757 Review-Mexican Revolution. 758 for that relief which heaven only could bestow. The clouds covered the fort no sound was heard amid the general anxiety of the wretched garrison, save the thunder of the enemy's artillery, whose troops, with savage exultation, looked down on the besieged from their position on the hill. The flattering clouds passed slowly over the fort, the moment was anxiously looked for, which was to ease their sufferings; a few drops fell; anxiety was wrought up to the highest pitch;- but the clouds passed, and burst at a short distance from them! Language is inadequate to describe the emotions of despair which at that moment were depicted on every countenance in the fort. For several days the clouds continued thus to pass, without discharging a single drop on the parched garrison, who had the cruel mortification of seeing their enemies frequently drenched with rain, and the large lake of Lagos constantly in view. Such were the trials experienced at this ill-fated spot. At length, after a lapse of four days, a slight shower fell. Every article capable of containing the desired fluid was in readiness, and in spite of the incessant fire of the enemy, a sup vine, on which the garrison was entirely dependent for water, had been totally cut off, by the third division of the enemy, who had intrenched themselves in an impregnable position close to the watering-place, and who at night posted a chain of videttes along the ravine. Mina, as well as Mareno, had calculated that it was practicable to cover the watering parties from the fort; and to have anticipated this disaster, by preserving water within the fort, was impossible, as there was but one small tank, capable of holding no more than was sufficient for a few hours' supply. As the rainy season had commenced, it had been supposed that the garrison would not suffer for want of water. All these expectations were disappointed; for the watering parties, which were sent out nightly, generally returned without having succeeded in their attempt, or with such a partial supply as was of no adequate use; and although it constantly rained around, yet none fell in the fort. The watering parties were obliged to descend the declivity of a very deep barranca, which rendered it impossible to conduct these sallies with any degree of order, and the enemy were therefore always apprised of their approach to the rivulet, and of courseply was collected, sufficient to yield a tempoprepared to resist them. Hence no supplies of any consequence could be obtained. Those who have not seen the Mexican barrancas, can scarcely form an idea of the difficulties they present at every step; abounding in immense rocks, precipices, and thick bushes, it is impossible to conduct any military enterprise in them with compactness and order. "The small quantity of water which each individual collected on the first appearance of the enemy, had been soon expended. The only well in the fort, which was at the house of Don Pedro Moreno, had never contained water. All the stagnant water in the crevices around the fort, was consumed; and the horrors of thirst became dreadful. Recourse was had to some wild celery, which lukily grew around the fort: it was plucked at the risk of life; but these were only partial alleviations, for some of the people were four days without tasting a drop of water. The situation of the garrison was fast approaching to a crisis. The troops at their posts were hourly becoming less capable of exertion, from the severity of their sufferings. Horses and cattle were wandering about, in the greatest distress. The cries of children, calling on their unhappy mothers for water, gave to the scene of suffering peculiar horror. The countenance of the general shewed how deeply he sympathized in the sufferings of his associates: but he cheered them with the hope that the God of nature would not abandon them; he pointed to the heavy clouds with which the atmosphere was loaded, as the source from whence relief would speedily be obtained; and such was the effect Mina's example and consoling observations inspired, that each individual strove to distinguish himself by his superior fortitude under the severity of the general distress. With anxious expectation, they marked the approach of the heavily charged clouds, hoping that the predictions of a supply from them would soon be verified. Every vessel was ready to receive the grateful shower. The women brought out the images of their saints, supplicating their intervention rary relief to the suffering garrison. A small supply was also collected in reserve."