the house from adopting the motion; but he wished the house to bear in mind all that had been done in this case, when he should come to offer his intended propositions to fix the practice of the house. He recommended that the amendment should be offered again in such a form that the house could receive it. ascertaining who would follow the example | the rejection at that time should preclude of the hon. gent. The papers had been refused on public and private grounds, and were now to be granted, because the character of the right hon. gent. had been touched. They ought to have been produced to clear up the character of the late foreign secretary equally as well as the present. The right hon. gent. then argued to shew, that many more papers were necessary to be produced, in order to justify the right hon. secretary, or to do justice to the characters of those who had been misrepresented. Lord Castlereagh entered his protest against the doctrine laid down on the other side of the house, that no papers should be refused but such, as, if produced, would be prejudicial to the public service. Nothing was more common than to refuse papers when no adequate or sufficient ground was laid for the production. Mr. Sheridan moved the amendment in a form different from that in which the papers mentioned in it had been formerly refused. Mr. Secretary Canning denied that he had made any accusation against lord Ho wick, by quoting his dispatch, consequently there was no necessity for producing the papers as a vindication, when no charge was made. He had merely made the quotation to shew that it was in lord Howick's contemplation, that if the French should enter Holstein, Denmark might possibly Mr. Sheridan had thought, when his compromise for the occupation of Zealand right hon. friend introduced his motions by French troops. The present motion without any observations, that it was a stood on different grounds; and he trustbad plan. But from the line of argumented the house would see reason to produce pursued by the noble lord, and the rt. hon.it, upon the principle on which it was now gent. on either side of him, he could not but applaud that course of his right hon. friend, and he was sure that his right hon. friend would have been well pleased, if his friends had practised the same taciturnity with himself. He defied the noble lord to produce any reason now that would not have applied equally against the papers in the former instance, and argued at some length to prove that the papers then moved for would neither be sufficient to the purpose of his right hon. friend, nor to acquit the character of Mr. Garlike; and concluded with an amendment for the production of all the communications which had been received in the course of last year.-A conversation followed, in which Mr. Bankes observed, that the amendment could not be received, as being word for word the same as a motion already rejected. The Speaker confirmed the observation of Mr. Bankes, as to the point of order. Mr. Secretary Canning said, that though which had been refused were some papers included in his motion, the motion was in form, very different from any before offered. Mr. Tierney proposed to adjourn the debate, on the point of order. 1 Mr. Adam, by moving that the entry on the journals, with respect to the former motion, should be read, did not mean that asked for, without at the same time passing In consequence of the above motion, PAPERS RELATING TO DENMARK. No. I.--Dispatch from Benj. Garlike, esq. his majesty's envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to the court of Denmark, to visc. Howick, dated Copenhagen, 11th Nov. 1806. -Received 29th Nov. My lord; Your ldp. will have received accounts of an affair which has taken place on the Holstein frontier, between the Da My lord; The answer required by the No. 3.-Extract of a Dispatch from. nish troops and those of France; of which I beg leave to transmit the following particulars. On the 6th inst. a corps of Prussians, under the command of gen. Blucher, were on their way to take refuge in the town of Lubeck. They were pursued by a French corps under the command of gen. Murat. The object of the latter was to turn the wing of the Prussians in order to intercept their passage. In attempting this manœuvre the French troops crossed a strip of Danish territory, and, heedless of the notice given by the advanced posts, brought on a skirmish, in which 2 or 3 persons were killed on both sides, and 2 Danish cannon taken. Three Danish officers, lieut. col. Kardorff, commander of a battalion of light infantry; maj. Gruner, aide de camp to the prince royal; and lieut. Schow, adj. to col. Kardorff, who were proceeding in an open Holstein carriage to the Danish advanced guard commanded by maj. gen. Evald, were also made prisoners by the enemy. Gen. Evald proceeded bimself to gen. Murat, to learn the cause of what had happened; he, was coarsely received, and informed, possibly with more haste than reflection, that the French troops would pursue their enemies wherever they I have the honour to inform were to be found. On gen. Evald's reyour ldp. that I have used my utmost endeavours to turn, the prince royal dispatched an aide de impress count Bernstorff with the sentiments camp, capt. Romeling of the engineers, to contained in your lordship's dispatch, of acquaint gen. Murat, that the king his faNo. 3*, and it is with extreme regret that ther having entrusted the army on the fron-I have not been able to obtain the desired tier to his command, he thought it his duty to his majesty and to the army to require French arms opposite the very coasts of -Although the progress of the satisfaction for the insult.