the discussion of external matters, it might produce a virulence of debate, exceedingly embarrassing and disagreeable. In this, and in whatever else it may become my duty to submit, I must flatter myself, that a candid construction will be put upon my zeal for his Majesty's service, and my wish to preserve the tranquillity of this kingdom, at a crisis when the difficulties of Irish government hourly multiply. I shall detain your Lordship no longer, than to request that I may be honoured with his Majesty's instructions as soon as may be convenient, as this Parliament is to sit for the dispatch of business on the 12th of next month; and it will be necessary to communicate the Speech, as intended to be delivered, to the confidential servants of the crown, and the principal friends to Government; and to give copies of it to the Addressers in both Houses some days before the Meeting. I have the honour to be, &c. THE LORD LIEUTENANT TO LORD NORTH. MY LORD, Dublin Castle, September 16, 1779. I have the honour of inclosing herewith to your Lordship, a copy of a draught of a Speech which I have prepared for the opening of the ensuing Session of the Parliament of this kingdom, together with a copy of a letter which I have written upon that subject to Lord Weymouth, and have the honour to be, &c. BUCKINGHAM. LORD WEYMOUTH TO THE LORD LIEUTENANT. MY LORD, St. James's, September 24, 1779. I have laid before the King your Excellency's letter of the 16th instant, together with the draught of a Speech which you propose for the opening of the next Session of the Irish Parliament. This paper has, by his Majesty's command, been taken into consideration by his Majesty's confidential servants, who are unanimous in their approbation of it, and think your Excellency has treated the several points with proper caution. His Majesty has approved of their opinion, and I have not in command any alterations to propose, or additions to make, to the draught you transmitted to me. Your Excellency, certainly, judges very properly in not introducing any matter into the draught which does not immediately relate to the internal concerns of the kingdom of Ireland. And I cannot doubt that your Excellency will use every proper means in your power, that the various and important concerns that are likely to be the subject of debate in the ensuing Session, should be discussed with proper regard to the mutual advantage of both countries. I am, &c. WEYMOUTH. 383 CHAPTER XVII. Critical state of Ireland.—Mr. Grattan and his friends concert measures for her relief.-Meeting for that purpose.-Mr. Daly's illness.-Two addresses prepared.—Mr. Daly's approved and moved in the House by Mr. Grattan.-Agreed to with alterations.-The Government taken by surprise. Opening of Mr. Grattan's career. — — Parliamentary anecdotes of Flood, Burgh, Pery, and Grattan.-Subsequent proceedings. The Lord Chancellor and Lord Annaly.—The Lord Lieutenant to Lord Weymouth on the recent events.-The same to the same. Imprudence of Government.-Non-controul of the English legislature over Ireland.-Volunteer question.-Reply of the King.Commanding attitude of the volunteers.-Rejoicing of the people.Demonstrations of revolt.-Scott and Yelverton.-Address to the Lord Lieutenant.-Taxes refused.-Brilliant speech of Mr. Burgh and its consequences.-His retirement from office and death.-Character of the Lord Chief Baron Burgh. THE affairs of Ireland being reduced to such a critical state, as appears from the events before narrated, and the letters just disclosed, Mr. Burgh, Mr. Daly, and Mr. Grattan determined to exert every means for the relief of the country, and make still greater efforts to assist her trade and her manufactures. They accordingly agreed to press the question at the approaching Session of Parliament, which was fixed for the 12th Octo ber. They appointed to meet at Bray, a small town on the sea-coast, about ten miles from Dublin, and there to make the necessary arrangements. As they were sitting on the sea-shore, forming their plans, Mr. Daly was suddenly attacked by illness, and was obliged to leave the conference, so that the plan of proceeding was left to Mr. Grattan and Mr. Burgh. Mr. Grattan had drawn up an address, and Mr. Daly another. Mr. Grattan's address contained more matter, and was more in detail, more eloquently and elaborately prepared; Mr. Daly's was shorter, and less oratoric. The latter had `been shown to Mr. Pery, who had made some alterations on it. Mr. Grattan at once recognised the hand-writing, which to him was a great recommendation, and accordingly he gave a ready acquiescence, and adopted it in preference to his own. They then arranged to get some young member of family and consequence to support it, in order to attach him to their party, and Lord Westport was selected for the occasion. Meantime Government was not idle or inactive; they had resorted to various stratagems to prevent any effort from being made in favour of the people, and in order to secure unanimity to their address, which in truth meant nothing further than was generally to be found in the ordinary and evasive phraseology of court rhetoric. Accordingly, when the Parliament assembled, and as Mr. Grattan was going into the House, he met Mr. Yelverton, who told him that the Government were to propose a good address; that it alluded somewhat to the question of trade, and would not meet with his opposition or that of his friends. Mr. Grattan replied that he had an amendment, and that he would not yield; that the address gave them words and nothing more, and he would persevere in pressing his amendment to it. The Ponsonbys and the rest of the party agreed in opinion with Mr. Yelverton. But Mr. Grattan went on and proposed the amendment, which was seconded by Lord Westport;— Mr. Bushe and Mr. Forbes spoke in its favour ; and Mr. Burgh said he approved of the principle. Mr. Grattan immediately asked Mr. Burgh whether he spoke on the part of the Government. He answered, he spoke his own sentiments, and those of an influential body, whom he represented (the College), and that if the commencement was somewhat altered, he would vote for it. He added, that he held a place under Government, but that he owed a duty to his country, and that he would always support her. Mr. Conolly, brother-in-law to the Lord Lieutenant, and who professed to represent the country party in the House, and took usually the lead of the country gentlemen, then stated that if the preamble was omitted he would support it also. Mr. Burton Conyngham, who aspired to the same post that C C |