punished as such?"Certainly:-But if, in the best regulated states, it be found impracticable to prevent man from frequently asserting a claim to the vindication of his own real or supposed wrongs, it then becomes a question of expediency as to the most preferable mode by which he may be enabled to obtain this end. Boxing may not unjustly be considered as the most eligible means of offence and defence. It is properly ranked among those athletic exercises, which, at the same time that they impart address and strength to the body, inspire courage and fortitude in the mind. It may indeed lead bad hearts and bad heads into acts of presumption and petty tyranny; but this propensity to an improper exertion of skill and courage would be checked, in proportion as men were more equally possessed of the means of defence or aggression. They would learn to respect the skill and bravery of each other, and consequently be less prone to undue resentment and quarrels. The government that would attempt, with a despotic and severe authority, to control the exertions of self-confidence, and a moderate exercise of just resentment, could only expect to rule over a nation of timid and revengeful slaves. The open and ingenuous expression of manly indignation might be repressed; but the rancorous feelings of malignant revenge would be fostered and encouraged. But no state can, with any prospect

of success, attempt such an absoJute dominion over the passions of men. And if it did, "it must (according to the observation of a spirited author) in order to act consistently, prohibit the use of knives, hatchets, and even pokers; for any of these, upon a sudden emergency, might impart a fearful power to the enraged and the feeble." -If we consider the practice of other Countries, where boxing is unknown, wę shall find, that the modes of resenting injuries, resorted to by the common people, are full of danger and ferocity. In Italy, the stiletto is not only the weapon of the hired assassin, but is also kept ready in the bosom of the respectable citizen, to be plunged into the heart of his friend or neighbour, upon any sudden provocation from anger, or motive of revenge.-When the passions are

*

In an authentic publication of the life of the late Pope, it is affirmed, that upwards of 1000 persons annually fall victims in Rome to the stiletto; either by the hands of the hired assassin, or in private quarrels. Dr. Moore reckons the number of murders in Naples, by the dagger, at not less than 400 annually.

under greater restraint, from the influence of laws, of climate, and of custom, such dreadful consequences do not ensue from the quarrels of the populace. * Yet even in France, and most parts of Germany, the quarrels of the people are determined by a brutal appeal to force, directed in any manner, however perilous, to the annoyance or destruction of an adversary. Sticks, stones, and every dangerous kind of weapon, are resorted to for the gratification of passion or revenge. But the most common and savage method of settling quarrels upon the conti nent is the adoption of the Pancratium. The parties close, and struggle to throw each other down; at the same time the teeth and nails are not unemployed. In short, they tear each other like wild beasts, and never desist from the conflict till their strength is completely exhausted; and thus, regardless of any established laws of honour which teach forbearance to a prostrate foe, their cruelty is only terminated by their inability to inflict more mischief. And yet supers cial observers, and especially all foreigners who have written concerning our customs and manners, loudly brand the English character with savage rudeness and brutality, because they have seen men terminate their quarrels by an appeal to boxing; in which the parties are not permitted to take an unfair advantage of each other, but when one is disposed to yield, the combat immediately closes, and the conqueror and the vanquished

*The mode of fighting in Holland, among the seamen and others, is well known by the appellation of Snicker-Snee. In this contest sharp knives are used; and the parties frequently maim, and sometimes, destroy each other. The government deems it necessary to tolerate this savage practice. Certain fines are imposed if wounds be inflicted on dangerous parts of the body, but a very trifling, and indeed seldom any punishment ensues, provided the general rules of the combat have been adhered to.

