with sorrow and indignation, as it was the commencement of an all-important era in national affairs. The king beheld the critical state of the empire with much sorrow and disquietude. The extravagant and imprudent conduct of his sons also acted as a canker upon his heart. In vain did he endeavour to represent to them, that to be worthy of holding their rank in such a great nation, they ought to lay aside the follies which had so long been practised by them; and as earnestly, yet as vainly, did he press them to retire from the society of voluptuous acquaintances, with whom he too well knew they were so deeply involved, in various ways. At this period of our history, we are grieved to record the tyrannical acts of government, in apprehending a number of persons on the charge of _treason_. Some of our readers will, doubtless, recollect the glorious acquittal of Hardy, Tooke, and Thelwall; but there were others, less fortunate. We would rather have been Claudius or Caligula, Nero, Tiberius, or the _Christian_, blood-stained Constantine, than the man who, in cold blood, could deliberately sign a warrant against those patriotic martyrs, MUIR, SKIRVING, MARGAROT, PALMER, and GERALD, whose only _crime_ consisted in having _SUPPORTED MR. PITT'S OWN ORIGINAL SYSTEM OF REFORM_! Our readers, at this distance of time, will reflect with amazement and indignation, that on the 8th of February, 1794, the four first-named citizens, without a moment's previous notice, were surprised in their beds by the Newgate ruffians, chained and handcuffed like the vilest felons, and thus conveyed to Woolwich, where they were sent on board a transport ready to receive them. A few hours afterwards, the vessel dropped down the river; but, during the short interval it remained at Woolwich, all communication was cut off between them and their friends! Even the wife of Margarot was denied admission to him! Such were the positive orders of that illiberal and corrupt minister,--Mr. Henry Dundas. Let us hope that the day is for ever past when men can be thus treated for merely giving vent to their complaints and sufferings. It is the prerogative of affliction to complain, more sacred and natural than any titles or immunities which _privileged_ persons enjoy! And whenever _force_ is employed against _argument and reason_, though the contest may be unequal, depend upon it that the cause of _TRUTH_ will _ULTIMATELY PREVAIL_! At this period, the Prince of Wales was involved in more than SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS, beside bonds and bills, signed by him, to a very enormous amount; and, finding himself unable to procure any further sums, he applied to the queen for assistance in this extremity. Her majesty referred him to his father, and pressed him to yield to any advice which the king might suggest, or any plan he might recommend.