-pp. 9 to 15. Three nights after the attempt made by the enemy to enter the fort, Mina, with 240 men, made a sortie on the encampment of Negrete, and carried the redoubt which had been thrown up on the hill. They were, however, compelled to retreat, leaving many killed and wounded on the scene of conflict. Such of the wounded as could not be brought off, fell into the hands of the enemy, who, carrying them in full view of the fort, caused them to be strangled in the sight of their commiserating and enraged comrades. Their bodies, stripped of their clothing, were thrown down the precipice of the barranca to become the food of vultures. Deceived with vain expectations of obtaining relief from sources which had flattered his hopes, Mina, on the night which succeeded the sorties, left the fort with three companions, to seek relief, leaving Colonel Young in command of the garrison. They eluded with difficulty the vigilance of the besiegers, and after some time Mina made several attempts to accomplish his purpose; but the fort was too strictly and strongly guarded, to permit his efforts to command success. "Meanwhile, the enemy prosecuted the siege with vigour. The cannonading was incessant by day, and continued occasionally at night. A few of the besieged were killed, and from the last shower was exhausted; and the sufferings of the garrison, as well from hunger as thirst, again became intolerable. Several several wounded. The stock of water collected 759 Review-The Welsh Non-conformist's Memorial. days had again elapsed without water. The children were expiring from thirst; many of the adults had become delirious, and had re sorted to the last and most disgusting of all human expedients, to allay for a moment the torments of thirst; while some few, driven to madness, would steal down at night to the rivulet, and, flying from the death of thirst, receive it at the hands of their enemies. At this juncture, a generous trait was manifested by the enemy. They were moved to pity by the dreadful situation of the women, and allowed not permit them to carry any up to the fort. This solitary act of humanity proved, however, but a ruse de guerre,' as the enemy obtained from the women correct information of the state of things in the fort, and finally, on one occasion observing a large number of them at the watering place, with characteristic perfidy they seized them, and sent them prisoners to "The besieged were suffering not only the extremity of thirst, but their provisions were nearly all consumed. Every juicy weed around the fort was plucked, and some of the men imagined they found relief from thirst by chewing lead. The soldiers were compelled to subsist partially on the flesh of horses, asses, and dogs. them to descend and drink the water, but would the town of Leon. The stench of the animals which had died for want of food, or from the enemy's shot, and of the dead bodies of the enemy which were suffered to lie unburied, was almost insupport able. Large flocks of vultures, attracted by the dismal scene, were constantly hovering over the fort, and fortunately diminished an evil, which otherwise could not have been borne. "Their sufferings having become intolerable, many of the troops deserted, so that not more than a hundred and fifty effective men remained. The ammunition was so far expended as only to admit of occasional firing. The guns had been for some time served with the enemy's shot; which, dug out at night from the rubbish outside of the fort, was fired back to them in the morning." (To be concluded in our next.) REVIEW.-The Welsh Non-conformist's Memorial, or Cambro-British Biography. To which are prefixed, an Essay on Druidism, and Introduction of the Gospel into Britain, &c. By the late Rev. William Richards, LL. D. Edited, with Notes and Illustrations, by John Evans, LL. D. London, 8vo. 1820. Sherwood & Co. pp. 504. 8s. DR. RICHARDS, the author, was born in Pembrokeshire, in the year 1749, and died on the 13th September, 1818. From his infancy he was distinguished for his love of knowledge, his diligence, and seriousness. He received his education for the office of the Christian ministry in the Baptist academy at Bristol, where he continued two years. The Bible was his favourite study; but to this he did not confine himself. He became acquainted with the best authors, was well versed in civil and ecclesiastical history, and was consi 760 dered to be an admirable critic in the Cambro-British tongue. After the decease of his father, he was baptized, and became a zealous and devout Christian, and spent much of his time and property in the completion of a place of worship which had been previously begun by his father, and afterwards preached in it for some time. He next accepted an invitation to assist Dr. John Ash, at Pershore, and resigned that office to become the pastor of the Baptist society at Lynn, where, by his studious habits, and sedentary course of life, his constitution becoming much impaired, he was obliged to resign his pastoral charge, and was suspected of heretical pravity, but this suspicion was without foundation. His publications are classed under five heads, viz. historical, biographical, political, controversial, and miscellaneous. His most extensive work was "The History of Lynn,” in which is displayed great research, and much general information. Thus much for the author of The Welsh Non-conformist's Memorial. In a dedicatory epistle, Dr. Evans, the editor, gives the following account of the posthumous work now before us: "For years previous to his death, he (Dr. Richards) meditated a work illustrative of the ecclesiastical antiquities of the principality of Wales. The subsequent volume shews what had been accomplished. It is at length, with its final