The Editor cannot but seize this opportunity to thank those Gentlemen who have furnished him with the most authentic materials for some of the speeches, which, they will immediately see, he has copied verbatim from their manuscripts—and he sincerely hopes, their having appeared in print before they are spoken, will not deter the several Gentlemen from delivering them with their usual appearance of extempore eloquence.
November 23, 1778.
The Gentlemen trading to the East-Indies, West-Indies, and other parts, who intend taking or sending thither any pamphlets this season, are hereby informed, that this work is authentic, faithful, and strictly impartial; and as the nice and discerning eye of the British islands and settlements near us, must feel an interest in these matters, good allowance will be given for taking quantities.—Also the best Dutch wax, and stationary wares.
ANTICIPATION, &c.
Dom. Comm. Jovis. 26 Nov. die.
Anno 19ᵒ Georgii III Regis, 1778.
Sir Francis M[olyneu]x, gentleman-usher of the black rod, having, with the usual solemnity, at half past two o’clock, given three admonitory raps at the door of the H[ous]e of C[ommo]ns, and being thereupon admitted, and having proceeded towards the table, with three progressive bows, acquainted the S[peake]r,[1] that his M[ajest]y commanded their immediate attendance in the H[ous]e of L[or]ds, where soon after his M[ajest]y delivered his most gracious speech to both Houses; which we should give at length, having an accurate copy now before us, but that many reasons concur to induce us rather to give a general sketch of it. It is scarcely necessary to say, that respect to that great personage is the principal of those motives: It is also universally felt, that the merit of those speeches consists much less in the composition than in the delivery. Besides, as an authentic black letter copy of this speech will infallibly appear, we have too high a respect for our good friends Messrs. the Hawkers and Criers of this great metropolis, to rob them of any part of the fruits of their annual eloquence on this occasion⸺The speech began by saying,
That the situation of public affairs induced him to call them thus early together, that they might more fully enter into the various and important concerns which would naturally engage their attention.