-Since these first Denmark, the insults and hostility commitaccounts reached Copenhagen, a packet ted on the Danish frontier, and the Proboat has arrived from Kiel, and it is pre-clamation of gen. Mortier to the people of teaded that the answer returned by gen. Murat has been deemed satisfactory by the prince royal; but I am unable to ascertain this latter circumstance before the post goes out.—The Danish troops on the advanced post are chasseurs; the colour of their uniform (green) is different from that of the rest of the army. Some persous here are willing, therefore, to persuade themselves that the Danish troops were mistaken for Prussians; and in the same manner to account for a blow of a sabre given to a Danish officer in a Danish village through which the French were passing. It is presumed the officers are released. I have, &c. B. GARLIKE. No. II.--Dispatch from Beuj. Garlike, esq. to visc. Howick, dated Copenhagen, 14th Nov. 1806.--Received 29th Nov. Sccess. Hesse, are facts more powerful than any language I could use, and with sentiments of grief must excite those of the keenest resentment; it does not apppear that the Danish government are more disposed to lence and dishonour; on the contrary, that prepare against the infliction of similar viotion of their present system of neutrality, they derive from those events the confirmaand the still stricter observance of all its *This Dispatch is verbatim the same with the Dispatch to Mr. Pierrepoint, No. 2. of the Papers presented to the House of Commons, by his majesty's command, in pursuance of their Address of the 16th of Feb; with the variation only of " Court of Copenhagen" for "Court of Stockholm." See p. 621. parations I do not so much mean a display of military force which this court calls a defiance of the enemy, and the seeking of their own undoing, as some previous concert, some signal for succour or combined operations, some stipulated degree or disposition of force, some security to the powers at war, for the proper application of the assistance they may be able to furnish.-I have this day urged these remarks, and it is readily allowed, that however welldisposed the powers on whom Deumark may rely in the hour of danger, the greatest inconvenience must arise from distance and delay; and that in such an emergency, whatever is irresolute, or timid, or bad, will endeavour to perplex the public councils, for want of a direct recourse to a steady and provident system. Yet the Danish ministers shrink at all appearance of concert, and at the responsibility of a written engagement. They dread the effects of its publicity, which they think unavoidable; and as count Bernstorff has told me, believe that the mere suspicion of such a concert, though conceived for the duties of defence alone, would on such an occasion as that of the 6th inst. have determined immediate war against Denmark.—I should think it unnecessary to lay these remarks before your ldp. if I had not to make the melancholy addition, that several of the principal departments (I except the ministers of the council and for foreign affairs) as well as many of the inferior ones with their dependencies, are filled by persons in a state of delusion and blind attachment to the interests of France. The only check to the more open display of these dispositions, is the character of the prince royal. obligations. Such at least is the language | which, in explanation of that neutrality, the Danish ministers think it right to hold to me. They do not, however, shut their eyes on the scene before them; they know what they may expect from the wanton abuse of the power of France; or what is worse, from the determined method and perseverance with which France is subduing the states and directing the resources of the continent against G. Britain.-I have dwelt on these topics in formal conference and familiar conversation with count Bernstorff, as also in the frequent occasions I have of seeing- and the ministers of the cabinet. They avow the precarious tenour even of their present disturbed existence; but their fears are paramount; they consider the Prussian monarchy as annihilated for the present, and believe if they resolve on further measures of defence, that they would draw on this country the worst consequences that may be apprehended. In the mean time, they regard the actual state of Denmark as of the utmost importance to the allies; and persuade themselves that for the sake of the common cause, as well as of Denmark, it behoves them to adopt no measure which may augment their difficulties, or hasten the disasters they would avert. They therefore, conclude, that their best policy will be the continuation of their present defensive system, and of their reliance on the friendship of G. Britain and Russia; of which policy they say the merit and best effect would be the assistance of those powers when Denmark is endangered by an attack from France. I asked count Bernstorff the direct question, If it was intended to arm such a part of the fleet as might be useful in defeating an expedition from the ports now falling into the hairds of France? He replied, that this was not the season.