corrections, presented to the public, who will him to complete his plan, (a circumstance which, please to recollect, that, had Providence permitted in humble submission to the will of God, was the subject of prayer during his last illuess,) imperfections, at present discernible, would never have appeared. Posthumous productions are received with eandour. A discerning public is not wanting in liberality." "It is a treasure of biography: I was deterLike the mined that it should see the light. Sibylline leaves, I have gathered the sketches together with an hallowed vigilance." The title of the book appears to us incorrect, because it conveys the idea of a finished or complete work, whereas the volume contains only detached parts of an intended whole, and the editor has not attempted to complete the work by supplying the deficient links in either the biographical or historical chain. Therefore, we should have preferred a title nearly as follows: 'Materials for a Welsh Non-conformist's Memorial, &c. &c. collected by the late Rev. Wm. Richards, LL. D. Edited, with Notes and Illustrations, by John Evans, LL. D.' 761 Review-The Welsh Non-conformist's Memorial. 762 The first of these sketches is that of Vavasor Powell. "This eminent and ever-memorable Cam bro-Briton, Vavasor Powell, was a native of Radnorshire, of no mean origin or ignoble descent, being related to some of the best families in that country, and also in those of In making these remarks, we have no wish to withhold from Dr. Evans the praise he merits by bringing the contents of this volume before the public. While we regret that Dr. Richards did not live to finish his own work, Dr. Evans has our best thanks for pre-Montgomery and Salop. He was brought up to senting it to the public in its present shape. He has rendered an acceptable service to the religious world, and has imbodied more literary information than wo expect, or usually find, in works professedly religious. We proceed to give the reader some idea of the contents of this book. After a dedication and preface by the Editor, we arrive at the part written by Dr. Richards, which commences with a "Sketch of Druidism," which we regret our limits do not suffer us to examine at length. Dr. Richards is more favourable to Druidical institutions than most writers have been, who have made this subject their study. The doctrine of transmigration has been held by several Christians. The Bards espoused the doctrine of One God, the Creator and Governor of the universe, and pervading all space; of whom the idea of a locality of existence was deemed unworthy. Propitiatory sacrifice was a part of their religion, but their human sacrifices were criminals; and this system he compares with the execution of criminals in the present day. Add to these, the Bards generally embraced Christianity at its first promulgation; and it does not appear, from any accounts which have been transmitted to us, that they ever disgraced their profession. learning from his childhood, and received a very liberal education, first in that country, and afterwards at Jesus College, in Oxford, where he is said to have made considerable profciency in the learned languages, and other branches of literature. He was born in 1617, and went into orders in the Established Church some time before 1640." He soon became an itinerant puritan preacher. "He frequently preached at two or three places in a day, and was seldom two days in the week throughout the year, out of the pulpit; nay, he would sometimes ride a hundred miles in a week, and preach in every place where be "Even might have admittance." as early as the year 1654, the Christians in Wales, connected with Vavasor Powell, or attached to him, were supposed to amount to no less than there (in London) when Cromwell assumed the "He was twenty thousand." supreme power and was proclaimed Lord Protector; and took a very active part in opposing the same. On the very day that Oliver was proclaimed, he is said to have remonstrated agaiust it to the men in power. He also preached against which he was taken into custody, examined beit the same evening at Blackfriars Church, for fore the council, and detained some days." The reign of Charles the Second was still more unpropitious to religious liberty. On the 28th of April, 1660, he was apprehended, and from that time he was confined, with the exception of some very short intervals, till death liberated him from the Fleet prison on the 27th October, 1670, in the 53d year of his age. The Appendix contains "Hints on Primitive Christianity;" "Reflections on Allegorical Preaching;" which last we recommend to the attention of young Ministers. "Wickliffe and his followers." "Sketch of Michael Servetus." "Account of the original State of the Sacred Writings;" and an Introduction and Postscript, by the Editor. Whatever is connected with the Next we are presented with "An Account of the first Introduction of the Gospel into Britain; with a cursory view of the State of Christianity among the ancient Britons from that period to the time of Pelagius," which is followed by "Some Account of Morgant, commonly called Pelagius ;" and this is succeeded by "A Sketch of the State of Christianity in Wales, from are the direct descendants of the orithe time of Pelagius to that of Wick-ginal inhabitants of this Island, and liffe." To the period of the Reformation, the author, had he lived, would have brought down his accourt. The principal part of the work is next in the order of succession, and bears the title of "Cambro-British Biography, or Sketches of several Welsh Non-conformists of the Seventeenth Century," &c. No. 30.