dalous case were these-More than a year before, Mr. Fox had received a letter from a freeman of Bridgewater, stating the balance of an account between them, requesting payment, and desired at the same time to know whether Mr. Fox wished him to vote for any particular person as mayor of Bridgewater: Mr. Fox's answer conveyed a draft for the money due; and the concluding paragraph_pointed out a certain person to whom Mr. Fox wished success. This letter having fallen into the hands of an enemy of Mr. Fox, it was thought that it might be turned to some account, if by coupling the two distinct circumstances together, a man could be procured bold enough to give them the colour of bribery before a grand jury.

Meanwhile the majority in the House of Com mons continued in favour of the opposition. A series of motions were proposed, tending to prove that the minister ought not to continue in office without the support of the House of Commons. Though the majority was against the minister in the house, it was evident that it was for him in the nation. His Majesty finding that the opinion of the commons continued contrary to his own, and conceived it to be opposite that of his people, determined to enable the latter to manifest their approbation or disapprobation of their representatives, by dissolving the parliament.

At the ensuing general election, a most extraordinary contest took place for Westminster. The candidates for the representation of

this city, besides Mr. Fox, were Lord Hood and Sir Cecil Wray, who, though formerly his colleague, was now supported by a formidable party, disgusted by the late coalition. The poll commenced on the first of April, and for some days Mr. Fox maintained the superiority; but on the 8th, 9th, and 10th, the tide of popular favour began to turn, and on the 12th, the baronet, who was second in point of numbers, had a majority of 318 over his former friend.

Ten

thousand electors had now polled, and the contest had continued a fortnight. It was even supposed, judging from the example of former times, that as the votes were exhausted, the books must have been closed..

It is not improbable that Mr. Fox would have been defeated in this memorable contest, had it not been for the irresistable exertions of his female auxiliaries. Several of the most beautiful and accomplished women of the age, were zealously engaged in canvassing in his behalf, and with such success as to turn the popular tide in his favour. It was observed, that if Mr. Fox was no longer the Man of the People, it could not be denied, from the number of females who attended to give him their support, that he was at least the man for the ladies. In their rage for Mr. Fox they even adopted a dress in compliment to him composed of a mixture of garter-blue and buff.

Not the least serviceable of these lovely supporters, was the late Dutchess of Devonshire, then in the zenith of her beauty. It was said of

her, and her no less amiable sister, Lady Dune cannon, now Countess of Besborough, while they were soliciting votes in favour of Mr. Fox, that they were the most lovely portrait's that ever appeared upon a canvass.

It is said that even the highest personages in the kingdom did not disdain to take a part in this election.

When his majesty first heard that the Prince of Wales interested himself for the success of Mr. Fox, he deputed one of the lords of the bed-chamber to wait upon his royal highness, and remonstrate with him on the impropriety of his behaviour. His majesty, said the lordly messenger, is surprized that the heir apparent should take an active part on the subject of an election.-"Be so good as to present my humble duty to the king," replied the prince, and say, "it does not appear half so strange that the heir to majesty, as that majesty itself should take an active part on such an occasion. I never employed Weltjie till his majesty had first employed the Earl of Sandwich; and if there was any difference between us, it was only that I had employed the more respectable messenger."

It is related that the Duke of Newcastle applied to Sir Henry Clinton, who had been Mr. Fox's opponent at the general election in 1780, and desired him to vote for Sir Cecil Wray. The General told his noble relation that his opinions were with Mr. Fox, but the duke per remptorily insisted on his voting for Sir Cecil.

The general as peremptorily declared, that no man should dictate to him in his choice."Then," said the noble duke, "here, Sir, are the accounts of the expence of your two last elections, which I desire that you will immediately discharge."

A very zealous partizan of Mr. Fox's during this election was the well-known Sam House. He did not long survive it, but carried his passion with him till his death. On the last day of his life he expressed to his physician, Sir John Elliott, his earnest desire to see Mr. Fox, adding, that he should then die contented. Sir John communicated the anxiety of his patient to Mr. Fox, who instantly waited upon him, and sat by his bed-side for some time. From that moment the poor man declared himself to be perfectly resigned, and died in a few hours without a pang.

The unexampled violence of party spirit which prevailed during this election, produced frequent disputes between the adherents of the rival candidates. On the 1st of May, there were the whole day strong indications of a disposition to riot. On the hustings much low abuse passed on either side; and on the close of the poll several of Mr. Fox's friends, and particularly Colonel Fitzpatrick, were treated with very unbecoming indignity. In the evening the butchers were in Covent garden with their marrow-bones and cleavers, conducting Mr. Fox's friends to their carriages. As they came opposite Wood's Hotel, they were stopped, and

were told that they must not sound their execrable music there. To this they replied with a general shout of "Fox for ever!" and a battle instantly commenced. For a time apprehensions of fatal consequences were entertained; for Sir Cecil Wray's party retreating into Woods's, they were pursued by the other, who pressed into the house, and committed many acts of outrage and disturbance. Several of the officers drew their swords, and a blunderbuss was fired to intimidate them: this. however, had but little effect; and it was only by the approach of a party of the guards that an end was put to the contest, fortunately without the loss of any lives. Towards the close of the poll one of the constables was actually killed in the discharge of his duty, in an affray near the hustings.

This election was productive of some whimsical circumstances. One evening, a young man of genteel appearance, and a physiognomy expressive of good humour, hilarity, and an honest heart, reeled, smiling, into the lower boxes of Covent-garden Theatre," hot with the Tuscan grape and high in blood." A gentleman soon afterwards appearing with Mr. Fox's favours in his hat, the disciple of Bacchus vociferated-"Fox for ever!" A phlegmatic politician in the opposite interest immediately took up the matter gravely,—" Sir," said hé, “do you • consider the place you are in ?"" Fox for ever!" exclaimed the buck." Sir, the audience must not be disturbed," rejoined the other.