them of his future constant sincerity and unabated affection, but further take his word when he likewise promises them that his gratitude and faithful remembrance of the Wenlock Loyal Volunteers shall never cease but with the last period of his worldly existence. “WILLEY, 12th Jan., 1803.” Soon after the first corps of volunteers was disbanded, the Squire was entertaining his guests with the toast— “God save the king, and bless the land In plenty, song, and peace; And grant henceforth that foul debates ’Twixt noblemen may cease—” when he received a letter from London, stating that at an audience given to Cornwallis, the First Consul was very gracious; that he inquired after the health of the king, and “spoke of the British nation in terms of great respect, intimating that as long as they remained friends there would be no interruption to the peace of Europe.” One of the guests added— “And that I think’s a reason fair to drink and fill again.” It was clear to all, however, who looked beneath the surface, that the peace was a hollow truce, and that good grounds existed for timidity, if not for fear, respecting a descent upon our shores: “Sometimes the vulgar see and judge aright.” Month by month, week by week, clouds were gathering upon a sky which the Peace of Amiens failed to clear. The First Consul declared against English commerce, and preparations on a gigantic scale were being made by the construction of vessels on the opposite shores of the Channel for invasion.