Lords Sitting of 22 January 1806

MINUTES.
The Earl of Dartmouthinformed the house, that his majesty would be graciously pleased to receive their lordships' address to morrow at half past two.—The lord Chancellor stated to the house that lie had duly transmitted the vote of thanks of that house, passed on the 13th of May, 1804, to marquis Wellesley, and that he had received, during the recess, an answer from that nobleman. Understanding, however, that that noble lord was now in England, and had been in that house, he thought it would be more consistent with the forms of the house for the marquis Wellesley to deliver his answer in his place, than for him to read the letter which he had received from the noble marquis.

IMPEACHMENT OF LORD MELVILLE.
Lord Melvillein pursuance of the order

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of last session, respecting the delivery of his answer to the articles, of impeachment exhibited against him by the commons, on the second day of this session, entered the house, and presented his answer at the table, which was forthwith read by the clerk. The averment stated in substance, that "he was in no way guilty of all or any of the articles of impeachment, exhibited by the commons, and which he was ready to prove on a proper opportunity being afforded him by their lordships' right hon. house." A copy of the said answer was, on the motion of lord Walsingham, ordered to be communicated by message to the commons; and also that a sufficient number of copies be printed for the use of their lordships. It was also ordered, that Messrs. Plumer, Adam, and Hopkins, be assigned as counsel to lord Melville, for conducting his defence. A committee was likewise, on the motion of lord Walsingham, appointed to enquire into and report precedents of cases of Impeachments for crimes and misdemeanours.