel it my duty to submit to the consideration of his Royal Highness the Commander in Chief the propriety of dis- continuing a levy so burthensome in point of expense to the public, and so very un- productive in its effiict. I have the honour to be. Sir, Your most obedient humble servant, John Whitelocke, Inspector General. Lie\it.-Col. Gordon, &c. &c. Sic. Horse Guards. P. S. His Royal Highness will recol- lect having commanded me to communi- cate to colonel French, that unless a very considerable increase should take place in the numbers recruited for this levy by the 1st April (instant), his Royal High- ness would feel himself under the neces- sity of recommiending to his Majesty its discontinuance. (Enclosure 1.) Increase of Col. Fkench's Levy, since Return transmitted 24th Jan. 1805. Army Depot, 12th April, 1804. Aftei Approval. With the Parties. Permanent included in the Number Inlisted. 1 u o '6 Q o in Q CJ S 'ci O V w o 'a? 0) 'S en C ei &) 3 en ^^ o a. u o o e e u Q tn 'B u « o a, B V H 92 — 11 — 9 35 12 11 5 — 9 2 193' N.B. By letter of service, dated 30th April, ISO^, tliis levy was to have raised 5000 men within 13 monthsj and it lias only produced 219 in 12 months. J. Whitelocke, Inspector General. (Enclosure 2.) 12, King's Row, April 11th, 1805. Sir, I am under a necessity of making a formal complaint a^'ainst the whole of the temporary scrjcants of col. French's lev ; their conduct is in every respect so infamous and disgraceful to the service, tliat I cannot too strongly urge their be- ing discharged, or at least sent out of the London district'. In addition to n. variety of ci-imes and irregularities, they are now busily employed in crimping for other corps, and most particularly for the additional force ; the impositions daily practised by them upon the public call loudly for redress, and I believe the severest punishment that cor.ld be at present inflicted on them, would be de- priving them of the p.-iy and emoluments of Serjeants. I have the honour to be. Sir, Your obedient humble servant, F. P. Robinson, I. f . O. The Inspector-General of the Recruiting Service. No. 20. Copy of a letter from the Commander in Chief to the Secretary at War. Horse Guards, 16th April, 1805. Sir, As it appears by the returns of colonel "French and captain Sandon's joint levy, tliat it is not by any means so produc- tive as might have been expected ; and as the Inspector General of tlie recruiting service has represented, that the con- duct of the whole of the temporary Ser- jeants of that levy, now resident irt the liOndon district, is highly. improper and detrimental to the service, I have re. commended to his Majesty, and his Ma- jesty has been graciously pleased to ap- prove of this levy being forthwith dis- continued, agreeable to a clause in the letter of service to that effect, and I have therefore to request, that the neces- sary Information may be given to colo- nel P'rench and captain Sandon accord- ingly. 1 have ordered communications to be m.ade to the Commander of the forces in Ireland, and to the Inspector-General of the recruiting service, on the subject. I am, &:c. (Signed) Frederick. The Right Hon. the Secretary at War, &c. 5cc. &c. No. 21. C. /.. Ifis Jfoi/nl Highnesn cannot give ami fur- ther encouragement to tfie prosecution of a Icvij which has turned out so u/i- projitablc to the public service. Colonel French and captain Sandon beg leave to submit to the consideration of his Royal Highness the Commander in Chief, the following modifications and alterations to take place in their letter of service. They shall not trouble his Royal Highness with details of difficulties they have had to encounter, and of losses and heavy expenses sustained, nor with state- incnts to prove that their exertions have by no means been deficient. They mere- ly beg to observe, that there are .at pre- sent about 40 recruiting parties of the line in Ireland, who send their recruits to the Dublin depot. • These parties are of course composed of 40 officers, &c. and these parties they are well informed» do not in the aggregate send forward more than betweea forty and fifty recruits per month, whereas their levy, with oidy seven recruiting officers, in the months of February and March last, finally passed 80 recruits. The same holds good with respect to Scotland, and they may ven- ture to say equally so in England. They trust his Royal Highness will have the goodness to excuse these few remarks. One important difficulty which they have had to encounter in England they trust will have its weight with his Jtoyal Highness. !t has not been in their 194 power, to this day, by any means yet es- sayed, to obtain one sixpence of tlie levy money (19 guineas per man) of 85 re- cruits finally passed at the Isle of Wight : the wciglit of so heavy and accumulating- a sum could not but embarrass and crip- j>le their exertions. As they conceive the chief objection, which has been ascribed to their levy, to be its extensive establishment and con- sequent expense, to obviate altogether such objection, they have the lionour to submit the enclosed mollifications and alterations, and hope his Royal Highness vill be pleased to allow them to continue tlieir exertions for such further term as his lloyal Highness may tliink proper ; and they feel confident in such case, that their levy will prove higldy beneficial to the recruiting service, at the same tini« that its establishment will be founded upon the most economical principles. J. I'^iENCii, Colonel. H- Sandon, Captain. TiOnilon, Cecil-Street Coftce-house, Strand, April 20, 1805. Modifications and Ai.tf.r.vtioxs proposed for Colonel . French's and Captain Sandon's Lf.vv. Colonel French and captain Sandon, having fovmd, by experience, that a great part of the officers attached to their levy, instead of exerting themselves in recruit- ing, appear rather to liave conceived their cuds attained by obtaining- full pay, tliey propose that other persons may be em- ployed under a dilFerent impression, witli temporary rank in tj)e army, in the same manner as was allowed in captain Nu- gent's late levy. These persons will draw no pay from government. It is therefoi-e suBmitted that five of- ficers (whose Tiames are below mention- ed) be struck oft" from the levy, and re- vert to their half-pay. That the ninety Serjeants, allowed by the letter of service, be reduced to fortv- ftve. That the corporals, instead of ninety, are to consist of forty -five. That tlie drummers, instead of sixty, are to consist of thirty. The Serjeants, &c. to be discontinued, will be selected by colonel French and captain Sandon, and their names deliv- ered in at the respective depots by the resident officers, in order that such as are permanent may be drafted, agree- ably to the letter of service, and the limited ones discharged. As the line are instructed to take boy.i at five feet, it is submitted to his Royal Highness, that the boys allowed by the letter of service may be taken at . the same standard. J. French, Colonel. H. Sandon, Captain. London, Cecil'Strcct Coffee-house, Strand. April 20, 1805. Ofllcers proposed to be struck off the levy : — Captain CoUott. liieutouant IJowers. Knsign Wood. Adjutant Dickson. Quarter-Master Short . No. 22. Copy of a Letter from Colonel Gordon to Colonel French and Captain San- don. Horse Guards, 28th April, 1805. Gentlemen, Having laid before the Commander in Chief your memorandum of tlie 20tli in- stant, proposing certain alterations in your letter of service, I am commanded to inform you that his Royal Highness cannot give any further encouragement to the jirosocution of a levy whicli has turned out sounpi'oductive to tlie service, .nnd for discontinuing of which, orders have already been g-iven. I am, &.C. (Signed) J. W. Gordon. Col. French :uulCapt. S.andon. No. 23. Army Depot, 6th Feb. 1809. Dear Colonel, I was noc enabled to make you an accurate return of Col. French's levy, without detailing them in the first in- stance by name, and now iuclose it, which includes every man who has arrived at the Army Depot ; but thinking it likely that a return of numbers may answer your purpose, I also inclose it, in which i have mentioned how the whole have been disposed of. I have the honour to be. Dear Colonel, Your's most faithfully, James Taylok, B. G. Liciit.-Coloncl Gordon, Com. &c. &c. &c. Horse Guards. I 189 // 7 r) (Enclosure 1.) RETURN of IVfcn sent tb the Army Depot by Colonel French, and liow disposed of. 6th February, 1809, ^7> 7 No. How disposed of. 7.5 14 2 4 64 ly 5 13 196 Attached to Regiments of the Line. West India Corps. ' Royal Uarrack Artificers. Garrison and Veteran Battalions. East India Company. Rejected. Deserted. Returned to London, Recruiting^, and never brought back. Total. James Taylor, B, G. Com, (Enclosure 2.) RETURN of Men sent to the Army Depot by Colonel French, in the years 1804 and 1805, and how tliey were distributed. Army Depot, 6th February, 1809. Date From No. NAMES. of whence How disposed of. Arrival. joined. ^ 1804 1 Corporal James Wilson 14th July London 17th Foot. Private Richard Masters .. .. i/th. Tliomas Franhish .. -- E. 1. Co. Drummer Thomas Willans -- Ditto 5 Private John Bourne ., Discharged George Gardner — 17th Foot George Shirk - 1 7th Serjeant William Betty 19ih -- ("Returned to Lon- (^d.m to recruit. Private Benjamin Nolden ' 25th ■ - 8ih Foot John Asman -. " 3d Battalion 60th George King 5th Aug. ■- 17th Foot 10 Matthew Rea ., 1 Rejected Richard Ayliffe I8th .- Deserted James Holland Richard Colman .. — 17tli Foot .. — D. serted William Moody „ -- Discharged 25 190 RETURN of Men sent to the Army Depot by Colonel French— contj««frf. • • • ( Date From No. NAMES. of ! whence • How disposed of. Arrival. joined. 1804 15 I'cuiporury Serp. John Coghhm 6tli Sep:. London S Returned to Lon. — ) don to recruit. — c. Corporal Georjjc Grant - - — Discharged. do. George Webb - - — C Returned to Lon- i don to recruit. 20 T. Sergeant Henry Pegg - - 21st — Deserted Corporal William Jones - - — C Returned to Lon- idon to recruit- Private James Brown - - - — E. 1. C. do. Jos. Gabb .---,- — 13th Foot. do. Thomas Kirkwood - 27th — 13th. ^5 do. Thomas Cormack - - — 54th. do. James Young - - - - 29th: — Disch.arged. do. Jos. Banbury . - - - — E. 1 C. do. John Cook 5th Oct. — 54ili Foot. do. Samuel Robinson - - 14lh — Deserted. 30 do. Charles Miller - - - do. Henry Briggs - - - • — Do. E. I. C. do. John Wright ... - — Do. 53 do. Thomas Bean . - . - — Do. 34 Drummer John Wade - - - 27th Oct. — Discharged. 35 Private Robert Conway - - . — Do. Temporary Serj. Peter Dunn — C Returned to Lon i don to recruit. Private William Thornhill - 2 4th Nov. — E. I. C. • do. Jos. Johnson . . - - — E. I. C. do. John Gunnis . . - - 19th Foot. 40 do. James Ellis 15thDcc. — CRetunicd to Lon (^ don to recruit. do. John Selby - - - . . — Do. do. Jos. Bier — Do. do. John Fislier - - - . — Do. do. Timothy Dacey ... — o6th Foot. 45 do. Thomas Bird .- . . do. Antiiony Bird - - - . 21stDcc. 1805. ~ 56th. 56th. do. Michael Ncal - - - 6th Jan. >■— 56th. do. Matthew Hewitt - - — 56th. do. Thomas Bailey ... 23d. _ 22d. 191 RETURN of Men Sent to the Army Depot by Colonel Sfi^NCH— continued. No. 50 55 NAMES. Priv. William Griffiths - - Jos. Shore - - Isaac Worrad - - Jos. Grip^gs - - John Carty - - Francis Williams - John Keirnan - - William Brooks - - John Dean - - John Flannigan fiO |P Serj. Isaac Frampton I'riv. Charles Kg&r ■ - John Prest - - Thomas Hayes - - Richard Walker 65 70 75 SO 35 Thomas Ireland George Stratton Matthew CuUen John Merrett George Heathcott Samuel Terry James Mitchell W. Nethercott William Lynch Robert Conway John Wade James Wynn James Flood Charles Brady Thomas M' Lauchlin George Bernie Joseph Trickclton John T..ayman Patrick Walker William Johnston James Kirnaghan Thomas Purcell ttharles Somerville Date of Arrival. 1804. 22d Jan. 4th Feb. 6th 7th 15th 1st March 4th 1st April 2nd May 6th 11th Oct. From whence joined. London. Dublin 24th Nov. How disposed of. 22d. 56th. E. I. C. Discharged. Do. 56tlu 49lh. 56Lh E. I. C, 56th. C Returned toLon- (^don I'ecrniting Black artificers. 56th. do. do. do. Rejected. E. I. C. 23d. Rejected. E. T. C. Kejccted. E. I. C- Hijecled. C Returned toLoB i_don to recrnit„ Rejected. 80th Foot- do. do. E. I. C, 80th. 75th. do. B. Artif E. I. C. 56th. do. E. I. C. Q^ RETURN of Meirsent to the Army Depot by Colonel FRzycn—tontinuetf. Date From No. NAMES. of Arrival. whence joined. How disposed of. 1805 88 Private John Lee son .... Piitrick Daiion - - 24tUNo . do. Dublin do. E. I. C. 56th. 90 William Miller - - GlKirks M'Cormick Kicliard V. Maionej Jumes Hryon . - - James M' Cube - - ,)th Jan. do. do. 29th do do. do. do. do. do. 60th, 3d B. 56th. 17tl». 56th. 56th. > S5 4 William Heyslop - . Robert Callaghan - Barny Reynolds - - Thomas Burg-iss - - Charles Keogh - - do. I'^tliMai iigleey Tho. Darley Hugh M'Nichol Jas. Gibson Wm. Kinghorn Melv. M'Kay W. Dean Fred. M'Kenzie J. Cunningham Wm. Smith Wm. Henderson 1805 2nd June 15th— 12th July 4th Sept. Edinburgh. 94th. 94th. Rejected. 94th. 94th. E. I. C. E I. C. E. I. C. E I C 6th R. V. Batt. Rejected. Do.beingcondition- E. I. C. [al serj. 2nd Batt. 34th. 8lh W.I.Reg. Monday, \3th February, 1809. Mr. Wharton in the Cliair. Mr. ROWLAND MALTBY was called in. Examined by the Committee. Where do you live ? At Fishmon- gers-hall. What is your pi'ofession ? A solicitor. Are you acquainted with Mrs. Clarke ? I am. How long have you been acquainted with her ? 1 think about July or August 1806. If you will give me leave, I will stale the way in which I became ac- quainted with her ; it was through the medium of Mr. Russel Manners, who was a member of the lust parliament ; he married a sister of my wife's ; he told me that he had been introduced to Mrs. Clarke, who had professed an interest in him, and tliat she would endeavour to get a place for him through the means of the Duke of York, and he wished to introduce me to her. Under those circumstances I did not know how to refuse him, and I accordingly met her at his house. I belie\e I saw Mrs. Clarke perhaps ti\e or si,\ times in the course of that year ; aiterwards 1 did not see her again till a court-martial for the trial of captain Thompson. In the year 1806, when you saw Mrs. Claike, what business did you transact with her; what passed between you and her, on the occasion of yovu* being in- troduced ' No business ; only a com- mon acquaintance. Did you hear any more on the subject of the place she was to procure for Mr. Manners ? 1 understood that she shew- ed Mr. Manners a letter, stating that the Duke was mclined, or would com- ply with her request. I speak merely from memory, as it did not interest me. Did jou see tluit letter ? I am not quite certain about it, whether I did or not ; but I remember ti>e contents. Do you remember from whom that letter purported to be received ? It pur- ported, as Mr. Manners told me, (for I am not certain wliether I sawthat letter) to come from the Duke of York. At what time of the year 1806 did you hear of or see that letter ? I think it was very soon jd^ter I saw her, July or Au- gust, to the best of my recollection. Did you hear from Mrs. Clarke, at what time her connexion with theDuke of Yoi k broke ofi I No, I do not think she ever mentioned any thing on the subject to me. I was led to believe it continued, from what she said to me in conversation. In July and August she still repre- sented to you that her influence over the Duke of York continued ? I understood from her that the connexion was not en- tirely broken off, that she occasionally saw the Duke. Did you in the cotn-se of the yearl806, hear from her any thing respecting the obtaining of any places for any body ? — Not to my recollection. I understand you to have said, that from the year 1806 to the year 1808, you did not see any thing more of her ? To the best of my recollection, not till the court-martial in April. Have you, since that time, had any communication with Mrs. Clarke upon the subject of obtaining places for any one ? Yes. When ? I will explain : Asa reason for my keeping up a connexion with Mrs. Clarke, Mr. Manners had a regi- mental account to settle as the son of general Manners, which was likely to be procured through the medium of the Duke of York ; it was necessary to have a board of general officers in order to settle that account : Mr. Manners was indebted to me for sums of money I had occasionally advanced him to accommo- date him, and I had an assignment of this debt, which .amounted to about lOOOl. or 12001. of Mr. Manners, for the purpose of repaying me ; therefore I felt a little interested in getting the accounts settled, if I coidd. With respect to the question asked me, I had a commvmica- tion with Mrs. Clarke respecting a Mr. Ludowick. When ? I think it was in September X97 iast ; the latter end of" \ug'ust or Sep- tember, to the best of my recollection. What was the natiire of the communi- cation respecting' Mr. Ludowick,andthe circumstances of it ? The circumstances were, tliat Mr.Ludowick wished to have so:ne place or appointment ; and Mrs. Clarke .-vsked me, I believe, whether I kne w of any such place ; I said, that I would make some inquiry ; and I learnt that it was possible that the place of as- sistant commissary might be obtained : the consequence was, that money was deposited for that place, and I was led to believe that it might be effected : however it failed, and never took effect. What is become of the money that was deposited ; and in whose hands was it deposited ?— The money was deposited in the hands of Birch and Co. in Bond- street ; the money is there now. In whose name was it deposited ?— Part of it was deposited in the name, I think, of a Mr. Lloyd and a Mr. Barber ; another part of it was deposited in my name, and the name of Mr. Barber. To whom was the money to be paid, in the event of the application for the place succeeding ? — There was 6001. de- posited in the name of Messrs. Lloyd and Barber, I believe that would go into tlie hands of Mr. Lloyd ; Mr. Barber was a friend of Mr. Ludowick's, and the mo- ney was only to be takenout on the event of the appointment taking place ; the other 1571. (I think that was the sum) would have passed through my hands, and I should have paid it over to the per- son with whom I commvmicated. With whom was it that you commu- nicated ? — With an agent, who was ac- customed to make inquiries of that kind; may I be excused naming him ? — His name was Tyndale. Where does Mr. Tyndale live ?— He lives in Symonds-building, Chelsea, or Symonds-street. Who is Mr. Lloyd ?— Mr. Lloyd I do not know ; I believe he is an attorney. How came Mr. Lloyd to be entitled to so large a share of this sum ? — I under- stood that the agent would have a hand- some cmolumcntfrom it, which was, 1571. But the 1571. was deposited in your name and Mr. Barber's ? — It was. Then that 1571. was to go to the agent, Mr. Tyndale ?— Yes. I now inquire as to the 6001. who was to have the benefit of that ? — Mr. Lloyd would .have received that, I presume. I Ao not know of my own knowledge. 26 You do not know what Mr. Lloyd waft to do with it,whether he was to keep it I No ; I had no communication with Mr. Lloyd, or any one, upon that subject. W o introduced Mr. Ludowick to you ? Mrs. Clarke mentioned Mr. Ludowick to me : I never saw him : I meaninno- duced by name, not personally. Are you quite certain you never saw Mr. Ludowick ? — Never, to my knowl- edge. Did Mrs. Clarke tell you how she be- came acquainted with Mr. Ludowick ? Upon recollection, I am not certain whe- ther she said he was an acquaintance of her's, or an acquaintance of Mr. Ber- ber's ; but I understood from her c« n- versation that she knew Mr. Ludowick, that she had seen him ; she said he was a very genteel man, and very fit for the place, very much of a-gentleman, and a man of property. Did she state where he lived ? — I think she said he lived in Essex. D I you recollect what part ? — I am not certain whether she said Grays in Essex ; that is only her relation ; I think that she said Grays. Is Mrs. Clarke acquainted with Mr. Tyndale ?— No. Was she acquainted with Mr. Barber J Yes. Was she acquainted with Mr. Lloyd ? I do not think she is. Who introduced Mi*. Lloyd into this business ? — Mr. Tyndale. Who introduced Mr. Tyndale into it ? I introduced Mr. Tyndale into it, by making the inquiry. What share was Mrs. Clarke to have in the benefit to be derived from procur- ing this place ? — Nothing. Nothing at all ? — No, nothing. What share were you to have for the procuring this place ? — Nothing ; I did not mean to take any thing. You and Mrs. Clarke only did it for your pleasure ?— Mr. Ludowick was a friend of Mrs. darkens ; and I wished to oblige Mrs. Clarke by introdiicmg this thing, if I could. How came Mrs.CLarke to apply to yoa to assist her in procuring this place ?— I believe from my calling upon her. How came you to call upon her >— I called upon her sometimes ; she wrote to me ; and I wished to keep up nn ac- quaintance with her for the purpose of effecting the object of the ace .unt How came you to think that at tliis time Alr3. CliU'kd c«uJi4 Wp you m qU 198 Actuating the object of the account ? 1 did think so. Througii whom ?-FroTn her ; 1 thought that she still had an influence, or some communication with the Duke. Did she so represent herself to you ? Yes. At what time ? She so represented herself to me when we were down at the Gouvt-martial, and since that time. At the time of the court-martial, and since that time, she represented to you, that she still had influence over the Duke of York to procure things to be done ? Yes, I understood that the con- nexion was not entirely at an end ; that she had still a connexion or an interest / with him. Was this the first instance of your as- sisting her in procurnsf a place for her friend ? Yes, I think it was ; I do not recollect any thing: else. Is there any other instance in which you have been so employed ? Nothing effected at least. This was not effected ; was there any thinjj pise in which an attempt was made ? Yes ; she asked me whether a paymas- tership could be procured for a friend of her's. Who was that friend ?— It was a Mr. Wiir.ims. Where does he live ? I understood he lived in Devonshire. Did you endeavour to procure that pavmastership for Mr. Wdliams ? I mil 't- inqirr\, .'\nd understood that it misrht be effected ; but nothing was done in it. Of whom did you inquire ? Of the same ;>( rson. or Mr. Tyndale ? Yes. T I rough whom was Mr. Tyndale to pr >cure this paymastershlp ; did he tell yon >. No. Was there any money deposited upon that occasion ? Nothing'. Was there any other instance in which yon were apjjlied to by Mrs. Clarkr ? — Yes, in the sanve way, but nothinir done. On whose liebalf was that ? — That was Mr.Tboropson, who was connected Vf}:h her. When was that ? I ihink it was in Aiif^'isi. >V..s that before Mr. Wdhams' ? — Yes. An»'' before Mr. L'ldowick's ? Yes. I t' ' v.gjit vow stati- ', tl.at iheve luid been iu insc lu. of your a]i;> • ii^p for ^y body before Mr. Ludowick -, 1 roia- understood you, I suppose ? Yes ; I di4 not mean id say there was no instance of an application before ; 1 mentioned ihat as being the thing the most likely to be effected. .\bout what time was Mr. VVilliams' ? I think that Mr. Williams' was during the same period lliat she mentioned it to me ; I think about the time of Mr. Ludowick's. Was any money deposited upon that occasion ? No. What oiBce was he to obtain ? He was io have a paymastershlp, as siie re- presei'ted to me. What did Thompson want ? To go . into the md tia. ' Did you make any inquiries upon that ? Yes, Idid. Of whom did you inquire upon that ? The same person, Mi-. Tyndale. Do 30U re CO lectthe name of any other person for whom you were to mxke in- qtiiries I I think there was a Mr. Law- son. What office was he to obtain ? He wished to obtain a place in the custom* house, land -waiter. Did you make any inquiries respecting him ?--Yes,l did ; I made inquii-iesofthe same person, but nothing was effected. Was there any money deposited upon that occasion ? None. Did Mrs. Clarke recommend all these persons to you ? Yes. Is there any other person whom von can recollect ? No, I do not immedi- ately recollect any person besides. I think you stated, that there was n© money deposited, except in the cse of Liidowick ; was there any agreement for the deposit or payment of money in the other cases, in the event of the ap- plication succeeding ? In the event of the applicaiion succeeding, in the case of Ml'. Thompson, some remuneration was intended to be made. What ? I think it was about S501. For the commission in the militia ? — Yes. Who was to have that 2501. I I do not know, I am sure. Dis ? >io. Nor Mrs. uiavke? Nov Mrs. Clarke. Ml', i ..ompson was her brother, I tliiiik. In the oilier cases ot Mr. Luwson ana Mr. VViliiams, was she to have nothing- in those cases ? — I do not know tliat she WuS i 1 ajn pretty sure that she was not. Are you seiious in saying tiiat she was to have nothing for tiiose ? Yes. Do you know any person liiat siie calls the Duke of Portland m liicse transac- tions ? No. , You never heard her say, that she dig- nified you by the nanie of the Duke of Portland I — Never, till 1 heard it by ac- •ident. Wliat accident led you to hear thai ? — I was coming into the city one day, I mei sir George Hill, with whoni 1 have tile honour of being acquainted, and he ttild me the circumstance. Of her having mentioned it here ? — Yts ; I did not liear of it before.and had »0 ideaof tlie circumstance. Was Ludowick recommended for any other place beside tiiat of assistant com- missary ? — W'lienthat tailed, he wished to have a paymustership in lieu ot it, ra- ther than give up the money. I under- stood that from Mrs. Clarke ; but it did not turn out to be tlie case. How long is it since yon have given up uU hopes of succeeding for Mr. Lud- owick ?— I believe a month or iww. How happens it that the money still Temams in Mr. Birch's bank? — Because tliey have not asked to have it back again. I know ot no oti er reason ; ihey might , have it back whenever they pleased. I told Mrs. Clarke some time ago, tliey had belter take the nioney back, that there ■was not a likelihood of it being efiected. Did you ever arquau.t P4r. Ludowick wiih that circumstance ? — I never spoke to liim. Had you any communication with Mr. Lloyd yourself J— .No. Are you at all acquainted with Messrs. Coleman and Keyler ? No, not at all. Do you recollect the christian nunie of the Mr, Williams whom you spoke of I No ; I do not. Did you ever see him ? — Not to my knowledge. Do you happen to know whether it is the same Mr. Williams who appeared in this House a few nights ago ? — I never saw that gentleman, but I have no reason to tliinkso ; because 1 understood hehved inOevoasiiu-e,and was a respectable man. Do you know whether Mr. Tyndala was origii;all.. iaieiis.gn auhe L ui loot, and afterwards a cornet in the l^tU light dragoons ? — I understood li, at iie had been m the army ; but i do not know in what regiment. Didyouevei uncus . I believe it was *boui August, but I am not quite certain. August last ? Yes. Had Mrs. Clarke any thing to do with that ? Yes, 1 believe she asked me about it- Did you undertake that, at the request «f Mrs. Clarke J I made an inquiry. Did you make an inquiry at tiie request of Mrs. Clarke .' I think I did. Was it or was it not at the request of Mrs. Clarke, that you made that inqui- ry I I til ink it was. Are you sure ? I am pretty confident. Be quite sure. I think so, that it was at her request. Was it effected ? No, it was not. What were jouto receive for that, (Supposing it had been etiected ? I should Mot have received any thing for that. Was any body to have received any thing for that •' Yes. ^ VVho ? I do not know who ; it was nevernegotialed. In behalf of whom was the place to be procured -' I do not recollect the name. What sum was to be given in case it ■was obtained J I think about three or four hundred pounds. To whom did you apply about that ? Mr. Tyndale : I did not know any body jjise that was likely to eHcct this object. Was it at Mrs. Clarke's request that you undertook that ? I think it was. You do not recollect the name of the person ? No. Do you recollect any other trans- action ? No, I do not recollect any other. There is this clerkship in the war-of- fice, thi- affair of Mr.Ludowick, this af- fair of Mr. Williams, this affair of Mr. Thompson, this affair of Mr. Lawson ; do you recollect anj other ? No, I do not. Are you quite sure there was no other transaction of the same sort ? I do not recollect any other. You do not know that there was not ? No, I do not recollect any other You arc not sure that there ,was no other ? My memory may escape me, but I do not recollect any other. What was the place which you nego- tiated for Mr. Russel Manners, in the year 1806 I I did not negotiate any place for him. Did you not endeavour to obtain a place for Mr. Kussei Manu«:rii, tlu'ougU the medium of Mrs. Clarke, in 1806 ?— No. What was your transaction with Mrs. Clarke in lb06 ? 1 had no transaction with Mrs. Clarke in 1806. What was your acquaintance with her in 18u6 .' It was through the medium of Mr. M..nners, who married my wife's sister ; I had no iicquuintance with her previous to that period. From 1806 to April 1808, your ac- quaint.incc with Mrs. Clarke dropped, did it not .' Yes ; I do not think 1 saw Mrs. Clarke from August or September 1800 till tlie court-martial in April 1808; I do not recollect that I did. That court-martial was held at Col- chester ? It was held at Weeley, near Colchester. How soon after that court-martial did you again see Mrs. Clarke ! I do not^ recollect ; I did not know where Mrs. Clarke lived. Where did she live when you next saw hei I If I recollect right, she lived in Holies-street , lodged there for a short period. You do not know in what month that was ? No, I cannot speak positively, but I think it was before she went to Bedford-place. Did you go to her of your own accord, or did she send to you .' She wrote me a note, to call upon her ; I did not know where she lived. She stated, I suppose, in her letter, where jou were to call upon her .' Yes. What was the object of her desiring to see you ? I do not recollect what she said ; I think it was something relative to what passed at the court-martial, but 1 do not recollect. Was it not to obtain some place for Mrs. Clarke, that she sent for you •' No. You are positive of that ? Yes, 1 am pretty positive of it ; 1 have not the least recollection of it. When was it that the first of these transactions )0U have mentioned took place. I liiink in August. riiat was a clerkship in the war-office, was it not ? No, 1 think it was about Mr. Thompson. Was Mr. i hompson's the first trans- action of this sort that took place after the court-martial ? 1 think it was ; there was no great distance of time betweca all these things Was there no other transaction of this sort took place between the court- roartial aiici tUg atiaar of iflv. Thompson, 201^ DasSdes those •which you have enumer- ated .' 1 cLo not recollt'Ct any. ,Huvc jou ever prosecuud uny business of this sort with success ? Never. Never in your lite ? No. And you engaged in lliese businesses out of pure good nuture ? I ihouglit it ■would oblige Mrs Clarke, and 1 wished tv accumplisli iie object I had in view, to have Mr. Manners' accounts hquidat- ed. How could you suppose, that by oblig- in,4 Mrs. Clarke you could get Mr. M.iimcrs' accounts liquidated, when slie had so little interest, that she was oblig- exl to apply to you to accomplish tiiese difierent ijusluesses ? Because she told me ihat she still had an interest with tlie Duke ot York, and that she was iu some degree under his |)roteciion. Are you quite positive she told you that i I amquite satishcdtliat she told me that, or gave me to understand it ; I hiid no reason to disjiute it, from the tenor of her conversation to me more than once, as 1 nieniioneil before, that the Duke of York kepv her upon a small- er establishment, and 1 really believed si 10 was under the protection of the Duke oV York, or that he was about to rc-es- t.i>'iish her. iyict It neveroccur to you to remark to hv.-, ihut if siie had that influence witii the Duke of York, she was much mure liKtly 10 prevail in such transactions than Ji.urself ? No, 1 never made that remark. \V here was it that she gave you to ttndersiand this, at Colchester ? 1 think it was at Colchester, or going- dov.n to Colcliester ; it was about that time. You do not now recollect any other transactions besides those you h:u e m; n- t •.!!.• ! .' No, I do not call any to my memory. ion vio not recollect ever having writ- ten to Mr. Lilo)d I No, I do not. How many interviews do}ou suppose youhad atditlcreni times vvitli Mr.Tyn- dalc ? Upon my word I cannot lell, 1 liiive no idea ; 1 have been used to see him freqnemly.i .\ grv ^\ iuany ? Yes, I have frequent- ly seen iiim. i lien do you mean to state, in point of fiict, upcm no one of those interviews you have ever, from your own cuiiosity, or any other motive, asked Mi. Tjiulaie through whose interest those appoint- ments were to be procured ? Upon one occasion, in the csi. (>• Ludowick I think i^ was, I askedMi Tyudale, pressing very much to have it effected, what channel do )ou suoi-H)se this c^mes vhrough ? He supposed ih.i it might come through the Wellesiey inti lest, 1 think he s.ud ; lie did not uiention any purtituLr person. . That answer wa'i givcii bv Mr. Tyn«- dale in respect to Mr. Ludovvick's ap- pointment ? Yes. Did you nevei hear Mr.Tyndale men- tion any other name in respect to ihe channel through which i.ny other was to come I No, 1 did not ask him any ques* lion as to the ch.uinel, excepi upon that occasion, when I presseu so nuich to have it eHecled. Mr Ludowick's'was the third applica- tion you made to Mi. Tyiuiale ; do you mean to state that in the applications for 'I'honipson and Wiiiiams, which were previous, yiu never heard through whose influence those were to be obuuned ? No, I did nnt ask him any questions. Not till the third application ? 1 do not say it was the third application, but not till that application. What led you to Mr. Tyndale ? Be- ing acquainted with him, ant! knowing that he was a kind ot ; gent, and had in- formation of tiiul nature. Hud.you atiy reason tolcnow that Mr. Tjndaie had the power ot obtaining any oiJices ? No, not personally. Then do you mean to state that you applied to Mr. Tyndale in a great many instances, without knowing that liieie was any piob..bihty of his obtaining the otiiees he was eniplojed to obtain ? Yes, except from his own statement or rep- resentation, that he tlioughl he could get Uuni. By what means did he state that he tliought he could etiiect them ? He did not stale the means ; I do not inquire inio the channel ; 1 do not know what communications he had, nor with whuui he was eonneeted. Do you mean to state, that after you had applied to him repeatedly, and he had failed in obtaining those situations for which he was applied to, tliat \ou cgntiniied s\ill to appiy to him without hearing from him the means by which he was to obtain future situations .' Yes, I did not know that he had any interest in himself to eilcct these objects. Had you been in the habit of negotiat- ing, or have ever negotiated for any situ- ations of the kind, previous to your knowledge of Mrs. Clai'kc ? No. State whctlier Mrs. Clarke gave you any hopes that Mr. Uussell Manners' 203 hl>ject wouVl be effected t I Was about to i letter, l)iit it is not corrccllv evidence, wliicli I do not know wliethcr I have seen or not; but I rcineinlier the contents of it perfectly well. f).u*tic ilarly on.i expression of the letter, purported to be written by the Dike, and it said, that lie would lyive M" Manners a place suitable to his name and 'uindy. I re member that expression, I think/tliose were the very words ; or, that would not disgrace his name and fa- mily ; something' to that purport. This conmunication w is not made to me, it was made to Mr. M inners in" M'-s. Clarke, this letter i hat I speak of, and Mr. Manners conmunicatcd it to me. Did Ml- M iUners state to you that he had seen such a letter, or did he brinf such a letter to you ? I am sure that he stated such a letter to me, but I do not think I saw the letter. Do voii recollect at what time this passed ? I think about the m )nth of August, 1806, as nearly as I can recol- lect, perhaps it mip^^ht be July. Did Mr. M luners state lo you from vrhoiTi he had the letter ? To the best of my recollection it was a letter written by the Duke to Mrs. Clarke, which she shewed to him. I do not know whether she enclosed the letter to M:-. M.mners, wlietherhe had the actual possession of it, or only saw it in her possession. Did you see Mrs. Clarke afterwards, and have any co wersalion with her up- on this letter ? I do not recollect th.at I had. I saw her a'"terwards, but I do not recollect that I said anylhinu to her upon the subject. When you saw her afterwards had yon any conversation with her upon Mr. Manners' business ? I do not recollect that I had ; for I pjenerally saw her in tlie company o^" Mr. Manners. When you saw her in company with Mr. Manners afterward, did any conver- sation p.iss on Mr. Manners' business ? No, I do not recollect that there was. Not up to this hour ? No ; Mr. Man- ners has !)een abroad for a year and a balf. ■}( Have you conducted his affairs since hehas beenaliroad? No; he has no atlUirs V) coiduct, in fiict. Did Mrs, Cl.irke, in yor represen- tations and conduct ? Yes, from her representations. You have stated, that in one of those trans.ictions the money was left at the house of Messrs. Birch and Co. ; have you any credit with that house ? No, I have no account with that hf)use. I'hey do not discoimt bills for you ? No. Do you happen to know whetlier Mrs. Clarke has any account witii the house of Messrs. i3u'ch, where this money wa» left ? I do not know that she has. Who proposed that the money should be deposited there ? I think it was VIr. Tyndale ; I am pretty confident it was. Has it ever happened to you, in truuB- actions of this nature, to have money de- posited .it a lioase wliere you have a cre- dit ? 1 never hud any of this money dr-« 204 }iosited upon my o\^^ account ; I do not knovs' whether it is customary. I do not ask as to money deposited on youro wn account, but moneyon accountof pci'sons concerned in such a ncf^otia- tion ? I h'ave no experience upon that Subject, thoug'h I believe it is customa- ry to deposit the money with tlie bank- crs to one of the parties, but I do think Birch and Company were bankers to any of the parties. Has it ever happened to you in a nego- tiation of this kind, that the money should he deposited at a banker's where you had a credit ? No. Was it Mrs. Clarke who made the |iroposition to you in the fi'st afl'air yon were concerned in, or yon to Mrs, Clarke ? I think Mrs. Clark'.' usk-'l me the ques- tion, I think she made tlie proposition. What question did Mrs. Clarke ask you ? I think it was about Th6mpson. What was the question Mrs. CI .rke put to you ? That she wished to get a commission for him, and inquired whe- ther it could be effected. Did the hankers allow any interest upon the sum deposited ? I apprehend not ; I take that for (j^ranted. You are sure they did not allow four per cent ? I am pretty certain they did not. Are you perfectly sure?' I have had ao communication with the bankers ; I never heard that they did, and 1 rather think they did not, for the parties do not expect interest ibr their money, au'l I do not think that tlie bankers, upon those occasions, allow any interest g-enerally; I never heard that they did. Are you perfectly certain th.it you ■ever did, in anv former transactions, derive an advantag-e from the lodg'ement of money at Messrs. Birch and Compa- ny's ? Yes ; I am perfectly confident of it. You have said, that you were not cer- tain wh- ther some convers.ation passed with M.S. Clarke at the court -mu-tial, or fro'npf down to. Colchester ; did vou e^o down to Colchester with Mrs. Clarke ? I dkl. She called upon me ; she s.iid she was p^oing' to Colchester, and 1 was sum- morel very suddenly to the court mar- tial ; I had but an hour's notice ; site said she was g^oing- down in a post chaise ; I said, then vve may as well syo togfether, and we acrordin_^ly did ^o down in a oh.pso totrt'thi-r. Did you not g-ive evidence upon that court martial that you bad not seen Mrs. Clarke either for some tcreeks or monthsi precediusT that trial ? I thii»k to the bt-st of my recollection, that 1 said 1 had not seen tier from August 1806 till she call- ed upon me. Up to the period of your evidence ?— ITp to the time when she called upon me. Will you be perfectly clear in yourre- collection, whether yon did not say that upon oath ?— I do not recollect that I did ; I should wish to hear that part read ifitisin court; I have no idea that I differed upon that occasion from what I state now. I am sure, upon both oc- casions, I state to the best of my recol. lection : I may be mistaken in these tri- vial circumstances which did notinterest me : that I did not see her from Aug-ust 1806 till she called upon me to g-o dow« to the court-martial; I think I stated that. Will you state positively that you did not upon that trial, on oath, state that you had not seen Mrs. Clarke for either weeks or months up to the period at which you gave your evidence ?— I do not recollect th.at; if I did it must be a mistake ; I fancy I corrected it, if I stated that ; but I must be mismiderstooi upon that occasion. In any of the conversations you had with Mrs. Clarke or Mr. Tyndale on the subject of these transactions, was tlie Duke of York's name ever mentionedj — - Never. You are sure it was not upon any oc- casion ? I am certain it was not ; nor the name of an}' other person except in the way I liave mentioned. You have stated that about two months ago you informed Mrs. Clarke that there was no hope of getting a situation for Mr. Ludowick ; what circumstance in- duced you to form that opinion, and to communicate to Mrs. Clarke that there was no hope of success for Mr. Ludo- wick ? From Mr. TjTidale ; he told me that he thought that he could not effect it. Mr. TjTidale told you that he thought he could not effect it ? Yes. Did he give you any reason for his failure ? I think he said, to the best of my recollection, that anew an-angement had taken place in that department, or some thing to that purport. When did Mr. Tjndale tell you that the appointmc* was only delayed oa accovmt of the Inquiry at Chelsea re- specting the Convention at C intra ? It WHS during tliat Inqviiry on that Trial. 205 Then you were led to hope, pending Ihe board of inquiry at Chelsea, the ap- pointment would take place as soon as that was over ? — I thought so from what he said to me. And two months ago you were in- formed by Mr. Tyndale that there was no chance of success owing to a new arrangement i — I think it was only about a month. ^The following questions and answers were read.] " In any conversations you had with Mr«. Clarke or Mi. Tyndale on the sub- ject of these transactions, was the Duke of York's name ever mentioned 1 — Nev- er." " You are sure it was not upon any occasion ? — I am certain it was not, nor the name of any other person, except in the way I have mentioned." What do you mean by *' except in the way you have mentioned" ? — That he said, that the place of assistant commis- sary he thought would be procured through the Weilesley interest, not men- tioning any particul:ir name. Were you yourself acquainted with the band-writing of the letter which you stated to have been a letter from the Duke of York ? — I do not recollect that I ever saw the letter. Were you ever engaged in any trans- action about writerships or cadetships for India ? — No, I think : excepting once a person asked me about a cadeiship. Who was the person who anked you about a cudetship ? — Mr. Donovan. You are acquainted with Mr. Dono- van, are you ? I have an acquaintance with him. What did he ask you about a cadet- ship ? He asked me whether it could be prociu'ed. When was this ? I think it was about six weeks ago. Wiiat did you answer ? I said, that I would inqtiire about it. Did you inquire ? Yes. < Wliat was the result ? That it might be procured was the result. Of whom did you inquire I I inquired of this same gentleman. And he told you it might be procured .' Yes. Was it procured ? No. How came it not to be procured, do you know ? I do not know how it came not to be procured. Tyndide told you he could not prOfiUTg t i Nq, be said he could- 27 From whom did you learn that it could; not be procured ? I do not know that it cannot be procured. Notliing is done in it that I know of. What suspended the negotiation ? I do not know exactly, but I fancy the panty was not in town, or something of that kind. What party ? An acquaintance of Mr, Donovan's. The party who wanted to procure it ? Yes Is the business in suspense now ? Is it in a train of proceeding now ? I do not know. How long is it since you have lost sight of ^hi8 transaction ? I believe per- haps a week. Then a week ago you knew something of this transaction, did you ! Yes. What did you know of it then ? Was it in a train of proceeding then ? Yes. Had the party come to town then ?— No, I believe not. It was in the regular process, was it J Yes, I understood it might be effected. From svhoni did you understand that J From Mr. Tyndale. Do you expect now it will be effected ^ Upon my word I do not know. What was to be paid if this transac- tion was brought to a successful conclu- sion I I do not know that any particu- lar sum was mentioned upon that un- less it was 1501. One hundred and fifty pounds, to be paid to whom ? That 1 do not know, Mr. Tyndale, I suppose, would receive it, effecting the thing. Mr. Tyndale would have 1501. \ Yes. What should you have I I should not have any thing. Mr. Donovan, I sup- pose, would have paid the money to me, and I should have paid it over to Mr^ Tyndale. Are you a lawyer ? Yes. Were you aware that this was an il- legal transaction ? No. Are you aware of that now ? No. Was this the only occasion on which Mr. Donovan employed you to negotiate a writership, or a cadetship to India I Yes. Are you positive of that J Yes, I do not recollect any other. Are you positive there was no other ? Yes. Quite positive ? Yes. How long have you been acquainted with Mr. Donovan ? I do not exactly KecoU&ct, peJ'luips a year. 206 Try to recollect as nearly m you can ? Itliiiik it is sibiMit a year, not qiiile Do you manage Mr. Donovan's af- fairs ? No. Are you an ajijent of Mr. Donovan's in other matters besides this ? No How lontj have you been an ap^cnt of his in these transactions ? I am not an ajjent of iiis. How lonphas Mr. Donovan consulted yo»i, or courted yo»ir assistance in trans- actions of this sort ? I do not know ex- actly ; I have called u])on Mr. Donovan occasionally upon other matters. How often has Mr. Donovan talked to you upon matters of this kind ? I cannot tell. In how many instances has Mr. Don- ovan employed you in transactions of this sort ? Only on th! 1 do not recollect that 1 did. Had you ever any intercourse with her by letter during that period .' Yes, I think I had letters from her before the court martial, about her brother, Mr. Thompson. Was this upon the aflair of the court- martial ? I believe that related to it. Try to be certain what it was she wrote to you about . I really cannot recollect the contents of the letter, but I think it res])ected se.mc bills of exchange which c»me before the court-martial, juxd there was some difficulty about tliem ; she was afraid he would be arrested, I tliiuk ; but I do not recollect the purport of the letter. Had you no covrcspcmdence wilh her about matters of this sort ? No, 1 do not recollect any communication of the sort. Was it in consequence of that commu- nication that she called upon you in the chaise as she weni down ? I recollect that she wrote to me a fe w days before, that she thought she should have occa- 9i(m to desire me to attend at Colchester upon that business. How man} letters had yon from Mrs. Clarke during the period between 1806 and 1808 ? 1 am sure I do not know. All about this business of the court- martial ? No. What were the other letters abotit I 1 do not recollect ; nothing of any con- sequence, I believe. I do not think I heard from her for several months ; those letters that I allude to, I think, came from Hami)stead ; but the contents are so immaterial to me, tliat I do not call them to recollection. They were not letters of business ?— No, I \ hink not ; I do not recollect the contents of them. When did you last see Mr. Donovan ? I think I saw him last Friday or Satur- day ; 1 rather think Friday. Had von any conversation with him at that time about the cadetship ? No, I do not think I had. Are }ou positive you had not ? I do not recollect that I had. Had you, or had you not, any conver- sation at that time with Mr. Donovan upon that subject .' I do not i-ecollect that I Jiad. You are not positive ? I think I am positive. You have stated that it is customary in transactions of such a nature as those yoti have been speaking of, to deposit the money with the banker of one of the parties ; what do you mean by custom- ary ? I did not speak of my own knowl- edge, but 1 believe it is usual ; 1 believe it is natural to deposit it with the banker of one of the parties. Then you do not know that it is the custom ? No ; but I rather take it for granted that it is customary to deposit the money with the banker of one of the parties. Refresh your memory, and inform the committee whether you can now recol- lect any negotiation of this sort besides 207 the one of Mr. Ludbwlck's, the one of Mr. Williams', the one of Mr. Thomp- son's, the one of Mr. I.awson's, the one respecting the clerkship in the war-of- fice, and the one respecting- the cadet- aliip ? No, I do not recollect any. What reason did Mrs. Clarke give you for wishing you to speak to her in two jnontiis respecting Mr. Russell Manners' aftkirs? She did not give any reason for it. You have said that you are a solicitor b\ profession ; you are piiid for jonr trou- ble in transactions of business, are you not ? ' Yes, in professional business How could you aflbrd to transact so many intricate businesses quite gratui- tously ? I have done a great deal of bu- siness gratuitously in my profession. You have said, that in negotiating tiiis business wit!) Mr. Tyndale you had but little liopes of success given to you ; did you represent the matters to the gentle- men who applied to you m the same liglit, or did you magnify their chunce of suc- cess .' I had no communication with those gentlemen, but only with Mrs. Clarke ; 1 communicated to her. Can you recollect any single circum- stance, oi" any single expression of Mrs. Clarke's, that could serve as a foiuidation for your suspicion that she had any influ- ence with the Duke cf York, as to grant- ing places since 1806 ! 1 only collected from her conversation that she still had an interest with the Duke of York, but she said nothing about a power to grant places or any thing of that sort. Do you know of her oflering to pro- cure, or of her pretending to endeavour to procure any place by her own influ- ence with the Duke, during that period, from the latter end of 1806 I I do not, from the latter endof 1806, recollect her saying any thing to that purport. Would you have been anxious to oblige Mrs. Clarke, if she had not given you reason to suppose that she still pos- sessed influence with the Commander in Chief? No. At what period did Mrs. Clarke rep- resent to you that the Duke of York was about to reinstate jier upon a reduced establishment ? I think that was about the time of going down to the^ court- martial. Mrs. MARY ANN CLARKE called in. Examined by the Covmiittee Have you any papers of Mr. Maltby's in your hand ? Yes, I have. [The witness delivered in some papers. State fi'om whom you received those difii[;rent papers ? 1 received -.hv^st lujm Mr. Malt by, and those two from Mr. Barber ; there is Mr. Barber's name to one of them. Do those you received from Mr. Malt- by purport to be Mr. Maltby's hand- writing I Yes, his name is to two or three of them. Do they all purport to be his hand- writing ? Yes they are all his hand> writing. Did you ever see Mr. Maltby write ? Yes, many times. Do you know that they are his hand- writing ? Yes. You are positive of that fact ? Yes. Have you ever seen Mr. barber wriie ? Yes ; this is only a sort of copy of how the monej was to be lodged. Is that Mr. Barbers hand-writing ? Yes, they are by the same hand, and his name is to one. Have you any other letters which you wish to deliver in ? Yes, I have. From whom are they? Three of them are from colonel M'Mahon to nie ; I have lost the others, I fancy. Have )ou any other letters which you wish to deliver in ? [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness uas again called in.] H.ave you any other letters which >ou wisli to produce ! — To shfw 1 dicl not tell a story about Dr. O'Meara, I hive a letter of recommendation fiom the arch- bishop of Tuam, not to me but to the doc- tor himself. Any thing more ? — General Clavering , I fancy, informed the honourable gentle* men here, that he never had any thing to say to me upon military aflivirs ; general Clavering being a disti-essed man, he was then a colonel, I sjioke to the Duke respecting him ; and had a great deal of difficulty, more so than as to any other man that I ever applied for in getting any sort of employ mcni for him. Have you any papers relating to that matter ? At last 1 prevailed upon the Duke to give him a district, and with it he made him a brigadier general.entirely through my means. He afterwards ask- ed me to get him a regiment ; and, fear- ing they might be all given away before his Royal Highness came to town, I wrote to him when he was reviewing along the coast ; here is the letter whicb his Koyal Highness wrote to me, in which he mentioned Gen. Chivei ng'S name. There is another from the DukCj SOS in which he acknowledges about Dr. O'- Mcava, that l\e wouid serve him as soon fts he could : it does not speak of the aixlibishopric, it merely acknowledges that he knows such a man. And the other is from colonel Shaw, when in the Downs, just before he sailed for the Cape of Good Hope, complaining of be- ing put upon half pay. [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was again called in.] Do you know that to be the writing of his Royal Highness the Duke of York ? — Yes, I do ; but if not, Mr. Adam can speak to it. Is tliat [^another letter] the hand-writ- ing of his Royal Highness ' — Yes. Have you seen the Duke of York write? Yes, I have. This, addressed to George Farquhar.Esq.is his usual hand-writing; whenever he addresses Mrs. Clarke,the outside is always in a fictitious hand. This is addressed, Mrs. Clarke, to be left at the Post Office, at Worthing ; the in- side of both letters is his usual hand. How did you come by the letter of the archbi.shop of Tuam ?— It was left amongst Dr.O'Meara'spapers,amonghis documents, by accident, and I did not de- stroy it, because I thought it might be of some future service to him ; when I gave him his papers, this was left by accident. Do you recollect through what medi- um you received colonel Shaw's letter, •whether by post or a private hand 1 — I fancy it went to Coutts* the bankers ; I think he directed me to write to him al- ways there under cover, and the cleiks would lake care of them ; but I am not q\'ite certain, I think it was brought to me by a private hand. Do you know colonel Shaw's hand so •well as to be able to speak to that being his hand-writing ? Yes, 1 do. You say that is colonel Shaw's writ- ing ? — Yes, it is. Did you ever see Dr. O'Meara ? — Yes, very often indeed. Who is Dr. O'Meara '-—He is an Irish gentleman, a clergyman, 1 do not know better how to describe him ; he is very well known in Ireland. Where was this letter purporting to be a letter from tlie arclibishop of Tuam to him, found ? Among my own pa- peis ; Dr. O'Meara has written me sev- eral letters for it, but 1 could not find it 'till about haif a year ago. Did Dr. O'Meara send you that let- ter ] Yes, he did, he gave it to me with other documents. How long since ? It must have been very soon after it was wiitun 1 believe. What time was that ? I really do not like to date i he letter. How many years ago ? It was while I lived in Gloucester-place. How long ago is it smce you lived in Gloucester place ? — Smce the year 1806. Did Dr O'Meara, upcm sending that letter to you, d'u-ect any use to be made of it ? Yes, to shew it to the Duke of York with the!* other papers. Was it about the time that the Duke of York went to lord Chesterfield's chii-iti ; i ig that Dr. 0'Mearag:-ve it to you ? No, I believe it was some time previous to that. How long previous ? — I cannot say. It was previous to that ? He gave me documents, but I am not sure that was among them ; but 1 am certain that I re- ceived it from his own hands. [The witness was directed to with- draw. [The following papers were read : Letter from Mr. Maltby, dated . — July 28th — Saturday evening. — Friday afternoon. — May 20th. — Wednesday afternoon, December 7th. — Thursday, .5 in the afternooit — A paper begin- ning " The Receipts to be taken," &c. — Receipts in pencil, beginning '* Re- ceived of Mr. Blake," &c. — Letter from Mr. Barber. — Another form of receipt — Agreement, beginning "*I William Barber," &c. — A note from colonel M'Mahon to Mrs. Clarke, dated Monday morning. — A letter from the same, dated Wednesday morning ; and from the same, dated Tuesday morning. — Letter from his Royal Highness the Duke of York to Mrs Clarke, dated August the 4th, 1805.— -Letter from his Royal High- ness the Duke of York to Mrs. Clarke dated August 24th, 1804. " Dear Madam, Friday Morn. " The regiment for Mr. Williams is going to India ; this is lucky : there- fore, let him immediately provide the needful, and I will arrange in 'Vihat way it is to be deposited. Have you, writ- ten to him, as no time is to be lost. " As to the 2d battal. is the gentle- man here and prepared ? " Your's truly, " R. Mr " Pray give me a line in ans," 209 " Dear Madam, " Tf you can bv any means forward the adjustment of Mr. Manner's account as to his claims respecting' the 26th regt. whilst in Eg-ypt, of which the late general M;uniers was the colonel, You will much oblige, Dear madam, Your's trulv, July 28th. R. Maltby." " I don't know your true address. I called in Holies street a few days ago, and found you were gone." " Saturday Ev. " My dear madam, " I thank yf)u very much for your kind attention — you would be quite a treasure ?« every way to any secretary of state. " I am as anxious as you can be, that there may be no disappointment in the comssp ; and I am goading the parties evei-y day. " You say nothing of the P— ship 2d batn. ; is the party readr ? " When do you leave B place ? " 1 am, dear madam, Your's truly, H. M." *' Dear madam, " If 1 have not the letter of recom- mendation immediately, and the money ready, I fear it will be lost. I under- stand the regiment is very respectable, but I do not know the county yet. " Remember the paymastership. Your's truly, " Friday aftern. R. Mr *' Dear madam, " May 20th. " Mr. M. is not, I believe, in this covmtry, but far distant ; so it will not answer to send your letter. Shall I inquire for the object you mention ? — What rani, and w/zaf shall I propose for it? " Do you know any one who wishes, on certain terms, a paymastership in the E. Indies ? *' I will inquire about the other mat- ters. •' Your's truly, R. M." " Dear madam, " I shall ascertain to-morrow every thing respecting the P. ship. " Will any person you know like a place in the bank, about lOUl. per an. ! " I believe another P. ship of a first, and one of a 2d battal. may be had, and militia adj utancie s . " Dear madam, Your's truly, " Wedn. aft. R. M." Dec. 7. " Dear madam, Thursday, 5 aft. " I have been in search of Mr. Bar- ber, both in Bream's-buildings and the city, without success ; I shall see him to-morrow at eleven, and I am satisfied I sliall arrange with him (I hope as he wishes.) *' In the Tnean time, as it is certain Mr. Williams may have what he wisiies, I beg you will be so good as to send to Mr Browne instantly to call on me, as it cannot be kept longer than a day open ,• and I think I can satisfy Mr.B. that there will be no disappointmerit. Pray send to him directly. " Your's very tridy, R. m:' " The receipts to be taken in the short form, as it is likely Coutts & Co. will not like to sign sucli a special receipt as that written by M. B. " 6301. to be deposited at Messrs. Coutts & Co. in names of L. &B. & 1571. 10s. at Messrs. Birch & Co, in the names of Blake and Wm. Barber — & to take a similar receipt." " It is a6*o/«*e()' necessary to make the deposit to morrow, Friday (if not al- ready dove, J as the appointment other- wise will probablyyfli/." Addressed : " Mrs. Clarke, Tavistock-place, 14. Russel-square. fThe three following papers are luritten in pencil. J " Forms of Receipt." " Received Sept. 1808, of M. Blake and the sum of tliree hundred and sixty-seven poiuids ten shillings, to be repaid by us to the bear- er of this receipt, upon producing the same indorsed by the said M. Blake and (Signed) Birch & Co." 21» y I do hereby apree lo indorse a cer- Itin renipl, dulcd S>. |)t. 1!S08, foi-;>6ri. lUs. i-tT,i-ivis, lo \k repaid by ii.s lo the bemvr of ilns rceoi|)t, upon producing^ Uie same indorsed !>y the ■«'tl and H. Multbv. (Signed) '« lihch & Co.*' *' Deal- Madam, *' It is inip()ssil)le for me to pay the cash in this ssibh can to wait on Mrs. Clarke in the course of Ihis week." Adtli-esscd : " Mrs. Clarke, *' l-i, lledford place, " liloomsbviry." •' (Private.) Wedne.stl:iy morn. " I should be most ha|)py to bring about )our wishes, and render you any service with the D. of Y. but I iiave not been able to see him since 1 had the jdeasure of seeing you, and I understand he goes to Wiiulsor to-day, and stays till Friday, when 1 will try all in my power to seek an audience on your busi- ness, but am obliged to go (ml of town myself untilthat day. A thousand thankss for the loan of ymir seal, from which I have h.id an impression taken, in remem- brance of \ our sprightly device. '* Ever vour's, y. M." " Mrs. Farquhar, 14, Uedtl>rd-]>lace, lluBsel-s»iuare." 211 •* Nothing', Mrs. Clarke may be as- su'X'd, bill iiHiispositioM, and vvuntinf^ in tlic plcasuio of liaving' any thinjjf sue- cessfiil to report, could iiave so lonp prevented my callintj on or sending to her. *' In wliatevcr communication may have been made to Mrs. Clarke's law- yer, I am indifi^nant that such terms as, •cither deceiving or lauj^iiinp at you,' should form a part of it, liavinp^ refer- ence to me ; for wliile I lament my to- tal inability to serve Mrs. Clarke, I am ready (o confess tluit in tiic few inier- views I iiad tlie honour to hold with her her conduct and conversation demanded nothing- but my respect, and the good wishes I bear her. "y. m:* ** Tuesday mornuig-.