1818.] Account of Sir Samuel Romilly. with a book in his hand, in order to catch those moments for improvement, which others too often waste in indolence. It was there too, that he first saw his late wife: she was then Miss Garbett, the daughter of a gentleman who had acted, many years ago, as secretary to the Marquis, when Earl Shelburne, and a minister of state. Meanwhile, the declining health of Mr. Romilly, in addition to a longing desire to visit foreign countries, made him resolve to make a tour on the continent. He accordingly passed through France, which then only began to display revolutionary symptoms, and spent a considerable time there. Thence he proceeded to Switzerland, which at that period enjoyed a state of uninterrupted happiness and tranquillity, with an exception of some trifling disturbances in the Pays de Vaud, a country governed by the Bernese, with a degree of rigour that afterwards proved fatal, not only to their own liberties, but to those of all the Helvetic body. At length, after refreshing his mind by foreign travel, and acquiring a knowledge of the world, our young lawyer returned to England, married the woman of his choice, by whom he had a numerous family, set himself down steadily to his legal labours, and was soon looked up to as a shining ornament of his profession. There is no instance, perhaps, of such a rapid career, or such a sudden acquisition of practice. But the times proved favourable to him, for Sir John Scott was promoted to the woolsack, and the chancery bench, while Mr. Mitford became, first, Speaker of the House of Commons of England, and then Chancellor of Ireland. Having always exhibited a marked attachment to constitutional liberty, Mr. Romilly, who had by this time obtained a silk gown, with a patent of precedency, was at length selected as a fit person to fill the office of solicitor-general. Accordingly, when Mr. Fox and Lord Grenville came into power together, he was nominated to that office in the beginning of 1806; and having accordingly succeeded Sir Vicary Gibbs, was immediately knighted. It has been asserted, that he was at one time intended, per saltum, to have been nominated chancellor. It now became necessary that he should have a seat in the House of Commons, and he was accordingly brought in for Queenborough. Notwithstanding the laborious and almost incessant attention required by his profession, both at Westminster Hall, and the chambers of Lincoln's Inn, Sir Samuel determined to discharge his duties as a member of Parliament, with that discrimination and energy peculiar to himself. Perceiving, in the course of his practice, that a number of creditors were, in certain cases, deprived of their just demands, by the intervention of the law relative to landed property, he resolved to attempt a remedy. 409 Accordingly, on the 27th March, 1807, he obtained leave to bring in a bill "for making the freehold estates of persons liable to the bankrupt laws, who might die indebted, assets for the payment of their simple contract debts." This proposition was seconded by Mr. Attorney-General (Sir Arthur Piggott), and supported by an eloquent and learned speech from Sir Samuel, which was heard with a marked attention. On this occasion, a lawyer (Mr. W. Wynne,) hoped the learned gentleman would not stop here, "but apply his mind to a similar consideration in respect to the estate of the living as well as of the dead; yet, on the third reading of the bill it met with a powerful opposition, especially on the part of the Master of the Rolls. On the question of the third reading, there appeared-Against it, 69-For it, 47-Majority, 22. Notwithstanding the bill was thus lost, Sir Samuel again brought the subject before the legislature, and it received its sanction, under the form of an act "for the more effectually securing the payment of the debts of traders." On this occasion he made a few judicious alterations, and gave a preference to specialty creditors. On the impeachment of Viscount Melville in 1806, Sir Samuel Romilly was appointed one of the managers, and not only assisted in preparing and arranging the accusatory matter, but, during the fifteen days the trial lasted, paid the most sedulous attention to all the proceedings. After the evidence was produced, Sir Samuel summed up in a speech which occupied the whole of one day, and was listened to with the greatest respect. We On another occasion, the humane and laudable efforts of the subject of this memoir, in conjunction with those of his associates, were eminently conspicuous. allude to the " Slave Trade Abolition Bill," at which period his speech was received with such distinguished applause, that the delivery of one animated passage was followed by three distinct plaudits an event which, perhaps, never occurred before in the House of Commons. Towards the conclusion, he introduced a most brilliant apostrophe, in which he drew a comparative estimate of the labours and the enjoyments of the original propounder of that bill, and the late despot of France. But in the midst of the career which he had now entered upon, an event occurred which tended not a little to cramp his efforts for the public weal, by diminishing the extent of his legal and political influence. That