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XIV. "Resolved unanimously, That it be an instruction to "said committee, that the delegates from each county do prepare, and carry with them to the national convention, an ac"count of all the cities, towns, and boroughs of this province, "the mode of election in such as at present return members to "L parliament, as near as may be the proportionate number of "Protestant and Roman Catholic inhabitants in each, and a conjecture of their comparative properties.

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XV. "Resolved unanimously, That we are decided in opi"nion that the representatives of the people ought not in future "to consent to any bill of supply for a longer term than twelve "months, nor more than six months, until a complete redress "of the aforesaid grievances be obtained."

The following Address of the First Regiment of Irish Bri gade, to the Chairman of this Association, on the 15th of February, 1782, being read:

"To Colonel WILLIAM IRVINE, Chairman of the Ulster Vo"lunteer Delegates, assembled at Dungannon, February 15,

"1782.

"SIR,

"I AM directed by the First Regiment of Irish "Brigade, to acquaint you, that on the 22d day of last month, "at a full meeting of that corps, they unanimously adopted the "resolutions of the Ulster delegates assembled at Dungannon, "on Friday, the 15th day of February last.

"To that assembly, unprecedented in the annals of mankind, "which is the glory of the present times, and must be the won"der of futurity, Ireland owes her emancipation.

"Toleration, the offspring of benevolence and wisdom, was “ no sooner adopted by that illustrious body, than received and "cherished through the whole nation, and the inhabitants of Ire"land from a divided, became an united people.

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"You, Sir, and the highly respectable body, of which you แ are chairman, will hear with pleasure of every accession of strength to the volunteer army: I am happy, therefore, to acquaint you, that this regiment, though but four months embo"died, is numerous and respectable, a circumstance sufficient "to convince the world, that the public virtue of this kingdom "daily increases, and that the glorious flame of liberty blazes "through the nation.

"At this great crisis, when the western world, while laying "the foundation of a rising empire, temptingly holds out a sys"tem of equal liberty to mankind, and waits with open arms to "receive the emigrants from surrounding nations; we think it a duty we owe to our country, to promote, as far as our ex"example can reach, an affectionate coalition of the inhabitants

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"of Ireland. Animated by this sentiment, and convinced that "national unanimity is the basis of national strength, this regi"ment affords a striking instance how far the divine spirit of "toleration can unite men of all religious descriptions in one "great object, the support of a free constitution.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
"With the highest respect,

"Your faithful and most obedient servant,

"JOHN SUTTON, President.

XVI. "Resolved unanimously, That this association enter"tain the most grateful sense of the approbation of such liberal "and patriotic men as compose that respectable body; that we rejoice in the accession of their abilities to the common cause, "and that we will be happy to co-operate with them in effecting "the complete liberty and happiness of the good people of this "kingdom.

XVII. "Resolved unanimously, That the following address "to the volunteer armies of the provinces of Munster, Leinster, "and Connaught, be printed with these resolutions.

"To the VOLUNTEER ARMIES of the Provinces of Munster, "Leinster, and Connaught.

"FELLOW SUBJECTS,

"THE transcendent events, which our united "efforts have produced, present an eminent instance of the pro"tecting hand of heaven; whilst the progressive virtue and ge"neral union of the people, naturally prompt them to revive the "spirit of an unrivalled constitution, and to vindicate the inhe"rent rights of men.

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"The most important work yet remains, which neglected, our past attainments are transitory, unsubstantial, insecure! an "extension to thousands of our beloved fellow-citizens of a "franchise, comprehending the very essence of liberty; and "drawing the line which precisely separates the freeman from "the slave.

"Suffer us, therefore, to conjure you by every endearing tie, "that connects man with man, with unceasing zeal to pursue "one of the most glorious objects, that ever agitated the human "mind: a restoration of virtue to a senate long unaccustomed "to speak the voice of the people; a renovation of the ancient "balance of your government; and a firm establishment of the "first gifts of nature, on the ruins of an avowed corruption, at "once the bane of morals and of liberty.

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"From a grand national convention, distinguished by integrity, and inspired with the courageous spirit of the constitu"tion, every blessing must result,

"With one voice then, the voice of united millions, let Ire"land assert her claim to freedom!

"Through her four provincial assemblies, let her temperate "declarations flow to one common centre: and there, ma"tured into an extensive plan of reform, be produced as the "solemn act of the volunteer army of Ireland: as a demand "of rights, robbed of which, the unanimated forms of a free government would be a curse; and existence itself cease to "be a blessing.

"FRIENDS AND COUNTRYMEN,

"THE eyes of an enlightened world, are "this instant upon us! Munster has, in part, already led the "way and millions of our fellow-subjects of Britain, in whom "the flame of liberty still burns with lustre, behold with delight 66 our exertions in the common cause; and in our success, see "the certain harbingers of their own.

"Let the reflection that Greece, the seat of liberty and of "science; that Rome, the mistress of the world; and that in"numerable states, once flourishing and free, now lay prostrate "by the hand of tyranny ....Teach Ireland wisdom. To our "deliberative assemblies they convey awful warning to be spi"rited, unanimous, and firm; lest the present wretched condi"tion of other countries be soon the fate of our own!

