since I determined on visiting England; and although the portentous storm which now impends over the continent, has made me hesitate, I have determined on proceeding, because there is no probability that the countries through which I shall pass, will become the immediate theatre of war, although that state of things will doubtless render our admission to the continent more difficult, and our progress upon it more embarrassed.

After a summer of immense anxiety in every part of Europe, as to the course which events will next take; after a degree of solicitudei n this country unparalleled in this age, the great drama appears to be fast ripening for a new act and armies, awfully formidable for numbers, skill, and all the machinery and munitions of modern war, are now in motion.

The fearless Russian and the fierce Cossack of the Don, hasten to meet the contemptuous Gaul, and Germany will be the theatre of the impending conflict. The negociations and the subsidies of this country, have been very efficient in bringing on this state of things: this new coalition is regarded as the chef d' euvre of the Minister: his fleets are even now hovering on the coasts of Spain, anxiously watching an opportunity to meet the hostile squadrons; and mens' minds are prepared for events of the deepest interest, and for new tragedies perhaps even more bloody than those which have preceded.* I should much prefer a

About this time Bonaparte, with the immense armies which had been all summer menacing the invasion of England, suddenly defiled from the coast, and commenced that wonderful career of victories, which ended in the battle of Austerlitz and the complete overthrow of the Emperor of Austria.

more tranquil state of things, but I must go now to the continent, or not at all.

Sept. 25.-My movements now have all a reference to this contemplated tour. We have been to-day to the alienoffice, and obtained our passports to leave England. These passports have no farther effect than to allow us to go freely out of this country, which would not be permitted were we suspected persons; those from the American minister are to be used abroad to prove that we are American citizens. Of this fact, I had, indeed, in my own case, the most abundant proof, derived from official sources in my own country; but I was disposed to take every possible precaution, to prevent repulse, detention, or arrest, in the countries which I am about to visit.

At the proper hour we met the captain of a Dutch packet on Change, and engaged our passages; the vessel lies at Gravesend, where we expect to embark.

I dined with General Lyman, the American consul, from whom I have received many useful and friendly attentions. At his table I met two Americans who have recently returned from the continent, concerning which, and the probable difficulties of my expected tour, they gave me much interesting and useful information. Although they do not discourage me from the attempt, they give me reason to expect embarrassments, which they represent as much increased of late. One of them, Mr. A- of Boston, was arrested at Milan, at the late coronation of Napoleon as king of Italy, and was sent under the escort of gens d'armes to Paris, where he was immured for six weeks in the temple, and was at last extricated by the interference of the American ambassador. His crime was some indiscreet remarks contained in an intercepted let

ter; he remained for a long time uncertain concerning his doom, and his friends were, with the greatest reason, very solicitous for his fate. I hope not to be honoured, like him, with national lodgings, but, under a military despotism, and a system of universal espionage, no one can say when he is safe.

BILLINGSGATE..

Sept. 26. My business has led me to-day to visit a place, which has long afforded the most significant phrase to denote a species of eloquence which flourishes in the greatest vigour at this celebrated spot, which is no other than Billingsgate market. It is a market for fish, situated near the tower, on the banks of the Thames, in the filthiest part of London, and the place itself and the women who keep the market, justify every impression which I had received on the subject. Those who have formed their conceptions of the fairer half of creation from novels and poems, would obtain some new ideas by a visit to Billingsgate, where they would see "heaven's last, best gift,” under a guise which would probably extinguish, at least for the time, any feelings of romance.

Sept. 27.-Most of this day has been spent in immediate preparations for my departure, which is fixed for tomorrow morning.

And, now, my dear brother, I must bid you farewell, for I know not how long a period; such is the jealous rigour which characterizes the present police of France, that I shall not dare to continue my journal while I am gone. The most that I think of doing is to make a few minutes of dates, places, distances, and circumstances which will enable me, on my return to this country, to give some ac

count of what I have seen, provided my avocations here will allow me the requisite time; otherwise, I must trust to my memory to retain, and to my tongue to relate, the events of my tour.

MY DEAR BROTHER,

London, October, 26, 1805.

After an intermission of a month I resume my Journal. I will anticipate nothing; I therefore refer you to the subsequent pages, for information respecting my continental excursion, and for the reasons of my speedy return.

A TOUR FROM LONDON TO THE CONTINENT.

No. LVIII.—LONDON TO ROTTERDAM.

Leave London-Blackheath-Stage coach conversation-Lord Hood-An English sailor on the roof-His feelings at seeing his old admiral-Dartford Gravesend-Passage to Holland.

Sept. 28.-The boats for Gravesend, in one of which we had intended to embark, to go down the river, were already gone, and, at two o'clock in the afternoon we left London; the weather was fine, and we took our seats on the roof of the coach.

We passed over Blackheath; this is a fine plain, and was the seat of the Danish army in 1011 ; it is said that traces of their encampment are still visible; here, also, as my itinerary informs me, one hundred thousand rebels were assembled under Watt Tyler. At the termination of Blackheath, we ascended Shooter's Hill; it is steep and

high, and from its summit, we had a fine retrospect of London, the river, and the surrounding country. This hill forms a serious obstacle to carriages, and it has been contemplated to dig a passage under it, as the level is the same on both sides.

I will mention a stage coach conversation, not as being good authority for facts, but as evincing the views and feelings of the English, respecting their present situation. An intelligent companion, an Englishman, stated, as the general opinion in England, that Bonaparte possesses accurate estimates of the wealth and treasures of this country, and even accounts of its principal estates and villas. These he affirmed were already promised to his leaders and principal officers, as the reward of their expected bravery, in conquering England. One Marshall will have Blenheim palace-another Pembroke Castle-another Alnwick Castle and so on. No great reliance can be placed, it is true, on such popular impressions, but there is no doubt that spies are constantly in England, and that the French really possess minute information concerning this country. They have ever been distinguished for their skill and perseverance in acquiring accurate intelligence as to the possessions of their enemies. It is a pretty serious reflection to an Englishman that it is not more than seven hundred and fifty years since a French army actually landed and conquered the country, and William the Norman parcelled out its estates to his captains as Bonaparte promises now to do. But England was then weak, and distracted with faction and treason, now she is united, powerful and loyal.

Near this hill we met Lord Hood on horseback, in a plain dress, with a single servant; he is now Governor of