The Earl of Westmorlandpresented a Petition from Sir Jonah Barrington, Judge of the High Court of Admiralty, Ireland, praying to be heard by Counsel and Witnesses at their Lordships' bar, in order that he might have an opportunity of disproving the charges that had been brought against him. The noble Earl said, that he presented the Petition on two grounds; first, because he held it to be the duty of every Peer to present the petition of any man who thought himself aggrieved, and asked for a fair hearing; and secondly, because he had long known Sir Jonah Barrington, and ever found him honest, faithful, and zealous. He was sure that a fair and impartial hearing would be afforded the petitioner, and he hoped that it would restore him to his rank in society.
§ The Duke of Wellington moved the Order of the Day for taking into consideration the Message which their Lordships had recently received from the House of Commons relative to Sir Jonah Barrington. Having briefly adverted to the proceedings which had taken place in the House of Commons in the case of Sir Jonah Barrington, the noble Duke observed, that in his opinion, the most proper course to pursue would be, to institute an inquiry at their Lordships' bar, which would enable them to form their own opinion on the subject. The noble Duke then moved "That the further consideration of this subject be proceeded with on Monday se'nnight, that Counsel be heard, and that witnesses attend on that day."
§ Ordered.