-Disposed as your lip. may be to allow for these apprehensions in the present calamities of the north of Germany, and to coincide with the Danish ministers as to the readiness of G. Britain and Russia to afford every practicable assistance against the enemy, you will probably not less lament that no preparations have hitherto been made, in concert with the natural allies of Denmark, either to resist a sudden attack, or to impede the gradual encroachments France will continue to make, till sheed, is not it seems to be acknowledged or is in an attitude to require the exclusion of British ships from Danish ports, and the surrender of the Copenhagen dock-yard to her purposes against G. Britain.-By pre who marks in the strongest terms his sense of the firmness of his royal highness, observed to me yesterday, that the most entire reliance may be placed on his not yielding to the proposals it may be expected France would make.—But too many precautions could not perhaps be taken against the efforts of deluded or ill-dispo sed persons to perplex or mislead the government in an emergency that may well be foreseen, and when no preconcerted system would be opposed to such attempts, except that of confidence towards G. Britain and Russia; which, however real or well-found carried into effect, till France is in the act of binding this country never to make the attempt.-Among the measures which have already been recommended to the attention of the government, there is one which ap- them to adopt other sentiments, if indeed pears to unite many opinions and interests such an attempt were adviseable, would, in this country; namely, that in case of an at the present moment, probably be withattack from France; Holstein, Sleswick, and out a hope of success. At the time of Jutland shall be abandoned, and the prin- writing the Dispatch to which yours is an cipal force be concentered in the defence answer, the extent of those extraordinary of the Islands, (even with the exclusion of misfortunes which have since happened, Fioria.) This project has never been men- was far from being foreseen or expected. tioned to me by one of the ministers, but A hope was then entertained, though not without any reserve by several leading per- unmixed with doubt and apprehension, that sons; and it would be seriously supported the power of the Prussian monarchy, aided by many who see the principal strength of by the neighbouring states, and by the the monarchy in the island of Zealand; Its allies, might have opposed an effectual refleet and arsenals in Norway, in the West sistance to the armies of France. But India possessions, and in the commerce of since the afflicting events which have ended the country. A military person of rank in the total dispersion of the Prussian army, who has been employed in a very confiden- the question no longer is whether Denmark tial station, and now fills an important post should give her aid to a powerful ally, but at this place, is occupied in writing a Me-whether she should, without any continenmorial to be sent to the prince, in support tal support, expose herself alone to the reof this measure, with the additional advice, sentment of France. So long as the questo put it into immediate execution by the tion remains on this footing, it cannot be recall of the army and the return of the expected, nor is it to be wished, that the prince royal to Zealand,~From all these court of Copenhagen should take any meaconsiderations your Idp. will best judge sures of direct hostility against France. how far it may be advisable to make a But the care of its own safety requires more joint formal representation on the part of vigilance than ever. While France abstains his majesty and the emperor of Russia, for from any attack, or from any direct methe purpose of concerting with this country nace, a prudent system of neutrality, which the best means of counteracting the projects shall not impair the means of future deof France, which are but too clearly avowed fence, is probably the best. But that this in her practice and declarations, and be- forbearance on the part of the French gocome every day more alarming, from the vernment should last longer than may be extent and nature of her acquisitions in the found convenient for the execution of those Baltick. It is indeed possible that the further schemes of ambition in which Buooperations about to commence in Poland naparte is at present engaged, seems to me may suspend for awhile the intention of at- very improbable. After the accomplishtacking this country; but those operations ment of his more immediate objects, demust so much the more call for every effort mands may be expected equally inconsisthat may be to be made, either against the tent with the neutrality and the indepenbody of France, or to prevent that success dence of Denmark; and it is for that goin her present undertakings, which will vernment to consider whether it will place otherwise certainly overwhelm this counitself in a situation to defend those parts try. I shall continue in every event to be of the Danish dominions which possess entirely guided by your lordship's instruc- effectual means of resistance, or whether it tions, and to use my utmost endeavours will follow the example of so many states, for the success of the objects to which they which, by seeking safety in submission, are directed. have successively fallen under the dominion of France. In looking forward, however, to the probable conduct of France, there is one point which cannot be too soon understood between this