ANNUAL REGISTER, 1818. [Jan. 



only an inconsiderable number 

 has yet been so engaged, owing 

 to its dispersed situation. Though 

 not immediately comprehended 

 in the resolution of the house, it 

 is but justice to the army to 

 observe, that it has been employ- 

 ed to a considerable extent, the 

 last year, in the construction of 

 roads, arsenals, and other public 

 works connected with the defence 

 of the country. 



The existing fortifications are 

 thought to be wholly insufficient 

 in the event of a future war. As 

 the declaration of war is the act 

 of the whole community, justice, 

 honour, and humanity require 

 that every portion of the country 

 should, as far as possible, be 

 protected against its ravages. This 

 is among the most sacred duties 

 of the Government ; and, im- 

 pressed with its importance, a 

 board of the most skilful officers 

 in our service has been consti- 

 tuted, to examine the whole line 

 of our frontier, and to determine 

 on the position and extent of 

 works that may be necessary to 

 the defence of our country. This 

 great work is not yet completed; 

 and in its present state, it is im- 

 possible to speak with any pre- 

 cision as to the extent to which 

 our fortifications ought to be 

 carried. The soldiers will be able 

 to render important aid in con- 

 structing the works that may be 

 determined on ; but from the 

 composition of the army, they 

 can only come in aid of regular 

 and professed workmen. 



,1. C. Calhoun. 



Fire at Knolc Castle. — Early 

 on the morning of Christmas- 

 day a fire was discovered by the 



housekeeper, in the state bed- 

 room, called the Venetian Cham- 

 ber, an apartment highly deco- 

 rated with the florid Gothic style 

 of architecture. The flames were 

 then raging along the wainscot 

 on the eastern wall ; she, with 

 great presence of mind, flew to 

 the chamber in which slept the 

 Earl of Delawarre, instead of 

 Earl Whitworth's ; the cause of 

 her selecting Lord Delawarre was 

 in consequence of her master's 

 being then confined on a bed of 

 sickness. Lord D. immediately 

 arose, summoned the domestic 

 establishment, and coolly directed 

 them to take steps, methodically, 

 to counteract the threatened 

 devastation. By this judicious 

 arrangement that venerable and 

 magnificent pile was saved from 

 almost inevitable destruction. A 

 plentiful supply of water quickly 

 reduced the flames, which did 

 not extend beyond the aboYe 

 apartment. Greatly to be re- 

 gretted is the loss or a part of the 

 very fine Gobelin tapestry ; also 

 several pictures, particularly the 

 exquisite portrait of Lady Hume, 

 daughter of the fourth Earl of 

 Dorset. The hangings of the 

 superb state - bed, and other 

 articles, were saved. The damage 

 to the room does not exceed 

 500/. What a providential cir- 

 cumstance it was that the family 

 were then resident there ! Had 

 not that been the case, this build- 

 ing, the work of ages, together 

 with all the pictures, statues, 

 vases, and other inestimable an- 

 tiques, must liave fallen a sacri- 

 fice to the devouring element. 



Letter from StocMiolm, Dec. 26. 

 — A remarkable declaration has 

 now ai)pcared, made by his Ma- 

 jesty 



