Part 34

The Letter was read as follows:

Dover, one o'clock, A. M. Feb. 21st, 1814.

Sir,

I have the honour to acquaint you, that the L'Aigle from Calais, Pierre Duquin, Master, has this moment landed me near Dover, to proceed to the capital with Dispatches of the happiest nature. I have pledged my honour that no harm shall come to the crew of L'Aigle; even with a Flag of truce they immediately stood for Sea. Should they be taken, I have to entreat you immediately to liberate them; my anxiety will not allow me to say more for your gratification, than that the Allies obtained a final victory, that Bonaparte was overtaken by a party of Sachen's Cossacks, who immediately slaid him, and divided his body between them; General Platoff saved Paris from being reduced to ashes, the Allied Sovereigns are there, and the White Cockade is universal, an immediate Peace is certain.--In the utmost haste I entreat your consideration, and I have the honour to be,

Sir, Your most obedient, humble Servant, R. Du BOURG, Lt. Col. & Aid de Camp to Lord Cathcart.

To the Honourable T. Foley Port Admiral, Deal, &c. &c. &c. &c.

Mr. Serjeant Best. Your Lordship will allow me to explain. I did not ask these questions of Mr. Lavie, with a view to offer hand writing against hand writing, but to prove these Papers that I mean to offer in evidence.

Lord Ellenborough. They should be proved in your case; I know by mutual consent they are sometimes proved by a Witness for the Prosecution, and I did not interfere in the first instance, but when I saw it multiplying, I thought it necessary to interfere.

Thomas Dennis Sworn.

Examined by Mr. Adolphus.

Q. Are you the driver of a post chaise in the service of Mr. Wright, at the Ship at Dover?

A. Yes.

Q. Early in the morning of the 21st of February, do you remember taking a fare from thence?

A. Yes, I drove the chaise.

Q. With how many horses?

A. Four.

Q. Where did you drive it to?

A. To Canterbury.

Q. To what Inn?

A. To the Fountain.

Q. What sort of person was it that you drove?

A. I cannot say.

Q. Was it one person, or more than one?

A. Only one.

Q. A man or a woman?

A. A man.

Q. Was it dark?

A. Yes.