** " August 4, 1805 " " How can I sufficiently express to my sweetest, my darling love, the de- light which her dear, ber pretty letter gave me, or how much I feel all the kind things she says to mc in it ? Millions am) millions of thanks for it my angel ! and 1)0 assured that my heart is fully sensible of yoiu" affection, and that upon it alone its whole b:ip[)iness depends. " I am, howeer (|uite hurt that my love did not go to tbe Lewes Races ; how kiiul of ber to think of me upon tbe occasion ! bui I trust that she knows me too well not to be convinced that I caimot bear thi; idea of adding to those sacrifices which I am but too sensible that she has made to mc. ** News, my angel cannot expect from me from hence ; tiiougli tbe life led here, at least in the I'umiiy 1 am in, is very hurrying, there is a sameness in it which afH)ids little subject lor a letter ; except lord Chesterfield's family, there is not a single person except ourselves that I know. Last night we were at tbe play, which went oil' better than the first niglit. " Dr O'Meara c.'illed upon mc yester- day morning, and delivered mc your letter ; he wislies much to jireaoli be- fore royalty, and if I can put liini in the wjiv of it I will. •' What a time it ai)pcars to me al- ready, my darling, since we parted ; how impatiently 1 look forward lo next Wednesday se'nni|;'ht ! " God bless you, my own dear, dear love ! 'I shall miss the post if 1 add more ; Oh ! believe me ever, to my last hour your's and your's alone." Addressed : " Mrs. Clarke, " to be left at the Post-office, «« Worthing." Indorsed : '« Dr. O'Meara." " Sandgate, August 24, 1804. " How can 1 sufficicnily express to my thirling love my thanks for her viear, dear letter, or the delight wbicbtlie as- surances of her love give me ? Ob ! my angel ! do mc justice, and be convinc- ed that there never was a woman ador- ed as you arc. Every day, every hour convinces me more ami more, that my whole happiness de])euds upon you alone. What a time it appears to be since we parted, and with what impatience do I look forward to tbe day after to-morrow ; there are still however two whole nights before I shall clasp my darling in my arms ! " How happy am I to learn that you are better ; 1 still, howeVer, will not give up my hopes of the cause of your feeling uncomfortable. Clavcring is mistaken, my angel, in thinking that any new regiments are to be raised ; it is not intended, only secoiul battalions to the existing corps ; you had better, therefore, tell him so, and that you were sure that there would be no use in ap- plying for him. " Ten thousand thanks, my love, for the handkerchiefs, which are delight- liil ; and I need not, I trust, assure you of the pleasure I feel in wearing tlum, and thinking of the dear hands who made them for me. " Nothing could be more satisfactory than the tour 1 have m.ade, and the state in which I have found every thing. The whole of the clay before yesterday was cmplojed in visiting the works at Do- ver ; reviewing the troo])s there, and t;x;unining the coast as far as this ])lace. From Folkslone I bad a very good view of those of the French camp. *' Yesterday I first reviewed the camp lieie, and afterwards the 14th light dragoons, who are certainly in Very fine order ; and from thence pro- ceeded to Brabounii- Lt es, to see four regiments of militia, which, altogether, took me up near thirteen hours. I am 213 now setting ofi" immediately to ride along the coast to Hastings, reviewing the cliff'erent corps as I pass, wliich will take me at least as long. Adieu, there- fore, my sweetest, dearest love, till the day after tomorrow, and be assured that to my last hour I shall ever remain your's and your's alone. Addressed : " George Farquhar, Esq: '* No 18, Gloucester-place, " Portman-square." FOLKSTONE. Indorsed : " Gen. Clavcring, Sec," Mr. TIMOTHY DOCKERY was called in. Examined by the Committee. Do you know any thing of the trans- action relative to the jiurchase of a ser- vice of plate, sent to Gloucester place .' Yes. Relate what you know of that pur- chase : in tlie first place, what com- menced it, and liow it proceeded till the bargain was made conclusively ? Not being a partner in the house at the time the purchase was made, I know nothing at all of the circumstance. State in what character you were in tlie house at the time the purchase was made. — As a servant. What was your employment in the house? A journeyman. What was the particular business you transacted in that house ? The super- intendance partly of it. Do you recollect any p:u"ticulars re- specting the bargain about the plate, to voiirown knowledge ? — Nothing funher than what was mentioned by Mr. Bir- kett. Do you mean to state, that neither the Duke of York nor Mrs. Clarke did in your presence examine and treat about that plate ?— Certainly not. State what you heard the Duke of York and Mrs. Clarke say, when they were bargaining for tint plate — The bargain concerning that plate was not made in m_v presence. Then you do mean to state, that you never did hear any bargain about it ? — Certainly. fThe witness was directed to withdraw. [| The witness was again called in.} You have stated, that you wore the act- hig m:m iu the house of Birkitt ? Not duringthe time that the purchase of platd was made by Mrs. Clarke. What situation did you hold in the house '-r-That of journe\ man. Is it witiiin yovu* own knowledge that the plate was purchased from Messrs. Birkett ? — Certainly. Do you know the price that was agreed to be given for that plate ? — The books which have already been produced will shew that. Do you of your own knowledge kno\T the price that was to be paid for that plate- ? — By referring to the books. Do you of your own knowledge know the price that was to be paid for that plate, without referring to the books ? — Certainly not. Then you do not of your own knowl- edge know the sum that was to have been paid for that plate ? — By referring to the books I shall be able to judge. Then \ou do not of your own knowU edge know the sum that was to have been paid for that plate ? — I do not im- mediately recollect the specific sum that was paid for it, but if 1 may be allowed to look at the books I will state it. Do you know to whom that specific service of plate belonged, before it was sent to Gloucester-place ? — Yes, To whom did it belong ? — The Duke de Berri. Do you of your own knowledge know that any part of that plate was sent up to Gloucester-place, for the inspection of the Duke of York and Mrs. Clarke ? — Not to my recollection. Do you i-ecollect either the Duke of York or Mrs. Clarke being at Messrs. Birkett's. and examining the plate in their shop ? — No. Do you recollect anything withr gard to the payment for that plate ? — Yes. State what you do recollect wiih regard to the payment for it. — 5001. was paid at the time the plate was delivered, ;.nd the remainder was settled by bills at dif- ferent dates. State bv wliom the 500:. was paid in the first instance. — Tlie 5i;0i. was not paid tomysfU", but it vvaspaid. I believe, to M .B rki tt, as well as I can recollect. Do you know by whom it was paid ? I do not. Do you know how it was paid, whe- ther in cash, in bank notes, or how ? — In two notes, one of three, and the other of two hundred pounils. Do yov, recollect l\v whom those bill* were di'awn, by which tlte remainder 2*3 ^as paid ? To the best of my recollec- tion, they were drawn by Mrs. Clarke. Upon wliom were they drawn I The Duke of York, Do yon of yonr own knowledge know that those bills were afterwards paid by the Dnke of York ? Certainly I do. Did you yourself offer those bills totlie Duke of York for payment ? I did. Did you see the Duke of York at the time you offered them ? Yes. 'Do you recollect what conversation pas.se(i between the Duke of York and yourself, at the time vou offered those bills for payment ? No, I do not. Do you recollect tlie Dnke of York ever speakinjyto you at all respectingthe service of plate ? No, I do luH. How did the Duke of York Settle those bills ? By liisown drafts upon Coutts. Do you mean to state, that the whole amount due for tlie service of plate, over and above tlie 50Ul. wiiich you stated to have been before paid at the lime, was then paid by the Duke; of York upon those bills ? Certainly. Is there any body residing- at Mr. Bir- kett's th.at was in the situation you now hold, at tlie time the bai-jjain was made for the plate ? No. Do you know where the person is who held the situation which you now hokl, and who was he ? The person wiio held that situation is dead. What was his name ? ThomasWalker. [Mr.i-'aikerproducedMr.Birkett'sbookj and the account j^iven in on the 9tli instant was shewn to the witness. CTo Mr Dockery.J Refer to that ac- oount,and state whether it is the account to which you have alluded. Certainly. Are those the notes, to the best of your knowled|;'e, for which you received payment fiotn his Koyal Hij^hiiess the Duke of York ? The notes that arc en- tered here were the notes received of hia Royal Highness the Duke of York. On account of that plate ? Yes. State the amount of the whole. — 1,8211. Us. 4d. that includes the 5001. f The witness was directed lo withdraw. Mrs. ALICE HOVliNDEN was called in. Examined by the committee. Do you know Mrs. Clarke ] Yes. Do you know colonel Shaw .' I never aaw him but once. State what passed at that interview. I had been some time negotiating with JVRrs. Oarke i"or an exshaingw i«r maj»p Shaw, and he !)egged to know the pvifri cipal ; I said it was Mrs Clarke, aiull particularly requested that he would not mention to Mrs. Clarke that Mr. Don- ovan knew any thing of the matter. Relate what |)assed at that only intei*- vicw you had with colonel Shaw. That was all that passed, except giving him a card or a note, 1 forget which, to Mrs. Clarke, merely saying that was miijoc Shaw. What was your reason for wishing Mr. Donovan's name to be kept a se- cret ? Mrs. Clarke said she was afiaul that Mr. Donovan would mention to the Duke of York any thing of the business, which would be her ruin. When was it that Mrs. Clarke express- ed that fear to you i-especting your tell- ing major Shaw of Mr. Donovan ? The first day I ever saw her. Tliis was before you mentioned Col. Shaw to jVIrs Clarke ? Yes. Did you ever mention colonel Shaw^ to Mrs. Clarke till after the interview you had willi colonel Shaw ? I saw Col. Shaw but once, and never saw Mrs. Clarke but twice since. Did you ever mention colonel Shaw to Mrs. Clarke till after the interview^ you had with colonel Shaw ? 1 had mentioned polonel Shaw to Mrs. Clarke a long time before I saw colonel Shaw, nearly three months. In what .way had you mentioned Col. Shaw to Mrs. Clarke ! As a gentleman who wanted a lieutenant colonelcy from his majority ; he was a major, and he wanted to get a lieutenant colonel- cy. How did you know that colonel Shav» wanted to get a lieutenant eolonelcy ? — p After I had seen Mrs. Clarke, I men- tioned to Mr. Donovan, a gentleman I had known for many ycar^j, that I liad got some very great interest, and thab if he knew an) person that wanted any thing in the army line, I thought I could get it ; I refused to te.l him where it was, or from whom. Was it Mr. Donovan who mentioned colonel Shaw to you ? Yes. What did Mr. Donovan state to you of Col. Shaw, when he mentioned hirrt to you \ He said that he had very great' recommendations, and had, I think it was, general Buyard's interest. What further did Mr. Donovan say of Col. Shaw to you ? He saUi he would give 7001. I think it was 7091. for a KeU- Venant c^Wncloy. •214 Oul Mr. Donovftn tell you any thing further respect iiig Col. Shaw I Not at that tiiuc. Whore did tliis conversation pass you have now allnded'io ? I tliink ii was in Charles street. Ill consequence of this, tlid you apply to Mrs. Clarke to «>;ot major Sliaw a lieu- tenant colonelcy ? Yes. Weiv you to have had any pwt of that sum ot inoney whicli you have mention- ed, provided the lieutenant colonelcy was nhtainetl ? No. AVIiat w.ts done in consequence of your application to Mrs.. Clarke ? No- things at all. Did tlu> business break off, or did it die away > On the niplit of the day on wliicii I sent the note to Mrs. Clarke, I received a note from her, inclosinsi^ me major Shaw's security for the siuii, say- inp she was sorry she could do nothing for uMijor Shaw ; i^revious to tliis, Mrs. Clarki- sent for u\e todesevibe tlie jjerson of major .Shaw, his connexious. and liis interest, without which, she said she could not mention the atVair to his Royal Hlj^'liucss ; 1 could not then describe his person ; 1 said his interest was general BiUTard's. and lie liad lately met with some ^•ery prcat family nusforttme ; I be- lie\e liis hroihor drowned, or something of that kiiul. Mrs. Clarke answered, that will do, I shall tell his Royal High- ness that 1 do it in compliance with the fcquesl of a very old friend, and in com- passion for his present calamity ; let him get t wo months leave of absence through some K-ener;U ottirer, tliu-ing v^-hich peri- a.>;sed between you and Mrs. Clarke ? 1 do not think Idid Was the matter broken otl" by any par- ticular eivcumstance, or did it die away J I knv>w no circumstance, except a note which Mrs. Clarke sent me. Do you recollect your ever speaking of Col. Sluiw as having broken his word vnh you ? He certainly broke Ins word with regard to telling \Ir8. Cla "ke Mr. Doiu)\an knew the circumstatice. ©id you ever complain of his having broken his word, iu not luaving made you a present ' Never, because l\e did. What jiresent did colonel Shaw make you ? When I rettu-ncd colonel Shaw his papers and the security, he sent liis compliments, and was sorry for tlie trou- ble he had given me, and enclosed me 101. Do you know .any thing of a second application of colonel Shaw's to Mrs. Clarke ? I certainly do not. Do you recollectthe date ofthetrsms- .iction which you iiavc been speaking of ? Tiie first time 1 ever saw Mrs. Clarke was in December 1804. Had you ever more than one conver- sation with Mr. Donovan upon this sub- ject ? 1 c.innot rccoTiect ; I h.ive been in the habit of visiting Mr. Donovan and seeing him frequently, and what conver- sation bus passed lam sure Ic.-mnotsay. State the date of the transaction you are speaking of It was, I think, fi-om December 1804 to April 1805, as near as I can guess. Do you of your own knowledge know any thing further of colonel Shaw and Mr. Donovan in that trtmsaction ? I do not. Were wu In tlic habit of corres- ponding with colonel Shaw I 1 tlunk I mtist have written letters to Iiim fre- quently ; it was a long jieriod, and he was vci'v uneitsy, he wsis kept in great suspense. Stale whether you have any of colonel Shaw's letters. I retui'ned tlxe whole of colonel Shaw's letters. To whom ? To the best of my knowl- edge, through Mr. Donovan. At what period did you return those letters ? I believe it was two or tliree days after he had seen Mrs. Clarke. How came you to return tJiose letters to Mr. Donovan ? He said?Sliat major Shaw wished to have done entirely with the biisiitess, as he was convinced Mrs. Clarke could tlo nothing. Then you do not know any thing fur- ther respecting the transaction which t(>ok place afterwards between Mrs. Clarke and colonel Shaw ? I do not. Do you know personally, or by repute, a Miss I'aylor, who appeared as an evi- dence at the bar of this hoxise .' I have seen MissTaylor, she came to my house one dav with her brother, captain Tay- lor. What do you know of the ch.ir.actcr or repute of Miss Taylor ? It is very hartl to s;)e.ikfi\uu hearsay ; of ll»y own kjwwicdge 1 know nothing. I QIS "From what passed in the transaction between yoiiiself and Mrs. Chirke, do you believe that there could hiive been any subsequent negotiation be ween Mrs. Clarke and colonel Shaw ? — I do not think Mrs. Clarke ever heard of major Shaw afterwards. £TIk; witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was aj^ain called in.] Did you ever tell any person, and if so when, that Miss I'aylor was ,i person of Lad repute .' — 1 certainly did say, that 1 did not return Miss Taylor's visit, as I had heard somelhinj'' Unpleasant. What was the unpleasant circum- stance that you had heard ofMss^ Taylor, that prevented your returnmj^ that visit ? It was hearsay ; and I should suppose I am not obliged to tell what I have heard, I know nothing myself. [The witness was directed to withdraw, [The witness was again called in] From your knowledge of Miss Tay- Tor, would you believe her evidence ! [|The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was again called in. and the question proposed.] I dechire 1 do not see how I can answer such a question as that ; it is merel\ mat- ter of opinion, I cannot answer it. Where do you live ? In Villicrs street, No. 29. How long have you lived there I — I believe not quite three months. Where have you generally lived ? — Where I lived before, that was in South Moltonstreet. How long have you lived in South Molton-street ? — Upthcr gentlemen but Johnson and Williamson ? — I do not recollect any oth- er ; I think I had others ; but I do not recollect their names. You did deliver others ? I recollect those because they are my own acquaint- ances. What are their christian names ?— - They are George Johnson, and William Wilhamson. Wliere io they live ? I cannot tell you that ; it is now three years ago. , Where did they live then ? Upon my •word I do not know where their lodg- ings wi re. You were said that they were acqtiaint- ances of yours ? I am sure I cannot tell where they lived ; I did not ask the gentlemen their residence. You stated tliey wei'e acquaintances ? Yes. Do yon now state that you did not Ivuow where your acquaintances \\\ed ? — Tliey had not long arrived from Ire- land, Were they in the army ? They never were, nor to my knowledge have not been in it yet : they were three months trying to got in, through Mrs. Clarke, and could not. Did you deliver any other list to Mrs. Clarke but those two names ? I never delivered a list to Mrs. Clarke. Did yon ever deliver any other name tp Mrs. Chirke ? I cannot recollect any other name 1 delivered. Are you a marriea woman ? I am a widow. Hnw long have you been a widow ? Nearly six years. How long did yon live in South Mol- ton street ? At two dittcrent periods,! .suppose about a year and a half, but not ivltogeUier, Were you in a house, or In lodgings 1 I was in lodgings. Did you ever apply to Mrs. Clarke to procure leave of absence for any officers i I never did to my recollection. Not for major Shaw ? She told me she could not get leave of absence for him ; I was to tell him to get it through general Burrard. Then did you apply for m.ijor Shaw ? I sent word to major Shaw that he must get two months leave of absence. Did you apply to Mrs. Clarke to pro- cure that leave of absence ? I did not ; she applied to me to beg major Shaw wouldget two months leave of absence, that during that time she might have time to work on the good nature of the Duke of York, for fear he might suspect there was any thing improper in the transaction. What answer did Mrs. Clarke give yOu, when you carried those two names you have stated to the committtee you carried to Mrs. Clarke ? She said she would try, but must be very careful to have time, for fear there might ht the smallest suspicion that it was a money transaction, as that would ruin her Didshe express any desire that it should be particularly concealed from the Duke of York ? She certainly did. You live in Villiers-su'eet,doyounot?- Yes. Are you in a house there, or in lodg- ings ? In lodgings. What is the name of the person t9 whom the house belongs ? Adair. Are there any other lodgers in the house besides yourself ?- I believe there are. Is the Adair who keeps the house a man or woman ? A woman. How lonp- have you known Mr. Dono- van ? Eighteen years, I believe. When did you last sec Mr. Donovan ? This moment. When did you last see him before you came to this House ? Yfesterday. Arc you in the habit of seeing hira pretty const.nntly ' Constantly. Have you any knowledge of any trans- actioAin which Mr. Donovan isengagcd? None but that in which 1 was concerned myself, namely, major Shaw's. Is that the only one of transactions -^of th.at nature of which you have any knSCC-- ledge ? I do not recollect any other whatever. Had Mr. Donovan any concern in that list of names which you state yourself t* have given to M^-s. Clwke 2 No.. Sir Did Mr. Donovan at that time carry on any traffic of the same sort ? ) know nothing about any iliing Mr. Donovan does, only what concerned myself. When you went lo Mrs. Clarke, was it of your own accord, or were you sent by Mr. Donovan ? I went of my own accord, without any introduction wliat- ever, and Mr. Donovan never knew that I knew Mrs. Clarke till three months afterwards, and till the business of ma- jor Shaw was finished. When was that ?— In April, 1805, 1 think; I cainiot be very certain as to the month, but I think it was April. Was Mr. Donovan acquainted with Mrs. Clarke ? — Not to m} knowledge, and I believe not. Were you often at Mrs. Clarke's in Gloticestcr-place ? — I cannot say how often. Were you in the habit of going there frequently ? — No, not very frequently. How often do you suppose you have been there ? — Latterly, raajor Shaw got very impatient, and 1 went five o^ six times, 1 think, in the last month. Did you ever go there on any business but that of major Sliaw's ? — I stated be- fore that I went on other business, and I have stated the business. Any other business besides that of major Shaw, and that of Johnson and Williamson ? — I do not recollect the oth- er names. Did you ever go upon any other busi- ness but those two occasions ! — No, 1 do not recollect ;.ny other. I understand you to state, these names of Johnson and Williamson were given up to Mrs. Clarke, at the time, with a great number of others ! — I have not said a great number. Witl) othernames ; were this affair of major Shaw's, and fiiat in which John- son and Williamson were concerned, the only occasions on which you went to Mrs. Clarke's ! — I never went to Mrs. Clarke's on any other business but that, till major Shaw's business was finished, and the papers returned. Were you well acquainted with the hou.se Mrs. Clarke inhabited in Glouces- ter-place ? — Certainly not. Into what room did you use to go ? — Her bed-room. Were you ever in any other room ? — Yes, the front parlour and the drawing- room, and tlie bed-room. There was very handsome furniture in tliat house I — Vcrv, Very magnificent ?— It was very gen- teelly furnished. You have seen all those rooms, and have only been there two or three times; do you adhere lo that statement I — 1 re- collect stating, that I was there six time* within the last month. How long have you been acquainted with Mrs. Clarke ? — December 1804, I think. The beginning of your acquaintance was in 1804 ?— Yes. On the occasion of Mr. Shaw ? — I went before I went on the business of Mr. Shaw ; I went without any intro- duction whatever. On what business did you go ! — I was told she had commissions to dispose of, and without any introduction 1 went to her, and asked her. Why was your being told she had com- missions to dispose of the reason of your going there ; did you "vish to procure conmiissions ? — I did ; t that time. For whom ? — I do nuJ.. that I had any particular pers(m in view at that time. You were in the habit of procuring commissions ? — No, I was not in the habit ; that was the first time I went. Then you did go to Mrs. Clarke upon this business of procviring commissions, besides the times you went about major Shaw and Johnson and Williamson ? — ■ The first time 1 went to Mrs. Clarke I told her I came to know if glie had any commissions to dispose of. Was that mere curiosity in you .' — No, it was not. What, then, was Jour motive for mak- ing that inquiry ? — At that period I had met with a very heavy misfortune ; my agent in the West Indies died, and a house in London broke, and I was very much embarrassed Wiiat mode did you adopt to ease your embarrassments ? — I had hojua that would, Ididnot conceive itimproper. You sold commissions ? — I never sold one. You negotiated the' sale of them ? — I treated, but it did not succeed. Were all the communications you had with Mrs. Clarke verbal ; did you ever correspond with her ! — I often wrote to her. You had frequently letters from Mrs. Clarke ?- -I had. What was the latest period you evev- received letters from Mrs Clarka ? — I made It a rule, whenever I received a lei- 21« t. — Yes, he did. ^Vhat wasthe pecuniary consideration he did promise you ? — I eaitnot say that I immediatelv recollect the sum, I bs- Ueve it was lOOW. 219 Did ymi, in consequence of this, ac- quaint the Conimimder in Chief with such oiler, and :ipi)ly for the apjioint- ment ? Yes, I did ; previous to liis get- ting' the siluation, he wislied to he col- onel of the Mcaux corps In the Isle of Man, where his father had been deputy governor. Do you mean to say that you applied for tiiis situation for him ? Yes, 1 did, but there were stronger claims in anoth- er quarter. Did yon then apply for any other sit- uation for him ? Yes, I did. What was that ? I'hat which he now holds. Do you know what that is ? Barrack- master at the Cape of Good Hope ; l>ar- rack -master-general, I helieve. Did you receive any pecuniary consid- eration in conseqiiencc of this appoint- ment ! Yes, I ni not positive, and on that ac- count had a great mind to send it back again, thinking it would be made pub- lic. Were you satisfied with this 5001.? — No, I was not. In consequence of not being satisfied witli the 5001. did you make any com- plaint through the Commander in Chief? Yes, I did. What was the consequence of such complaint ? His Royal Highness said, he hail told me all along, that I had a very bad sort of man to deal with, and that 1 ought to have been more careful, and that he would immediately l)ut him upon half pay. Do you know whether major Shaw was put upon half pay in consequence of that ? He sent me several letters com- plaining, but I did not trouble myself much with reading them ; one of the letters I gave in to-night, I believe : I thought him already too well off, for his conduct to me. f Letter from Colonel Shaw was i-cad, dated in pencil, off tlie Lizard, 19tli, May, 1806. -" Off Lizard, and a fair Wind, " ly May. "Although I have troubled you so '»ftefi, ?.nd although my mind is nearlv convinced that the hardship of which I complained uas been rectified, by th« order of t/ic Gazette in respect to my re- duction being rescinded, jet whilst eveti the suspicion of so serious an evil, and indeed an injtistice continues, I know that you will make every allowance, and pardon my being so importunate. In addition to the custom of the army be- ing in my favour (as you mentioned,) the following uistances arc specifically so, an^ d. At what hotel did you see him ? At Reid's, in St. Martin's lane. Did you see him more than one time at that hotel ? No, I did not, I saw him at my own house afterwards. Were you in company with Mr. Dow- ler for a considerable time upon that oc- casion i I have stated that 1 was in compaiiy with Mr. Dowler ; and I beg leave to ask the chau', whether this is a proper question, whether it is not unbe- coming the dignity of the house ? Did you see Mr. Dowler on the Fri- day morning ? ["The witness was directed towithdraw. [Tiie witness was again called in, and the question was proposed.] My visit continued till the Friday morning. Had you any credit with the Duke of York's bankers ? Which of them ? With either of them ? With neither. Did you ever draw any bills upon the Duke of Yoik, which he accepted ? No, it w:is given out at the Horse-guards, that I had committed a forgery upon thft Duke for 2000.. which I did not, and it followed me all over the country, and manv persons were very much inclined to believe it, as Mrs. Hamilton Pye, co- lonel Gordon's sister, said she knew it of her own knowledge. Did you ever draw any bills upon th« Duke of York, which he accepted ?— No, he sdwaya Ar^w them and accepted 222 ^lliem himself; I never had any thing to do with them, he did the whole. Do you mean you never sent a bill, drawn upon the Duke of York, to Bir- kett's the silversmith's ? Once or twice hisRoyalHighnessgaveme small billsfor three or four hundred pounds, but they •were his own signing and drawing up ; it was to get my necklace, or something in that way, from Parker's in Fleet-street : but I never drew a bill,nor never touched any thing of the kind ; but I was always obliged to sign something else private to Parker, for he would not take his Royal Highness' bill without my doing so. Tlien \ou deny that you sent any bill drawn by the Duke of York or yourself upon the Duke of York to Birkett's the silversmith's ? — I never sent any to Bir- kett's. You have stated the number of horses and servants you kept, and that his Royal Highness allowed you only a thousand pounds a year ; I believe you remained under the protection of iheDuke of York for three years ; during that time did not bis Royal Highness pay you to the amount of 250001. in those three years ?-- O d( ar, no ! He very frequently did not make good his monthly payments, and for the three months before he left me I Hever had a gumea from him ; and al- though Mr. Adam has stated that his Royal Highness parted with me on ac- count of a bill, his Royal Highness never had the generosity to give me the money for that bill ; it was only 130). and I never had a guinea value for it ; 1 had given it to Mr. Corri, to save him from going to pi'ison. Do you not believe that his Royal Higlmess, during the three years you were under his protection, paid 20,0001. for you, including all the various sums that were advanced to you, the payment pf tradesmen's bills, &c.&c. duringthose three years ? No, he did not. Will you undertake to say that his Royal Highness did not pay 15,0001. for you during those three years ? Do you include his Royal Highness paying for the house before 1 went into it, or keep- ing me and the establishment ? Includingevery thing,aUthe advances that were made. 1 cannot tell what he paid for the house ; I can tell what my lawyer got Tor it. What was the amoiuit which you got for it ? I believe the whole sold for 4,4001. ; and I think it is proper tor me to sjate io vflxAt aitVi^tioQ I wasj wkich l^is Royal Highness kneW, at the time of our parting : some short time before, 1 had borrowed different sums of money of my lawyer, to the amoimt of twelve or four- teen hundred pounds, and I asked the Duke for the lease,and he gave it to me, and I gave it up to the lawyer for the different sums of money received from liim before the house was got rid of 1- his Royal Highness had not paid the rent for the last half year, and 1 fancy the taxes for « twelvemonth were not paid ; I always paid the taxes : I took 7001. oi* account to pay the poor trades -people and the servants : 7001 was due to Mr. Parker for trinkets, which were got from him to be sold in the sale. Exclusive of tlie house, will you un- dertake to say you have not received to the amount of 15,0001. from his Royal Highness ? That I am very sure of. Can you undertake to say that posi- tively ? Positively. Will you undertake to say positively you did not receive 12,0001. from his RoyalHighness.includingeveryadvance, and articles paid for during those three years ? Yes. \Vjill you undertake to say positively his Royal Highness did not pay 10,0001. to and for you ' Yes, I can. His Royal Highness paid nothing for me but in gifts,except whathe was tohavebrouglxt me regularly ; whatever value it might have been, it was in trinkets and those thJngs,St was presents, not in money ; I cannot say what the amount of those might be ; they all went from me before I left Gloucester-place, which his Royal Highness must be aware of, that I had nothing even to take me out of town. He promised to give me 2001. for my journey, but Mr. Adam objected to that to my lawyer, and said 1001. was plenty ; but the Duke over-ruled it, and sent me two some time afterwards. Will you undertake to say that the whole amount of his Royal Highness* advances to you and for you did not amount to 50001. i No, I cannot say as to that. Do you mean to say, that, except the 10001 a year, which was given ibr the' establishment, and which, was shortly paid, you were not paid any more money, and was it not to a very large amount i No. Were you paid no more money beside* the 10001. a year ? No, Iwasnol. I certainly complained to his Hoyal High- n^ss, and. h< sftid h^ would miike some 226 future arrangement. I convinced him thai it was not more than sufficient to pay the servants' wag'es and liveries. Then if I understand yoti right, you ■say positively that you had no more to live upon in money than 10001. a year .' No, I should not say that ; I have been very much harrassed for any Uiing, and could not get it from other quarters, and there was nothing in view, his Roy- al Highness would then bring me 1001. extra, or two, perhaps, but I do not recol- lect even two ; I do one or so, one now and then, but not often. Then in point of fact, the Committee are to understand you did not receive any considerable sums of money to support your establishment, except the 10001. a year I No. In the course of your former examina- tion you stated, that his Royal High- ness advanced sums of mones when un- pleasant things happened, and that un- pleasant things were constantly happen- ing ; do you adhere to that statement ? This is what I have been alluding to now, but it never exceeded 2001. or came to that ; I never recollect his bringing me 2001. over what was the al lowance ; when I first went to Glouces- ter-pUce, tlie first presept that ever his Royal Higlmess made me was 5001. ; that went for linen and different things. State what you mean by constantly ; how often in the course of a month ? I mean in the course of three years. How often do you mean luipleasant things have happened, when you apply the term constantly ? I think it is an im- proper tfrm ; they frequently happened ; but Mr. Dowler has relieved several things as well as his Royal Highness, and I think oftener ; I do not recollect his Royal Highness' doing any thing above twice. Do you mean to say that twice in the course of three years is your explanation of constantly ? I have said that the woi%' was improperly used. You have stated, that when the Di'ke of York quitted you, he left ydU in debt up vurds of 20001. ; w b hat beyond the sum for which you sold the house^ and was not the house left to you for the ex- press purpose of paying your debts ?— There was no money left after the small debts were paid, and the 7001. 1 had paid among the poorer sort of people and the servants, which the lawyer can prove : I have stated that there was 4001. or 5001. to Mr, Hs^rry PhUJips, for hjs conimis- sion 3 I had no balance coming to Ua^; His Ro\ al Highness has stated,thaT I had trinkets to pay the debts as well as ih« house, but he knew where the trinkets were ; Mr. Comrie can state the wlioie. How soon after you went to live in Gloucester-place did your distresses be- gin ? A long time after ; I was per* fectly clear of debt when I went there. Did you recei\e any con»iderable sum beforehand from his Royal Highness, or only received the instalments of 10001. a year when you went there ? I had 5001. to buy some little necessary things in plate and linen That was the 5001. you mentioned be» fore ? Yes. Then that 5001. no part of it went to- wards the establisliment ? No, it went immediately in necessaries. How soon did you begin the establish- ment which you stated the otb,«r night, as to the number of servants, horses,and other expenses ? ImmefUately. Were you accurate in stating, that what you had from his Royal Highness would only pay the liveries and wages ? Very soon afterwards I found it. Then how did you support this eslab- llshment in other respects ; how did yoU. feed the servants, and where did j ou get your monies for the other expenses you might have had ? Some of the money has come before the House, the manner in which 1 used to get it. How soon did that begin after yotiP establishment in Gloucester-place ? I should think about half a year perhaps j I never began it till I felt distressed, and the hints I had from his Royal Highness; he told me that I always h.id more in- terest than the Queen had, and that I might use it. Had your distresses begun before the end of the six months ; if not, how soon afterwards I I was going on in credit at the beginning. how much do you think you were in- debted at the end of the first six months '? I really cannot say I was always fright- ened to look at it. Then you were largely indebted at the end of the first six months .' Very much so. Then your distresses must have be- gun.and your pressure by bills must have begun very shortly after that time*? Yes. Did they not continue during the whole of the three years ? Yes, they did. ^ Can you say nearly to what number »£ 2U persons you might be indebted on ac- count of your eslublishmcnt ; what num- ber of creditors you had ? That is quite impossible ; I have a list of a great many at iiome, of all that 1 owe money to. Uo you think you had fewer than fifty ? I should thuik not fewer than fifty ; but it might be fifty, or perhaps more. Tliey were all very piressing ? Most of them, as soon as 1 got into debt,press- ed for places. Did they not press for money ? Wlien they found 1 did not take them up in tlie otiier way. How long were they before they fouud that ? I always felt it was impossible to recommend a tradesman to any place ; and one that was about mc especially. Then they soon found they could get no places ? Yes, I suppose they did. Then tR'ey immediately proceeded to demand their monies, did not they ?— Yes, they did : but they were always very willing to serve me, because they •were handsomely paid in the end ; they charged me quite as high as ever tliey charged tlie Duke himself, if not higher. Did not numbers of them proceed, at the expiratiQP of six months or therea- bouts, to bring actions against \ou ?— Yes, they did. Did not many of those actions pro- ceed so as to incur great costs, besides the debts ? Yes, very great indeed. Wliat do yoti say you wore indebted when the establisliment in Gloucester- place broke up ? Under 30001. Then ho w were those great debts paid that were incurred, and which were so continually pressed for, from the expira- tion of six months, and greatly swelled by the costs of the actions ? 1 found means in some way or other to satify them. Were not those means supplied direct- ly or indirectly, to a great amount,by the Duke of York ? No, never. Can you then take upon yourself to say, that many bills, upon which actions were brought, and the costs incurred, were none of them satisfied by the Duke of York ? No. How do you know that ? I know it as Well as 1 know any oilier clrcumstajice. Did you pay them yourself ? Yes. How long after your living in Gloii- oester-place was it before you were en- abled to get any .'sums of money, by the ^Rtrooage you talked of? Perhaps three or four months, or fiv« months, I can- not exactly say. Can you say to wh^t amoimt you got by it m the first year ? No, 1 cannot, I never took any account. Can you say to what amotint you got by it in the course of the three yeai's i No, I cannot, I never took any account whatever of any thing. Did the Duke of York defray the charge of no part of your expenditure* such as horses andcarriages, independent of the allowance ? He bought one car- riage, which I stated be tore. Did he purchase any horses ? For about six months 1 had job horses, the others 1 always purchased myself. 1 lost about 9001. in one yeaj-, in the purchase of horses. Were those horses kept at the expense of the Duke of York, exclusive of the jil- lowance ? No, they were not. Do you know the father of Miss Tay- lor, who was examined here the other night ? I do. How long have you known him ? I have known him about ten years, but I have never seen him above half a dozea times. Have you always known him by the name of Taylor ? Always. Did you ever state to his Royal High- ness that 10001. a year was insufficient to stipport your establishment ? Yes, he knew it. Miss Taylor stated herself to be very poor ; have you been kind to hei\ and made her presents from time to time ? Yes, I have. Have you lately ? Yes ; I have not within these two months ; about Christ- mas she told me she should get the mo- ney for her scholars, it was previous to that I assisted her. To what amotint did you assist her ? Very trifling, 1 had not much within my own power. Did the Duke of York ever send out bills in your name, for which he receiv- ed the money himself ? I have asked for money fi>r his Royal Highness of a gentleman, but th.e Duke wanted to give a longer bill for it. Of your own knowledge, can you sav, that the Duke of York was in the habit of drawing bills at date, in which he placed your name ? No. Do you know that these bills, by which the plate at Messrs. Birketts' was paid for were drawn in tlic way alluded to i I never saw the bills ; I should ra^ ses' ther suppose they were drawn upon himself, ami signed Frederick. Do you recollect ever getting any mo- ney for the Duke of Yprk, upon any bills drawn by himself, or any paper of that description, that he gave you with his name upon it ? No ; 1 do not think that Idid. You spoke of having a house at Wcy- bridge ; was that house ever repaired at your expense ? Yes, it was Uioroughly repaired, and I built a two-stall stable there s 1 laid out between 2001. and 3001. upon It, if not more ; 1 believe more ; there was 401. or 501. alone for oil-cl ith, to screen his Royal Higlmcss ; to screen his visits, when he was going backwards and forwards, from liie neigiibours. Do you know what your diamonds 60st the Duke of York ? No, i do not ; 1 never asked. Were those diamonds ever in pawn, during the period you wore with the Duke of York ? Vei) frequently ; and I recollect that when Mr. Dowler paid me 8001. I took them out ; so thai Parker's hook would convince about the time that he got his appointment, and 1 re- ceived the money from him ; it was within two or thi-ee days of his being gazetted, either after or before. Was the Duke of York acquaint( d with the circumstanccof your diamonds being in pawn ? Yes, because he gave me his own bill once, and something else, payable toParker ; Parker can shew by his books who it was payable to. Do you recollect the amount of that bill ? 4001. You have this night stated, that if ever youcalled yourself Mrs. Dowler, it must have been in joke ; and you have stated also, that when you were at Hampstead, you had not called yourself Mrs. Dow- ler ? No, 1 had not, never. State whether you might not then have said any thing of that kind in joke ? I might have said that in joke ; but 1 nev- er represented myself as Mrs. Dowler, nor as any thing but exactly what 1 am, except at the court-mai-tial. Did you receive any letters when you were at Hampstead ? Yes, I did. Do you recollect how those letters were directed ; were they to Mrs Clarke ? Tp Mrs. Clarke, or else to Capt. Thomp- son, for I was afraid of being arrested ; or to Mrs. NichoUs, the woman's name who waited upon me : siie acted as my Cook ; she was the mistress of the liouse. •Do you vecoilcct any Idler or Igttgrs directed to you as Mrs. Dowler ? N« never ; I never had such a thing. Was MissTaylor in the habit of visit, ing you frequently ui Gloucester-place t- She almost used to live constantly with me there ; she would be there two or three days in a week ; that was when lier father's misfortunes were beginning. VV as Mis.s Taylor in the habit of dining, when she was there, with the Duke of York and yourself ? Very frequently. Do you recollect the names of the ser- vants that used to wait upon you at din- ner in general ? I never used to let the livery servants come into the room, very seldom or never, the butler in general i the other servants used to bring the tiay to the door ; but siie has been seen in. the drawing-room b} the maid servants, as well as the other men and the butler. Had you a footboy of the name of Samuel Carter? Yes, I had ; but Col. Wardle told me he would not mention that. State whether Samuel Carter was in livery or not i No, he never wore livery. Did he attend your carriage when you •went out ? Sometimes, if 1 had no ser- vant in the way ; but 1 Liked to spare him ' as much as 1 could But he was in the habit of waiting at dinner uj)on the Duke of York, yourself, and Miss Taylor ? Yes, he was. He cons: antly waited at dinner during the period he was in your service ? Yes. H(*w long was he in your service ! I shmild tliink aboui a twelvemcmth, not all that time in Gloucester-place. Where did he live before he came t» you ? With captain Sutton. As his foot boy, or in what capacity? Captain Sutton was lame, and he waar every thing to him. AtGloucester-place did he dothework jointly with the other footmen ? Yes. Was he perfectly well known to his Royal Highness the commander in chief ? Yes, he was. What is become of him ? He is in the West Indies. Did you get him a commission in the army ? Yes, I did. In what regiment did you get him a commissiim ? Where he is now, in the 16th foot ; I think lie is one of tiie staff. Do you know why the Duke of York withdrew his ])rotection from you ? Mr. Adams states that it was in consequence of my pleading my marriage to a bill of loOl ; but I can prove the contrary to ihsxif as I hud done it once beforC|^ jyid- he knew it, and the man had sent threatening letters to him, and to the whole of his Royal Higlmess' family ; his name is Charman, a silversmith in St. James'-street ; I have my own opin- ion of the separation. . Did his Royal Highness assign any reason for it ? No, he did not ; but I guess the reason. Was it on account of your interfer- ences in military promotions ? No, it was what Mr. Adam stated, upon mo- nev matters ; but not that one of the fciU. You stated, that you had been fre- quently conversant in military promo- tions, and sometimes successfully ; can you confidently state, and risk your vera- city upon it, that the Duke of York was ever privy to one or more of those trans- •actions ? To the whole. Do you mean to state, that you did not represent that Mr. Dowler was your husbandjwhcn you wei-e at Hampstead ? No, I did not represent. Do you mean to state, that you did not say that Mr.Dowler wis your husband ? I might have said so, very possibly, but never serious, because they mus4 have kno\vn better, whoever I said it to. Did you or did you not e»ef s»y, that Mr. Dowlerwas your husband ? I think it is very possible I did say so, in the manner I liave stated. Do you not know that you did say that Mr. Dowler was your husband i No, I do not. Did yoti not assign a reason for keep- ing your marriage with him secret ! I do not recollect that I did ; I co«ild only have said it to some one who was very intimate with me, and knew all about me, and could have no view in it. Was Mr. Dowler ever in the same house with you at Hanipstead I Yes, he •was very frequently, during the time he "was in England. Did he sleep in the same house ? Yes, he did, several times, but not with me. Had Mr. Dowler any acquaintance witli any person in the house, except yourself? There was no one there ex- cept myself and my children, and a F'onch young lady, and captain Thomp- son. * In whose house were you at that time i Mr. Nicholls' house. Do you mean to say, that during the time yovi resided in Gloucester-place, a part of the expenses of the establishment were not defrayed by the Duke, besides 2S6 the allowance that h^ jiaid to ydu ? have staved all I can recollect. Do you mean to say that none of the bills for the constant expenses were paid by his Royal Highness ? Yes, 1 do. Did not his Royal Highness pay for the furniture of the house ? 1 did not mean to that, 1 understood constant ex- penses ; 1 do not put the furniture as constant expenses. Did not the Duke pay for the furni- ture ? Yes, all of it except the glass ; I believe that cost me four or five hundred pounds. The chandeliers, those I paid for m vself. Did n.)t his Royal Highness pay for the wine ? He sent in a great deal of wme, but I bought wine myself: I kept a great deal of company, and a great deal was drank. Do you mean to say that a chief part of the expenses fop wme was not defray- ed by his Royal Highness ? His Rt)yal Highness sent iii wme, but it never was enough ; I purchased wine myself, both Claret ..nd Madeij-a ; and even that he did send in, he used to scold very much tliat it went too fast. To whom did you apply for the com- mission for 3am. Carter in the 16th regi- ment ? To his Royal Highness. Did ou apply to his Royal Highness for a commission for Sam. Carter in the name of S.imuel Carter ? Yes ; it was his real name. Is it the name in which he is gazett- ed ? Yes. Was that the name by which he was usually called in your family and even to his Royal Highness the commander in chief ? Yes, it was. Was his Royal Highness aware that it was the same person who had occa- sionally waited upon him at your table, for whom you asked that commission I Yes, he was. Was he recommended by any body beside yourself ? No, 1 suppose it is in tiie office some one has recommended him. What interval elapsed from the time Carter was in yotu" service till he ob- tained tlie commission ? I should think he was living with me near a twelve- month altogether,not entirelyinGlouces- ter-place but iuTavistArk-place like wise. Did he go immediately from your ser- vice into the army ? Yes, Ik did. Did his Royal Highness see Samuel Carter subsequent to his being gazett- ed i Yes, he did. :| 2^7 Did he speak to Samuel Carter on the subject of liis having' a cpmniission, either before or after he obtained tlie •ommission ? — I do not know what his Royal Highness said to him ; but he saw him after he liad been down to the Isle of Wight, and joined the depot ; he came up to me for some money, and his Royal Highness saw him in Gioucester- place. Is Samuel Carter anyrelation of yours ? No, not at all. What part of the time did Carter live with you in Gloucester-place ?— I should think five or six montJis ; I cannot ex- actly say, but I know he lived with me many months. At the time Miss Taylor was dining' so constantly with you as you represent, ■was Peirson your butler ? — He waited upon her while he was there, and the other also : Sam. Carter has been wait- ing while she has been with us, and an- other butler, who lias left me. You have stated, that Samuel Carter was a boy ; what age was he when he got his commission ? — I culled him a boy, because he was sliort ; I believe he was eighteen or nineteen, of a proper age for tlie commission. gTUc witness was directed to ^itUdraw. WILLIAM ADAM, Esquire, attend, ing in his place, was examined asr follows : It appears that an annuity of 4601. a year was to be paid conditionally to Mrs- Ctai-ke ; were you consulted by the Duke of York whether that annuity should or not be piUd ? — I have already stated all I know respecting that annuity ; and if the Hon. gentleman will refer to thc» evidence 1 have given, he will find that I know notUing about the payment of the annuit}'. Do you confirm the statement made by Mrs. Clarke, that she hatl an allow- ance of only lOOOl. a year ? — If the wor- thy baronet will take the troublil to pe- ruse the evidence I have already given, he will find it is perfectly inconsistent with any accoimt I have given that I could possibly answer that question, be- cause I am totally ignorant, as I have already said, of all payments made by the Duke of York, except those which fell under my cognizance as Trustee. [The Chairman was directed to report progress, and ask leave to sit again. Tuesday, \^th February, I899. Mt. Wharton in the chair. * Mrs.ELIZABETH BRIDGMANwas called in. Exmnined by the Committee. Do you recoUecf any thing of Peirson, the butler to Mrs. Clarke, calling to ^ave a note changed, the lattei- end of Ju.y 1805 ?— Yes, I do. State where you live ? — No. 6, Vere- street. In what bosiness are you engaged ? — A confectioner. State exactly what passed with regard to that note. — I cannot recollect exactly ■what passed, but I did not change the note. Do you recollect Peirson bringing a Bote to be changed at that time ? — He did bring a note, but I do not recol- lect seeing the note and I did not change it. Have you no memorandums which you could refer to ? — No. Perhaps you do not know the amount of the note ? — I think he said it was a 1001. note. You did not see it, but he said so ? — I did not see it. Do you recollect with any precision the time, the day, or the month in which it happened ? I do not. Some time in July ?— I cannot say what time it was but I recollect the circumstance of his coming with the noie. You cannot even be sure as to the month in which it took place ? No. Was he frequently in the l.abit of coming to your house ' Frequently, to order things for Mrs. Cl.irke. To get notes changed ? I never recol- lect his changing any thing more than a small note, which might be Jo pay any little bilis she had contracted. You do not, of your own knowledge, know this was not a small note ?— JJo, I did not see it ; he merely asked ■me, whether I could change such a Jlote. You did not see the note, and did n«t change it ? No. Do you recollect what was the larg'est note you ever changed before for him * I do not, but none of any high amount I never changed. Are you certain that Peirson told you this was a large note ? To the best of my recollection he said a 1001. note. Do you recollect whether it was in the summer time ? I cannot say positively, but I tiiink it was. Do you not carry on business in part- nership with another person ? There is another person in the concern with Mr. Brigman, but not exactly a partner ; but he knew nothing of the transaction of the note. Did you in general have the manage- ment of the money concerns, or the partner, in the year 1805 ? He had nothing to do with it, he was in the country. [The witness was directed to withdraw. Mr. ALEXANDER SHAW was call- ed in, and the letter from lieutenant- colonel Shaw to Mrs. Clarke, given in evidence yesterday, being shewn to him, he was examined by the com- mittee, as follows : Do you know Col. Shaw's hand-writ- ing ? 1 think 1 ought to know it. Do you know that to be the hand- writing of Col. Shaw ? 1 think I know it to be. Did you ever see him write ? — I have . Do you state that to be his hand- writing ? 1 believe it is. Have you any doubt about it ? I have no doubt about it ; it is very like, and I believe it s. Did you ever see colonel Shaw write ? Colonel Sliaw is my son, and we have lived as father and son ought to do'; as good friends. [The witness was dii-ected to with- draw. WIff Me. CHARLES SHAW was called in. Examined by the Committee. Of your own kaowledg'e do you know that 2U01. was remitted to Mrs Clarke on 'iccount of colonel Shaw ?---No, I do not ; but I know that 3001. was. Slate at what period that SOOl.was re- mitted. — I received a letter from colonel Shaw, mentioning' that he wislied to convey 3001. to his friend, and request- ing that I would receive that sum of Mr. Cautts, having sent me an order to that eilbct, and that I would send it by a careful hand, addressed to Mrs. Clarke, No 18, Gloucester-place. I received the money from Mr. Coutts, in conse- quence of the order, and delivered it myself at the door. When wiis that ? — I unfortunately have kept no papers or any letters ; but, in consequence of the summons of this House, 1 called at Mr. Coutts' to-day, and found from their books that I re- ceived it on the 9th of May, 1806 ; and I perfectly recollett that I delivered it that day at Mrs Clarke's door. Was this a remittance from colonel Shaw from the Cape ? — From Bath : he was then immediately to leave Bath for Portsmouth, to embark for the Cape ; the letter, I perfectly recollect, stated, that though he had received his appointment, through the influence of his friends—— Then you have got the letter ? — I un- fortunately have it not, for I destroyed it soon after he embarked ; but I per- fectly recollect that he stated.thatthougii he had received the appointment through the influence of his own friend, Mrs. Cla.ke had shewn a disposition to serve him ; that he had already paid her 3001. previous to this, and had received an ap- plication for the last sum by way of loan, and that he was loath to refuse her, be- cause he believed there was a disposi- tion to serve him, though the appoint- ment came certainly through the influ- ence of his friend, whom I knew to have been sir Harry Burrard, who had inter- ested himself very much upon all occa- sions for this gentleman, and that the appointment was got by him : but that, as this lady had shewn a disposition to serve liim, he had in consequence sent this jOOl. that it was expressly given by way of loan. In consequence of what I read to day in the newspaper, that Mrs. Clarke declared in this House, that this gentleman bad used her ill, and liadnot 30 fulfilled all his engagements, I beg to declare from my own khowiedge, and I am ready to bring evidence lo the bar of this House, that lieutenant-colonel Shaw is a man ot as high honour, and as good an ofliccr, as auy man in the King's service, and is incapable of m.ikmg any pecuniary promise that he has not liter- ally, faithfiiU) , and honourably support- ed. I beg pardon, if I h tve been too warm j but it is such a retieclion upon tliis gentleman. 1 am willing to produce officers, from his colonel downwards, who will state, that he never forfclted an engagement he had made in his life ; his services are well known. [The witness was directed to withdraw. Colonel GORDON was called in. Mxamtned by the Committee. Can you state when major Shaw was appointed to be assistant barrack mas- ter general, and at wiiat per.od he was put upon the half-pay ? — 1 beg to ask, whether you would wish me lo answer that question as it is put to me, or to read the wliole proceeding respecting major Shaw's appointment, from the first to the last. Answer the question at first, as it is put. — 1 do not believe that I have g'ot the document in my jiossession which can exactly answer that question ; it must have been about the endof March,1806, or the beginning of April. Do you mean that it was the end of Miirch, 1806, or the beginning of April, tliat he was appointed barrack master general ? — I believe he was appointed deputy barrack-master general, and placed upon half-pay immediately after- wards. Do you know how soon afterwards he was placed upon the half-pay ? — 1 cannot fi'om my recollection at this moment ascertain the dates ; but they are \ery easily ascertained ; a reference to the army list, or the documents in the office, or the Gazette, would ascertain it in a moment. Are there documents in your office that would ascertain it ! — Yes, there are. State anything you know to the com- mittee respecting the applications that were made for colonel Shaw's situation. — With tlie permission of the House, I will read all the documents in my posses- sion with respect to the appointment of majer Shaw, Jieutenant-colon i cj ■^ .- ri ^ ^ ^ 1 bt ^ C S Cm b U2 q =2 33 -€ O The enclosed is from major Shaw to Sir Hanv Burrard, dated Pevensey Bar- racks, lyth March 1S06. [Colonel Gordon read it.3 (Inclosure.j " Pevensey Barracks, 19th March I8O6. " My dear Sir, " I fear that you must think me presuming on your miin\ kindnesies in again troubling you, and being without apology, I must rely entirely on your goodness. In making, however, my present request, let me beg that, if at- tended with any circumstances unpleas- ant to you, that you bestow no further consideration, tlian pardoning the liber- ty of my having miide it. " I shall premise 'with stating, that previously to my removal from the Cey- lon regiment, his Royal Highness had been gracio\isly pleased to promise me promotion, on' a favourable opportunity offering- ; and on my joining the 40th regiment, I repeated my desire of pur- chasing, to whicli I now s'and noted by a letter from colonel Gordon. Having had further assurances given to me of his Iloyal Highness' favourable intentions, in the admission of my services, being now nearly 23 years ni his Majesty's army, that my cotemporaries are gener- ally colonels or old lieutenant colonels, and that I experienced the mortification of being purchased over by an officer from another regiment, and Jay many J'ears m\ junior in \\v< profession ; from these cirrumstunces. 1 am induced to hope, that should colonel Gordon favour me by bringing my case to his Royal Highness' notice, that I might benefit by some mark of favour in the military arrangements that are expected to take ,place. It is in this expectation that I venture to trouble you, and I shall feel myself sincerely obliged b} your men- tioning to colonel Gordon (shoidd a de- sirable opportunity offer) my services, disappointments, and present hopes, and 1 shall esteem it a particular favour his bringing my case at tliis period to his Royal Highness' remembrance. " I shall no longer trespass on your time but in offering ray best respects to Mrs. Burrard. I rejnain, with sincere gratitude. My dear Sir, Your's most faithfully, and much obliged, y. Shaiur The next letter is one from general Burrard, March 29th, 1S06. [Colonel Gordon read the letter.Q " (Private.)" March 29th, 06. " My dear Sir, " To shorten the business, I send youShaw's letter, which is nothing more than to say, that he gratefully will ac- cept, if the deputy barrack-mastercy at the Cape can be obtained, with the rank of Lieut. Col. and go there in three weeks. I explained that ; and also, f hsit (if it could be obtained) he would be put on half pay as soon as it could be done. His request is to come to London immediately, if he can succeed. " I am truly Your obliged servant, H. Burrard." " Pray return the letter." " Lt. Col. Gordon." 2 c I did not return the letter, and I now have it in my hand ; it is a letter from colonel Shaw to general Burrard. 93S [Colonel Gordon read the letter.] (Inclosiire.) •' Pevensey Barracks, « My dear Sir, 28tli March 1806. " 1 am just honoured with your let- ter, and I trust you will believe that I feel, tiiough I shall not attempt to ex- press my gratitude, for your present and many kindnesses towards me, and I c^ only add, that my sense of obligsition can alone cease with my existence. •• I -have as far as the present time al- lowed, given every consideration to the proposal you have made me, and should conceive myself most fortunate in suc- ceeding to it, and should be ready to proceed in the time you mention. Ihave only to request, that should the decision prove favourable, that I might be per- mitted an immediate leave of absence, as 1 should have a great deal to arrange in regard to my family. It would be my wish, could I procure an accommo- dation, to take my wife and two of my children out with me, and to leave the others in this country. " As our warning for the post is very short, I must conclude, begging my best respects to Mr. Burrard, and that you will beUeve me, with every sentiment of sincere gratitude, Your's most sincerely and faithhfuliy, " Gen. Burrard." J. Shaiu." The mark I put upon this letter was, " the appointment is now to go on ;" it did go on ; he was appointed deputy- barrack-master-general at the Cape, with the rank of lieutenant colonel, and as soon as possible, was put upon half pay. I have further to state to the com- mittee, that when this subject was men- tioned in the House some evenings ago, I sent to Sir Harry Burrard, to request he would bring to his recollection all the circumstances that took place upon the subject of Shaw's appointment. Sir Harry Burrard waited upon me on the 30th of January last, and put this paper into my hands. [Colonel Gordon read the letter.] The following day Sir Harry Burrard sent me this letter. [Colonel Gordon read the letter.] 