Page:Sketch of the life and character of His Royal Highness the late Duke of York (1).pdf/16

 16 On the 27th of Jan. 1809, Col. Wardle intro- duced the subject in the House of Commons, and submitted five cases of corruption to the House, which he was prepared to substantiate. The first case was that of Torryn. He paid Mrs Clarke, L.500 on being promoted to the rank of Major ; or more correctly speaking, this sum was paid to a silversmith on Mrs Clarke's account, in part payment of a service of plate which had been or- dered for herself and his R. H. The second case was that of an exchange which was effected be- tweeen two colonels (Brooke and Knight) and for which Mrs Clarke received L.200. The third case was of a different description, that two most meritorious officers, who mutually wished to ex- change, were prevented from doing so, in conse- quence of their inability to make the presents which were expected. The fourth case was more important than any of the former. A Major Shaw had, after repeated negociations, obtained from Mrs C. the assurance that he should receive the appointment of Dep. Barrack-master at the Cape, on paying her L.1000. He ultimately received the appointment, but was enabled to make good to Mrs Clarke no more than L.500 The Lady complained to the Commander-in-Chief, and the unhappy defaulter, instead of going out to the Cape, was kept at home, and reduced to half-pay. The fifth case was that, in 1804, Col. French was appointed, through Mrs Clarke's influence, to con- duct a levy. He was to pay over to her a guinea of the bounty of each man, together with the sale or patronage of commissions to a certain extent. A loan was also to be raised by the same party for the use of the Duke, for which he was to obtain a considerable sun of money from Government for