administration, of which he had formed a part, was soon after dissolved, and he himself was of course prepared to retire from the office which he had exercised with so much moderation ; for we have some reason to believe, that during the year in which he acted as King's solicitor-general, 470 Account of Sir Samuel Romilly. not one prosecution for libel, not a single solitary attempt to narrow or infringe upon the liberty of the press, took place. Sir Samuel, however, did not appear to submit to the exercise of the royal prerogative. On the contrary, he rose in his place in the House of Commons, and made a most able defence of the conduct of the ex-ministers. In 1807, Sir Samuel, who had long meditated a grand reform in the criminal code, first disclosed his purpose. In order to bottom his proposed alterations on facts, he moved for certain returns, with a view of ascertaining the effects of the old system. From these it appeared, that, in the course of three years only, 19,178 prisoners had been tried for their lives in the United Kingdom, of whom no less than 9,510 were convicted, and 327 executed; while, wonderful to relate, a greater number by five suffered death in Dublin than in London. On this occasion, with a humanity worthy of himself, he proposed to alter one of our statutes respecting petty thefts. He also wished to introduce a new practice in favour of the innocent. It is well known, that at this moment any one may be imprisoned, tried, and perhaps ruined, both in respect to character and property, on the oath of another, grounded solely on plausible, but ill-founded suspicion. After some compliments and observations from Mr. Wilberforce in favour of the principle, and a few remarks from Sir F. Burdett respecting the power of certifying, proposed to be ceded to the judges, the new solicitor-general opposed the bill. Not withstanding this, on the 15th of June, it was moved, "that the House do resolve itself into a committee of the whole House, on the Privately Stealing Bill." This having been granted, Sir Samuel made a very able reply. A clause was then added by the solicitor-general, and the whole was afterwards agreed to stand over to the next session of Parliament. Sir Samuel Romilly, in person, was tall, thin, and about sixty years of age. His complexion was dark, and his aspect somewhat saturnine, until it brightened up with a smile. He stooped a little, like all studious persons. The following anecdote of this most revered and lamented man, has come to us from a very respectable quarter. We give it publicity with the more pleasure, that it not only tends to illustrate the mournful circumstances of his death, but casts an affecting and ennobling light on the moral excellencies of his character. It will perhaps be asked, what anecdote of his life would not tend to make his memory more esteemed, and his loss more regretted? He commenced his career at the bar a young man, liberally [Dec. 1, educated, with those high principles of honour, and that susceptibility of amiable and generous sentiment which distinguished his life, but without paternal fortune, and, still more, with both his parents dependent upor his professional success. In this situation he became acquainted with a young lady, the charms of whose mind and person won his affections. His conduct was worthy of his head and his heart. He declared his sentiments to the object of his affections; but added, that he must " acquire two fortunes" before they could be married; the first for those to whom he owed his first duty-his parents; the second for her. The lady knew how to appreciate his merit and his motives, and their vows were mutually pledged to each other. He entered upon his career of profit and honour with that assiduous energy which forms a chief feature of genuine talent. In a comparatively short period he realized a considerable sum, and with it purchased an annuity for his parents. Having put them in possession of this provision for their lives, he formally declared to them, that his obligations to them were now fulfilled, and he was about to enter into other relations, which must exclusively govern him in their turn. He began a second time with fresh spirit-acquired "a second fortune,"-all within a few yearssettled it upon her on whom he had bestowed his heart, and married her. Anxiously attentive to every measure which might tend to prolong a life so essentially blended with his own, Sir Samuel accompanied his lady about the middle of the month of August to the Isle of Wight, where a lingering disease continued to raise his hopes and fears, until they were finally terminated by her death on the 29th of October. To lose Lady Romilly, after an attachment so formed, and after years flown away in the tranquillity of domestic joy, disturbed only by the splendid pursuits of an ambition, synonymous with virtue, was one of those shocks which must be left, undefined, to the imagination of such as know what it is to feel. The day following Sir Samuel quitted the Island in a state of the most distressing agitation, and returned to his house in London, where he arrived on Sunday, Nov. 1. A fever, which appeared likely to affect the brain, gave considerable alarm to his friends and medical attendants; but their