1800
was a continuation of dissension and discord, both at home and abroad.
Twice in this year the king's life was attempted; once in Hyde Park, and
again, on the same evening, at Drury-lane Theatre; the first being by a
ball cartridge, and the latter by a pistol. In the court, the same
lavish display as formerly was continued, and the royal means were not
curtailed. It was _said_, that the king declined having more than one
course served up, but this was merely _nominal_; indeed, if it were as
stated, the country did not benefit much by the change, as the
allowances to royalty were, in many instances, very much increased,
instead of being decreased.
Such was the scarcity of provisions this year, that the generality of
the population existed upon a scanty portion of potatoes during the
twenty-four hours. Bread was not within the power of the poor to obtain,
as the quartern loaf, mixed with all sorts of deleterious ingredients,
sold for twenty-one pence!
This year was rendered of immortal memory by the union of Ireland with
England, which was effected by a profuse distribution of _money_ and
_titles_. Oh! disgrace to the Irish nation, ye servile few, who could
sell your country for selfish ends! To yield up "name and fame," and all
that is dear to honesty, for the sake of an "empty sound!"
The amounts required for this and the last year were nearly the same as
for 1798.