1 have now told the committee all I know upon that subject. In the first letter that you have read, colonel Shaw refers to some promises made him of promotion by his Royal Highness the commander in chief ; do you know what those promises were ?— I cannot state exactly that I do know, but I supposed them to have been the usual ans\vers given to officers who make application for promotion, that their names were noted, and woidd be considered with the names of other of- ficers of equal pretentions, when future opportunities offered. You do not know of any other promise which major Shaw had received ?— No, I do not. Is it usual for field officers on the Staff" to be put on half pay ! — When a field of- ficer accepts a staff appointment abroad, a permanent staff appointment,it is usual for him to be placed upon the half pay ; it is the general rule of the army : there we exceptions, which I can explain when called upon. State the exceptions. — The best way for me to state the exceptions would be to read to the committee a list of all the permanent staff situations, and to state all that are upon half pay, and who are not, and why. Was the officer who held the appoint- ment before major Shaw, on half pay or full pay ? — If I recollect right, major Shaw was the first person who held it ; he was appointed upon the capture of the colony of the Cape of Good hope. [Col. Gordon delivered in a list of the staflfoflftcers on foreign stations.] 384 List of the Staff Officers on Foreign Stations, JPatt Indies. •* Adjutant General— Lt. Sir W. Keir Col .Comet IS Drs. T^ieut. )Cj.pt. 6 D. G. . VI aj. 'i.t. Col. 22 Drs. lialf pay 2 June irStf 19 Feb. 93 6 July 94 6 Jan. 96 3 Dec. 1800 25 June 02 Deputy ditto — Lt. Col. Camp bell, 33 Regt. fLieui. 73 F. I 74 I Ciipt. 51 Maj. 27 half pay -33 F. Col. <^ Ma]. LLt C 30 Scpi.l7tf8 1 Sept. 96 14 June 1800 24 Nov. 1802 Ditto. 27 Sept. 03 6 Aug. 07 TEns 46 F. I Lieut. Q. Master General— Colonel-^ ^*P.^,fn ^• Eden, 84 Re. - - ) ^-J- 79 ['± Col. 84 26 Aug. 1786 1 May 1790 3 June 95 16 Dec. 95 15 Aug. 98 11 Dec. 1806 Deputy ditto— Maj. Johnson, 77 Re. - - - fLns. 102 F. Lieut. 92 ha' f pay Lieut. 22 F. < Lieut. 22 Ciipt 61 I 77 Brevet Maj. 8 July 179» 1794 17 Dec.I802 9 July 1803 3 Sept. 1803 Mar. 1808 d^ylo fDep. Adj. General — Lt. Col. I H. Q. Brownrigg, BaiUie's Reg. Dep. Q: M. General— Maj. J. Wilson, 12 Ft. Ceylon Rt 3d bo. - 12 Nn-.1788 3 Sept. 95 28 Oct. 95 25 Apr. 1802 7 Apr. 1804 Ens. Ind. 4 Dec. 1793 Lieut. 87 F. - 5 Dec. 93 Capt. 12 - 25 June 96 vlaj. 27 June 1802 Cape of Good. Hope. Dep. Adj. General — Lt. Sorel, half pay Col. Dep. Q: M. General— Lt. Col. Harcourt ... "Ens. 3i F. Lieut. Capt. half pay 18 Maj. 43 half pay 18 Aug. 1790 31 Aug. 95 1 Sept. 95 1802 25 May 03 11 Aug. 04 19 May 08 Ens. 127 F. 11 Dec. 1794 r Lieut. 99 20 Ditto ) 16 Drs. . 7 Apr. 95 VCapt. 20 F. 22 Oct. 99 ',vlaj.40F. 25 Dec. 02 half pay Ditto Cape of Good Hope. Madeira. 5a5 r Lieut. 77 W. I Capt. Dep. Bar. Mast. General— Lt J Maj- 1 Ceylon R. Col. Shaw, half-pay. "\ 27 - I — 40 L I. Half- Pay Dep. Adj. General— Lt. Col. Darling. » (Ens. 5 F. Lieut S F. Capt. 68 Mdj.^M.Gen.Staff 84 Haif-Pav 25 Dec. iy87 24 Jan. 1796 5 Ma;- 1804 11 Sept. 180S 25 C/c(. 1805 8 May U6 8 yM/y 1780 25 Sept. 1783 30 May 1795 31 i)/«o Dep. Q: M. Gen*— Maj. Austin ' Ens. 85 F. i Lieut. Half Pay — 69 .Capt. 58 F. 30 Jan. 1800 22 ^u/j/ 1800 20 Aug. 180 J 13 Nov. 1805 28 Z)/«o f.BH*. 67 F. Lieut. 67 F. Horsford, 18 Keg. S ^'^''■^- ** Jamaica. Dep. Q. M General— Lt. Col. Myers, 70 Ueg^, Q.Ma8ter and B.irrack Master General — B.Gen.Gledsianes. '< Maj [^ f Ehs. I Lieut 59 - - Co/. 4 »^. /. J?. 18 15 Aug. 178r 14 Ocf 1790 17 Sep. 94 4 June 96 30 .^K^. 99 28 Aug. 1801 26 ^fan. 09 69 F. 40 23 Z)r*. Half-Pay lODrs 4 W. I. R. Mij. 7i) 11 April 1795 22 i)cc. 95 17 yan. 99 28 iVfaj- 1801 1802 25 May 1803 24 Nov. 1804 1 Oc^ 1804 Tins. 58 i*'. k Lieut. •'.'apt- 57 Maj. .Lt. Col. 22 Feb. 1771 28 April 74 22 6V/><. 83 1 Mar 94 1 .S■e/>^ 95 (Vest Indies. < fEns. 60 F. - 6 ya«. I Lieut, - • 26 i\ro/v SO .lf.;K 18 Jc/f. Mar. 9 >/v 1803 23 ,7«/ 1803 84 85 94 94 94 98 {Ens. 23 F. - 24 ^r. 1787 Lieut. 13 " - 13 ^t/-*. 1791 Capt. 1 »^. 7. R. 1 ^«/k 95 Jlfo;. 6 W. L R. 3 MJi: 1804 32 - 1 Aug. 1804 54 - 23 Nov. 1804 Half Pay ' 20 i-VA. 1808 r£;)*. 55 F. - ol -^k^. 93 Dep. Adj. Gen.— MajorBowJ X.^>u^55F. - 31^^/1. 84 yer, 59 Rt. - - ) -^'>"'- 7 F. - 24 W«/^. 1795 ^ [.C>pt. 59 - 25 yuly 1798 1 y«/ie 1778 3 Dec. 85 14 il/ar. 94 15 yan. 98 £)!*. 51 F. - 30 ^-f/Sf. 1795 ..Lieut. - - 2 yune 1796 Dep. Adj. General— Lt. Col. y^a/)f. 62 - • 4 Oct. 1797 Sewell, 48 Reg. - ) Maj. 60 - - 16 yune 1803 ' _ 48 - 24 Nov. 03 r i. bo/'. - 20 yii;:e 1783 44 - 21 May 88 Dep. Q;M. Gcn.—Lieut.Col. ^2,.V«f. 44F. . 31 .ii.'^- 1793 Phillips, 44 Rt. - i •;„/,,. . . 2 Sept. 1795 Maj. - - U yan. 1S08 23r Ailj.Gcii.— M.Gcn. CatnpbclU Sicily. ■ < f £„.v, except when you, in the course of your official dttty, made representations to the commander in chief respecting major Shaw ? — Ido not recollect that he ever did ; btit I beg leave to state, that it is pressing my recollection a little hard, consideringthal there are elevenortwelve thousand officers of the ai-my, all of whom, or their friends, either corres- pond with or address me. Did you ever hear of Mrs.Clarke's sel- ■ ling,or pretending to sell commissions in * the army, before it became the subject of discussion in this House ?"Never, but through the medium of the numerous libels'tliat have been lately published against the commander in chief. Did you ever set on foot any inquiry into the truth of tluise sta' ements ?— I have already stated to the hous>;,lh:it iiv tlic autumn of 1804 I had understood that numerous abuses of this kind exist- ed, and I did set on foot every inqviiry that it w:is possible for me to do ; i as- certained that these abuses were prac- tised, and, in a letter that is now before the liouse, cautioned the officers of the army against such practices ; even sub- sequent to that letter, I had proof that such abuses did exist, and I obtained the opinion of eminent cotmsel, and they as- sured me it was not even a misdemean- or, and tliat I coidd have no redress ; upon that I reprcsctited the circura- btance to the then secretary at war, as I have already, I believe, slated in evi- dence to this house, and a clause was in- serted in the mutmy act, to impose a hne upon it. F rom what s<^nrce did you receive your intelligence of tlie existence of those a- buses ?-I rather think that the source was anonymous ; but upon inquiry I found tliat the account was true, and I traced it to Mr. Froome, an army broker, and a Mr. Hebdon, I believe a clothier in Parliament-street; IsentforMr.Froome; Mr.Froome told me that he had received this money ; I think it was nearly 10001. for the paymastership of one .of the bat- talions of the German legion : I thmk (I am speaking now from recollection,) that he told me also tliat he had only re- ceived a per centage upon the money, and paid the money to other hands ; after repeatedly pressinghlm,llhinkhe named Mr. Hebden. the army clothier. I sent for Mr. Hebden, and after some conver- sation, I must state to the house that I was not a little surprised at the imjm- dcnce of that gentleman, who told me positively that he received the money, S4l and would tell me no tnore abotit it : that is the proof lo which I uliudcd. The name of Mrs. Clurke was never meniioncd to jou as a party to this or any other similar transaction ? — Most certainly not. Did you ever disclose to the Dnke of York the circumstances of Mr. Hebdcn, and Mr. Froomc ' — Yes, I did indeed, and to many other people, and took the opinion of lawyers upon it ; which opin- ion, 1 believe, and all the documents upon it, I can, if necessary, lay before tliis House. Wha4 vvas the Duke's answer ? — The Duke (Jf'sired me to scrutinize it to the bottom, and let it fall upon whom it might, he would make an example of them. Smce this transaction do you know that Mr Froome has been employed by Mr. Greenwood I — No, 1 dono* ki'ow it. You delivered in apaperfroni M. ssrs. Greenwood an«l Cox, relative to the ex- change between Lieut Col. Knig-ht and Lieut. Col. Brooke, some of which you stated to have been written in the orig- inal in pencil ; how did that happen !— As this pa|)fr is printed, it is incompre- hensible almost to me : when this pa- per was laid belbre the Commander in Chief, I received his pleasure upon it, and I marked upon it this pencil re- mark, " C. L." (colonel Loraine) "can- not be acceded to ; his Royal Highness does not approve of the exchange pro- posed." Subsequent to that, inquiries were made as to the services of lieuten- ant colonel Brooke, on whose accoimt it was that the exchange was not acceded to. The result of these inquiries was such as to induce me to lay the papers before the Commander in Chief again ; and this second pencil remark is the re- sidt of the second representation I made to the Commander in Chief. Is it usual to make your remarks in pencil ? — Sometimes in pencd, some- times in ink. Were you acquainted withMr.Froome, or knew any thing of his situation in life, previous to the interview you had with him on the subject of this commis- sion ? — 1 knew iiim as a reputed' army broker to a great extent, and one of a description of persons with whom I de- clared open war the moment I came to the Commander in Chief. In coiisequenre of the transaction stat- ed by you, were any steps taken to pre- vent his transacting that ageticy bu«ines« for the army ? — I no not tmderstanil that he ever was authorized to transact busi- ness for the army, but he transacted it in spite of every thing I could do ; he was an army broker, not an agent. Was it not in consequence of informa- tion which }ou obtained upon this sub- ject, that those circular letters were written, and tlic clause in the Mutiny Act submitted to Parltament ? — The cir- cular letter was written in consequence of the inform.'ition I had obtained prior to the fact with which 1 have now ac- quainted the House ; the clause in the Mutiny act was brought into tlais House subsequent to that.and because 1 found that I had no redress. W as there ever any entry made of col- onel Kniglit's exchange not being ap- proved by the Commander in Chief? — Certainly, there was, and sent either to colonel Knight or colonel Brooke ; I had the letter in my hand the first time I gave evidence before the House. Through wliat recommendation in your office did Mr. Samuel Carter receive his ensigncy in the 16th foot f — Lieutenant Sutton of the royal ar- tillery. [The letter was read, dated December nil, IGOl.) *• Royal L-iboratory, Woolwich, " December 7th, 1801. " May it please your Royal Highness, " The kindness that your Highness has at all times most graciously bestow- ed on me, emboldens me to address you in the behalf of an orphan lad, nearly sixteen years of age, of the name of Samuel Carter (whose father lost his life in the service, and whom I have brought up and educated,) in hopes th.tt your Highness will be graciously pleas- ed t / appoint him to an ensigncy : a f - vour that I should not presume to ask but on the score of my long service and suficrings in his Majesty's service ; which I hope and humbly trust your Royal Highnr ss will take into your gra- cious consideration, wiio am, with all due submission and respect, " Your Royal Highness' " most faithful and obedient, " humble servant, " Tho. Sutton. " Lieut. Royal Artillery." 2^ 1 g ■;;; s § > t* t, ». § e ^ g -^ « - <^ c o ^ ^ e '^ - §-3 S g o SJ . fcj 4^ e _ ^ n Jj go » TJ ^ _ £ 9) t- (U (U Do you recollect when he was ap- jiointed ? — Here is lieutenant Sutton's •answer to the notification, which will elate it exactly. ^The letter read, March 29th, 1804.] *' Lieutenant Sutton presents his most respectful compliments to colonel Clin- ton to acknowledg-e the honour of his note of the 21st instant, and begs to ex- press how gratefully he feels the appoint- ment his Royal Highness the Comman- der in Chief has been pleased to confer on Mr. Samuel Carter. " London, March 29th, 1804." *' Colonel Clinton, &c. &c. The appointment must have taken place there or thereabouts. Do you know whether lieutenant Sutton is dead ? — Until I looked into these papers, I did not know that such a man existed ; I have heard tliat he is dead. Are not candidates for ensigncies fre- quently on his Royal Highness' list for two or three years before they can be appointed ? — That depends upon the pe- riod ; at the period of 1801, the reduc- tion of the army, and the period of peace it was absolutely impossible to appoint him as the answer states : the answer is in substance upon the body of the let- ter, but here it is in length. [Colonel Gordon read the letter, dated 8th December, 1801.] (Copy.) "Horse -Guards, "Sir, 8 Dec. 1801. " I have received the Commander in Chief's commands to acquaint you, in answer to your letter of yesterday's date, that from present circumstances it is not in the Commander in Chief's power to recommend any person for commission ; but his Royal Highness has directed Mr. Samuel Carter's name to be noted, to be provided for at a fii- ture opportunity. " I am. Sec. 1 (Signed) "Hob. Brovinrigg.^* f " Lieut. Thos. Sutton, *• Royal Artillery, " Royal Laboratory, " Woolwich." I should imagine the circumstanced alluded to were the reduction of the ar* my. Have not you recently kno'vtm instances,"' ofcandidates.respecting whom there was no disqualification, where they have fre- quently remained two or three \cars before they were appointed? — Certainly; 1 dare say there are a hundred upon the Duke's books at this moment, or two. Is there any subsequent recommend- ation of Mr. Carter ' — 1 have no other documents whatever on -the subject. When a recommendation is once in, is it necessary for a subsequent recom. mtrndation to come wlien that candidate is noted upon the list ? — The asual prac- tice is, when a person sends in a memo- rial, he follows it up by himself and his friends repeatedly, and commonly in person. Do you know the date of Mr. Carter's commission ? — I cannot say that I know the date, but it must have been between the 17th and 21st of March 1804. In the affair of the exchange between colonel Brooke and colonel Knight, had not colonel Knight previously made an application to be allowed to exchange with colonel Pleydell ? — Yes, he had. Was that objected to ? — Yes, it was. Are the documents upon that subject now in the office ?— I rather think they are. Did you ever hear of a person of the name of Hector Stray, an ensign in the 54th regiment of foot ?— To the best of my recollection, I never heard his name mentioned before. Have you with you any means of ascer- taining whether there is such a person?— I have not with me, but I can ascertain it by eleven o'clock to-morrow morning. You stated, on a former examination, that you had frequently been in the West Indies ; were you not born in the West Indies ?---I was not, I have the honour of being a Welshman. To your knowledge, did Mr. Hebden, who received the 1(X)01. for thcpaymas- tership, ever obtain that paymastership? —The paymastersbip was certainly ob. •24S tained, ami that struck me very forcibly when I made the inquiries. Is it competent to you in yonr official situation to produce the documents of that appointment ?-I can produce them ; it will give me great satisfaction if the committee will do me the honour to go into them. At whose recommendation are pay- masterships bestowed ? — The colonels of the regiments, through the secretary at war. Has the commander in chief any con- cern with the recommendation for these appointments ? — None whatever, except the submitting them to his Majesty. Is it a matter of course for the com- mander in chief to submit to his Majes- ty those recommendations for paymas- terships, which are approved by the sec- retary at war ? — It is quite a matter of course, when approved of by tlie colo- nels of the regiments and the secretary at war. Does the recommendation of the pay- master on all occasions originate with tlie colonel of the regiment, or does the secretary at war appoint ?-I understand the practice to be, that the recommend- ation is with the colonel of the regiment, and it is submitted to the secretary at war, whose duty it is to take care that securities are good. Who was the colonel who recom- mended the paymaster, in the case of Hebden, to the paymastership ! — I real- ly do not know who the colonel of the battalion was ; it of course came through the head of the German legion, the -Duke of Cambridge. Wlio was the secretary at war at that time ? — I rather think it was general Fitzpatrick, I will not be quite sure. Is there not an express regulation, that paymasterships cannot be sold I — I understand it to be so decidedly. Do you happen personally to know Lieut. Carter ? — No, I do not, to my kno wledge I never saw him. Do you know from any correspond- ence that, although he was, as was ex- pressed upon his recommendation, a poor orphan, he had had a sufficient ed- ucation to qualify him for an ensigncy, being the son of a soldier who was killed in the service ? — Until his name was mentioned here last night,.! never heard Lis name mentioned. Who appoints the paymasters I — I have already stated, that the colonel of th^ regiment regoiBOiends the paymas- ter, the secretary at war approves of tlie sureties, and in that shape they come transmitted to the commander in chief, who lays them as a matter of course be- fore the King. In what year did the transaction you have alluded to, relative to Mr. Hebden, take place ? — I really do not know, but this I know, that it was in consequence of the transaction that. I was induced to speak to the secretary at war to insert a clause in the mutiny act. Do you not recollect whether the transaction did not take place before the appointment of general Fitzpatrick ag secretary at war ; whether that trans- action could have ever come under hi.st cognizance ? — I really cannot take upon me to state the exact date, it must have been there or thereabouts ; I cannot speak to the exact period. Cannot you ascertain, by reference to your papers, whether it was before the month of February 1806 ? — I cannot, without reference to the army list ; the paymaster's name was Blunderstone, of one of the battalions of the German legion. Do you not understand it to be a mat- ter of course, that the secretary at war should recommend any paymaster, that is recommended to him by the colonel of the regiment, provided he finds him to be a person fitted for the situation, and that he has proper security ? — Quite a matter of course. Upon what ground do you say that the recommendation of the commanding of- ficer of a regiment, for the paymaster, is received as a matter of course at the war office ? — I am called upon to answer a question that in no shape belongs to the office which I superintend, but as mat- ter of general information, I understand that when the colonel of a regiment re- commends a paymaster to the secretary at war, if the secretary at war sees no objection to such recommendation, and his securities are good, then it is a mat- ter of course that he recommends. In case the secretary at war should disapprove of the securities, what is then the process ? — I beg to repeat that I am answering questions in no way connect- ed with my office, but as matter of gen- eral information I can state, the secre- tary at war would then return it. Would not the colonel then have an- other recommendation which mightmeet with approval ?— Certainly. [TUe witness was dfrectedtp wifhdravr. 242 [The witness was as^uin called in.] ProtUice tludi ( iiinfias re spue ting the resignation of m:ijor 'i urnev. [Colonel Gordon d( livered them in, and the foUowinjj pa])ers wci-e read : Let- ter from Messrs G.-eenwt^od and Cox to colonel Gordon, dntedCr;iig''s -court, 5th of September 1808.— Letter from captain Turner, dated Canterl)ury, 26lh of Aiif^ust 1808.--Letvt^r from lieutenant Sit well, dated Canterbury, 26th of August 1808.] i (Copy) " Sir, " Craig''s -court, 5 Sept. 18U8. " Wc are directed by Lieut. ji,eneral Cartwright, to enclose the resign;ition of Brevet m:ij.Turner,for the sale of his troop in the 3d or king's own i-egiment of dragoons, which we request you will be pleased to lay before field manial his Royal Highness the commander in cliief, together with the recommendation of lieutenant Sitwell to succeed thereto, the purchase money being satisfactorily settled, and no senior lieutenant in the legiment having signified an intention «f purchasing. «' We have, &c. (Signed) *' GrcenxvooJ, Cox 0" Co." " Lt. Col. Gordon, &c. Stc. &.C. (Copy) " Canterbury, •• Sir, 26 August 1808. •• I beg you will be pleased to ob- tain forme his Majesty's consent to the sale of my commission of captain in the od or king's own regiment of dragoons, which I purchased. " In case his Majesty shall be gra- ciously pleased to permit the same, " 1 do declare and certify, upon the word and honour of an officer and a gen- tlcm.-in, that I have not demanded or accepted, neither will I demand or ac- cept, directly or indirectly, at anytime, or in any manner wliatever, more than the sum of SloOLljoing the price limited and fixed by his Majesty's regulation, as the fvdl value of the said commission. '* I have the honour to be, Sit, Your most obedient, humble servant, (Signed) Whichcote Turner, Captain." '• Officer commanding 3d or King'i own Rcc:. of Drag-." (Copy) " Canterbury, S5 August 1808. " Sir, " I beg yon will be pleased to ob- tain for me his Majesty's permission to purchase the troop, vacant in the 3d"or king's own reg-iment of dragoons, (vice^ Turner who retires ; the senior lieuten- ants having declined purchasing. " In case his Majesty shall be g«t* ciously pleased to permit me to " I do declare and certify, upon tlwi* word and honoiu'of an officer and a gen- tleman, that I will not, now or at any* future time, give by any means, or in- any shape whatever, directly or indirect- ly, any more than the sum ot 31 501. being tlic price limited and fixed by his Ma- jesty's regulation, as the full value of tlie said commission. ♦' I have the honour to be. Sir, Your most obedient, and most humble servant, (Signed) R. S'tPxell, Lieut. 3 Drag." " To the commanding officer, 3d or King's O. Reg. of Drag." " I beg leave to recommend the above, and I verily believe the established reg- ulation in regard to price is intended to be strictly ctimplied with, and that no clandestine bargain subsists between the pai'ties concerned. (Signed) " W. Cartwrigiitf Lt. General." What is the meaning of that mark *' Put by ?" — Put by for the present, un- til further inquiries were made ; the correspondence will explain it. [LettersignedLucySinclair Sutherland, dated London, 5th of Septemberl808. — I..ctter from colonel Cartwright, dated the 14tli of September 1808.— Letterfrom colonel Cartwright, dated the 18th of September 1808.— Letter from major Turner to colonel Gordon, dated S3d September 1808.— Letter from m.ijor Turner to colonel Gordon, dated tli'e 7th of November 1808. — Letter from colonel Goixlon to Mr. Turner, dated the 8th of November 1808.— Letter from Mr. Turner to colonel Gordon, dated the 15th of December 1808. — Letter from colonel Gordon to Mr. Turner, dated the 16th of December 1808.] S45 (Copy) «' PortmaiTi-slrcct, " Sir, 5 Sept. 1808. *• 1 think your lloyiil Hi{>liiie.ss will rc:ulilycoiii|)ly wilhthefi)llowing'triiliii}jf reciutst I liiko the lihorty of'innking. It 18, not to accept the rcsigiiiilion ofiuiijor Turner of the 3il or Kuip's own drap- oona, in fuvour of Lieut. Sitwell, till March. He hiis beluivcd with unkind- ncss towards a lady who merited diilicr- ent treatment ; and it is of ;mjK)rtimoe to her to know wlierc to find liim for these six months ; and if he quits the reg-imeut he means to secrete himself from her. Besides, it is not quite hon- ourable for an oflicer to wish to leave the army while his regiment is under orders for embarkation. Your Koyal Highness will therefore perceive he does not merit indulgence. The general knows all about it, and can corroborate what 1 say, if necessary. • " Major Turner depends on Col. Gor- don to expedite his resignation ; 1 de- pend on your Royal Highness to prevent iiis obtaining it for some months. I flat- ter my self such a triHing and just request you will not refuse. " I have, &c. (Signed) ♦• Lucy Sinclair Sutherland" » (J 2 ". ^ £ £ P P. (Copy) «• Burley, 14th Sept. 1808. "Dear Colonel, " In reply to your inquiries respecting the scrape into which it appears that captain Turner of my regiment has got with some woman of moderate repute, I have to say, that I am entirely ignorant of every thing which relates to tliis mat- ter ; but, for your satisfaction, will en- deavour to inform myself of ])articulars, which, when obtained, Bhall be trans- mitted to you. " Your's, &c. '-'(Signed) " W. Cartwrisht.'* "■•' Lt. Colonel Gordon, &c, &c. kc. (Copy) Private. " Aynho, 22d Sept. 1809. " Dear Colonel, " 1 trust that the following extract of a letter from Lt. Col. Mundy will do away any unfavoiu'able imiJiession that may have been taken, to the prejudice of major Turner, of the rej^inunt under my command ; and that the business of his resignation may, in conse(]uence, bo allowed to go forward without furthcl* delay. •* I remain, &c. (Signed) " JV, Cartxvright, " Lt. Col. Gordon, Lt-Gcn.'? 8tc. &c. &c. " Extract." " In no one instance have I ever had occasion to be dissatisfied with the con- duct of major Turner since he has been in the King's own dragoons : on tho contrary, I have always found him to be a perfectly gentlemanly, honourable man. I believe he has, unfortunately for his own peace of mind, formed a connexion with an artful woman, who has brought him to much trouble ; but I conceive this is a circumstance which can on no accoimt warrant the putting any obstacle' to his views of retiring. ■ a *' Private.*' " Canterbury, Friday, "Dear Sir, 23d Sept. 1808. '* I am just favour'd with a letter fron* Lieut, colonel Mundy, informing of me, my resignation is accepted, and the bu- siness will be forwarded without delay. I can with truth say, I have turned my fortieth year, and never had my honour, or character called intjuestion, until as- persed by Mrs S When I arrive in London, I will wait upon you, and in- form you how Mrs. S is inthe habits of making imi)roper mention about his llwyul Highness. Ir\ canseqicnce •£ .32 240 wliat has happened, and in consideration of mv long' services, I shall consider it as a (i^reat compliment, if 1 may be al- lowed to retain mj rank as major. I Ijfiiher ask for half pay, or future pro- motion ; nor should I ever have made a request, had it not have been for ihevery unpleasant communication. " I remain, &c. (Signed) *« JV. Turner." '* Lt. Col. Gordon," &C. &C. &G. (Copy) "Sir, Ipswich, 7th Nm-. 1808. *' lam in possessu)n of facts wuich places it beyond a doubt that his Royal Highness the Commander in Chief did, influenced b) Mrs. Sinclair, prevent for a wlulc my retiring from the service. " I appeal to you. Sir, if I merited the effect which such unjust interference protluced, after having passed the great- er and best part of my life in his Majes- ty's service. " Before I left Canterbury, I vi'roteto you, stating to you my earnest request tJiat I might be peiwitted to retire from Uie service, retaining my rank in the army, to which I received no answer. Agreeable to my promise, I endeavour- ed to obtain an interview with you when I was in London, but 1 was disappoint- ed, owing to some informality in my ap- plication to those in attendance under you. I therefore beg leave to repeat my request upon the subject of retaining my rank in the army : the length and nature of my services, I am convinced, will be a suthciently strong claim : without re- verting to the late transaction exercised by Mrs. Sinclair, I beg to assure you. Sir, it's the farthest from my disposition to take any steps injurious to his Royal Highness the Commander in Chief's conduct. I request you will do me the honour to acknowledge the receipt of this, and your answer will regulate my future proceedings. " I liave, &c. (Signed) " Whichcote Turt.er, " late of the 5k\ or Kmi^* own Drag. " and mujor in the ai*my." " To Col. Gordon, &c. (Copy) *' Horse-Guards, " Sir, 8th Nov. 1808. " 1 have to acknowledge your letter of yesterday, which I have not failed to ay before the Commander in Chief ; and I am commanded to acquaint you, that on a complaint being made against you by a Mrs. Sutherland, in a letter, of which the enclosed is an extract, his Royal Highness felt it his duty to cause inqui- ry to be made into the circumstances of the case, before any decision could be given upon your request to retire from tJie service. " The result of that inquiry being honourable to your character, as appears from the enclosed correspondence from the colonel of your regiment, the com- mander in chief had no further difficulty in submitting yoiu- resignation to his Majesty, and which was accordingly done in due course. " Upon the subject of retaining your r.ink in tiie army, I have to communicate to you that tlie commander in chief has it not in his power to meet your wishes, the request being contrary to the rules of the service, and has not in any simi- lar instance been acceded to since the Duke assumed the command of the ar- my. " I have, &c, (Signed; " J. W. Gordon, " W. Turner, Esq. Ipswich." (Copy) " Bury St. Edmund's, " Sir, 15 Dec. 1808. '• I am preparing to lay before the public a staiement of his Royal Highness the Duke of York's conduct towards me. " I beg leave to assure you, I shall make use of your name as seldom as possible, and that with the utmost deli- cacy. Mrs. Sinclair Sutherland i.as of- fered to join me in a publication against his Royal Highness the Duke of York, which I positively declined. When I t.i\ed Mrs. S S. witli having taken steps njurious to m\ retirement from the ser- ▼ ce. having traced her letter into his Royal Highness tlie Duke of York's of- fice, Mrs. S. S. stoutly denied hyving exerted herself in Impeding my resig- nation. Mrs. S. S. acknowledged she had written to his Ro>ai Highness the Duke of York, but it was upon the sub- ject of suppi-essing a publication : 1 am unnble to say which pamphlet, the one addressed to the King, styled the- 24r Ban Dogs, or Mr. (late major) Ho- g'an's. *• I have, 84C. (Signed) "W.Turner." " Colonel Gordon, &c. &c. &c. (Copy.) *' Horse-Guards, "Sir, 16 Dec. 1808. " I have to acknowledge your letter of j'esterday, acquainting me, that you were preparing to lay before tlie public a statement of his Royal Highness the Duke of York's conduct towards you, and assuring me that you should use my name as seldom as possible, and that •\vitli the utmost delicacy, " In thanking you for liiis assurance, which 1 presume your recollection of former acquaintance in private life has induced you to make, I feel it my duty to relieve you from any delicacy upon that point, and most decidedly to ex- press my wish, that whtnever you or your friends may think tit to mention my name, as bearing upon any pul)lic trans- action in wluch 1 may have borne any pa]*t, you will have the goodness to use it, free from any reserve whatever, and publish all or any of my letters tliat may be in any manner connected with it. ■' I have, &.C (Signed) "^ TV Gordon." ,,j,J* P. S. I take it for granted, that you naye received my letter of the 8ih No- vember, addressed to you at Ipswich." " W. Turner, Esq. Bury St. Edmunds." Do you know Mrs. Sutherland ' — Un- til I saw her name to that letter, I never recollect having heard of it before, and I never saw her in my life. Do you know whether Mrs. Sinclair and Mrs. Sutlierland are the same per- son ! — 1 have understood that they were so. You stated in your examination on a former night, tliat any interference of the Duke of York, the Commander in Chief, with respect to exchanges, would be extremely futile ; do )ou nt;.kt ilie same observation as to any interference of the Duke of York with respect to re- signations ? — I beg pardon ; but witli g^eat deference, I never said any such thing ; I will state what I did say, and explain if necessary. [The following extract was read iroiri the printed minutes.] " ^ In aiiy conversation that you have had upon the subject of this ex- change, with the Commander in Chief, do you recollect a wisli being expressed that the conclusion of the exchange might be expedited ? — A. No, certainly not, the expression of such a wish would have been very futile, for it would not have expedited the exchange one half instant ; it would have gone on in the usual course." Do you mean that any application on the part of the Commander in Ch.ef would have been more futile in regard to the expediting of that exchange ti an any other ? — Tiiere appears to be some misconception m this, which 1 will en- deavoiiFlo explain': oivretieience to my former exaniination, it will be seen that the papers were laid before the King but once a week, and that after the Commanded m Cliierspleasure haii been finally obtained upon the exchange or upon any thing, then the expression of his wish to further that, would nothaxe furthered it one half instant, it would have gone with the King's papers thitt week ; tiiat was wlu.i I meant to say» and I hope 1 did say it. Then the futility to which you allude, only refers to the time after the Com- mander in Chief's pleasure has been taken ? — Most certainly ; that is, it the Commander in Chief's pleasure is taken on Wednesday, and that it is the due course to serd in the papers to the King on Friday or Saturday, the Comman^ler in Chief's desire to me to expedite would not cause that paper to be sent in to the King on Thursday ; that it was I mean. Then any wish expressed by -the Commander in Chief, to expedite an ex- change previous to that period, might have the eflect ot expediting that ex- ciiange, might it ' — 1 really can only an- swer that as I have already answered before : tliat when I laj a paper before the C(jmmander m Chief and receive his pleasure upon that paper, with him it is final, and it goes before the King in the due course ; 1 mean to say again, that the Commander in Chief desiring n;c to send in that paper would not expedite it, it would n(-t go separate, it would go witli the other jiapeis. Do you mean, that if an exchange is 24S in suspense in the office, an expression used b} the Commander in Cluef, of a ■wish to expedite that exchangee, would have no eflect whatever ? — O, no, I do not mean that ; it roost undoubtedly would. Have you ever known any other in- stance of this sort of inlei'ference like that of Mrs. Sutherland ? — 1 cannot bring such to my recollection ; but 1 can say, tliat if that letter had been anonymous, the very same course would have been adopted. Had you any conversation with the Commander in Chief respecting that letter ? — I do not think I had, farther than this ; I think it will be found, on reference to the papers, that the resig- nation is dated the same day with Mrs. Sutherland's letter, in which case it is probable that I submitted it totlie Com- mander in Chief at the very s.ame period that he opened tlie letter ; I perfectly recollect the Commander in Chief put- ting- the letter into my hands, and desir- ing me to inquire into it. Do you mean, that the resignation is dated the same day that the letter is dated ? — I believe so. fit appeared on inspection, that the let- ters of Messrs. Cox and Greenwood, and of Mrs. Sutherland, were both dated the 5th February.] When was the resignation forwarded to major Turner ? — As it is dated on the 5th, and from the agent's office, it is inost probable, I received it on that day, and most probably laid it before tlie Com- mander in Chief, in my usual course, tlie next day at furthest. When was the resignation accepted ? — That is also dated in red ink tipon the back ; it was approved by the King on the 23d of tlie same month ; it came in on the 5th. Did tlie Duke of York state to you that he knew Mrs. Sutherland ? — No, he did not. Nothing about her ? — Nothing what- ever. [|The witness was directed to withdraw. Mr. WILLIAM NICHOLLS was called in. Examined by the Committee. Do you live at Hampstead ?-^Yes. Did Mrs. Clarke live at your bouse at Hampstead, at any time as a lodger ? — Yes. What time did she come ? — In Octo- ber. What year ?—180r. How long did siie stay there ? — Till . , the 25th June following, or thereabouts. I< When she came there, did she repre- J i sent herself as a married woman or as a widow ? — As a widow. Did she at any time during her con- tinuance there represent herself in an- other character ? — Yes. Upon what occasion ? — I understood that she was married to Mr. Dowler. How did you understand that ? — She told me so. Did Mr. Dowler come to her there 1 —Yes Was it upon the occasion of his com- ing to her, that she represented herself to be his wife ? — Yes. Did she give any reason for calling herself by the name of Clarke, while she represented herself as married to Mr. Dowler ? — She stated her reason to be, that if the Duke of York knew that she was married, he would send Mr. Dowler abroad. Was Mr. Dowler there frequently dur- ing her stay ? — Yes, very frequently. You have said that Mrs. Clarke rep- resented herself as a widow ; in what way did she represent herself ; did she tell you she was a widow ? — Yes, that her husband was dead three years. When did she tell you that ? Some time after she was in the house ; per- haps two months. When did she come into your house first ?— In October, tlie latter end of Oc- tober. ' "■ When did she tell you she was mar- ried to Mr. Dowler ?-"Soon after Mr. Dowler came to Hampstead. When did Mr. Dowler first come to Hampstead ?— I forget the time, it was soon after the expedition I'eturned from Buenos Ayres. Did she go by the name of Mrs. Dow- ler ?— No. Did you believe that she was the wife of Mr. Dowler ? Yes. Did Mr. Dowler often sleep in the house ? Yes. Was there a French lady in that house ? Yes. What was the name of that lady ?— Josephine, I think they used to call her ; I did not know her name exactly. Of how many people did Mrs. Clarke's family consist ? At first when she came, herself, capt. Thompson, and this French lady. Any children ?- Afterwards there were. 249 How many children ? — Two, some- timi's lliree. How many bed-chambers had Mrs. Clarke in your house ? — Four or five ; she occupied the whole house almost. Do you know whether this Freuch la- dy slept with Mrs. Clarke ? — No. Is your wife with you now ? — Yes. Is slie here ? — Yes. Had you ever any correspondence with Mrs. Clarke ? — I do not understand the question. Did Mrs. Clarke ever write to you, or you to Mrs. Clarke ? — Yes. Do you recollect when Mrs. Clarke last wrote to you ? — Yesterday. Did you receive a letter from Mrs. Clarke yesterday ? — Yes. When was the last time, before yes- terday, tliat you received a letter from Mrs. Clarke ? — I do not know exactly. Have you that letter in your posses- sion ? — No. What is become of it ? — I gave it to a gentleman, a professional man. ' To whom ? — To Mr. Masters. ■ What is Mr. Masters ? — An attorney. With what view did you give it to Mr. Masters ? — With a view for him to write to her. Upon what subject ? — For a sum of money which she owed me. What were the contents of that letter ? — I applied to Mrs Clarke in town, to ask her to pay me my bill, when she was not to be seen. I told the house keeper, unless she settled the account with me, I should dispose of some instruments of music that were left, in part to satisfy me. The same evening, I received a letter, threatening that she knew I had forged a will, wherein I held an estate. Immediately I took the letter to Mr. Masters, telling him that it was all a falsehood, and desiring him to insist up- on getting my money, and to despise her threats. Was it in consequence of the threat contained in that letter, or in consequence of the debt which Mrs. Clarke owed you, you gave that letter to this profes- sional gentleman ? — In consequence of the threat. How long was this ago ? — I do not ex- actly know ; I suppose July last, or thereabout. Have any steps been taken in conse- quence by that professional gentleman ? — He wrote to her, and has received no answer ; and I do not think any thing else has taken place since then. Have you ever continued to apply to Mrs. Clarke since that ?— No, never. Did you ever receive any I'ent from Mrs. Claike ? — Never. In that letter, did she say that you had forged this will, and that she could hang you ? — I do not exactly know the words, but something to that effect. You state that you applied to your lawyer upon that subject ; why did he not proceed agidnst Mrs Clarke ? — I thought she owed me enough money al- ready, and I did not like to throw good money after bad. Do you ever recollect saying, you would be up with her for this I — No, never to any body. Do you recollect, that, at any time, in consequence of this business of the will spoken of in the letter, your wife and you parted ? — Never. You do not recollect your wifeleavmg you upon that or any other occasion ? — No. Have you, in your possession, any let- ters that belonged to Mrs. Clarke ? — Yes. Have you any objection to producing them ? — I should not wish to produce them, unless I should be satisfied what she owes me, unless by the request of the House. [The witness produced a bundle of let- ters.] [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was again called in.] State how you came by those letters I — They were sent down to light tlie fire with. By whom ? — By Mrs. Clarke. Did she desire those letters, when she sent them down, to be bui-nt ? — They were sent down merely to light the fire with ; they were not given to me, they were put into the closet, and the maid servant used to take them out of the closet as she wanted them. Do yon recollect, at the period these letters wei'e sent down, Mrs. Clarke burning a gi'eat number of letters ?— I understand so ; 1 did not see her burn any. Vou have read niany of these letters ? — I have read them since this business has been in hand. Are \ou aware that any of these let- ters relate to the circuni.slances that had been under the consideration of this House ? — Yes, I think they do. [The witness produced two other bun- dles of letters.] [The witness was directed to withdraw. 250 f The witness was again called in.] Have you in your pocket tlic whole of the letters you took out of the house ? — Yes. Produce them. [The witness produced them.] Were you advised not to deliver those letters to Mrs. Clarke ? — No. Is that your hand- writing ? — Yes, it is. [Letter from Mr. Nicholls to Mrs. Clarke, dated 13th February, 1809, read.3 " Madam, " I3th Feb. 1809." •♦ 1 received yours respecting ^youi* letters ; and on turning tlie matter in my mind, I don't know how far I am authorized to give them even to you, as having been applied to from another quarter on tlie same business ; and as I most certainly shall be obliged to attend the House of Commons, I will look tliem all up and produce them there. " In fact, I think you ought to settle my account before you ask me for any thing. 1 am vour obedient servant, " Mrs. Clarke." " JV Ktcholls." From what other qnartcr was it you were applied to for the letters ? — From no other quarter ; I was waited upon by a gentleman on the same business, but in turning it in my mnid, I did not know that I was even to give tliem to any per- son, without the consent of the House Wlio was the other gentleman ? — I do pot know his name. Are you certain you do not know his name ? — I do not know his name. Did 30U know his name yesterday ? — No, I did not. Did you tell me (Mr. Wardle) his name yesterday ? — I do not recollect that 1 did, I am confident I did not know his name. Recollect yourself — I am confident I did not know his name. Did you not tell me (Mr. Wardle) his name was Wilkinson ? — I believed it was Wilkinson, but I mistook the name, and I do not know the name now ; the person who came mentioned the name of Wilkinson, but it was not the person's name wno came to me ; thou{,h I might say it was Wilkinson to Mr. Wardle, I was mistaken. Do you mean to say, that the person who came said he was sent by Mr. Wil- kinson ? — He mentioned the name of Wilkinson, but 1 am not certain in what way lie used that name. Whom did this person say he came from .' — He came from Mr. Lowten. Whoever it was he came from, did he L ask for any particular letter, or only ap- J plied to you upon the general subject { — He said nothing about letters. What did you mean when you wrote that you had been applied to upon the same business from another quarter ; what do these words mean ? — I meant the business of this inquiry. Did the person coming from Mr. Lowten request that ynu would not pro« duce those letters ? — No, he knew no- thing at idl about letters. What did he ask for ?— He asked me some questions uboiu Mr. Dowler. Did this conversation relate to nothing but Mr. Dowler ? — Mr. Dowler and Mrs. Clarke. What did he say upon the subject of Mrs. Clarke ? — I forget almost what he asked me < he asked me a few questions about them, and I told him that she told me she was married to Mr. Dowler. What did he say upon the subject of papers ? — Nothing at all. Why then do you assign this person having called upon you from Mr. Low- ten, as the reason for not returning the letters to Mrs. Clarke ? — For no reason for the person having called on me from Mr. Lowten ; but on turning the matter in my mind, I thought it most prudent to do so. Then why liave you stated in your letter, that this person having called upon you was the reason for not return- ing the letters to Mrs. Clarke »— In turn- ing it in my own mind, I thought that I might be censured by the House, under- standingthat Imust attend thisHousefor delivering those letters to Mrs. Clarke. Had you, at the time of writing that letter, received an order from the House to produce these letters ? — No. Did the person who came from Mr. Lowten desire you to keep back those letters, and to suppress them ? — He said nothing at all about them ; he did not know that I had a letter, to my knowl- edge. At the time you saw that person, had you received an order to attend this House ? — No. What made you suppose that you shoidd be obliged to attend this House ? Because the gentleman, who came, said he supposed I must attend tliis House. Have you seen that person since yes- terday ? — Yes. Where ? — I saw him ; he came t« 251 llampstead to-day, and I came to town ■with him. Did he goto Humpsteadto fetch you 1 Yes. Did he cavry down the summons to attend Uiis House ? — No. How came you to come to town with him ? — He came there after I received the summons; I did not expect he would come tlicre. riis name is not Wilkinson ? — No. Do you know wliat his name is ? — I aliouki know wliat his name was if 1 heard it ; I have heard it to-day, but do not recollect it. Is it Williams ? — No. Did he say any thing to you to-day about the letters ? No, he knew I had the letters to-day. But he did not speak to you, upon the subject ? No ; I believe his name is Wright, but I am not sure. You stated in the former part of your examinations, that you believed Mrs. Clarke was Mr. Dowler's wife ; did you ever apply to Mr. Dowler for the satis- faction of your debt ? Never. Why did you not ?— I had not an op- portunity. Did you ever seek for an opportunity ? No, I do not know that I ever did ; I was not anxious about the business ; I did not suppose but what I should be paid. In what profession are you ; — A baker by business. How long have you lived in Hamp- stead ? — Eight or nine years. You are a housekeeper there ? — Yes. You have stated that you believed Mrs. Clarke was Dowler's wife, and you have also stated, that she told you when she came to Hampstead she was a widow ; did you suppose the marriage with Mr. Dowler took place at Hampstead ? No. Why then did you believe that she was Mr. Dowler's wife, when she had pre- viously told you she was a w.dow ? Mrs. Clarke left my house and went to town ; when she retin*ned, Mr. Dowler return- ed with her, or near that time ; it was after that time that Mr. Dowler was in the habit of coming, that she told me she was married to Mr. Dowler.' You have stated, that you received a letter yesterday from Mrs. Clarke ; what are the contents of that letter ? — 1 have it in my pocket. f The letter was read.] " Mrs. Clarke will esteem herself greatly obliged to Mr. Nicholls, if he will send, as he has /promised, all her let- ters by the bearer, who she sends hi com - pliunce with the arrangement made by him two hours ago. ' •' Monday, one o'clock." " Mr. Nicholls, opposite New End, Hampstead." Who was the bearer of that letter ? — I do not know who it was, a servant oa horseback. What did Mrs. Clarke mean by the arrangement ? 1 suppose she means the conversation between Mr. Wai'dle and myself on the subject. Repeat, as nearly as you can that con- versation I — Mr. Wardle called on me, -to apply for those letters, and I told Mr. Wardle, I was not inclined to give them up ; in fact, 1 sliould not think fit to give them up without an order from the person to whom they belonged. Mr. Wardle left me, with the supposition that I should deliver the letters up when I received an order from Mrs. Clarke ; but on turning it in my mind, I did not think fit to give them up even then. When did Mrs. Clarke know that you had these letters ? — I do not know how she knew it ; perhaps I might mention to some one tiiat I had these things.and it miglit come to her knowledge by th.- means. Mr. JOHN REID was called in, and Examined by the ConiDiittee. Where do you live ? — In Saint Mar- tin's-lane. Do you keep an hotel in Saint Mar- tin's lane ! I do. Do } ou know Mr. Dowler ? I do. How long have you known him ? — About two years, 1 believe ; 1 cannot be exact to the time. How long has Mr. Dowler frequented your house ? About two years. Do you recollect his coming there at any time with a person whom he repre- sented to be his wife .' 1 do. When ? At all of the times he was in town, at some time or other. Has he been frequently at your house With a person whom he represented a« his wife i Not very frequently. Do you know who the lady was whom he so represented as his wife ? I do not. Was It the same person that always came with him ? The same person. When was that person last at your house, that you knew her to be there ? I think last Friday se'nnight, the day that Mr. Dowler came totowji. 252- You do not know wiio that laOy is ?— I have he;u(i, bill 1 ilo not know of iny own know lo(li;;e. litis Mr. Dow lor sdppliod nnv lnuly with vine from jom- liouso J — No, Mr. Dowlcr has had some wine Irom my house. Whori' liiis that wim- hcon sent to ?— 1 be- lieve sonu-wlu-re l>y Hoilfory tlie n:imc tif .Mrs. Dow ler ? — Ci rtaiidy she did, or slic woidd not have been in my itouse. Was Uic person who was with Mr.Dowler on Friday se'night, at your house, the lady who used to be with hiu\ under the name of ^Irs. Dowler ; — The same. Did you ever hear lur p;o bv any otlier Hame but tl»at of -M rs. Dowler ?--IMo. Did yiui ever aildress her yourself by the xianu" of Mrs. Dow ior .' — I (lid. Di«l she answer to that name I Most cer- tahdy. Arc yon sure it was on Friday se'night ♦hat this liuly vasat your house for the last time ! The last tiuu- that 1 sjiw her. Are you sure as to the day .' To the best wf my reoollecliun. Are you sure it was the day Mr. Dowler arrived in town ? I think it was. Are you certain of that fact ? As well as ]^\ memory serves me, 1 am. "Have you seen that lady any v here in the neighbourlu»od of this House since you came? i have not. She passed as Mrs. Dowler on that eveu- ins ? Vos, she did. Have you ever heard Mr. Dow ler call her Wy the name of .Mrs. Dowler ? Yes, 1 have. And she answered to that name ? Yes. [^The witness was directed to withdraw. GKORC.F. nOlUXSON was called in, ami F.xamined l)y the Comiuittee. Arc vou the norter at Slaughter's Hotel ? Yes. Do yon know Mr. Dowler ? Yes. How lony, have you known him ? From the time that he returned fivnn the expedi- lion that came luune from Huenos Ayres ; tluit was the fii"st knowledj^v I had of him. Did you ever see w ith him any lady that he called by the name of Mrs. Dowler .' Yes. At vour master's house ? Yes. Livu)^ with him theiv ? For a short time. As his wile ; Yes, as his wife. Do )ou know who that lady is ? Yes. \\ ho is it ? She «^es by tlic name of Mrs. Clarke, to my knowleilgx". How ilo you know that ? By the public talk T have hoard tliat of her ; nothing fur- ther. Have you ever been to her house I Yes, in Hodford-plaee, loading from Bloomsbury- sinuire to Uiissel square. Was there any name upon Iter door there ? Not to the best of my recollection. Did you ever carry her any tiling there : Yes. What ? Wine. From your master's ? Yes. W ho ordered tliat wine ? I received the order from my master. Have you seen her at your master's house lately ? I have not. Have you seen her since Mr. Dowler's re- turn from Spain ? 1 have not. Have you seen Mr Dowler tliei-c since ? Yes, 1 have. To whom was the wine directed to he car- ried ? Mrs. Dowler. To be carried to No. 14, Bedfoixl -place ? Yes. You would know the lady if you saw her? Yes, I believe 1 shoibl a paymaster- aliip in the 22d liglit dragoons ; these three are all his liand- writing; it is the eldest Mr. Eklerton. Before I leave the house I beg leave to say, I never, in my life told Mr. Nicholls lliat I was married to Mr. Dowler, and that the duke of York would send hiin al)road, nor any thing of the kind. I ratluM- think he has been bribed by Mr. Wiltinscm. [The following Papers were read:] "Hon. Madam, 26tl» Sejn. 1804. ** I wrote to the inspector-general (Gwynn) for leave of absence on tlie 14th, hut received no answer, wliich has thrown me into a great dilemma, hav- ing tliis morning been put in orders to hold myself in readiness to do duty in a 33 day or two. Tlie adjutant informs me, if I have not my regimentals ready wlieu called upon, 1 si'.all be put under an ar- rest. Permit me, madam, to hope that your goodness (which 1 have experienc- ed so often in the greatest degree pos- sible) will extricate me from so un- pleasant a situation, by obtaining me leave of absence speedily. *' Hon. Madam, tlie favour of a line would tend to disjicrse those fears which have been some lime prevalent witl» me, wliich was occasioned by your silence, (vi/. ; that some part of my conduct liau olTended you : from gratitude, I say with energy, God Almighty forbid. ••Accept, madam, "The sincere thanks and acknowl* edgements of your grateful friend, SAMUEL CARTER. "Note. Having wrote to his Royal Highness for leave, I received an an- swer, directing me to apply to the in- spector-general. " Mrs. Clarke, 18, Gloucester-place, Portman-square, London " •• Isle of Wight, 2(1 Oct. 1804. " I was extremely sorry in not having had it in my power to wait imtil yoi* came in from the baron's, in order to thank you for tl:e kind benevolence I have ever experienced from you, and which has made so deep an imprcssioa on my heart and mind as not to be eras- ed by time. Honoured madam, I hav^ still to beg the continuance of that be- nevolence ; for, having placed me in a situaticm which requires a great num- ber of expensive tilings at first, and notwlthstaiullng liavlng laid out m'/ money to the greatest economy, I fiif^d it inadequate. I have now the oHlir of a barrack-room (which will save the e''^- pense of lodgings) but I have no cot, ov any money to buy one ; neither have }■ any to subsist on till the 24tli. If, Madam, you will extend your kindness toward me once more, it will ever be gratefully rememl)ercd. "IJy Madam, your sincerely thankful ficrvanl. .SAMUEL CARTER. 254 " Hon. Madam, I have set the things down which I bought, bj which you will see the state of my purse. " Belt and feather - - 1 8 I "To sword and sash - - " Gorg-et and sword-knot " Paid Lewis - - - . " Do. laundry maid - - " Do. tayior's bill - - " Trunk " Gloves and stockings - *• Silk handkerchiefs V Round liat trim'd - - 1 14 ** Watch from pledge • 2 3 " Boots and shoes - - 5 10 ♦' Expences down - - 2 5 •' Borrow'd at depot - 6 2 ** To jacket and trimmings 4 5 £41 19 6 *' jifrs. Clarke, 18, Gloucester-place, " Portman-square, Londo/t." " Clqrendon, Transport, Spithead, 4th "Hon. Madam, ya>i.lSQ5. " Impelled by my dreadful situation, and my perfect knowledge of yovir good- ness, I trust J ou will pardon the liberty of addressing you again. " Since my last, the embarkation has taken place, and I am now on board in a situation, not to be described. You can form abetter idea of it than in my power to express. 1 have no stock for the voyage, neither have I any money to purchase those little things which are ab- solutely necessary. 1 have to keep watch four hours every night, and have nothing to eat but salt meat three times a week, and water to drink, the rum being so bad, 'tis impossible to drink it. *' A'our goodness to me has ever been Such as leaves not the smallest doubt that you will not suifer me to starve in the sitiuition you have been pleased to place me, and which is such as will ever tend to m; ke me the most grateful and happy of beings. " Should, Madam, you be Induced >^» take into fonsideratlon my wretched ' ISO, and by a little pecimiary aid save ^ < n every thing that is horrible, it will M act worthy of yourself, and im- 1 1 liat upon my heart which will never !• ■ • rased. " I .im, Madam, " Your grateful servant, •• Sam. Carter. "Be so kind as direct the let'ers to be - kft at the Post-office, Poitsmoulh. " P. S. We shall lay at Spithead this fortnight. Having received orders to sail to Cork this morning, 1 have opened the letter, in order to pray you would direct to Cork, but we only stay there ^ 24 hours, as the convoy is appointed. "Mrs. Clarie, 18, Glo'ster pLce, " Porttnan-square, London," " Bishop's JValtham, 30 ^une, 1804. " My dear Mrs. C. " Where your note of Wednesday has been travelling, as it only arrive'"d here this morning, I have no notion, and it had not reached Conduit- street at five o'clock Wednesday afternoon, when I quitted town. The disappointment is provoking, as I particularly wished to have seen you. But we must console ourselves in tlie hope of more fortunate times. " Very truly your's, "M. Clavering. " Mrs. Clarke, 18, Glo'ster-place, "Portman-square, London." , " Bishop's JValtham, 5th Sept. 1804, " My dear Mrs. C , "You mention that his Royal High- ness did not comprehend my proposal ; my idea was this : the Defence Act, ar- ticle 30, states, " that men to be raised by tliat act, are not compellable to serve out of the United Kingdom, and islands immediately attached." And in 32, " that they shall not remain embodied formore than six months after the peace." v We have already experienced the fatal necessity of disbanding corps, at an ap- parent conclusion of war, and the mis- chiefs arising from holding out tempta- tion to men to extend their services. " My proposal then was, to raise a battalion for general and unlim,ited ser- vice, by the voluntary offers of a stipu- lated number of men from each regi- ment, of militia, at a certain bounty, in the same manner as some of our regi- ments were augmented during the last war. The battalion to be solely officered from the half-pay list, by which govern- ment woidd at once acquire a certain ef- fective and well-disciplined force, whose services they can to anyperiod command, the half pay to be lightened, and the mi- litia colonels have no reason to growl, since it is determined that their estab- lishment is to be reducedjtowards which the men so volunteering would conduce. " Should an opportunity occur, do submit the plan to his Royal Highness, without arguing too strongly upon it, as he must be tired to death witli proposals ; 255 and as I would not appear, even through so circuitous a channel, to trespass on his patience, when so recently under an obligation for my present appointment. ** If you approve of dry reading, get the defence act to refer to, and do com- municate all the good things in the good town. " Always very truly year's, "H. M. Clavering." " My dear Mrs. C " 28 Sept. " I shall not pursue the partridges on the first of September ; on tlie contrary, propose being in L(mdon in the course of the morning and beg you will send me word at the Prince of Wales' coffee house, whether you can receive me in boots about six, or later, if you please. " Vei'v truly your's, "H.'M. Clavering." '• Mrs. Clarice, 18, Gio'cester -place, " Portman-square, London." Bishops s Waltham, 11 Nov. 1804. • " My dear Mrs. C. *• The purport of this is to thank you for your attempt to serve me, tho' im- successful,the inclination being the same. On Sunday next I propose being in town, if possible for one day only. Can you so contrive that we shall meet ? " Your's very truly, " H. M. Claveuing. " Mrs. Clarke, 18, Glo'cester-place, " Pottman-square, London." " Bishop's Waltham, 12 Dec. 1804. •' My dear Mrs C. ** There is a strong report, that some new regiments are about to be raised, which, tho' incredible, I will be obliged to you to ascertain the truth of, and to acquaint me soon as possible. W. O. left me this morning for town, to return again next week. «« Very truly your's, " H. M. Clavering. " Mrs. Clarke, 18, Gloucester -place, "Portman-square, London.'