government and that of Denmark. Though his majesty must experience the deepest regret from any interruption in the relations now so happily subsisting between the two powers, it would be impossible for the king to acquiesce in any arrangement whereby the whole, or any part, of the Danish navy might be No. IV. Dispatch from viscount Howick to Benj. Garlike, esq. dated Down ing Street, 3d Dec. 1806. Sir, your dispatches to No. inclusive. have been received and laid before the king. The language of count Bernstorff and the Danish ministers, as described by you, is such as was naturally to be expected from their former policy, and from the effect of the recent events in the north of Germany. Any endeavour to induce any measures of this nature, or should deem the defence of: Holstein impracticable, his majesty still trusts that no effort will be omitted to put the Danish islands in a proper state of defence, and he would gladly co-operate in naval measures neces really stand in need of such aid, I am, &c. HOWICK. No. V.-Dispatch from visc. Howick to Benj. Garlike, esq. dated Downing Street, 9th Dec. 1806. Though no dispatches have been received from you since my last, the accounts which have reached this country of the re and the advance of the French to the Eyder, from which river there is reason to apprehend that his majesty's flag has been excluded, render it necessary that I should instruct you immediately to require of the Danish government a frank explanation of the motives which have produced measures apparently so injurious to the interests of his majesty; and also ofthe system of policy which that government means in future to pursue in its relations with this country and with France. This explanation you will require in the most friendly terms, but at the same time in such a manner as to prevent any delay. The interests of Denmark itself and the known character of the prince placed at the disposal of France. If there fore it should so happen that in order to secure the German dominions of the Crown of Denmark, that power should be induced to comply with a demand of this nature, his majesty could not avoid taking such measures as in that case would become in-sary for that purpose, if Denmark should dispensible for the honour of his crown and the interests of his people. Should any question of this sort arise, you will at once state distinctly and unequivocally the feelings of this government upon it. But the king is far from believing, though it is necessary to provide against it as a possible case, that any thing so injurious to both countries, as the submission of Denmark to so humiliat-treat of the Danish Army from Holstein, ing a condition, is likely to happen. His majesty relies with entire confidence on the wisdom, the spirit, and the honour of the prince royal; and I revert with pleasure to a more pleasing part of my duty, that of authorizing you to repeat the assurances already given, of his majesty's constant disposition to afford to the court of Denmark the most effectual assistance and support, if that government, deceived in the hopes which it seems at present to derive from the observance of a strict neutrality, should ultimately be forced into a war with France for the preservation of its own independence. In such a case, it is obvious that, notwithstanding the great continental superiority of France, the attack of the Da-royal, encourage his majesty still to enternish islands would present many great difficulties, such as might indeed with proper exertion on the part of that court, prove insurmountable. To this supposition, it is therefore, the king's pleasure that you should particularly direct the attention of the Danish ministers. The king would see with pleasure a successful defence of Holstein, and offers for assisting in this, have this morning been communicated to me by M. Rehausen on the part of his Swedish majesty, who proposes to unite a corps of 25,000 men to the Danish army in Holstein for this purpose. With such a force, it is to be hoped, not only that Holstein might be defended, but that the most beneficial effects for the safety of the north. of Germany might ensue from its position in the rear and on the flank of the operations of the French army. You will therefore recommend this offer of his Swedish majesty, which probably will have been communicated to the court of Denmark before this reaches you, to the most serious attention of the Danish ministers. If that government should decline entering into tain a confident expectation that, notwithstanding present appearances, the answer will be such as the friendship which has so long subsisted between the two government's requires.-With respect to the views entertained by his majesty's government on the present alarming crisis, and the advantage which may be derived from the generous offer of the king of Sweden to assist in the defence of Denmark, I must refer you to my last dispatches. I am, &c. HOWICK. No. VI. Dispatch from Benj. Garlike esq. to visc. Howick, dated Copenhagen, 24th Nov. 1806.-Received 11th Dec. My lord; The reports of the declared intention of general Mortier to occupy Hamburgh, had been in circulation here for some days. The intelligence of his having entered the town with a number from seven to eight thousand men, was received last night. This government did not appear to believe the event was probable. There seems how to remain a stand of opinion, that the French troops will pro |
