ANNUAL REGISTER, OR A VIEW OF THE HISTORY, LONDON: J. OTRIDGE; J. CUTHELL; LONGMAN, HURST, RÉES, ORME, AND BROWN; E. JEFFERY AND SON; LACKINGTON AND CO.; J. BELL; J. ASPERNE; PREFACE. IN the long and disastrous annals of the war which has now become almost habitual to Europe, the present year will be peculiarly memorable on account of the variety and importance of its events-events, however, more striking in their occurrence, than decisive of the important concerns depending upon the issue of the contest. Of these, the most prominent in magnitude and interest was undoubtedly the invasion of one great empire by the collected force of the still greater empire, which in its spread had left itself no other adequate antagonist. The conflagration of a capital, the horrid carnage consequent upon well-fought battles between countless hosts, the still more lavish and lamentable waste of lives occasioned by the rigours of winter combining with the distresses of retreat, and the inglorious flight of a leader who scarcely ever before returned without fame and conquest from his daring expeditions; form scenes of tragic grandeur which the drama of human affairs has rarely presented in modern times on the civilized parts of the globe. The The peninsular war has likewise been carried on with unusual vigour; and the storming of two strong fortresses, with an action in the field of greater magnitude than had before occurred between the chief contending parties, followed by the liberation of the southern provinces of Spain from its invaders, offer splendid materials to the military historian of this period. At the same time, the adoption of free governments in Spain and Sicily will equally interest the philosophical observer, provided their duration shall correspond with the zeal displayed in their establishment. Another event which has added to the confusion and calamity of the times, and perhaps will be the parent of consequences more momentous than any which are yet apparent, is, the unfortunate commencement of a war between Great Britain and those Transatlantic States to which she gave birth, and has communicated the most valuable of her treasures, her laws and liberty. To this country, indeed, the war has been little more than an addition to its drains and losses; but to the United States its continuance must prove a severe trial of the strength of that federal union which has hitherto contributed so essentially to their prosperity and security, and will probably give origin to those evils which press so heavily upon all old govern ments. |