"May the Supreme Ruler of the universe crown his other "blessings, by being present with us, by promoting union "and the love of our country among all ranks of men and "by finally directing our exertions to virtue, liberty and peace.' A specific plan of parliamentary reform being produced, and read by the committee of correspondence,

XVIII. “Resolved unanimously, That said plan be referred "to the consideration of the national convention; and that the "thanks of this meeting be presented to Lieutenant-Colonel "Sharman, and the gentlemen of the committee of correspon"dence, for their great trouble in collecting information on a "parliamentary reform, and for their abilities and zeal in di"gesting matter for the meeting of this day.

XIX. "Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this meet"ing be presented to the Lord Bishop of Derry, for his at"tendance and assistance in the business of this day; for his "warm attachment to the volunteer cause; and for proving "himself the steady friend to the liberties of Ireland upon all ❝ occasions.

XX. "Resolved unanimously, That the sincere thanks of this "meeting be presented to the inhabitants of Dungannon, for "their very polite conduct; and to the Dungannon Battalion, "for their vigilant conduct, when on guard this day.

XXI. "Resolved unanimously, That we lament that una"voidable business of consequence prevented our late chair"man, Colonel William Irvine, from attending this meeting; "and that the thanks of this meeting be transmitted by our secretary to Colonel William Irvine, for his polite letter of 66 excuse, for his non-attendance this day.

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"JAMES STEWART, Colonel of Chairman.
"the Tyrone Regiment,
}

"JAMES DAWSON, Captain of Secretary.

"the Orier Grenadiers,

Colonel James Stewart having left the chair, Colonel Robert Stewart, of the First Independent County of Down Regiment, was unanimously called thereto, and having taken the chair ac cordingly.

XXII. "Resolved unanimously, That the particular thanks "of this meeting be presented to Colonel James Stewart, for "his very great propriety of conduct in the chair.

"Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this meeting be presented to our secretary, Captain James Dawson, for his very particular attention and ability in the discharge of the "duties of his laborious office of secretary to the volunteer "association of this province.

"ROBERT STEWART, Colonel
"First Independent, County
"of Down Regiment,

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On the 14th of October, 1783, the new Irish parliament met, when Mr. (now Lord) Pelham, the secretary to Lord Northington, proposed Mr. Perry, who was again elected speaker unanimously. The lord-lieutenant opened the session with the following speech;

"MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

"IT is with more than ordinary satisfac"tion, that, in obedience to his majesty's commands, I meet "you in the full possession and enjoyment of those constitu❝tional and commercial advantages, which have been so firmly "established by your last parliament. The sacred regard, on the "part of Great Britain, to the adjustment made with Ireland at "that period, has been abundantly testified by the most une"quivocal proofs of sincerity and good faith.

"It will ever be my wish, as it is my duty, to promote the "mutual confidence of both kingdoms, and the uniting them in "sentiments as they are in interest, such an union must produce "the most solid advantages to both, and will add vigour and "strength to the empire.

"I sincerely congratulate you on the happy completion of "his majesty's anxious endeavours to restore the blessings of

11 Com. Journ. p. 11.

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peace to his faithful people. The establishment of the public "tranquillity is peculiarly favourable at this period, and will "naturally give spirit and effect to your commercial pursuits. "Both kingdoms are now enabled to deliberate with undivided "attention on the surest means of increasing their prosperity, "and reaping the certain fruits of reciprocal affection.

"I have the highest satisfaction in acquainting you of the "increase of his majesty's domestic happiness, by the birth of "another princess.

"GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,

"I have ordered the proper officers "to lay the national accounts before you. From thence you "will be enabled to judge of the circumstances of the kingdom; " and I rely upon your wisdom and loyalty to make such provi"sion as shall be fitting for the honourable support of his majesty's government.

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"MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

"THE miseries of an approaching fa"mine have been averted by the blessing of Divine Providence upon the measures, which the privy council advised; the "good effects of which were soon visible, in the immediate "reduction of the price of grain, and the influx of a valuable "and necessary supply to the market. Any temporary infringe"ment of the laws to effect such salutary ends, will, I doubt not, "receive parliamentary sanction.

"Among the many important objects which demand your "attention, I recommend to your consideration laws for regu"lating the judicature of the court of admiralty, and for mak"ing a new establishment of the post office.

"The linen manufacture being the staple of your country, "it is needless for me to recommend perseverance in the im"provement of that most important article.

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"The fishery on your coasts will claim your attention as a "promising source of wealth to this kingdom, and the encouragements granted to it, will, no doubt, be regulated by you "in the manner most likely to produce the best effect, and least "subject to fraud and imposition.

"The Protestant charter schools, an institution founded in "wisdom and humanity, are also most eminently entitled to your

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"I recommend likewise to your attention the proposals "adopted by government for providing an asylum for the dis"tressed Genevans. It weil becomes the generosity of the 66 people of Ireland, to extend their protection to ingenious and "industrious men, who may prove a valuable acquisition to this country, which they have preferred to their own. But in

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