per to be
taken by them, in relation to this instance of contempt. Meanwhile, the
petitioners against the return made by the high-bailiff, perceiving the
temper of the house, and the complexion of the majority, withdrew their
petition; and the order which had passed for hearing the merits of
the election was discharged. Mr. Murray being taken dangerously ill in
Newgate, application was made to the commons, by some of his relations,
that he might be removed to a more convenient situation; and his
physician being examined, gave it as his opinion that he was infected
with the gaol distemper. Upon this representation, the house agreed that
the speaker should issue a warrant for removing him from Newgate to the
custody of the sergeant-at-arms, but this favour he refused to accept,
and expressed the warmest resentment against those relations who had
applied to the commons in his behalf. Thus he remained sequestered even
from his own brother and sister, under the displeasure of the commons
of England, who condescended so far as to make resolutions touching the
physician, apothecary, and nurse who attended this prisoner. But the
prorogation of parliament having put an end to their authority for
that session, Mr. Murray was discharged of course, and conducted by the
sheriffs from Newgate to his own house, in procession, with flags and
streamers exhibiting the emblems of liberty.

SESSION CLOSED. STYLE ALTERED.

In the month of June the session was closed with a speech from the
throne, in which his majesty thanked both houses for the zeal and
affection they had manifested towards him and his government; and
congratulated the commons in particular, upon their firmness and
prudence in reducing the interest of the national debt, a measure
as agreeable to him as essential to the strength and welfare of the
kingdom. [330] _[See note 2 S, at the end of this Vol.]_--The interior
economy of Great Britain produced, within the circle of this year,
nothing else worthy of historical regard, except a series of enormous
crimes, arising from the profligacy of individuals, which reflected
disgrace upon the morals and the polity of the nation. Rapine and
robbery had domineered without intermission ever since the return of
peace, which was attended with a reduction of the army and navy; but now
crimes of a deeper die seemed to lift up their heads, in contempt of law
and humanity. [331] _[See note 2 T, at the end of this Vol.]_ Every
day al