* Mrs. MARY ANN CLARKE was again called in, and examined by the Committee, as follows : Through what influence did you get the paymastership for Mr. Elderton ! — The Duke of York obliged Mr. Green- wood to give it, very much against Mr. Greenwood's wishes. Was it any military matter which the Baroness NoUeken wrote to you ? — No, it was not. f]The witness was directed to withdraw. QThe witness was agai;i called in.] In consequence of the Baroness NoUe- ken's letter, did you apply to the Duke of York upon the subject of that letter ? — Yes, I did, but I do not know wliat that subject is ; there are several wishes the Baroness had, that I applied about ; I shewed all her letters to him. You have stated, that the Duke of York obliged Mr. Greenwood to give the . paymastership to Mr. Elderton, much, again.st l.i consent ; how do you know that ? — His Royal Highness told nic so himself; and very likely Mr. Greea-- wood will say so too. ■ c Look at those letters again, and say ^ whether they are all written by the same person ? — Those are her letters (No. 41 and 119 ;) when she was illhereldest son wrote for her ; I should rather think this (No. 127) is iicr eldest son's writing Didyou ever see the eldest son write ? — Yes, I think I have ; but I canHot be positive lis to his hand-writing ; only I know the Baroness h:.s frequently told me that she had ordered icr st-n tu write to me when she lias been ill. Is the lelier which you say was written by the soit of the Baromss, one ol lh'')Se which you just said was written by the Baroness herself ? Yes, it is one of those ; but you will allow that I had not a mo- ment to look over it ; and another thing, those letters have been taken wit'^out my consent, tiid . I have not looked at them myself ; I had sent them down to be burned, and never thought they would come forward again, and this is near a twelvemonth since. Do you mean by the eldest son of the Baroness Nollekm, Mr. Le Maitre ? — No, Gustaviis NoUeken. Have you ever seen him write ? — Yes, I have seen him write, I think ; but I cannot be positive as to his hand, any further than ! said before, that he used to write his mother's notes. Do you mean to say that those letters were written only twelve months ago ? — No, I suppose there are dates to them, to shew when they were written. Do you know the hand-writing of any other son of Baroness NoUeken ? — No ; 1 was acquainted with the two sons, but I do not know the writing ; the youngest son WHS in the Guards, and was very seldom with his mother ; the other was always with his mother, and a great deal with me. Then you cannot positively state that this s^he hand writing of any one son of the Baroness NoUeken in particular J— 256 No, I cannot ; perhaps it is the Bai'on's writing ; he used to write to me. In short you do not know whose hand« writing it is ? — I hardly looked at it ; I know pretty well what the subject is, and whence it came ; the Baronet want- ed a pension of 4001. a year, and, if I recollect right, that is the letter about it. [TheWitness was directed to withdraw. £The following Papers were read :] '* My dear Madam, ** Notlilng but the pardonable anxiety which I naturally feel for the welfare of a child, should induce me to presume to trespass upon you at present. " You know my boy Charles, he is a fine youth, with a finished education. His appointment to a cadetship in the infantry for Madr^ was contirmcd this morning, and I shall engage him a pass- age on board the Ocean, which will sail from the Downs in about five days. ■ " Charles must leave town for Forts- •mouth, and go on board on Wednesday next. " Do you think, my dear madam, that his Royal Highness the Duke of York will condescend to honour him with let- ters of recommendation to Lord William Bentinck, Governor of Madras, and to majovgeneral SirJohnFrancisCraddock, K. B. the commander in chief there ; de- siring them to exchange him from the in- fantry, and place him in the cavalry ? " If you will confer upon us both the very great favour of soliciting his Roy;d Highness to deign to confer upon us this distinguished obligation, it will for ever remain deeply engraven upon the grate- ful hearts of Charles Elderton, and of *• My dear Madam, yoiu-'s very sincerely, *' Friday 18 Jan. " Hy. Elderton. " I have this moment received a sum- mons to attend Mr. Greenwood, who has heard from Scotland, and desires me not to make any preparations Jor a voy- age. I fear all is over in that quarter, but I shall know to-morrow, and will immediately afterwards wait upon you. ** Mrs. Clarke, 18, Gloucester place, " Portninn-squnre." *' My dear Madam, ** I fancy you are (and I sincerely hope you ever will remain) a perfect stranger to anxiety, otherwise I think you would not have left town on Friday, without first gratifying me with a reply to my last. " Perhaps you will have the goodness to introduce the subject to the notice of His Royal Highness on Monday evening, and so enable yourself to oblige me on Tuesday morning with such an answer as may serve to guide the conduct of ** Your faithful servant, " Hy. Elderton. *' 21 Portman-streetf'^d Dec. " Mrs. Clarke, 18, Glo'cester -place, Porf}nan-square," " Sir, " It is infinitely beyond the power of language to convey to your Royal High- ness an adequate idea of the extent of my gratitude for the great favour which you have deigned to confer upon me, in con- firming the leave of absence granted to me by sir Robert Abercrombie. Your Roy- al Highness has niised me from the most profound despair to happiness, and I shall never cease to bless your Royal Highness for your gracious condescension and goodness towards " Your Royal Highness's •• Most devoted servant, " Hy. Elderton. « 17tk April, " His Royal Hightiess the Duke of Tori, &c. &c. " Glo'cester -place, Sept. 22. " My dear Madam, " I am this moment favoured with your very kind letter ; this fresli mark of your friendship gives me great pleasure. I hope the change of air has perfectly restored your health, and that I shall have the satisfaction of seeing you return to town in as good looks as ever. My dear Baron,with his best respects to you, begs you will have the goodness to as- sure H. R. H. of the deep sense of grati- tude he feels for the Duke's gracious remembrance of him, and thinks with you that His Mty would be more liberal to him than Mr.—— — —if he dare pre- sume to judge from His Mty's. goodness to him for these forty years past, on eve- ry occasion. I hope the weatlier has been as fine at Margate as in London : it has, thank God, quite restored my health. I flatter myself you will favour me with a visit on Wednesday, any time most agreeable to you to name ; for, be assured I enjoy very sincerely the pleas- ure of your society, exclusive of the gratitude I shall ever feel for the kind interest you take for me and mine. Adieu, my dear Madam. " BVlieve me your's roost truly. " M. NOLEKEN- «' Mrs. Clarke, EoyaL Hotel, Margate, Kent." 257 " Deal- Madam, «' I see by the piipers, that the D . . . was with tlie King yesterday morning, and that Mr. Pitt had a private audience of his Majesty, I therefore indulge a hope that my request may liave been thought of ; do then, my dear Madam, inform me in what state of forwardness it now stands, when and by wliom my letter was given, and how received. Pardon my giving you the trouble of an- swering me all these questions, but the very kind pait you have taken in this business assures me you will pardon me, and think it but natural I should feel anxious in a matter of so much conse- quence to me and mine. A thousand thanks for the carp you were so good as to send me yesterday, and with my kindest wishes, be assured, " My dear Madam, " I remain most sincerely, ♦• Your most obliged, " M. NOLEKEN. " Thursday, Five o'clock, Mrs. Clarke, 18." THOMAS WALKER was called in, and examined by the Committee, as follows : Did you live with Mrs. Clai-ke in Gloucester-place, as coachman ? — Yes. Do you recollect a footman there, of the name of Samuel Carter ? — Yes- Was Samuel Carter in *he constant habit of waiting at dinner, while he Wi. ; there ? — Yes, he was. Do you know Miss Taylor ? — Yes, I do. Have you frequently seen her in Gloucester-place ! — Yes, I have. Do you recollect and know whether Sam. Carter was in the habit of going behind the carriage ? - Yes, he did. Were you head coachman at Glouces - ter-place ? — I was. How many horses did Mrs. Clarke keep ?--Someiimes six, sometimes eight. How many carriages ? — Two. Never more ? — No more at one time. Do you ki ow who pi'ovided the keep for the horses ? — Mrs. Clarke. Did she pay the bills ? — As far as I know, she did. Were they paid through you ?— — No, they were not. Did Samuel Carter wear a livery ? — No, he did not. How do you know that Samuel Carter ever waited at table ! — I waited at the same time. Did you ever wait at table when the Duke of York was there ? — I did. Did you wear a livery when you wait- ed at table ? — 1 did not. When Samuel Carter went behind the cannage, did he go behind the carriage without a livery ? — Yes, he did. Had Mrs. Clarke any livery ft)r any of her servants ? — Yes, the footman. Did you wear a livery when you drove the carriage ?-^I certainly did. Did you know with whom Sam. Car- ter lived before he came to Mrs Clarke \ —I understood he was along with Capt. Sutton. Did you ever see him at Mrs. Clarke's when he was Capt. Sutton's servant ?— I did not When you said he was along with Captain Sutton, did you mean that he was Capt. Sutton's servant ? — I did not. When he lived at Mrs. Clarke's, did he dine with the other servants ? — He did, for any thing I knew. Did you dine with the other servants ? — I did not. Were you upon board wages ? — Yes, I was. Did you ever hear whose son Samuel Carter was supposed to be -' — I never did. How many more servants did Mrs. Clarke keep ? — Sometimes six, some- times seven. You have stated that you waited at table ; do you recollect Miss Taylor dining there when you waited at table ; I recollect when his Royal Highness and Mrs. Clarke dined together, there was another lady. Do you know who that other lady was ? — I do not. Do you mean that you do not know or do not recollect ? — I do not recollect. Do you know Miss Taylor ! — I do noM'. You have stated before, that you knew Miss Taylor : are you cei iin you ever saw Miss Taylor in Gloucester- place ? — I am certain I have. What did you understand Samuel Carter was to Capt. Sutton ? — I never heard what he was. You do not know that he was not a servant ? — I do not. How long have you lived with Mrs. Clarke ? — About'three years. With wliom do you live now ?— With Mrs. Clarke. £The witness was directed to withdraw [The witness was again called in.l 258 When did you first live with Mrs. Clarke ?— At the time that his 'Royal Hig'hness came to Gloucester-plure. Have you lived with her continually ever since ? — I liave not. When did you leave her?— After Mrs. Clarke left Gloucester-place. When did you return to her service ? About six weeks ago. You did not live with her at any time between her leaving Gloucester-place and six weeks ago ? — A little while she left Gloucester-place. Did Samuel Carter very frequently po behind the carriage ? — Not more than once or twice. How long had Samuel Carter lived ■with Mrs. Clarke ?— I think about a twelvemontli, to the best of my knowl- edge. [The witness was directed to withdraw. WILLIAM M'DOWALL w^as called in, and examined by the committee as follows : Did you live with Mrs. Clarke as footman in Gloucester-place ? — Yes. Do you recollect the name of the other footman that was there at the same time ? — His name was Carter ; by the name I cannot say any further. Did you and the other footman of the name of Carter, do, your work together ? Yes. Do you know Miss Taylor ? — I know a lady of the name of Miss Taylor, but I cannot recollect her, there are so many of the name. I cannot say that I know any thing particular ; I know the lady that used to gtjdown to Weybridge of that name ; that is M I can say. Do you recollect that Miss Taj-lor being in Gloucester-place as well as at Weybridge ?-I cannot say ; I have known a lady of the name of Miss Taylor that Msed to call there, but I cannot say that I should know her. Do you recollect the lady whom you Kpeak of as Miss Taylor, thelady that was at Weybridge, being at Gloucester- place ? — Yes, I do by that name. Do you recollect Miss Taylor ever being at Weybridge when the Duke of York was there ? — I cannot say, the Duke of York might be there : but I cainiot speak to that, for the reason, be- cause I do not know it. Were you in the habits of going to Weybridge with your mistress ? — Yes. Did you ever see the Duke of York there ?— Yes, I cannot sav but I did. Yo\i also state that you have seen Miss Taylor at Weybridge ; can you recollect whether you ever saw Miss Taylor at Weybridge at the time the Duke of York was there ? — I have told that be- fore^that the Duke of York might be at Weybridge, for any thing that 1 know. Was Carter employed in any other manner, except waiting at the table ?— Yes, he was employed as a servant : when I went into the house, he acted as a servant, as far as I know. Did he dine with the other servants ? Yes. Did Carter act in the same capacity, as a servant, as yourself ? — 1 suppose so; he did the work along with me, that is all I can say. Do you live now with Mrs. Clarke ? No, I do not. Are you in place now ? — Yes, I am. With whom ? — With Mr. Johnson. What yrar did you live with Samuel Carter at Mrs. Clarke's ? — That 1 cannot recollect : 1 cannot say, justly. [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was again called m.] What year did you live with Samuel Carter at Mrs. Clarke's ? — I told you I could not recollect. Was it in the year 1808 ? — I cannot recollect ; I cannot call it to my memo- ry ; I can guess very nigh ii, tliough. What do you guess ? — I cannot say justly : I can tell the year partly. What was the year ? — I told you be- fore I did not recollect, and Icannotsay the date, for I do not remember it, and therefore it is of no use for mc to say the date. You have said you know the year partly ; state wlietlier you can at all recollect the year. — No, I cannot. Was it four years ago ? — Yes, rather more than that, I believe. Was it six years ago ? — If I could re- collect the date, I then shoidd have no occasion to say I did not know it. You do not know whether it is tlirec years ago or six ? — I do not know in- deed, I h.ive said that before. Did you wear a livery when you lived with Mrs. Clarke ? — Yes. Did Samuel Carter wear a livery at that time ? — No, he did not wear a liv- ery during my time. When did you quit Mrs. Clarke's ser- vice ? — You ask me a question which I cannot answer, because 1 cannot recol- lect the time .- I never took an account of the time I left tlie house. 259 At what time did you pet your suni- ntons to attend lliis lioiiHc '. — I did not ■ct tliat down even, I fbig-ot that even ; I know what day I got the notice to come. At what time did you get the notice to come liere ? — I cannot justly tell'thc hour. Wus it to-day or yesterday ? — I re- ceived the notice ^o attend the House, and I paid tiiat respect to attend the House accr)rdingly as I was orat the Duke's servant came in in the morning, and 1 gave him this note, but I do not know tJie number of it, Bor what note it was, and he returned again about eleven o'clock, and gave me the money : I took it up stairs, and then the Duke was in tiie bed-room, and Mrs. Clarke : in short, they were in bed. Do you recollect who that servant was ? — A German, Ludowlck. Was Sam. Carter in the habits of sharing the duty of a footman with tlie other man i — He cleaned the knives, cleaned the plate, attended the carriage, and waited at table on his Koyal HigJi- ness. Was not the house in Gloucester- place to your knowledge kept at a great expellee ? — It cerlaiidy was : there were sometimes two men cooks, somelimes three men cooks. Do you incuu tUat those cooks were on any particular occasion of dinners, or when do you nu an that tliere were two or three nun cooks I — When t lie re was a particular dinner, there were three men cooks, sometimes more Mrs. Clarke always wished to have her din. ners go up in the best manner, to please his Uoyal iligliness ; and if there wast any ur times since ; I went away, and came buck tn her. Who first recommended you to Mvf Clarke ? — 'I'hc paper. Do you mean by an advertisement '.— Yes. Diti you know nothing of Mrs. Clark<- till you saw that advertisement ? — No, I did not. Did you live with her at Qlouccster- plaee I — I went with her to Gloucester- place ; from Tttvistock-place • to Glou» cesler-place. T''en you lived with her in Tavistock- plac' ? — Yes, I did. Where did Mrs. Clarke live before she went to Tavistock-placc 1---1 do nol^ know ; I did not live with her ail that time. Oo hot you Iqiow where she lived all m that time ? — No, I yras in the country with another family. With what family were you in the country ? — I am not obliged to answer tliat. Yes you are.— It is a family who are dead. ' Who were they ? — One Mr. Ellis. ■ Where did he live ? — In the city. What part of the city ? — He was a carpenter. In what part of the city ? — I really do not know the name of the street, I can- not recollect it, it is so \ovg ago. How long did you live tliere ? — Two years. If you lived two years in the same street, you must know where they lived. — It was not in the same house, it was in lodgings. Where were the lodgings ? — I cannot tell. In how many different places did they live while you were witli them ? — They had different apartments ; they kept shop in one part of the town, and had apartments in another. What part of the town did they keep a shop ?— I cannot recollect indeed ; I was at Brighton and Margate witli tliem, and in different parts about. What other parts beside Margate and Brighton ? — I was at Ramsgate, and many little places about, tliat I did not think about. Was it upon parties of pleasure the family went to Margate and Brighton and Ramsgate ? — No, they were all ill, the unstress and children and all ; they went for their health, I suppose. Thcv went to these different places for their health ? — I suppose so, I can- not say what they went for particularly : I do not know their concerns. Then why do you suppose they went for their health, if you know nothing about it ? — I should tliink so, if they went to those places. How many did the family consist of ? Four. Ml', and Mr*. Ellis ' — Yes, and two children. Any servant but yourself ? — No. Who was left in the shop while they were absent ? — I cannot say, I an^ sure I do not know. You say they kept a shop in one part of the town, and had lodgings in anoth- er ? — Yes. In what part of the town was the ahop !— I really do not know, I did not coiicei-n myself witli the shop, I never went there. In wlvat part of the town were Uie lodgings ? In some of tlie streets near Cheapsidc, but it is out of my memory entirely ; when I leave a place I never trouble it again. You have said that they lived in more places than one in London, what other place can you recollect besides the street near cheapsidc ? — I really cannot recol- lect any thing at all about it ; I do not know any thing about it. In how many different lodgings did tliey live in London, while you were with them ? — I cannot say ; they left me till I went to Brighton : I went to Brighton with the children. Did they live in two, three, or four different lodgings ' — I cannot answer that question indeed. Did you go to Brighton 'with the children, without Mr. and Mrs. Ellis ? Yes, I did indeed. Did Mr. and Mrs. Ellis come to you there ? Yes, they did. How long did they stay there ? I be- lieve they were tliere about three months. Where did you live at Brighton ' — I will tell you as nigh as I can : opposite the sea ; but I do not know the name of the street, though I was there. When did you go to Margate ? — Re- ally I cannot tell you such a question as tliat, I do not keep that in my head • I do not know. Where did they live at Margate ?— In tlie High-street. Are Mr. and Mrs, Ellis dead ?— Yes, so I heard. And the children ? — I do not know, I never inquire after them. What reason had you for not choosing to mention this family ! — I have no rea- son at all, I answer as nearly as i 'can recollect. Do you know Capt. Sutton ? — I did, but he is dead ; he has been dead two years, I believe, I cannot recollect that. Was not Samuel Carter supposed to be his natural son ? I cannot tell. Did you never suppose that I No ; I cannot tell what other people sup- posed. Carter did not wear a Uvefy ? No. You have stated that there was a very expensive establishment in Gloucester- place ; did his Royal Highness at any time give you any money to defray the expenses of that establishment ? — He never gave me any in his life. 5fil Did any body belonging to him ? — No, noi- liny body belonging to him. Wlierc did Mrs. Clarke live when you lived with licr first ? — At Hampstead. Was tliat prior to your living willi Mrs. Ellis l->-lt was before. Then how comes it that you recollect the place you lived in with Mrs. Clarke, and not to recollect wliere you lived with Mrs. Ellis afterwards ? — Because I lived longer witli Mrs. Clarke than I did with those people. Did you not live two years with Mrs. Ellis- ?— Yes, I did. Do you mean the Committee should understand) that you do not recollect wiiere you lived two years with Mrs. Ellis ? — No, I do not ; I was at Brigh- ton, Margate, and Ramsgate ; and other places ; and I suppose tliey were like a great many people, in debt, and went about in consequence, if 1 must tell the truth ; but it is not the thing to tell fam- ily aflairs. You have said Mrs. Ellis kept a shop in one part of the town, and lodgings in another ; now you tell the Committee you were living about all the time ; how do you reconcile thai ? — They may go about, his wife may, and he may keep out of the way, or stay at home, I can- not tell how they manage those things. Are you not related to Mrs. Clarke ? —No. Do you mean to deny that you are Mrs. Clarke's sister ? — I do ; I am not Mrs. Clarke's sister, Did you pay any of Mrs. Clarke's ser- vants wages ?— Yes, I did. What were the wages you paid Sam. Carter ? — I really cannot say what I gave him. Did you ever pay Sara. Carter any wages ? — I have given him money a great many times, when he has asked for money to buy himself shoes and things he wanted. Do you recollect whether there was any agreement made for wages ? — No, 1 do not. Youhave stated, that you were house- keeper to Mrs. Clarke, and superin- tended a very large establishment, and had two or three cooks at particular times ; what number in general did you superintend, and havo to provide for ? — I am sure I cannot say ; there were al- ways very elegant dinners went up, and what they could not do, came from the pastry-cook's ; there were four men in f he stable, a butler, and two footmen, two 34 cooks, a laundry-maid, a hotise-maid, a kitchen-maid, and another little girl tliat worked at her needle, and myself, and a chairwoman to wash one day m the week. You have mentioned that there were very considerable embarrassmchls hap- pe^ed, and that you liavc been applied to for money, and have been supposed to keep it instead of paying the different creditors ; did you tell lier of those dis- tresses, and aj)ply to her for money ; and if so, what answer did you get ?-■ I did inform her ; she said that his Royal Highness had been very backward in his payments to her, and I must put the people offi and accordingly I did as she said. Did Mrs. Clarke ever mention to you that his Royal Highness said that he would give, or had given her siims of money, to pay those debts .' — No, I never heard that. Did you never mention to Mrs. Clarke, that you wished her to ii.sk money fiom tl.e Duke of York^ to pay thosr debts ?— Yes, I did. Wiiat was the answer Mrs. Clarke made ? — Siie said all would be paid as soon as she had it from his Royal High- ness. Were not many of those debts paid ? — a great many were paid. You have stated, that you applied to Mrs. Clarke, telling her that she owed certain sums of money, to get it from the Duke of York ; do you know from your own knowledge that many of those debts were afterwards paid I — Some of the debts were paid while he was there ; I have paid the baker, and I have paid the butcher twice. Then upon your application, desiring- Mrs. Clarke would apply to the Duhe of York, have you often found debts paid ? —Yes, I have found tnany of the debts paid. Did you know ca|)tain Sutton by sight ? — Yes. Had captain Sutton only one leg ?— Only one leg. Do you know what regiment he was of I — No, I do not 1 am sure. Do you still live in the service of Mrs, Clarke ?— Yes. Have you had any conversation with. Mrs. Clarke on the subject of this in- vestigation, since it commenced ?— No, I have not. You have said, that you paid the ser- vants' tvages while you lived with Mrs. 262 Cliu-kc ; liow many men-servants did you pay wages to ? — Tl\e coachinun, his name iii Parker, aiul WilliamM'Dowall ; I believe she paid Picrson herself ; and tlie stable man and the boy, four men in the stable, 1 always used to give the money once a week or once a fortnight, to them ; there were in all, five in the stable and tince in the house. Were they all servants on standing annual wages ? — Yes, they were all yearly servants ; and there were two servants at Weybridge, a gardener and a cook. Yon have stated, that there were sometimes two, and sometimes three men -cooks for particidar dioivers ; do you mean by those particular dinners, that they were dressed for a large com- pany ? — No, we never had a large com- j>any ; this was first when Mrs. Clarke went into that house. Those dinners were dressed merely for two or three persons ? — Yes, for his Uoyal Higlmcss, as far as I know, in particular. Not for any other company ? — No. You went with Mrs. Clarke when she first went to reside in Gloucester-place ? Yes, I did. Do you know who the tradesmen were who fvn'nished the house in Glou- cester-place ? — No. Who furnished the upholstery ? — It was somebody in Bond-street ; Oakley. Do you know who furnished the china and glass ? — Mr. Mortlock, in Oxford- street. Do you know who furnished the hotjse with gr.ites ? — Mr. Summers, and Rose, in Hond-street. Do you know wliat silversmith fur- nished the plate I — Birketts. Do you know any of the other trades- men with whom Mrs. Clarke dealt ? — Parker's, in Fleet-street, she hadsome- tlnng to do with. Who was the wine -merchant ? — I really do not know ; I believe his Royal Highness used to send it ; but I do not know; he used often to send it, I know. Did you ever pay any money on ac- count of wages to any one of those men cooks J— Yes ; I gave them a guinea a day, each of them, but I cannot recol- lect their names. Did you consider that as payment for that day, or as in part of annual wages ? — Onl^v for the day. Were you in the capacity of own maid to Mrs. Clarke, or was there any other —I was own maid and house-keeper to- gether. Do you know Mr. Dewier ? — I have seen him. Have you seen him frequently ?— Yes, I have seen him frequently. Have you seei\ him frequently in Gloucester-place ?- Yes, I have. Do you know, ornot, whether he staid the night there N-Never, 1 am \evj sure of that. Did you at any time convey any mes- sages to the tradesmen employed to fur- nish the house in Gloucester place ? — Yes, for any thing that was wanted. Concerning the manner in which it was to be done, and vkhat articles were to be sent in ?— Yes, Mrs. Clarke's order. Did the tradesmen seem willing to scjul in articles merely on Mrs. Clarke's authoritx' ?--They sent what she ordered, as fai' as I know ; sometimes they would not. Did you use any arguments to them to induce them to send in articles, if they appeared miwilling' so to do ?---No, I did not ; I said w hen she had money she would certainly pay them, notl\ing fur- ther than that. Did they tell you that tlicy looked to a better paymaster than Mrs. Clai'ke, or any thing of that kind ?— They have asked ine, whether his Royal Highness had settled with her, and given her money ; and I said no, as soon as she had it, she would give it to them. Was c.ipt. Sutton in the habit of visit- ing" at Mrs. Cl.oi-ke's ? — Yes, she knew capt. Sutton. Was he in the habit of visiting at Mrs. Clarke's ? - Yes. Was he in the habit of visiting at Mrs. Clarke's before Sam. Carter came to live at Mrs. Clarke's house ?-"Yes, he was. When he came to visit Mrs. Clarke, was he not in the habit of bringing Sam. Carter as a companion ?-I do not know ; he brought him with him, certainly. When Sam. Carter came with capt. Sutton, was he in the habit of gfoing with him into the parlour .'—No. When Mrs Clarke first resided in Gloucester-place, what number of ser- v.ants had she .it that time ?---Sam. Car- ter was the first that went there when I went ; there was a coachman and two footmen, and a butler and a postilion ; there were four men in the stable ; she had them immediately as she got there 263 Did you over see Sam. Carter after he i got a commission in the army ?— No, I i do not think I ever did. Do vou recollect whether Sam. Carter got a commission in the army while he was in Mrs. Clarke's service ? --Yes, and went to Deal to join his regiment. He left Mrs. Clarke's service I'or that reason ?— Yes. And you never saw him afterwards ? No. What was your name before yon were married ? -Favery, that is my real name. Are you a married woman ?--No. Did you ever hear Mrs. Clarke say, ■why she applied for a commission lor Sam. Carter, more than for any other foot-boy in her service; ?— No. By whatname was Sam. Carter known to his Royal Hij^hnesH, by the name of Sam, Samuel, or Carter ?— We used to call him Sam. Was he known by the name.of Carter to his Royal Highness ?---Ycs, he was known by the name of Carter. Did Samuel Carter appear to you a person of superior manners and educa- tion to persons in that situation ?---! do not know ; he was very well. Did any of tlie servants dine with you in general at the same table, when you lived with Mrs Clarke in Gloucester- place ?— Yes, I sat down to dinner with them all. Can you mention any body else who was in the habit of going to the trades- men about the articles to be furnished to the house in Gloucester-place ?---! never ■went, I sent a servant always, and Wm. M'Dowall has been to Oakley's in Bond- street, and to Rose and Summer's, and to diHerent tradesmen. Do you know any body else who went ?--Pierson used to go. You did not know any agent or stew- ard, or any person of that description, who used to go ?--No, Do you know whether a person of the name of Taylor used to go N--I am not sure whether he went ; he might be sent by Mrs Clarke, he was not by me. Do you know any thing of his going ? No, I do not. When you lived in Gloucester place, ■was Mrs. Clarke in the habits of receiv- ing visits from other gentlemen besides his Royal Highness the Duke of York ? Yes, several people came. Gentlemen ?- -Yes, gentlemen came backwards and forwards. Did you ever know that any of those gentlemen were considered as, opulent ; 1 really do not know. You have slated, that you were in the habit of dining with all the servants ; of course the coachman was one of that number ?--Yes, he was. Do you remember a capt. Wallls vis. iting there ?-.--No, L never remember such a name. [I'he witness was directed to witlidraw. GWYLLIM LLOYD WARDLEEsq. attending m his place, Examined by the Covi>rult"e. In I'olio 132 of liie prnited Minutes of the Evidence, there appears a letter written by Mrs. Clarke to Mr. Donovan, in which is tiie following cvprcssion ; the date of the letter is January 28lh, 1809: " I musl be candid, and tell you, that iw order to facilitate some negotiations, I had given him a low of yoiu* letters : in one you speak of the Queen, in another the two Deaneries." Did Mrs- Clarke \ give you any letters In order to facditata any negotiation ?--l never had anv ne- gotiation with Mrs. Clarke about letters in my bfe ; Ich) not know what she means by the expression of a negotiation. Are these tiie letters wliich she stated you had taken away from her ? -I took some of Mr. Donovan's letters in the way I have before described, which I have produced to this house ; but what she means by negotiation I do not know- Had you any oilier letters of Mr. Do- novan's from Mrs. Clarke, or are thost" the vei-y letters whlcli she so posilively stated, you had taken away from her ?— I liad some other letters froiuMrs. Clarke of Mr. Donovan's, which slie gave me, and 1 examined him as to those letters in this house. For what purpose did Mrs. Clarke give those letters ?--I really do not know for what i)urposc she gave them to me ; 1 asked her to give them me, and I ex- amined him upon them in this House. Have you never asked Mrs. Clarke what slie meant by that expression in her letter f— No, I do not think I didj but I never did have any answer to it, if I liad ; I remember the expression strik- ing me when I heard it read. When Mrs. Clarke delivered these letters to you, did she mention any thing' about any negotiation as affecting one ir more Deaneries ?---l never heard of any negotiation about any Deanery, excep.. what these letters contain. 26i Mrs. MARY ANN CLARKE was culled 111, and a letter from Mr. El- derton to his Royal Highness tlie Duk« of York being shewn to the Witness she was examined. Do you recollect that that was one of the letters that you delivered to Mr. NichoUs to be burned ?— Yes, tliey were all delivered to be burned. Do you recollect that that was one of them ? -I cannot recollect that that was one of tiiem ; except what I burned myself, I gave the rest down to be burn- ed, and they positively assured me they were burned. Do you remember how that letter came into your possession ? — I suppose I may be allowed to read it before I give my opinion. [The witness read the letter.] To whom is that letter addressed ? — It is .iddressed to his Roval Highness the Duke of York. How came that letter into your pos- session ? — I had it to shew the Duke of York, I suppose, as I had many other letters ; and after he read it was left in mv possession. This man was ar- rested a^tcr he had his appointment, and I had solicited for leave for him. Then I understand you to say, that tliat letter was addrcsssed to you, by ■whom was it addressed to you ? — By Mr. Eldeiton, or else his wife ; by Mr. Elderton, addressed to me, to deliver to the Duke. Then I understand you to say, that the letter was inclosed to you in another by Mr. Elderton ; is that so ? — Yes. And th.it in consequence of your re- ceiving it, vou delivered it to his Royal Highness tlie Duke of York ? — I am po- sitive that I shewed it him, to let him know that the man was grateful. Did the Duke of York return it to you ? — After he had read letters, they Used to be left upon the table, and I ougiit to have destroyed them. Did not you understand that S-Avn- Carter was a natural son of captain Sut- ton ? — No, I did not ; people have said so, but he told me lo the contrary him- self. Did not Capt Sutton take cai»e of his education '-—Captain Sutton always had ^hc boy about him ; he had several, and Sum was one ; he had been very strong- ly recommended, I believe by Mrs. Fitz- herbert, but they deniei^ that at one tipic. pid Capt. Sutton educate the boy ?— He was not well educated till he came to me ; he used to go to school, while he was in my service, every leisure hour. Do not you know that Capt, Sutton took care of his education?— I know that he took some pains to instruct him in his leisure time, he was a very good boy. Do you know what regiment captain Sutton was in ? — He formerly was a lieu- tenant in the grenadiers ; I believe he was a volunteer where he lost his leg. You are not certain what regiment he was in ? — No ; he was deputy fire -mas- ter at Woolwich, and nad been an esteemed friervd of the Prince of Wales and of the Duke of York for twelve years, but nearly died for want, except throvigh me. Did you consider Samuel Carter in a light above the rest of your servants ?— Yes, I did, for he was very faithful to me. In what year did Mr. Elderton get the paymastership of the dragoons, that you spi^ke of ?-"I cannot tell, but it was be- fore General Simcoe died. You do not remember the year at all ? No, I do not. During your residence in Gloucester- place, did you ever make any i*eturn of the Income Tax ?— No, I believe I did not. Were you ever assessed either fop your horses, cwriages, or men-servants ? —Yes, I was. Then j'ou recollect the number ?— I used to forget the greater number of them when they were put down, con- ceiving they had been paid for before through the Duke, or otherwise. Look at the letter ; [the letter to Mr. Donovan, of the 28th of Janu.iry] that letter speaks of delivering some letters to Mr. Wardle, in order to facilitate some negotiation ?— I sent tliat letter to Mr. Donovan. Did you give these letters to Mr. Wardle, in order to facilitate any nego- tiation ?— Yes ; not the letters that Col. Wardle ran away with, hut letters of field-officers to recommend two or three lieutenants to companies, they were to give more than the regulation, three or four hundred pounds ; I understood fi-om Mr. Donovan that Greenwood was to have some part, Froome another, himself .1 share, and me ; these young men were to pay, I think, four hundred gui- neas over the regulation, and that it was the last job Greenwood was to give Froome, that it was to complete a very S6S •Id promise of tlie Duke of York ; Mr. Donovan told mc he must have the I'c- commendation of a member of purlia- ment or a general officer, to cover him- self. If you refer to a passage in your letter, it will appear that the letters you allude to were, one in whicli Mr. Donovan speaks of the Qjieen, and in the other of two Deaneries N—Those were the letters Colonel Wardlc took away, and which I told him were in his possession ; that letter I think mentions as far as tliat. [The passage in the letter was read. I iiad not given him those letters, he took tliem, and what I gave Colonel Wardle to facilitate was the other three, the licuienants for the companies, and he has two or three of them now, and General Clavering the other ; and when I represented one of the young men as Mr. Sumner'.s nephew or cousin, I be- lieved it, because Mi . Donovan had told me so, and declared it in every way possible. How could the delivery of any letters whatever to Mi . Wardlc, facilitate any negotiation ?- -I tlioughl < hat they migiit, because he told me that he could do it by men who were not in the opposition, because I knew that a man on that side, •would not do to recommend to the Duke of York anv military man. Who told you so ? --Colonel Wardle. What sort of negotiations did you think the delivery of these letters might faciutatc ?— To get a letter of recom- mendation for the young men, the same sort of recommendation as General Clavering was to give me for Sumner. You have stated that the paymaster procured for Elderton was previous to tlie death of General Simcoe ; what cir- cumstance makes you say it must have been previous to the death of General Simcoe .'—I believe it was General Simcoe's regiment ; I know he had been applied to on the subject. Are you quite positive that these let- ters spoken of, are the letters Mr. War- dle run away with ?-— Yes. Did the Duke of York ever tell you at any time, that he had been informed by any person of your having received money by getting appointments in the army i — No, no one dare tell him so. Did the Duke of York ever inform you by what means the commissions you stale to have been so irregularly obtain- ed, were made to appear regular in the books of the office ?— No, he did not state to me that circumstance, only that he would take projjcr care and have them all right, and the subjects he always thought were proper when they were proposed. GWYLLIM LLOYD WARDLE.Esq. attending in his place, made the fol- lowing statement : I wish to say, that I am now aware what Mrs. Clarke means by her nego- tiation : the letters that I before alluded to her having received from Mr. Dono- van, and my having examined him upon them in this House, were seiU to her by Mr. Donovan, as I understood, for the purpose of her getting them signed by a general officer, or a member of Parlia- ment ; she stated having sent one oi' them to General Clavering to be signed ; the other three or four, 1 forget wliich it was, 1 got from her, she gave them to me ; 1 remember her statmg at the time, that if 1 could get a member of l^arlia- meni to sign them for her, it would be just what Mr. Donovan wanted ; I said my friends were in opposition, and oppo- sition men would not do ; I kept the let- ters ever since, and till this moment never could make out what she meant by the term negotiation. Have you any objection to deliver in those letters, from which you examineci Mr. Donovan at the table of this House 1 — They arc all ou the table of the House. Are those letters on the table of the House which Mrs. Clarke wished you to get a member of Parliament to sign I — No, 1 think not. Are there any letters on the table of tlie House which Mrs. Clarke gave to you, to procure the signature of a mem- ber of Parliament ?— I thought they had been given in, but if they are not, 1 cer- tainly will lay them on the table. Have you any objection to lay on the ta- ble every letter which you got either by violence or otherwise.from Mrs. Clarke ? — Ihave no objection to layon the tablcthe letters in question respecting those offi- cers who were to have been so recommen- ded, and all the letters that 1 had regard to in the statement I made to the House Have you any objection to lay on the table every letter which you got, either by violence or otiierwise, from Mrs. Clarke ? — I wish the answer 1 have given to be repeated. Are llicre any letters in your pnsses- eion, relative to the inquiry before the 266 Xfcmsf , na to tlic Duke of York's r on- fliict, wliich yon h:ivc taken from Mrs. Clnrke, or wliich slu- has givtn to yon, ^vlli^l1 yoti ohjcTt to lay bi-forr llie House ? — I know of none suili, 1 linve no infonnation wliidi willi propriety can be laid Inrorr tliis Committcf, which I vould witlihoUl from tliom. Arc tJu- letters alluded to in the letter cf Mrs. Clarke, at present on tiio table of the House ? — No, they are not. Wlieu did you receive tlie letters from Mrs Clarke, which slu- mentions in her letter of the 28li» of January, to have been delivered to yoti ? — 1 have no jncinorandum, I caiuiot speak to the time. CHARLES GREENWOOD, Esq. wis called in, and examined by the Com- mittee, as follows : Is Mr. rrooinc now in yotir oflice ? — No. Did Mr. Froomc succeed to the situ- nt'ioti of one of your clerks tliat has lately left yoti ?— N(». Did not Mr. Fn)oinc succeed to the sitvuition of one of yovu" clerks that has Intelv left you ? — No. Did not Mr. Froome come to town for the i)urpose of supjdyinjjthe place of that clerk ? — Mr. Froome came to town to settle some old accmmls of mine as Treasurer to tli("Hoyal Military ColU-pe, and not at all to take the place of tliat clerk. Has he settled those accounts, and if no when did he leave you ! — He is set' tlinp;' them now. Wiiere di>es he transact the business ? —Very near my ollice at Charini;-eross. Are you apent to the ~2d regiment of dragoons ?— No. Or ever was since it was raised ? — I tJiink not : but 1 catmot positively an- swer to that fact. Do you recollect any difterence be- tween you and the Duke of York, wherein the Duke of York applied to you to a])point a iiaymastcr to tliut regi- ment ? — Certainly not. Is it within your power or that of anj' np^^nl to appoint a paymaster to any re- g'imenl ? — The ]H>wer ivsts in the colonel to recommend to the Secretary at War, who makes the necessary iiupiiries as to the securities, and then makes out the appointment for thcCommander in Chief to lay befoiv his Majesty. In fact the Commander in Chief c.in Vavc notliing- in the world to do with it. more than to lay it before his Majesty ? —1 never understood that he )\ad. Do you know Mrs. Clarke ? — 1 do not know her by sig^iit. Did you ever write to her ?— I recol- lect one note I did write to her. Do you know a Mr. Eli'.jrton ? — I did know him. No disagreement ever happened be- tween you and \he Duke of York, re- specting- appointing Mr. Eldcrton apay- nuister ? — No, certainly not Did the Duke of York ever .ipply to yoti ;oa]ip( int him ? — Never ; the Duke of York menlioncd him to me as a man that would call upon me about a pay- niastorship, and said that I might make iixpiiries about him, but never I'ecom- nundod liim. What was the occasion of that note which you mention having written to Mrs. Clarke ? — It was in answer to a note slie wroic me, to tUsire my inter- ference witii his Royal Highness about a brother, I think he was, of hers ; she called him captain Thompson tliat had been in the cavalry. Do you recollect the d.ite of tliat note ? — It was not long ago ; 1 do not recollect the date at all ; I should think within a month or six weeks. Do ymi recollect, either in that note or by message, stating to Mrs. Clarke, that you were sorry she had got ac- quainted with Mr. Finnerty ? — Never. Did you ever send any message to Mrs. Clarke by Mr. Taylor of Bund- street ?J— Never. How long was Mr. Froome in ytiur oflice before the first time he and you parteil ^— I really cannot recollect ; but he has |eft my oilice for, I should sup- pose, fiiur or five years, I ciuinot recol- lect particularly, it was at the time I discovered lie was trading in commis- sions that I discharged him. Is not Mr. Fi-oomc on the half-pay ? — I believe he is. Is he a captain on the half-pay ?— No, 1 think only a lieutenant. How did you seiul that note which you wwtc to Mrs. Clarke ■ — 1 sent it by Mr. Taylor, I think. Mr 'I'.iylor the shoemaker ? — Yes, Ai"e you acquainted with Mrs. Sin- clair SiUherkind ? — 1 knew her some years ago. How many years ago • — I should think six or seven years agx) ; 1 have seen her since. Have you seen her often since : — No. ser llftve you seen hrr lately ? — No. How lately have you srcii licr ? — I (Id not tlutik 1 huvc Mrs. Siiicliiir these two yeufs. On what occasion did you last sec her ? — Mine was a visit of civility, I believe, I luul no jiarticular object in it. Did you call upon her ? — Yes. Have you kept up your ac(|naintuncc with her from the first oripir. of tiuit ac- quaintance .' — I have very little actjuain- tauce -.villi Mrs. Sinclair ; I do not sup- ]»ose I ever saw Mrs. Sinclair a dozen times in my life. What led to that acquaintance .' — I believe that the first acquaintance I had with Mrs Sinclair, was from hearing a friend of mine apeak of her. Did you become ar(|uainted with her through any intimacy i)et\veen the Duke of York and her ? — I certainly was ac- quainted with her more from that cir- cumstance. Then you arc aware she was intimate with the Duke of York ? — I am aware that the Duke of York knew her ; I am not at all aware that the Duke of York was intimate with her. L'rhc wiiness was directed to withdraw, [The witness was again called in,] Do you know of any connexion ever subsisting between Uie Duke of York and Mrs Sutherland ' — I have heard that there \tas. Has any fact ever come to your knowledge which enables you to slate, of your own knowledge, that such u connexion ever had exisUnl ?— I have heard Mrs. Sinclair herself say so. Did you ever hear Mrs. Sinclair state that slie was with child by the Duke of York .'—Yes. [The witness was directed to with- draw. [The witness was again called in.] Did you ever know of a house being hired at Hamburgh for Mrs. Sutiierland to lie in ? — No. Do you know of any measures that were taken to hire a house for that pur- pose ? — No. Can you to your own knowledge speak to Mrs. Sinclair having got a troop frrfm the Duke of York, lor a friend of hers ? — Certainly not. Did you ever correspond with heron the subject ol" a troop that she had ap- plied for ? — N(j, I think not, it is so long since >. to the best of my knowledge not. Can you speak positively to that fact ? — I can speak positively to never hinln^ had any conversation with the Duke oi' York. Do you recollect writing to Mri*. Sinclair upr a paymastershii). Was he apijointedto a jiaymastership ? Upon a vacancy ha|)peningin Sir Robert Abercrombie's regiment, thinking him a very proper man i'or the appointment, 1 wrote to SirRoberl Abcrcronibie about him, and he recoinmcMuied him to the Secretary at War. May 1 beg leave to correct an answer I have just given, re- specting my correspondence with Mr Taylor : there were two or three (pie.s- tions I thought it necessary to put to him : knowing he had paid some money on the Duke of York's account for Mrs. Clarke, I pnt three questions to him, whiclihe answered satisfactorily ; if that is to be called a correspondence, I have had correspondence witli him. Do you know of any large sum of money being paid by his Royal Highness the Duke of York to Mrs, Clarke ? — 268 tluring her residence in Gloticester- place ? — No large sums ever went tlirougli my hands to Mrs. Clarke, nor any sum whatever. You admit that ycu have had some correspondence witli Mr. Taylor, when did that correspondence take place ?— A few years ago. You do not recollect at any other time having had any correspondence with Mr. Taylor ? — No, certainly not. Did you send a.n answer to Mrs. Clarke by Mr. Taylor, in consequence of the letter having been brought by him ? — Certainly. You stated that you recommended Mr. Elderton to Sir Robert Abercrom- bie for paymaster ; had you any knowl- edge of Mr. Elderton previous to the Duke of York's mentioning him to vou ? — I believe he had applied to my office for a clerkship, but I am not qviite clear as to that point ; I made several inqui- ries in consequence of his Royal High- ness' recommendation. Were the inquiries which you made satisfactory ? — They were satisfactory in the first instance, but sometime after- wards, on farther inquiry, I was by no means sr.tislied, and I wrote to Sir Robert Abercrombie to tliat effect. What inquiries did you make that ca\ised dissatisfaction ? — I made some inquiries, besides a representation I had from Bristol where Mr. Elderton had lived, of some improper conduct there. What was the consequence of these discoveries you made respecting Mr. Elderton ? — Representing tiie same to Sir Robert Abercrombie, in order to stop the recommendation. What was the effect of that commu- nication ? — It was delayed for a lime ; afterwards to the best of my recollection, Mr. Elderton wrote himself, or got some friend to apply to Sir Robert Abercrom- bie, and Sir Robert Abercrombie after- wards recommended him to tlie Secre- tary at War. Do you know what those recommen- dations were, or from whom tliey came ? — I re*lly do not. Were the objections removed solely by the recommendation of Sir Robert Abercrombie ? — I believe entirely. After those objections had been made, did any conversation take place between His Royal Highness the Duke of York and yourself upon the subject ? — Cer- tainly none. How do you know tliat any sub6ec|_uent recommendation was made to Sir Rob- ert Abercrombie ? — I think I have let- ters from Sir Robert Abercrombie to prove that. [The witness was directed to withdraw. COLONEL GORDON was called in, and examined by the Committee, as follows : Have you brought with you the docu- ments respecting the proposed exchange between Colonel Knight and Colonel Pleydell?— Yes, I have them in my hand. [Colonel Gordon delivered in seve- ral p.apers, which were read :-;— Letter from Messrs. Collyer. — Answer to the above. — Letter from Colonel Knight, dated June 19th, 1805. — Letter from Colonel Gordon to Colonel Knight.] "C. L. " The Commander in Chief cannot accede to the re- ■ quest of these officers Lieu- "Refused." tenant Colonel Pie deli must remain in the regt- vient to ivhich he has been posted." " Messrs. Collyer have the honour of tr.insmiiting Colonel Gordon the me- morials of Majors Knight and Pleydell to exch.ange." " Park -place, St. James's, 27th May, 1805." [Copy.) " Horse-Guards, " Gentlemen, 28th May, 1805. " Having laid bef ire the Commander in Chief your note of the 27th in- stant, I am directed to acquaint you in reply, that his Royal Highness cannot accede to the exchange therein pro- posed, between Major Knight of the 5th Dragoon Guards, and Lieutenant-colo- nel Pleydell of the 59th Regiment of Foot : and Lieutenant-colonel Pleydell must remain witli the corps to which he has been posted. " I am Sir (Signed) " J. W. GORDON. *' The Inclosiu'es in your Letter are herewith returned. " Messrs. Collyer." *' H. R. H has no objection to his re- ceiving a difference, and when an eligi- ble successoi- can be recommended, H. R. H. will take it into consideration." " No. 35, Maddox-st. Hanover- " Sir, Square, June 19, 1805. His Royal Highness tlie Commai^dev I 269 in Chief not having' acceded to my ex- changing with Lieutenant Colonel Plry- dell, I fear my motives for wishing to return to the infantry may have been misrepresented to his Royal Highness. " I therefore take the liberty of stat- ing them to you, and request the favour of you to submit them to the considera- tion of his Royal Highness. " I am desirous of returning to the in- fantry, with a view to receive back the difference.to enable me to arrange some pecuniary concerns which press upon me at this moment; and in case his Royal Highness should be graciously pleased to acquiesce, I intend to solicit the fur- ther indulgence of a temporary retire- ment upon half-pay for the recovery of my health, which is much impaired by a service of 20 years in the West Indies, in Holland, in Egypt, and elsewhere ; and as 1 do not mean to solicit H.R. H.'s permission to receive the difference be- tween full and lialf-pay, I flatter myself his Royal Highness, when my health is re-established, will consider my past ser- vices, and allow me to return to a ser- vice, which I never can quit for a mo- ment without the deepest regret. " And in case his Royal Highness should have no person in viewto succeed me in tlie 5th Dragoon Guards, I hum- bly beg leave to submit the name of Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Brooke of the 56th Regiment (an old Cavalry officer; ■who has written to me on the subject. *' I have the honour to subscribe myself, " Sir, Your obedient, humble servant, " H. R. KNIGHT, " Major 5th Dragoon Guards, and Bt. Lieut.-Colonel. " To Colonel Gordon, &.c. &,c. Sic." " Horse Guai'ds, 21st June, " Sir, 1805. " Having laid before the Commander in Chief your letter of the 19th instant^ I am directed to acquaint you, that his Royal Highness has no objection to your exchanging to the infantry, receiving the difference ; and when an eligible suc- cessor can be recommended, your re- quest will be taken into consideration. " I have, &c. (Signed) " J. W. GORDON. " Bt. Lieut.-col. Knight, 5 D. Gds. ** 35, Maddox-street, Hanover-square." Are you acquainted with Major Tur- ner ? — I was acquainted with him. What was the period of your acquaint- 35 ance with him ? — I think it was in the year 1803- When was the last time, that you saw him previous to his tendering his resig- nation ! — I cannot recollect the precise day, but it was a very short time before he gave it in, he called upon me, and stated his intention of so doing. Did he solicit any other situation ? — No, I cannot recollect that he did. Did he request to be put upon the staff of the army serving in Spain ? — I do not recollect that he did ; it is very pos- sible that he might, but I do not recolw lect that he did. Did he state to you the reasons for wliich he intended to resign J— Yes, he certainly did. What were those reasons ? — Major Turner called upon me, and told me, it was his intention to give in his resigna- tion, and retire from the army ; I ex- pressed some surprise atthis,havingiiad some previous acquaintance with him, and told him, I think, that he had better consider of it, before he took so decided a step. I think Major Turner told mc, he had got into some unfortunate scrape with a woman, and it was necessary for him to quit the service ; the exact words I do not recollect, but that was the tenor of the conversation tiiat passed between us. There was very little more or less. Did lie state the nature of the scrape ? . — No, he certainly did not ; but I have some recollection, that he was about to do ii, and that I stopped liim, as my custom is, not wishing to enter into the private affairs of officers more than is necessary. Did he state the name of the lady ? — I am pretty confident he did not. When the application was made for the exchange between Colonel Knight and Colonel Pleydell, were the usual inquiries made, and were they acted up- on ? — This is rather an embarrassini^ question. I should answer it in this way ; that the Commander in Chief did, not think Colonel Pleydell a proper of- ficer to be placed at the head of a regi- ment of cavalry. Is it your belief that, upon a complaint made from any quarter against any ofR- cer, who was soliciting either for ex- change or resignation, that compm nt beingjthat the officer had behaveddishon- ourably by a lady, that would lead to an inquiry on the part of the Commander in Chief ?— That would depend very much upon the mode in which the com- 270 plaint -was made ; the complaint in ques- tion stated, that the general knew all about it ; inquiry was thei-efore made of the general, before any decision was giv- en upon it. Did it ever come within your knowl- edge, that any resignation had been stopped, or any proceeding taken at the Commander in Chief's office, in conse- quence of an anonymous letter ?— I can- not exactly say that a resignation had been stopped ; but this I can say, that all anonymous letters are invariably at- tended to. Is it not the invariable practice of the Commander in Chief to forward all anon- ymous letters, conveying complaints or any circumstances attached to the army, to the generals commanding the districts or the officers commanding regiments, concerning which complaints may be conveyed in those anonymous letters ? — I have already said that anonymous let- ters are always attended to, and are sent for inquiry in their proper course ; they happen almost daily. fThe witness was directed to withdraw. General ROCHFORTwas called in, and examined by the Committee, as fol- lows : Do you recollect a person of the name" of Samuel Carter, that lived with Cap- tain Sutton ? — I do. ^-(^ Do you happen to know whether Sam»-J uel Carter was reputed to be tlie natur^T Jll son of Captain Sutton ?— I always ua«j derstood that he was. Did he live with him as such ? — He lived with him as such, as it appeared tome You knew Captain Sutton ? — Very well. He brought him up as a son ? — Yes, he did, to the best of my knowledge. Did he give him a good education ?— • I believe the best education he could } he was very capable of educating him himself, and I believe he took a great deal of pains with the boy. Was he in the habit of dining at Cap- tain Sutton's table ? — T cannot tell ; I never dined with Captain Sutton at bis house. When did Captain Sutton die ? — I cannot exactly say ; two or three yeara ago, I believe. £The witness was directed to withdraw. {[The Chairman was directed to report progress, and ask leave to sit again. 271 Thursday^ February 16, 1809. Mr. ARCHIBALD DUFF was called in, and examined bj the Committee, as toUows : What arc 3 ou ? — A Solicitor. Do you know any thing of Robert Kennett ? — I am a Solicitor to the Com- mission of Bankruptcy against him. At what time did that bankruptcy take place ? — Some time in the year 1803. In consequence of being Solicitor to tliat Commission of Bankruptcy, have certain papers relative to this inquiry come into your possession ? — In conse- quence of the bankrupt's papers having been seized by the messenger vmderthe Commission, Ihuve become possessed of certain letters, which I have now in my pocket. Produce those papers. \_The Witness prouuced them.'\ When did those papers come into your possession ? — I cannot ascertain the time, sometime, 1 think, about the latter end ©f 18G5, or Sometime in 1806. Have they been in your possession ever since ? — They have. Are those all the papers in your pos- session relative to this business ! — They are all the papers which I have been able to find among the bankrupt's papers, in which, in any manner, the name of his Royal Highness the Duke of York is mentioned. Did you at any time state, that you believed there was a paper in your pos- session, which yovi cotdd not i-eadily put your hand upon ? — I stated last night to Lord Folkestone, while I was in attend- ance at this House, that I believed there was a paper which I could not readily put my h.ind upon; but today I com- municated to Lord Folkestone that I had every reason to believe that that paper ■was not in my possession, and that the re- collection of that paper must have arisen from one of the bankrupt's letters,whieh is now in the clerk's hand. Do you mean by not being in y«ur possession, that that paper did not exist, that there was no such paper ? — I stated to Lord Folkestone then, as I now do, that 1 believed there was no such paper. Are you acquainted with the hand- writing of Kennett ?--Perfectly well. Look attiiose papers, and see whether anv of thejn are the hand-writing of the bankrupt Kennett ? — No. 2, is his hand- writing. Look at No. 12 ; is that the hand- writing of Kennett ? — No. 12 contains two papers ; one is Kennett's hand-wri- ting, and the other is not. What are those papers N-They appear to be respecting the appointments at Surrinani, which have resulted from the surrender of that colony. Is Ihat the paper which is Kennett's hand- writing ? — Yes. Do you know whose hand-writing the other is ? — I do not. Is No. 14 m the hand- writing of Ken- nett ?— It is. Is No. 17 in the hand-writing of Ken» nett ? — No. 17 contains two papers ; one is not in the hand- writing of Kennett, the other is. What is the paper which is in the hand-writing of Kennett \ — That which is in the hand-writing of Kennett appears to be an application from him to Mr. Greenwood, for Mr. Adam's address in Scotland. Do you know whose hand-writing the other paper is \ — No. Is No 18 the hand- writing of Ken- nett ?— Yes, it is. You have stated, that there was a pa- per which you have not in your posses- sion, and which you believe not to exist ; to your knowledge, was such a paper ever in existence ? — I was led to believe that such apaper hade.x^isted, from a dig* tant recollection of having read the pa- per some time ago ; but upon referring to the papers again to-day, andthe place in wbich. I found them, namely, ttie 272 bankrupt's desk, I am satisfied that no such paper ever was in my possession, and that the only circumstance which could have led me to that belief, was tl»e bankrupt's letter. No. 18, and so I stated to Lord Folkestone to-day. Is the Committee to understand .that vou believe tliat paper never to have been in existence ? — I believe it never did exist- Whatbusiness was Kennett ? — Kennett was formerly an upholsterer in Bond- street ; he was at the time when the commission was issued against him, liv- ing' in Lincoln's- inn-fields, and carried on, or pretended to carry on, business of tooth-ach curer, curing the tooth-achby smelling a bottle. Did he ever obtain his certificate un- der that commission ? — Certainly not. Did he pass his last examination im- der that commission ? — He did, after a vast number of examinations and nume- rous delays. Do you know what is become of Ken- nett now ? — I know not ; 1 saw him about a month ago. Do you know any thing particularthat has occurred to Kennett since the com- mission of bankruptcy ? — I know what his lordship alludes to, but I wish the question was more particular, and not so general. Did he ever stand in the pillory ?— He was prosecuted by order of the Lord Chancellor, at the instance of his Majes- ty's attorney-general, for a conspiracy to defeat that commission, and cheat his creditors ; under that prosecution he was found guilty, and was put into the pillory. Had he been a bankrupt before the bankruptcy to which commission you were solicitor ? — He was. State the dates of both bankruptcies. — I cannot with precision. Can you state the date of the second bankruptcy with precision ? To the best of my recollection,the 23d of April, 1803. Can you state in what year the fii-st bankruptcy took place ? — I think (but I caimot charge my memory with preci- sion) in the month of January, 1801. {^The witness was directed to withdraw. EDWARD TAYLOR, Esq. a member of the House, attending in his place, was examined by the Committee as follows : ^Vill you look at No. 3, and state whe- ther that is Colonel Taylor's writing ?-» Yes, it is. Is No. 6 Colonel Taylor's hand- writ- ing ? — Yes, it is. No. 8 ?— Yes, it is. No. 9 ? — Yes, it is. No. 10 ?— Yes, it is. No. 13 ? — This is not his hand- writing Does it purport to be ? — It is written in his name ; but it is not his hand- writing. No. 20 ? — The note is ; there is an en- closure in it, which is not. Mr. ARCHIBALD DUFF was again called in, and examined by the Com- mittee as follows. Whose hand writing is No. 13 ?