ince of Wales having, in the beginning of June, entered the
two-and-twentieth year of his age, the anniversary of his birth was
celebrated with great rejoicings at court, and the king received
compliments of congratulation on the majority of a prince, who seemed
born to fulfil the hopes, and complete the happiness, of Great Britain.
The city of London presented an address to the king on this occasion,
replete with expressions of loyalty and affection, assuring his majesty,
that no hostile threats could intimidate a people animated by the
love of liberty, who, confiding in the Divine Providence, and in his
majesty's experienced wisdom and vigorous councils, were resolved to
exert their utmost efforts towards enabling their sovereign to repel the
insults and defeat the attempts made by the ancient enemies of his crown
and kingdom. Congratulations of the same kind were offered by other
cities, towns, corporations, and communities, who vied with each other
in professions of attachment; and, indeed, there was not the least trace
of disaffection perceivable at this juncture in any part of the island.

A NEW BRIDGE AT BLACKFRIARS.

So little were the citizens of London distressed by the expense, or
incommoded by the operations of the war, that they found leisure to
plan, and funds to execute, magnificent works of art, for the ornament
of the metropolis, and the convenience of commerce. They had obtained
an act of parliament, empowering them to build a new bridge over the
Thames, from Blackfriars to the opposite shore, about midway between
those of London and Westminster. Commissioners were appointed to
put this act in execution; and, at a court of common-council, it was
resolved that a sum not exceeding one hundred and forty-four thousand
pounds should be forthwith raised, within the space of eight years, by
instalments, not exceeding thirty thousand pounds in one year, to be
paid into the chamber of London; that the persons advancing the money
should have an interest at the rate of four pounds per cent, per
annum, to be paid half-yearly by the chamberlain, yet redeemable at the
expiration of the first ten years; and that the chamberlain should affix
the city's seal to such instruments as the committee might think fit to
give for securing the payment of the said annuities. Such were the first
effectual steps taken towards the execution of a laudable measure, which
met with the most obstinate opposition in the sequel, fro