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CAULFIELD from the fury of the people, and afterwards treated with protection and generosity. This skirmish, though not very important in a military point of view, gave to Lord Charlemont the strongest proof of the spirit, promptitude, and bravery of his countrymen in the defence of their native soil. The conduct of his lordship on this occasion, and the spirit displayed by his countrymen, were highly commended in the viceroy's dispatches to his government in England, and as graciously approved by the reigning monarch, GEo. II. And bis Grace of Bedford, at a sub- sequent time, upon the appointment of his successor, the Duke of Northumberland, to the viceroyalty, marked his esteem for Lord Charlemont, by strongly recommending, that an earldom should be offered to his lordship. This was the more generous, as Lord Charlemont had warmly opposed many of the Duke of Bedford's measures in par- 401 liament. On the succession of his present majesty to the throne, Lord Halifax was appointed to the viceroyalty of Ireland, and Lord Charlemont being then in London, an event occurred, in which he conceived the honour of his coun- try, and the privileges of its nobility, were materially , affected. The nuptials of the young king with her late majesty, Queen Charlotte, were shortly to be celebrated, and a nomber of Irish peeresses were then in town, and expected, as a matter of course, to have the honour of walking in the procession, according to their respective ranks, at the august solemnities. But before even the queen had landed, the Duchess of Bedford had received orders to acquaint these ladies, " that they were not to wall, or form any part in the ceremonial. Extremely mortified at this unexpected velo, exposing themselves to ridicule, and their country to contempt, they applied to Lord Charlemont for his interference, to vindicate the honour and privileges of the peerage of Ire- land; and his lordship, ever the devoted champion of chivalry, and the honour of his fair countrywomen, used VoL. 1.