— I do not know. It is not the hand-writing of Kennett ? — It is not. [The witness was directed to withdraw. WILLIAM ADAM, Esq. attendingin his place, was examined as follows : Look at No. 4, is that your hand-writ- ing ? — Yes. No. 5 ?~It is not my hand writing ; but it was written at my dictation. No. 19 ? — This is my hand-writing. The Right Honourable CHARLES LONG, attending in his place, was examined, as follows : Have you ever seen Mr. Adams, once private secretary to Mr. Pitt, write ?— I have. Can you speak to Mr. Adams' hand- writing ? — I can. Look at No. 11. — That is not his hand- writing, it purports to be a copy. Is No. 15 your hand- writing ? — No. 15 is my hand-writing ; No. 16 I can- not speak to. WILLIAM HUSKISSON, Esq. at- attending in his place, was examined by the Committee, as follows : Will you look at No 21 ? — I have fre- quently seen Mr. Chapman write, and, to the best of my belief, this is his hand- writing. [The following papers were read •."] No. 2. " The principal sum of 70,000/. to be advanced to his Royal Highness the Duke of York, by way of aimuity, (at ten per cent.) either in one or two parts, as shall be approved by his Royal Highness, in the following man- ner, viz. "The said sum or sums to be charged 2^3 »n the Oatlands, and all the adjoining estates, manors, 8ic. " The purchaser to nominate any two lives (in ordei'to save insurance.) " His Royal Highness to be at liberty to pay oft" the principal sum or sums any time after three years, (in the usual way) either by giving six months' no- tice, or paying six months in advance. " The annuity to be payable quarterly either by an assignment of the exchequer order, or an undertaking from the trus- tees of the said order, to pay the same. No: 6. " Lieutenant colonel Taylor presents his compliments to Mr. Robert Kennett, and begs to acquaint him, that his Royal Highness the Duke of York has not any objection to writing to Mr. Pitt respecting the application which Sir Horace Mann has made in his favour. "Oailands, Sunday, 22d July, 1804." No. 3. " Lieutenant-colonel Taylor presents his compliments to Mr. Kennett, and is directed by his Royal Highness the Duke of York to request he will call upon Mr. Adam, in Lincoln's-inn- fields, upon Wednesday morning next. " Oatlands, July 29th, 1804.." Addressed, — " Robert Kennett, Esq. 13, Moore Place, Lambeth." No. 5. " Mr. Adam's compliments to Mr. Kennett, and means to see him on Tuesday evening, before which he cannot be m town. ** Lincoln's-Inn, Thursday." Addressed, " Mr. Kennett." No. 4. " Mr. Adam is sorry that his business elsewhere detained him yester- day. He will be glad to see Mr. Ken- nett here to-day at eleven o'clock. •' Lincoln's-Inn, Thursday mormng, 2d Aug." Addressed, " Mr. Robert Kennett, " Ij, Moore Place, Lambeth." HENRY SWANN, Esq. a member of the House, attending in his place, was examined as follows : Have you ever seen Sir Horace Mann write ? — I have seen Sir Horace Mann write^very -often. Will- you look at No. 7, and' state, whether it is Sir Horace Mann's writing? — I will certainly admitthat it very much resembles the hand-writing of the Hon- ourable liaronet ; but though it does so resemble it, it is not the usual mode of that Honourable Baronet's signing his name, for it is signed *' H. Mann," and I very frequently correspond with him he signs " Hor. Mann." Do you believe that to be the hand- writing of Sir Horace Mann ? — It has something of the character of the hand- writing of Sir Horace Mann. Do you or not believe that to be Sir Horace Mann's hand- writing ? — I cer- tainly believe it is. Will you look at No. 16 ; is that Sir Horace Mann's hand-writing? — I do not think it is ; I believe it is not. [The following papers were read.] No. 7. " I shall rejoice sincerely at your success, if it can be an object with youto obtain a situation in such a cli- mate. The channel you mention may be more efficacious than the exertion of my interf st, which 1 v^rill strenuously re- new if it is necessary, when I see a pros- pect of success. " Your's faithfully, "H. MANN." " Margate, July 22d." Addressed : " Robert Kennett, Esq. No. 13, Moore place Lambeth." No. 8. " Sir, Oatlands, July 16, 1804. " I beg leave to acknowledge the re- ceipt of your letter of yesterday, which I lost no time in laying before the Duke of York. I am in consequence directed to request you will have the goodness to call upon Mr. Greenwood, in Craig's- court, on Wednesday next at twelve o'clock, his Royal Highness having de- sired him to communicate with you oa the subject of your letter. " 1 have the honour to be, " Sir, " Your most obedient, " Humble Servant, "H. TAYLOR." No. 9. " Lieut. Colonel Taylor pre- sents his compliments to Mr Kennett, and begs to acquaint him, that, having called this morning upon Mr. Pitt's pri- vate Secretaay, for the answer to his Royal Highness' application in his fa- vour, he has been promised that it will be sent in the course of the day, if pos- sible, and he will forward it, as soon as received, to Mr. Kennett. " Horse Guards, Thursday Morning. Addressed. Robert Kennett, Esq. &c. No. 10. " Lieutenant-Colonel Taylor presents his compliments to Mr. Ken- nett, and is directed by the Duke of York to transmit him copy of a letter. 2?'4 from Mr. Pitt's private Secretary, in reply to tlie applicuiion which his Royal Highness made in Mr. Kennett's favour for the Collectorship of the Cvistoms at Surinam, which answer his Royal Hig-h- ness regrets is not conformable to his wishes. Colonel Taylor would have sent it earlier, had he not been absent from London, when it was sent to the Horse-Guards. " August rth, 1804." No. 11. " Downing-Street, Friday, 3d Aug. 1804. '* My Dear Sir, " I have not failed to state to Mr. Pitt the wishes of hisRoyalHighnessthe Duke of York, communicated through you, that he woidd nominate Mr. Ken- rretl to the office of Collector of his Ma- jesty's Customs of Surinam ; and 1 am dirt cted to request that you will submit to his Royal Highness, that desirous as Mr. Pitt must at all times be to attend to his Royal Highness' commands, he is fearful that, from prior engagements, he is so circumstanced, as not to have it in hispowertodo soon the presentoccasion. " I am, &c. (Shgned) W. D. ADAMS." Addressed : " Lieut. Col. Taylor." No. 12, SURINAM. " The follow^ing appointments have re- sulted from the surrender of this col- ony ;■ viz. Sir C. Green, to be Gov. and Com- mander in Chief. Capt. Drummond, 2d Batt, 60th Regt. Brigade Major. Capt.' Campbell, 66th Rcgt.Commander of Fort Zclandria. Capt. Maxwell, R. N. Harbour Master. G. Chalmers, Esq. Collector of the Customs. Laur. Donovan, Esq. Comptroller of ditto. J. Bent, Esq. Army Agent and Contr. for prisoners. — — Pringle, Esq. Colonial Secretary. R. Ross, Esq. Private Secretary. D. Monro, Esq. President Commissary. R. A. Hyndm;in, Esq. Resident Pay- master. Lievit. Rowan, 64th Regt. Aid'de-camp. Lieut. Imthurn, 2d Battalion 60th Regt. Military Secretary, Vendue Master, at a per-centag-e, on the same footing as at Dememra." The Right Honourable CHARLES LONG, attending in his place. Was examined as follows : Do you recollect ev^i writing a letter of which No. 15 purports to be a copy '— I have no recollection of it ; it is very likely 1 might have written such a letter j it does not appear to be a very accurate copy ; it is dated " Bromley Park ;" I never dated Bromley Park, but Bromley Hill. [The followingpaper was read : No. 15, Letter from Mr. Long. No. 15. " Bromley Hdl, Kent» " Sir, Aug. 30th. " I am sure Mr. Pitt would have been very happy to have attended to your re- quest respecting Mr. Kennett, but I know upon the application of the Duke of York, he was inf>imed that the office of Collector had been appointed to. As to the other office, having received a letter written by the desire of H. R. H. the Duke, I made enquiry respecting it, and I do not find that there is any such office as AssistantCommissary and Agent for Prisoners, (or Commissary General as it was called in the Duke's letter) to be appointed from hence ; the Com- missary General in the \V. Indies, Mr. Glassfoi'd, recommends such Deputies as he finds necessary for conducting the business of his Department, and they are usually appointed by the Treasury in consequence. The office of Agent for Prisoners I conceive to be under (he direction and appointment of tiie Trans- port Board. *' Believe me, Sir, Most faithfully yonr's, C. LONG." fTo Mr. Long. J Can you state to whom the letter just read was written \ ---It appears to be in answer to that of Sir Horace Mann's, but I cannot state whether it was so or not. [The following papers were read.^ No. 17. " R. Kennett will be obliged to Mr. Greenwood for Mr. Adam's address in Scotland, and if he can in- form him about what time he will re- turn." " Saturday Morning." Address : " W. Adam, Esq. Blair Adam, N. Britain. No. 19. " Blair Adam, " Sir, 4th Oct. 1804, Scotland. ** I wrote to Mr. Greenwood, wh© would probably signify that I had re- ceivsd yours, and would go forward I 275 witli the business as soon as 1 returned to town ; I now (in case of your not being at a certainly) write to yourself, to say that I shall desire to see you as soon as 1 return to town, which will be the miildle or soon after the middle of this month. " I am, Sir, Your obedient, humble servant, William Adam." Addressed : *♦ Mr. Keunett, 13, Moore Place, ■ Lambeth." No. 20. " Lieutenant-colonel Taylor encloses, for Mr. Kennett's perusal, a letter from Mr. Chapman, and is very sorry to find irom it tliat the situation of Vendue Master is disposed of. Mr. Chapman has been out of Town, which kccoums for the delay, in regard to the receipt of the information now given. i' Should Mr. K.. wish to see Col.. T. be will be here to-morrow between three and five o'clock. " Horse-Guards, 22d Nov. 1804." No. 21. "(Private.) " Downing-Street, 22d. Nov. 1804. " Dear Taylor, " Lord Camden desires me to request you will express to the Duke of York his great regret, that the office of Vendue Master of Surinam was disposed of be- fore you communicated his Royal High- ness' wish in favour of Mr. Kennett. " Believe me. Very sincerelv your's, J. CHAPMAN." ** I should have given you an earlier answer, but have been out of town." Addressed : " Lt. Col. Taylor," in an envelope to " Mr. Kennett, &c. &c. Lieutenant-ColonelTAYLORwas called m, and examined by tJie Committee, as follows : Look at that letter. (No. 8.) Is that your hand-writing ? — Yes, it is. Peruse the letter, and state to whom it was addressed ? — I believe to Mr. Ken- nett, from whom I have heard of tnis business : there is no addi-ess. Peruse No. 13, and state to the Com- mittee, whether you ever wrote the let- ter of which that purports to be a copy I —I believe I did. Peruse No. 18, and state whether yo« ever received the letter of which that purports to be a copy .' — I think I did. Have you the letter which youi-eceiv- ed, of which you believe that to be a copy ? — I have not. Do you know what is become of it I— I believe 1 destroyed it. It appears as if this was a draft of twft distinct letters ; do you mean that any letter you have received contained both those letters, or only one of them ? — I can only speak from memory ; I think the transaction was in 1804 ; it is impos- sible for me to charge my memory accu- rately respecting it ; I have kept no papers upon ti>e subject. Which of the two letters do you think you received a copy of ? — There is one of the letters I can read with difficulty ; it is erased, and there are pencil-marks in it ; I believe them to be two distinct letters. Did you receive both ? — I believe I did, I can only speak from memory. You destroyed both that you4*eceiv- ed ? — I am confident I destroyed all I received. One of these appears to have part written in pencil, and part in ink ; can you charge your memory whether that which you received had that written in pencil or that written in ink ? — I cannot charge my memory. [The following papers were read : No, 13. Note from Colonel Taylor to Mr. Kennett. — No. 18. Rougli draft of two letters from Mr. Kennett.^ No. 13. '* Colonel Taylor presents his compliments to Mr. Kennett, and is extremely sorry that he could not wait, as the Duke's carriage was waiting for him. He is directed by H. R. H. to say, that he will apply for the situation of Assistant Commissary General, &c. &c. at Surinam, but that he will be able to do it with more effect if Sir H. Mann will write to H. R. H. recommending: Mr. Kennett. " Robert Kennett, Esq. &c. &c. &c. Horse-Guards, Aug. 15th." " Moore Place, Lambeth, Sept. 16th, 1804. No. 18. •' Sir, / called. *' 1 did myself the pleasure of calling on Mr. Greenwood yesterday, respect- ing the loan to his Royal Highness, and of my intention to write to Mr. Adam, which I did by last night's post,whercin 276 I requested Mr.- A. to say if I could forward the business in any way previous to his return to town. " I beg leave, Sir, also to observe, I ivas with the gentleman yesterday in and I still Jotter myself with the City, respecting the business of Su. the possibility of getting the appovMmeiU of C. rinam, and who still lioping it" possible, to be yet favoured with the appointment of the collectorship, (in preference to any that H. R. H. wishes otlicr) and in the event will he advance to any amount the situation in particular (of army -agent, &c.) being of trivial emolument, adequate to the risk of the climate." " Sir, *' With all due deference and respect to his Royal Highness the Duke of York, for his application in my behalf of the appointment of army-agent, &c. at Su- rinam, but as the emoluments of it are but trivial, adequate to the risk of the climate, (and the short time it mav be in «ur possession) I beg leave to decline accepting it. Permit me, Sir, to obsen-e, *♦ ;> As there is yet a probability of succeeding to the appointment of Col- without presumin^^ lectovship of the Customs, I hope * 1 may the have A preference, but as I believe there is no warrant made out for it— but in the event that it is inevitably disposed of. Sir, in that case, H. K. H's patronage for allow me * to solicit a the situation of Vendue Master, at aper-centage, on the same footing as at Demarara." Addressed : " Lieut. Col. Taylor, kc. Oatlands." State to tlie Committee what you know of the transaction respectingwhich, in your first letter. No. 8, vou desired Mr. Kennett to call upon Mr. Green- ^vood ? As far as I can recollect, Mr. Kennett wrote to me at Oatlands a short note, stating, that he had something to propose to me for the advantage of his Royal Highness the Duke of York, and desiring, that I would see him ; I am not quite certain whether I appointed liim tliere or in London, but I think at Oatlands. Mr. Kennett mentioned to me I think then, or in a note (I cannot charge my memory exactly, having kept no note,) but I think he verb:illy men- tioned to me, that he could procure for his Royal Highness the loan of thirty or forty thousand pounds ; and as far as I recollect that was all that passed then, except that I said I should submit it to his Royal Highness tlie Duke of York, and let him heai* further from me upon the subject. Do you recollect the date of this con- ference with Mr. Kennett ! — I do not. State it as n«arly as you can. — I really cannot recollect. Do you recollect the year ? — I do not recollect the year, I was told of it com- ing here. Do you mean to state that this was the first step in this transaction ? — Yes, it was. That Mr. Kennett volunteered his. services ? — he did. Did you inform the Duke of York of thisappHcationof Mr. Kennett's? — I did. What was the result ? — 1 was desired to refer Mr. Kennett to Mr. Adam. Do you know any thing which took place respecting that transaction ? — At that time or subsequently, Mr. Kennett mentioned to me, that he was very much supported by Sir Horace Mann, with whom he had been long acquaint- ed ; and he told me, that Sir Horace Mann had desired him to say he should feel very much obliged to me, if I could use my influence with the Duke of York to assist him in obtaining a situa- tion. I am not certain whether that was in his first verbal communication, or in his second. Was the second comunication long after the first ? — No, very shortly. Between the first and the second, do you know whether Mr. Kennett had seen Mr. Adam ? — I believe not. What passed at that second meeting ? — I really cannot state exactly what passed ; I cannot churge my memory with tlie particulars. Did you state to the Duke of York when the offer of the loan was made by Mr. Kennett, that Sir Horace Mann would be much obliged to the Duke if he could procure for Sir. Kennett a place ? — Mr. Kennett's communication respecting Sir Horace Mann was sub- sequent to the ofler of the loan ; the of- fer of the loan had been communicated to his Royal Highness previous to the communication respecting Sir Horace Mann. Are you certain that the communica- tion respecting Sir Horace Mann was at itrt the second meeting- ?— I am almost cer- tain, as f;ir as I can be from recollection. Are you certain that it was after the first conversation whh Mr. Taylor ?— I have stated that it was subsequent to the first. Do you mean to state that you are riot certain whether it was at the second or some subsequent meeting ? — Yes, it certainly was not at the first. Did you ever state that communica- tion respecting Sir Horace Mann's wishes to the Duke of York ?— 7I did. How soon after Mr. Keniiett had in- formed you of that wish of Sir Horace Mann's did you mention it to the Duke of York ? — I think almost immediately. You do not know what interval there was between the offer of the loan and thatcommvmication respecting Sir Ho- race Mann's wishes ? — I really cannot say. Was the negotiation of the loan ever concluded ? — I believe not ; but I do not know : for his Royal Highness has not been in tlie habit of employing me in his money transactions. Do you know any thing more of that negotiation about the loan ? — Mr Ken- nett called upon me several times, and mrote to me occasionally ; but it is very difficult for me to recollect what passed upon the subject, from the time that has elapsed ; but as far as I recollect, Mr. Kennett mentioned to me repeat- edly, that he had seen Mr. Adam : he complained of Mr. Adam's delay ; and at one time he said, he really began to think that his Royal Highness and Mr. Adam were indifi'erent about the loan, from having been put oil" so often as he had been. State to the Committee what yon know with respect to the steps taken to procure Mr. Kennett a place, and the correspondence with Mr. Adam and others upon that transaction ? — In con- sequence of Mr. Kennett's communi- cation to me, particularly that in which he mentioned that Sir Horace Mann was very much interested in his favour, I stat«d to his Royal Highness the Duke of York Mr. Kennett's wish to obtain an office ; those offices were specified by him ; I do not recollect what they were, and his Royal Highness author- ized me to write to Mr. Long upon the subject ; I do not recollect writing any other letter ; I probably have, but I cannot charge my memory, having had no reference to papers. 36 Were the two letters of which you have read that copy, (No 18.) shewn to the Duke of York ? — I cannot recol- lect, but I believe not. Was tiie substance stated to the Duke of York ? — I dare say it was. Have you any doubt that it was ?-^ I have no doubt that I did state it to the Duke, nor that I can positively say that I did ; but I probably did. Was it in tiie regular course that you should state it to the Duke ? — I certainly should have stated it to the Duke if I received such letters, believ- ing the communication to be intended for him Do you know whether Mr Kennett ever obtained an appointment ? — I un- derstood not. What was the situation about the Duke of York which you filled at that time ? — I was private secretary to his Royal Highness. \_T\\Q witness was directed to withdraw. CHARLES GREENWOOD, Esq. was called in, and examined by the Com- mittee, as follows : Do you recollect Mr. Kennett coming to you ? — I do. State to the Committee all you know respecting that transaction. I know very little about the transaction, further thaa Mr. Kennett's calling upon me, I under- stood by the Duke of York's commands, communicated by Colonel Taylor ; I heard what he had to say, but I consid- ered it a wild proposal, and did not much attend to it. When was this \ — I really cannot re- collect the time. What was the proposal which you state to have been a wild proposal ?— A very large loan, and without any thing required but personal security ; that was tlie proposal to the bestof my recol- lection ; I may be mistaken. To what extent was the loan ? — To the best of my recollection 30,000/. ; I am not at all clear upon it, but 1 think it was so. Did Mr. Kennett state to you, that h6 wished for any thing else in consequence of the advance of this sum of money, besides personal security ? — I under- stood his object was to obtain some appointment tor a friend. What sort of appointment ? — I do not recollect. Do you know who that friend was ? —I do not. ^7B Do you mean an appointment under government ? — I concluded so ; upon recollection, I doubt whether it was not some appointment in tlie West Indies that was his aim. Did you state this conversation to the Duke of York ? — I stated tlie substance of it. WHiat was the Duke's observation ? — I do not think that his Royal Highness pave mucli attention to it, but said it niiglit be inquired into, or something to that effect. Do you know whether it was inquired into ?— 1 rather thii\k that Colonel Tay- lor or Mr. Adam, lam not clear which, had directions to inquire about it. Do you know, of your own knowl- edge, any thing more about it ? — I re- ally do not. Did you ever see Mr. Kennett. upon the subject afterwards ?-- He called up- on me two or three times. What passed upon those occasions ? — Repeating his ofi'ers, and I paying very little attention to them. Did he at each time repeat his appli- cation for a situation under government ? — I do not recollect that he did. Are you certain about it ? — He might have possibly stated his wish for an ap- pointment under government more than once ; I cuimot be certain of it ; but in general the conversations wei-e very short with me. Did you commtmicate those conver- sations to the Duke of York ? — 1 do not tiiink that I did, all of them. Did you communicate some of them to the Duke of York ? — I remember telling the Duke of York, that I did not think it was a proposal that could be of any ettect. Did you ever state to the Duke of York his wish to obt.iin the situation under government ? — I believe I did. Did Kennett ever applj for a situation under government for himself? — Not to iny knowledge. Always for a friend ?— I always un- derstood him so. Ai-e you certain that he so stated it ! —I am certain that 1 understood him so. Did you know who Mr.K.ennnet was ? — I heard tliat he had been in trade in Bond street. Did you know what profession he carried on at that time ?— No. Did you kiow where hr lived ? — No, 1 rathej" think he lived S(..me where be- yond Westminster bridge, but I do not know where. Did you know that he had been a bankrupt ? — I do not know that for cer- tain, I knew he had been in trade, but wh.ethcr he had failed or not, 1 do not rec: llect. Did you ever inquire into this man*s character ? — I had heard an indift'erent character, I did not inquire about him. Did you state the result of those in- quiries to the Duke of York ? — I believe I stated that he was a man not to be at- tended to ; I tliink so. Are you not certain that you did so ?— I think it must be so, because it was my feeling. You have no doubt th.at you did sO state ? — I have no doubt that 1 did. [The witness was directed to with- draw. LIEUT. COL. TAYLOR was again called in, and examined by the Com- mittee, as follows : Pending the transaction with Mr.Ken- nett, which you have mentioned, did you make any inquiry respecting his character ? — I did not, he was only known to me from Sir Horace Mann's recommend.ition. Did any friend of yours state to yo« any thing he knew of him ? — In tlie course of his visits to the Horse-Guards, where he came three or four times, more or less, was met by a person who asked me whether I h.ad long known him ; I stated to him that I only knew him from Sir Horace Mann's recom- mendation, and from his communi- cations to me subsequent to that. He then told me, that he had formerly known him ; I think he said he had been a stock-broker, but I am not cer- tain ; but I am certain that he said he had failed, and that there were circum- stances attending his failure which were not to his credit, and he cautioned me against him. Did you communicate to his Royal Highness the Duke of York this infor- mation ? — I did. What passed between yourself and his Royid Highness in consequence of your making this communication !---Hi8 Royal Highness ordered me in conse- quence, to drop every furtlier applica- tion in his favour. Is there any other circumstance con- nected with tlie communic^tiijns you 279 iield with Mr. Kennett that you can recollect, and which is material to this inquiry ?— I cannot say I recollect any otlier. Do you recollect when that informa- tion was given you, respecting Mr.Kcn- nett ! — I do not, it was after I had had several communications with liim, as I have before stated. Had you any communication with him afterwards ? — None that I recollect ; I might have had some verbal communi- cation with him, but none that was ma- terial, certainly. From whom was it you received this information ; — I was desired by the person giving me the information not to name him. J^The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was again called in.] When you first saw Mr. Kennett, did he come recommended by Sir Horace Mann ? — He did not. Did you see him frequently before he was recommended by Sir Horace Mann ? —I think it was the second time that he mentioned the interest Sir Horace Mann took in his favour, and I think he brought a letter from Sir Horace Mann to me. Did he bring that letter in conse- quence of any wish expressed by you that he should bring some recommenda- tion before you would enter into a ne- gotiation of this sort ? — He did not, the recommendation from Sir Horace Mann was spontaneous. Did you not know that Mr. Kennett had been a bankrupt ? — 1 did not, I knew nothing of Mr. Kennett till 1 received that information. [The witness was directed to with- draw. WILLIAM ADAM, Esq. attending in his place, was exaniined by the Com- mittee, as follows : State to the Committee what you know of this transaction.— Wiien this transaction was begun to be stated by Mr. Duff, and that he mentioned Mr. Kennett, I had not, at first, the most distant recollection of such a transaction ever having taken place ; but as Mr. Duff went on and stated some circum- stances, the recollection of such a tran- saction recurred to my mind, and the circumstance of my two notes and my letter having been put in my hand, has xnade that recollection still more ac- curate, as fax- as it h possible for me to ciill that accurate at all which rests in recollection at so long u distance of time. I remember to have seen Mr. Kennett on the business of this proposed loan, and upon that only ; nothing, as far as I can recollect, was ever stated to me by him but that ; and the first im- pression I now recollect that 1 had of it was, that it would not turn out a loati that could be entered into. I appre- hend that soon after my first interview, if I had more than one with him in the month of August, I must have left town for Scotland, and, consequently, have known nothing of what was proceeding, if any thing was proceeding in the inter- val ; and 1 can only accoimt for the lust letter, the letter written from Scotland, in this way ; that previous to my de- Earture from my residence there, I had een considering the difi'erent matters I was to enter into probably when I re- turned to town, and amongst the rest had written upon that subject. I do not recollect ever to have seen Mr. Kennett after my return ; at the same time I think it is probable that I may have seen him, but the loan was put an end to, and all intercourse with Mr.Ken- nelt was put an end to without any thing being done. I think it right to say, that I knew nothing at all of Mr. Kennett when he first called upon me, or any thing respecting his character. This is all I can call to my recollection. Didyou make any inquiries respecting the character of Mr. Kennett ? — I have no doubt that I must have made inqui- ries, though I cannot recollect them ; and I think the information, which Col. Taylor mentions, must have been com- municated to me. Do you mean that it w.is communi- ca')ed to you by Colonel Taylor ? — I can only say that I presume it was, but I cannot speak from any certain recol- lection. You cannot say whether you heard it from Colonel Taylor ? — I cannot say positively whether I heard it from Col. Taylor. Nor can you recollect when you heard it ? — I cannot recollect when I heard it, but I think it must have been after my return from Scotland, in October 1804. What was that information ? — That lie was a person not at all likely to accom- plish the object, iind a person of the character which has been alluded to by Colonel Taylor. 280 GWYLLIM LLOYD WARDLE, (having- delivered in some Letters) was examined by the Committee as follows : Are the letters which you have now delivered in, the letters which are allu- ded to in Mrs. Clarke's letter of the 28th of January ? — ^I presume they are ; they are the letters of the officers she was to have got recommendations for ; 1 know of no other letters, and I possess Jio others. State, with as much accuracy as you can, the time when you received these letters from Mrs. Clarke ? — I have no memorandums enabling me to state tl»e date precisely. In what year was it ? — It was within the last two montiis. Are they the letters stated to have been delivered to you with a view to fa- cilitate some ncf^otiation ? — Yes, I sup- pose so ; tliey are letters of recommen- dation of oflicers for promotion, which I understood from Mrs. Clarke were sent to her by Mr. Donnovan for her to get further recommendations upon. WILLIAM ADAM, Esq. was exam- ined in his place, as follows : Were you consulted as to whether the annuity to Mrs. Clarke should or should not be paid ? — No, 1 did not know of its having' ceased to be paid. Then the Committee are to under- stand youdid not advise the non-payment of the annuity .'—Certainly I did not. Was it known to you that the Duke refused to pay his annuity ? — 1 knew it in no other way than by the commimi- cations which I had with his Royal High- ness, as well as 1 can recollect, at the time I received those letters from Mrs. Clarke, which have been laid upon the table of the House. Do you know the reason of such refusal ? — I did not know the specific fact or facts that was the cause of the discontinuance of the payment of the annuity, but I know in general from the same source, I mean from conversations with his Roy- al Highness, that the annuity was dis- continued in consequence of an impres- sion upon his mind, that Mrs. Clarke's conduct had not been such as to fall witliin the condition upon wliich the an- nuity was originally granted ; when I say originally granted, I do not mean to have it inferred that there was any reg- ular grant of the annuity, but that I was desired to slate at tlie time that 1 com- municated to Mrs. Clarke that his Royal Highness was not to see her again ; i that she was to receive a quarterly sum 1 in the manner that I have stated in my 'I former evidence, 100/. a quarter. Did the discontinuance of that annuity arise at all from the Duke's knowledge ■ of her interference in militai-y promo- f | tions ? — I had no reason to believe that his Royal Highness was at all acquainted with any such interference at the time the annuity discontinued. I wish to add, that the annuity was an annuity, tlie pay- ment of which, as I have already stated in my evidence, did not fall within any fund of his Royal Highness' that was under my administration. I hope the Committee will not think it improper I should go on to state, that this matter may be clearly and distinctly under- stood, which was a little misunderstood on a former night, notw ithslanding the manner in which I endeavoured to ex- press myself in the early part of this pro- ceeding, that that portion of his Royal Highness' income which he retains for his own expenditure in his ftimily, on his property, and in whatever other mode his expenditure is applied, is not in the least within the province of my trust or knowledge : that all that is within my trust or knowledge is, that sum which has been appropriated byhis Royal High- ness towards the payment of the inter- est and the the liquidation of the princi- pal of those debts. State, if you can, at what time, and by whom the impression was made upon his Royal Highness' mind to which you have referred? — I certainly do not know by whom it was made, nor do I know at what time it was made. 1 have already stated the time at which I first became acquainted witli it, or nearly so. Mrs MARY ANN CLARKE wa8 call- ed in, and examined by the Commit- tee, as follows : Are these the letters which you de- livered to Mr. Wardle, in order, as you stated in your letter to Mr. Donovan, to faciUtate some negotiation ? — [_The letters delivered in by Mr. Wardle being shevjH to the viitness.'\ Yes, these ai"e the letters. When did you deliver these letters to Mr. Wardle? — Soon after I received them from Mr. Donovan. When did you receive them from Mr. Donovan ? — 1 do not recollect. The letters appear to be all dated in 381 the beginning of the year 1808, had you tliem in your possession from the time of the dates until you delivered them to Mr. Wardle ? — I cannot exactly say. Look at that letter, and say whose hand writing it is ? — [-4 U-tter being theivn to the luitness.J 1 do not know. Look at that letter, (No. 2-) and say wiiose hand-writing you believe that to be ' — I do not know the hands at all. Look at the letter, (No. 3.) and say whose hand writing you believe that to be ?— rl do not know. These letters purport to be certificates from officers ; did you give tliese let'ers to Mr. Wardle witha viewtohisprocur- ing tlie signature of any member of parli- ament as an additional recommendation, not knowing whose hand-writing the ori- ginal recommendation was ? — I gave an- other to General Clavering, and he took the precaution of inquiring at Mr. Green- wood's, or the Adjutant-General's. 1 be- lieve it is one of those I gave to General Clavering, that signed " Ross." These letters pui'port to be certificates from oflicers ; did you give these letters to Mr. Wardle with a view to his procur- ing the signature of any member ol" par- liament as an additional recommeiida- ti(m, not knowing whose hand- writing the original recommendation was ? — Yes, Mr. Donovan told me they were all cor- rect, and that they were the officers' re- commendations in a proper manner. Did Mr. Donovan tell you they were the hand-writing of the respective offi- cers whose hand-writing they purport to be ? — Yes, he did. Do you now know the hand-writing of the person who wrote either of these letters ! — No, I do not. Do you know the hand- writing of Mr. Donovan ? — Yes, I have had a great many letters from Mr. Donovan. Look at that letter, and say whether that is not the hand-writing of Mr. Do- novan ? — I think that looks very like it, but I would not take upon m« to say it is, when it is signed " William Wal- lace ;" I thinks it looks very like it. At the time you received that letter, did you conceive that the body of the letter was of the hand-writing of Mr. Donovan ? — No, I certainly did not, nor should without looking at it again. I would not think that a man would pre- sume to put another man's signature ; and I am not siu-e that it is liis writing now, but it very Utie it.. Was the only reason for your not sup- posing it to be the hand-writing of Mr- Donovan at the time that you received it, that the signature was the signature of another person ? — 1 never made any remarks upon it at all ; perhaps 1 did not read it. Did you put letters into the hands of a member of parliament to procure his recommendation, those letters being original recommendations themselves, without reading them ? — Yes, I should, because the person would take care that it would be proper before he go^ any thing done, as general Clavering did ; he went to ascertain the writing, and found it to be correct, as he told me. Look at both the letters signed "Wallace." — [^Thcy were both shewn to the ivitnts^.'] One is only a copy of the other letter. Mr. Donovan has copied this letter ; I suppose you perceive that ; if you read them, they are both the same. When did you receive the copy, and when did you receive the original ? — I cannot tell ; here they both are ; I caw tell nothing further than that. Did you receive tliem both at the same time ? — I cannot tell. The letters are not merely a ropy ; one is addressed at the bottom, and the other is not ? — General Leigh is left ovit in one. Which is tlic original ? — That I will leave to the honourable House to find out ; but the other is addressed -ou recollect ColonelHamilton advising you not to suffer yourself to be examined upon the subject before you came to the bar of the House ?— I believe not at that ])eriod ; he told me, when I was s])eaking to him in the morn- ing, you Inul bi tter be quiet upon Ui6 subject, say nothing to any body upon the subject, but when you are called, speak what you know, and do not de- stroy the paper. Do vou not recollect, that at the Brit- ish coffee-house. Colonel Hamilton ad- vised you not to submit to examination, but to speak the trutli when you camo here ; and above all things, not 1o de- stroy that note i — Not at tlie British cof- fee-house. Did he, at any place subsequent to your meeting with him at the coffee- house in Southampton-row, in the course of that day ? — 1 do not think I have seen him more than three times since I have been in London, and he has been with his regiment at Croydon. You did see him a second time that morning ? — At the British coffee house. And upon the occasion of seeing him at that coffee-house, or your going from that colVee-house, did he not repeat this advice ? — I do not recollect that he did. Do you not recollect stating to Col. Hamilton that you would follow his ad- vice, but that he would be very angi-y with you, for that since he had seen you last you had destroyed that paper ? — Never such a conversation took place between us. Neither at that time or at any other I —No. You never stated to Colonel Hamilton tliat you had destroyed that paper .' — No. Did you tell Col. Hamilton that there was anotlier paper tliat yovi had shewn to Major Toiiyn, when the promotion was gazetted !— I had not anotlier letter, 1 could not tell him tliat. It does not follow that because you had not it, you could not tell him you had had it ?— I never had it. Did you tell Inm you had had it ?— No. You did not tell him you had had it, and given it to Major Tonyn ? — No. When did you see this pa]ier last ? — I think it is about five or six days ago. ■NVhei-e ? — In my own room. Have you seen it since you were ex- amined last ? — No. Are vou sure of that ?— Sure of it. 287 You stated, just now, you had seen it either the day before, or the duy after ? — That was the time I aaw it. Did any body else see it at that time ? — Not that I recollect. Have you shewn it to any body else besides Col. Hamilton since you have been in town ? — No. Where did you put it when you saw it last ?— Among some other papers which I had in my bureau. I You are quite confideni you have not got it now ?— I have mislaid it some- where. Did you carry it about with you in your pocket at any time ?-— Never. Was it with you when you were in Spain ?— No. How came it to be with you in the coffee-house in Southampton-row, ifyou never carried it about witli you .' — To shew Colonel Hamilton. Had you it with you when you were at the British coflce -house ?— No. Had you gone home between being- at the coffee-house in Southampton-row and coming to the British coHee-housc ? —Yes. Where do you live ?— In Lyon's Inn. You stated that Mrs. Clarke gave you the note in question ?— Yes. Did you read the note when she gave it to you ?-"I believe I did. Was it a sealed note or an open note ? —An open note. You stated that you had not the note with you abroad ; where did you lodge before you went abroad !-.-At Lyon's Inn. Did you leave your papers at Lyon's Inn ?— Certainly. The note you say was not a sealed note ; to whom was it directed ?---! do not recollect that it had any address. You surely must recollect when you read the note : did you read it when Mrs. Clarke delivered it to you !--It is so long ago I do not recollect ; it is five years ago nearly, and I cannot charge my memory whether I I'ead it or not. Were you not to receive some pecu- niary consideration from some person or other on the gazetting of Major Tonyn? Not a farthing. Why were you so anxious that Major Tonyn should wait a few days in hopes of his being gazetted ?— To oblige Mrs. Clarke, who wanted the money exceed- ingly. Were you confident that he would be gazetted in a few days, from the influ- ence of Mrs. Clarke !---No, I doubted her influence very much then. Can you, by any possibility, now pro- duce the note ?---It is not about me. Can you, by any possibility, now pro- duce the note .'— If 1 can possibly find it, I will produce it. Is it possible that you should find it .'-- I have searched every where, and I can- not find it. ' '" Is it possible that you should find it ?■-' I should hope that it is possible. What is the ground of that hope ?— Having put it among other papers in my bureau. Is it then In the bureau ?— That I do not know. j Has any body access ir that bureau' but yourself .'—Now and tlven my wife;'' Do you know that that note is now in the pos.session of your wife or any other person !— Not to the best of my knowl- edge. Have you given that note into thou thought you probably miglit muke considerable proficiency in that art, as you made great proficiency inwriting, and copying- hand-writings ?--No,I never told him any sucli thing ; you will i-ecol- lect he is a Jew : it is ridiculous. You are quite sure you never said any snri) thing ? — No, I should never have said such a thing to such a man. Did you ever write in his presence ? - I do not know j lie used to be with me a good deal in the morning, when I was learning the vi Ivel painting,and it is very probable I raiglu liave been writing to many persons wlicn he was there ; be- sides, he wus to have g'ot a loan for tlie D'ike of" York from Jew KLng, but his RoyalHighnt.ss would not liave any thing to do vviili liim when he found they were Jews, when I'own went to him, i)Ut I do not know that it was Jew King at the time ; he told me it was a regular gen- tleman. Did yoti ever, in a playing way, at- tempt to imitate the hand-writingof the Duke of York !— 1 do not think I did to him. Not to Mr. Town ?— No. Have you to any one else ? — I do not think I have, but he has seen a great many ladies, when he has been with me in a morning, and if he listened to any ©four conversation, and made remarks upon it three or four years afterwards, I cannot say any tiling to such a thing ; ihe «nly cjuestion is, to ascertain whetiier I ever did make use of the Duke of York's name : if I had I am sure it would have been against me long before this ; per- haps he might have stolen something tliat might have been lying about the house. That Town might ? — Yes, he might very likely. Some of this writing, perhaps ? — He might have taken papers away perhaps, and thought they might liave been the Duke of York's ; I believe he had a note of introduction from me to the Duke be- fore he had seen these people about the Hioney. Did you, in his presence, ever imitate any other person's hand writing but the Duke's ? — I do not know that lever did at a 1 in his presence. ^ But he may have been in the room •when you did this with other ladies, and have overheard you?"Ferliaps he miglit; he has been there three or four hours of a morning. He may have been in the room when you were with other ladies, and have overheardtlie conversation which passed between jourself and your visitors ? — - Perhaps he might ; Ididnot stick to the paiiuing, and perhaps in the morning persons might call upon me. [The note being again shewn to the witness.] Look at the seal of that note ? do you know that seal J-lt is theDukeof York'tj private seal; I dare say I have many like it at home. What is the inscription upon it ?-— Never absent. Is the motto in French or English ?— I.i French. Who IS George Farquhar.'-— There is no such person in e.-cistence, I believe ; It was one of m\ brothers ; 1 lost two in the navy, and thai was one of them. Yfti do not rec always inclined to read what he sent to me. 299 Are you positive that yoii have not any impiesslon of the Duke's seal unbroken in \ our possession ?--Doyoamean iflUud torn the letter and not broken llie seal ? It is not necessary to bre.ik the seal to open tlie letter.— I dare say I have many not broken, that yovi might verji easily 4istinguish to he the same seal as that. Did the Duke wear this seal to his ■watch ?— I do not know, I am sure. I feelieve not. Is the reason you have for guiding your molher-'s hand when she writes, your mother's hand being so unsteady, that she cannot write without somebody guiding iier liand ?---Yes, she cannot hold her hand steady at all. You believe tliat one of those bills was written b}' your mother holdingthe pen, and you guiding her hand ?--I guided altogether entirely ; in fact, it is my own ■wr ting entirely whenever I make use «f her liand. The whole body of the bill as well as the signaiure ?---Yes, it is my writing more than my mother's. Siie held tlie pen and you guided her hand?- I do not know whether .she held the pen, but I am in the habit of doing these sort of tilings, when I want my mother's n.ime, but I never did any thing without her sanction at all. That is not the question at all.--Idonot know whatyoumiglitii'.sinuate ; thrbills have been already before the court mar- tial, and I dare say they made as many observations as possible upon them, and if I had been at all alarmed I should not have allowed them to continue so lf)iig ; but I believe this has nothingto do with the question before the house. Doyou wishthisCommittee to under- stand tiiat you wrote these bills, or your mother ?---You may say I wrote them. And her hand was not guided by you ? "-If her hand is in mine, and I guide, I ■write, and not her. When you guide your mother's hand, your mother has the pen in her hand, has she not ?-"Yes. And you only move her hand and guide it ?- How do you know but what I move the pen ; if slie takes the pen up, I should take it down lower, perhaps. I do not know it, I wish to know it ?-- Then you shall see us write at any time- Did you hold the pen or not ?---I for- get ; there are the bills, aiul I forget all about them. Tlien you hqlding the pen, you wish the Committee to understand "tiiat in so far you xvrote both these ? — As you please. [ The Chairman directed the witness to answ^er the question. I have answered it ; that is all diflTerence of opinion. Then you holding the pen, you wish theCommittee to understand, that in so far you wrote both these N--I fancy I said I did not write them both. Did you in point of fact write them both, or only one, and did your mother write the other ?— I tell you it is impos- sible for her to write. To what do you ascribe the marked ditt'erencc in the hand-writing of these two bills ?--Thcy do not strike me as be- ing very diffisrcnt, but I certainly cannot write so very quick when I am writing with my mother's hands as with my own. Do you mean to say you dp not see any difference in the hand-writing and signature of these two bills ?".No,if you were to see the difference in my letters ; if you see a dozen of my letters, you will see them all different ; you would see a difference in each. If you guide your mother's hand, that hand being so unsteady, must there not be some unsteadiiicss in wiiat is written under that guid.ince '---No, it is entirely m^ own writing, although I guide her hand. Then both tlicse bills are entirely your handwriting ?---If you please to under- stand that, you may ; but 1 iiad die use- of my mother's hand, and they are my writing then. You have stated the signature to the bill of the 2Uth of May, signed " E. Far- quhar," was your mother's writing, un- der your guidance of her hand, and that that explains the difl'crence in the hand to the signature of the two bills ! — I did not say it explained the difference in the writing. You have stated, that the endorse- ment of the bill which is endorsed was made by your mother, you guided her hand ? — Yes. Look at the bills again. — It is no use looking at them, 1 have looked at them before. Look at them again ; look at the sig- nature of the bill of the 2t^tli of May, and at the signature of tfee bill of the 15th July, and at tlie endorsement of that bill, and endeavour to slate, if you can, vhethcr they are all written by the same hand ?--Thcv arc all written by the sani-e 300 hand because they are written by mine and by my mother's. Can you give no other explanation of the difference in the appeai'ance in that ^vriting ?---No, I cannot. Did Major Tonyn lodge in the hands of a third person 500 guineas, 500/. of which, after he was gazetted, went to youi-self, and 25/. to Mr. Donovan ?— I did not state any such thing, for I did not know what Mr. Donovan had ; I only stated what I had myself. What had you youi'self ?— What I said before. Was that 500/.— Yes. Was it not natural for you, as you knew you were to receive 500^ to hur- Ty the gazetting of Major Tonyn as much as you could ? — Not if there were any circumstances against it. Did you not wish that Major Tonyn -should be gazetted, in order that you might get the SOOl. ?— In the end I did. Tf you had written any letters to the Duke of York on the subject, with tliat wish in your mind, would it not have been a letter to urge the gazetting of Major Tonyn ?— I do not recollect writ- ing him any letter, nor do I recollect having any answer about it in writing. If you had written to the Duke of York upon the subject^ would you not have been more likely to have written to hasten the gazetting of Major Tonyn than to delay it ?--I do not know. [The witness was dii-ected to with- draw. [The Chairman was directed to re- port to the House the papers which had been brought from Captain Huxley Sandon's, and to move , for a Committee to inspect them ; and to ask leave to sit again.3 > I APPENDIX, TO THE NINTH DAY'S MINUTES. REPORT. The Select Cavimittee, appointed to inspect certnin Letters, iv/iich have been deliv- ered into the Comviittee of the luhole House, appointed to investigate the Conduct of His Royal Highness the Duke of Tor k, the Commander in Chief, •with regard to FroJnotions, Exchanges, and Appointments to Cominissions in the Army, and Staff of the Army, and in raisi?!g Levies for the Army ; and to report to the House such of theon, or such parts of them, as mati be relevant to the matters referred to the considera- tion of the said Committee of the whole House ; — Have agreed to report as follows : Your Committee have inspected the several letters referred to them by the House ;-and are of opinion, that all the said letters may be relevant to the mat- ters in question. The said Lettex's are as follows : 1. " 11, Holies-street, Clavendish- " Sir, square, July 2d, 1808. " Perhaps you may have forgotten there was such a person in existence as the writer ? I have been in tlie country for a year and a half, and 1 am but just returned from it, to remain in town ; and I should feel myself particularly obliged if you will favour me with your friend Colonel French's address, or his agent in the Inn, in Holborn, which has slipped my memory. — Pray forgive the trouble, and believe me your most obedient. « MARY ANN CLARKE. *• Captain Sandon, Royal Waggon Drivers." 2. JL. " 14, Bedford-place, *' Dear Sir, Russel-square, July 23. " On Saturday 1 was favoured with your answer, but as I have removed from Holies street to this place, to save voii the trouble of calling- there, these 39 lines are addressed you. 1 am now with my mother, and I fear for the whole of the summer. 1 did not want any thing of French but to ask a ques- tion. I am, dear Sir, " Your obliged, &c. &c. "MARY ANN CLARKE. " Captain- Sandon, Royal Waggon Train." Two penny Post Unpaid Tottenham C R. 3. " Mrs. Clarke will be glad of a call from Captain Sandon, if he is returned to town, to-day or to-morrow. " Gloucester-place, Friday. '* Colonel Sandon, Bridge -street, Westminster." 4. " I am thoroughly convinced of the money being too trifling, and I have mentioned it to a person who knows the full value of those things, so you may tell Bacon and Spedding, they must give each of them more two hundred, and the Captains must give me fifty each more. I am now offered eleven himdred for an older officer. "M. A. C. " I must have an answer this evening to this, as I am to speak with him on it. I have mentioned as your being con- cerned for me. I go to the little Thea- tre this evening." " 1804. Colonel Sandon." 5. " Will you, my good sir, drop me a line Monday Morning, saying if you have been able to influence any person who is with Pitt, to attend the House on Monday to give his vote. " I have this morning received the in- closed fi'om Corri, and where he marks under he alludes to your business, and as I know he is a story-teller, 1 send you his letter. I am. Sir, &c. " M. A. CLARKE. " Col. Sandon, No. 15, Bridge -street. Westininster Bridge. " Pitt's Motion, &c. Corri— —com- plaint." 302 «* " Dear Sir, ** He will do it so let the proposals be sent in by wlien he gets to town, which will be as soon as you get this, for one thousand at first. The Duke of Cambridge has already four thousand. You have not any occasion to be very particular as to their being protcstants, for I don't think it of any consequence to him ! ! ! I think you had better attend him on Tuesday, to ask his opinion of the papers sent in on Saturday, as I told him I liad seen the proposals, which you intended to alter and leave that even- ing— —Pray when you go put on a «/ce pair of boots, and let it be about half- past 3. " Adievi — burn this." " Mrs. darters Letter, relative to German Levy" 7- " Can you give me a call to-day about one or two, or about five ? I wish to see yovi much. Tell-Spedding to write in for what he wants, as the D. says tiiat is much the best. Can you get half a dozen or so that want in- terest ? — I want money, which is more imperious, this is what I want to sec you upon, so )ou had better see Gilpin first. ** What is become of Bacon ? " Colonel Sandon. " Interest and Money." 8. «■ Dear Sir, " Pray do something for me soon as possible ; the Duke told me this morning that you must get on faster with your men, he has written to town for that purpose. You had better send me the exact number of all you have sent, and I will shew it him. " Colonel Sandon. *• He complains of the slowness of Re- cruiting the Levy." 9. " 1 send this by a servant to Hampton hoping you will get it sooner. " Dear Sir, " Tliursday Morning. " The Duke has neither seenGeneral Tonyn nor his son — his son he does not know, and it is six months since he saw the General. He has ordered him to be gazetted, and is fearful it will be done ere he can stop it — he will be at the office to-morrow, and if not too late, will stop it. He assured me it was entirely owing to me that he thought to do the best by putting^ hi;n where two others Assett aud Bligh Majors have ieJt aiici he woxvld of course '^e two steps hig^her. " 1 hope to see you to-morrow, when you will be able to give me the anwer from Tonyn ; shall be in town about 5-- " The King and all the Family are coming to visit the Duke, being hi* birth-day ! • • Full of compliment, you see. " 12 o'clock, 17th August, 1804. "Colonel Sandon, No 15, Bridge-street, Westminster Bridge, London." " 12 o'clock, " Two Penny August 17, 1804, POST Noon. Twickenham." 10. *• Mrs. Clarke's compliments await Col. Sandon, thinks it best for him not to come to her box this even- ing, as Greenwood goes with both the Dukes this evening, and of course will watch where your eyes direct noiv and then ; and should he see and know Col.v S , may make some remark by saying or talking of the Levy business, and it may be hurtful to his and Mrs. C.'s future interest. *• 9th Oct. 1804. See Richard Cauv de Lion.' «« Col. Sandon, No. 8, Lyon's Inn. 11 " Deal- Sir, *' Capt'n Tonyn cannot be made this month as I expected ; the D. tells me it will be at least three weeks, he having so much to do in reviewing ; and there are some other promotions woiu to take place — hoviever the thing is done- " The little boy will be attended to. On Monday I shall go to Vauxhall witk a party, when perhaps I shall have the pleasure of seeing you ; it is the only night this summer I shall have the opportunity, as on that night he is obliged to attend the House of Lords, as they expect a great fight on Pitt's motion. I shall at some time take an opportunity of mentioning your majority. I asked him 'inhat he thought of you ? AD--- clever fellow Tou are t» have the bounty that Pitt is to give to the line, so that every thing goes on well. — I told him I should see you at Vauxhall on Monday. 1 am now at the end of my paper, so shall say adieu. " M. A. a •• He says General Tonyn is a stupid old fellow. " Relative to the majority and ad- vance of bounty. "Colonel Sandon, No. 15, Bridge-street, Westminster Bridge." 303 " Weybrldge, Friday Noon. 12. ** Dear Sir, " ijuni tins. " I havf mentioned the Majority to the D , he is very agreeable to it ——it is the Nephew of the Gen'l ; his Bon purchased a company last week Do you think it at all possible to oblige me on Monday with one hundred, I «lKtll be in town Sunday. If" I iiad had the pleasure of seeing you at the races, I intended to have pointed you out to tlie U If you are in town, will you have the goodness to send a line in answer. It will oblige muchyourmost " Obedt. M. A. C." '* Colonel Sandon, No. 15, Bridge-street, Westminster Bridge, London. " Majority, June 8th, 1804." C 4 JUN 9, ESHER 1804. 16 13. " Thursday. " I'll tell you. Col. French, you can materially serve me, by giving me a bill for two hundred, for two months or ten weeks. " I shall at all times be happy to serve you in any way. I like Capt. Sandon extremely, I suppose he is the managing person. " M. A. C." *' Drop rae a line in answer. " 1st Letter from Mrs. Clarke." 14. " Mrs. Clarke's compliments at- tend on Colonel Sandon, will be glad to see him to-morrow from eleven till •ne. " Thursday, Feb. 28." Two-Penny " Colonel Sandon, 2 POST " No. 8, Lyon's Inn, Coventry St. " Whych street." 15. " My dear Sir, " I am vexed to death, you will know the state of my finances, and I hit upon Spedding for Tuesday, when, behold, the Regt. he is in did their exercise so ba(i that the Duke swore at them very much, and has stopped the promotion of every one in it ! He said so much to the Col. (Wemyss, I think) that if he had been a gentleman he would" have given up— but he intends looking over the Memorial to-day, as S. has not been long in that Reg. and he is an old officer. So that you see if he gets his promotion, how very much he ought to be inaebted to my good offices. I must beg hard for him, the Duke is very angry with you ; lor when Jie last saw you, you promised him 300 For- eigners, and you have not produced one. O, yes, master Sandon is a pretty fellovf to depend on. 1 wish I had hit upon Eustace first. I told you, I believe, that they must be done gradually, his clerks are so cunning. Get Spedding to write out alistof his services, and send it to me as a private thing to shew him, not addressed to any one. Adieu." 16. " Dear Sir, " I asked this morning if he had/»ni- seifveiid those papers I gave him of the Col.'s, he said that he had ; but that he still asked so much more tlian other men, that he could not think of closing with him ; however let him s.end again, as perhaps he forgets his papers in his hurry, especially as he had those at home. " I cannot do myself the pleasure of being [_tor?i2 17 " Dear Sir, " I shall esteem it a favour if you will m&ka tniinediate inquiry about a lieuten- ancy, (1 understand there are two to be disposed of in the 14th Lt. Dragoons,) as Charles Thompson is determined to quit his next week, and I wish for his own sake that he goes direct to the other, as the Duke might be displeased with any one being idle at this critical moment. If you are in the way I shall expect aline— just to say if you think it possible for him to purchase so soon. — His R. H. goes out of town to Chelms- ford Saturday, and returns to town to his office 3 o'clock Tuesday. " M. A. C, " Colonel Sandon, No. 15, Westminster Bridge, Bridge-street, Westminster. 18. " Dear Sir, " Major Taylor has proposed to do something in the Irish Levies for his It.-colonelcy, but it will be effizctcd ; the friend of oui'S says he will let him purchase, altlio' he is so young a major, but this you know is nothing to us ; so do you see him, and if you enter upon the same terms as before, 1 think I shall be able to teize him out of it ; let me know the result of it as soon as possible. " Do you think it at all possible for you and French to let rae draw a bill an 304 you for 200/. I am so dreadfully dis- trcS^fd 1 know not whicli w;iv to Uwn mjsfit', and before tliut will be due you are aware of whiit is to he done for me in tliiu ne^tiation. Tliank you for tlie pig, it was tlu' most delicate thing- of the kind possible. Adieu. " Dear Sir, I am, " Wednesday, Jan. 30." &c. &c. &c. 19. " Dear Sir, " As I le.'ive towni on Monday even- ing, and running short of cash, will you be kind enougli to send me by Monday tlic luuidred pounds. " Colonel Sandon." " M. A. C. 20. " Dear Sir, " Most ludbriunately Lord Bridge- water has asked fir the vacancy, 'ere in- deed it was one, so that that is done \_torn'] ; but H. R. H. will let me know if he can at 4 o'ck — He does not go out of town, as intended, to-morrow, on account of his Majesty having been insulted yesterday, and still fears it. — I have a bill due cither Saturday or Mon- day , I know not which day ; can you get me tlie five hundn <1 guineas ? — He has been signed, and will be in the gazette tomorrow ; you know wlio I mean. " Instead of a 60 guuiea harp let it be 100, as 1 have told him you was going to present me one, therefoi'e it must be very elegant. " Tell Zeramenees he shall have [^toni] he wishes for 700 guineas 7iot [^torit^ he shall have it in a month. " Don't fail burning my scribble soon as read. " I do not go out of to\\-n to-morrow. " Colonel Sandon, No. 15, Bridge-Street, " Westminster : "or, Duke-strcei, AdelphI, No. 9, " Office." 21. " Dear Sir, " Thursday. " I am extremely sorry to inform you (for the poorbo)'s sake) but it is impos- sible to admit him, as he has that misfor- tune you mentioned of being onened. Do you think it possible to get me a vote on Monday for Pitt's motion ? it will if carried bo of some consequence to us hereafter ; try all you can. " I remam, deai' Sir, Your's, &c. "M. A. CLARKE. *' Colonel Sandon, " Bridge street. No. 15, Wcstminstcr- " Bridge. " Send me an answer." 