LONDON: Printed by T. Burton, No. 31, Little Queen-freet, for the Proprietors of Dodfley's Annual Regifter, .OTRIDGE AND SON, R. FAULDER; J. CUTHELL; OGILVY AND SON; r8co. PREFACE. E VEN in the hiftory of the prefent war, fo novel in both its origin and conduct, the year 1796 is particularly interesting to every fubject of the British einpire. The spirit of innovation, imported into this country, from France, became ftrong, rampant, and daring. The eftablished order of affairs was loudly threatened. Outrage, in a quarter that ought to be held the most facred from violence, was actually begun: multitudes of men appeared ready to precipitate themselves into anarchy and rebellion. In fuch circumftances, the British government deemed it neceffary to take ftrong measures of prevention. On the conduct of adminiftration the nation was divided, according as they were, more or lefs, forcibly ftruck with the dangers to be apprehended from popular encroachments on the one hand, or those of the executive VOL. XXXVIII, government A |