BRITISH AND FOREIGN HISTORY For the Year 1806. CHAPTER I. Re Cursory View of the Affairs on the Continent-State of Europe at the newal of the Conf deracy-Campaign in Germany-Victory off Cape Trafalgar His Majesty's Speech, and subsequent Delate upon it, in the Lords and Commons-Impeachment of Lord Melville-Supplies-Papers relating to the Marquis of Wellesley-Public funeral Honours to Mr. Pitt-Public Treaties-Thanks of Parliament to Lord Collingwood-Accusation of Earl St. Vincent-Continental Treaties-Public Honours to Lord Nelson-India Affairs-Irish Population--Public Honours to Marquis Cornwallis-Payment of Mr. Pitt's Debts. WE E cannot commence the history of the present year, without recurring to the battle of Austerlitz, the result of which, though fought on the second of December, was not fully ascertained in London till nearly a month afterwards. It was hoped and indeed expected by every lover of his country, that this engagement, upon which so much depended, would have been favourable to the cause of the allies. Never was public expectation more completely disappointed: and there are but few instances on record in which the hopes of a great nation have been so suddenly blasted as was the case with Austria, backed as she was by the power of Russia. As references must frequently be given to this event in the course of the present historical sketch, it may not be improper to describe as briefly as possible the leading circumstances of the battle, as well as those which led to it, and others which have been the consequence of it. The state of Europe at the renewal of the continental confederacy was apparently highly favourable to the interests of the allies. Buonaparte had inspired the surrounding A 2 |