anxiety was found wholly unavailing, for on Monday afternoon his most distressing death was ascertained, occasioned by a wound which his disordered hand had given the throat by a razor, and thus prematurely closing his career. His remains were the following week consigned to the silent tomb, together with those of his lamented lady, in the family vault at Knill, in Herefordshire. PROVINCIAL OCCURRENCES IN THE COUNTIES OF ENGLAND, ARRANGED ALPHABETICALLY. BEDFORDSHIRE. The subscriptions, &c. to the Bedford Infirmary having become unequal to the expenditure, a request was made to the clergy of the 121 parishes in this county to preach sermons, and make collections in aid of the same. This request was (with a few exceptions) readily complied with, as also by some Dissenting ministers; and nearly 6001. exclusive of 1201. collected at the Anniversary Sermon in St. Paul's, Bedford, was thus raised for the benefit of the Institution. The sum allowed for the maintenance of pauper lunatics within the county of Bedford, at the Asylum, is 10s. per week; and for those from other counties, 12s. Died.] Louisa Elizabeth, daughter of the late C. Barnett, esq. of Stratton park. At Wrestlingworth, the Rev Wm. Curtis. At Risely, Mrs. Sarah Lawman, 80, mother to Mr. W. L. of Bromham school. BERKSHIRE. The clergy of Reading have publicly censured the attempt to form a Church Missionary Society in that town, and recommend support to be given in preference to the older Society for propagating the Gospel. A neat marble tablet has been placed in the Rutland Chapel in St. George's Chapel, Windsor, by the officers of the Royal Horse Guards (blue) to the memory of Major Packe of that regiment, who fell at the battle of Waterloo. Births.] At Trunkwell, the lady of H. Rich, esq. of a son. At Whitley Cottage, the lady of Captain Purvis, of a daughter. At the Rectory, Letcomb Bassett, the lady of the Rev. H. Randolph, of a daughter. Married] At Tilehurst, Mr. Smith, of Maidenhead, to Sophia, eldest daughter of Mr. Draper, of Theale, J. G. Sparke, esq. of Stoke Damarel, Devon, to Sophia, fifth daughter of Jonathan Tanner, esq. of Reading. At Reading, the Rev. J. T. Moore, M. A. eldest son of A. M. esq. one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in Ireland, to Charlotte, fourth daughter of J. Bockett, esq. of Southcote Lodge. Died.] At Aldermaston House, sincerely lamented, Thomas Hanmer, esq. eldest son of Sir T. H. bart. of Hanmer and Bettisfield, in Flintshire. He had received a severe wound in the arm by the accidental discharge of a fowling-piece, on the 12th of October from the effects of which he was rapidly recovering when he was attacked by a nervous fever, which terminated his valuable life. He has left a widow and 7 children. At Sonning, in her 28th year, Mrs. Micklem, the wife of R. M. esq. of Stratford, near Salisbury, and daughter of Mrs. Cruttwell, of Bath. At Chalfont St Giles's, Mr. Jackson, pro prietor of the estate formerly occupied by the Poet Milton. Mrs. Willson, wife of T. W. esq. of Maidenhead. At Great Marlow, Capt. T. Love, R. N. At Reading, in her 24th year, Arabella, wife of the Rev. J. Hornbuckle. In Windsor Castle, 82, Gen. Bude. He was a native of the Pays de Vaud, in Switzerland, and very early in life entered the service of the Prince of Orange, uncle to Geo. III. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE. Married.] At Heyenden, T. Hall esq.. eldest son of T. Hall, esq. of Harpsden Court, Oxon, to the third daughter of B. Blackden, esq. of Heyenden Green. At Great Marlow, F. T. Young, esq. of. Montague-street, Russell-square, to Elizabeth Ellen, third daughter of T. Wetherhead, esq. of Great Marlow. Died.] C. Clowes, esq. of Delaford, 71. At Stowe, the seat of the Marquis of Buckingham the Rev. W. Barnard, Rector of March Gibbon and Walton Stratford. CAMBRIDGESHIRE. The Hon. and Rev. Geo. Neville, M A. Master of Magdalen College, was elected, Vice-chancellor of this university, for the year ensuing. On the 20th of last March 21 Heligoland, and the same number of the common tick beans, were planted in the garden of Mr. J. Youngman, of Waterbeach; their crops were gathered on the 1st of August, and produced as follows: Number. Weight. Measure. Heligoland Beans 1311 1lb.34oz. 14 pint Ticks 712 15oz. pint Married.] Mr. Henry Lawrance, merchant, to Miss Flanders, both of Ely. Mr. Fitzhew to Miss Redhead; and Mr. Hitch to Miss Head, all of March. Mr. Coote, merchant, of St. Ives. to Miss S. Eden, third daughter of Mr. W. E. of Cambridge. The Rev. Geo. Mingay, M. A. Rector of Kennet, to the second daughter of R. II. Giraud, esq. of Sunbury. Died.] Mr. J. Maylin, 70, a most respectable farmer at Sutton, Isle of Ely. Mr. W. R. Ventris, master of an academy in Hobson street, Cambridge. Wm. Frost, esq. of Brinkley Hall. CORNWALL. The Cornwall Gazette states, that the inhabitants of Penzance are raising an additional subscription for the relief of the Scilly Islanders. A considerable sum is also expected from London. A meeting has been held at Launceston, Earl Stanhope in the chair, to raise subscriptions for completing that important undertaking, the Bude Canal. The Scilly Isles.