In Virginia and the other southern states of America, the most savage acts of barbarity are committed, in the quarrels of the people. Gouching; or thrusting out the eye from the socket, is one of the means resorted to upon almost every personal dispute. An intelligent traveller, Mr. Weld, declares, that at Richmond in Virginia, it was nothing uncommon to meet with persons deprived of one or both eyes from this horrid practice.— He mentions another mode to disable an antagonist, so detestably barbarous, as to excite incredulity, if the account had not been сайт roborated by other writers.

are often seen to give and receive a hearty shake of the hand, in token of mutual goodwill and forgiveness. In no instance does the manly, spirited, and generous character of Britons, rise to a higher pitch, than in this alacrity almost universally shewn by the most ignorant and lowest order of the people, to terminate their personal contests, in a kindly and honourable manner. The mind indeed is thus relieved at once from the brooding mischief of malice and revenge. For, when the idea of self-consequence has been maintained, in courageously supporting the contest, man is better satisfied with himself and others, and consequently more likely to dismiss his ill-will and resentments. In order to foster manly fortitude and vigour, and to prevent the mischiefs arising from the irregular and brutal exertions of strength and ferocity, would it not be advisable to encourage the art of boxing with mufflers, as a subordinate branch of the gymnastic exercises?It is a singular though striking fact, that in those parts of the kingdom where the generous and manly system of pugilism is least practised, and where, for the most part, all personal disputes are de cided by the exertion of savage strength and ferocity, a fondness for barbarous and bloody sports is found to prevail. In some parts of Lancashire bull-baiting and manslaying are common practices. The knowledge of pugilism as an art is, in these places, neither understood nor practised. There is no established rule of honour to save the weak from the strong, but every man's life is at the mercy of his successful antagonist. The object of each combatant in these disgraceful contests, is, to throw each other prostrate on the ground, and then with hands and feet, teeth and nails, to inflict,' at random, every possible degree of injury and torment. This is not an exag

*A disgusting instance of this ferocious mode of deciding quarrels, was not long since brought forward at the Manchester sessions. It appeared in evidence, that two persons, upon some trifling dispute, at a public house, agreed to lock themselves up in a room with the landlord and " fight it out" according to the Bolton method. This contest lasted a long time, and was only terminated by the loss of the greatest part of the nose and a part of an ear, belonging to one of the parties, which were actually bitten off by the other, during the fight. The The sufferer exhibited at the trial, part of the ear so torn off; and when asked by the counsel, what had become of that part of his nose which was missing- he replied-with per

pre

gerated statement of the barbarism still vailing in many parts of this kingdom. The county assizes for Lancashire afford too many convincing proofs of the increasing mischiefs arising from these savage and disgraceful combats.The judges, on these occasions, have frequently declared in the most solemn and impressive charges to the grand jury, that the number of persons indicted for murder, or manslaughter, in consequence of the bestial mode of fighting practised in this county, far exceeded that of the whole northernt circuit; and that, in future, they were determined to punish with the utmost rigour of the law, offenders of this description. But, alas! these just denunciations have little availed. Is it not then highly probable, that the evil which the severity of the law has been unable to correct, might be gradually and effectually abolished, or at least greatly mitigated, by the encou ragement of a more manly, and less dangerous mode of terminating the quarrels of the populace? In the southern parts of this kingdom very rarely (and then chiefly in pitched battles for gain) is there any danger to life or limb from the practice of fair boxing. If then in the public schools and large manufactories of Lancashire, where immense numbers of boys are under the entire control of their masters and employers, some pains were taken to introduce the manly system of boxing, and the laws of honour, by which it is regulated, there can scarcely be room to doubt, but that the life of man would be more respected, barbarous propensities subdued, and the present che racter of the country rescued from the stig ma of savage rudeness. It has been asserted, by those qualified to judge, that since the late diffusion of the knowledge of the pugilistic art by itinerant practitioners among the northern inhabitants of this kingdom, the mere exertions of brutal strength and ferocity have somewhat fallen into disuse, both as exercises of pastime, as well as means of offence and defence. In order, therefore, to abolish all traces of the savage mode of con

fect naiveté." That he believed his antagonist had swallowed it!!" It has happened to the writer of these remarks to witness, in more than one instance, the picking up in the streets, lacerated portions of ears and fingers, after these detestable and savage broils. Surely either our laws or manners might interfere in suppressing such deeds of savage barbarity!

† At one assizes, no less than nine persons were convicted of manslaughter, origi nating from these disgraceful encounters.

test which has been so fully described, would it not be adviseable to hold forth prizes at wakes and public amusements, (where the populace assemble chiefly for the purpose of diversion and pastime) for the encouragement of those, who excelled in sparring with mufflers? This trial of skill, force, and agility (which was at first the practice of the antients) would contribute, under due regulations, to invigorate the body and animate the courage; and effectually abolish the present dangerous and inhuman method of deciding personal contests.