-VOL. III. principality of Wales, appears to us particularly interesting. The Welsh among them must be sought the knowledge of our early antiquities. Their personal character, their simplicity and integrity, tend to increase this interest. We receive, with pleasure, any additional information respecting them; and we recommend this volume as a valuable accession to the stores of religious biography. 2 C 765 Coronation of His Majesty George the Fourth. CORONATION OF HIS MAJESTY GEORGE THE FOURTH. IF monarchs and common individuals differ from each other in that splendour of exhibition, which, on momentous occasions, attracts the public eye, we may easily trace a striking resemblance in the principles by which mankind are actuated in every department of life. Expectation is, however, generally regulated by the dignity of the character which excites attention; and it is only when a deviation from preconceived opinion takes place, that we complain of disappoint ment. The coronation of a monarch is one of the most magnificent spectacles that a nation can exhibit to surrounding states; and among these corruscations of earthly glory, not one can be more interesting to Englishmen than that of a British king. An event of this kind, we have just been called to witness; exhibiting a display, which, for wisdom in arrangement, taste in selection, grandeur in decoration, and order in all the parade of punctilio and ceremony, has rarely been equalled, and perhaps never surpassed. | 766 in with the ringing of bells, and a vast discharge of rockets. Between two and three in the morning, lines of carriages were formed at Charing-Cross on the one hand, and at Millbank on the other. At this early hour, those who were to join in the procession, and others who had taken seats as spectators to witness the ceremonies of the day, were all in a state of aetivity and bustle, each one hastening to the object which he had in view, and manifesting a degree of patriotic anxiety to appear among the foremost to witness the splendid solemnities that were about to be exhibited. Among these might be seen Judges, Peers, Bishops, with naval and military commanders, accompanied by their sisters, wives, and daughters, all decorated in their richest attire, and sparkling with diamonds, as if to rival in brilliancy the rising sun. The foremost reached the doors before they were opened, in consequence of which they were rendered stationary for a considerable time, while those in the rear, finding their movements retarded, alighted from their vehicles, and travelled forward on foot. Even ladies bedecked with jewels, were seen leaving their carIt is not our intention in these pages riages, and walking towards the door to enter into a detailed account of the to be in readiness to enter, the monumerous and diversified particulars ment it should be opened. During immediately connected with this na- the whole of this period, scarcely any tional event; a minute description crowd was assembled, so that from would fill an interesting volume; and an elevated point within the circle of we are happy in being able to an- this vicinity, the eye might be gratinounce, that such a volume is now pre-fied with a panoramic view, without paring at the Caxton press. Under meeting with any obstruction. these circumstances, a general outline is all that we shall here attempt to lay before our readers. As the morning advanced, Palaceyard was occupied by strong parties of patrol, and detachments of Horse Guards, who, for several hours, far exceeded in number the populace that assembled; and it is but an act of justice to state, that their conduct was mild, conciliating, manly, and It is well known, that for several months past, vast preparations have been making for this grand event; and that in the neighbourhood of Westminster Hall, expensive accommodations have been fitted up for the re-obliging. No apprehensions of hosception of spectators. Of the manner in which the grand procession was to be conducted, an account has also been published, on the ground of anticipation; and although, in some particulars, a trifling deviation took place from the previous arrangements, in their grand outline they remained unaltered. The memorable day fixed on for this august ceremony, was Thursday, July 19th, 1821: the morning was ushered tility appeared to be entertained on either side. The populace mingled with the military, and were suffered by them to approach within a short distance of the platform on which the procession was to move, and which extended from the great north door of Westminster Hall, to what is called the west door of the Abbey. At intervals, minute guns were fired from a brig of war anchored on the Thames, and preparations for illumi |