22. " What you ask will be at your service, and the letter ■wUl be at your office Monday morning. •• Colonel Sandon." 23. " Mrs. Clarke will be glad to see Capt. Sandon to-morrow, before twelve o'clock, if he is in town ; if not, Mon- day at live.— — " Friday. 1 o'clock " Colonel Sandon. 6 JY '• No. 5, B .dge-Btreqt, 1804. N. T. "Westminster-Bridge." 2 TWO Py POST Unpaid. 24. " Dear Sir, " There is not any such thing in con- templation as the written question. Will you again ask about an India LieiUen- ancy ? as the Duke assures mc there art- two for sale. In consequence of what I mentioned to him of Kenner he has made many inquiries and finds him to be a black sheep ; he offered to bribe Col. Gordon a few davs since ! ! "M. AC. " Colonel Sandon." 48th Antedate. 25. " Dear Sir. " 'Ere I leave town I scratch a few lines, begging you to be on your guard in every point ; but of my name in par- ticular, for the future never breathe it. — I am confident you have a number of enemies, for yesterday the —— was as- sailed, from seven or eigiit ditterent per- sons with invective against you — He is a little angry at something ; yet will not tell it me — I think this fellow Kenner tries his friends — they laid fine com- plaints against you — did you tell Zimme- nces that as soon as Tonyn was gazetted you would get him done ? in the s^me way, and th.it I was the person ? — Let me see you on Tuesday. " Adieu, I am interrupted." 26. " My deal- Sir, " Be so g-ood as to look at the gazette to-morrow evng. as I rather expect some of the names to be inserted. I have others whicii I assure you upon my hon- our. The present for mjttrouble for the majority is seven hundred guineas, so if you have any more this must be the same — I shall be in town Monday, if you will have any thing to communicate. I remain, " Dear Sir, vours, SiC. Sic. " Friday Evng. ' " M. A. C. 7 o'clock " Colonel Sandon, 28 Sp. " No. 8, Lvon's Inn, 1804 Nt. " Whych-streetj Strand." Two-Pemiy POST. I m -22d 27. " Deai'.§ir, ^h " I mako a mistake, ili;in^t^€;;^,cl; reg- iment Mr. I'hompson is to purclase in- to, or ihe 8tli. Shl^ lA^ yf>" to-day ? " M. A. C. 'fWliat is Thompson to s,^y^9 liisCplpnel? " Cliurlcs FarquUar Th(jmpbon, 13 to aoi- 2;^d. " CoIwjbI, a^ivdyn, 15, Briijge-street, " WQPtmiAister. 28. " I gave the pypcrs to hjs Rpyal tti^hi)i?ss ; Jic, vea,d l,iiem while witli me ; said he still thongiii men liigh ; but that an answer WQiild be left at liis office as the way of business ". I told him if any was. appointed, to give the Col. tiie preference. Burn this soon as read. — 1 do not compreiiend exactly what you mean by five other things ; I don't think it possible." 29. " Can you send me one hundred pounds to day ? and let me see you to- moiiow m0(i'ning. " Colonel Sandon." " M. A. C." 30. " Dear Sir, Friday. "Will you go to the Horse -guards for me to day, and leave a proper letter as coming from Charles Thompson, asking for leave of, absence for a fortnight ; but if his services should be wanted he would join immediately : if you know any belonging to the adjutants,you could get it by to, morrow. " Colonel Sandon." "M. A. C." 31. " I have a letter which says you are a money-lender, in colleague with a notorious n^an, called DelT ! I wish to shew it you. " I hope you will attend the Duke to- day, as Clinton leaves hiia ou Thursday, and he has all the writings for you in ha,))d : lie, will not l^ave his office till six. — "I shall be glad of a hundred guineas, if possible, this ^eek. Saturday week Tonyn will be gazetted.-How comes on French ? Call to-morrow, ifposs-ible. " Colonel Sandon, 15, Bridge-street, Westminster." . 32. "As your servant has called, and fearing you may not have my letter — beg you to see the Duke to-day at all events, or else things will be longer about as Colonel Gordon takes Clinton's place on Thursday." 33. , " Ipear Sir, ",Pray vviiat can Speddi^g,^,^pi;l^jr 5islj;ing. oji 'i'hui;sday, through Geneva! Tonyn, for leave to go upon hajf pay-;? 'Tis Ojdd l;)<;h^vipur, and ypUjmuiJt tljjjik that some one thinks lyjeufi.ed.yery ill ; — of course, till this is fully explained, I shfill drop all t^ipuglitsof any thingelue. " Saturday. " 1 WW^'JA y.V.U'''s, " Qoionel i?^9don." "M. A. €.?' 34. " S,r, " 1 am exactly tve^te4,*S| I,;ha,ve been led to believe, from mpre t])Hn,Qne H^i'^V.' ter, ;l?jit will thank you to, seiid me. Col- onel French's address to-day, before the ppst gops, out.— rl have notlyng to .4* with' your agent you know. " I remain, Sir, your jnost obedient, "'""M. A. C" 35. •' As Colonel Sandon did not call according to promise, Mrs C. hope's he will have the goodness to send her a bill at two months, in the morning ; — surely all things will be settled before that be- comes due. Mrs. C. hopes he will not disappoint. " Monday. " Colone I Sandpn, Lyon's - Inn, •' Whych -street." 36. " Sir, " X^u have disappointed me dread- fully, a bill of one' hun<^r^d at three months is usg ? — It IS Si> like iiis hand writing, that I should conclude it is ; I speak of the let- ter dated Sandgatc, Augiisi 'i4, lt)U4. — [ The other letter produced by Mrs. Clarke was sfu-uin to General Brotviirigg.'] This leUir IS also like the Duke o( York's writing. What is your opinion upon it ? Do yoii believe thai \obe ins writing ? — I do be- lif^ve it to be his hand- writ. ng ; it is so like it, that 1 conclude it lo he his wri- ting ; and this i<. Iter dated the 4th of Aiigust, 1805, is not at all like his hand- wi iting- ; I should not suppose it is. Look at the short note ; look over leaf ; what is vour opinion of tliat ; whatdoy-u believe respectnigib.ai ? — Myo])li\ion is, that it IS not so like tin- Duke of York's h;ind-\vrit.ng as The ollu-rs ; it ih)es not reseini>le the Dukt. of York's hand- wri- ting m the same degree that the others do ; tlieie certainly does appear to me a similarity between tlie Duke's writing and this ; yet I cannot speak so positively as to its being his writing as I do to the others ; 1 cannot speak so decidedly. Is tile direction of that note more or less like ilie Duke of York's hand-wri- ting than the direction of the other notes you s|H'ak to?~I think it is more like it ; I tiiink the addre ""s appears to be written in the same hand as the inside ; the ad- dress is written in a better hand ; it is written faii-er, and more distinctly. From your observation of the hand- writing of the short note, do you or do you not believe it to the hand-writing of his Roynl Highness I — I certainly do not believe it to be the hand-writing- of the Duke jf York ; that is 'o say, 1 could not swear it was the Duke of York's hand- writing-. If the Duke of York's signature had been to that note, would you have acted •ipon it ?--I really tliink 1 should, looking It it cursorily, as I should in reaijing a hort note from the Duke of York, and .vitliovit having any suspicion that it ouhl not be the Duke ol York's hand- vrlting, I ver} probably should ha. eact- od upon it, if his signature had been to it. In this case, what gave you any sus- picion that that could not be the Duke of Yviik's wrifng ■ — Bee, .use I happened to be in the House of Commons last night, and heard this note made a mat- ter of question in the House ; that is my reason. Are the Committee to tmderstand that you do not believe tliat note to be the hand-writing- i>f the Duke of York ? — I can only re]>tat what 1 have before said in answer to the same question ; I think I have already answered that question in my last answer but one. [The witness was directed to with- draw. Colonel GORDON was again called in and examined bv the Committee, as follows : Did you ever hear that there was any suspicion raised respecting the small note which was lately put into your ha'id, whether it was the Duke of York's hand-writing or not, before you were examined at the bar upon that subject ? — Certainly I have. When and where ? — Tlie best way for me lo proceed is to tell the thing exactly .as it happened from the beginning to the end. 1 think kist Saturday week about half-past ten at night, the Duke of York .ind Mr Adam' called at my house ; I liad been extremely ftttigued and was going to bed ; I was undressed ; I went in my undress into the room where were the Duke of York and Mr Adam ; the first word that was said *o me was, by the Duke of York, and I thiiik the words were these : "Here is a very ex- ti aordinary btisiness ; here is a forgery." Upon which Mr. Adam related to mc, th.it Captain Sandon and Colonel Ham- ilton luid come to town ; that Colonel Hamilton h.ad called upon him, and told him, th.U he had seen a note of the Duke of York's in tiie possession of Captain Sandon. After some further conversa- tion more gener.il, upon this point and others connected with it, it was deter- mined that I should desire Colonel Ham- ilton to call at the Horse -Guards the next day at one o'clock, to meet Mr. Adam ; I did do so, and the next at one o'clock the messenger brotight word to me that Colonel Hamilton was waiting in the usual waiting-room ; Mr. Adam went out to him, and that is all that I can speak as to this note, of my own knowledge. Do you mean to state, that the sus- picion which yoti had heard of respect- ing this note, was an expression of the Duke of' York respecting a forgery ?— - Certainly. sd9 Mow do you know that this is the *ame note to which the Duke of Yoik alhulcd ? — I really do not know any things about it, I never heard of any oth- er note. Have you ever heard of that note from that time to this ? — Yes, I have. In continuation of what passed on Sun- day, I think, I may state that I went the next day, the Monday or Tuesday, to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and I had furtlier conversation upon this very notej but I think merely recapitulation of what I have already stated to this Committee. Have you had any other conversation about this note since that time, with any person ? — I have carefully avoided any conversation upon it ; but I think the other evening', three or four evening's ago, waiting in the room above slairs witli Colonel Hamilton, some conversa- tion, very general, arose upon the sub- ject of this note ; but it was so very general, so very loose, (for as I have mentioned before, I carefully avoided interfering in it,) that I can only brings to my recollection that some conversa- tion did arise. Have you had any conversation what- ever, respecting that note, but tiiis which you have menliuned ? — I think I men- tioned the subject in strict confidence to General Alexander Hope, and also to General Brownrigg, perhaps to Mr. William Harrison, to wiiom I commu- nicate confidentially ; beyond that, 1 do not think that 1 have. What was it that you stated to those gentlemen ? — 1 must have stated to them pretty nearly the very same words that I have stated to tliis Committee, as nearly as I can recollect, nor more nor less. Did vou see any copy of tins note ? — Yes, I did. When was that ? — I thing' it was the same evening that the Duke of York and Mr. Adam called upon me. In whose possesion was it, Mr. Ad- am's or the Dike of York's ? 1 think it was in the possession of Mr. Adam. Have you had any conversation with the Duke of Yoik upon that subject since tl at evening ? — Yes, I liave. When was that ? — I have had frequent conversations with him upon it. Detail those conversations as nearly as you can ? — I think a detail of those conversations would be little more than repetition of the Duke of York's asser- tion, that he thought the thing was a forgery. When was the last conversation you had with the Duke of York upon tliat subject ? — I will repeat the last conver- sation, I think, which took place this morning, about half-past ten o'clock, when I went to the Duke of York at my usual hour of business ; the first word the Duke of York said to me this morn- ing was. As you are to be called upon to answer certain questions in the House this night, I will not speak to you one word upon the subject. I said. Sir, I have been told that I am summoned to speak up(m the subject of that note, to prove the hand-writing, there therefore can be no diHiculty upon the part of your Royal Highness in making any communication to me that you think fit, as usual. The Duke of York, I think, said, I can only state what I have stated to you before, I have no knowledge of the thing, and I believe it to be a for- gery. Was that likewise the substance of the other frequent conversations you have had with the Doke of York upon this subject ? — Certainly the substance ; and, as nearly as 1 can recollect the words. [The witness was directed to with- draw. Mr. ANDREW DICKIE,wa8 called in, and examined by the Committee, as follows : You are a clerk at Messrs. Coutts' ? — I am. Did you ever see his Royal Highness the Duke of York write ! — I have seen him sign his name many times, " Fred- erick." Did you ever see him write any thing' beyond his name ? — I have seen him frank a letter. \_The tivo letters being sheiun to the Witness.'] Do you think yourself sutii- ciently acquainted with his Royal High- ness' hand, to be able to form any sat- isfactory opinion upon the letters shewn to you ? — It bears a similarity ; but with- out the signature being to it, I cannot speak to its being his Royal Highness* hand-writing. Major-Gcneral AI-EX ANDER HOPE, a taember •{' the House attending iv. 40 aio tus place ; the shoi'tnote was sliewn to l\im, and he was examined by the Committee, as follows : M.ive you observed that note ?--l have ; it appears to me like tiie hand -writing of the Duke of York; but to state whe- ther it really is or is not, is what I can- not undertake to say. [ The letter dated Sandgate being shevm to General Hope.'] I apply the s.ime answer to tliat as to tl)e note, only that I certainly should say that I coidd speak more positively, I think, to that than to the note ; but I must always qualify wiiat I say, that it is a shade of differ- ence only, I could not say positively that it is or is not ; but certainly the letter appears to strike my mind more forcibly as the hand-writing of the Duke of York than the note. \_The other letter being shewn to Gener- al Hope.'] I make the same answer as to tlu second letter. Does that shade.of difference, which you state, give you a degree of belief that the letters are the hand-writing of the Duke of York, preferably to thai of the note, arise from the quantity of wri- ting there is in the letter, or from any difference in the hand- writing of the note and the letter ? — I tiiink it very possible it may arise from the quantity of the writing ; it strikes me, it seems more like the writing of his Royal Highness ; 1 do not feel able, certainly, to state the comparison between the characters of tlie note and letters, I spoke from a gen- eral imjjression, as it struck my eye. General BROWNRIGG was again call- ed in, and examined by the Com- mittee, as follows : If you had not been in the House of Commons last night, should you have had any doubt of that short note being the Duke of York's handwriting ? — I cer- tainly should, because I do not think that it is very like the Diikes writing. [The witness was directed to withdraw. WILLIAM ADAM, Esquire, attend- ing in his place, a note was shewn to him, and he was examined, as fol- lows : ^Vlltt is your opininn of the hand- writing of thai note ? — I ihink it is like the Duke of York's hand writing ; but I cannot i)0sitively say more than that. [^The Letters being shexvn to Mr Adii77i.^ T'liC letter (!a . .1 Saiulgutc, is, in my •pinion, in the hand-writing of the Duke of York ; I entertain the same opinion with regard to this letter, dated from Weymouth, as with respect to the last. Do you mean that you speak more positively to the letters than you do to the note ? — 1 do. Have yoti ever been told by the Duke of Yoi k, that the note at which you ffrst looked was a forgery ? — Colonel Gordon, in his testimony upon that subject, has given a very correct description of what 1 heard the Duke of York say. Did the Dukv of York represent to you that note in the same light in wiiich he represented it to Colonel Gordon^ namely, that it was a forgery ? — When I first made the communication to the Duke of York, on Saturday evening the 4th February, he declared without hesi- tation that he had no recollection what- ever of such a note, and that it must be a forgery. AVhen I went with him to Mr. Perceval's that evening, he made an asseveration precisely to the same effect ; and afterwards, when I went from Mr. Perceval's to Col. Gordon's, he made the asseveration at Col. Gor- don's, which Col. Gordon has already given in evidence. Are those the only occasions on which the Duke of York has informed you that that note was a forgery ? — Of course, I have had repeated conversations with his Royal Highness upon the matter now depending before the House, and in the course of tliose conversations, with- out being able to specify the particular time, his Royal Highness has held the same language. You have stated, that you thought the writmg of the note was hke the writing of the Duke of York ; do you perceive in the formation of the character of that note, any thing unlike the writing of the Duke of York ? — I cannot say that in the formation of the character,! perceived any thing unlike the writing of the Duke of York ; but from the shortness of the note, and from there not being a possi- bility of correcting judgment with re- spect to hand-writing, by the general appearance of it, which takes place in a long letter ; I am incapable of speaking with the same positiveness with respect to tliat as with respect to the letters. Mr. ANDREW DICKIE was again called in, and examined by the Com- mittee, as Tollows : What situation du you hold m Messrs. Coutts' house .' — Principal clerk. 311 Are you not, or were you not in the Itabit lately of accepung' bills for that house ? — I have been for a considerable time. Are you not therefore in the habit of observing' with great attention upon the hand-writing- of individuals who are con- nected with Messrs. Coutts and Com- pany ? — I am in general, but there is a clerk in our house who is more conver- sant in tlie signatures ot the different customers, who examines the signatures before the Uills are brought to me to accept. Is it not occasionally your business to ascertain the genuuieness of liand-writ- ing ? — No. Have you ever seen any draft filled up as well as signed, by the Commander in Chief ? — Ih.tve seen drafts signed by the Commander in Chief, but as to the filling up, I cannot pretend to say. \_The note and the letters being shewn to the witness'] Do ytld you she could imitate the Puke of York's hand- writing J— She did, and she shewed it to me on a square piece of paper. The word was " imitate ?"— No, "forge." Were you much in the coiWidence of Mrs. Clarke ?— No. You were not at all in the confidence of Mrs. Clarke when she shewed you how she could forge the Duke's hand ? —No. To whom did you first communicate this fact, of having heard Mrs. Clarke make use of these expressions i — Lady Haggerstone. At what time ? — She was taking a lesson. How long ago ? — I look upon it to be about three weeks, or more ; I c-annot say to the time positively , I look upon it to be three weeks, or rather better. Hud any body applied to you, to ask whether you could give this information, or did you, of your own accord, volunta- rily mention it first to Lady Hagger- stone ? — It was in the course of conver- sation ; she was observing one thing and the other, and she brought up the Duke's afl'air,the business concerning the Duke; and I suppose Lady Haggerstonb' had mentioned it somewhere, and therefore I was called up to give evidence. Is it the impression upon your mind, that Mrs. Clarke had great facility in imitatinghandwriting?--Yes,theDuke's hand, that that was shewn tome for the Duke's. You have said, that in your presence, Mrs. Clarke, upon a piece of paper cop- ied the signature, as you supposed, of the Duke of York, which was so exactly similar, that you could not teil the dif- ference ; do you mean to say, you con- ceived Mrs, Clarke was equal to imitat- ing hand writings with great ease ?— She copied that extremely well, as I thought ; I never saw her copy any oth- er writing. How long is it since you gave any les- son to Mrs. Clarke the last time ? — I can- not say, witliout reierring to my book. Did you and she part on good terms I —She is in my debt. Was there ever any quarrel or ani- mosity between you upon any subject I —None whatever. Did you never question her about paying your debt I Yes. Had you ever any disptite upon that subject ? — None whatever. Has she paid you all that is due to you ? -rNo, 3i3 Had you any conversatipn with Mrs. Cluikt: iibout a loaii of" money I — Yes. Stale the substance of tliut conversa- tion to the Committee. — She said the Duke wished a sum of money ; she beg- ged of me to inquire of Mr. Abraham Goidsmid, if he would ; he said he was no money-lender. Did you ever say that a person of the name of Jew King was to lend him mo- nev ? — She requested of me to go to Jew King. [^The witness was directed to withdraw. Mr. JAMES BREWER was called in, and a letter being shewn to the wit- ness, he was examined by the Com- mittee, as follows : Do you know that to be the hand- writing of Lieutenant-Colonel Jolui Tucker ?— It is. You have seen him write ? — Very fre- q-iL-nlly. [A Utter from Colonel Tucker to the Chairm.inof. he Committee was read.] (Public) " Adjutant GencraCa Office. " sir, Edinburgh, Feb. 12, 1S09. "Having perceived, with considerable regret, that the name of my lamented brother, who was lately lost in Ivs Ma- jesty's sloop Primrose, has been brought forward by Mrs Clarke, in her examina- tion before the honourable House of Commons, I trust you will excuse my addressing you, with a view to remove any impression from the public, that ei- ther he or viyseifhsLva obtained our pro- motion, at any time, through the means of undue or improper injluvnce ; for which purpose 1 hope I may be permitted to IstuteyacJj, without incurring the imputa- tion of presumption or vanity. My bro- ther's military career was commenced in 1790 in India, where he served during the campaign of Marquis Cornwallis in that country. He subsequently served in Egypt, as Major of Brigade to Lt. General Sir David Baird, through whose friendship and good opinion he obtained the brevet rank whiclt he held in the service ; that of iiiajor was conferred upon him in consequence of his situa- tion as Deputy Adjutant -general to the forces employed under Sir David Baird, at the capture of the cape of Good Hope; and that of lieutenant-colonel was ob- tained for him by the same excellent of- ficer, on their return from the Cape. Jle had obtained an effective majority a few weeks prior to his melancholy and lamented fate, having served as assistant adjutant-general \x\ Zealand, and as depu- ty adjutant general to the army under Sir Arthur Wellcsley in Portugal. '♦ Of his merits as an officer, many distinguished Members of the honoura- ble House are able to speak ; and, I doubt not, will do justice to his memory and character. *' With respect to my own promotion, I can solemnly declare, that I liave ob- tained it in regular regimental succession, by pur chase, with the exception of my En- signcy and ^t"ei/fena«cj, which were given to me, and the brevet rank of Lieut. Colo- nel, which I received in consequence of havingbeen selected by Sir Samuel Auch- muty, to the bearer of his dispatches, announcing the reduction of Monte Vi- deo, in South America, by assault, on the od of February, 1807- I have had the holiour of serving as a volunteer, on several expeditions, and I feel confident thai I have used every endeavour to merit the favours which my gracious Sovereign has deigned to confer upon me. " I feel it (/lie to my deceased brother, and to myself, to make this communica- tion to you, being solicitous that my brother Officers may not be induced to believe, from the declaration of Mrs. Clarke, that any undue or improper in- fluence has in the least degree, tended to procure rank to either : and, -'.s my feelings are naturally interested on this unpleasant subject, I earnestly request that you will have the goodness to cause this statement to be made as public as possible. Trusting to your liberality, " I have the iionour to be, «' Sir, " Your most obedient and humble serv'f , " John G. P. Tuckeu, Lt. Colonel- " To the Ifonourable the Chairm,an of the Committee, Cfc. &c. Mrs.MARY ANN CLARKE was call ed in; and was informed by tlie Chair- man, that when any letters were put into her hand, to ascertain her own hand writing, she was not to read the contents of those letters. This is my hand-writing. fNo. 1.) \_Mrs. Clarke idcntifed other letters, num- bered to 41.3 Mrs. Clarke. No. 42 is a piece of the Duke of York's letter which had come from Dover, with his seal upon it; it is directed "George Far(juhur," andhas tha Sii same sort of seal as tlie note that Capt. Sandon had here last night. fThe papers from No. 1 to 42 inclusive were I'ead.] Capt.HUXLEY SANDON was brought to the bar, and was examined, as tol- lows : State to the Committee from what inolive you, whenyou were the first time examined about the busmess of Major Tonyn, did not mention the note which you produced last night. — I really am extremely ashamed of myself that I did not ; and I hope the honourable . House •will pardon me. What motive had you for not men- tioning that note, when you were first examined at the bar ? — I really had no motive. Were yoti aware that it was a materi- al circumstance to the point on which you were examined ? — Certainly it was. Were you not aware that you were bound to give such information as was within your knowledge respecting tJ)at fact ?— I did not understand that 1 was obliged to give it ; I thought, if the ques- tion was asked me, I was obliged to an- swer it. State the reason why you did not men- tion it on your first examination. — I really do not know how to answer the question. Why, when you were asked about this note, did you deny knowing what was become of it ? — At that period the note was mislaid. Last night did you not know what was become of the note ? — Not till I went home ; it was mislaid. [The witness was taken from the bar. FThe witness was again brought to the bur.] Chairman. Captain Huxley Sandon, I am instructed by the Committee to re- mind you of the heavy pvmishment which has been inflicted upon you for gross prevarication, under the infliction of which you are stiU labotiring ; and to in form you, that if you persevere in the same system of gross prevarication, you have not yet experienced all the punish- ment which can be inflicted upon you by the justice of the House of Commons. Capt. Huxlcy Sandon. Mr. Cliairman, I really do not mean to prevaricate ; I am very sorry this honourable House lias that idea ; I will s])cak every thing I know ; it is my wish, I assure you, not to prevaricate ; I ^111 tell every thing I can possibly know Do you recollect any conversation which you held with Colonel Hamilton somewhere in London, since your return to London, when you informed Colonel Hamilton that the note was destroyed, wherein you used this expression, " they have forgot it," or '• forgotten them ?" — Not upon my recollection, upon my hon- our ; I will certainly say every thing I know ; it is my wish and my inclination. Do you recollect any conversation which you held with Colonel Haiiiilton s.ome where ii' L' ndoh, since your return to London, when you informed Colonel Hamilton that the note was destroyed, wherein you used this expression, " they liave forgot it," or " forgotten them ?" — No, I nevermadc use of that exp. ession. Was it with a view to any emolument or advantage to be derived from the possession of that letter, that you con- cealed it ? — No, certainly not. What was the motive which induced you to conceal that letter from the House, till, by the punishment of the House being inflicted upon you, you, by the fear of that punishment, were in- duced to produce it ? — I had no particu- lar motive for keeping back that letter. Do you then mean to state, that whh- out any direct motive for so doing, you to it the Duke's name, convince any body that another letter that appeared to be in the same hand-writing was the Duke's } — I really do not remember now, but that he was at Dover or in Kent, reviewing, at the period, I perfectly well recollect. Do you not recollect that the Duke of Yoik's name was upon the ft-auk of the letter at the time it was produced to you ? — I never saw it. Was there any thing respecting the seal that was to be observed? — Not that I recollect. Why should you give credit to that co- ver more than to the note ?— It is so long since, that I cannot recollect why, but that there was some reason I am certain. Recollect yourself how you came to go to Mrs. Clarke's on that day, whether by accident, intention, or solicitation ! — I should think it was from solicitation. In what room did you see Mr.s. Clarke ! — I really cannot say ; I used to see her in every room ; such as the drawing-room, andthe dining-room, and her little dressing-room. Will you recollect whether any per- son was preseno ? — No, I do not recol- lect that circumstance. On what business did you go there oa that day ?— I think it was from her soli- citation, that I might go to Maj.Tonyn, to inform him that she had got this pa- per, or that I was to take the note and shew it to Major Tonyn, it came from his Royal Highness the Duke of York ; but there arc some letters which I gave up to this honourable House, that I think mention something about that very business. Did you state to Mrs. Clarke, that Major Tonyn wanted his security back again, or his money ? — That he wanted back his memorandum. What contrivance was it between Mrs. Clarke and you to keep Major Tonyn from recovering that memorandum ? — I know of no particular contrivance ; she desired 1 would go to him, and speak about the Majority. Then the Committee is to understand, that vott wenttiiere and had a convers*- olG tiou wllli Mrs. Claiko, how to managfc to kiop Major Toiiyn in temper until tir.s M.ijority co\ilil be had, ami that you fuiiuil there a note, purportinjj to be a a note (w\n the Gommandcr in L;hief» ready written and sealed ? — I do not ex- actly rccolleet that circumstanee ; I have related previous to it how I cante ac- quaiiued with Major Tonvn ; it whs on the very demur, when he was lircil of the husit'ess.aiul thoiiglit the intUienee I had covdd not gvt the matter done, and desired me to };x"t baekthe security ; the conseiiuence was, I informed Mrs. Clarke ofthe svdiject. And she hail a note ready ? — No, I bejj your panlon.not thai I recollect, then. Tlie note wsis not ready I — Not tluit I recollect. Then if the note was not ready how eame jou to bring' it away with yon ? — I do not recollect ; she told me she had got a note, and shewed me this note, and de- sired me to take it to M.ijor Tonyn ; I of course took it, and toid liim that was the interest by which we would obtain tlie M:iority ; 1 did not know at that time tliut it was from the Commander vu Cltief ; Mrs. Clarke g-ave n>e the note, and said th.it he had better wait two or three i^azette days, and in all probabili- ty he would be s;'av:etted. Did you hnd the note there, and was it sealed or not ? — When I first saw the note, it was not sealed ; it was broken open, the seal was broken. Wasitiv-sealed' — Ni in tny presence. Did you deliver it sealed to Captain Tonyn ? — No, I tiH>k it in my baud and shewed him the note. Will you undertake to say that there ncvM" was a contrivance between your- self and Mrs. Clarke, on any occasion of tltis kind, to fabricate such a note .' — Positively never. You have stated that the Commander inChief wasre>iewi\>i;on the coast when your ivcei\ ed that note from Mrs. Clarke ? —So I understood fri>m Mrs. Clarke. How lotip: had his Royal Hig'bness been absent from town at that time ? — I really cannot say. Had he been three days absent? — I really not know. Ti>ere are certain pencil n^arks and other marks of yours upon the papers which were laid ujxm the table last nij^ht ; ,\vere llu>se murks and dates the dates of the times tlvat you received those papers? —If you will do me tlie honour of leilm;.;: «»o SCO the papers, I will say for what purpose I put them, to tlie best of my recollection. [.AT;. 9 xuus sheivn to the witness.'^ On thai you wiii fmd a pencil mark, " Inli of Ausjfus'., I8u4!" state what that pencil mark moaiis?— This of course must be the date of it ; here it is upon the post-mark Was the pencil the date when you re- ceived it ? — No, it cotdd not be, for here is " .'Vugust the ITtii." Wiiat is the meaning- of that pencil mark ? — That must be frmn sometliin}'- of this sort, for here is irUi of August upon the post m;u'k. What is the meaninp: of this pencil mark ?~I suppose it must be tlie date of the Utter. Is not tliat pencil ma-k your hat\d- writing I — I think it is, but the words " Mis. Clarke" upon it, arc not mine. {^Xo 12 -vO.Ji- i-AciD/j to t':f iritneis.'\ Votl will observe there is a pencil date upon that letter of the 8'h of June, 1804- ; what diK's that pencil date mean, was it the day you received the letter ? — No, this must be wrong, because it is Jupc 9ih, .ind here is *• June 8ih." ami Jane tlie Sihdoes not look like my haiul-writ- ing- ; the word *• Majority" is mine. Has that letter been out of your cus- tody since the time you received it, till last niglit ? — No, certainly not. Then is it jxissible any other person th.in yourself could h.ive put that date to it :--No, 1 should itnagiue not ; but still it does not look like my hand writing. Do you recollect the purport of the note ? — No, I entirely forget what it is. [The note was read. 3 Hearing the purport of this note, state how this note, which mentions *' a stop to the business," could possibly encour- agv Major Tonyn in the idea of itsgxiing forwatH.1 ? — The note says, does it not, tliat it is to go on. On the contnu-y, it says it stops, *' shall remain as it is ;" how can this note, which spe:iks of its remaining as it is, encourage this gentleman in the CApectation of its gvMiig on I — It was then gv>ing on, and I shoidd imagine it was meant tliat it should g\> on. If you attend to the purpiu't of the note, you will fmd that it says it shall stand still ; what do you understand by tl'.e expression in that note, that it is to remain us it is ? — 1 really do not under- stand it, I must confess. [The witness w.hs t:iken frtmi the bar. [The Ch.urniaii was directed to r<.ptirt projjress, and ask leave to sit again.] li Monday, February 20th, 1809. THQMAS METCALF, M. D. was called in ami examined by the Com- mittee, as follows : You are a physician ? — I am. Are you Mrs. Clarke's medical atten- dant ! — I am. Have yo\i seen Mrs. Clarke in the course of the day ? — Yes. Is her state of hcaltli, such as to pre- vent her attending" to {jive evidence to- day ? — I think totally so. Can you form any opinion when Mrs. Clarke's health will permit her to at- tend ? — I should think in the course of two days. ^Thc witness was directed to withdraw. [^It was moved and seconded, that the evidence to hand-writing about to be produced, be not received ; which beintj put, passed in the netcutive, without a division.] Mr. SAMUEL JOHNSON was called in, and examined by the Committee as follows : What are you ? — Inspector of Franks at the General Post-Oflice. How lonjj have you been in that situa- tion ? — I have been in the office about thirteen years or rather more ; in that sit- uation about six years ; I think it was in 1802 I was apjiointed to the franks. In that situation, is it your particidar duty to look at hand- writing-,and observe its different variation ! — It is our duty to perceive that no franks pass either from the House of Peers or the House of Com- mons, but franks by the Peers or the Members themselves. In the course of that duty, it is neces- sary for you to be very particular in your examination of hand-writing ! — As much 80 as our time will permit. [The two letters and the note being .shewn to the witness.] You have seen these papers before, in the room of the House of Commons ? — 1 have. The paper to Avhich particwlarl v I wigk 41 to direct your attention is the small pa- per ; in your opinion, is that smaller pa- per the same hand writing as the larger papers ? — It resembles it so nearly, that I should think it was. In point of fact have you occasionally, from inspection only, detected false or feigned signatures ? — Yes. [|The witness was directed to withdraw. Mr. ROBERT SEARLES was called in, and examined by the Committee, as follows : What are you ? — A deputy inspector of franks. How long have you been in that situa- tion ! — About eighteen months. [The two letters and the note were shewn to the witness.] You have seert these papers before ? — I have. Look at them, and tell me whether you think they are all the same hand- writing ? — I think they are. [The witness was directed to withdraw. Mr. THOMAS NESBITT was called in, and examined by the Committee, as follows : What is your employment ? — I am ia the service of the Bank. In what department of the Bank are you ? — Principal of the Letter of Attor- ney Office. In that office are you in the habit of examining hand*writings, that ;ire sus- pected to be forgeries ! — Yes, constant- ly so. How long have you been in that em- ployment ?— Between tlnrty and forty years, in the daily habit. Are you in the habit of examining writings that you so suspect, by compar- ing them with other writmgs, acknowl- edged to be the hand of the same party I — Certainly. In mr.king such comparison, what i« your usual habit of doing it !~A signa- twre t« a letter af attorney for sale is l*it 318 at the Bank for me to examine, and if to any other letter of attorney the proprie- tor has put his name, or hus accepted the stock, this letter of attorney in question would be examined by those signatures. In so doing, yon are m the habit of observing the turn of the different hands in writing the names, to see whether the party ^^T.ting turned his hand the same way ? — Certainly. [The two letters and the note were shewn to the witness] Have you seen these papers before ? — 1 have. [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was again called in.] State wlietber you tluiik these several papers were all written by the same per- son, looking both at the directions and tlie inside of tlie letters ? — 1 have looked very attentively at the note p;u'ticularly, and compared it with these two letters, and after a great deal of attention and cai'e in looking at almost every letter in the note, 1 am of opinion that it was not written by the same hand. On what circumstances in that note do you ground your opinion ? — Because I perceive a neatness through almost every letter of the note, wliich is not, I think, to be found in the letters ; and the whole of tiie writing in tlie note ap- pears to mc to be of a smaller character than tlie letters in gent- ral are ; I think I perceive a stiffness in several of the letters in the note, which 1 do not per- ceive in the two letters dated Sandgate and Weymouth. Have you any further observation to make ?— I will just add, that in the two letters dated Sandgate and Weym.outh, there appears to me to be a general free- dom I do not perceive in the note. You state that you perceive in the formation of the letters of the note a neatness of character which you do not perceive in the letters : do you not con- ceive that difterence may arise from the difference of tlie pens and ink used in tlie writing ? — Thut circumstance has not escaped my mind, but after lo<^king at that also, I am still of opinion that it was not the same writing You stated, that you are principal in- spector of the letter of attorney office ; in examining letters of attorney in that office, IS it not your principal business to lo >k at the signature ? — It is. Is that your only business ? — No, surely not ; that is the priitcipal busi- ness. What other part of the hand -writ lag are you accustomed to examine, besides the signature ? — It is necessary forme to I'ead over the whole of the letter of at- torney, to see that it is correct in all its parts, and when so done, to compare the signature with any former signature, and if it agrees, of course it is admitted ; if it does not agree, we have other modes of proof, sileb as looking at other signa- tures, comparing tlie hand-writing of the witnesses, and still other proofs. It is expected that the hand-writing iiv the body of tKe letter of attorney should be written by the person who signs his name at the bottom ? — The letters of at- torney are almost universally filled up by the clerks in the office over ^^hich I preside ; the body of the letter of attor- ney is uniformly filled up by them. Then Is not the comparison of writings to which alone your attention is direct>- ed, altogether a comparison of signa- tures ? — It is. Have you, in looking over tlie note, obser^ ed that there are no dots to the i's in tliat note .' — I have not. Have you observed whether there are any dots to the i's in the two letters ? — I think I have observed dots in some parts of the letters. Look over the letters again, with a view to that circumstance. [The wit- ness looked over the letters.] I do not observe several, but I do find, In the first letter I have looked into, one ; that is the letter dated from Weymouth. Have you observed but one i, in these two letters, with the dot over it ?— 1 have not observcH more. Having adverted to that circumstance, do you remain of the same opinion with regiu-d to the hand-writing ? — I do not think tlii'.t should change my opinion, because I think that the ensemble of the note appears to me altogetlier a different kind of hand. You have stated to the Committee^ that you looked over these letters and tlie note with great attention ; how did it happemthat so remarkable acircumstance as tliat escaped your attention ? — 1 da not at all wonder that such a circum- stance as that should escape my atten- tion, it is the first time I have ever been called upon in this House, however, and surrounded as 1 was by gentlemen on every side at the time I was examining into the letters, as tar as my time and at- tention would allow, I do not wonder tha that circumstance escaped my attentiorv !19 How long a time were these letters under your inspection in the Committee- room above stairs ? — I think about an Jiour ; but in tlie coui'se of that time, I had u great variety of letters to look over, of Mrs. Clai-ke's and other per- sons, vk'hich I was directed to look at, and which 1 did look at, and observed the characters with some attention. [The witness was directed to withdraw. £The witness was again called in.] Dou you remember an instance of a person endeavouring to forge or imitate the hand-writing of another who did not put dots to the i s, w) o in that forged or imitated paper was accustomed to put dots .' — 1 do not exactly recollect any circuiVistance about dots of I's, but I have refused signatures, and perhaps daily do that, which turn out to be forgeries, though generally innocent ones, but not actually the signature of the pai'tiestliat should be there. Does the circumstance of there being no dots to the i's in the note before you, make any diiference in your opinion ? — It certainly was a circumstance that 1 did not advert to, and tlierefore, us far as that goes,I certainly think it is of weight, but not-suiEcient to alter my opinion. In the course of exummining the signa- ture of powers of attorney, have you not observed that the signature of the same persons varies considerably in a short period of time ? — I cerjjiiniy have, and thai may arise fi-om * variety of circum- stances, such as ill health ; a sigi\ai.urc made before or afier dinner has freqvient- ly been very materially diH'erent, and indeed a variety of other circumstances would alter the signature materially. Have you not .idmiited the validity of signatures of the Same person, so varying as you have stated, in a greater degree than the variation between the writing' in the note and the two letters ?--I have no doubt but I have, but itwill arise from this circumstance, probably, that where the signature of tlie constituent differs materially we have then the signature of two witnesses to look at, and if the, sig- nature of cither of those witnesses-should be well known to me to be in all jjroba- bility atrue signature,! mean a signature that passes before me very frequently, that would operate in my mind to admit the power of attorney, though thete migiit be some considerable variation between the constituent's signature in he one instance and in the other. Have you not admitted the validity of the hand-writing of those varying sig- natures, wliere the witnesses have been totally difierenl persons, and totally un-. known to you ? — I think 1 have not, be- cause that is my particular business to attend to, not lo admit any thing that is not in itself exactly what it ought to be, without such jn-oof before me as should enable me to admit it. What proportion of the signatures of the witnesses to the powers of attorney, in the country, are you acquainted with 1 — I cannot say the proportion of hand- writings of witnesses that lam acquaint- ed with, but certainly a great number, and you will aUow that, when I tell you that every day I admit from forty to fifty, sixty and a hundred ; hardly any day is less than forty,and very often a hundred. You must know that powers of attor- ney, executed by the same persoi. in ihe country, are attested by very different witnesses ! — Certainly. Do you not depend upon the signature of the person who executes the pi wer of attorney, much more than upon any name of any witness to the execution of that power of attorney ?— I certainly clo, that is tiie fust object. Do you not principally depend upon the signature of the person who executes the power of attorney, notwithstanding the variations in the hand- writing of that person ? — I certainly do. And you have admitted the validity of those signatures with greater variations than 3'ou find between the note and the two letters ]~-l certainly have, hut col- lateral evidence has come in to satisfy me of the validity of tlie signatures. Do you censider the note as having been written in imitation of the hand- writing of the letters ! — That was my opinion at the time I was examining them. Is it in the usual and common habit of yourself to be called upon for your opinion, and to give an opinion upon the similarity of hand- writing, where there are no signatures of names whatever ?— It has very seldom^ happened of late years, formerly it was more frequent, because of late j'ears 1 have understood that such kind of evidence has not been admitted in the Courts of law. Having stated that you have been chiefly conversant with the examination of signatures, do you judge of them by comparison with other signatures of the same person, or a general comparison of 320 Uie hancl-^VTiting of the person supposed to sign ? — 1 judge of them by a compar- ison with other signatures of the same person. Have you ever seen papers in which the signature and tlie other writing in those papers, piu-poi-ted to be, and to your knowledge were written by the same person ? — I have. Have you in those cases observed that the signatures are in many cases differ- ent from the general writing ? — 1 cer- tainly have ; and I must acknowledge that signatures in general are much easi- er to judge of than common lines of writ- ing, because signatures have always ap- peared to me a set kind of hand, which a man takes up, and in general does not part with. Previously to your ertamination of the two letters and the note, had it been in- timated to you by any person, and by whom, that there was reason to doubt of the authenucity of the note ? — I think I should answer to that, that 1 read the newspaper every evening, and therefore I have read all that concerusthisbusiness everyevening as constantly as it passed. Is the committee to imderstand that the first doubt you entertained was by what was suggested from reading the newspapers ? — I certainly came with no prejudice in my mind,, but I came de- termined to form my mind from what I should sec in the note and in the Ic tters. Is the committee to understand, that the first doubt you entertained was by wh.xl was suggested from reading the newspapers ? — 1 think I said thatlcame here with no prejudice, but to form my mind from what I should find in reading over the note and the letters. Is the committee to understand, that the first doubt you entertained was by what was suggested from reading the newspapers >— I conceive that 1 might reason upon the subject, but certainly I came here witli no prejudice whatever. Is the committee to understand, that the first doubt you entertained was by "what was sviggested fi-om reading the newspapers ? — I certainly did reason up- on the subject in my own mind, but I came here with no prejudice whatever. Have you carefully examined.both the letters, and do you find in any parts of either of tfcosc letters any difference in the hand-writing ; are both these letters exactly in the same character and style of hand-writng ?— I did not perceive any particular difference in the mode of wrfting in those two letters, but that they were all written with the same kind of freedom except where the ink appeared to fail, and that will constantly, be the case under such a circumstance. [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was again called in.] Is or is not the difference in the note and the letters greater than that whjch you have frequently observed between acknowledged pieces of hand-writing of the same person ? — The difference be- tween the note and the letter appears to me to arise, taking it altogether^ from the neatness and the stiflness of writing, which I do not observe in the two letters ; as to there being a gi'eater difference be- tween the note and the letters, and any two sif^atures which I have admitted, I really cannot tell how to answer that ; the differences in signatures are so very frtquent and so various, that I cannot well explain myself upon that subject. From your habits of business at the* Bai.k, huve you more frequent opportu- nities of comparing the general hand- writing of parties, than persons engaged in any mercantile or other counting- house in the city of London ? — I am per- suaded not, and I have thought myself frequently incompetent to such kind of examinations, because my constant prac- tice has been with respect to signatures only. You have staliid that you had been occupied one hour In examining all tlie p.ipers, inclusive of Mrs. Clarke's let- ters, what time did you devote to the examination of the three letters now in qtiestion ? — I think it is probable that I might have been from half an hour to three quarters on the one, and the rest of the time on the various letters of Mrs. Clarke, and so on. Might not the short note and the two letters have been the h.ind-writing of the same person, supposing the short note written in the morning, and the two letters after dinner, or vice versa ? — I think that might possibly have been the case, but then that written in the after- noon would have been much worse than that written in the morning. If two powers of attorney had been presented to you for your examination, one in the hand of the letter which was acknowledged to be the hand-writing of the party who presented it, and the other in the hand writing of tlie short note, with your observation would youofficiallj. I 321 fiave refiised the acceptance of that lat- ter power of attorney ? — If there had been no other circumstances as collateral evidence in fiivour of it, I certainly should have demurred to the sigi^ature. Have you not said, that writings dif- ering' as much as these, have ultimately turned oat to be genuine r — If I have not, I am persuaded they have done so. [The witness was directed to withdraw. Mr. THOMAS BATEM AN was called in, aud examined by the Committee, as follows : In what business are you ? — In the service of the Bank of England. In wliat department? — My employment IS the examining- powers of attorney in the first place, as to the accuracy of them and then examining their signature. [^The t^vo letters and the note vere shewn to the Witness ] Have you exam- ined those two letters and that note, for the purpose of discovering wiiether they sre written by the same person or not ? — I have. How long have yon been employed in the department in which you now are \ — Nearly twenty years. You are still in that situation ? — I am. You state, that you have examined these two letters and that note, for the purpose of discovering whether they are written by the same person ? — I have. Look at them now, and tell me whe- ther they were in your judgment writ- ten by the same person ? — 1 think there is a very correspondent similarity. In your judgment, is the note written by the same person as these letters were ■written by ? — I can only say that there is a very marked similarity. Upon examining these letters and the note, have you any reason to think tliey ■were not written by the same person ? — I have not any reason to tlunk they were not ; I have no reason at all upon that subject. Upon examining those letters and the note, have you any reason to think they were not written by the same person ? — After what I have said, I think I can- not answer that question but in the way I have answered it. If two powers of attorney came before you, signed, one in the cliaracter of the note, and the other in the character of the letters, would you have passed them both as written by the same person ? — I think I should. f;The witness was directed to withdraw. Mr. THOMAS BLISS was called in, and examined by the Committee, as follows : What is your employment ? — One of the Investigators of the Bank ofEngland. What is your busmess in that depart- ment \ — To examine and inspect int» forged notes. How long have you been in that situ- ation ? — About fifteen years. Is it your business to discover wheth- er the signature to those notes are or are not genuine ? — II is. Do you examine any thing but the signatui'es to those notes ? — The whole of the notes ; every writing on the note ; it leads to many other things, the paper, the writing, the engraving, and the whole of the notes. Do you examine any writing upon the notes, except the signature ? — Yes.very frequently. What part of tliose bills which you examine is written except the signature? — The date and number. Do you examine Bank Post Bills as well as Bank-notes ? — No. Then there is notliing of writing upon those bills you examine, but the dates, the numbers and the signatures ? — No- thing else, except it might be writing by the public, at times, upon the notes, \_The two letters and the note were shewn to the Witticss.'] Have you exam- ined tlie two letters and the note now put into your hand, for tiie purpose of discovering- whether they are written by the same person or not ? — I have. According to the best judgment you can form, are they or are they not writ- ten by the same person ! — I should sup- pose they were. Have you anydoubt upon that subject at all ? — From letters that I saw afterwards 1 have some doubt ; but if I had not seen any other letters, from tiie appearance of those I should have had no doubt. What letters did you see afterwards ? — I saw different letters on the table where I examined these, that I was de- sired to look at, from, 1 believe. No. 31 to 40 or 41. Is the Committee to understand,that, from the observation you have made up- on the letters and the note you have just seen, you have no doubt but they were written by the same person ? — I did not say I had no doubt, I said 1 thonght they were. Have you or have you not any doubt upon that subject, aUudii% to the three letters you have just seen ?— From the letters that I saw since, many of them seeming to differ, I have some doubt of it. Have you or have you not any doubt upon that subject, alluding to the three letters you have just seen ? — From the examination of the three letters, which I looked at as carefully as possible, I thought they were all of one hand- writ- ing Whose letters do you imagine tho:;e were that you saw besides ?--Thei"e were papers numbered as far as 40 upon the table ; I went in at a late honr , only one being allowed to go in at a time, I look- ed only at ten, from 30 to 40 or 41 ; and I understood from thosf letters they were written by Mrs. Clarke. Explain how the comparison of- Mrs. Clarke's letters induced you to doubt about the similarity of tlie three others ? —After I had been desired to look at two letters, and the other, to compare the hand-writing-, I vras desired to look at the other letters, and compare them with the first two letters, also. How did that comparison alter the opinion you had before formed ? — Be- cause, tliougli they were written by one person, yet they differed in the writing ; there were some very plain to read, and some more difficviltto read ; some writ- ten rather larger, and some rather small- er. I understand you to have stated, that the two letters and the note appeared to you at first to be of the same writing ? — I did say so. Therefore, though these were written at diflerent times, there appeared no great difference in the writing ?— There did not. How was that opinion altered by find- ing that another ]>erson did at different times write different hands ? — From the difference of that hund-wi'iting ; some of them I compared, in some measure bore a semblance to the first two letters ? if I Jiad seen no oliiers tlian the firsttwo and the note produced to me, I should have been clearly of opinion, without any doubt, that they had been the samepei-- son's writing ; but I explain now, from tlie ultimate judgment of what 1 looked at, which impressed upon me this, that the letters tliat I saw, thougli they were one person's writing, the writingdiffisrcd materially, some very snudl and some larger, and from tlie very free easy run- uing hand, some seem so exactly alike. and some different, that it would be doubtful to judge of thai persons writ- ing at all times, whether it was her writing or not. Is it from those letters differing amongst themselves, or from some of them agreeing with the two letters now shewn to you, that your doubt arises .' — It is from some of those letters being differently written of themselves, and some of them having a small semblance of the other writing. Did those letters most resemble ilie two letters or tiie note ? — One oi tvru of the letters resembled the two letters and the note. Is it from that resemblance that you doubt now that the two letters and the note were of the same hand-writing ?— < The difference amongst themselves would be the only reason thai would create any doubt in my mind. You have said, that some of those let- ters were in a large and some in a small hand, and yet j'ou suppose them to be the writing of the same person ? — 1 un- derstood that they were the writing, and thought that they were the writing of the same person. Is not the note in a smaller hand than the letters ? — I think, as near as possi- i ble, the major part of it is the same siz« I; as the letters. " Did you perceive any similarity be- tween the hand-wriiing of any of the let- ters last shewn to you from 30 to 40, and the note ? — There were one or two of the letters that I thought bore a sem- blance of of tlie two letters and the note. Is that the circumstance which led you to doubt at last whether the two let- ters and the note were written by the same person ? — It certainly was. [The witness was directed to withdraw. Brigadier General CLAVERING having sent a letter to the Chair- man, requesting that he might be called to explain his evidence ; he was called in, and examined by the Committee, as follows : What part of the evidence, which you gave on a former night, do you wish now to explain ? — There is a part of the evidence that I gave on a former night, that I wish to explain. But I request permission, before I explain it, to state why I requested to come forward this evening : It was intimated to me yester- day, by a friend of mine, and otlier members of tlie Committee, that an idea S23 UaJ gone forth, that part of the evidence I gave on a former evening was not cor- rect ; I certainly staned at the idea, having been thoroughly satisfied in my own mind that it was my intention to state every thing to the very best of my knowledge. Yesterday, however, I re- lerred to the minutes, which before I had not seen, and it did certainly appear tome that the answers I had given to the questions, were not perfectly such as 1 would have given, had I clearly compre- hended titose questions ; and however extrordinary this may appeartotheCom- mittee, 1 pledge my sacred honour and word the mistake was pei'fectly involun- tary on my part, and it was my entire in- tention, as well as my wish, to give every information in my power, and 1 should feel myself particularly honoured and flatter- ed by as many questions as the Commit- tee shall think it proper to put to me up- on this occasion. VVith the permission of the Committee, I will now refer to tl»e questions put to me on the former occasion. In page 2 53, the question was — " Had you any communication what- evei" on the subject of army promotions with Mrs. Clarke ;" My reply was, " I never proposed any conversation of that kind, nor do I recollect any ever having existed, except at the period 1 before alluded to, when she requested I woidd recommend to the consideration of ihe Duke of York Lieutenant Sumner of the 20th regiment." Itis perfectly clear now to me, that by the addition of the word ' whatever' after ' communication,' an epistolary correspondence was intended, but I certainly understood it to be a per- sonal communication or conversation, for, in the two preceding questions, the idea of conversation and convcisation only had been included ; and in the fol- lowing question likewise it appears also evident to me, that that was the idea of the honourable member who proposed it, that he meant conversation, for the question is, " Had you any incidental conversation with Mrs. Clarke tipon that subject ?" and my reply was, "A period of so many years having elapsed since that time, it is imp(;ssible to speak posi- tively and accurately to a question so close as that, but, to the best of ray be- lief, I do not think 1 had." The next question, and tlie reply which I wish to advert to, is tliis : — " Do you, of your own knowledge, know that Mrs. Clarke used her influence in favour of any per- son whatever in the army with the Com- mander in Chief ;" My reply was, " 1 do not." 1 certainly did misunderstand that question altogether, and that I did misunderstaiKl it, I have the most posi- tive proof for stating to the Committee • one ot the first conversations I had, af- ter withdrawing fi-om this bar, was with a noble relative of mine, a peer of tlie upper house, in which 1 stated (and he has authorized me to sa\, if it is neces- sary, he will confirm the same) tliat my surprise was, that a question liad been put to me which I conceived concerned others, and that my regret was, that the question had not been put which did im- mediately concern myself, tor if it had, I should have given that reply which in my own mind, conveyed a thorough con- viction that Mrs. Clarke never possessed that influence over the mindof his Royal Highness which it is sup])Osed that she possessed. I have nothing further ta add upon that immediate head. [The five letters delivered in by Mrs. Clarke on the loth instant, were shown to Gen. Clavering.] General Ccavering. They are my hand-writing. On the former examination, yon were asked wi.etiier you had ever known of any person who had asked Mrs. Clarke to use her influence with theComjnander in Chief; to which you answered posi- tively, that yon had not. When yoii were asked whether you knew of any transaction of that nature, you say yon understood that any transaction in which you might have been engaged was ex- cluded in the intention of the person asking that question ? — I certainly did, both to that question and to the following one, for I conceived tiiat my answer to the third question from the bottom, wa» an answer which applied equally to the. two last. Did you or did you not ever, in wTiting or otherwise, ask Mrs. Clarke to use her influence in your behalf with the Cora- mander in Chief ? — I did. Had it any efl'ect ? — I believe not. Did you obtain wliat you asked for ?