IRELAND AND COMPULSORY SERVICE.
r To TRH EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR,"1 SIR,—The following extracts from letters written from Dublin in 1803 by Dr. William Drennan to his sister in Belfast are of interest at the present time, and show how history repeats itself. The first is from a letter dated July 15th, 1803— "They talk here of invasion, but don't seem to feel much alarm. I think Buanaparte is perhaps out in his politics in having com- mitted himself so early in this point, and England seems to have taken advantage of his threat to put herself in the best posture of defence, with a Triple shield of Armies regular and of reserve. It will be really wonderful if an invasion can be made. England must be invaded in Summer, in a perfect calm, and by rowers, fog one or two frigates with the East wind would dash their small craft in pieces. Ireland can only be invaded in the Winter, in a storm of some continuance which would lock up the British Navy in their Channel. Upon the whole I think in the course of six weeks, if nothing be attempted, that England is safe and will then be really in a higher situation of greatness than ever she was before."
The second letter is dated July 23rd, 1803:—.
" William (his little son) has been dipt in cold water for some mornings notwithstanding his cough, and seems just ready to march, tho' not quite fit for the army of reserve. All between 17 and 55 are to take up Arms in England, but they pay an ill compliment to this Country by not adopting the same plan here :
particular circumstances in that Country, says the Minister, rendering it improper."
Dun owen, Belfast.
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