fortunate occurrence at Dartmoor Prison.

His Royal Highness has commanded me to express, through you, to
the government of America, how deeply he laments the consequences
of this unhappy affair.

If any thing can tend to relieve the distress which his Royal
Highness feels on this occasion, it is the consideration, that the
conduct of the soldiers was not actuated from any spirit of
animosity towards the prisoners, and that the inactivity of the
officers may be attributed rather to the inexperience of militia
forces, than to any want of zeal or inclination to afford that
liberal protection which is ever due to prisoners of war.

But as his Royal Highness has observed, at the same time, with
sincere regret, that although the firing of the troops upon the
prisoners may have been justified at its commencement, by the
turbulent conduct of the latter, yet that the extent of the
calamity must be ascribed to a want of steadiness in the troops,
and of exertion in the officers, calling for the most severe
animadversion. His Royal Highness has been pleased to direct the
commander in chief to address to the commanding officer of the
Somerset militia, his disapprobation of the conduct of the troops,
which it is trusted will make a due impression on the minds of the
officers and men who were engaged in this unfortunate transaction.

As an additional proof of the sentiments which animate the Prince
Regent on this occasion, I am further commanded to express his
Royal Highness' desire to make a compensation to the widows and
families of the sufferers; and I have to request that you,
gentlemen, would make this known to your government, inviting
them, at the same time, to co-operate with his majesty's charge
d'affairs in the United States, in investigating the respective
claims, for the purpose of fulfilling his Royal Highness'
benevolent intentions upon this painful occasion.

I request that you will accept the assurance of the distinguished
consideration with which I have the honor to be, &c.

(Signed)

CASTLEREAGH.

To Henry Clay, Esq. and Albert Gallatin, Esq.

_Copy of a letter from Messrs. Clay and Gallatin, to Lord
Castlereagh._

Hanover Street, Hanover Square, March 24, 1815.

MY LORD--We h