-A report of the dangers resulting to the shipping, and conse quently to human lives on the Cornwall coast, has been drawn up by the SurveyorGeneral of the Duchy of Cornwall, to which is appended a list of 34 vessels that have been lost, with most of their crews: and, as a remedy in future, it is proposed to build a lighthouse upon the westernmost rock (called the Bishop) similar to that on the Eddystone. The subject is under the consideration of government, and the plan recommended is expected to be put in hand very speedily, as an offer to build it has been made by Mr. Rennie, the engineer. In the town of Stratton, Cornwall, the clergyman, the churchwarden, the clerk, and the sexton, have now each nine living children, and no more. Births.] At St. Breocke Rectory, the lady of the Rev. W. Molesworth, of a son. At Callington, the wife of the Rev. Mr. Tucker, of a son. Married.] At Madron, Capt. F. Cornish, to Miss Roberts, both of Penzance.-Mr. J. Luke, jun. to Miss Morris.—Mr. Ham to Miss Tonkin, of Penzance. At Morval, Mr. John Morshead, jun. to Miss Ann Richards, of Liskeard. Died.] At Falmouth, Mrs. Trounce, 68. At Marazion, Mr. Leedham, in consequence of the dreadful injury which he sustained by falling over a cliff near the road from Mousehole to Penzance. At Penzance, Mr. Philip Noal, 82.-Gabriel Casley, 84. CHESHIRE. J. Tunnicliffe, Esq. has been elected mayor of Macclesfield for the ensuing year. Davies Davenport, esq. M. P. for this county, has given 1001. towards defraying the expense of repairing Chester Cathedral. Earl Grovesnor, had this season, in his pinery, at Eaton Hall, a second crop of one hundred and forty pines, most of them larger than those of the first produce. A new sessions house and prison is just finished at Knutsford. This beautiful structure, which has been erected from a design by, and under the superintending eye of G. Moneypenny, esq. of London, is built of Runcorn stone, which was brought from the quarry by water to Wincham, and from thence on wheel carriages to Knutsford. The front, which is nearly opposite the west end of Knutsford church, is a classical imitation of the Temple of Concord, at Rome, combining the Ionic and the Doric orders. The truly chaste base, the pillars, the portico, and the pilasters, being one of the former; and a tablet which crowns the attic, with its appendant parts, of the latter. The doors of entrance (for the magistrates on one side, and the counsel, juries, &c. on the other,) in the flanks of the building, are adorned with Roman cinctures, and are extremely impressive, and of uncommon grandeur. They are an improved imitation of a design of the Earl of Burlington, which was executed in the corticle of Burlington House upon a larger scale. [Dec. 1, At the Knutsford Michaelmas quarter ses sions on the 20th ult., when the names of the grand jury were called over, one of them put in an antiquated plea of exemption, founded upon the circumstance of the land which he occupied having formerly belonged to the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, and from the occupiers having always claimed an exemption from serving upon juries. The claim on this occasion was deemed valid, and the gentleman who had been called was allowed his exemption. There are lands of the same description in Lincolnshire, particularly at Aslacby, near Falkingham, where a beautiful and well preserved temple of the knights still remains. Births.] At Betley Court, the lady of F. Twemlow, esq. of a son. At Eyarth House, the lady of R. M. Wynne, esq. of a daughter. Married.] At Runcorn, Mr. J. H. Wagstaff, of London, to Miss Wagstaff, of Warrington.-R. Y. Clarke, esq. late of Montgomery castle, Jamaica, to Miss Turner, of the former place. At Shotwick, W. Colley, esq. of Churtonheath, to Mary, second daughter of J. N. Bennett, esq. of Great Saughall. At Prestbury, Mr. J. Leech, of Old Worthington, to Miss M. Jepson, youngest daughter of Mr. J., of Withington Hall. Died.] 28th ult., at Nantwich, Miss Mainwaring, youngest sister of Sir H. M. M. bart. At Chester, suddenly, Mrs. Berks.-Geo. Bushell, esq.-Mrs. Bell.-Mr. Edwards.Mr. W. B. Stevenson, master in the navy.John Edwards, esq. of Chorlton-house. CUMBERLAND. A turnip weighing three stone, and measuring four feet in circumference, grown by John Machel, esq. of Low Plain, Cumberland, is now in the possession of Mr. S. Rusby, of Ferrybridge. The editor of that well conducted paper the Carlisle Patriot, mentions, with concern, in one of his late numbers, the following remarkable fact; that a great many persons in that city and neighbourhood, have, within ten days, ruptured blood-vessels, and several of the cases have proved fatal: what is most singular is, that it did not appear that any of the accidents were caused by violent exertions. A turnip was lately shewn in Penrith, which weighed 434lbs., and measured 44 inches in circumference. Mathew Bowerbank, slater, of Penrith, his wife and four children, have returned to that town, having visited America—that land of "milk and honey."-He gives a melancholy description of the country, &c., and is thankful that he has got safe home to his native town, where, he says, he will rest, and think no more of emigration. Married.] At Carlisle, Mr. J. Rutherford, to Miss G. Faulder.-Mr. Hetherington, to Miss H. Diskinson.-Mr. J. Thomp |