AUSTRIA AND FRANCE.

[The following article has been circulated on the Continent, as comprehending the principal complaints alleged by the Court of Vienna against the government of France.] -The occupation of Hanover, of the Papal States, and of the Kingdom of Naples, as well as the Helvetian Republic, contrary to the treaties of Ratisbon and Luneville; the incorporation of Piedmont with the French Empire; the invasion of the German Empire by the seizure of the Duke d'Enghien on the territory of the Elector of Baden; the seizure of several islands on the Rhine, which, according to the Treaty of Ratisbon, belonged to the German Empire; the demand, or rather threat, to occupy all the sea ports in Dalmatia, and in the ci-devant Venetian States, during the present war; the demand or menace to occupy the capital of the Kingdom of Naples, all its forts and seaports; the occupation of all the sea-ports of the Kingdom of Etruria; the incorporation of Parma and Placenza with France, contrary to the secret articles of the treaty of Luneville; the imperious demands to the Courts of Vienna and Naples to exclude all British and Russian ships from their respective harbours; the late imperious demand to occupy the sea-ports in the Island of Sicily; the creation of a new kingdom in Italy, contrary to the secret articles of the treaty of Luneville;

the incorporation of Genoa

with the French Empire, contrary to the secret articles of the treaty of Luneville; the evasive and insolent answer given to the representations of Count Cobentzel, Ambassador from the Emperor of Germany; and the insulting language held by the Chief of the French government to all the representations of his Majesty the Emperor of Ger- many and Austria.

FOREIGN OFFICIAL PAPER, NAVAL ACTION.Letter from Vice-Admiral Villeneuve to the Minister of Marine and Colonies, dated, on Loard the Bu

centaure, in the Road of Vigo, July 29,

1805.

MONSEIGNEUR, -I gave you an account of the rencontre I had on the 22d with an English squadron composed, as I believe, of 15 sail of the line. I had the honour of informing you at the same time of the manœuvres I practised to retain the advantage of the wind, and to disconcert the project of the enemy for placing my rear between two fires. The fog, with which we were enveloped during the action, prevented me from giving such orders as might be necessary; but after an action of three hours, I had every reason to think that I had the advantage of the action, when upon the fog clearing up, I missed two of the Spanish ships. I at first flattered myself that they had got into some Spanish port, but as I have not since heard of them, and as one of them was dismasted, I think it possible they may have fallen into the power of the enemy. It was in vain that on the 23d and 24th, I endeavoured to force the English admiral to renew the action; he constantly avoided it. On the 26th, having lost sight of him, I steered for Ferrol, to unite under my flag his Catholic Majesty's squadron, commanded by Lieut. General Grandileana. For two days I contended against a fresh N. E, wind and a heavy sea, which impeded my course so much that I determined to anchor in Vigo, in order to disembark the wounded, and some of the soldiers who were ill; and also to take in water, which the Achilles and the Algesiras in particular stood in need of, not having remained long enough in the Antilles to take any in. In the action of the 22d, we engaged at a considerable distance, and I send you a list of the killed and wounded, which is very inconsiderable. Your excellency may be assured that I shall remain but a short time in this road, and that as soon as I have taken in water, I shall go in search of the English squadron, without, however, neglecting the mission with which I am charged. As the English admiral who engaged me has certainly three of his vessels rendered unfit to keep the sea, I do not think he can have more than twelve with him. I cannot praise too highly the skill and the noble conduct of Admiral Gravina. All the Spanish vessels fought with the utmost bravery; but I am still at a loss to comprehend. how it was that we lost the two ships that are missing. Nevertheless, your excellency will perceive, that the two disabled vessels might fall into the enemy's line, without its being in my power to secure them. I beg you will assure the Emperor that I did my utmost to attack the enemy again; that I

1

obstinately pursued them, and that they constantly declined the action. I cannot too highly praise my captains and crews. have the honour to be, &c.-VILLENEUVE. [Then follows an account of the killed and wounded, amounting to 55 killed and 116 wounded.]

