Page images
PDF
EPUB

Inscription on the Vase presented by Lodge 116.

"To the Honourable Major-General JOHN DOYLE, Colonel of the 37th (or Prince of Wales's Irish) Regiment, Lieutenant-Governor and Commander in Chief of the

islands of Guernsey and Alderney,

&c. &c. &c.

"We, the free and accepted Masons of Orange Lodge, No. 116, beg leave to assure you, that we participate in the general sentiment of gratitude expressed by our fellow-citizens for the essential benefits we have received from your able and energetic administration, that has given all a confidence never before experienced.

"We have seen you combine the talents of an experienced general, with the kindest urbanity to all within the sphere of your government.

"Your example has supported the objects most dear to our society-To fear God, honour the King, and to love our Neighbour as ourselves; and you have proved to us that the heart that is boldest in the battle, is softest to the distresses of the weak. Accept, Sir, we request, this small mark of our grateful attachment, in some degree emblematical of your distinguished qualities. And may the God of all light and truth bless, direct, and prosper all your public and private undertakings, is the prayer of

[blocks in formation]

Inscription upon the Vase presented by Lodge 222.

"To the Honourable Major-General JOHN DOYLE, Colonel of the 87th (or Prince of Wales's Irish) Regiment, Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of the Islands of

Guernsey and Alderney, &c. &c.

"We, the Free and Accepted Masons of Mariners' Lodge, No. 222, penetrated with a lively and sincere sense of gratitude,

1805-1805.

[blocks in formation]

esteem, and admiration of your eminent talents, your public and private virtues, which have been most energetically displayed with the highest advantage to his Majesty's service, the greatest benefit this island, and to the general interests of humanity, which our Lodge has experienced in common with every individual under the sphere of your government; and with profound deference and respect we beg leave to offer you a Cup, with Emblems in some small degree characteristic of your distinguished and amiable qualities, but intended more as a lasting testimony of our grati. tude and regard. And may the God of light and truth watch over, protect, and prosper all your public and private undertakings, is the prayer of,

"Sir,

"Your grateful and attached friends,

"and humble servants,

"The Members of Lodge 222."

Shortly after the breaking out of the war, the island of Alderney was placed under the command of the General; and as this is nearer to the enemy's coast than Guernsey, a great portion of his attention was directed to this island. The works he constructed, and the measures of precaution he took for its defence, were deemed so effectual, that it gave the fullest confidence and security to the inhabitants. The states of the island were so fully sensible of the benefit they derived from being placed under the protection of so experienced and able a commander, that they presented him with a most elegant gold box, ornamented with diamonds and rubies.

Inscription upon the Box.

"To the Honourable Major-General DoYLE, Colonel of the 87th Regiment, Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey, and commanding in chief his Majesty's Forces in

Alderney and Guernsey."

"From the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, and principal,

Inhabitants of Alderney, as a small mark of their respect for his distinguished services, and of their gratitude for the protection and security afforded to this island by the judicious and energetic measures he has adopted for their defence."

It should seem that no object escaped the General's active and comprehensive mind; as notwithstanding the multitude of important operations that he was carrying on for the defence of the coast, he suggested the idea of improving the public roads in the island. But notwithstanding the obvious utility of the measure, and the great popularity of the General, it met with much opposition from various causes; partly from the exhausted state of the ordinary funds by the great expence already incurred in the defence of the island, and partly by individuals conceiving their properties would be injured by cutting down their banks, hedges, &c. &c. Others objected to the plan, as recourse must be had for the necessary supply to a general tax upon property, which they conceived unconstitutional; in short, there were a thousand objections, and a host of opponents.

The meeting took place in the town-church, there not being another public building in the island large enough to contain the voters. Here the General opened the business by one of the ablest speeches that perhaps ever was delivered, considered either as to clearness and accuracy of statement, multitude and importance of the objects embraced, strength of reasoning, wit, and ridicule, gracefulness and energy in the delivery. In short, it surprised every one,

G 2

even

even those who had before witnessed his eloquence; for the General's powers seemed to rise in proportion to the difficulties he had to contend with. A whisper was not heard during the whole speech, which continued an hour and three quarters; and such were the effects produced by his arguments, that many who came down not only determined to vote, but to speak against the motion, became converts, and declared in its favour. The measure was accordingly carried by a majority of three to one.

We should regret much that the nature of this work will not admit of our inserting the speech, had it not already appeared before the public, to which publication we refer the reader.

This officer has latterly been appointed a lieutemant-general upon the staff of the Island of Guernscy; and has obtained his majesty's permission to wear the order of the Crescent, conferred upon him by the Grand Seignior. He has recently been raised to the dignity of a Baronet of the united kingdom; and his majesty has been further pleased to reward his services by a grant of supporters and additional armorial bearings..

MRS. THICKNESSE.

OUR Englishwomen have always been considered as handsome, but it is only of late years that they have been reckoned eminently accomplished. A

happy

happy admixture of different races has long since produced a singular and interesting variety in the hair, complexion, and even perhaps in the disposition of individuals.

It is thus,that while the belles on the continent display but one unvarying hue, we possess all the different shades of beauty; from the sedate blonde, fair as alabaster, to the vivacious brunette, whose eyes sparkle like the champaign produced on those hills whence she probably derives her remote origin. In the mean time, the York and Lancastrian roses tint an infinite variety of intermediate complexions, while a look of native ingenuous good-humour (all our own!) exhibits something which we flatter ourselves is perhaps peculiar to our island.

But what tends to produce symmetry and loveliness of person cannot communicate any degree of perfection to the mind; and, until of late years, the ladies of Italy and France must be frankly allowed to have excelled our own in point of accomplishments. It is true that, some centuries ago, we could boast of one female, and that too on the throne, who understood Latin, and another who reluctantly aspired to it, conversant with Greek; but it is not long singe a regular and systematical education, generally calculated to produce accomplishments truly desirable, was introduced here. In the reign of our "good Queen Bess," a taste for needle work and pastry were

* Elizabeth.

The beautiful and unfortunate Lady Jane Grey.

cultivated

« PreviousContinue »