— I made two applications ; 1 did not ob.- tain the first, and I believe that what Wild granted me. in the second, was not. through her influence. Was it granted to you r— Will you permit me to answer that question not immediately directly ; it was granted, but it must equally have been granetd, aiiA S24 it could not have been denied me, if such application has not been made. Why then did you apply through Mrs. Clarke ? — Were I permitted to state the circumstances, I believe it would be bet- ter understood ilian by any other answer. In the year 1803, 1 was placed upon the staff as an inspecting field officer,as col- onel. In the year 1804, the government thought proper to raise all the officers of the rank of colonel to that of brigadier- general : I received a notification from the war-office, that I was appointed a brigadier-general, and about a fortnight afterwards I received a second notifica- tion to say, that my appointment was not to be that of brigadier-general but brig- adier-colonel. The circumstance appear- ed to me so extraordinary, that I wrote upon that occasion to Mrs Clarke, to know if she coidd discover why the al- teration was made from brigadier-gene- ral to brigadier-colonel ; she i-eplied to me, tliat ujwn inquiry it was fovmd to be a mistake, and that all the brigadier- generals wlio had been previously ap- pointed and afterwards removed, were to be restored to their first appointments of brigadier generals ; and the reason was evident, it was supposed that the militia and the volunteers might jiossi- bly be assembled to act together ; by the militia act, no colonel in the army can command a colonel of militia, conse- quently, our appointment to the situa- tion of brigadier-colonels would not have had the efiect it was intended to have had ; therefore, we were again ap- pointed to our original situation, that of brigadier-generals. How came you to apply for an inter- pretation of any mistake, or any extra- ordinary circumslance, to Mrs. Clarke, and not to the office of the Commander in Chief? — Because, according to the custom of all offices, the persons hold- ing the ostensible situations could not have given me the informuiion that I desired, or rather, they would have been reprehensible if "they had given it me, for in all probability, though tiiey miglit have been acquainted with the reasons, \hey would not have been justified in declaring them. What secret source of information, ■vvhicli it would have been reprehensible for tlie ostensible oliicers in the office of the Commander in Chief to have given, did }ou supj)ose Mrs. Clarke xo have ? — I certainly did suppose that Mrs.Olarke was informed of what was passing in the war-office ; I mean generally in the of- fice of the Commander in Chief, and therefore I had reason to suppose that she would {five me every information that was in her power. What was the reason ? — Because on any former occasion, as far as I can at present recollect, she had been always extremely communicative. From whom did you know or suppose that she had derived that communica- tion which she was so communicative of to jou ? — Certainly from his Royal High- ness the Commander in Chief. How do you reconcile the answer yea have last given to the answer you before gave ; you supposed Mrs. Clai'ke to have no infliience with the Commander in Chief ?— The reply that 1 before gave, went to Mrs. Clarke's influence over his Royal Highness in the distribution of military promotion. Of the two applications which you state yourself to have made through Mrs. Clarke, which was the one that was suc- cessful, whether by her influence or oth- erwise ? — If I recollect rightly, I had be- fore the honour of stating, that the rank of brigadier-general was restored to me, which I could not have been denied ; it was granted to all the colonels of tlie regular service of the year 1802, in which brevet I was, with others both above and below me, and consequently it could not have been denied we with- out a marked stigma. Which of the two applications, which you have stated yoiu'self to have made through Mrs.Clarke,was successful, the first or the second, whether through her means or any other ? — 1 certainly have to apologize to tlie committee, if I have not made myself understood. What were the two things which you appliedfor!-The first circumstance upon which I wrote to her was, or rather a letter was written, which I was accessary to, it is immaterial whether I wrote it or not, was relative to the raisinga regiment. I was given to understand that she had very great influence in military promo- tions, and Iconceived,therefore,it would be a fair speculation to try whether that influence did exist or not ; a letter was accordingly written toher,stating,that m case she obtained me permission to raise a regiment, she should recceive 1000/. She wrote me, in reply, that his Royal Highness would nothear of it, or scoxited the idea, or words to that effect ; and consequentlyfromthatanswer, it was my 325 decided opinion that she did not possess an influence over his Ho) ul Highness in the distribution of military promotion. Did you in point of fact obtain leave to raise that regiment ? — I did not. Did you make a second application, and what was that application for?- The other application, if it may be so termed, was not for any promotion, but to know the reason why, after having been ap- pointed a brigadier-general,! was reduc- ed to the situation ofa brigadier- colonel. Have you ever made any other appli- cation to Mrs. Clarke for information, for promotion, fir exchange, or for any oth- er thing ? — I cannot bring to my recol- lection that I ever have made any other application to her upon any one of those subjects mentioned, but if any of the Hon. Gentlemen here can give me the smallest clue to guide my recollection, I shall be extremely happy to give every information in my power. Being convinced in the first Instance by the Duke of York's having, as Mrs. Clarke informed you, scouted the idea of yourbcingpermittedto raise a regiment, for •vhich yoti had made an offer of lOOOl. and having from thence inferred that she had no influence ; how came you to make any second application to her ? — If 1 am correct, I before stated that I was satisfied from his Royal High- ness' answer to her, if such was his an- swer, that she did not possess any influ- ence over him in the point of military promotion ; that his Royal Highness might have permitted her to talk upon military subjects, but that as to military promotions she had no influence. Do you know that at the time you made application through Mrs. Clarke for leave to raise a regiment, any officer received that permission which was re- fused to you ? — If my memory serves me right, there were three or four young regiments raised at that time in Ireland, but not in this country. Were they raised upon the same terms with regard to the payment of money, as vhe tender made by you for raising your men ? — They v/ere not ; my propo- sal was, as far as I can recollect, for I had forgotten that till I saw it in the ev- idence, my proposal was to raise them from the militia ; the regiments in Ire- land were raised with a bounty. From whom did you receive the infor- mation first, that Mrs. Clarke had influ- ence with the Commander in Chief rela- tive to military promotion.?, which in- duced you to have the first letter writ- 42 ten, or to connive at the writing of the first letter to Mrs. Clarke, in order to obtain that influence in your favour ? — My information upon tlfat head was merely report, but the letter alluded to was suggested to me. Had you ever any other than a written communication with Mrs. Clarke upon the subject of your own promotion ? — To the best of my opinion, I had not ; the reason why 1 think so is, that at that time I was stationed at a distance from London. Is the committee to understand you to have said, that if you had applied to the war-office for information, after its having been notified that you were a brigadier-general, and your being put backto the rank which youcall brigadier- colonel, you would not have obtained that information ? — I do not think that I should, nor should 1 have made the ap- plication, conceiving that such applica- cation would have been improper. Why then do you suppose you could obtain information respecting military arrangements from Mrs. Clarke, which you could not obtain from the war-of- fice ? — Because I see a considerable de- gree of distinction between making ap- plication for information to a lady of the description that she then was, and mak- ing it to those official persons, who would not have been justified in giving me the information I desired. What reason had you for thinking that Mrs. Clarke had information of what was passing at the war office ; which information, would have been refused to military officers regularly applying ?— Because I was of opinion that by her influence over the Commander in Chief, which she described herself to me to possess, she could obtain any informa- tion of that description. How is the Committee to reconcile that declaration with that which you. have made.that you did not then believe her to have any influence over the Com- mander in Chief .'—If I am correct I be- fore said, that the influence she possess- ed over his Royal Highness the Com- mander in Chief did not go to the distri- bution of military promotions. Did it then go to the obtaining informa- tion of regulations in the war-office, which regulations wei-e withheld from public notice ? — As she always gave me to un- derstand she could procure almost any promotion whatever, I conceived that the only way to obtain that which I wished for was by application to her. U20 Did you, in peiiit of fact, obtain tlie iTifdrmation you sought for through her means ? — I did hot ; the information that I received was^ as far as I can recollect, that tlierfi' had been a mistake in remov- ing' us from the situation of brigadier- generals to brigadier colonels, and tliat that mistake was shortly to be rectified. Was that or not the information you did wish to obtain ?— It was not the in- formation lliat I wished to obtain, if I am perfectly correct, because I do not think she stated tlie n-hson why we were removed from the situation of brigadier generals to brigadier colonels. 1 hope the honourable Committee will excuse any mistake I may make in this, for there has a period of several years elapsed since this correspomlence, and 1 may fall into an error : it is my en- deavor to give evei-y information in my power. Look at the letter in the clerk's hand, and read it. [_A letter dated the llfA of November, 1804, That he was removed from the half, pay in July 1803, not at his own re- quest. " Your Memorialist therefore humbly hopes that your Royal Highness will be pleased to permit him to retire upon half-pay ; and your Memorialist as in dutv bound, will ever pray. "■ 10th November 1804." 48 Foot. Capt. Hon. Geo. Bl.-quicre. Mem. 23d Nov. 1804. " C. L.» " Capt Blaquiere from half-pay of Hompesch Di'agoons to be placed on full- pay in any regiment of Infantry." " The Commander in Chief has ap- proved of Captain Spedding of the 48th regiment being placed on half pay. " Captain Blaquiere may be appd. to the Co." Do you know what steps were taken when captain Spedding applied for pro- motion ? — A reference was made to Sir Alured Clarke, and it appeared that Sir Alured Clarke had very little or no knowledge of him. Sir Alui-ed Clarke's letter is here. Was there any expectation or encour- agement held out to captain Spedding, that he would receive promotion in an- swer to his application ? — No, I think not. I lind by a memorandum made upon the letter, thai he was not to be noted until a favourable report should he received ; in short, no notice was taken of his application ; his Memorial is dated the 28th of August, 1804. Is the committee to understand, that no notice was taken of his application, and no encouragement given to him be- tween that application and the time he went upon half-pay, so far as the docu- ments inform you ?— None that I know of Do you know whether theCommander in Chief stopped all promotion in the 48th regiment ?--I have no recollection of it. Does it appear by any document in the office, that any reason was assigned to captain Spedding of that nature, as the reason for not giving him his pro- motion ?— 1 think not, I cannot find any such reason. If piomotion had been stopped in the 48th regiment, is it not likely you must h^r^ recoUec^d it J—Yes, I think so ; some letter would have been writtelj upon the subject, some correspondence must have passed. Then you do not believe that there was any order given to slop promotion in the 48th regiment ?-Jii have already said I have no recollection of any sucli transaction. Have you any documents in your pos- se ssion that will shew in what manner Major Taylor obtained his promotion to a lieutenant-colonelcy ? Yes, £ have Did he obtain it by purchase ? — No,he ought not to have obtained it by pur- chase ; he was recommended by the co- lonel of a new levy. Lord Matthew. What was lord Matthew's levy, an Irish levy ? — Lord Matthew raised the 99tli regiment, and by his letter of ser- vice was to recommend the officers ; his letter of service I have now in my hand, and major Taylor is at the head of it. Then the Commander in Chief could not do otherwise, under the conditions of that levy, than accept the recommenda- tion of major Taylor to be a lieutenant- colonel, if he had served the time pre- scribed by the regulations of the army, to be qualified to hold that rank ? — I can- not say that the Commander in Chief could not do otherwise, but it was a transaction perfectly regular, and in the due course of business. In point of fact, was lord Matthew, as the officer who had undertaken to raise the new levy, to recommend -4. lieutenant-colonel ? — Certainly. Then is the committee to understand that major Taylor obtained his promo- tion in consequence of this levy ? — Cer- tainly, I know of no other cause what- ever. [Colonel Gordon delivered In the pa- pers.] Major Taylor, 2jth Foot. 1st October 1804. " To Field-Marshal his Royal Highness the Duke of York, Commander irtt Chief, &c. &c. &c. " The Memorial of Major John Taylor of his Majesty's 25th Regiment of' Foot ; " Sheweth, " That your Memorialist sc rved during the rebellion of 1798 in Ireland, as Bri- g:ide-Major and Aid-de-camp to Maj Gen. Trench, in \\'hirh situation he re 332 maiHed until the month of August 1799 ; ■when Maj. Gen. Hutchinson, having been appointed to the Staff" of tlie army about to embark for Holland, was pleased to nominate Memorialist as his Aid-de-Campt '.n which station he serv- ed the campaign of that year. That Me- morialist in 1800 accompanied the ex- pedition under Lieut. Gen. Sir R. Aber- crombie to the Mediterranean, and land- ed with the army in Egypt ; Memorial- ist served the former part of that cam- paign as Aid-de-Camp to Lord Hutch- inson, who was pleased to nominate him the stuation of Deputy Adjutant-Gener- al, upon Col. Abercrombie's succeeding B. Gen. Hope as Adjutant-General, the latter having been appointed to the com- mand of a Brigade ; that in 1801 your Royal Highness was graciously pleased to obtain from his Majesty the rank of Major, for Memorialist, and lately to appoint him to a Majority in the 25th Reg. of Foot. *' Memorialist therefore relying on your Royal Highness' goodness pre- sumes to hope that your Royal Highness will not deem it improper,under circum- stances which he has had the honour to submit, to express an humble hope.that, should an opportunity occur of promot- ing him to a Lieutenant-Colonelcy in one of the new battalions, your Royal Highness will be graciously pleased to include him in the list of promotions. "J.Taylor, " Major 25th Foot." " Gordon's Hotel, Albermarle-street, 1st Oct. 1804" " Major of 1801, and just promoted to the Majority ofthe Reg. ** Considered with others having equal pretensions, but no favWe oppy. at present. 99th Foot. I Mom. 28th Feb. 1805. " C. L." '^'^ Compare this List ivith that already in your possession." *' Col. Gordon, If you ivish to shew this to H.R.H. to-day. "Sir, "By direction of Lord "Matthew, we have the honour to request yoiu' Royal Highness will be pleased to re- commend to his Majesty, the officers whose names are contained in the in- closed list, for promotion, and appoint- ment in his Lordship's regiment. ^ " We have \\w. honour to be, " With great deference and respect, " Sir, "Your Royal Highness' " Your faithful and " devoted servants, " Craig's Court, ''Greenwood & Cox." 23d Feb. 1805 " " Ficld-Mai-shal his Royal Highness the Duke of York, &c. &c. [Here follows a List of the Officers' names.] Does it appear thas he applied for leave to purchase a Lieut. Colenelcy ? — I do not find any such application. Have you any documents respecting the promotion of Capt. Ximines to a Ma- joi-ity in August 1804 ? — Yes, I have. Where was Captain Ximines when he was pi-omoted ? — With his regiment in Canada. Was he an old captain in the army ? — Yes, he was a captain of 1794, often years standing. Was he of that class of captains from his standing who was entitled,according to the view you take of the pretensions of officers of that rank and time, to a Majority ? — Yes, he was. [Col. Gordon delivered in the papers,] " Ximines was a Capt. of Nov. 1794, and promoted to a Majority in the 62d Regt. on the 26th Aug 1804, in consequence of the accompanying apphcations from his bi'other." 1 Capt. Ximines, Wargrave Rangers. 29th April, 1804. •'No. 40, Weymouth- Street, " Sir, Portland- Place, 29 April, 1804. " My brother, Capt. David Ximines, oftlie 29th Regt. (now at Halifax,)being a Capt. since I794,induces me, in his ab- sence, to have the honotir of requesting you'll be pleased to interest yourself with ids Royal Highness the Commander in Chief, for the purpose of obtaining him ])ermission to enter on an arrangement (by me) for raising men under the latfr regulation, for a Majority for him. I was 1 very successful in raising a large proper- % tion ofthe late Windsor Foresters Fen. Cav. in which I served from its com- mencement to the general reduction of Fen. Cav. in 1 800. I will use every exer- tion till his return, which I humbly hope. 3S3 in consideration of his being a captain of near ten years standing, and liiving pur- chased every step, his Royal Highness wdl graciously permit ; and I beg leave further to state, that when he was on the recruiting service he was very successful. " I am. Sir, with the utmost respect, " Your most obt. hble. serv't, " Col. Clinton, " Moris Ximines, &c. &c. &c." "Capt. Com. VVargrave *' Rangers. To be noted. 1 Maidenhead, 22d Aug. 1804. The Memorial of Capt. M. Ximines, of the Wargrave Rangers, m behalf of his brother, Capt. D. Ximines, of the 29th Regt. His brother's claims will be considered- *' To Field-Marshal his Royal Highness, the Duke of York, Commander in Chief, &c. &Cr **The Memorial of captain Moris Xime- nes, commandant of the Wargrave Rangers, on behalf of his brother, captain David Ximines, of the 29th Regiment of Foot, now on duty with his Regiment ; *■* Most humbly sheweth, "That your Memorialist having seen in the Gazette several captains promot- ed to majorities, junior to the abovesaid captain David Ximines of the 29th foot, most humbly prays that your Royal Highness will be pleased to take his said brother's length of service (being nearly ten years a captain) into cunsid- eration, and recommend him to his Ma- jesty for promotion. "And your Memorialist will ever pray. " M. XlMENES. *' Bear Place, Maidenhead, Berks, "22d August, 1804." "He is a Capt. of 1794, and a " Approved young man — C.L." *'Capt.D.does your R.H. Ximenes approve of his "I have posted 29 Reg.being noted for Capt. X. to the promotion — he 62d. is abroad with J. W. G." his corps." 1 London, 23d Dec. 1804. Major Ximines, 62d Regt. " New Hummums, " Sir, Dec. 23, 1804. •' I'll thank you to have the good- ness to inform his Royal Highness the 43 He must join his Regt. Commander in Chief, of my arrival here, and of my readiness to join the regiment, to which his condescending kindness has promoted me ; for which promotion I should be happy to return thaviks per- sonally to his Royal Highness. " I have the honour to be. Sir, " Your most obt. serv't, " D. XlMENES. Major 62d Reg." " Lt Col. Gordon, &c. &c. Horse -guards." M^J"''^^-|ForvourR.High- 62Tr:^.| ness' perusal Was the levy of this regiment of lord Matthew's completed ? — It is actually now a regiment of the line, and serving, I think in the Bahamas ; it is tlie 99th regiment. Was it completed in the year 1804 I — It was so far completed as to entitle him to recommend his officers ; it was completed according to his letter of service, at least 1 believe so ; it was re- gularly inspected by the commander of the forces in Ireland, and I know noth- ing to the contrary. You observe in the statement of colo- nel Brooke's services he is appointed to the 56th regiment on the 5th of January 1805 ? — I see it is so. Having slated in your former e^^- dence that it was necessary to make in- quiries into the services of lieutenant co- lonel Brooke, on the first of July, when the exchange was proposed ; were not inquiries made previous to the 5th of January, when he was appointed as ef- fective to the 56th regiment of foot from half-pay ? — I take it for granted that due inquiries were made ; but I think I have stated in my evidence that particular in- quiries were necessary on his exchange to the cavalry. You mean that inquiries respecting colonel Brooke were made with respect to his fitness as a field officer of cavalry? — I mean exactly that. You will observe, that the only ser- vices of colonel Brooke as a cavalry offi- cer, are for three months as a cornet in 1793 ; state what the result of your inquiries into the services of Colonel Brooke as a cavalry officer were, in ad- dition to those stated as a cornet for three months in 1793. — That very cir- cumstance made the inquiries still more necessary, and the result of them was .satisfactory, as I have before stated ; C?A anittllat lliey were satisfactory, the ser- vices of colonel Brooke have since very fully proved. State what other services colonel Bi'ooke was eng'a.e^ed in which could g"ive him a knowledge of cavalry, in addition to the three months during- which he was cornet in 1793. — 1 have already stated to tiic committee, and it is in evidence before them, tliat I ko|)t no memoran- dum in writing of such inquiries, but tiKit tlie result of such inquiries was salibfactory ; the conduct of colonel Brooke, in the command of his regi- ment, has proved that they were emi- nently satisfactory. [The following entry was read from the London Gazette of the 18th August 1804. " 14th Regiment of Foot, Lieuten- ant Colonel Hon. Wm. Bligh fron^ the half-pay of the o4th Foot, to be Lieutenant Colonel." \V1LLL\M ADAM, Esq.aMcmber of The House, attending in his place, was examined, as follows : You stated in your fust examination, that yovi considered Mrs. Clarke had jpt'ejudiced his Royal Highness| interest ami his name with regard to money, and that an investigation took i)lacc ; in consequence of that investigation, did anj proofs appear of his Roval Highness' name having ever been used by lier to procure money ? — It is impos- sible lor me to state the particular facts that appeared ; but I remember per- fectly well, it was certainly est;tbiished tbat there had been transactions, with regard to goods, and likewise with re- gard to bills, which satisfied me that that representation was correct ; 1 made no memorandum at the time. Tiicn you cannot slate any particular transactions, or any particular sum, ftn- which the name of the Dttke of Yorlc was made use of to raise money for Mrs. Clarke ! — Certainly not. Can you state the sources from whence you derived the information of its being so raised ? — I believe I have already stated in that part of my evi dence, that, in order to obiain tlie information that was necessary to en- able his Royal Highness to judge what course lie should lake with resjject to Mrs. Clarke, I comuiunicatcd wiili Mr. Lowlen, and he employed Mi-. Wilkin- son ; Mr. Wilkinson made an investiga- tion, and reported the circumstances to me. It appears in your evidence, that the facts of the raising of money, or the prejudicing the interests of the Duke of York, by making use ol" his name, were communicated, afier the investi- gation, to his Royal Highness ; were they communicated to his Royal High- ness by yourself, or by Mr Lowten, or by Mr. Wilkinson ? The result of the investigation was drawn up by Mr. Wilkinson or Mr. Lowten, I do not know wliich, and that was con- veyed to his Royal Highness, not by my hand, but transmitted to his Royal Highness when he was at Oatlands, I believe, upon the 7th or 9th of May 18UG. I understood by your evidence, that his Royal Highness the Duke of York was very unwdling to believe the i'acts that wei'c chai'ged against Mrs. Clarke ; is the committee lo understand, that after the investigation was made, and the facts were communicated to liis Royal Highness, he was then satisfied that she had made use of his name, and prejudiced his interest by so doing ?— I can only answer that by stilting what his Ro_\al Highness' conduct was : his Royal Highness, in consequence of be- ing possessed of the information which 1 have stated to have been conveyed to him, immediately, or very soon after, came to a resolution to take the step of separating IVom Mrs. Clarke. Then 1 understand you to say, that the consequence of laying these facts before his Royal Highness the Duke of York, was his separation from Mrs.. Clarke? — I caA draw no otlier conclu- sion than that ; for, as I have already stated in my evidence, before that time there was no reason to suppose that his Royal Highness intended to separate from Mrs. Clarke, and after that time he did take that determination. Did you read, at any time, the state- ment that was drawn up by Mr. Lowten or Mr. Wilkinson, and submitted to his Rojal Highness the Duke of York ? — I certainly did. Does your recollection furnish you with any specific, sum that was raised b\ Mrs. Clarke in tliC Duke of York'.s name, without his authority ? — No, it does not. S35 ■ Probably jou know -whetlier the pa- per whicli was delivered to his Royal Highness tiie Duke of York is in the possession of his Royal Highness at present I — I never have seen that paper since. When did you first hear of tlie note in the possession of captain Sandon .' — On Saturday morning, the 4th of this month, between ten and eleven o'clock. From whom did you hear of it .' — I heard of it from colonel Hamilton ; coloiiel Hamilton came to my house on Saturdaj morning, between ten and ele- ven o'clock, before 1 was out of my bed. State to the committee what passed upon that occasion. — Colonel Hamilton came to my liouse between ten and eleven o'clock on Saturday morning, and was shewn up to me. He immediately mentioned to me, that he had seen cap- tain Sandon at Portsmouth ; that captain Sandon had communicated with him upon the subject of this inquiry ; he said, that captain Sandon had asked him how he should conduct himself ; that he had told captain Sandon that there could be no rule for ids conduct but one, whicli was, to adhere strictly to truth, to tell every thing he knew, that it would not at :dl avail liim to do other- wise, even if he should have an incli- nation, because he would be examined (I think he said) by the united ability of the country. He tlien told me, that captain Sandon told li.iii that he had some letters \ipon the subject of his transactions with Mrs. Cliike, and that he had a note, whicli is tiie note in question, wiilch he believed to be in the Duke of York's hand-writing ; that that note lie had s^iewn to captain To- nyn before he was made major Tonyn, in order to induce him either to keep tile deposit wliicli he had made, or to replace the deposit wiiicli he had made, I cannot exactly recollect which ; that deposit he had tiireatened to with- draw in consequence of the delay be- tween the first interview he (captain Sandon) had with captain Tonyn, on the subject of his promotion, which he represented, I think, as bein^ nearly two months ; that there was likewise another note, which note had been de- livered, as he stated, to major Tonyii, which was a note saying he was to be gazetted to-night, or in words to that effect. Colonel Hamilton told me, he had given strict injunctions to captam Sandon to preserve the note which he rci)resentcd as in the Duke of York's hand-writing, and whicli 1 understand now to be the note about which there has been so much inquiry here, the original of which has been produced, and every paper. 1 said to coK nel Hamilton, that nothing could be more_ correct than his instruction ; that it still remained to be seen what the terms Oi the note were, and to be judged of whether it was the Duke of York's hand -writing- ; I desired colonel Hamil- ton thereibre to go to captain Sandon, and to desire to look at the note, and to take a copy of it, and to repeat his, injunctions in the strongest maiiiivr, to preserve all the papers, and among the rest the note. Colonel Hamilton re- turned to my house, I think it must have been considerably before (;ne o'clock ; it was after twelve, or about twelve : he told me that he hail re- peated those instructions j that he had taken a copy of the note, which he brought to me, which I perused, and found to be in the very terms of the note which has been since produced ; and he added, that according to his opinion and belief, it was the Duke of York's hand-writing. 1 then told him, that such circumstances must be im- mediately comnmnicated ; and I wished him therefore to go to Mr. Perceval, with a note which I wrote, and that I would follow as soon as I could. Co- lonel Hamiiton went to Mr. Perceval, which I know, because I found hira there, and had told Mr. Perceval tlje stoiy bci'ore I arrived. Mr. Perceval and ni} self deliberated upon the roui'^e to be taken ; and having tiiutei stood from colonel Hamilton's representations (for I believe neither of us ever saw captain Sandon till he came to the bar of this House) ihat ca^nain Sandon Lad been applied to by Mrs. Clarke, and I tliink he said Mr. Wurdle, but I wiii not be sure, and Mr. Lowten, to go to them, it was Mr. Perceval's suggestions and my own, (I believe mutually al- most) that the most advisable course for us to direct colonel Hamilton to take, was to instruct captain Sandon to hold no further communication with any person whatever till he appeared at the bar of this House, anil likewise to in- struct him to preserve the note and all the papers he had spcken of. Colonel Hamilton received those instructions 43d at Mr. Perceval's house, and went, as I jjresijined to make the communication immediately to Capt. Sandon, which was to be done before two o'clock, because Sandon had promised, as we understood from colonel Hamilton, to give his an- swers, to the persons who had desired to see him, at that hour. After having given these directions to colonel Hamil- ton, it was agreed by Mr. Perceval and myself, that tliis matter ought to be communicated to the Duke of York, and it was further agreed by us, that the matter should be brought before the House of Commons by \\s, in case it did not make its appearance in the evidence of captain Sandon. I went in search of his Royd highness the Duke of York, but it was the evenmg before I saw him ; J communicated the matter to him, he expressed his surprise andustonisliment, and declared the impossibility of his ever having made any such communication, and wished immediately to go to Mr. Perceval ; we went to Mr. Perceval's together, where he made a similar as- severation, and again at colonel Gor- don's. I did not see his Royal High- ness again till between three and four o'clock on Sunday the 5th, and I did not see colonel Hamilton until Sunday atone o'clock, when I saw iiim for the purpose of learning whether he had executed the delivering the instructions to captain Sandon in the manner that Mr. Perce- val and m} self had required ; colonel Hamilton told me tliat he had delivered them in the very terms ; that captain Sandon had said, that lie, colonel Ham- ilton, miglit depend upon his, captain Sandon's, obeying his instructions ; but that he would be extremely angry with him, or extremely enraged with him, I am not sin-e whicli was the expression, for he had already disobe} ed one of liis instructions, he had destroyed the note ; vipon which, according to colonel Ham- ilton's representation, he said. Good God, have you destroyed the note ? Of course I expressed myself to a similar effect to colonel Hamilton when he made the communication to me respecting the destruction of the note I went to Mr. Perceval,according to appointment made tlie day before, and communicated to him this fact, as stated by colonel Hamilton ; this became again the sub- ject of our deliberations, and wc again determined ti>at it was our duty, as members of Parliament, to bring the ^efiatter for-',vard, leaving it to oiu'selv^s to judge in some measure, with regard to the time of bringuig it forward ; and in order that there might be a possibili- ty of supposing that we brought it for- ward or kept It back, according to cir- cumstances, it was determined to make the communication to certain Members of ' his House. Accordingly the facts, as I Jiave now stated them, were communi- cated to lord Casilereagh, to Mr. Can- ning, to the Attorney and Solicitor Gen- eral, to lord Henry Petty,, to Mr Whit- bread and to general Fitzpatrick. This brings the fact down to the transaction in this House. Mr Lowien is employed as an agent of the Duke of York ?— He is. Has Mr. Lowten been in the practice of examining the witnesses that were produced in supjiort of tiie charges against the Duke of York ?— 1 really do not know whether he has or not. When you stated the circumstance of thisnoteto the Duke ofYorkdid the Duke York state tliat he could state that he nev- er had written such a note with a view of influencing Capt.Tonyn,as it has been re- presented by Capi. Sandon, or that he had never written such a note at all to Mrs. Clarke ?— The Duke of York stated, that he was perfectly sure tliat he had never written such a note ; that he had not a recollection of it at all. Did he state to you, that he had never written to Mrs. Clarke upon the subject of military aflairs ? — He always stated to me, that, to the best of his recollec- tion, he had never written to Mrs. Clarke on the subject of military afi'alrs, and that, if he had done it, it must have been very rarely. Have you any objection to state what were the grounds of your withholding this communication from the House till tlie period it was brought forward ? — The ground that influenced my mind was, that 1 thought if the communica- tion had been brougiitforward-at an ear- lier period, it might have embarrassed the course of proceeding in the inquiry, at the instance of the gentleman who had set it on foot, and tiiat in consider- ing the whole circumstances of the case, justice would be better obtained, what- ever the effect of that note migiit be, by keeping it back till tiie period when it was allowed to transpire. I ran only say now what were my motives andrea^ sons for that conduct ; that was what in- fluenced me in the opinion I gave in congultation with Mr. Perceval uj)on 337 that subject. I mentioned that I did not see the Duke of York again till three or four o'clock on Sunday ; at one o'clock on Sunday I was informed by co- lonel Hamilton, of Sandon's having de- clared the note to be destroyed. Be- tween three and four o'clock on Sunday I informed the Duke of York of that fact. I think it right to state that as a matei'ial fact in the case. You have stated, that one motive •which you had for keeping' back the mention of this note to so late a period, was, lest you should embarrass the gen- tleman who brouglit forward this Inqui- quiry, by the premature disclosure of the note ; explain to the committee how that disclosure would have embarrassed him more than the ci'oss-examinations wliich took place, when the witness ap- peared at the bar ? — I considered this note, and the transaction respecting it, the disclosui-e respecting its desiruc- tion, to form one of the most extraordi- nary features that I had ever known of in any case. If I had been in tlie course of examining the witnesses much in this proceeding, 1 should have avoided cross- examining to that fact, thinking the mode that was adopted a more satisfac- tory means of bringing it forward ; and I believe it will be found, that there was no cross-examination of Sandon to that fact, nor any thing that could lead to it ; and therefore, answering to the motive, and not to the fact, I can only say it does not strike me that this stands upon the same footing as the ordinary cross-ex- amination of witnesses, according to my conc( ption. Wiiy should its being an extraordina- rj' feature, prevent its being presented at an early period ; is it usual for extra- ordinary features to be kept back in evi- dence in courts of justice, when they re- late to the evidence that witnesses exam- ined in chief, are given to the Court ? — I conceive, that being possessed of a fact of this sort, which I found in my bounden duty, in conjunction with Mr. Perceval, to bring before the pubUc, whatever its consequences might be, and wiiich the Royal Duke, I believe, had expressed a desire to Mr. Perceval, should be brought before the public, that I had a right to exercise my discre- tion, in conjunction with Mr. Perceval, to bring it before the public at the time that, according to that discretion, we should think the best, meaning honest- ly and distinctly at all times to bring it before the House. You have stated, that you thought that the purposes of justice would be best answered by not bnnging this fact before the House sooner than it waa brought ; will you explain how tlie pur- poses of justice werelikelj to behest an- swered by the delay in bringing forward the circumstances respecting the note ? — I can only state how 1 think the pur- poses of justice would be best answer- ed ; I cannot be so presumptuous as to say that the purposes of justice were best answered, but in my opinion they were, because it brought this particular feature of the case distinctly, clearly, and unembarrassed, before the House ; that if it had been mixed up in cross- examination, or brought forward in that shape, it neither would have appeared so distinct, nor have appeared so clearly the determination of the persons bring- ing it forward. The Right Honourable SPENCER PERCEVAL, attending in his place, was examined by the Committee, as follows : Have you heard the statement of the honourable gentleman lately under ex- amination, and do you wish to add any- thing to that statement ? — I am not quite certain that I heard the whole. If it is wished tliat I should state the motives that influenced my mind, not in keeping this back, but in not bringing it forward before, Iconceived the case that was to be made against the Royal Duke was clos- ed. When the communication was made, to me, I thought at the first it was a very extraordinary circumstance ; and when 1 found that the note was, as the witness represented it, destroyed, cou- pled with the direct assertion of tlie Royal Duke that this note was a forge-: ry, 1 tliought it to ';e a forgery, and I determined to act upon the supposition of its being such, and upon tliat impres- sion, and with a view the better to de- tect it, if it were so, I thought it bettCE that all tile witnesses that could in any degree have been concerned in that transaction, should have told their own tale to the committee, before they were in any degree informed, by me at least, ' or by the course that we took, of our being in possession of any fact, or in- clined to make use of tlie information we had of any fact ; it might bi'eak iu 338 upon their own plan of narrating it to the committee; if it had been a single Oflse, instead of a variety of cases, that were brought before the committee, I apprehend that there could be no ques- tion ; that on the part of the defence to that charge, those who interested them- selves in the defence could not be called upon to produce any part of the evidence which they thought material, till they had the whole of the case that was to be brought against them laid before the court I and considering how the whole of these cases are, by means of the same witnesses, more or less, being brought forward upon them all ; considering from tliat circumstance how they were all connected, I conceived it would be better that this information should not be given till it was closed. Was the intfbduction of tliis evidence settled, upon the supposition that the note was actually destroyed ? — Certain- ly my impression was, that the note was actually destroyed, and it was after that impression was conveyed to me, that the note was actually destroyed, that I concurred with my honoiu'able and learned friend in thinking that it was equally necessary that fact should be brought before the committee ; and per- haps I might be permitted to add, that, feeling there was a considerable degree of awkwardness in the appearance of being backward to bring forward at the earliest period a fact so important as this fact was, we did think that our own lionour would hardly be safe, unless we made a communication not oidy of tlie fact, but of our determination to produce it in the manner in which we did. WILLIAM ADAM, Esq. in his place, made a statement, as follows : It becomes unnecessary for me to state any thing in confirmation of what has been stated by tKe Chancellor of the Excliequer, but I think it right to state to the committee, that the whole course of our conduct rested on a thorough con- viction that the note was destroyed. Mr. BENJAMIN TOWN was called in, and examined by the Committee, as follows : State to the committee your name. — Benjamin Town. I presume, then, you are of the Jew- ish persuasion ? — I am. You hayig,stated on a former occasion, that in your transactions witli Mrs. Clarke, she told you she could forge thrf Duke of York's name ; are you aware that that word is applicable only to frau- duleni transactions ? — That I cannot say. Did you use it in that sense ? — No, I did not. Did you then, when you mentioned the word forge, only mean the word im- itate ? — Those were her words, that sjie could forge the Duke's name, and she has done it, and she showed it me im- mediately on a piece of paper. Did 3'ou understand thai word forge to mean imitate ? — Those were the words that she expressed. Had you, before you gave your evi- dence here on a former occasion, read in the newspaper thai part of Mrs. Clarke's evidence, wherein she spoke of you as a Jew, and said, perhaps you might have stolen a letter or two from her ? — I never saw the paper, nor never heard of it. Did you say that Mrs. Clarke had forged the Duke's hand-writing ? — She said slie could, and she has done it ; that she has forged the Duke's name, and she showed it me on a piece of paper. What is your name ? — BenjaminTown. How long have you had that name ? — My father's name is Town. Does vour father go by the name of Town ?— Yes. How long has he gone by the name of Town I — That I do not know. Have you ever known him by any oth- er ? — No. Recollect yourself. No, I have not. What is your father ? — He is a Jew. What is his trade ? — He is an artist, he teaches velvet-painting. How long has he taught velvet-paint- ing ? — Many years. Do you remember your father carry- ing on any other trade but that of velvet- painting ? — That I do not know, he might 1 Ladies have now and then, I sujjpose, asked him to recommend some jewellery to them, and I tliink he has sent different Jewelleries to the ladies. Did you ever know him go by the name of Lyons ? — No, never. I understand you to say, that Mrs. Clarke told you she could forge the Duke of York's hand, and that she ac- tually forged his hand in you presence ? — She said that she could, and she has done it, and she showed to me on apiece of paper, and I could not tell the differ- ence between the two. How could you tell it was the Dii]^ 339 •f York's hand writing ? — I did not know, only as she told me. What do you mean by forging ? — 1 do not know ? tliose were her words ; I only tell you what she told me. Did you appear as witness at tlie ses- sion at Clerkenwell ? — Yes, I did ; it is a considerable time back. Do you know Mr. Alley, a Barrister, and recollect any such Barrister at those sessions ? — Yes, he was, I believe, Mr. Smith's counsel. State whether any thing particular happehed at that sessions with regard to your evidence ? — 1 do not recollect. Endeavour to recollect wiiether Mr. Alley, in that court, used any strong ex- pressions to you ? — I do not recollect any ; he said that I was a Jew, and that all the Jews ought to be punished, or something of that kind ; he made use of some language which 1 cannot recol- lect. Is any indictment now hanging over your head for perjury ? £Tiie witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was again called in, and the question was proposed.] No. Do you know of any proceedings ? — I know there is a proceeding, but I do not know upon w^hat grounds ; it is not against me ; it is not belonging to me. {[The witness wasdirectedto withdraw. [The witness w^as again called in.] Are you sure that you are in no way eonnected with that proceeding ? — I do not know whether it is my sister or brother ; I cannot tell which. Are you sure you are no way implica- ted in or connected with that proceed- ing ? —No, I am not. What is the proceeding, and against whom ? — It is so long since, I cannot tell ; there have been so many, and Mr. Smith has lost them all, that 1 cannot recollect what he is doing, or what he intends doing. [The witness was directed to withdraw. WILLIAM ADAM, Esquire, made the following statement in his place. In my examination this evening, I have been asked whether his Royal Highness stated to me, that he had not corresponded with Mrs. Clarke upon military matters ; in answer to which, I said, that his Royal Highness did not recollect ever having corresponded with her upon military matters ; or if he had, TCry rarely. The latter part of that an- swer is erroneous, and without that ad- dition, *' very rarely," the answer is correct. Did the Duke of York state to you, that he did not recollect ever having written to Mrs. Clarke, about any mili- tary business w'hatever ! — The Duke of York certainly stated to me, that he did not recollect to have written to Mrs. Clarke upon any military matters what- ever. He afterwards said, that if he had ever written to Mrs. Clarke upon any military matters whatever, it must have been merely in answer to some ques- tion put in some letter of hers ; and his Royal Highness said expressly, that when she once stated something to him early in their acquaintance, respecting a promotion in the army, he said, that was business that he could not listen to, and he never heard any thing more of it afterwards. JOHN MESSENGER was called in, and examined by the Committee, as follows : What is your situation in life ? — Hive with Mr. Parker. What is he ?— A Goldsmith. Does he receive goods in pledge ? — He does. He is a pawnbroker ? — He is. Did Mrs. Clarke ever pledge any goods with Mr. Parker ? — Yes, she did. Did Mrs. Clarke ever apply to Mr. Par- ker to discount any bills .' — Yes, she did. Among the bills so discounted, were there any drawn by Mr Dowler upon Mrs. Farquhar ? — Yes, there was one. State the date of that bill, and the amount. — The bill was dated on the 11th of June, 1805, at two months after date. What did the bill purport lobe. — For 3631. drawn by Dowler and accepted by Farquhar. What is the christian name of Dow- ler ? — I do not know. What is the christian name of Farqu- har ? — Ido not know ; Mrs. Clarke has credit by bill of Dowler on Farquhar. Did Mr. Parker discount th.at bill ?— He did. Was it paid when it became due ? — No, it was not. Did Mr. Dowler draw any other bills > — No, I believe not, not to my knowl- edge i I do not perceive any other bill drawn by Dowler. Is there no other bill drawn in the name of Farquhar ?— None drawn by S40 F^arquhar ; there are others drawn by Mrs. Clarke, and accepted by Mrs. Far- quhar. Were those bills paid ? — No, not the day they were due ; there was one for 1001. which we discounted for her on the 13th of July, 1805. That was not paid when due ? — No ; another on the 19lh of September, drawn by Clarke on Farquhar at two months. Was that paid when due ? — No ; on the 27th of September we discounted another drawn by Clarke on Farquhar the 27th. of September, at two months, for 1001. Was that paid when due ? — No, I be- lieve it was not ; that is the whole that we discounted. How were those bills taken up ? — We received on the 19th September, a draft of the Duke of York's, dated on the 18th of January, l.'<06, for 4001. dated forwards three months ; it was due on the 18th February. How were the others taken up ? — On the 4th December, we have credited her with a bill of Bell on Pritchard, for 1001. ; another drawn by Bell on Millard, ibi- 1001. Were any others taken up by anydraft •r check of the Duke of York's ' — We received on the 10th of February 18u6, a promissory note, drawn by the Duke of York, payable to Parker, dated on the 8th of February, at four months, for 3301. Had Mp. Parker jewels or other prop- erty of Mrs. Clarke's, in his possession, as a security for those advances ? — Yes. Were there any bills in 1805 ?— The one for 4001 was taken in 1805. Does your book state what pledge was redeemed by that bill in September 1805 ?— It was discounted ; no pledge was redeemed in September. Did Mrs. Clarke deposit any goods in pledge, in the year 1805 ?— That I do not recollect. Does not your book state that ? — No. [The witness was directed to witlidraw. [The following entry was read from the Gazette of September 4th, 1804. " 48th Regiment of Foot, Lieuten- ant William Fry French to be Captain, without purchase, vice Colquhoun, promoted in the 14th Battalion of Reserve." [The following entry was read from the Gazette of the 6th of October, 1804- " 25th Regiment of Foot, Ensign Henry Crotty, from the 48th Foot, to be Lieutenant, without purchase." [The Chairman was directed to re- port progress, and ask leave to sit again. t2d of February, 1809. tiolonel DIGBY HAMILTON, was called in hiiJ examined by the com- mittee as follows : . When did you first know captain San- Son was in possession of tiiatnoie, which is now in the possession of tlie House .' —He infornled me so at Portsmouth, the day that he arrived. Was that before Or after the com- mencement of the inquiry in this House ? — It was after the inquiry commenced. When did you first communicate this Intelligence, and to wlioni did you com- municate it ? — The communication was made to me on Wednesday, and on Sat- urday following I communicated it to Mr. Adam. Did captain Sandon tell you, that he Considered this note of great importance to the present inquiry ? — I do not recol- lect that he did. Did captain Sandon tell you, that he believed this note was forged ? — Cer- tainly not ; no conversation of the sort took place between captain Sandon and myself. Wiien you first saw the note, did you believe that it was forged or genuine ? —In my opinion, I thought it to be the hand- writing of the Duke of York, and thcjefore I did not conceive it to be forged. Arc you acquainted with the hand- writing of he I 'like of York? — I have never sen his R'iyal Highness write ; I have had occiis on to see letters, which I was led to believe were his Royal Highness' writing ; and I have also seen his signature to public documents Did you desire captain Sandon not to destroy tiiis note ?- Repeatedly', and laid the strongest injunctions upon him to that efiiect. When you communicated this intelli- g'ence to Mr. Adam, you believed that the note was in existence ? — Judging from what captain Sandon liad pi omised me, when I saw him at Portsmouth, I took foi* granted that he had not de- 44 stroyed the note ; I had no communlca- tion with him after I saw him on the business till I met him on the morning of my seeing Mr. Adam, which was subse- quent lo my mentioning the occurrence to Mr. Adam. Did captain Sandon tell you, that he thought it would be best to destroy the note ? — No. Did captain Sandon communicate to you an3'thing of his motives for wishing to destroy the note ? — I had no intimation whatever from captain Sandon of such an intention. I only knew, or believed, the note to be destroyed, upon his in- forming me that he had done so. Was the occusicm of captain Sandon's stating to you that he had destroyed the note, on your returning from Mr. Adam and myself (the Ciiancellor of the Ex- chequer) with a direction to him not to destroy it ? — It perhaps would be more satisfactory to t!ie House, if I were to state the reasons which led to captain Siuidon's making that declaration to me s After I had seen Mr. Adam, I made an appointment with captain Sandon to meet me at the Britisli Coffee House at two o'clock on the same day ; previous to going to the Biiti.sh Coffee-house, I had tie honour of an interview with the Chancellor of the Exchequer : I was desired to repeat what I hud previously stilted to captain Sandon, the necessity of his preserving all the papers, and that he should confine himself strictly to the truth in his examination before this hon- ourable Htiuse. When I went to 'tie British Coti'ee House, there were seve- ral persons in the room, and 1 did not conceive that a proper place to talk up- on such a subject ; 1 begged him to ac- company me, as I was going tow:vds the city ; in going towards Temple-bar, he said, colonel, 1 am sorry that ' lu.ve have not complied with the whole of of your injunctions, for I have destroyed the note. I told him that he had done extremely wrong ; that it would be of c 342 serious consequence, and that It must be his own affair. I iiad no intercourse ■wlv.'.tever witli captain Sundon from that per.od till the day of his committment by this honourable Hoii&e ; he came to call upon me on the morning of that day ; I met mm after I left my lodging in Ox- ford-street ; he mentioned that he came to explain to me that he had not de- stroyed the note, but that he did not mean to produce it. I told him he would do extremely wrong', and that I could only repeat the injunctions 1 'had formerly given him, and that 1 did not mean to discuss the subject further. After some conversation as to regimen- tal business, we parted. Captain San- don stated, that the papers were his own, and that he thought he had a right to do whatever he thought proper with them. Did captain Sandon tell you why he did not mean to produce the papers ? — No, he did not assign any reason what- ever. In the first conversation you had with captain Sandon, or at a future conver- sation when he produced the note, did he say they had forgotten this ? — It is impossible for me to recollect at what period he mentioned to me that he did not confine his observations to the note ; but he said, he believed the party who brought forward the inquiry, were not aware that such papers were in his pos- session. In }our first conversation with cap- tain Sandon upon this subject, did cap- tain Sandon promise that he would pre- serve the note ; upon the second inter- view, did he not tell you that he had de- stroyed tlie note ; and upon a subsequent interview, did he not tell you that it was not destroyed ? — No, that is not the or- der of things. Captain Sundon promis- ed me that he would follow the whole of my injunctions ; I did not lay au) par- ticular stress upon that note, or any note, but told him to preserve all the papers, to speak the truth, and not to prevaricate ; it was a general injunc- tion, but nothing specific With re- spect to the note, that was the first con- versation ; the second conversation was of the same tendency ; it was at the third interview, after we left the Brit- ish Coffee House, he informed, me that he had destroyed the note. And upon the fourth, he informed yoti it was still in his possession ? — More than a week, probably a fortnight, had elapsed before he told me the note was in his possession, because it was oa the Satui'day after the interview with Mr. Adam, that I learned he had de- stroyed the note, and I expressed sur- prise that he had done so 1 did not see captain Sandon, except getting out of a gentleman's carriage, the day of his examination, w^hen 1 had not further conversation than my expressing, that I hoped he had not had any intercourse ei- ther with Mr. Lowten or the other party j but nothing passed further on the sub- ject of the papers till the morning of the day that he was committed. A fortnight after captain Sandon had said that he had destroyed tlie note, he informed you that he had not destroyed the note, which was on the day of his examination here ? — Exactly so. When you copied the note, was the note in an envelope ; was there any cov- er upon the note, and if so, did you ob- serve the hand-writing of the direction upon that cover ? — If my recollection is correct, I believe that it was not inclos- ed in a cover ; the direction was some- thing Farquhar, Esq, I believe George Farquhar, Esq. and the hand-writing appeared to me not to be the same with the contents of the note ; it was not written with that freedom and ease which the contents of the note were. What induced you to copy that note particularly ? — I was desired by Mr. Adam to do so. You have mentioned the very proper advice which you gave captain Sandon, to preserve carefully every paper, and not to prevaricate before this House, but to speak nothing but the truth ; were you induced to give that advice simply by a consideration of its general propriety, or in consequence of any thing that had passed with captain Sandon, which made you think that advice par- ticularly necessary? — 1 should state to the House, that 1 did not consider the advice that 1 gave to Capt. Sandon, merely as the advice from one individual to another ; 1 considered that captain Sandon came to consult me as his colonel, officially, on the line of conduct he should pursue ; I was not influenced byany other consider- ations but tho.se of duty, but I gave him that advice which I thought every man of honour, and every officer ought to follow. Then the committee is to understand, that nothing had been said by captain Sandon which raised in your mind a doubi whether captain Sandon might not prevaricate and keep back certain 343. papers !— No, not even an insinuation «n his part- Upon what day was it that captain Sanrlon informed you that he had not destroyed the paper, but had kept it back trom this House I — The day of his eommitment. What steps did you take in conse- quence of that conimiinication ' 1 thouglit it my duty to inform Mr Adam and Mr. Lowten of the circumstance, and Mr. Harrison. Did you inform those gentlemen of the ciVcumstance ? — I did. At what time on that day did you in- form those gentlemen of it, and in what maimer ? — It was probably about five o'clockj it was when Mr. Adam came to the House ; 1 met Mr. Harrison com- ing to the House, and I went up stairs to Mr. Lowten ; the communication was made in tlie course of half an liour to those gentlemen, and probably about five o'clock. Are you quite certain that I (Mr. Ad- amj was present at tlie time you made thirt communication? — Totlie other two gentlemen ? — No, 1 spoke to the three gentlemen separately. Are you quite certain you made that communication to me (Mr. Adum) ? — Upon my honour 1 cannot speak decid- edly ; I either did, or thought I did, or desired Mr. Harrison to mention it to Mr. Adam ; I did not attach any impor- tance to the circumstance at the mo- ment, and it has not attached itself so to my mind as to state it precisely, but if not, I certainly desired Mr. Harrison to mention it to you. From the time that I (Mr. Adam) conversed with you at the Horse Guards on Monday the 5th of February, have I not avoided all intercourse or communi cation with you upon the subject oi the proceedings on this inquiry ? — So much so, that Mr. Adam has avoided speaking to me upon matters that did not relate to it. Did you desire Mr. Harrison to com- mvmicate this intelligence to anyperson ? I have already stated that I desired him to mention it to Mr. Adam. QThe witness was directed to withdraw. (^Tlie witness was again called in.] You did not communicate what j'ou knew concerning this note to Mr. War- die ? — 1 have not had any intercourse, nor have I any knowledge whatever of Mr. Wardle. Why should you communicate it to one side and not to the other i — I have had tlie honour of knowing Mr. Adam some years, and 1 conceived 1 could not go to a more honourable man, nor to a man on whose judgment I had a greater I'eliance than on Mr. Adam's. You have stated, that you were indu- ced to take a copy of the note in ques- tion by tiie advice which had been given to you by Mr. Adam ; what induced you to make an application to Mr. Adam upon that subject ? — I do not recollect making any particular application as to the note ; I stated the affair generally to Mr Adam, without dwelling more upon the note than any other part of the transaction. Why was there floating in your mind any idea of the necessity of copv ingthis noie ? — It is not a Vc-ry easy matter at an interval of three weeks to state the ideas that might have occurred to my mind at that moment ; perhaps I attached more importance to that paper, because it was tlie only paper that was said to be the hand- writing of tlic Duke of York. You must have had some reasons for consulting withMr. Adam respectjngthis paper ; state what they were. — 1 can oltewno particular reasons : lean assign no otlier reasons than those I have had the honour already to oHer to the house : my opinion of his honour, integrity, and public character were such, that I thought 1 could not do a more proper act than to lay the matter before him. You have statt d, that previotis to go- ing to the Hritish colVee house, you had an interview with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, at wiiat period was that ? — After I*' returned to Mr. Adam, and communicated to him that 1 had seen the note, he said that the most advisa- ble measure was, for Mr. Perceval to be informed of the wl'ole circumstance ; that lie would give me a letter, and de- sired that I would immediately go to Downing-street, and communicate the whole to Mr. Perceval ; which I did im- mediately, the Saturday morning, the first morning I was in town. This was previous to your going the first time to the British coftec -house ?