Vice-Admiral Villeneuve to the Ministry of

Marine. Vigo, July 31, 1805.

I am now under way. I leave here two Spanish ships, and the French ship l'Atlas.

These vessels have not suffered much in the action, but they sail badly, and I consider them as rather likely to delay the squadron. than to reinforce it. I have disembarked here my sick. The length of the voyage, and the bad weather, has caused a sickness amongst the troops. But those who have nothing but the scurvy are in no danger, and will soon be restored by air and fresh provi sions. I shall set out with 15 ships, of which two are Spanish, and if we have any affair on our voyage to Ferrol with the squadron which we have already fought, we have nothing to fear.-VILLENEUVE. Rear-Admiral Gourdon to the Ministry of Marine and Colonies. Ferrol, August 2,

1805.

MY LORD, -I have the honour to announce to your excellency, that Admirals Villeneuve and Gravina have this moment anchored at Corunna. The English squadron re-appeared two days ago; it consisted of 13 ships of the line, but immediately on seeing the squadron of Rear-Admiral Villeneuve, it sailed again. It had, however, nothing to fear from the combined squadron in Ferrol, the wind being West, and blowing fresh, which rendered it impossible for us to set out. We are all animated by an ardent desire to give his Majesty proofs of our devotion for him, and our desire of enterprise for the glory of his flag.GOURDON.

SPANISH ACCOUNT OF THE LATE ACTION.

From the Mudrid Gazette: -Letter from Lieutenant-General Don Frederico Gravina to the Most Excellent Generalissimo the Prince of Peace, from Vigo, dated July 28, in the following terms.

Most Excellent Sir, my Lord,-On the 22d July, Cape Finisterre bearing S. E. distant 25 leagues, the combined squadron was standing with the wind W.N.W. formed in three lines to the E. S. E. the horizon being covered with thick fogs. At noon the look-out vessels made the signal of having discovered 21 sail in the N.N.E. and that the greater part were of the line. We immediately formed the line-of-battle to larboard, the Spanish squadron forming the

van, with myself at the head, and the French Admiral in the centre of the line. The enemy, consisting of sixteen sail of the line, three of which were three-deckers, and two cut-downs, stood on the contrary táck, with the intention, as it appeared, of cutting off our rear; to avoid which, the French Admiral made the signal to wear, and stand on the opposite tack, which was immediately obeyed. The last ship of the rear being covered, the Argonanta, on board of which I had hoisted my flag, began the action with the van of the English, (at a quarter before five o'clock) who, upon account of the fog, had not perceived the movement we had executed. The enemy's squadron hauled their wind, and a very warm action immediately commenced, within half cannon-shot between our van and the whole of the enemy's line, which successively extended itself to the centre of our line. The fog was so thick, that notwithstanding our proximity, we at times lost sight of them. The fire was very well kept up during the action. We saw a three-decker without her foremast, and another vessel without her main and mizen-mast. The battle continued with our van and centre until past nine o'clock, when the enemy bore up, and the action ceased. On the morning of the 23d, at break of day, although the weather was still foggy, we found that two of our ships were missing, and that they were the San Rafael and the Firme. We discovered the enemy on the other tack; we immediately formed the line, and chased, having remarked that they had three dismasted ships in tow, and that their line consisted of only thirteen ships of war, including one dismasted of its fore-topmast. We continued the chase the whole day without avail, as the enemy manoeuvred to avoid a second encounter. The same took place on the 24th, on the morning of which day we saw them to windward crowding all sail, and close hauled, with the wind from the N. E. On the 25th, at day-break, the wind blowing fresh from the N. E. we were out of sight of the enemy; and, during the day, we saw Cape Finisterre bearing due east. In this situation, with the wind against our getting into Ferrol, many of the French ships having only six days water on board, and having about 1300 sick and wounded in the squadron, without the necessary succours, it was determined to come to Vigo to provide what was necessary. As soon as I receive the details from each ship, they shall be forwarded to your Excellency. In this action the six ships under my command have fought with the greatest bravery; and I con