§ The Speakersaid, he had to submit to the consideration of the House a letter that he had received from Dr. Munro and sir G. Tuthill, who, at his desire, had visited Mr. Gourlay, at present, by the orders of that House, in the custody of the Serjeant at Arms.
The letter was read as follows:—"Sir; In obedience to your commands, we have had several interviews with Mr. Robert 1318 Gourlay, for the purpose of ascertaining the state of his mind. And. now, after repeated conversations with him; after hearing him detail many of the principal events of his life; and after carefully considering what he has recently written; it is our opinion that his mind has at different periods exhibited proofs of unsoundness, that he was of unsound mind on Friday last, when he assaulted a member of the House, and that he continues in the same state. "We have the honour to remain, Sir, &c. Edward Thomas Monro, M. D. George L. Tuthill, M. D."
§ Mr. Canningsaid, that after what the House had just heard, it was hardly expedient to follow the usual course of calling the individual to the bar [hear hear]. A great difficulty from thence arose, respecting the manner of disposing of this unfortunate man. He apprehended, however, that the most humane course would be, to detain him, without making any further order upon his case, until his friends should be consulted.