— Previous. Did you at any time tell Mr. Adam, or the Chancellor of the Exchequer, that the note was destrojed ; and if so, when ? — I never had the honour of hav- ing any communication, either person- SH ally or in writing, with the Chancellor of llic Exchequer, after the moining al- luded to. With respect to Mr. Adam, I really cannot uring' the thing- iiome to ni\ recollection, whether I spoke to hiin personally upon the subject, but I certainly took m«.-asures that he might be informed of it, by acquainting M.r. Lowien or Mr. Harrison : it is impossi- ble for me to say precisely how I made the commim'.cation ; it might have been personally, Tiien you never saw the Chancellor of the Exchequer, except prior to your going the firsi timetotlie British coffee- house ? — I have seen him accidentally, but had no kind of communication with him wiiavever ; 1 have not had any sort or kind of communication with the Chancellor of the Exchequer since the Saturday morning alluded to. What niduced you to seek a commu- nication with the Chancellor of the Ex- chequer on that occasion ? — I conveyed Mr Adam's letter to him, as I have previously stated : I was desired by Mr. Adam to communicate lo the Chancel- lor of ihe Exchequer all that 1 knew. Do you recollect having come from Croydon to the Horse-Guards on Sun- day noon, the 5th of February ? — 1 re- mained in town on the Saturday, and therefore 1 did not come from Croydon on the Svmday, but I was at the Horse - Guards on Sunday, the 5th of February, atone o'clock. Do you recollect having a very short conversation with me (Mr. Adam) at the Horse-Guards ? — I do remember a few words passed only. Do you remember on that o' ^asion, stating to me (Mi. Adam) thatV ptain Sandon had informed you, the day be- fore, that he had destroyed the note ? — I do. When did you first hear of the note in tjueslion ? — The note was stated to me by captain Sundon to be in his posses- sion, together with other papers, in our first conversation at Portsmouth. State the whole of what passed be- tween captain Sundon and you upon th.at occasion ? — I will not undertake io state accurately or verbatim v>-hat passed ; I will give the purport of the conversation to the House, to the best of my recollec- tion. Capt.un Sandon; after reporting his arrival from Plymouth, where he bad landed with hi,'; troop, said, undoubt- edly I had read the newspapers, and had seen his naipe mentioned as having had something to do with these tran%« actions ; tiiai he wished to consult me as his colonel, what was the line of con- duct he should pursue, and that to ena- ble me to judge of i lie matter, he would give me all the information he possess- ed ; and that when lie came to town h& w^ould allow me to look at all the papers that were in liis custody. He began by stating, that he met with a gentleman (he did not name him, nor had I any curiosity to know wlio he might be) who talked to him on military matters, and who asked him whether he knew ofhcers who might have money, but wepe without interest to get promotion ; h^ said imdoubtedly there might be such persons in tlie army, btit at that moment he could not give any names, but that he would make inquiry ; that he afterwards met with a Mr. Donovan, who had serv- ed in general Tarleion's Legion in the American war, and had been wounded there. Mr. Donovan had been Surgeon to the supplementary militia, of which regiment he had been iieutenant-colonel; that he understood Mr. Donovan was endeavouring to negotiate the sale of commissions, and was, in short, whati^ called an army broker, and that he con- sidered hiin a very likely person to be able to point out the description of per- sons I have before stated. That subse- quently to that he met with colonel French at the house of amajor Pool,whQ is since dead, and who lived in Sloane- street ; that upon asking colonel French his motives for coming to town, having come from the country, he said, that he had come tip to endeavour to do himself service in the way of recruiting the ar- ni}. Captain Sandon then related to him wliat I have previously stated, that a gentlem;.n had promised him very powerful support, and that they had con- certed the rneasiire of raising a levy j that he saw a gentleman, and the terms were agreed tipon. I do not recollect the specific gums, but I think 5001. was lo be paid upon tiie measure being ac- ceded to on the part of his Royal High- ness the Commander in Chief ; that this matter went on for some time, and that he had not tlie remo est idea through wiiat channel the acquiescence to the request had been granted ; that the ap- plication liad been ix-gular and official, and the answers were official. Some time after this he had an application made to him respecting the promotion of captain Tonyn. Captain Tonyn was s^ talod^e, I believe 500' guineas' on being appointed to a m-.jonty. C:tptuin Tou\ n had bctii k.- pi ill suspcnce some time, and was d-esTous to withdraw his secu- rity. 1 should have previously stated, that he had lodged a security for the puNment of that sum ; that upon his having made this overture to witlulr iw tins security, captain Sandon received a note, which is tlie note in question, to say, that tlni promotion should noi go on. That sometime after, upon Capt.Tonyn findiiig he was not likel}' to gain the majority, he I'equcsted thai the thing might go on, and that lie would consent to \.he security remaining where it was ; that he then received a second note, to say that the promotion would goon, and mentioning the day it would be gazett- ed, and then he stated to me that both notes were in his possession ; but it is necessary 1 should add, that captain Sand' Had you any reason to kftpwr^from,, •,Mr.s. Farquhar whether she was aTnar- ricd or a single woman, at the. tiriite slie lived with you ? — 1 considered her a single woman, and had no reason to sup- pose the cont rary. Had you any reason to know from her ' whether she had a ifnothcrliving at the ' time ? — I know she iiad a motlier living, because she left mv service alter she had been in my family a tvelve-month, for tlic space of tiuee momlis, to nurse her mother, who w..3 reported to be very ill. Had you any means of knowing where her mother lived at the time Mrs. Farquhar was in }our family ? — I know it Was somewhere about Tavis- tock place i but where 1 did not ascer- tain. From whom did you learn that ? — From Elizabeth Farquhar herself That she lived near ravistockplace ? —Somewhere in tint neighborhood. Have yoti seen Mis. Farquhar lately I — I saw her last mght. What occasion had you for seeingher last night I — .She called upon me, and requested particularly to see me ; and tile moiivc of her visit was, that she felt herself extremely ashamed, and much hurt, that she had mentioned my name in the manner that she had done ; and further to say, that she did not know how to appear belore this honourable House this evening, because you would not give her any credit for what she might state hereafter. I would further add, that she observed it was from mo- tives of delicacy siie withheld my name and my place of residence, and being taken by surpi^ise. Delicacy to whom ? —Delicacy to my family. Did she say it was out of delicacy to your family she mentioned you to be a carpenter ? — She stated, that she felt particularly ashamed that she had stated what she had velative to my profession. Did you learn from her that she knew you had been summoned to be a witness at this House ? — She knew it from read- ing the paper yesterday. . Did she inform you that she knew it ? —Yes, she did. What did your family consist of at the time you went to the sea-side ? — At that time' my family consisted of three child- ren. Was your wife alive ? — Yes. She went with you J — Yes, she ygnt Avith me. ' ' "' .' ^ Were you ever present lat any of tlie visits you described to have happened between Mrs. Clarke and Mrs. Farqu- har ? — Never. • How then does it happen that 'you know that great familiarity passed be- tween them ?— Though I have not been present in the room with them, I have sss seen them meet togetl^er at my door, and the \ haveiuldrcssed each other with great familiarity. Have you seen that Mrs. Clarke late- ly ? — This evening in the lobby, but not to speak to her. That is the same Mrs. Clarke who used to visit this Mis Farquhar ? — Tlie very same- Has Mrs Farquhar been in your fam- ily at any period since tliat time ; — Not since she left my service in the month of May 1802. In wliat situation in your family did Mrs Farquhar live ? — As nursery -maid. Have }()U seen Mrs. Farquhar here ? — I saw her pass tln-ougli the lobby this evening ; but not to speak to lier. ([Mrs. Favery was called in. Mr. Ellis- — This is Mrs. Farquhar. Mrs. FAVERY was examined by the Committee, as follows : Is that the Mr. Ellis whom you repre- sented as a carpenter the other night ? — Yes, it is ; I had no other motive in dis- guising Mr Ellis than my respect for the family, to bring a gentleman from the pulpit to the bar. What is your name ? — My name is Favery. How long- have you been called b||the name of Favery ? — Always. Have you not been called by any other name ? — 1 took her name by Mrs. Clarke's permission ; I asked her if I might, and she said yes, 1 miglit take that name if I pleased . that 1 might get more resjiect sliewn me. When was that ? — Some years ago. How long ago ? — Ten years ago ; it is j!>,between six and seven years ago since I lived with Mr Ellis. « How'hmg liave you been acquainted with Mrs. Clarke ?— Ever since she was married. How long is that ? — It is twelve or thirteen yeai-s ago ; 1 cannot exactly say. Were you in Mrs. Clarke's service when you desiiecl you might take her name ? — Yes, I was. And that yoit might gain mor^ res- pect, she told you to take her family- name when you were living in her ser- vice ? — Yes. Had you ever taken that name before ? —No. ^ What name did you go by before ? — i;fAl"ways my own name. What was that name ? — Favery. How long is it that you have droppdtt the name of Farquhar, and taken to the more ordinary name of Favery \ — I am not obliged to answer those questions i I did not come here on that account. [The chairman directed the witness to answer the question. How long is it that you have dropped the ni,me of Farquhar, and taken to the more ordinary name of Favery ? — I might take it if I pleased ; I was not forced to take Mrs. Clarke's name ; she told me I might if I pleased, and I did it. When did you drop the name of Far- quhar, and take again the name of Fa- veiy ? — When I went back to Qlouces- ter-pl:;ce. Was that that you might have more respect from the name of Favery, or out of delicacy to Mrs Clai'ke's family ? — More to Mrs. Clarke's family than to' myself. I think you just told me, that in Mr,5. Clarke's family it was, that for the sake of huving more respect you dropped the name of Favery, and took the name of Farquiiar ? — That was to go to Mr. El- lis' ; it was when I went there ; and when I went back to Mrs. Clarke, I told you my name was Favery. Was it not to disguise from the fami- ly of Mrs. Clarke that yoin- name wns Farquhar, that you took the name of Favery ? — No, I had no cause to disgidse myself in any point whatever ; I ha%e never done any thing that I was asliam- ed or afraid of ; I hadno cause to disguise myself in any point whatever. Where does your father live ? — In his grave. Where did he live ? — In Scotland. What name did he go by ? — Favery.- Has your mother married since yout father died ? — My mother is dead. How long is it since she is dead? — Some years ago. How many years ago ? — I cannot re- collect such questions as that put to me. Did your motiier die before your fath- er ? — No, my father died first, and my mother afterwards. > Were you come to England before your mother died ? — Yes. Were yoti in Mr. Ellis' service before she died ? — Noi Did you ever go to see your mother when you were in Mr. Ellis' sei'vice ?— - No, I did not. Did you continue in Mi'. Ellis' s>" ■- 35B vice fi'Om the first time you went into it tilllhe last time you quitted it, without interfuption ? — I went away from Mr. Ellis' ; Mrs. Clarke came for nie in a coach, with hersister,anddesire4me to come to her child, which was ill, Miss Mary Ann ; I went up to Hamp^tead to her ; 1 said to Mr. Ellis that I wished to go away. He said, for what reason ? — I said my mother was ill, and I wish- ed to leave ; that was not so ; but I did- not wish to offend Mr. Ellis ; and 1 went to Mrs. Clarke again, and staid with her some time, and then went back to Mr. Ellis'. And you told Mr. Ellis when you went back, you had been nursing your sick mother ? — Yes. Who was it you used to visit near Tavistock-place, when you were with Mr. Ellis ? — I never visited any body there while I was with Mr. Ellis ; 1 did not know Tavistock place at the rime. Who was it you tised to represent to Mr.Ellis as your mother, that you want- ed to go and see when you wanted to go out ? — Mrs. Clarke and her children, and no one else ; and if she was here, she would represent the same. Yoti represented that as a visit to your mother ? — Yes, because I did not wish to tell him I was going there. You told liim your mother's name was Mrs Farquhar '—1 did not tell him, be- cause he never asked me. Where did Mrs. Clarke live at that time r — At Hampstead. Not in Tavistock-place? — No, she did not ; and I did not knowTavistock place at that tinic. Did you use to tell Mr.Ellis you were going to H.impstead ? — Only once, and he gave me leave to go. Where did you use to tell him you were going to ? - I never told him any where ; he never pui those qiiestionsto me ; it was not above once a month, or «nce in six weeks that I did go out. Did yi-iu ever live with Mrs Clarke in Tavistock-place ? -I lived with her mother, and she lived ther;e too some time after that. Are you any relation of Mrs. Clarke's ? — That is not a question to put to me upon the business. [jThe chairman directed the witness to attend to the questions, and to answer them in a manner becoming the dig- nity of tlic Committee. Are you any relation of Mrs.Clarke's ? —No, I am not a reialion to her. What objection had you to answer that question i — Because I think there is no reason to put me such questions an that, that are not upon the business I was brought here upon. Did j'ou never tell any body that you were a relation of Mrs. Clarke's ? — No, I do not think that 1 ever did. Can you have any doubt of that r — Yes j I can. How came you to doubt about it ? — I lived with Mrs. Clarke, to be sure ; I ki'ow what you want fo bring forward, and I will bring t forward mxself; I suppose about my being married to Mr. Walmcsley. If you have any thing to bring forward about Mr. Walmesley, 1 shall be very glad to hear it. — I was married to this man, and I married in the name of Far- quhar ; he was a married man, and I W')uld not live with him ; he h.ad a wife before me, and I never cohabited with him when I k'-ew of it. How came you to marry him in the name of Farquhar ? — I spoke to Mrs. Clarke upon it, and said, I am going to be married ; she said, to whom ? — I said, to a coal-merchant ; which I thought he was at the time, but 1 was deceived ; she iaid, I would not have him ; I said, I will, and I was married to him. I married in the name of Farquhar. How came you to marry in the name of Farquhar ' — Because I had left Mrs. Clarke ; she had not any money to give me, and she said if I could get anything upon credit, 1 might take it in her moth- er's name, and so I did ; and I took bills in the name of Mrs. Farquhar, and Mrs. Farquhar paid them. Win iwvas this ? — Three years ago ; I left Mrs. Clarke at the time. It was upon that occasion Mrs. Clarke permitted you to take the name of Far- quhar ?— No, before that she permitted me, I assure you. Then you went by the name of Far- quhar before you married ? — Yes, I did. How long did you live with your hus- bantl ? — Four months ; no longer. Did you never represent to your hus- band that vou were related to Mrs. Clavkt ?— No, I never did. That you are positive of ? — Yes, I never did, indeed, do thai, bt cause he asked me several times, and I told him. 3$r no, though I went by tliat name I was not relaUfd to Mrs. Clarke. How came tl)e real Mrs. Farquliar to pay so many bills for you which you drew in her name ?— -Because I lived with her daughter, and she g^ave me no money ; I never had above 101 of her in my life ; I liad onl\ l(Jl. of her all the time she lived with his Royal Highness in that house. Did Mrs. Clarke never pay you more than 101. for all your services ? — No ; once, she gave me 51. but never more than 151. altogether during the time she lived with his Royal Higlmess. But before the time she lived with his Royal Higlmess ? — Yes, then Ihavebeen paid very well, but I did not live always with Mrs. Clarke. You are not Mrs. Farquhar's daugh- ter ? — No, 1 positively am not Mrs. Far- quhar's daughter. Are you not Mrs. Farquhar's husband's daughter by a former wife ? — I cannot answer you that question, but I am not the present Mrs. Farquhar's daughter, I can assure you. Cannot you answer that question ? — No, I cannot, indeed. Why cannot yon answer it ?— Suppos- ing I did not know "my mother nor my father ; I cannot answer to that ; I can- not tell what they did with me when I was young ; I cannot answer such a question as that, it is impossible. How old were you when your father died ?•--! am sure I cannot tell you ; I do not know my own age now. Were you an infant when your father died ?— I believe I was ; I did not know my own fitther. Nor your mother ? — I do not know that I knew my mother. Which died first?— I believe my father died first, as far as I have heard ; I can- not say to it. Did you know your mother ?--! did not know my mother. Did your father marry again ?--I can- not answer to that question ; I do not know. Do yon mean to say you do not know whether your father married ^gain I — No, I cannot answer that question. Did you ever hear Mrs. Farquhar say that you were the dauglUer of her htis- b.and by a former wife ?— No, I never did. But you will not jstate that you were not the daughter of Mrs. Farquhar's hus- band by a former wife i---I cannot say 4§ any thing abotit it, but I can say I am not this .Mrs. Faiquhar's dauglitei" ; that 1 can answer to. Did you know .that Mr. Walmesley was summoned to be a witness at this bar to-night ?---No, I did not know it. You had not heard so ?— No, 1 have not been told so. Have yon not seen it in the paper ?— Indeed I have not seen the paper to-day, nor yesterday neither. Did you happen to know that Mr. Ellis was summoned as a witness ?— Yes. How did you know that ?--I went to beg his pardon ; 1 did not wish to bring him into it all, because I thought it was quite unnecessary to bring him in. Did you know that Mr. Ellis was sum- moned to be a witness at this bar ?— Yes, I knew that he was summoned to be here. Do you mean that you did know, or that you did not know ?-- I did know, because I went to Mr. Ellis last night. Did you know before you went to him last night ?--I was told that he was in the paper, and I said I was vei*y sorry that he should be put into the paper oil ray account. Wlio told you so ?--My mistress. Mrs. Clarke told you so ?— Yes, I had no motive whatever for disguising Mr. Ellis, but only his family. Had you told Mrs. Clarke you had represented Mr. Ellis to be a carpenter ? — -1 told Iver last night. Not till last night !— Yes. Are you quite sure you did not tell Mrs. Clarke before last night ? — I told her I had so represented Mr. Ellis ; she said, why did you do it ? I said I did not wish to bring him forward in the House. If you had represented him to be a clergyman, and represented your story truly, how would that have brouglit him forward ? — I had no motive whatever for it, but to screen Mr. Ellis. Do you mean to say, that the wish to so'een any person is a sufficient reason with you for representing the fact dif- ferent than the truth ? — That was my motive, and no other, to keep Mr. Ellis out of the paper. Do you mean to say, that the wish to screen any person is a sufficient reason with \ou for representing the fact diHier- ent than the truth ? — Yes, 'hat was it ; I wished to screen Mr. Ellis in every point. Do vou recollect how often Mrs. 358 Clarke called upon you while you were livinij vvllh Mr. blllis ? — I believe once, and her sislcr Miss Isabel Faj-quhar. Only once ? — No. Arc you sure of that ? — Once Miss Ta\lor called upon me, and Mr. John Clarki's wife ; 1 never haU any body but twice there. Never any body called upon you but thesi- four persons ? — No, I do not re- colli. ct any body else calling upon me. Did Miss Taylor call upon you alone ? —No, there was Mr. John Clarke's wife with her. VV.IS that the Miss Taylor who has bcei^ liere ? — Yes. Did she come upon a visit to you ? — No, she only called to see me, and to tell me Mrs. Chirke wanted to see me as soon as possible ; I told her I could not come oni. Did you know Miss Taylor before she called upon yon ? — O. yes. How long have you known her ?— Nine or ten years ; she lived at Bays- water, and they had a Iiouse in Orniond- street. Do you recollect Mrs. Clarke's ever Hvinj^- with a person by the name of Og- ilw ? — Not to my knowledge, shs never did. Did you know such a person ? — I have seen him ; a lusty gentleman ; 1 have seen him in Tavistock-place,two or three times. Had you any character given you when vou went to live with Mr. Ellis ? —Yes." I had. B\ whom w'as the character given ? — Mrs. Clarke or her sister ; 1 do not know which gave it. Under what name was that character given ?--In the name of Farquhar. Was the person whom yon represent- ed as Mr. Ellis, that \ou lived with as a carpenter, the person whom you also re- presented as keeping a linen draper's shop at the other end of the town .' — I never represented such a thing. Did you represent tiiat Mr. Ellis to keep a shop ? — Yes. Then is that statement that yovi made wholh untrue, and a fabrication of your own ? — It is qnite untrue that he was a car penter, he was a gentleman ; but I did not wish, as I have before said, to bring him forward j it was a fabrication of tny own doing, on purpose that I would not brio!:; him forward. Was it a f.ihrication as to the state- ment that be kept a shop I — He never kept a shop, to my knowledge ; he Is a gentleman, as I have told you before. Do you now recollect in what street he lived ? — I did not know last night when I went there ; I was two or three hours finding the place out ; though I h.ad a coach to Cheapside, I could not find it out when the coach put me down ; I never was at Mr. Ellis' since 1 left him till now. How long in truth did you live with Mrs. idlis ? — I believe, as near as lean say, two years ; I lived with him twice. During the time you lived with Mr. Ellis, did he change his residence ? — No, never. You are quite sure of that ? — Yes, I am quite sure of that, because I found him where 1 left him. Were you sent with tlie children ta Brighton, or to the sea-side, by your- self ? — No, 1 went with Mr. and Mrs. ElUs there : I went to Hampstead by myself with the children, when they had the measles, by Mr. and Mi-s. Ellis' or- ders ; but I did not mention that before ; I never thought of it. You have said, that your father lived in Scotland ; in what part of Scotland ? — I do not know in what part he lived. You have stated, that you did not wish Mr. Ellis to know where you were going when you went to Mrs. Clarke's ; what was your reason for wishing thai ? — I had no motive, only people do not like to have their children taken about ; not that I suppose Mr. Ellis had any reason to suppose I should do any thing with his children, or any thing tliat would hurt them. Can you recollect where you were married ? — Yes. Where ? — At Woolwich church. By the name of Farquhar ? — Yes, It is three years ago. Have you any relations in town ? — I do not know that I have any relations, or any acquaintance ; hardly two ; I keep no com])any, I hardly see any one. [The w itness was directed to withdraw. CHARLES GREENWOOD,Esq. was called in, and a copy of letter being- shewn to him, he was examined as follows. Is tliat in your hand-writing ? — Yes, it is. Do vou know what that paper is ? — Yes, I do. State to the committee what it is ? — It is a copy of a letter written to Mris 350 Clarke, after the Duke had separated from Iier. Written by whom ? — By the Duke of York. Did you take this copy from the orig- inal letter so sent ?---! did. You perfectly recollect that this is a correct copy of the contents of the letter so sent ?- -1 conclude it was, 1 believe it is a correct copy ; I do not recoUett comparing it with the original after- wards. You copied this, in your own hand- writing, from the Duke's letter .'-Yes, I did. (]The latter was read ] " You must recollect the occasion " which obliged me, above seven months *' ago to employ my Solicitor in a suit " with which I was then threatened on " your account ; the result of tjiose in- " quiries first gave me reason to form an " unfavourable opinion of your conduct ; " you cannot thertfore accuse me of " rashly or hastily decid.ng- against you : " but after tiie proofs which have at last *• been brought forw^ard lo me, imd " which it is impossible for you to co:i- " trovert, I owe it to my own character " and situation to abide by the resolu- " tion which I have taken, and from " which it is impossible for me to re- " cede. An interview bet ween us must " be a painful task to both, and can be " of no possible advantage to you ;— I *' therefoi'e must decline it. " May, 1806." " Copy of a note supposed to have been " written by the D " Do you recollect the date of that let- ter ?— Indeed I do not. You have stated that it was after the separation, how long afterwards ?— Im- mediately. Is that docket at the back of it, your hand- writing .'---No, it is not. Was this letter written at the period of the separation, to announce the sepa- ration, or subsequent ?— It was upon the separation, immediately after ; I believe his Royal Highness never saw her af- terwards. Had he been in the habit of seeing her up to the time when this letter was written ?---I really do not know that, I rather think that within three or four days he had seen her. At whose desii'e was the copy of that letter taken ?— At his Royal Highness' desire. Has it been in your possession ever since ?-- I have never seen ittill to-night, I believe, from the time I took the copy. Do you know in whose possession it has bei n ?--] really do not. To whom did you give it afterhaving taken a copy of it ?-- I left it with the Duke of York. \_A letter sent by Mrs Clarke siixe she left the Ilmise, 6eii:g shewn to the wit- ness'] Do you believe tiiat. to be the Duke of York's I sand -writing ?--I be- lievf it IS. Will you look at the address of that, do yon know that hand-writing ? -No, 1 do not at all. [ The luitiiess looked at another tetter"] Wliose hand writing is th.at ?-• I think this s 'he same band-writ'Ug as the- last. [^Another letter being shewn to the wit- ness] Do you believe that to be the Duke of York's hand-wriling ? — I be- lieve it is. \_Anotuer letter being shewn to the ivit' ness] D* yon believe that to be the Duke of York's hand writing ? — I think that is the same lumd- writing. Do you know geuer.tl Clavering's hand-writing ! — No, I do not. [Tlie following letters were read :] " Without being informed to what '• amount you may wish for assistance, " it IS impossible tin- me to say how far " it is in my power to be of use to you. " Friday morning." Addressed : " Mrs. Clarke, " No. 9, Old Burlington. street." " If it could be of the least advantage "to either of us, I should not hesitate *' in comphing with \onr wisii to see " me ; but as a meeting must, I should " think, be painful to both of us, nnder " the present circumstances, I must dc- " cline it. Addressed : " Mrs. Clarke, " No. 18, Gloucester-place, " Porlman-square." October 21, 1806. " It is totally out of my power to be " able to give you the assist.ince which " you seem to expect. "Oct. 21, 1806. SE. A 24 806 \ Addressed ; " Mrs. Clarke, Southampton. " 1 I 4 " I enter fully into your sentiments " concerning' your children, but cannot *' undertake what I am not sure of per- " forming. " With regard to Weybridge, 1 think " that you had better remove your fur- *' niture, and then c/irec? the person who " was employed to take the Mouse, to give " it up again. Addressed : " Mrs. Clarke, " No. 18, Gloucester-place, " Portman-square." CTo Mr.GreetmoodJ Were you in the frequent liablt of copying his Royal Highness' letters ? — No. Did his Royal Highness give you any particular reason for wishing you to copy this letter ?— I think I was with the Duke of Yo)-k at the time he wrote tliat letter, and as he generally copies letters that he does write himself, that I tnider- took to copy it, to save liim the trouble. [The witness withdrew. CHARLES TAYLOR, Esq. a member of the House, attending in his place, was examined by the committee, as follows : Do you believe that to be Gen. Clav- cring's hand-writing ? — Yes, I do. Are you acquainted with his hand- writing ? — Yes, 1 am. Did you ever see general Chivering write \ — How could I possibly assert I knew his hand- writing, if I had not. [The letter was read, dated the 8th of February, 1808. *• Limmer's Hotel, Conduit-street, " 8th Feb. 6 P. M. *f My dear Mrs. C , " 1 have just heard that you had it *• in contemplation to subpoena me be- *' fore the House of Commons ; the re- " port, \ hope, is unfounded ; at all *' events, I a-m partiaUarly to beg, that " you will take every care that w?j/ ?iame " even be in no shape whatever, or on ** an SI account, brought before the Ho'use " of Commons, as being a family man, *' the world would be inclined to attri- '' bote motives to our acquaintance, ■?' v/hich, tliough not existing, all the 56? " arguments in the universe would not " persuade them to the contrary. " With great regard, " Truly your's, " H. M. Claverino." " In haste, 6 P. M, •' Mrs. Clarke, " Westbourn -place, Sloane-street.'^ Mr. THOMAS LOWTEN was called in. Examined by the Com,mtttee. You are a Solicitor ?— I am an Attor- ney at Law and Solicitor. Do you remember being employed by Mr. Adam in the year 1805 to make any inquiries relatingto Mrs. Clarke ?— I do. The first application to me upon that subject was from his Royal High- ness tlie Duke of York in the month of Octobei',1805, io consequence of a letter which had been written to him. I had the honour to see his Royal Highness, and he communicated tome the business in which he wished me to be employed, and I acted professionally and confiden- tially for him upon that occasion. In the course of such inquiries did you receive, any, and what proofs that Mrs. Clarke had made use of his Royal Highness the Duke of York's name to raise itioney ?"-I cannot say that I did, in any inquiries that I made, discover that she had made use of the Duke of York's name to raise money. It appear- ed to me, that, in consequence of the protection she had from the Duke of Yoi k, and tlie way she lived, many per- sons were induced to trust her further than I think they would have done, if it had not been for tliat protection. In the course of tliat inquiry did any pecuniary transaction turn out, in which Mrs. Clarke was concerned, that in your opinion injured in any degree the cliar- actcr of his Royal Highness the Duke of York !---My inquiries upon that occasion were not directed to the purpose of knowing what transactions she had with respect to money concerns ; they were of a nature wliich regarded Mrs.Clarke's husband and her family rather than the mode in which she acquired money. Do 1 understand you to say, ytniwere not directed by Mr. Adam to investigate the circumstance of any pecuniary trans- action in which the use of the Duke of York's name had been made ?— I do not particularly recollect that Mr. Adam ever 361 liirected me to inquire particularly as to any transaction in wliicli the Di.k^' of York's name was made use of with re- spect 10 money ; he had communication upon that subject wivh a gentleman who ■was more at liberty to go about than I was, which was Mr. Wilkinson. Do younot recollect Mr. Adam stating tO}Ou, tiiat he considered the conduct of Mrs. Clarke had been very incori-ect in pecuniary transactions, in the use of the Duke of York's name '--I do not recollect it. Uoyou recollect stating upon paper the resvdt of your investigation of the inquiries to his Royal Highness the Duke of York ?---In the beginning of the month of May, 1806, having acquir- ed as mucli evidence as appeared to me to be necessary for the purpose of satis- fying the Duke of York on the subjects on which I was employed, those several matters which did so come to my knowl- edge were reduced to writing, and I do not know whether through Mr. Adam or some other person were communicat- ed to his Royal Highness the Duke of York. When you had finished the ex.amina- tion, did you communicate the resut of it with the proofs to his Royal Higliness the Duke of York ? — 1 put them into a train, and they went to iiis Royal Higli- ness. I did not deliver them myself ; I knew from his Royal Highness that he had them. To whom did you deliver them to be conveyed to his Royal Highness ! — As to the hand, whether I delivered them myself, or any clerk, or any servant, I cannot tell. Were they conveyed by yo\irself or any other confidential person i — 1 really do not recollect. Are you sure that the result, and the documents upon which the result was founded, were communicated to his Roy- al Highness ? — 1 have got in my pocket the thing that 1 ommunicated to his Royal Highness ; 1 communicated all such things as appeared to me xo be ne- cessary and proper. Are you sure that the result, and the documents upon which that res'tilt was founded, were communicated to his Royal Highness .' — I believe they were. Do you recollect, that with those pa- pers there were any documents to prove, that any money was i-aiscd in the Duke of York's name, by Mrs. Clarke ? — I think there were not, but the paper wiU speak for itself. [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was again called in.] Do you know the Reverend William Williams ? — I know very little of him ; I remember him some years ago being about the Court of King's Bench, and very troublesome to Mr. William Jones, the marshal. Have you seen nothing of him lately ? — I never saw him till that night he was before this House, for seven or eight years. You did not see theReverend William Williams lately, before he was examined at this House ? — 1 saw him about seven o'clock that evening. Was that previous to his examination before the committee ?— Ii was. Was no application made to you by Mr Williams, or by you to Mr. Wil- liams, befoi-e that ? — I had no application from Mr. Williams, nor did I make any to Mr. Williams, nor did I see Mr. Wil- liams, except about three minutes in the lobby about seven o'clock, before he was examined. Had you any i-eason for thinking Mr. Williams insane ? — I was induced to think very inditierenily of him, as to iiis character and sanity , seven or eiglit years ago, on his calling upon me ; I wrote to my friend Mr. Jones, the marshal, and in answer I received a letter from him saying. Have nothing to do with Mr. Williams, for he is mad. Do you recollect sending any person to Mr. Nicholl's at Hampstead, some days ago ? — I do. Who was that person ? — It was Mr. Thomas Wright, who lives upon Haver- stock Hill, near Hampstead. What was the object of sending Mr. Wright to Mr. NichoUs upon that occa- sion ?— I sent Mr Wright to find out wliere Mr. NichoUs lived, as I was told he was removed from Hampstead to a farm ; and Mr. Wright being- a resident at Hampstead, I thought him most like- ly to find out where it was he lived. Why did you wish to find out where he lived ? — I had received intimation by a letter, that Mr. NichoUs could give material evidence as to the matter of in- quiry before this honourable House. What description of evidence ? — It v/as respecting Mrs. Clarke and Mi". Dowler living at his house in the vcars 180r and 1808, 162 Did you wish to inquire after any let- ters that were supposed to be in the pos- session of Mr. Nicholls :— I did not wish to inquire, for I knew nothing of any letters that were in his possession till he osime to be examined before this honor- ble House. In the representation you made,of the result of the inquiries into the conduct of Mrs. Clarke, was any part of it tliat she had raised money under the real or •fictitious patronage of military promo- tion ? — It did not occur to me in my in- quiry, tliat any such transaction had taken place ; it was not part of my in- quiry ; I never believed one word upon that subject. Have you had an interview with gen- eral Clavering during the course of this inquiry ? — On the day that general Clav- ering was first examined he called upon me in the Temple. Did he call upon you previous to his examination ? — He did. What passed in that conversation ? — 1 will state as nearly as I can : general Clavering when he came to me said, that he had seen the statement made by Mrs. Clarke, in which his name had been mentioned ; that he could contra- dict th.at statement very materially ; he gave me his account of the contradic- tion, of which I made a memorandum in writing ; after that, to my surprise, when I came down here, general Clav- ering came to where I was at Alice's coffee house with a letter ready written, addressed to his Majesty's Attorney General, in which he made use of my name I thought improperly ; and I de- sired that my name might not be intro duced ; but that if he had any thing to communicate to the Attorney General, he would write it in his own name. Did you advise general Clavering to write a letter to the Attorney Gener.al, or any other member of this House ? — I did not advise him in any other way tJian I have just now stated. What advice did you give to general Clavering ? — Not to make use of my name in any letter he might write to tiie Attorney Gcjieral. That is negative advice ; what posi- tive advice did you give him ? — I did not give him any advice to offer himself to be examined ; but that, if he could give any contradiction to Mrs. Clarke's evidence, I thought it would be materi- al he shoidd be examined. Did you advise him to offer himself to be examined, if his evidence could ma- terially contradict Mrs. Clarke's ? — I did not advise him to offer himself volunta- rily to be examined. Did you give him any advice, as the result of your conversation with him ? — I really thought general Clavering com- petent to advise himself upon the sub- ject ; I did not give him any advice fur- tlier than common conversation, to say if you will be examined send in your let- ter ; I was not consulted by him by way of advice. What was the occasion of his coming to communicate with you ? — I really do not know : he said, when he came in, tliat he had a statement to m;'kc that would contradict Mrs Clai-ke's state- ment ; and I think he said, that he had seen colonel Gordon, and that he had desired him to call upon me. Did you understand that he came to j'ou, in conseq\ience of the desire of col- onel Gordon ? — I believe parth from the desire of colonel Gordon, and partly from a wish of his own, to contradict the statement made by Mrs. Clarke ; so I understood it. Did he ask you whut would be the best course for him to pursue, after his conversation with you ? — He did not. Did he say that he would write any letter to tlie Attorney General, or any other member of Parliament ? — He did not. At the time he left you, did you sup- pose he was about to offer himself as a voluntary witness before this committee? — When he left me in the Temple I did not suppose or expect any such a thing ; when lie quitted me at Alice's coffee- house I did expect it. Did you pur any questions to him to know what any evidence he could com- municate to this committee might be i I did ; I asked general Clavering sever- al questions as to his knowledge of Mrs. Clarke ; how long he had known her, where he had seen her last, and other questions, which occurred to me as pro- per for the investigation of the business in which I was engrfged. Did you ask him any question, wheth- er he had offered Mrs. Claike any money for promotion, or for raising a regiment, to be prociu'ed through her influence with the Duke of York ? — I did not ; I should have thought it most imperti- nent, as I could not conceive a general oilicer cotild be guilty of any such con- duct. 363 Did he communicate any such infor- mation to yoi ? — Certainly not. Did you question liim gcnei-ally witli reg'ard to liis communication and inter- course and acquaintance with Mrs. Clarki ? — 1 did ; and it appeared to me, from the paper which lie produced, that Mrs. Clarke was making use of him for the purpose of getting some person pro- moted from one reginient to another ; and it appeared thai a letter dated in the Temple, and apparently signed by a Mr Sumner, contained a recommenda- tion of that person so wished to be pro- moted, and wiio he stated to me, Mrs. Clarke had represented as a relation of an honourable member of this House, and which letter he was to transmit to the Duke of York, in order to obtain that promotion. Did you ask him, wliether he had maintained any corresponilence with Mrs. Clarke upon the subjects of milita- ry promotion, or matters connected therewith ' — I did not ; and I knew of no other instance than the one 1 have just mentioned. Did he give you to understand, that he had cnmmunicated to you ftilly all that passed between him and Mrs. Clarke upon the subject of military promotion, or matters connected therewith ? — He did not say any thing to me upon that question, furtlier than I have stated to the committee. Did he inform you tiiat he had shewn a letter, addressed to the Attorney Gen- eral, to any other person before he shew- ed it to you .' — 1 do not recollect that he did ; there were two other persons pre- sent when he shewed it to me. Are you sure tliat you advised him to omit your name out of that letter ? — I am. Are you sure that he omitted it in consequence of your representation to him ? — He destroyed the first letter, and he wrote another, and read it to me, without my name being- inserted in it. Did you make any observation upon the second letter ? — I cannot say that I did ; I do not recollect that I did. In liie conversation that you have stated to have passed bet ween' general Claverlng and you, did the words, '• If you will be examined, you had better send a letter," pass at Alice's cofiee- house, or in the j)revioiis interview with general Clavering ? — I said, if you will be examined, you had better send a let- ter ; that was at Alice's cofice -house. Did you advise general Clavering to call upon Mi . Ogilvie, or any other per- sons, touching the inquiry respecting Mrs. Clarke ? — General Claverlng men- tioned the name of Mr Ogilvie to me, as being the person who first introduced him to Mrs. Clarke, and said he could get this information from Mr. Ogilvie ; and it is possible I might say, then you had better see Mr Ogilvie. Did general Claverlng give you any account afterwards of having seen Mr, Ogilvie ? — I think he did, btit I will not be positive ; Hlo not recollect any thing that he said. You have mentioned, that before Mr. NichoUs came to the House of Commons to be exaiiilned,you were not aware that he was in possession of any letters ; did you see those letters before Mr. NichoUs came to the bar of the House with them ? — I did see four bundles ofletters in the possession of Mr. NichoUs. Did you examine those bundles ? — I believe 1 turned over many of the let- ters, but I did not read any one of them. Were they examined in the presence of Mr. NichoUs or any other person ? — The examination that 1 had was in the pres- ence of Mr. NichoUs, and did not last five minutes ; other persons were pres- ent ; Mr. NichoUs' wife was present ; I returned all the letters as I received them from him. Did you know of any sums of money paid by his Royal Highness to Mrs. Clarke during her residence in Glouces- ter-place ! — I did not. Have you with you the paper on which you wrote the result of your conversa- tion with general Claverlng ? — I have not. Have you in your recollection the contents of that paper, so as to enable you to state it to the House ? — I believe that paper, which was the rough copy of a paper which I wrote in the Tem- ple, was sent into the House with his letter. ■ Did you recommend general Claver- lng to send in that examination ; was it inclosed in the letter, or how was it sent? — It was given, I believe, to general Claverlng open, without being inclosed In any etter. Was it in your hand-writing, or gen- eral Claverlng's — la mine. Was It inclosed in ihe same cover as general Clavering's letter ? — Certainly not. 364 \ What do you mean by sayin,^ that it was st-nl in wiih the letter ? — I believe I gave it to general Clavering in the cof- fee -liouse. Who were present when you turned over those letters of Mr. NichoUs' ? — Mr. Nicliolls, Mrs. NichoUs, and Mr. Wright. Nobody else ? — Nobody else. [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was again called in. 3 Have you any, and what reason to be- lieve that Mrs. Clarke ever raised any money on tlie credit of his Royal Hig-h- ness the Duke of York ? — I do "oi kr,ow that Mrs. Clarke ever raised any money on the credit of the Duke of York; that she might get a great deal of credit with tradesmen for goods supplied to her in consequence of living in the way in which she did In consequence of the inquiries which you made, did you find that Mrs. Clarke had ever raised any money upon the cre- dit of the Duke of York ? — I cannot say expressly that ever I did find it in any other way than I have before stated, that she got into debt to various tradesmen to a considerable amount, who were in- duced to irusi her in consequence of her connexion with the Duke of York. T^ook at the sul)pa:na inclosed in the letter wlilch you have ; wliat is the name of the cause in which that sub- poena was ? — Turner against Mary Ann Clarke. Do yoti know from your situation as clerk of Nisi Prius m Middlesex, whe- ther that cause was entered for trial in Middlesex ? — I recollect perfectly that it was entered for trial, and it stood for trial, I believe, upon the 12th of May, 1806, jt'.st before the cause was to be tried, it was withdrawn. State howyou receivedthatletterwith the subpccna inclosed. I cannot posi- tively recollect ; I rather believe Mr. Adam communicated it to me ; or what other gentleman wlio had comnuuiica- t.ion with the Duke of York did so, I really do not know! I..ook at the signature of that letter, and merely read the name at the bottom of it. — The name appearing at the bot- tom of tliis letter is Henry Turner. Are you acquainted with him ? — Just as I am acquainted with many other persons in town ; I do not know that over 1 spoke to him Inni} life. Do you know what he is ? — I believe a pawnbroker, in Prifices'-sti^etjLeicte*- ter-fields. Do you know the hand-writing ? — I do not. How do you know that it is his hand- writing ? — 1 believe it to be the hand, writing of Henry Turner, who I know was' living in John-street, Golden- square. Do you know thai Mr. Henry Tur- ner, wiio lives near Golden -square, is the Mr. Henry Tui'ner who signed that letter ? — I do not. During the connexion between the Duke of York and Mrs Clarke, did you ever know that Mrs. Clarke raised mo- ney upon the credit of the Duke of York's name ?— I do not. [The witness was directed to withdraw. JOHN WILKINSON, Esq. wag called in. Examined by the CoTnmittee. In what capacity do you live with Mr. Lowten ? — I do not live with Mr. Low- ten. In what capacity are you ever em- ployed by Mr. Lowten ? — I am very fre- quently employed by Mr Lowten in the transaction of various businesses that arise in his office. Do you recollect being employed by Mr. Lowten ui the year 1805, to make any inquiries relating to Mrs. Clarke 2 — ■ I was. [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was again called in.] In the course of such inquiries, liave you any proof that you can give to this House, of any money transactions in wiiich Mrs. Clarke made useoftheDuke of York's name ? — I really do not know what this House would consider as proof; it came to my know edge in the month of May, that the Duke of York had re- ceived notice that he was to be subpccna'd in an action brought against Mi s. Clarke for money due to u man of the name of Turner ; Mr. Turner's attorney, Mr. Bachelor, called upon me, and informed me he was going to serve the Duke of York with a subpoena, and read me a letter, which he said he had advised his client to send with llie sub])oena ; but I had no proof that the money was due from Mrs. Clarke. Do yovi know of any instance in which Mrs. Clarke made use of the Duke qf Yoi'k's name to raise money ? — I do not, of my own knowledge. [The witness was directed to withdraw. 365 Mi3s MARY ANN TAYLOR was called in. Examined by the Committee. In your former examination have you not said, that you were very intimate with Mrs. Clarke, and frequently visited at Gloucester-place ? — Yes. When the Duke of York was present at those visits, was there any body in company besides, at any time, that you can recollect ? — None, except the ser- vants, ever. Upon those occasions, did the conver- sation in your presence appear free and unrestrained ? — Yes, quite so. Do you recollect, at any time when you were present, any conversation tak- ing" place between Mrs. Clarke and his Royal Highness the Duke of York, rela- tive to military promotions ?— Nothing, except that time about colonel French. Recollect, whether at that conversa- tion relative to colonel French, you were perfectly sure there was nobody present but Mrs.Clai'ke, yourself, and his Roy- al Highness the Duke of York. — Yes, I am very certain of it. Are you sure that the words that were used by Mrs. Clarke, on the occasion of the Duke of York's referring to her upon the conduct of colonel French to- wards her, were, that his behaviour was middling, but not very well \ — Yes. YoM are sure those were the words I— Those were the words. Did you at any time afterwards have any conversation with Mrs. Clarke rela- tive to the observation of the D'ike of York upon colonel French's business ? — Not till within these three weeks or a month. What was the conversation you had at that time ? — She asked me, if I recol- lected the Duke of York mentioning colonel French's name in my pi-es- ence. Did any thing else pass upon that oc- casion ? — I immediately recollected the circumstance, and told her. Did Mrs. Clarke make any reply to that observation, and what .' — ^I do not recollect what she said. Do you at all recollect any further conversation that passed at the time, when the Duke of York made that ob- s<;rvation relative to colonel French's levy, besides what you have already giv- en in evidence ? — No, nothing at all up- on that subject. Do you recollect, at any time, Mrs. Clarke's stating in your presence to the 47 Duke of York, any wish in favour of ar^ application for mill' ary promotion ? — Never. Do you recollect, at any time, Mrs. Clarke applying to tlie Duke of York in your presence for money ? — No. Did any conversation at any time takrt place in your liearing between his Royal Highness the Duke of York and Mrs. Clarke, with respect to the pecuniary difficulties under which she laboured ?-- • No, never. Do you recollect that Mrs. Clarke n'er stated to his Royal Highness the Diike of York, that colonel French luul broken any pecuniary promise he had made l.er ? —No, I do not rt collect it. Do you now know Mrs. Hovenden ? — What is meant by now ? How long is it since vfui have ceased being acquainted with Mrs. Hovenden t — More than two years. Can you assign anv reason for not being acquainted with Mrs. Ho. enden a«. present ?- I did not retiurn the ast vi.sit she made me, I suppose that is the reason. Can you inf(^rm the committee w'lerc Mrs Hovenden lived at th;it \mc ] — In South Molton. street, I think, Oxford- street. Do you recollect at what number ? — No. 1 cannot recollect the numbor. Do you recollect how long she lived in South Molton-Street ? — I never knew. How long had yo ' known iier icfore she lived in South Moltun-street ? — She was there when firs. I saw her. How long was youi-ucquuintance with her ? — Not above seven or eight m^ice it passed ; do you mean to state that ?— N^, I do not think I ever did mention it. Then it was to Mrs. Clarke ? — Yes, it was How long ago is it since you heard the expression respecting colonel French ? — I do not say it was during Mrs. Clarke's residence in Gloucester-place. About how long ? — I cannot say. Was it a year, or two years ago ? — More than two years a^p Wa."? it four years ^gi) i— No, I do ntit S66 ({link that it was quite so much, though I cannot say. Was it the winter or the summer ? — That 1 cannot recollect. Cannot you recollect at all what part of the year it was in ? — No. Nor 'Ahat year it was in ? — No. You have totally forgotten how long ago it was, or what part of the year it was in ? — Yes, I have quite forgotten it. Was there any circtimstance at the time passing which induced you to take particular notice, or to bear in ^our re- collection the expression ? — The chief circumstance was, that I never saw col- onel French, though I had heard his name, wh'ch made me curious when I heard his name, respecting him. No other circumstance but the one you have mentioned ' — No other. After an interval of four years, you re- collect a particular expression, witliout any intervening circumstance ever hav- ing happened to call it to your reinem- brance ? — O, yes, I have tliought of it since, though I have not mentioned it. You had never mentioned it to any body before you mentioned it to Mrs. Clarke, three weeks ago ? — 1 believe not. What brought it into your thoughts so now and then ? — The curiosity that I mentioned before, respecting a man that 1 was not allowed to see. Can you recollect what passed with Mrs Clarke three weeks ago, upon the occasion of this conversation respecting colonel French ? — No, nothing. Not one expression or circumstance that passed three weeks ago with Mrs. Clarke ? — No, I do not recollect any. Is your memory so defective as to have forgotten all that passed in the conversa- tion three weeks ago with Mrs. Clarke ? — That is very possible, for it did not interest me at all. Where was it that Mrs. Clarke brought to your recollection or inquired about Coi. French ? — At her house in West- bourne -place. Was it at that time proposed to bring the subject forward in an inquiry? —I do not know about that. Was any body present when thispass- ed between IwtrSl Clarke and you ? — I believe not. Have you forgotten that too ? — Yes. Cannot you now recollect any one feet or circumstance that passed three ■W' tks ;,go wji'l^ Mis .plarke, or even wlio was presei^'? — 1 do not think any body was present, and 1 ddnol recollect any fact or circumstance How came Mrs Clarke to be making any inquiry about this ?--! did not ask her that. ^ Do you mean to state you df) not know^ upon what occasion the conversation be- tween Mrs. Clarke and yourself arose f I^The witness was directed to ■vyithdraw. [The witness was again called in, and the question was proposed. 3 I suppose someihmg relating to this business ; I did not think of it at the time. Did not Mrs. Clarke inform you at the time wh} she was making this in- quiry ? — 1 do not recollect that she did. Will you positively say that she did not ? — No, 1 will not. because I am not sure Had any body been in your presence! with- Mrs. Clarke prior to the inquiry, asking questions upon the same subject? — No, I believe not. Cannot you remember that ? — I can- not remember it, if it was the case. Cannot you remember, whether three weeks ago any body had, in your pres- ence, been inquiring of Mrs. Clarke on the subject of military promotions by the Duke of York, or any thing which, is now the subject of inquiry ? — They did not inquire in my presence. When vou were here before, you stat- ed that your father and mother were liv- ing, and of the name of Tavlor ?— Yes, I did. Is that true ? - Yes. Does not your father go by the name of Chance I— He never told me that he did. [The witness was directed to withdraw. [The witness was again called m."] Did your father ever go by the name of Chance ?— He never told me that he did. Do you mean to state that you never heard any body call him by the name of Chance ? — No, I do not think that I ever did. Have you a doubt about it ? — None, I believe. Then do you mean to state that he has always passed by the name of Taylor I —To the best of my knowledge. Recollect yourself, whether you mean to persevere in that, that throughout thfe whole lime you have known your father, you never knew him called by any othelr 3^ name than the name of Taylor ?— Never througliout the whole time I have known him. Do I understand you to say, that dur- ing all the time you have known him, you never yourself, or in your presence, heard any body call him by the nume of Cliauce ? — No, never. Do you know Mrs. Favcry ? — As far as she was a servant to M;s. Clarke. How long have you known her ? — Nearly as long as I have known Mrs. Clarke. ^ How long is that ? — Some eight or ivine vears, I suppose. Did Mrs. Favery, all the time you have known her, go by the name of Fa- very, or by any other, and what name ? — When first 1 knew Mrs. Clarke, she went by the name of Martha, b\it I did not know her surname. Do you mean thai Mrs. Favery went by ihe name of Martha ? — Yes. Did you never hear Mrs. Favery goby any other name than that of Favery, or Martha ?--I do not recollect that I did. Dia you visit Mrs. Favery when she lived with Mr. Ellis ? — 1 called upon her once ; not as a visitor. Whom did you inquire for at Mr. El- lis' ? — It was Mrs. Clarke's sister went with me : I was not the inquirer. Did you not hear Mrs. Clarke's sister inquire for her as Mrs. Favery, or by some other name ? — I believe Mrs. Fa- very opened the door. How long wei-e you together ? — I can- not say. \ By what name did you or your com- panion address that woman ? — By the name of Martha. An4,nt''oth^rname ? — No other name. Do you mean to state (recollect your- self before you answer that question) that that person never went by the name of Farquhar ? — Never to my knowledge. You have known her nine years ? — Yes, about that time. And in no part of that time did she ever §^0 by the name of Farquhar ? — I never heard her called by that name. Were you well acquainted with her while she lived with Mr. Ellis ? — Yes, she had lived with Mrs. Clarke, pre- vious to that. You had known her when she lived with Mrs. Clarke, previous to her liv- ing with Mr. Ellis ? — Yes. Do not you remember, that when she went to live with Mr. Ellis, she took the name of Farquhar ? — I never heard that circumstance. Do you mean to say, that she continu- ed to go by the name either of Martha or Favery, after she quitted Mrs.Clarke, and went to live with Mr. Ellis ? — I never knew her by any other name. Do you remember Mrs. Favery being married ? — There was some talk of it in the house, but it was scaicely believed. D'd you know any of the relations of Mrs. Favery ? — Not one. You never saw her husband, or the person to wliom there was a talk of her being married ?--No, never. You never saw a person of the name of Walmesley ! — No, 1 never saw him. Do you recollect your father's fat her ? — No, he was dead many years before I was born. What was his name ? — I do not know what his name was ; I never talked to" any body about him. Might not your father, from distress, to avoid his creditors, have taken the name of Chance, or any other name, without your knowledge .'—Then hovr should 1 know it. Have you had a niece of Mrs. Hoven- den's under your care at any time I — Yes, more than two years ago ; she staid with me only a few weeks on a visit. Is jour f.ther now alive ' — Yes, he is. Do you know whether your mother has been in custody for debt, within a short time ?— I cannot answer that. Do you not know that jour mot'ner has been in execution for debt ? — My mother has nothing to do with the pres- ent subject. [Tile chairman informed the witness she must answer the question.] Do you not know that your niotlier has been in execution for debt ? — I must appeal to the indtitgence of the chair" man ; I cunnot answer it. £ I'he chairman infjimed the witness that, in his opinion, she must answer the question.] Do you know that your mother has been in custody for debt ? — Yes. How long ? — Nearly two years. [The witness was directed to withdraw. Mr. DEDERICK SMITH was called in, and examined by the committee, as follows : What are you ?— A brazier and tin- man. Do you know Miss Mary AnnTayUr, •f China-row, Cbftlsea ?— Yes. 368" How long have you known her ? — I cannot exaciij say, but 1 iluiikaboul fif- teen years ; I am not certain exactly to the time. Do you know her mother ? — Yes, I do. How long may you have known her mother ? — About the same time. Do yon know her father ? — Yes, I do. Do >ou know wliat his name is J — His name is Thomas Chance. Do you know his profession ? — His profession was formerly a stock- broker, but he failed, I believe. Did he ever do any business for you in that profession ? — Yes, lie has. ' Did you ever make a purchase of land oChim ? — Yes, 1 did. In what name did he convey it ?— In the name of Ghante. Did he ever tell you he had a wife J— His wife was Mrs. Taylor, she passed as his wife Didhe ever tell you that he had anoth- er wife ? — No, he never told me so. Did you ever apply for him at the stock exchange under the name of Tay- lor ? — Yes, 1 have. Could you find him by tliat name ? — No.. . : Under what name did you find him ? —The name of Thomas Chance. How long has he ceased to be a bro- ker ? — To the best of my knowledge, two years ; but I will not be certain. Did he do business publicly at the stock exchange every day as Thomas Change ?— Yes, he did. Was he known by any other name than thart, of Cliance ?— He was not. Did you ever see him with his dangbter, Mary Ann Taylor ? — Yes, I have. . , Did he go by the name of Chance at that time ? — No, he went by the name Of'I'Uv'lor. W hat was your reason for inquiring for liim by the name of Taylor, at the 8t<>Gk exchange ?-^Because at that time I (lid not know but what his name was Taylor. ■ K= :!-^^wv ■• '"^ ^^yVgWy ^^.MW>'! 'y^^: ;^^'yy#l wU^"- 'W\i. ,w- -WUM _WV^^w^ '^-w-^?S^^ ...P^MF" ■^^?*ffiaj^s^' ^W^uv''^^^ wu^ "--^%, .'^ . i WJ!W** ^^^^y^¥g^y^y^\^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 020 690 966 3 ill' "^m Wmm ^ vv .«*»-. ?' 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